RU2376922C2 - Integral cartridge for extraction of beverage from bulk substance - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: food industry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to integral cartridge for extraction of beverage from bulk substance. Cartridge contains: main casing containing dish-shaped part and lid part. Dish-shaped part has a base, side wall and rim opposite to the base. Lid part is rigidly connected to the dish-shaped part rim for limitation of cartridge inner volume. Cartridge inner volume contains substance contained in the filtering means for keeping bulk substance and for percolation of fluid substances through it. Lid part contains a channel, constituting the first way for percolated fluid substances. Dish-shaped part base includes a channel constituting the second way for percolated fluid substances. Base includes many ribs formed on it and emerging in the cartridge inner volumeto support filtering means and bulk substance for forming of thin channels between filtering means and dish-shaped part channel.

EFFECT: invention provides simplification of cartridge using by decreasing of operations quantity performed for preparation of cartridge to set it into the machine for extraction of beverage.

40 cl, 28 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an integral ("complex") cartridge for extracting a beverage from a free-flowing substance, for example, from ground coffee, instant coffee, tea, powdered chocolate or milk, and the like.

It is known that in machines for extracting a beverage from a granular substance, it is usually required to place such a substance in a filter container installed in the machine. In particular, automatic or semi-automatic machines for making espresso coffee contain a filter container, also called a filter holder, in which a portion of ground coffee is placed before the extraction of the coffee beverage.

Conventional steps for extracting a coffee beverage in an espresso machine, which are essentially equivalent to steps in other automatic machines for brewing a beverage from the starting bulk material, comprise a phase for supplying hot water under suitable pressure to the extraction chamber, which includes a filter container, a brewing phase, and a dispensing phase of a ready-to-drink brewed beverage to an outside cup or glass.

Ground coffee, as well as other bulk solids for preparing brewable beverages, is usually a single-use substance, since the organoleptic properties, such as taste, aroma and strength, are irretrievably lost when wetted ground coffee. Accordingly, in espresso machines and in other brewing machines, the bulk material must be removed after one brewing. For this reason, a filter container containing a portion of ground coffee can usually be removed manually from the espresso machine, so that used ground coffee can be removed from the container and filled with a new portion of ground coffee.

In order to facilitate the operations of filling and emptying the filter container, pre-packaged ground coffee tablets have been created for single use and containing a portion of ground coffee located in a bag or in a small bag of filter paper and placed directly in the filter holder of the coffee brewing machine "espresso". Although this arrangement can be easily obtained, it has some disadvantages. In particular, the tablet is not airtight and, accordingly, a second, airtight package must be created to enclose each portion in it in order to keep the tablet during its storage not contaminated by the external environment.

In addition, the user's hands come in contact with the tablet when the tablet is placed on the filter holder, so that hygiene requirements are not fully respected.

Disposable capsules containing ground coffee have also been created in the past. Such capsules, usually in the form of a truncated cone, are made of plastics or aluminum and they provide a better airtight barrier to the external environment than the filter paper used for said tablets.

The known capsule has an upper surface that is punctured by the injection needle / nozzle of the espresso machine to pump pressurized water into the capsule, and a bottom surface containing weakened zones that burst under the pressure of percolated liquids. An internal filter is also provided in the capsule to prevent the release of solids from the capsule together with the coffee beverage.

Another known capsule contains a cylindrical body made of polypropylene, with top and bottom surfaces having many holes for distributing hot water through a portion of ground coffee, and containing a sheet of paper filter to block the passage of ground coffee out of the holes of the bottom surface during the extraction phase. These capsules are usually placed in additional packaging, for example in small bags of multilayer plastic.

In order to prepare a coffee beverage, known capsules and cartridges are placed in a filter holder that forms an extraction chamber for coffee when it is mounted on a coffee brewing machine. During the extraction phase, leaking liquids can come into contact with the internal surfaces of the extraction chamber before they finally flow into the coffee cup located on the outside. Such contact leads to contamination of the extraction chamber, as well as the filter holder, and after a series of coffee extraction operations, the quality of the drink will be significantly reduced due to the influence of residues and contaminants in the extraction chamber.

Accordingly, the extraction unit containing the extraction chamber and the filter holder must be carefully cleaned after performing a number of coffee extraction operations, and in addition, decalcification must be carried out on a regular basis.

Even when such cleaning operations are carried out regularly, fluid turbulence inside the extraction chamber of the machine or insufficient sealing to ensure tightness at the open top surface of the capsule during the injection of water causes the extractable beverage or injected water to roll with a part of the outer surface of the capsule itself, as a result of which hygiene requirements are violated, presented for extraction.

Another disadvantage of the known capsules is that they do not trap the remnants of the leaking liquid inside, since perforations or holes on the upper surface and / or on the lower surface of the capsules make it possible to leak liquid residues when the extraction is completed and / or when the capsule is removed from the machine, which leads to dripping from the capsule onto the surrounding parts of the coffee machine and to their contamination.

In addition, the well-known capsules and machines for making espresso coffee not only have limited hygiene characteristics, but often their work is affected by the insufficiently effective distribution of hot water to ground coffee and / or the insufficiently efficient supply of coffee beverage.

Essentially, in known truncated cone shaped capsules, hot water is injected into the internal volume by means of a nozzle piercing the upper surface, which has a smaller diameter than the bottom surface, so that the hot water will be sprayed from one point rather than uniformly watering the entire servings of coffee. Accordingly, hot water non-uniformly washes coffee particles.

This drawback has been partially eliminated by the cartridge disclosed in EP-A-1344722, according to which two disks having a plurality of holes and a plurality of notches are arranged inside the cartridge to create a plurality of channels for the passage of liquid. Unfortunately, this known cartridge for extracting a beverage has to be punctured in both the upper and lower surfaces, while the internal volume of the cartridge must be loaded with additional elements, such as distribution discs.

Another disadvantage of the known cartridges is that they are not very convenient, since the user must control the direction of insertion when he inserts the cartridge into the extraction machine. This control can be facilitated by a certain shape of the cartridge receiver in the machine, but when the user is in a hurry (for example, when the user is a bartender, who needs to continuously and quickly prepare coffee drinks for many buyers), even slight control is unacceptable.

The content of the invention

The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of known cartridges and capsules by creating an integral cartridge, by which most of the tasks that usually arise in relation to machines for extracting drinks, will be solved by the cartridge itself.

To the extent of this purpose, the present invention is intended to provide a cartridge and an extraction unit for producing a high-quality beverage having improved organoleptic properties, especially when the machine for extracting the beverage is an espresso machine.

A second specific objective of the present invention is to provide a cartridge and an extraction system that substantially reduces or eliminates contamination of any component of a beverage machine from a granular substance.

Another objective of the present invention is to create a universal system for the extraction of drinks, which allows you to take advantage of its design, which consists in the fact that it does not lead to contamination, for the possibility of sequential extraction of drinks from various types of bulk solids.

Another specific objective of the present invention is to guarantee a high level of preservation of the granular matter inside the cartridge until the cartridge is installed in the machine for extracting the beverage, which reduces the pollution of the granular substance by the external environment.

Another goal is to simplify the use of the cartridge by reducing the number of operations performed to prepare the cartridge to install it in the machine for extracting the drink.

Another goal is to improve the uniform distribution of the injected liquid over the entire portion of the granular matter in the cartridge.

Another objective of the invention is to simplify and reduce the internal load of the cartridge and the machine for extracting the beverage without affecting the quality of the final beverage.

An equally important objective of the invention is the creation of a cartridge and extraction unit, which accelerate the operation of preparing the drink.

These and other tasks, which will be clear from the description, are solved by a cartridge for extracting a drink from the granular substance contained in it, with water under pressure, containing a main body containing a cup-shaped part and a lid part, the cup-shaped part having a base, a side wall and a rim, opposite to the base, and the lid part is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup-shaped part to limit the internal volume of the cartridge, while the internal volume of the cartridge contains bulk material enclosed inside the filter For holding the granular substance and for percolating liquid substances through them, the lid part contains a channel forming a first passage for percolable liquid substances, and the base of the cup-shaped part contains a channel forming a second passage for percolable liquid substances, characterized in that the base contains many ribs formed directly on it and protruding into the internal volume of the cartridge, to maintain filter media and granular matter and to form thin channels between the filter means and channel of the cup-shaped part.

The objectives of the invention are also solved by means of a cartridge for extracting a beverage from the bulk material contained therein under pressure, containing a main body comprising a cup-shaped part and a lid part, the cup-shaped part having a base, a side wall and a rim opposite the base, and the lid part is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup-shaped part to limit the internal volume of the cartridge, while the internal volume of the cartridge accommodates a bulk substance enclosed inside the filter means for For the retention of bulk material and for percolation of liquid substances through them, the lid part contains a channel forming a first passage for percolable liquid substances, and the base of the cup-shaped part contains a channel forming a second passage for percolable liquid substances, characterized in that it contains a disk of porous material located between the filtering means and the base of the bowl-shaped part, for supporting the filtering means and granular matter and for the formation of thin channels between the filtering means and channel of the cup-shaped part.

These tasks are also solved by means of a cartridge, in particular, designed to be installed in espresso coffee machines and used to extract a drink from the granular substance contained in it with pressurized water, comprising a main body including a cup-shaped part and a lid part, the cup-shaped part has a base, a side wall and a rim opposite to the base, and the lid part is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup-shaped part to limit the internal volume of the cartridge containing the bulk substance enclosed inside the filtering means for trapping the granular substance and for percolating liquid substances therethrough, the lid part comprises a channel forming a first passage for percolable liquid substances, and the base of the cup-shaped part contains a channel forming a second passage for percolable liquid substances, characterized in that the internal volume contains valve means located on the channel of the cup-shaped part, elastically opening under the action of pressure of percolated liquids during the extraction phase n Pitka so as to allow passage of liquid perkoliruemyh substances during a beverage extraction phase.

In addition, the objectives of the invention are also achieved by means of a cartridge comprising a main body including a cup-shaped part and a lid part, wherein the cup-shaped part has a base, a side wall and a rim opposite the base, and the lid part is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup-shaped part to limit the internal volume of the cartridge containing a granular substance enclosed inside filtering means for trapping the granular substance and for percolating through them liquid substances, wherein the lid part usually holds a closed channel that forms the first passage for percolated liquid substances, when it is open, characterized in that it contains a cam mounted in the internal volume, so as to pierce the base when pressure is applied to the base in the direction of the internal volume, while usually opening closed channel of the cup-shaped part.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the following description of preferred, but not mutually exclusive, design options, which are presented in the form of non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a detail view in perspective and in cross section of the cartridge of figure 1, and the cross section is taken along the plane aa of figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top view of the cup-shaped part of the cartridge of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view of the cup-shaped part of Figure 3 in section along the plane BB;

5 is a perspective view and in section of a cartridge according to a second embodiment of the invention;

6 is a perspective view and in cross section of a cartridge according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig.7 is a perspective view and with a cutout of the washer of Fig.5;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Fig.9 is a detail view in perspective and in section of the cartridge of Fig.8;

Figure 10 is a perspective view and in section of a cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

11 is a perspective view of the inner side of the lid of the cartridge of FIG. 10;

12 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

Fig.13 is a perspective view and in cross section of the cartridge of Fig.12, while the cross section is taken along the radial plane;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view and in section taken along a radial plane of a cartridge according to a seventh embodiment of the invention in a punctured state;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cam assembly placed in the cartridge of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an extraction unit according to a second aspect of the invention; FIG.

Fig.17 is a detail view of the extraction unit of Fig.16;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view and with a cut-out of the extraction unit of Fig. 16, located in the extraction position of the beverage, with the cartridge installed inside it;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view and with a cut-out of an extraction unit located in a beverage extraction position with a discoidal cartridge installed inside it;

Fig.20 is a perspective view and with a cut-out of the extraction unit of Fig.16, located in position for removing the cartridge;

Fig.21 is a bottom view of the nozzle used in the extraction unit of Fig.16;

FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view of the nozzle used in the extraction assembly of FIG. 16;

Fig is a side view in cross section of a nozzle used in the extraction unit of Fig;

24 is a cutaway side view of an extraction unit according to yet another embodiment of the invention into which the capsule of FIG. 12 is mounted;

Fig. 25 is a cutaway view of the extraction unit of Fig. 24 when it is in the beverage extraction position;

Fig. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of the injection nozzle used in the extraction unit of Fig. 24;

Fig. 27 is a side perspective view with a cross section along the radial plane of a cartridge according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 is a cutaway view of an extraction unit according to yet another embodiment of the invention in which the cartridge of FIG. 27 is mounted.

Embodiments of the invention

1 and 2 show a cartridge 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge has a generally cylindrical shape and comprises a cup-shaped part 2 and a lid part 3 fixed thereon.

The cup-shaped part 2, in particular, contains a substantially circular base 7, a cylindrical side wall 8 extending from the base 7, and a rim 9a, which is located essentially opposite to the base 7 and forms the open end of the cup-shaped part 2.

The internal volume is defined by the base 7 of the cup-shaped part, the side wall 8 and the lid part 3 when the lid part is fixed to the cup-shaped part. A serving of ground coffee 4 is placed in such an internal volume, while it will be between filtering means, preferably consisting of a first paper or woven filter 5b and a second paper or woven filter 5a. Alternatively, a tablet of a known type may be provided, as will be described later.

The cup-shaped part 2 comprises a channel 6a, which is preferably located in the central area of the base 7 of the cup-shaped part and protrudes outward from the internal volume of the cartridge, forming a groove. As shown in FIG. 2, the channel portion 6a of the cup portion is substantially cylindrical in shape and creates an opening for accessing the internal volume of the cartridge, thereby allowing liquids to pass to or from the internal volume of the cartridge. For this purpose, an opening 103a is created in the base 7 of the cup-shaped part corresponding to the channel 6a of the cup-shaped part, as shown in FIG. 4.

Alternatively, the base 7 of the cup-shaped portion comprises a flange 105a axially aligned with the side wall 8 and protruding outwardly from the internal volume of the cartridge. Such a flange is preferably made so that it ends with a protruding shape to facilitate the manipulation and automatic execution of production processes, and facilitate them. In addition, the capsule can be installed horizontally on the surface of the table without tilting or rolling, and it can be more easily packed and stored, and, in addition, it can be packed by means of “strips”, that is, fixed and sealed between two strips of multilayer films .

The lid portion 3 is shaped so as to abut the open end of the bowl-shaped portion 2, wherein it comprises a base 7b from which a substantially cylindrical side wall 105b that is substantially perpendicular to the base 7b of the lid extends upward and slightly outward. The side wall 105b ends with an annular edge 9b, which is located essentially opposite the base 7b of the cover and protrudes outward from the side wall 105b so that it rests on and rests on the rim 9a of the cup-shaped part 2. Preferably, the annular edge 9b has a substantially stepped cross section so that it engages with a mating support located at the rim 9a of the cup portion 2, as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, other cross-sectional shapes of the annular edge 9b and the rim 9a can be made if these shapes provide the possibility of attaching the lid part to the bowl-shaped part.

In preferred embodiments, the lid portion and the cup portion are welded together using ultrasonic guide technology. Alternatively, other known welding methods can be used, for example conventional ultrasonic welding, welding by heating, as well as adhesion, etc. The cartridge of the invention can also be manufactured as a single molded part.

The protruding side wall 105b is preferably created to facilitate the manipulation and execution of automated production processes, and to facilitate them, as well as to separate the welding zone along the guide with a coffee tablet, thereby minimizing the interaction of migrating coffee particles and a plastic weld, which can adversely affect on seal specifications.

In a preferred embodiment of the construction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid part 3 comprises a channel 6b formed in the central area of its base 7b, having a generally cylindrical shape and protruding from the base 7b in an outward direction from the internal volume of the cartridge. The lid channel 6b creates an opening for access to the internal volume of the cartridge, while allowing liquids to pass into and out of the internal volume. For this purpose, a hole 103b is made in the base of the lid 7b in accordance with the channel 6b, as shown in FIG.

As shown, the flanges 105a and 105b are made in conjunction with the corresponding channel of the cup-shaped part and the channel of the lid part so that the upper and bottom zones of the cartridge essentially have an E-shaped cross section.

In alternative embodiments of the construction described below, the lid channel does not protrude from its base 7b or is usually closed and punctured by an injection needle or nozzle during the extraction phase. Alternatives of a similar type will be presented later.

In the cartridges of the invention, the lid portion channel 6b or the cup portion channel 6a may contain obstacles to deflecting fluid flow. In particular, if you return to the options of Fig.2-4, the first barrier 104A is created on the inner side of the base 7 of the cup-shaped part so that it intersects in the radial direction the Central hole 103A, from which the groove 6a, and the second barriers 106a, 107a are created on the inner surface of the channel 6a of the cup portion at a distance from the first barrier and from the opening 103a.

Preferably, the second barriers 106a and 107a are facing each other and protruding from the inner surface of the bowl-shaped channel 6a to form a zigzag path of a certain type for the fluid to pass through the bowl-shaped channel 6a, breaking any direct fluid flow into the inner volume of the cartridge and from it, and avoiding excessive fluid acceleration, which can lead to jet dispersion, for example, to spray.

The first barrier 104a, in particular, is used either to deflect the fluid flow, or to create a support that prevents the deformation of the filter paper, which may occur due to the hydraulic pressure of the liquid during extraction. Accordingly, clogging of the holes 103a and possible tearing of the filter paper will be prevented.

In addition, or alternatively, corresponding barriers to the fluid flow 104b and 107b can also be created in the lid channel 6b, as can be seen in FIG. In particular, the barrier 104b overlaps the lid opening 103b, while the barrier 107b protrudes from the inner surface of the lid channel 6b, facing an identical barrier to determine a liquid path substantially similar to that formed inside the bowl portion 6a .

Although preferred embodiments of the cartridge of the invention contain obstructions to the fluid flow, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, those skilled in the art will readily understand that flow obstructions having alternative arrangements or shapes can be used to achieve the same goal. For example, a cross-shaped barrier may be created in the path of the fluid flow so as to maintain a paper filter and break up the direct fluid flow into four separate streams. Alternatively, radial protrusions formed around the opening of the lid or cup-shaped portion can be created, protruding radially toward the center of such an opening, which will be described below with reference to FIG.

Obstacles to the flow of fluid may not be formed directly on the inner surface of the cartridge, but may constitute separate means that can be inserted and firmly attached to the inlet or outlet of the cartridge. For example, a plastic tube may be provided with both open ends covered by a filter medium that is permeable to liquid (for example, films of mesh thermoplastic or fabric or paper with through labyrinths). An example of a single obstacle to the flow of liquid will be described below with reference to Fig.27.

In addition, obstacles to the flow of fluid can be created in the channels of both the lid and the cup-shaped part, only in one of these channels, or they are not created at all, which depends on the requirements for the fluid flow.

The cup-shaped portion 6a further comprises a plurality of ribs 101a formed directly on the base 7 and protruding into the inner volume of the cartridge, in particular to the outer surface of the paper filter 5a. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the ribs 101a are arched and elongated. They are in direct contact with the paper filter 5a so as to form a plurality of small channels 102a-102b that extend along a plurality of concentric and radial directions (as shown in FIG. 3), and the entire bottom surface of the filter assembly 4, 5a is communicated through the fluid and coffee with a channel 6a of the bowl-shaped portion. Such channels preferably have an average width / height of about 1 mm.

Likewise, ribs 101b are formed on the lid portion 3 that protrude into the interior of the cartridge, in particular toward the upper surface of the paper filter 5b. Many small channels are suitably created between the filter 5b and the base 7b of the lid, while they connect the channel 6b of the lid with the entire upper surface of the node 4, 5b, consisting of a filter and coffee.

In alternative embodiments, small channels for the passage of fluid can be created only on the cup-shaped part or only on the lid part, or they may not be created at all. In such cases, a reduced number of ribs is preferably formed on the base of the cup-shaped part or on the base of the lid, and they protrude into the inner volume of the cartridge to form an air space between the base of the cup-shaped part / lid and filtering means. An exemplary arrangement of this type will be explained below with reference to FIG. 11.

Alternatively, in order to create a system of thin channels, at least on a part of the inner surface of the cartridge facing the upper surface or the lower surface of the portion containing ground coffee and filter media, between such a portion and the channel of the cup-shaped part, or the channel of the lid part can be a disc made of porous material is located. Preferably, such a disc extends over the entire top or bottom surface of the portion.

Even if this is not shown explicitly in FIGS. 1-4, the channel of the lid part and / or the channel of the cup part is preferably clogged with a film, for example, made of multilayer plastics, which can be manually removed or punctured or torn by the machine during extraction phase.

Alternatively, the lid channel or the cup-shaped channel can be clogged with the surface performed at the same time as is created during the manufacture of the lid, either by means of a rubber stopper or rubber seal, as will be described above, or the entire cartridge can be stored in a small bag or in a package, which open manually before use. A small bag or package can be made of a multilayer structure with the creation of a vacuum or with inert gas filling under pressure (for example, as in Modified Atmosphere Packaging or according to MAP methods).

Both the lid channel and the bowl-shaped channel, as an option, can be sealed by means of food substances (e.g. polysaccharides, proteins and lipids) providing a tight, water-soluble seal, or a seal that melts at the inlet water temperature.

The cartridge 1 is preferably made of polypropylene and known molding methods by injection molding are used for its manufacture. In any case, this cartridge, as well as any cartridge according to the invention, can be made of the following materials: other thermoplastic materials, for example polyethylene terephthalate; elastomeric, thermoplastic materials or TPE, for example SANTOPRENE, that is, a mixture of untwisted ethylene propylene rubber and polypropylene; thermoset compositions, for example polyester; resins or elastomers, for example silicone or MVQ; multilayer thermoplastic materials, for example a composite sheet made of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinylidene chloride; aluminum; other multilayer materials, for example a composite sheet made of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and aluminum. Cartridge 1 can also be manufactured using other methods, such as high temperature shaping.

The main body of the cartridge, taken as an example, such as that shown in FIG. 1, for example, has a height of 30-35 mm and a width of 35-40 mm, while the channel of the lid part and the channel of the cup-shaped part have a height of about 7-8 mm and a width of about 8-10 mm. However, qualified specialists in this field will be quite clear that the size of the cartridges according to the invention may be different in accordance with the requirements for extraction, and with the design of the machine for extracting drinks.

Now, having determined the main characteristics of cartridge 1, it can be understood that this cartridge eliminates the traditional pollution of the extraction chamber of the coffee machine, since the channel / chute 6a of the bowl-shaped part acts as an outlet for directing the extractable beverage directly to the outside cup, which will then be used for drinking . The groove 6a is formed appropriately so that it fits into the known filter holders and so that it protrudes outward with respect to the special filter holders, ensuring that the inner surfaces of the filter holder are kept completely clean and prevent contact with such surfaces of the extractable beverage exiting the cartridge .

In addition, small channels formed directly on the inner surface of the cup-shaped part make it possible to exclude additional elements for directing liquid from the inner side of the cartridge, while they are mainly combined with the channel of the cup-shaped part to form a single means for promoting the extractable beverage. At the same time, small channels provide the ability to maintain the level of internal pressure drop in the cartridge at a significantly reduced value between the upper zone and the lower zone of the coffee briquette, so that the full volume of ground coffee will be used and the resulting beverage will have improved organoleptic properties.

For functional reasons, it is preferable to keep the space between the coffee briquette and the base of the bowl-shaped part or lid part as small as possible.

Another improvement provided by the particular cartridge of FIG. 1 is that it is reversible, that is, it can be inserted upside down. Essentially, the main body of the cartridge is shaped so that it is substantially symmetrical with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the axis of water injection. In particular, the cup portion channel 6a and the roof portion channel 6b are substantially identical in shape and size, being aligned along the same axis of water injection and the height of the flange 105a is substantially equal to the height of the cylindrical side wall 105b, as shown in figure 2. Advantageously, a system of thin channels is provided on the inner surfaces of both the cup-shaped part and the lid part.

Accordingly, the cartridge 1 can be inserted into the filter container regardless of which channel will act as an input channel and which channel will act as an output channel, which greatly facilitates the operation of introducing the cartridge into the extraction machine.

Although the characteristics are presented in relation to the design variant shown by way of example in FIGS. 1-4, some alternative variants of the invention can be created either by appropriately combining the basic characteristics already presented, or by adding other distinguishing features falling within the scope of the invention.

5 shows a second preferred embodiment of the invention. In particular, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 11, which, although its main body is similar in appearance to the main body shown in FIG. 1, differs in embodiments of its interior.

Although only a cross-sectional view of cartridge 11 is shown in FIG. 5, it is understood that this view is taken along a virtual radial plane bisecting an entire cartridge (not shown). It is obvious that for qualified specialists in this field it will not be difficult to imagine the design of the cartridge 11 as a whole, based on the sectional view of FIG. 5.

The cartridge 11 is generally cylindrical and comprises a cup-shaped portion 12 and a lid portion 13. The cup-shaped portion 12 comprises a base 17, a side wall 18 and a rim 19a that is substantially opposite the base 17 and forms the open end of the cup-shaped portion 12.

The inner volume is defined by the base 17 of the cup-shaped part, the side wall 18 and the lid part 13, when the lid part is mounted on the open end of the cup-shaped part 12. A portion of ground coffee is placed in such an inner volume by filtering means in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 2 , or it is performed in the form of a tablet or briquette of a known type, which will be better described below.

5, ground coffee and filter media are not shown for simplicity, but it is assumed that they substantially fill the internal volume of the cartridge, as occurs in the embodiment of FIG. 2.

The cup-shaped portion 12 comprises a channel 16a, preferably located in the central area of its base 17 and protruding outward from the internal volume of the cartridge. The channel 16a of the cup-shaped part is substantially cylindrical in shape and creates an opening for access to the internal volume of the cartridge, while allowing liquids to pass into or out of the internal volume of the cartridge. For this purpose, a hole 113a corresponding to its channel 16a is created on the basis of the 17 cup-shaped part.

The base 17 of the cup-shaped part comprises a flange 115a aligned with the side wall 18 and protruding outward from the internal volume of the cartridge.

The lid portion 13 is shaped so as to lie against the open end of the cup portion 12, while it comprises a base 17b from which a substantially cylindrical side wall 115b extends upward and somewhat outward. The side wall 115b terminates in an annular edge 19b, which is located essentially opposite to the base 17b of the lid, and which protrudes outward from the side wall 115b to abut against and rest on the rim 19a of the cup portion 12.

Preferably, the annular edge 19b has a substantially stepped cross section so that it engages with a mating support on the rim 19a of the cup portion 12, as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, other cross-sectional shapes of the annular edge 19b and the rim 19a can be created, provided that such shapes allow the lid part to be mounted on the bowl-shaped part.

The lid portion 13 further comprises a normally closed channel 16b, preferably located in the central area of the base 17b and protruding outward from the internal volume of the cartridge 11. The expression "usually closed" here means a channel that is sealed to be airtight before extraction and will be opened either manually by the user or automatically by a machine for extracting drinks, for example, by piercing a surface that clogs the hole.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the lid channel 16b is plugged by a small weakened surface 14, which is integral with the channel 16b. Alternatively, the lid channel may be sealed by means of a plastic film welded to the outer neck of the lid channel, or by means of rubber or rubber-like plugs or seals, as described below.

The inner surface of the lid channel 16b is substantially smooth, but, as an option, obstructions to the flow of liquid can be established, for example, those described in relation to the embodiment of FIG. 2.

The cup portion 12 comprises a channel 16a located on its base 17 and preferably having a substantially cylindrical shape. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the cup-shaped channel 16a is located in the central area of the base 17, protrudes outward from the internal volume of the cartridge 11 and contains obstacles 114, 117a and 117b for breaking the direct fluid flow passing through the cup-shaped channel.

The first obstacle 114 is formed inside the channel 16a of the cup-shaped portion in the immediate vicinity of its outlet mouth so as to radially intersect the internal volume of the channel of the cup-shaped part, while the second obstacles 117a and 117b depart in the form of flanges from the inner surface of the channel of the cup-shaped part to each other.

Like the embodiment of FIG. 2, the cup-shaped portion 12 comprises a plurality of ribs 111a that are created directly on the inside of the base 17 and protrude into the interior of the cartridge. The ribs 111a define a plurality of small channels 112a, 112b between the base 17 of the bowl-shaped portion and filtering means that serve to move the beverage to the channel 16a of the bowl-shaped portion.

In the specific embodiment of the construction shown in FIG. 5, unlike the lid portion 3 between the lid portion and the assembly consisting of ground coffee and filter media, a thin channel system has not been created. Instead, spaced channels 111b are provided on the bottom side of the lid portion 13 to create a very small gap between the lid portion and the ground coffee. However, it is obvious that, as an alternative to this arrangement, a channel system can still be created, which is described above with reference to the lid part 3.

Advantageously, the cartridge 11 comprises valve means for controlling the passage of fluid flow through the channel 16a of the cup-shaped portion. Valve means are intended to be used specifically for the channel of the cup-shaped part, however, according to the invention, they can be applied both to the channel of the cup-shaped part and to the channel of the lid part of the cartridge, or only to the channel of the lid part in accordance with the functional requirements of the cartridge.

In the embodiment of the structure shown in FIG. 5, the valve means rest on an annular recess 15 created around the hole 113a and close the hole 113a. To this end, the thickness of the base 17 is preferably tapering from the channel 16a of the cup-shaped part to the periphery in order to be able to create a recess 15.

The valve means preferably comprise rubber (eg, silicone rubber), rubber-like material, elastomer or plastic, a gasket or disk having a narrow through slot or hole connecting the upper surface of the gasket to its bottom surface. If axial pressure is not applied to the gasket, then the gap provides an airtight seal, but if axial pressure is applied, for example, the pressure of percolated liquids extracted from ground coffee, then part of the gasket bends and slightly widens the gap, while allowing passage of percolated liquids, i.e., a drink.

According to a specific embodiment of the construction shown in FIG. 5, the valve means comprise a rubber gasket or disc 116 supported by a recess 15 so as to provide air impermeability to close the channel opening 113a of the cup portion and act as a membrane. Although the gasket 116 is described as simply resting on a recess 15, it can alternatively be engaged with such a recess or otherwise attached using known methods.

The gasket 116 comprises an upper circular surface and a circular bottom surface, as well as a slit 118 that intersects the gasket axially from the center of the upper surface to the center of the bottom surface.

Slit 118 is a pre-punctured slit and is preferably created by using a thin needle. The slot, alternatively, can be a radial linear or cross-shaped cut, or groove, or many slots can be made through the gasket, provided that these slots, cuts or grooves, essentially, do not allow air to flow inside the cartridge when the cartridge It is not under liquid pressure, but allows percolated liquids to pass through the beverage extraction phase.

In order to provide support for filter media covering ground coffee and to ensure that the extractable beverage moves to the gasket 116, a washer 119 is predominantly installed closer to the base 17 of the bowl-shaped portion closer to the gasket 116.

If, in particular, refer to the cutaway view shown in Fig.7, the washer 119 contains a bottom surface that faces the gasket 116 and which is shaped so that it forms channels 319 for fluid flow between the washer and the gasket; for this purpose, the bottom surface of the washer 119 contains ribs 219 oriented in the radial direction.

The upper surface of the washer 119 contains ribs to support the assembly of coffee and filter media, the ribs preferably being sized so that the thickness of the washer 119 is substantially equal to the height of the ribs 111a of the cup portion 12.

In alternative embodiments of the construction, which are not shown in the drawings, the washer may contain through holes for moving the percolated liquids to the rubber gasket, or it may be replaced by some other support means that separates a portion of ground coffee from the rubber gasket, for example, as shown on described below Fig.

In yet another embodiment, the valve means do not contain a washer at all. For example, a third embodiment of the invention, including such alternative valve means, comprises only a gasket or disc made of rubber, rubber-like material, elastomer or some other resilient material.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge 21 according to the third preferred embodiment comprises a cup-shaped portion 22 of a cylindrical shape comprising a base 27, a side wall 28 and an open end with which the lid portion 23 engages to determine the internal volume of the cartridge. A portion of ground coffee and suitable filter media are placed inside the cartridge, as in the cartridges previously described, but they are not shown in FIG. 6 for simplicity.

The lid portion 23 comprises a normally closed channel 26b and has substantially the same distinctive features as the lid portion 13 already described.

The cup-shaped portion 22 includes a channel 26a, inside of which obstacles 124, 127a and 127b are created for the flow of liquid. In addition, the upper surface of the base 27 comprises a plurality of ribs 121 that are arcuate and distributed over the entire surface of the base 27, essentially the same as the ribs 111a, to form concentric as well as radial small channels that converge to the annular recess 25. The round rubber gasket 126 rests on the recess 25, so that to ensure air impermeability, clog the hole 123a of the channel 26a of the cup-shaped portion. Although the gasket 126 is described here as simply resting on a recess 25, it may alternatively be engaged with the edge of such a recess or otherwise attached using known means.

Like the gasket 116, the gasket 126 at its center contains a through gap 128, the gap being normally closed, and the passage of percolated liquids may thus somewhat expand during the extraction phase.

To maintain a serving of ground coffee and filter media, the pad 126 preferably comprises ribs 129 that are formed directly on its upper surface and are shaped to allow passage of liquids exiting directly from the coffee / filter assembly and channels formed by the ribs 121.

Gaskets 116 and 126 may be made of rubber, elastomer or other elastic materials. The elastic properties of such materials make it possible to obtain a pre-punctured hole or channel, for example, slots 118 or slots 128, in order to act as an airtight seal, but at the same time provide a quick response to stresses caused by the pressure directed into the internal volume of the cartridge, or From him. In other words, such gaskets act as valves or partitions.

Therefore, a cartridge containing such gaskets does not require a means to seal the channel of the cup-shaped part or the channel of the lid, if the gasket is applied to the channel of the lid in a manner similar to the method described above, for example, in the form of films or pierced diaphragms. At the same time, after the completion of the extraction phase, a sharp drop in internal pressure leads to the gap returning to its initial state of rest, while preventing the possibility of exiting the cartridge in the form of droplets of remaining liquid.

In addition to functioning like a valve, which protects the cartridge from negative environmental influences and at the same time allows the cartridge to be degassed, and also prevents dripping of the extraction liquid after extraction, the gasket described above also allows the introduction of liquefied inert gas from the outside by means of a hollow needle during packaging phase (MAP) to bring the capsule into a specific state and prepare it for the period of long-term storage. After the gas injection needle is extended, the rubber gasket automatically closes due to its elasticity. The same needle can be used to pierce the gasket to form the aforementioned gap.

At the same time, another important advantage provided by the pads according to the invention is a significant improvement in terms of the formation and stability of a highly valued foam layer (Italian 'crema') on top of the extractable beverage when talking about methods for extracting espresso coffee.

The method of extraction of espresso coffee results in a multiphase drink formed by a foam layer of small bubbles with dispersed small particles, which create a typical and specific pattern in the form of tiger stripes on top of an emulsion of microscopic oil drops in an aqueous multicomponent solution with dispersed gas bubbles and solid particles.

The formation of foam is associated with surface-active substances naturally present in coffee, as well as with a number of phenomena that are triggered by the methods of extraction of espresso coffee.

Foam floating on the surface of espresso coffee is a very important organoleptic component and is a distinctive feature of the prepared espresso coffee compared to coffee made in other ways.

It is well known that the characteristics of the foam are what indicate the preparation is correct, with any error (for example, regarding coffee grinding, water temperature, water pressure, percolation time and / or volume of the drink, etc.) or what or any change (coffee mix, roasting, etc.) will immediately affect the color, texture and stability of the foam of the espresso coffee.

As described above, the valve means according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprise, at least from a rubber or material similar to rubber, a gasket or disk with a through slot, the diameter of which is very small, for example, about 0.1-0.5 mm, when it is open. The injection of extractable coffee through it has been shown to lead to a significant increase in the density and stability of the foam. This effect is very useful, because by introducing a product with a relatively low weight and simple in nature, it is possible to achieve an important result that characterizes the quality of the espresso coffee drink.

In addition, since the rubber foam pad is combined with a cartridge that is generally disposable, it can be guaranteed that the espresso obtained by extracting coffee will have a foam layer of the highest quality, as opposed to being produced in known coffee brewing machines for making coffee “ Espresso ”, in which the devices that enhance the formation of foam form part of the machines themselves, while they are used to perform many extraction processes and they can degrade quality over time GUSTs the extracted coffee.

The cartridges of the invention are not limited to the substantially cylindrical cartridges described above. In particular, the term “cylinder” should be understood in its broad sense as denoting a surface defined by any line running parallel to a fixed axis and forming a closed line. For example, the main body of the cartridge according to particular embodiments of the invention may be parallelepipedal or discoidal. In addition, the term “substantially cylindrical” also means cylindrical cartridges having the shape of a slightly truncated cone, while the inclination of the side wall of the cartridge according to the invention may, for example, be 1-2 degrees from the exact cylindrical surface.

The box-shaped cartridge, which is not shown in the drawings, is particularly preferred when a small footprint is required.

Instead of the aforementioned cartridge, in the alternative case, for other reasons, which are explained below, and with obtaining useful results, a discoidal cartridge can be created. An example embodiment of the invention in which the main body of the cartridge is substantially discoidal is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. This type of cartridge 31 has some distinctive features of the cartridges described above, in particular, it has a cup-shaped portion 32 and a lid part 33, both of which are essentially plate-shaped.

The cup portion 32 comprises a base 37, an annular side wall and a flange rim 39a that is directed substantially parallel to the base 37 and, similarly, the lid portion 33 comprises a base, a side wall and a flange rim 39b that are shaped so that it engaged with the rim 39a, whereby the internal volume of the cartridge will be determined. The internal volume of the cartridge is formed so as to fully accommodate a tablet or briquette 34 of a known type of ground coffee, for example a tablet called ESE ^® .

Such a known tablet contains a portion of ground coffee, enclosed within a small packet of filter paper, the peripheral edge of which is firmly held by the rims 39a and 39b when the cartridge 31 is in the assembled state. The rims 39a and 39b can be attached to each other using any known method, for example ultrasonic welding, welding by means of a heating element or other welding methods, by adhesion or combination of these methods with conventional hot stamping or edge deformation methods.

The cup-shaped portion 32 further comprises a substantially cylindrical channel 36a protruding outward from the internal volume of the cartridge 31 and advantageously provided with internal barriers 137a and 134a for breaking the direct fluid flow through the cup-shaped portion, which are similar to the barriers 117a, 117b described above , 114.

The base 37 comprises a plurality of ribs 131 distributed along its flat inner side, which form a plurality of small channels between the tablet 34 and the base 37. The ribs 131 surround a central annular recess 35, similar to the recesses 15 and 25 described above, on which the rubber pad 136 rests.

The gasket 136 has a through-hole, typically closed slot located at its center, and also supporting ribs on its upper surface to support the tablet 34 and to allow fluid to pass between them. It can be seen that the gasket 136 is similar to the gasket 126 described above.

The lid channel 36b protrudes from the central zone of the lid part 33 and comprises obstructions 137b facing each other on its inner surface.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the cartridge 31, with only one barrier 137b shown in this drawing, however, it is understood that on the opposite side of the inner surface of the lid part there is the same barrier facing the barrier shown. In addition, the hole from which the lid portion channel 36b protrudes bridges the barrier 134b, which is substantially similar to the barrier 104b described above.

The lid channel 36b is sealed with a film of aluminum or laminated plastic 38, which forms an airtight seal for the lid channel before installing the cartridge in an espresso machine. Preferably, the film 38 can be punctured by the injection needle of the machine, but, alternatively, a manually removed film can be used.

As with the cartridges described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the lid portion 33 comprises spaced ribs on its surface directed into the inner volume, which form very small gaps between the coffee tablet 34 and the lid portion itself.

Cartridge 31 is particularly advantageous in that it is fully compatible with existing coffee tablets. In addition, the manufacturing process of this cartridge proceeds very quickly, since the introduction of additional filtering means into the cartridge is not required.

It can be further seen that the cartridge 31, like the other cartridges described above, is an all-in-one cartridge, that is, a cartridge in which the majority of the functional features of a standard espresso machine, such as filtering , water distribution, improved foaming and beverage delivery are integrated in the cartridge itself. The espresso coffee machine operates primarily to maintain the cartridge and inject water under pressure into it.

10 is a sectional view of a cartridge 41 according to another embodiment of the present invention. This cartridge contains the most distinctive features of cartridge 1, that is, a cylindrical cup-shaped portion 42, a base 47, which contains a plurality of ribs 141a and a groove 46a with flow barriers 144 and 147, a portion of ground coffee 4 and filter paper sheets 5a and 5b. A film 45 of aluminum or multilayer plastics clogs the outer neck of the groove 46a, which film can be removed manually.

In contrast to the cartridge variant 1, the lid portion 43 is formed having a substantially flat shape, and it comprises a channel 46b that only slightly protrudes from the plane of the lid portion, and an annular edge 49b that slightly protrudes from the outline of the lid portion.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the inner side of the lid portion 43 includes spaced radial ribs 141b that protrude slightly into the inner volume of the cartridge so as to create a small gap between the upper filtering means 5b and the lid portion 43.

In addition, the lid portion 43 includes a plug or seal 48 made of rubber or rubber-like material that engages with a neck formed by the lid channel 46b. The plug 48 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer, for example ethylene-propylene rubber or a block copolymer of styrene and butadiene with alternating blocks, while it has a central thinned part, which can be punctured, for example, by means of an injection needle or nozzle of an espresso machine ", And also has a thicker part surrounding the central part, which clamps the neck of the lid channel 46b.

The thicker and central parts of the plug 48 are dimensioned so that they seal to engage the tube or nozzle, which serve to supply water to the cartridge. In other words, the plug 48 acts as a radial seal providing liquid tightness to the discharge tube or nozzle, thereby preventing the sprayed water from spraying from the lid portion 46b during the beverage extraction phase.

When the extraction phase is completed and the cartridge 41 must be separated from the injection nozzle, the plug 48 resiliently returns to its resting position due to its elastic nature, and even if it has been punctured, it serves as a reliable means of trapping solid and liquid residues that are stored inside the cartridge as only he will be removed from the car.

Although the plug 48 is shown inside the cartridge 41, it is understood that such a plug can be applied to any other cartridge of the invention, for example, to the cartridges previously described.

On Fig shows a cartridge 81 according to another variant embodiment of the invention. This cartridge contains features essentially corresponding to those of cartridge 21, that is, a cylindrical cup-shaped portion 82a, the base 87a of which contains a plurality of ribs 181 and channels 182 formed directly thereon, and an outwardly extending channel 86a, as well as a lid part 83a, firmly attached to the upper rim of the cup-shaped portion 82a, so as to determine the internal volume into which the coffee coffee briquette and filter media (not shown) are placed.

The lid portion 83a comprises a base 87b on which spaced ribs like ribs 111b are formed, and also includes a generally closed channel 86b, which is preferably located in the central area of the base 87b and protrudes outward from the internal volume of the cartridge 81. The lid channel 86b is sealed with an aluminum film or multilayer plastics.

The inner surface of the lid channel 86b is substantially smooth, and the cross-shaped barrier 89 to the fluid flow divides into four parts an opening 183b from which the lid channel 86b protrudes. The barrier 89 preferably protrudes into the inner volume of the cartridge, so that the filtering means that cover the briquette of granular matter will be kept at a distance from the base 87b of the lid portion 83a.

The diameter of the lid channel 86b is usually larger than the diameter of the other lid channels that are described above so that it can fully accept the water injection nozzle without the need for a needle to access the inside of the cartridge. The inner diameter of the lid channel is preferably at least 5 mm, but this diameter can even be larger, for example, it can essentially be equal to the diameter of the base of the lid 87b.

The ribs 181 of the base 87a surround a central annular recess 85a formed around an opening 183a from which the channel 86a of the cup portion protrudes. The ribs that closely surround the hole 183a contain protrusions 184 that extend radially toward the center of the hole 183a and which have a thickness the same as the thickness of the ribs 181. The protrusions 184 act both as a support for a briquette of bulk material and for filter media , and as a barrier to the flow for breaking the direct fluid flow.

The cartridge 81 further comprises a rubber gasket 186 which is mounted between the protrusions 184 and the annular recess 85a and which comprises a central through slot. Rubber gasket 186 is a valve means, the purpose of which is indicated above.

The channel 86a of the cup-shaped part mainly contains a barrier 187 to the fluid flow, which is a separate part that is inserted into the channel of the cup-shaped part and which is in tight engagement with the inner surface of this channel. The creation of a separate barrier to the fluid flow and the exclusion of barriers formed directly on the inner surface of the channel is a preferred arrangement, which, in particular, is acceptable for the so-called methods of manufacturing sequential molding.

The "separate" barrier 187 preferably comprises a hollow tube 188 made of plastic, the open ends of which are covered by filtering material that allows fluid to pass through, for example, a film of plastic mesh material or of fabric / paper with open labyrinths. Alternatively, internal barriers that are substantially similar to the barriers 114, 117a and 117b described above may be formed on the inner surface of the tube 188.

In an embodiment of the structure shown in FIG. 27, the tube 188 comprises an upper mesh film 185b and a bottom mesh film 185a. In order to attach the barrier 187 to the inner surface of the bowl-shaped channel 86a, the tube 188 comprises an annular rib 189a on its outer side wall for installation by snap-fitting into the corresponding annular recess 189b formed around the inner surface of the bowl-shaped channel 86a. Obviously, it will be understood by those skilled in the art how to create many other arrangements for attaching a separate blocking means to the channel of the bowl-shaped part or to the lid channel.

As shown in FIGS. 12-15, the cartridge or capsule 51 according to yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a cup-shaped portion 52 having a closed base 57 and a peripheral flange 59a at its neck. The substantially flat lid portion 53 is fixedly attached to the bowl-shaped portion 52, for example, by axial heat welding of the peripheral edge 59b of the lid portion 53 with the flange 59a. Obviously, as an alternative, any other method of fastening the lid part to the bowl part can be provided, for example, ultrasonic welding, adhesion, or a combination thereof with hot stamping or deformation methods.

The lid portion 53 includes a typically closed channel 56b having an M-shaped cross section, and further includes bulges 151a and 151b to create a small gap between the lid portion and a portion of ground coffee 54 filling the capsule 51 and located between filter media, for example sheets filter paper.

The base 57 and a portion of ground coffee form a substantially conical hollow volume into which the cam 159 is placed. Here, the cam is formed as a piercing element from a very hard material, for example plastic, having a spike 156 of a certain kind protruding from the cam supporting part 157.

The cam 159 is located inside the hollow conical volume so that this cam 159 in the normal state rests on the channel 56a of the cup portion by means of a spike 156, as shown in FIG. 13.

In a preferred embodiment, the cam support portion 157 is a disk extending along the bottom surface of a portion of ground coffee, the disk having a plurality of through holes 55 uniformly distributed on its upper surface. In addition, the bottom side of the cam 159 preferably contains radial ribs 154, 158.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 15, cam 156 includes surface grooves 155 extending longitudinally from the top of the tenon to the bottom surface of the disc 157, so that the tenon 156 resembles the tip of a Philips screwdriver. Obviously, this form is only an option and that other alternative forms of spike 156 can be created, provided that these forms allow the cam to pierce the base of the capsule 57.

At the beginning of the beverage extraction phase, when the filter holder is inserted into the bayonet holder, mechanical pressure is applied to the base 57, and the base tends to deviate toward the cam. As a result, the channel 56a of the bowl-shaped portion will be punctured with a spike 156 and an outlet will be automatically created for the extractable beverage. The clearance for moving the extracted beverage outward will be maintained by means of ribs 154, 158 and grooves 155.

The lid channel 56b, instead of what was previously indicated, is pierced by the injection nozzle of the extraction machine, and the injected water will spread along the upper surface of the ground coffee by the shape of the surface of the lid portion 53.

The capsule 51 is preferably made by high temperature shaping from a starting film or a sheet of multilayer thermoplastic, or from thermosetting compositions, for example, from a multilayer sheet containing polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinylidene chloride. In the case of such a manufacturing method, the resulting capsule will be very light and convenient, and a moderate amount of packaging material will also be used.

Thus, it is understood that if capsule 51 combines most of the hallmarks of standard extraction chambers as well as other cartridges of the invention, it ensures that the ground coffee is airtight.

In addition, during the extraction phase, a channel will automatically be formed at the channel 56a of the bowl-shaped portion by which the extractable beverage will be delivered directly to the outside of the cup or drinking glass without contamination of the cartridge or filter holder.

Various embodiments of the cartridge of the invention are described above. Next will be described in detail performed according to the second aspect of the invention, the extraction unit for use in a standard machine for making coffee "espresso" or in another machine that can pump water or other liquids under pressure, intended for brewing, to obtain a drink.

As shown in FIGS. 16-18, the extraction unit 60 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a support connected to the espresso machine, which preferably consists of a connecting element 62 for connecting the extraction unit to the water injection tube of the beverage extraction machine and bayonet mount 63.

The connecting element 62 has a base and a cylindrical side wall, rising from the base and ending with a flange rim, which serves to secure the support on the extraction machine (not shown), for example, by using screws. The base of the connecting element 62 includes a protruding inlet channel 65, which can be connected to the water outlet in the extraction machine, and a circular guide wall 259 located on the opposite side of the base, which is described below.

The bayonet holder 63 has a substantially cylindrical shape and has an upper open end into which the cylindrical side wall of the connecting element 62 is mounted. It is preferred that the bayonet holder 63 is attached to the connecting element 62 by the same screws that are used to secure the connecting element to the extraction machine. Obviously, the bayonet holder and the connecting element can be attached to each other by any other known method, for example, the outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the connecting element and the upper inner surface of the cylindrical side wall of the bayonet holder can be threaded. Alternatively, the connecting element and the bayonet holder can be made as a single part.

The bayonet holder 63 also has an open bottom end on which guides 263 of a known type are made for bayonet connection with the cartridge holder 64, which is provided with a grip 61.

The cartridge holder 64 comprises an essentially cylindrical body, the internal configuration of which is such that it fully accommodates the cartridge 21. In particular, it comprises a cylindrical side wall that mates with the side wall 28 of the cartridge.

In addition, the base of the cartridge holder 64 comprises an annular groove 261 into which the cartridge flange 125a slides and a bottom portion 250, which is located inside the cylindrical body of the cartridge holder and has an opening 267 in its central region.

The depth of the annular groove 261 is essentially equal to the height of the flange 125a, so that when the cartridge 21 is inserted into the holder 64, the surface of the base 27 is almost completely supported by the bottom part 250 and the channel 26a of the cup-shaped part protrudes from the hole 267.

Therefore, the inner shape of the cartridge holder 64 substantially matches the outer shape of the cartridge 21, whereby the cartridge fits snugly inside the holder.

The extraction unit 60 further comprises an injection nozzle assembly 265a, 265b, which is firmly mounted on the bottom open end of the inlet 65 facing the cartridge holder, for example, by means of a threaded connection. Alternatively, the nozzle assembly and the water inlet channel 65 may be manufactured as a single part.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the nozzle assembly comprises a hollow body 265a and a piercing element or needle 265b firmly attached to the inner surface of the nozzle body. In more detail, the nozzle body is essentially tubular and has two open ends 251 and 254.

The open end 254 is located at the bottom end of the nozzle body, and is wide enough to receive the protruding lid channel of the cartridge of the invention, for example, the lid channel 26b.

The open end 251 is formed at the upper end of the nozzle body by means of a wall 253 which is shaped so as to fit snugly against the inner surface of the open bottom end of the inlet 65. The outer surface of the upper wall 253 and the inner surface of the inlet 65 can be threaded for fastening the case nozzles to the connecting element 62. Alternative arrangements can also be created for connecting the nozzle assembly to the input of the connecting element, provided that they are adjacent to each other to provide low air tightness.

The outer surface of the nozzle body 265a comprises a radially protruding step portion 257 to limit the axial displacement of the cartridge ejector 269, as will be described below. Instead of what has been indicated, the inner surface of the nozzle body 265a comprises an annular protrusion 252 that extends inward and is preferably located in the middle region of the inner surface of the nozzle body.

A needle 265b is axially inserted and secured in an opening formed by an annular protrusion 252. To allow fluid to pass from the open upper end 251 to the open lower end 254, through holes 256 are formed in the annular protrusion 252.

The inner surface of the nozzle body 265a further comprises an annular recess 255, which is located in the bottom zone of this inner surface, preferably around the open bottom end 254. Such a recess accommodates an O-ring 266, which acts as a means of creating a radial, liquid-impermeable seals between the nozzle assembly and the inlet 26b of the cartridge 21 during the beverage extraction phase.

A significant advantage provided by the O-ring 266 is that it prevents the injection water from becoming contaminated by any internal component or surface of the extraction unit 60 and spilling onto the outer surface of the cartridge, which the user must touch and handle. Accordingly, an excellent hygiene condition will be guaranteed, and the extraction machine can be used hundreds of times without having to clean the components of the extraction unit, such as the cartridge holder 64 and the support 62, 63.

Such a non-contaminant arrangement is also advantageously combined with combining the outer trough with the cartridge of the invention. The same beverage extraction machine and the same extraction unit can be continuously used with cartridges containing various edible substances, such as coffee, chocolate, tea or herbal infusions, soups, other drinks containing hot milk, without the presence of in such a machine or in such a unit, the disadvantages of conventional systems that cause contamination and adversely affect the extraction results with continuous extraction of beverages.

In addition, the elasticity of the O-ring 266 allows the use of various cartridges having input channels with different radial dimensions, provided that these radial dimensions do not exceed the average diameter of the bottom hole 254 of the nozzle assembly.

To increase the practicality of the extraction unit, a cartridge ejector 269 is installed in the annular space formed by the guide wall 259 and a part of the nozzle body 265a protruding from the water inlet 65. The cartridge ejector 269 is substantially toroidal, preferably shaped so as to fit into the annular space defined by the guide wall 259, the base of the connecting member 62, the cap portion of the cartridge, and a portion of the nozzle body 265a protruding from the water inlet 655 during the extraction phase.

Cartridge ejector 269 comprises a plurality of springs 268 located in respective hollow seats having an open end from which the springs can pass. Springs 268 are adjacent to the base of the connecting member 62 and to the corresponding abutment surfaces provided within the hollow seats of the cartridge ejector.

When the cartridge holder 64 is attached to the bayonet holder 63, the ejector 269 is brought to the base of the connecting element 62 and the springs 268 will be compressed. As can be seen in FIG. 18, in this position, the lid channel 26b will be punctured with a needle 265b and water can be injected into the cartridge, as described above.

As soon as the cartridge holder is removed, the ejector 269 stores the cartridge 21 inside the holder 64, as can be seen in FIG. To stop the movement of the ejector when the cartridge holder is released, provide an annular protrusion 258 around the inner surface of the toroidal housing of the cartridge ejector, which is adjacent to the stepped part 257 of the nozzle body 265a when the ejector slides down to the cartridge holder.

Although a specific embodiment of the extraction assembly of the espresso machine has been described with reference to the cartridge of the type shown in FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that any equivalent extraction assembly that is substantially suitable for any cartridge of the invention can be created.

For example, as shown in FIG. 19, in accordance with the ideas set forth above, a specific extraction unit 70 suitable for the discoid cartridge 71 of the invention can be constructed.

The discoid cartridge 71 has not been described in detail before, however, it can be obtained by a direct combination of the hallmarks of the cartridge embodiments of the invention that have already been described in detail. This combination is presented here to show that the elements from various options can be combined to obtain additional design options, which, of course, belong to the same idea of the invention and which, of course, can be developed by qualified specialists in this field.

Cartridge 71 includes the features of cartridges 11, 31 and 41. More precisely, it has a generally discoidal shape and holds a coffee tablet of the known type, like cartridge 31. The cup-shaped portion of the cartridge 71 is similar to the cup-shaped portion 37, but contains a washer 119 and a rubber valve or a gasket 116 of the type used in the cartridge 11; pad 116 is shown in a deformed state, which is achieved during the extraction phase. Unlike the cartridge 31, the lid channel only slightly protrudes with respect to the lid part itself and is closed by a seal or rubber stopper 78 identical to the stopper 48 used in the cartridge 41.

Accordingly, the extraction unit 70 comprises a support connected to the espresso machine, which preferably consists of a connecting element 72 for connecting the extraction unit to the water injection tube of the beverage extraction machine and the bayonet holder 73.

The connecting element 72 comprises a water inlet channel 75 for connecting to the water injection channel in the beverage extraction machine, and an annular wall 359 protruding into the internal volume of the bayonet holder 73 when it is mounted on the connecting element.

The bayonet holder 73 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a top open end into which the annular wall 359 of the connecting member 72 extends. It is preferred that the bayonet holder 73 is attached to the connecting member 72 by the same screws that are used to secure the connecting member to extraction machine. Obviously, the bayonet holder and the connecting element can be attached to each other by any other known method, for example, the outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the connecting element and the upper surface of the cylindrical side wall of the bayonet holder can be threaded. Alternatively, the connecting element and the bayonet holder can be made as a single part.

The bayonet holder 73 further comprises an open bottom end on which guides 263 of a known type are made for bayonet coupling with the cartridge holder 74.

The cartridge holder 74 includes a substantially flattened housing, the internal configuration of which is mated to the cup-shaped portion of the cartridge 71. In addition, the base of the cartridge holder 74 contains an opening 377 located in its central region through which a channel 76a of the cup-shaped portion of the cartridge 71 is mounted.

When the cartridge holder 74 is firmly attached to the bayonet holder 73, the peripheral flat rim 79 of the cartridge 71 will be tightly held between the annular wall 359 and the rim of the cartridge holder 74.

The extraction unit also contains a nozzle 275, which is attached to the inlet channel 75 and which protrudes to the cartridge holder.

As shown in FIG. 23, the nozzle 275 is a substantially cylindrical hollow member having an internal axial cavity 359 for receiving water from the inlet 75, as well as a needle or a piercing element 358 integral with it, and the cavity 359 extends to the needle, which made hollow in the axial direction and contains radial through holes 356 for supplying water, essentially in the radial direction.

The nozzle 275 also has an annular recess 355 formed therein, in particular, located around the needle 358. The recess 355 is shaped so that the thicker peripheral portion of the plug 78 fits into it as soon as the cartridge holder 74 is attached to the bayonet holder 73. As shown in FIG. 19, in this position, the plug 78 is pierced by a needle 358 so that water can be injected into the cartridge, while the plug 78 provides a liquid tight seal between the nozzle 275 and the channel of the cartridge cover 71.

Consequently, plug 78 acts as a means of providing a liquid tight radial seal between the water inlet to the extraction unit and the cartridge, thereby preventing spray water from spraying onto the outer surface of the cartridge.

Advantageously, the extraction unit 70 comprises a cartridge ejector 369, which is placed in the annular space defined by the wall 359 and the nozzle 275 and which is similar to the ejector 269.

When the cartridge holder 74 is attached to the bayonet holder 73, the ejector 369 will be advanced upward to the connecting member 72 by means of springs 368, which respectively will be compressed. In contrast, when the cartridge holder 74 is removed from the bayonet holder 73, the ejector 269 stores the cartridge 71 inside the holder 74. To stop the ejector from moving when the cartridge holder is released, an annular protrusion 378 is formed around the inner surface of the cartridge ejector 369, which is adjacent to the stepped portion 357 the nozzle body 275 when the ejector slides down toward the cartridge holder.

As shown in Figs. 24-26, the extraction unit 80 according to yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a support that can be connected to an espresso machine and preferably consists of a connecting member 82 for connecting the extraction unit to a water injection pipe, available in the machine for extracting the drink, and the bayonet holder 83.

The connecting element 82 has a base and a cylindrical side wall, rising from the base and ending with a flange rim, which serves to mount the support on an extraction machine (not shown), for example, by using screws. The base of the connecting element 82 comprises a protruding inlet channel 85 connected to the water outlet in the extraction machine and a circular guide wall 459 located on the opposite side of the base. As you can see, the connecting element 82 is essentially similar to the previously described connecting element 62.

The bayonet holder 83 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an open upper end into which the cylindrical side wall of the connecting element 82 is mounted. It is preferred that the bayonet holder 83 is attached to the connecting element 82 by the same screws that are used to fasten the connecting element to extraction machine. Obviously, the bayonet holder and the connecting element can be attached to each other by any other known method. For example, the outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the connecting element and the upper inner surface of the cylindrical side wall of the bayonet holder may be threaded. Alternatively, the connecting element and the bayonet holder can be made as a single part.

In addition, the bayonet holder 83 comprises an open bottom end on which guides of a known type are made for bayonet connection with the cartridge holder 84.

To supply water inside the cartridge 51, the nozzle 285 is attached to the inlet channel 85, while it protrudes to the holder 84 of the cartridge.

As shown in FIG. 26, the nozzle 285 is a substantially cylindrical hollow member in which an internal axial cavity 459 is formed to receive water from the inlet 85. A hollow needle or a piercing element 458 is formed along with the nozzle 285, while the cavity 459 extends to the needle. Advantageously, the needle 458 comprises radial through holes 456 for supplying water in a substantially radial direction.

Inside the nozzle 285, in addition, an annular recess 455 is formed, in particular around the needle 458, designed to receive an O-ring 466, which acts as a means of providing radial sealing in liquid between the nozzle assembly and the cartridge inlet 56b 51 during the beverage extraction phase.

Advantageously, the extraction unit 80 comprises a cartridge ejector 469, which is placed in the annular space defined by the wall 459 and the nozzle 285 and which is similar to the ejector 269.

The ejector 469 preferably comprises a peripheral annular rib 470 located on its bottom side, which is shaped to engage with the peripheral curved portion 151a of the cap portion of the cartridge 51 when the cartridge holder is attached to the bayonet holder.

The holder 84 has an essentially cylindrical body, the inner part of which is shaped so that it can accommodate the capsule 51. In particular, it contains an inner side wall, which is shaped, essentially mating with the side wall of the capsule, and which ends with an annular shoulder 86 in the upper zone and a hole 477 located in the bottom zone of the capsule holder.

The base of the holder 84 does not have the same inclination as that of the base 57 of the capsule 51. It is preferable that the base region of the holder 84 of the capsule be inclined substantially parallel to the ribs 154 and 158 of the cam 159. Accordingly, in the initial state in which the holder is not completely attached to the bayonet holder, the capsule 51 keeps itself on the contour of the hole 477 only in accordance with the area around the bowl portion 56a, while the flanges 59a, 59b are in a raised position with respect to the annular shoulder 86 of the holder 84.

As soon as the cartridge holder 84 is manually rotated to attach it to the bayonet holder 83, the lid of the capsule 51 is first adjacent to the bottom surface of the ejector 469, and then adjacent to the annular wall 459. Accordingly, pressure will be applied to the base 57, which leads to that the spike 156 pierces the bowl-shaped channel 56a and the base 57 bends toward the bottom of the cam 159.

In the final position, that is, in the position shown in FIG. 25, in which the capsule holder 84 is fully attached to the bayonet holder 83 and the system is ready for the extraction phase of the beverage, the bowl portion 56a will be fully open and the extracted beverage can be served directly into outside cup.

25 also shows that in the beverage extraction position, the nozzle 285 punctures the inlet channel 56b of the capsule 51. The M-shape of the inlet channel 56b is advantageous because it provides easy engagement with the needle portion of the nozzle 285.

Advantageously, immediately after removing the holder 84 from the bayonet holder, the ejector 469 ensures that the cartridge 51 is retained inside the holder 84. To stop the ejector moving when the cartridge holder is released, an annular protrusion 478 is created around the inner surface of the toroidal cartridge ejector body, which stops at the housing stop 57 285 nozzles when the ejector slides down.

The aforementioned extraction unit comprises an injection nozzle, which is provided with a needle for breaking the plug or sealing the upper channel of the cartridge and for access to the internal volume of the cartridge. In addition, the upper channels of said cartridges are dimensioned so that they can be inserted into the corresponding female nozzle. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is possible to create a return connection between the injection nozzle and the upper channel of the cartridge. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, the extraction unit according to yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a support connected to an espresso machine, which preferably consists of a connecting member 582 for connecting the extraction unit to a water injection tube in the machine for extracting the beverage, and from the bayonet holder 583.

The connecting element 582 has a base and a cylindrical side wall, rising from the base and ending with a flange rim, which serves to mount the support on an extraction machine (not shown), for example, using screws. The base of the connecting element 582 comprises a protruding inlet channel 585 connected to the water outlet in the extraction machine, and on the opposite side of the base there is a round guide wall 559.

The bayonet holder 583 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an open upper end into which the connecting element 582 is mounted. It is preferred that the bayonet holder 583 is attached to the connecting element 582 by the same screws that are used to fasten the connecting element to the extraction machine, as in the design options described above. Obviously, the bayonet holder and the connecting element can be attached to each other by any other known method, for example, the outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the connecting element and the upper inner surface of the cylindrical side wall of the bayonet holder can be threaded. Alternatively, the connecting element and the bayonet holder can be made as a single part.

The bayonet holder 583 further comprises an open bottom end on which guides of a known type are provided for bayonet coupling with the cartridge holder 584.

The cartridge holder 584 comprises an essentially cylindrical body, the inside of which is shaped so that the cartridge 81 described above can be completely inserted into it. In particular, it contains a cylindrical inner side wall that mates with the side wall of the cartridge.

In addition, the base of the cartridge holder 584 includes an annular groove 561, into which the lower flange of the cartridge 81 enters by sliding, and a bottom portion 550, which is located inside the cylindrical body of the cartridge holder and which contains an opening 567 located in its central zone. The annular groove 561 and the bottom 550 are shaped so that when the cartridge 81 is inserted into the holder 584, the surface of its base 87a is almost completely supported by the bottom 550 and the channel 86a of the cup protrudes from the opening 567.

The extraction unit of FIG. 28 further comprises a discharge nozzle 575 that is fixedly attached to the open bottom end of the inlet 585 facing the cartridge holder, for example by means of a threaded connection. Alternatively, the nozzle and channel 585 for entering water can be made in the form of a single part.

The nozzle 575 comprises a hollow cylindrical body with opposite open ends, and a flange 557 is made in its middle zone.

The hollow end portion 558 of a substantially cylindrical shape protrudes axially from the nozzle flange 557 to the cartridge holder, and is shaped so that it has an outer diameter that is generally smaller than the inner diameter of the cap channel 86b. Accordingly, the end portion 558 can be fully inserted into the lid channel when the cartridge holder 584 is firmly mounted on the bayonet holder 583, thanks to the lid channel 86b having a suitable width.

The end portion 558 is much wider than the (normal) injection needle, but small enough to allow it to be inserted as a male part into the cartridge channel, for example, into the cap channel 86b. Advantageously, the end portion 558 comprises an annular recess formed around an outer surface for receiving sealing means therein, for example, an O-ring 566.

Advantageously, the extraction unit comprises a toroidal ejector 569 of the cartridge, which is placed in the annular space defined by the wall 559 of the connecting element and the nozzle 575, and which is similar to the other ejector cartridge described above.

The axial movement of the ejector 569 is limited by conventional latches-holders 578, which extend upward and which by sliding will be inserted into a suitable annular recess 579 surrounding the nozzle 575. The limit stop for the latches-holders 578 is formed by the flange 557 of the nozzle 575.

Advantageously, the cartridge toroidal ejector 569 comprises an inner concentric side wall 568 that is dimensioned to form an annular gap with an end portion 558 of the injection nozzle, the gap being completely filled with the side wall of the lid channel 86b when the cartridge 81 is attached to the extraction unit. Therefore, in the case of the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 28, the cartridge ejector also acts as a retaining wall, preventing the lid channel from expanding during the extraction phase.

The extraction unit of FIG. 28 is advantageous in that it has a simple device that eliminates puncture needles and at the same time provides a non-contaminating connection between the cartridge, the extraction chamber and the water injection chamber. Essentially, regardless of whether or not the lid channel is closed before being introduced into the extraction unit, the injection nozzle acts as a male part and the lid channel as a female part, and the injection nozzle can pierce the upper seal, if any, of the lid channel without the need to use a suitable needle.

The injection part 575, 585 of the extraction unit is kept isolated from the extraction chamber formed by the cartridge by means of an outer O-ring, and a very significant number of sequential extraction processes for preparing the same drink or different drinks can be performed without purification or maintenance of the extraction unit.

In addition, the outer O-ring 566 of the injection nozzle can easily be replaced or maintained without having to access the interior of the injection nozzle itself.

Thus, it is shown that in the present invention the objectives are fulfilled. Of course, some modifications of the cartridges and extraction units according to the invention will be obvious to qualified specialists in this field and can easily be made by them, but without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the scope of the claims should not be limited to the illustrations or preferred embodiments of the construction, which are given in the description as examples, more precisely, the claims should cover all the hallmarks of patentable novelty, which is characteristic of the present invention, including all those hallmarks that will be processed in the form of equivalents by qualified specialists in this field.

The contents of the applications EP 04007293.6, 04007294.4, 04007295.1, 04007296.9, defining the priority of the claims of the present application, is incorporated here by reference.

Claims (40)

1. A cartridge for extracting a beverage from a granular substance contained therein with water under pressure, wherein the cartridge contains:
a main body comprising a cup-shaped part and a lid part, wherein the cup-shaped part comprises a base, a side wall and a rim opposite to the specified base, and the lid part is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup-shaped part to limit the internal volume of the cartridge;
the internal volume of the cartridge contains bulk material enclosed within filtering means to trap bulk material and to percolate liquid substances through them;
the lid part contains a channel forming a first passage for percolable liquid substances, and the base of the cup-shaped part contains a channel forming a second passage for percolable liquid substances;
characterized in that said base comprises a plurality of ribs formed directly on it and protruding into the internal volume of the cartridge to support filter media and granular matter and to form thin channels between the filter media and the channel of the cup-shaped part. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that said channel of the cup-shaped part protrudes from the base of the cup-shaped part outward from the internal volume so as to allow the extractable beverage to move into the outside cup without contaminating any component of the beverage extraction machine. 3. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the two channels - the channel of the cup-shaped part or the channel of the lid, contains barriers to the flow of liquid formed on its inner surface or located in it, for breaking the direct flow of fluid passing, respectively through the channel of the cup-shaped part or the channel of the lid. 4. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid channel protrudes from the lid part and has a substantially cylindrical shape. 5. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid portion comprises a plurality of ribs formed directly on its inner side and protruding into the inner volume of the cartridge to support filter media and granular material and to form thin channels between the filter media and the lid channel. 6. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid part contains spaced ribs on its inner side, protruding into the inner volume of the cartridge so as to create a small gap between the lid part and filtering means. 7. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel of the cup-shaped part comprises valve means elastically opening under pressure of the percolated liquid substances to allow passage of the percolated liquid substances through the channel of the cup-shaped part. 8. The cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the valve means comprise a gasket or disk of elastic material selected from the group consisting of rubbers, elastomers, flexible plastics, the gasket containing a through gap, which is usually closed to isolate the internal volume of the cartridge from external environment and to retain liquid residues in the internal volume when the specified extraction of the drink is completed. 9. The cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that the gasket or disk contains surface ribs for supporting bulk material and filter media, and for the passage of fluid between them. 10. The cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that the valve means comprise a washer located on the gasket or a disk for supporting the granular substance and filtering means and for the passage of liquid to the slit. 11. The cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the valve means in their open state allow percolated liquid substances to pass through at least a narrow opening to increase the formation and stability of the foam in the beverage extracted from the cartridge when the granular substance is ground coffee. 12. The cartridge according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the lid channel comprises a rubber seal having a central punctured portion and a thicker peripheral portion to provide radial liquid sealing when the cartridge is inserted into the beverage extraction machine. 13. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the lid channel and the cup portion channel are substantially aligned along the axis of water injection, while the main body is shaped so that it is substantially symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular axis of water injection, so that the cartridge can be inserted into the machine for extracting the drink, regardless of which channel will act as an input channel for receiving water, and regardless of which channel will act as an output channel la for the release of the extracted beverage. 14. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the base of the cup-shaped part contains a flange aligned axially with the side wall of the cartridge and protruding outward from the internal volume of the cartridge so as to surround the channel of the cup-shaped parts. 15. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made of a material selected from: thermoplastics, aluminum, rubber, multilayer plastics, thermosetting compositions and any combination thereof. 16. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the granular substance is selected from the group comprising: ground coffee, roasted ground coffee, instant coffee, tea, cocoa powder, powdered milk, instant mixes, soups. 17. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid channel or the cup portion channel are female channels, so that they are capable of receiving a beverage extraction machine for injecting water during the beverage extraction phase. 18. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the ribs have an arcuate shape and are located along concentric arcs, so as to form many radial and circumferential channels directly on the base of the cup-shaped part. 19. The cartridge according to p. 18, characterized in that the channels have a width of essentially 1 mm 20. A cartridge for extracting a beverage from a granular substance contained therein with water under pressure, wherein the cartridge contains:
a main body comprising a cup-shaped part and a lid part, wherein the cup-shaped part comprises a base, a side wall and a rim opposite to the specified base, and the lid part is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup-shaped part to limit the internal volume of the cartridge;
the internal volume of the cartridge accommodates a granular substance enclosed within filtering means for trapping the granular substance and for percolating through them liquid substances;
the lid part contains a channel forming a first passage for percolable liquid substances, and the base of the cup-shaped part contains a channel forming a second passage for percolable liquid substances;
characterized in that it contains a disk of porous material located between the filtering means and the base of the cup-shaped part, for supporting the filtering means and granular matter and for the formation of thin channels between the filtering means and the channel of the cup-shaped part. 21. The cartridge, in particular for machines for making coffee "espresso", designed to extract a drink from a granular substance inside it, water under pressure, containing:
a main body comprising a cup-shaped part and a lid part, wherein the cup-shaped part comprises a base, a side wall and a rim opposite to the specified base, and the lid part is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup-shaped part to limit the internal volume of the cartridge;
the internal volume of the cartridge contains bulk material enclosed within filtering means to trap bulk material and to percolate liquid substances through them;
the lid part contains a channel forming a first passage for percolable liquid substances, and the base of the cup-shaped part contains a channel forming a second passage for percolable liquid substances;
moreover, the internal volume contains valve means located on the channel of the bowl-shaped part, elastically open under pressure of percolated liquid substances during the phase of extraction of the beverage, so as to allow passage of percolated liquid substances through the channel of the bowl-shaped part during the phase of extraction of the beverage, characterized in that said valve means contain a gasket or disk made of elastic material and containing a through slot or hole, usually closed to isolate the internal volume of the cartridge from externally medium and to retain liquid residues in the internal volume when the extraction of the drink is completed, while said valve means in their open state allow passage of percolated liquid substances through at least said opening to increase the formation and stability of foam in the beverage extracted from the cartridge when loose substance is ground coffee,
moreover, the specified channel of the lid contains barriers to the flow of liquid formed on its inner surface or located in it, for breaking the direct flow of fluid passing through the channel of the cover. 22. The cartridge according to item 21, wherein the valve means is usually closed until the pressure of percolated liquid substances is applied, so as to isolate the internal volume of the cartridge from the external environment, when the cartridge is not installed in the machine for extracting the drink. 23. The cartridge according to item 21, wherein the valve means are elastically sealed when the pressure of the percolated liquid substances drops due to the completion of the beverage extraction phase to retain liquid residues in the internal volume. 24. The cartridge according to p. 21, characterized in that the gasket or disk contains surface ribs to allow passage between them of liquid and to maintain the specified granular substance and filter media. 25. The cartridge according to p. 21, characterized in that the valve means comprise a washer located on the gasket, for supporting the bulk material and filtering means and for the passage of fluid to the gap. 26. The cartridge according to any one of paragraphs.21, 22, 24, 25, characterized in that the base contains many ribs formed directly on it and protruding into the inner volume of the cartridge, for supporting filter media and granular matter and for the formation of thin channels, to provide a fluid communication filtering means and granular matter with the specified channel of the cup-shaped part. 27. The cartridge according to p. 26, characterized in that the ribs have an arcuate shape and are located along concentric arcs, so as to form many radial and circumferential channels directly on the base of the cup-shaped part. 28. The cartridge according to item 27, wherein the width of the channels is essentially 1 mm 29. A cartridge, in particular for machines for preparing espresso coffee, for extracting a beverage from a granular substance contained therein with water under pressure, comprising:
a main body comprising a cup-shaped part and a lid part, wherein the cup-shaped part comprises a base, a side wall and a rim opposite to the specified base, and the lid part is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup-shaped part to limit the internal volume of the cartridge;
the internal volume of the cartridge accommodates a granular substance enclosed within filtering means for trapping the granular substance and for percolating through them liquid substances;
the lid portion comprises a channel, usually closed, forming a first passage for percolated liquid substances when it is open;
characterized in that it comprises a cam located in the internal volume so as to pierce the base when pressure is applied to the base in the direction of the internal volume, thereby opening a normally closed channel of the cup-shaped part. 30. The cartridge according to clause 29, wherein the base of the cup-shaped part forms a substantially conical hollow volume with bulk material and filtering means, while the conical hollow volume accommodates a cam that is held on a normally closed channel of the cup-shaped part. 31. The cartridge according to clause 29, wherein the cam contains a disk-shaped support part, on which the granular substance and filter means are supported, and a spike protruding from the support part from its side opposite to the granular substance and filter means, so that the cam will be held on the channel of the cup-shaped part when it is closed, and the spike pierces the channel of the cup-shaped part when pressure is applied. 32. The cartridge according to p. 31, characterized in that the supporting part contains many through holes evenly distributed on its upper surface. 33. The cartridge according to p. 31, characterized in that the bottom side of the cam contains radial ribs protruding to the base of the channel of the cup-shaped part to maintain a gap between the base and the cam if the base is bent under pressure. 34. The cartridge according to any one of paragraphs.29, 30, 32, 33, characterized in that the main body has a substantially cylindrical shape with a conically protruding base. 35. The cartridge according to any one of paragraphs.29, 30, 32, 33, characterized in that it is made of a material selected from: thermoplastics, aluminum, rubber, multilayer plastics, thermosetting compositions, as well as any combination thereof. 36. The cartridge according to any one of paragraphs.29, 30, 32, 33, characterized in that the granular substance is selected from the group consisting of ground coffee, roasted ground coffee, instant coffee, tea, cocoa powder, powdered milk, instant mixes or soups. 37. Cartridge for extracting a beverage from a granular substance contained therein with water under pressure, containing
a main body comprising a cup-shaped part and a lid part, wherein the cup-shaped part comprises a base, a side wall and a rim opposite to the specified base, and the lid part is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup-shaped part to limit the internal volume of the cartridge;
the internal volume of the cartridge accommodates a granular substance enclosed within filtering means for trapping the granular substance and for percolating through them liquid substances;
the lid part contains a channel forming a first passage for percolable liquid substances, and the base of the cup-shaped part contains a channel forming a second passage for percolable liquid substances;
the lid channel and the bowl portion channel are substantially aligned along the axis of the water injection;
characterized in that the main body is shaped so that it is substantially symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of water injection, so that the cartridge can be used regardless of which channel will act as an input channel for receiving water, and no matter which channel acts as an outlet for supplying the extractable beverage. 38. An extraction unit for installation in a machine for extracting a beverage, comprising:
a support connected to the water outlet of the beverage extraction machine;
a cartridge holder attached to a support for holding a cartridge for extracting a beverage from a granular material comprising:
a main body comprising a cup-shaped part and a lid part, wherein the cup-shaped part comprises a base, a side wall and a rim opposite to the specified base, and the lid part is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup-shaped part to limit the internal volume of the cartridge;
the internal volume of the cartridge accommodates a granular substance enclosed within filtering means for trapping the granular substance and for percolating through them liquid substances;
the lid portion typically contains a closed channel forming the first passage for percolated liquid substances when it is open;
a cam located in the internal volume so that it punctures the base when pressure is applied to the base in the direction of the internal volume, thereby opening a generally closed channel of the lid portion;
wherein the cartridge holder is formed internally so as to apply pressure to the base of the cartridge in the direction of the internal volume when the cartridge holder is attached to the support. 39. An extraction unit for installation in beverage extraction machines, comprising a support connected to the water outlet of the beverage extraction machine and a cartridge holder attached to the support for holding the cartridge according to any one of claims 1, 20, 21 and 29. 40. The extraction unit according to claim 39, wherein the cartridge holder has an internal shape substantially corresponding to the external shape of the cartridge so that the cartridge can fit tightly into the holder.

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