Beverage Preparation Machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine and a pod containing beverage ingredients, wherein a machine-readable code (34) storing preparation information is disposed on the surface of at least one of the surrounding walls, the beverage preparation machine comprising an extraction device for extracting a beverage from the pod and a code reading system for reading the code of the pod, the code reading system including a code reader (9) and a positioning mechanism for moving the pod and the code reader relative to each other from a holding position in which the pod is separated from the reading head (91) of the code reader to a reading position in which the code of the pod comes into contact with the reading head, and the beverage preparation machine comprising a pre-punching mechanism (28) configured to perforate the pod before the code of the pod is read at the reading position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for preparing beverages from single-dose containers. [Background technology]

[0002] A system for preparing a beverage includes a beverage preparation machine and a capsule. The capsule contains a serving of beverage-forming precursor material, such as ground coffee or tea. The beverage preparation machine is configured to perform a beverage preparation process on the capsule, typically by exposing the precursor material to pressurized and heated water. Treating the capsule in this manner causes the precursor material to be at least partially extracted from the capsule as a beverage.

[0003] This configuration of beverage preparation machine is gaining popularity due to 1) improved user convenience compared to traditional beverage preparation machines (e.g., compared to manually operated stovetop espresso makers) and 2) an improved beverage preparation process in which brewing information encoded by a code on the capsule is read by the machine to define a recipe that is used by the machine to optimize the brewing process in a capsule-specific manner. In particular, the encoded brewing information may include operating parameters selected in the beverage preparation process, such as fluid temperature, fluid pressure, brewing duration, and fluid volume.

[0004] There are many different types of codes and correspondingly many different types of reading processes. For some codes, particularly optically read codes, a machine may implement a process for reading the code that requires contact between the machine's code reader and the code.

[0005] The capsules can be made of a variety of materials. Preferably, these materials are airtight to protect the beverage precursor material from oxygen before the capsule is used. These materials can have different mechanical properties; some capsules can be made of rigid materials, while others can be made of soft, deformable materials, such as paper. For airtight capsules made of soft, deformable materials, the shape of the capsule wall can be observed to change under the influence of a certain altitude difference between the location where the capsule is manufactured and the location where the capsule is used to prepare a beverage. In particular, the capsule wall can expand when the altitude during use is higher than that during manufacture. If the capsule contains an optical code on the expanded wall, the reading process can be affected by this deformation of the wall, potentially resulting in an inaccurate reading.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a pod containing beverage ingredients.

[0008] The pod comprises first and second surrounding walls defining a chamber for enclosing beverage ingredients, and a machine-readable code storing preparation information is disposed on a surface of at least one of the surrounding walls.

[0009] The beverage preparation machine a brewing device for brewing a beverage from the pod; a code reading system for reading the code of the pod; an electrical circuit for controlling the brewing device based on the preparation information read from the code; Equipped with.

[0010] The code reading system includes a code reader and a positioning mechanism, and the positioning mechanism positions the pod and the code reader. From a holding position where the pod is separated from the read head of the code reader, Until the code on the container comes into contact with the reading head, A mechanism for moving them relative to each other.

[0011] Additionally, the beverage preparation machine comprises a pre-piercing mechanism configured to pierce the pod before the code on the pod is read at the reading position.

[0012] As a result, if the pod expands and the code on the expanded surface is more difficult to read in a reading operation, the pre-punching mechanism allows the pod to contract by perforating, optimizing contact with the read head. In a pre-punching operation, there is no need to create a large hole, as the only requirement is to allow gas to pass through and open the pod to the atmosphere.

[0013] Preferably, the pre-piercing mechanism is configured to pierce a wall of the pod opposite the wall contacted by the readhead.

[0014] As a result, there is no risk that the pre-punching operation will damage or smear the code before it is read by the code reading system.

[0015] Preferably, the beverage preparation machine includes a pre-piercing mechanism configured to pierce the pod when the positioning mechanism moves the pod and / or the code reader relative to each other from the holding position to the reading position.

[0016] As a result, the pod is perforated just before the code is read, allowing the code to be optimally read by the code reader, and since beverage preparation typically occurs immediately after the code is read, the perforation does not damage the beverage ingredients within the pod.

[0017] Depending on the type of placement mechanism, the pre-punching mechanism can be moved to a fixed pod, the pod can be moved to a fixed pre-punching mechanism, or both the pod and the pre-punching mechanism can be moved relative to each other.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning mechanism comprises a pressing device configured to press the pod from the holding position to the reading position, the pressing device bearing the pre-piercing mechanism.

[0019] Thus, the act of placing the pod in the reading position simultaneously pre-punches the pod.

[0020] The brewing device of the system is typically included in a beverage preparation machine configured to accept the pod. Preferably, it is a coffee machine, but the machine can be designed to prepare, for example, tea, chocolate, or soup, depending on the ingredients enclosed in the pod. Specifically, the machine is configured to prepare a beverage in a brewing chamber by passing water or another liquid through a pod containing the ingredients of the beverage to be prepared, preferably roast and ground coffee, but also tea leaves, instant coffee, instant tea, chocolate, cocoa, dairy powder, or dried soup. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage ingredient is roast and ground coffee.

[0021] The device is configured to extract beverage ingredients contained within the pod by providing an extracting liquid, for example water, within the pod.

[0022] Typically, the pod can be inserted into the extraction device from above under the influence of gravity. Ejection or removal of the pod upon reopening of the enclosure may also be effected by gravity.

[0023] Typically, the beverage preparation machine of the present system comprises: a brewing device for brewing a beverage from the pod; the brewing device comprises an upstream pod-enclosing portion and a downstream pod-enclosing portion, at least one of the pod-enclosing portions being movable relative to the other between an open position for inserting and removing a pod and a closed position for forming a brewing chamber enclosing the pod during brewing; The code reader is disposed above the upstream pod surrounding portion and the downstream pod surrounding portion.

[0024] Generally, the upstream pod surrounding portion comprises a piercing element for piercing a wall of the pod and a liquid outlet opening for introducing liquid through the pierced wall, and the downstream pod surrounding portion comprises a downstream piercing mechanism for opening another wall of the pod.

[0025] The upstream or injection portion comprises an upstream piercing mechanism in the form of one or more perforators for piercing the wall of the pod and at least one liquid injector for supplying liquid through the perforated first wall of the pod.

[0026] The upstream perforation mechanism may comprise perforators in the form of blades that may be designed and positioned to perforate the bottom wall of the pod body when the upstream and downstream pod enclosing portions are in the closed position. A liquid injector, e.g., a shower, in the upstream portion of the cage may introduce brewing liquid through the pre-perforated openings.

[0027] In an alternative form, the upstream piercing mechanism may comprise at least one hollow needle configured to pierce the lower wall of the pod body, and the hollow needle may comprise an internal axial flow channel for guiding the brewing liquid into the chamber of the pod.

[0028] The downstream or dispensing portion forms a downstream piercing mechanism for opening the pod lid wall when brewing liquid is introduced into the pod. Typically, this downstream planar piercing mechanism is designed to open the pod wall by engaging with it relative to the wall under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod chamber and the expansion of the lid relative to the piercing mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, this downstream planar piercing mechanism comprises a plate, preferably rigid, and provided on its surface facing the second wall with a plurality of reliefs and opening elements such as concave elements, e.g., spikes, which may have the shape of a cone or pyramid.

[0029] The plate further comprises a transverse hole for discharging the extracted beverage from the opened lid to a tube or nozzle which collects the beverage and dispenses it into a drinking cup.

[0030] Typically, the shape of the upstream surrounding portion of the extraction device is defined according to the shape of the pod it is configured to extract from.

[0031] Generally, the extraction device may include an insertion section for inserting a pod into the device. This section is generally located above the upstream and downstream pod enclosing sections so that the pod is inserted between these two sections by gravity. Depending on the shape of the pod, this insertion section may be designed to encourage the user to place the pod with the pod lid facing the downstream piercing mechanism.

[0032] Preferably, the code reader is located above the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion so that a reading operation is performed before the pod is inserted between the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion, and if the reading operation is not possible, the pod is prevented from being inserted inside the extraction device.

[0033] Typically, the code reader is located in the insertion section.

[0034] The brewing device may include a pod holder configured to hold a pod between the upstream and downstream pod enclosing portions when the upstream and downstream pod enclosing portions are in the open position. Such a pod holder may be retracted to release the pod so that it is enclosed by the two enclosing portions when the two enclosing portions are in the closed position. For example, WO 2005 / 004683 or WO 2007 / 134960 illustrate such types of pod holders.

[0035] Preferably, the beverage preparation machine comprises means for temporarily vertically blocking a pod in a holding position above the upstream pod surrounding portion and the downstream pod surrounding portion; The blocking means is actuated by movement of the upstream pod enclosing portion and / or the downstream pod enclosing portion.

[0036] In particular, the pod blocking means may be a pod support attached to the upstream pod surrounding part or the downstream pod surrounding part; receiving and holding the pod above the two pod enclosing portions when the two pod enclosing portions are disposed in the pod-holding intermediate position; When these pod enclosing portions are placed in the open position, the pod is released. The upstream pod enclosure portion and the downstream enclosure portion may be designed and positioned relative to each other.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, only one of the enclosing parts is movable, and the blocking means of the pod may comprise at least two protrusions extending longitudinally from the front side of the movable enclosing part, which, depending on the position of the enclosing part, may be: It can provide support for the pod in a holding position in front of the code reader, or When the movable enclosing portion is moved to the fully open position, the pod can be released from this holding position to a position between the two pod enclosing portions, for example, the pod can drop into a pod holder between the two pod enclosing portions.

[0038] According to one preferred embodiment, the positioning mechanism comprises a pressing device; The pressing device supports a pre-piercing mechanism; The pushing device is attached to one of the movable pod enclosure portions.

[0039] By attaching the pressing device and the pre-punching mechanism to one of the movable pod enclosing parts, the movement of the pressing device and the pre-punching mechanism can be controlled by the position of one of the pod enclosing parts, simplifying operation, in particular, only one motor can be used to operate the positioning mechanism of the code reading system, the pre-punching mechanism, and the pod enclosing part.

[0040] The movable pod enclosure supporting the pressing device includes: a pod holding position, in which the pod is inserted into the beverage preparation machine and placed in a holding position of the code reading system; a reading position of the code reading system, in which the pod is pressed into contact with the reading head by a pressing device and simultaneously pre-punched by a pre-punching mechanism; The pod is inserted into the extraction device and, if present, captured in a pod holder, in its open position away from the other pod-enclosing portion. They can be arranged consecutively.

[0041] In one preferred embodiment, The downstream pod enclosure is fixed, The upstream pod enclosing part is movable along the longitudinal axis (XX') between a fully open position and a closed position, and the upstream pod enclosing part carries the blocking means, the pushing device and the pre-piercing mechanism.

[0042] Typically, the upstream pod surrounding portion is driven by a motor, preferably by a gear mechanism; the machine includes a rotary encoder associated with the shaft of the motor; The control system of the machine controls the motor in response to signals provided by the rotary encoder.

[0043] Thus, different positions of the upstream surrounding portion can be identified in relation to the encoder count.

[0044] Preferably, the pod of the system is airtight, at least a portion of the pod's surrounding wall is made of a deformable material, the material being deformable under a difference in external atmospheric pressure, and a machine-readable code storing the preparation information is disposed on the surface of the portion of the pod's surrounding wall made of the deformable material.

[0045] In particular, the deformable material may be a multi-layer paper material, which comprises at least one paper layer combined with at least one plastic layer, preferably a compostable plastic layer.

[0046] Preferably, the paper layers of the multi-layer paper material may be formable paper sheets.

[0047] Alternatively, and at least for the pod body, this paper layer can be formed as follows. Wet pulp molding. Therein, the process of forming the body may include placing a pulp slurry into a mold, for example, by filling the mold with the slurry or by dipping the mold into the slurry. The pulp slurry is compressed within the mold, and the body so formed may be dried. The pulp may be a material such as cellulose pulp, bamboo pulp, wood pulp, bagasse, non-wood pulp, cellulosic pulp, or any other form of alternative pulp source. Or, Dry pulp molding, whereby the process of forming the body may include providing a blank, preferably of dry cellulose fibers, which may then be formed into the shape of the body using a tool, preferably with the application of heat and / or water.

[0048] Preferably, the paper layers of the multi-layer paper have a density of at least 20 g / m 2 , preferably up to 150 g / m 2 The paper layer forming the body may have a higher basis weight than the paper layer forming the lid because it needs to be deformed during manufacture.

[0049] The paper layer of this multi-layer paper material may also be identified as the primary layer in this application.

[0050] Whatever the type of paper layer, this layer is combined with at least a plastic layer, which may also be identified as a secondary layer in this application.

[0051] The plastic layer is Polylactic acid (PLA) layer, Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer, Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer, Polycaprolactone (PCL) layer, A layer of a polymer blend formed from any combination of the above polymers. You can select from the list.

[0052] The paper layer can be combined with several of these different plastic layers.

[0053] This plastic layer provides additional protection for the paper layer for the beverage ingredients against liquids, gases and moisture.

[0054] In addition to these paper and plastic layers, the multi-layer paper material preferably includes an additional layer of material that provides a barrier to oxygen, which may also be identified in this application as a tertiary layer.

[0055] This layer is a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) layer, in particular a butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) layer; Polyglycolic acid (PGA) layer, Metallization coating, SiO x coatings, AlO x coatings, A combination of these You can select from the list.

[0056] In one particular embodiment where the additional or tertiary layer is a plastic polymer, the secondary and tertiary layers can be combined together as a multi-layer plastic film, which can include an inner tertiary layer disposed between two outer secondary layers.

[0057] Preferably, the inner tertiary layer is a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) film, especially a butenediol vinyl alcohol (BVOH) film.

[0058] Preferably, the outer secondary polymer layer can be selected from a film of polylactic acid (PLA), a film of polybutylene succinate (PBS), a film of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a film of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and a film of starch. The secondary film can also be composed of a polymer blend formed from any combination of these listed polymers.

[0059] Preferably, these three layers are attached by two intermediate adhesive layers, preferably anhydride-modified polymer resins. Typically, the multiple plastic layers are produced by coextrusion.

[0060] Typically, the multi-layer paper material may further include ink printed on one of its surfaces, preferably food-safe, which may provide a code on the surface of the pod.

[0061] The combination of different layers of materials can be carried out, depending on the nature of the layers, using any type of process, e.g. Co-lamination or co-extrusion of layers; coating or depositing one compound onto another to form a layer on top of another; Co-extrusion Coating can be obtained by

[0062] Additionally, the different layers may be bonded to one another by intermediate adhesive layers.

[0063] Preferably, the pod contains compressed beverage ingredients, preferably compressed roast and ground coffee.

[0064] When the pod is pressed against the read head of the code reader, the compressed coffee provides a counter surface that improves pre-piercing of the surrounding wall during the reading operation.

[0065] For example, the coffee can be compressed as described in WO 2020 / 089403 or by any other process.

[0066] According to a second aspect, there is provided a brewing machine for preparing beverages from pods, the beverage preparation machine comprising: a brewing device for brewing a beverage from the pod; a code reading system for reading the code of the pod; an electrical circuit for controlling the brewing device based on the preparation information read from the code; Equipped with The code reading system includes a code reader and a positioning mechanism, and the positioning mechanism positions the pod and the code reader in a From a holding position where the pod is separated from the read head of the code reader, Until the code on the container comes into contact with the reading head, a mechanism for moving them relative to each other, The beverage preparation machine includes a pre-piercing mechanism configured to pierce the pod before the code on the pod is read at the reading position.

[0067] The beverage machine comprises a liquid supply system connected to the upstream enclosure.

[0068] The liquid supply system a liquid supply, such as a liquid tank, that stores liquid at ambient temperature, also identified as cold as opposed to hot; pumping means for pumping liquid from a liquid supply to the extraction device; If necessary, heating means can be provided to adapt the temperature of the liquid before it is introduced into the interior of the pod.

[0069] The liquid is usually water.

[0070] In one particular embodiment, the machine may comprise additional cooling means for cooling the temperature of the liquid.

[0071] The machine includes a motor, preferably an electric motor, that actuates movement of at least one of the upstream and downstream container enclosing portions. The motor is typically connected to at least one of the pod enclosing portions by an intermediate actuator, such as a knee lever. The connection typically includes a gear mechanism between the motor shaft and the intermediate actuator.

[0072] The machine comprises a control system configured to control operation of the motor during beverage preparation and to control the relative positions of the upstream and downstream pod surrounding portions accordingly.

[0073] Typically, the control system is also configured to control the pumps and heaters of the liquid supply system.

[0074] In one preferred embodiment, The downstream pod enclosure is fixed, the upstream pod enclosing portion is movable along the longitudinal axis (XX') between a fully open position and a closed position; The motor control system may be configured to move the upstream pod enclosure to other positions between the fully open and closed positions, in particular holding position, Reading position It is configured to be placed in

[0075] The movement of only one of the two surrounding parts provides a simple architecture for the extraction device and also reduces manufacturing costs.

[0076] In this architecture, the upstream pod envelope is a closed position in which the two enclosing portions form a brewing chamber; a fully open position in which the upstream pod enclosure is furthest from the downstream enclosure; an intermediate position between these two preceding positions, in which the pod can be placed in the holding position and in the reading position; The device can be moved and placed in different positions, including

[0077] In a third aspect, there is provided a method of reading a code on a pod containing a beverage ingredient for preparing a beverage and / or food product, the method comprising: moving the pod relative to the code reader from a holding position where the pod is spaced from the code reader to a reading position where the code on the pod contacts the code reader; Reading the code and Including, The pod is pre-punched before the code is read.

[0078] Preferably, the pod is pre-drilled in the wall of the pod without the cord.

[0079] In a fourth aspect, there is provided the use of a pod comprising first and second surrounding walls defining a chamber for enclosing beverage ingredients, and wherein a machine readable code storing preparation information is disposed on a surface of at least one of the surrounding walls in a system as described above or a beverage preparation machine as described above. In this application: The term "pod" is used broadly to refer to any type of single-dose container suitable for preparing a beverage or other edible product, such as a capsule, cartridge, divided package or individual package, without limitation to the shape of the container, the material from which the container is made, or the type of piercing means required to extract the beverage therefrom.

[0080] The term "longitudinal" refers to the orientation of the two enclosing portions relative to each other and their movement along the longitudinal axis XX'. Accordingly, the term "lateral" refers to an orientation that is lateral or perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation. Generally, the longitudinal and lateral orientations extend in a horizontal plane. The term "lateral" is defined by reference to a vertical axis that includes the longitudinal axis XX'.

[0081] The terms "vertically," "upward," and "downward" refer to the movement of the pod in the brewing device from its introduction between two enclosing parts to its removal therefrom. The terms "upper" and "lower" also refer to this vertical axis.

[0082] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the path of liquid through the extraction device from the upstream pod enclosure to the downstream enclosure.

[0083] Generally, these terms are used to describe the relative arrangement of features of a brewing device and should be understood to refer to said device in its normal orientation when placed in a beverage machine to produce a beverage, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0084] The above-described aspects of the invention may be combined in any suitable combination. Moreover, various features herein may be combined with one or more of the above-described aspects to provide combinations other than those specifically shown and described. Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, detailed description, and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0085] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view of a pod used in the system of the present invention according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 1B] 1 is an exploded view of a pod used in the system of the present invention according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a pod used in the system of the present invention according to a second embodiment. [Figure 1D] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a pod used in the system of the present invention according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2A] 1 is a side view of a brewing device and a code reading system of a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention in a pod-holding position; [Figure 2B] 1 is a side view of a brewing device and code reading system of a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention in a pod reading position; [Figure 2C] 1 is a side view of a brewing device of a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention in a pod brewing position; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the upstream pod enclosure portion separated from the extraction device of FIG. 2C. [Figure 4]2B is a perspective view of the downstream surrounding portion separated from the extraction device of FIG. 2A. FIG. [Figure 5A] Corresponding to FIG. 2A, with the inset section shown. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the downstream portion of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B is a top cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 5A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0086] 1A and 1B show a pod 3 that can be used in the illustrated system.

[0087] The pod 3 comprises a pod body 31 having a side wall 311 extending axially from a bottom wall 313 to a top. The side wall 311 extends to a top opening 312. At the top opening 312, the body comprises a peripheral annular flange 314 extending radially outward from the side wall 311 along the periphery of the opening 312.

[0088] The flange has an upper surface 3142 facing the top and a lower surface 3141 .

[0089] Generally, any cross section of the body is circular from bottom to top, and the flange is also circular.

[0090] The body defines a chamber for containing beverage ingredients.

[0091] The beverage ingredient is preferably an extractable ingredient such as roast and ground coffee, preferably compressed within the pod itself, as described in WO 2020 / 089403.

[0092] In a second preferred method, the beverage ingredient may be tea leaves, or a water-soluble powder ingredient, such as instant coffee powder, milk powder, creamer powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder, or a mixture of these powders, or a soluble liquid ingredient, or even a beverage concentrate, such as a syrup or a milk concentrate. The powder may be agglomerated or sintered.

[0093] The capsule includes a lid 32 that is secured, sealed, or attached to at least a portion of the upper surface 3142 of the peripheral flange, thus covering and closing the top opening 312 .

[0094] A machine readable code 34 can be placed on the lid. This code can contain different types of information, e.g. the nature of the beverage ingredients; Pod size, Regular pod, The brew recipe applied to the pod: fluid temperature, fluid volume, fluid flow rate, etc. can be provided.

[0095] The bottom wall 313 is configured to be perforated so that liquid can be injected into the pod through the perforated opening.

[0096] The lid 32 is configured to be opened by relative engagement with the piercing mechanism under the influence of increased liquid pressure inside the pod during injection of liquid.

[0097] The pod shape is symmetrical about a central axial axis ZZ' extending from the bottom wall to the lid, and the pod shape is asymmetrical about the plane and flange of the lid.

[0098] The pod material and the seal of the lid and pod body are configured to provide an airtight seal and protect the beverage ingredients from the atmosphere.

[0099] The pod material is typically flexible and deformable. In particular, the material is flexible enough to deform under the influence of a pressure differential between the atmosphere inside the pod and the atmosphere outside the pod. Such deformation can occur if the altitude at which the pod is manufactured is significantly different from the altitude at which the pod is used.

[0100] In the pod shown in Figure 1A, if the pod is used at a higher elevation than the manufacturing location, the lid will appear bulged rather than flat, which may affect the ability to read the code 34.

[0101] Preferably, the pod 3 is made of an essentially biodegradable or compostable material, preferably a home compostable material, so that the coffee cake after extraction can be easily composted at home.

[0102] Preferably, the material of the pod comprises a paper layer, which is formable, i.e., a sheet of paper that can be given a three-dimensional shape in the form of the body of the pod as described above, in contrast to typical pods made from filter paper, this paper is thick and maintains the three-dimensional shape given to it during the forming step of the pod's manufacture.

[0103] Preferably, the paper layer of the pod has a thickness of at least 20 g / m 2 , preferably up to 150 g / m 2 The paper of the main body may have a basis weight higher than that of the lid, and the basis weight of the paper of the main body may be 80 to 150 g / m 2 may include:

[0104] Both papers are approximately 100 g / m 2 The sheet may have a basis weight of

[0105] The pod material may include a paper layer and several other materials to provide additional properties, such as air barrier properties, stretchable properties, or deformable properties. These additional properties may be provided by at least one plastic layer, as described in WO 2020 / 114995, for example. Some additional layers in the body and some additional layers in the lid may be different.

[0106] In fact, the paper must be thick enough to be molded into a beverage container and to form a barrier to protect the beverage ingredients. In addition, the paper layer is preferably coated with a compostable plastic film to create a barrier against the atmosphere, specifically against oxygen, to which roast and ground coffee is particularly sensitive. A sealant layer is often required to attach the different layers together and prevent delamination. For example, such a multi-layer paper material can be the material described in WO 2020 / 114995 or WO 2022 / 022899.

[0107] In such pod materials, the thickness of the multi-layer paper material of the body may be about 200 μm and the thickness of the multi-layer paper material of the lid may be about 140 μm, which means that the flange thickness is usually more than 200 μm or even more than 300 μm.

[0108] The extraction device of the present invention can be configured to use alternative containers having different shapes.

[0109] Figure 1C (perspective view) and Figure 1D (exploded view) show a second embodiment of a pod 3 that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention.

[0110] the pod comprises identical first and second surrounding walls 31, 31', each comprising a pod body 311, 311' forming half of a chamber and a peripheral annular body flange 314, 314'; The peripheral annular body flanges of the pod body are attached to one another to define a chamber for containing beverage ingredients 33 .

[0111] In this second embodiment, the pod shape is symmetrical about a central axial axis ZZ' extending from the bottom wall to the lid and about the plane of the attached flanges 314, 314'. As a result, regardless of the orientation of the pod inside the brewing device, either the entire first enclosure 31 or the second enclosure wall 31' can face the upstream pod enclosure portion. For this reason, a machine-readable code 34 is preferably disposed on each enclosure portion 31, 31'.

[0112] The following description relates to an extraction device that can be used in an advantageous manner with the pod 3 according to the first embodiment of Figures 1A, 1B.

[0113] For the pod according to the second embodiment, the following description applies, with the difference that the brewing device must be configured to accept such a pod. For example, the brewing devices described in WO 2007 / 135135, WO 2004 / 071259, WO 2013026844 or EP 1 767 129 can be used.

[0114] 2A and 2B are side views of a brewing device and code reading system of a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention in a pod-holding position and a pod-reading position, respectively.

[0115] The extraction device comprises an upstream pod enclosing part 2 and a downstream pod enclosing part 1 which are relatively movable along a longitudinal axis XX'.

[0116] Preferably, this axis XX' is essentially horizontal.

[0117] The pod is introduced through an insertion section (FIGS. 6A-6C) located above the two enclosing parts 1, 2 and can fall by gravity from the insertion section into the pod holder 11 located between the two enclosing parts 1, 2. After extraction, when the two enclosing parts 1 and 2 move away from each other, the pod can again fall by gravity below the two enclosing parts 1, 2.

[0118] The machine is equipped with a code reader 9 for reading a code 34 provided on one of the enclosed walls of the pod. The code reader is positioned above the extraction device and allows for the reading of the code of the pod before it is inserted between the downstream and upstream enclosing portions.

[0119] As shown in the figure, the code reader 9 is configured to bring its reading head 91 into contact with the code 43 on the pod to read the code.

[0120] The code reading system is configured to read a code located on the wall of the pod.

[0121] The code reading system includes a code reader having an image capture unit and a read head housing the image capture unit to capture a digital image of the code. The image capture unit includes an illumination system and a camera system. Examples of suitable image capture units include the Sonix SN9S102, Snap Sensor S2 imager, oversampled binary image sensors, and other similar systems.

[0122] The electrical circuitry includes image processing circuitry (not shown) for identifying codes in the digital image and extracting formulation information. An example of an image processing circuit is a Texas Instruments TMS320C5517 processor running a code processing program.

[0123] The two pod enclosing parts 1, 2 are held between two lateral longitudinal seats 4 and two transverse shafts 6a, 6b. The upstream pod enclosing part 2 is movable between these two seats 5 and between these two shafts 6a, 6b to achieve different relative and functional positions, including the two positions shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the upstream pod enclosing part are provided with sliding portions designed to engage with grooves 51 in the side seats to form sliding portions together. The downstream enclosing part 1 is fixed, and only the upstream pod enclosing part 2 is movable back and forth along the longitudinal axis XX'. The upstream pod enclosing part is moved by an actuator having a knee joint mechanism 81, one end of which cooperates with the upstream pod enclosing part 2 and the other end of which cooperates with the transverse shaft 6b. This knee joint mechanism is driven by a motor 10 via a gear mechanism 101.

[0124] The motor and knee joint mechanism allows the upstream enclosing portion 2 to be positioned in various positions relative to the downstream enclosing portion 1 between a fully open position and a closed position. In particular, the upstream enclosing portion 2 is 2A, in which the pod can be held in front of the read head but away from it and does not fall into the pod holder 11 between the two pod enclosing parts 1, 2; and The pod can be placed in the pod read position of Figure 2B where the pod is held in front of and in contact with the read head.

[0125] In the pod holding position of Figure 2A, the pods are prevented from falling between the two pod enclosing portions 1, 2 by pod holders 26a, 26b extending from the front of the downstream enclosing portion.

[0126] The code reader is fixedly arranged above the downstream enclosing part 1 .

[0127] However, in other less preferred embodiments, the code reader may be movable relative to the pod.

[0128] The code reading system comprises a device 28 for pressing the pod 3 against a reading head 91 for the purpose of reading the code 34 when the pod is brought into contact with the reading head. A movable upstream surrounding portion 2 is provided.

[0129] 3, the upstream enclosing portion 2 has two longitudinal protrusions 26a, 26b extending from the downstream side of the upstream pod enclosing portion 2. These protrusions are pod triggers configured as follows. When the upstream pod enclosing portion 2 is positioned within the pod holder, it receives the pod and holds it above the pod enclosing portion. In this position, the pod is positioned inside the machine but can still be removed by the user before the pod is introduced between the two pod enclosing portions. and When the upstream pod enclosing portion 2 moves to the fully open position, it releases the pod from this holding position into the pod holder 11.

[0130] The design of these protrusions (in particular their longitudinal length l) and their position downstream of the upstream enclosing portion can be set by taking into account the dimensions of the pod and the length of travel of the upstream enclosing portion.

[0131] Preferably, the upstream enclosing portion 2 includes a pusher 27 designed and positioned to optimize contact between the pod 3 and the read head 91 as the pod moves from the pod-holding position to the reading position shown in Figure 2B. As shown, this pusher 28 is a vertically oriented element extending from the top of the upstream enclosing portion and may be sized to drive movement of the pod as the upstream enclosing portion 2 moves downstream.

[0132] The machine is equipped with a pre-piercing mechanism 28 in the form of two spikes rising downstream from the surface of the pusher, so that when the pod moves from the holding position to the reading position, the pusher drives the pod towards the reading head, where the spikes pierce the wall of the pod, so that if the pod is inflated, this piercing causes it to deflate, ensuring optimal contact between the reading head and the pod and optimal reading of the code 34.

[0133] In a second preferred embodiment, the pre-piercing mechanism 28 is on the side of the code reader 9 so that the wall located downstream of the pod can be pierced when the pod moves to the code reader.

[0134] Following the reading operation, if the code is read efficiently, moving the upstream pod enclosing portion 2 to a fully open position where the pod supports 26a, 26b no longer support the pod and the pod falls into the pod holder 11 between both enclosing portions; and The two portions form a brewing chamber configured to surround the pod, and beverage brewing can be achieved by moving the upstream pod-enclosing portion 2 to a fully closed position as shown in Figure 2C, in which case the beverage can be brewed.

[0135] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the downstream pod enclosing portion 1 of Figures 2A and 2B. The downstream portion 1 forms a plate perpendicular (i.e., transverse) to the longitudinal axis XX'. This plate comprises a central downstream planar piercing mechanism 12 for opening the pod lid 32 when brewing liquid is introduced into the interior of the pod, causing the lid to expand. The opening occurs when a spike engages with the lid under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod body chamber. This downstream planar piercing mechanism may comprise a plate with an opening element 121, such as a spike, on its surface facing the lid, which may have the shape of a cone or pyramid, optionally with a removed end. In addition, the plate comprises a transverse hole for releasing the brewed beverage from the opened lid to a tube or nozzle that collects and dispenses the beverage into a drinking cup.

[0136] The downstream section 1 includes a pod holder attached to the peripheral region. While attached, the pod holder can be moved between two positions. In Figure 3, the pod holder is in a first position for receiving and holding a pod lid in front of the downstream planar drilling mechanism.

[0137] The pod holder 11 comprises a pair of arms 11a, 11b which hold and position the pod when the pair is in the first receiving position as shown in Figure 3. In this position of the pod holder, the arms maintain the pod vertically, i.e., stop the pod from falling vertically from the insertion position.

[0138] The pair of holding elements 11a, 11b are movable from the receiving position to a second retracted position on the side of the downstream planar perforation when the upstream pod enclosing portion moves longitudinally from the fully open position to the closed position.

[0139] Preferably, each arm portion 11a, 11b of the pod holder can be locked in a retracted position during pod extraction and pod ejection to prevent any malfunction during ejection.

[0140] Figure 4 is an isolated perspective view of the upstream pod-enclosing portion 2 of the extraction device of Figure 2B. The upstream portion defines an empty cage or cavity 21 for enclosing the pod body. The cage is defined by a sidewall 11 extending along the cage longitudinal axis between an open front end 214 and a rear end 213. The sidewall is configured to enclose the sidewall of the pod and has a shape that generally conforms to the sidewall of the pod body. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall has a circular cross-section.

[0141] The side walls are fixedly mounted within an external carrier or chassis 23. The carrier is movable between open and closed positions by means of a sliding arrangement between its side slides 231 and corresponding seat grooves 41, as described above. The carrier 23 and side walls are movable by actuators, which will be described below.

[0142] The cage 21 is also defined by end walls 22 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cage.

[0143] Figures 5A-5C show the insertion section 4 of the machine, not shown in Figure 2A. This insertion section includes walls 41 forming a chute for the user to insert the pod 3 by gravity. Preferably, the walls are designed to encourage the user to position the pod with the cord-bearing lid 32 facing the cord reader 9 and downstream punching mechanism 1.

[0144] Depending on the shape of the pod 3, the walls 41 may also be shaped to maintain the pod in the correct orientation in front of the code reader. In the particular illustrated embodiment, the pod is asymmetrical, making it nearly impossible for its lid to be maintained in a vertical orientation without being held by the walls 41 of the insert section.

[0145] While the invention has been described with reference to the above-described exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the invention as claimed is in no way limited to these exemplary embodiments.

[0146] Variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist for specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred to herein.

[0147] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," and similar terms should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to." [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1. Downstream enclosing section 11 Pod Holder 11a, 11b Arm section 12 Downstream plate drilling mechanism 121 Spiked part 2. Upstream enclosing section 21 Cage 22 Upstream drilling mechanism 25 liquid syringe 26a, 26b Pod support 27 Pusher 28 Pre-perforator 3 pods 31, 31' Main body 311, 311' side wall 312 Top opening 313 Bottom Wall 314, 314' flange 3141 Bottom surface 3142 Top surface 32 Lid 33 Raw Materials 34, 34' cord 4 Insert Section 41 Wall 5 Side seats 51 Groove 6a, 6b axis 9 Code Reader 91 Reading head 10 Motor 101 Gear mechanism

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a pod containing beverage ingredients, the pod (3) comprises first and second surrounding walls (31, 31', 32), the first and second surrounding walls defining a chamber for enclosing the beverage ingredient (33), and a machine-readable code (34) storing preparation information is disposed on a surface of at least one of the surrounding walls; the beverage preparation machine a brewing device for brewing a beverage from the pod; a code reading system for reading the code on the pod; an electrical circuit for controlling the extraction device based on the preparation information read from the code; Equipped with The code reading system includes a code reader (9) and a positioning mechanism, and the positioning mechanism positions the pod and the code reader: From a holding position where the pod is separated from the read head (91) of the code reader, to a reading position where the code on the pod contacts the read head; It is a mechanism for moving them together. the beverage preparation machine comprising a pre-piercing mechanism (28) configured to pierce the pod before the code of the pod is read at the reading position; system.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the pre-piercing mechanism (28) is configured to pierce the wall opposite the wall contacted by the readhead.

3. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises a pre-piercing mechanism (28) configured to pierce the pod when the positioning mechanism moves the pod and / or the code reader relative to each other from the holding position to the reading position.

4. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a pressing device (27) configured to press the pod from the holding position to the reading position, the pressing device supporting the pre-piercing mechanism (28).

5. the beverage preparation machine an extraction device for extracting a beverage from the pod, the extraction device comprising an upstream pod-enclosing portion (2) and a downstream pod-enclosing portion (1), at least one of the pod-enclosing portions comprising: an open position for inserting and removing the pod into and from the extraction device; a closed position for forming a brewing chamber surrounding the pod during brewing; and and are movable relative to one another between the code reader is disposed above the upstream pod surrounding portion and the downstream pod surrounding portion; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the beverage preparation machine comprises means (26a, 26b) for temporarily vertically blocking the pod (3) in the holding position above the upstream pod enclosing portion (2) and the downstream pod enclosing portion (1); the blocking means is actuated by movement of the upstream surrounding portion or the downstream pod surrounding portion; The system of claim 5.

7. the vertical blocking means is a pod support (26a, 26b) attached to the upstream pod enclosing portion (2) or the downstream pod enclosing portion (1), the pod support comprising: receiving and holding the pod above the pod enclosing portion when the pod enclosing portion is disposed in the pod holding position; Releasing the pod when the upstream pod enclosing portion is in the open position. and positioned relative to the upstream pod surrounding portion or the downstream pod surrounding portion. The system of claim 6.

8. the positioning mechanism comprises a pressing device (27); the pressing device supports the pre-piercing mechanism (28); the pressing device is attached to one of the movable pod enclosing parts (1, 2); A system according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pod (3) is airtight, at least a portion of the surrounding wall of the pod is made of a deformable material, the material being deformable under a difference in external atmospheric pressure, and the machine-readable code (34) storing the preparation information is disposed on a surface of the portion of the surrounding wall of the pod made of the deformable material.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the soft, deformable material is a multi-layer paper material, the multi-layer paper material comprising at least one paper layer combined with at least one plastic layer, preferably a compostable plastic layer.

11. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pod contains compressed beverage ingredients, preferably compressed roast and ground coffee.

12. 1. A beverage preparation machine for preparing beverages from pods, comprising: a brewing device for brewing a beverage from the pod; a code reading system for reading the code of the pod; an electrical circuit for controlling the extraction device based on preparation information read from the code; Equipped with The code reading system includes a code reader and a positioning mechanism, and the positioning mechanism positions the pod and the code reader. From a holding position where the pod is spaced apart from the read head of the code reader, to a reading position where the code on the container contacts the read head; It is a mechanism for moving them together. the beverage preparation machine comprising a pre-piercing mechanism configured to pierce the pod before the code on the pod is read at the reading position. Beverage preparation machine.

13. 1. A method for reading a code on a pod containing a beverage ingredient for preparing a beverage and / or food, said method comprising: moving the pod (3) relative to the code reader (9) from a holding position where the pod is spaced from the code reader to a reading position where the code on the pod comes into contact with a read head (91) of the code reader; reading the code; Including, the pod is pre-punched before the code is read; method.

14. Use of a pod (3) comprising first and second surrounding walls (31, 31', 32), the first and second surrounding walls defining a chamber for enclosing a beverage ingredient (33), and a machine-readable code () storing preparation information disposed on a surface of at least one of the surrounding walls in a system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a beverage preparation machine according to claim 12.

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