EP3107836A1

EP3107836A1 - Coffee capsule with electrical conductivity

Info

Publication number: EP3107836A1
Application number: EP15709853.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frank Finis
Original assignee: Ritter GmbH
Current assignee: Ritter GmbH
Priority date: 2014-02-17
Filing date: 2015-02-17
Publication date: 2016-12-28
Also published as: WO2015121491A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a container for holding foodstuffs, said container comprising a beaker-type main body (1) having an outer wall (10) and a base wall (11), in addition to a first sealing element (2). The outer wall (10) and the base wall (11) delimit a holding chamber having a first opening lying opposite the base wall. According to the invention, the beaker-type main body (1) consists of a composite material comprising at least two layers, one layer being electrically conductive. The electrical conductivity allows other functions to be activated.

Description

TITLE

Coffee capsule with electrical conductivity

TECHNICAL AREA

The application relates to containers for containing foods, comprising: a cup-like component having at least one jacket wall and a bottom wall, wherein the

Mantle wall and the bottom wall define a receiving space, wherein the receiving space has a bottom wall opposite opening and a closure element.

STATE OF THE ART

It is known to extract food in the form of beverages, in particular coffee, from containers in the form of capsules containing a powder (possibly also a concentrate) of the beverage to be prepared. The content of the capsule is dosed for one or more portions. The extraction is carried out by introducing high-temperature water or water vapor

Introducing a nozzle by creating an opening in the capsule wall at a specific location. The aroma substances are extracted by the water in the interior of the capsule under pressure or the water vapor from the beverage powder. The beverage flows out through openings created elsewhere or on another side of the capsule wall (or cover). The drink is filtered. During extraction, considerable pressures, for example of about 10 bar, must be achieved in the interior of the capsule.

Such coffee capsules are made of various materials such as cardboard, aluminum, etc. Aluminum has the advantage of sealing the contents airtight and thus preventing escape of the aroma from the capsule. In addition, aluminum protects the capsule contents from external influences such as moisture. In addition, the wall thickness of the capsule must be sufficiently strong and stable at least at those locations where the wall is not to be destroyed by the internal pressure, that is to say in the area of the opening which is produced by the nozzle and on the side wall areas

mechanical stresses during piercing the nozzle and the internal pressure during extraction to withstand. Thus, it is hardly avoidable to use a minimum amount of aluminum, although aluminum causes high costs because of the energy-consuming production. At the

Discarding the coffee capsules, which are a disposable or disposable article is thus relatively high-quality, since destroyed with high energy input raw material destroyed. In addition, it is known to mark capsules or to provide them with a recognition feature so that the type of capsule introduced into a coffee machine can be detected. For this purpose, different methods are known, such as the detection by means of a barcode.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a container for receiving a food with aroma protection for the container, which allows a resource-saving production of the container. At the same time, the invention has for its object to provide a container that can trigger other functions.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

The object is achieved by a container according to claims 1, 4 and 11. Advantageous embodiments result from the features of the dependent claims.

An inventive container for storing a food, in particular for

Preparation of a beverage, for example coffee powder, comprises: a cup-like base body which has at least one jacket wall and a bottom wall, wherein the jacket wall and the bottom wall delimit a receiving space, wherein the receiving space has a first opening, which lies opposite the bottom wall, and a first closure element , The cup-like base body is made of a composite material having at least two layers, wherein one of the layers is electrically conductive. The conductive layer may be the outer or the inner layer. Alternatively, the conductive layer may be disposed between two layers

Be intermediate layer. The other layer or the other layers are usually made of a non-conductive material such as plastic.

The cup-like base body may be made of plastic or other water-impermeable material. The main body can for example consist of coextruded film and / or be produced by thermoforming, or in a deep-drawing process.

Among other things, the conductivity of the capsule may make it possible to close a (control) circuit of the extraction machine. Coffee makers suitable for such a capsule may have two or more contacts that are electrically connected by abutting the capsule. This creates a closed circuit, the one of

Control device can be detected when the capsule is inserted into the machine. So can to detect the possibility of whether a capsule is used, and may be determined a capsule type. As a result, certain functions can be triggered, such as the setting of certain preparation parameters. The contacts of the extraction machine can thereby

For example, with the bottom wall (or the second closure element) and with the flange (or the first closure element) in contact. The conductive connection between these contacts is produced, inter alia, via the conductive layer of the base body.

It is irrelevant whether the conductive cup material is located on the inside or outside of the cup. If the conductive material is inside, contacting over the floor and ceiling is required. In contrast, the conductive connection between contacts in the event that the conductive cup material is located on the outside, also be done directly on the outside of the cup wall.

During extraction, the capsule is placed in a suitable coffee machine. Subsequently, a portion of the top is perforated, for example, from a water or

Water vapor pipe which pierces into the area. By introduced into the interior of the capsule water or water vapor, the pressure in the interior increases. As a result, the closure element bulges outward and is interacting with corresponding

Opening elements of the coffee machine perforated and / or ruptured by the rising internal pressure without further external action. The piercing (e.g., pointed, knife-like) elements may themselves be formed as contacts of the extraction machine and the control circuit, respectively.

Preferably, at least one of the layers of the cup-like base body of the capsule comprises electrically conductive plastic or an electrically conductive polymer (eg polypropylene, polyethylene, polyparaphenylene, polythiophene, polypyrrole and polyaniline) or polymers containing electrically conductive additives such as flakes or fibers of metal, such as For example, aluminum, carbon, graphite, steel (especially stainless steel) or carbon black (in particular

Conductivity soot), on. By using a plastic that is either already electrically conductive itself, or that can be made conductive by adding electrically conductive additives, the costly and resource-intensive use of aluminum, for example, can be completely or at least largely avoided.

However, it is also conceivable to use for the conductive layer films of polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl alcohol plastic, aluminum / polyethylene terephthalate or a composite film of these and other materials. The cup may consist, for example, of a layer of (non-conductive) plastic and a conductive layer (for example of aluminum or conductive plastic).

However, in another embodiment, the capsule may comprise an electrically conductive layer of aluminum or an aluminum composite material.

A further container according to the invention for storing a foodstuff, in particular for preparing a beverage or, for example, coffee powder, comprises: a cup-like one

A base body having at least a shell wall and a bottom wall, wherein the shell wall and the bottom wall define a receiving space, wherein the receiving space has an opening which is opposite to the bottom wall; and a closure element. The cup-like

Base body is made of a conductive plastic, in particular of an electrically conductive polymer (eg polypropylene, polyethylene, polyparaphenylene, polythiophene, polypyrrole and polyaniline) or of polymers containing electrically conductive additives such as flakes or fibers of metal, for example aluminum, carbon, graphite , Steel (especially stainless steel) or carbon black (especially conductivity black).

The cup-like base body can be produced by thermoforming or by injection molding.

In its preferred embodiment, the bottom wall of the cup-like base body of the container described above has a second opening which is closed by a second closure element. The necessary stability of the shell wall and at least of parts of the bottom wall can be achieved by the combination of different components. With a predominant use of plastic not only costs and effort of production are reduced. When disposing of used containers is also less valuable material (usually aluminum or

Aluminum composite) lost. This also contributes to environmental protection.

Advantageously, the first closure element and / or the second closure element consist of a conductive material (or comprise a conductive material), in particular of a conductive foil or a metal. These closure elements can be conductively connected to one another via the cup material. Preferably, the first and / or the second closure element made of an air- and waterproof material.

For this purpose, the electrically conductive layer of the cup-like base body is preferably electrically conductively connected to the first closure element and / or to the second closure element. Another container according to the invention for storing a food, in particular for preparing a beverage or, for example, coffee powder, comprises: a cup-like

Base body, which has at least one jacket wall and a bottom wall, wherein the jacket wall and the bottom wall define a receiving space, wherein the receiving space has a first opening, which lies opposite the bottom wall, and a first closure element. To the

Cup-like base body is an electrically conductive connection between the

Closing element and the bottom wall arranged.

Closure element and bottom wall consist in particular of a conductive material itself.

The cup-like base body may be made of plastic or other water-impermeable material. The main body may for example consist of co-extruded film and / or be prepared in a deep-drawing process.

The conductive connection in the capsule may, among other things, make it possible to close the above-mentioned (control) circuit of the extraction machine. It does not matter if the conductive connection is on the inside or outside of the cup. If the conductive connection is inside, contacting along the casing wall via floor and ceiling is required.

In contrast, the conductive connection between contacts in the event that the conductive cup material is located on the outside, also be done directly on the outside of the cup wall.

In its preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive connection consists of at least one conductor track. Preferably, however, multiple tracks are used to thereby avoid potential problems with contacting as well as functional problems of a single trace. This conductor track (or conductor tracks) can (or may) be located on the outside of the cup or cup.

In a further preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive connection consists of an at least partially cylindrical or a net-like insert, which in the

Receiving space is arranged, wherein this insert can be arranged outside or inside the shell wall or embedded in the shell wall, for example as a conductive layer.

Preferably, the electrically conductive compound of metal (eg, aluminum, copper or silicon), of electrically conductive plastic or an electrically conductive polymer (eg polypropylene, polyethylene, polyparaphenylene, polythiophene, polypyrrole and polyaniline) or Polymers which comprise electrically conductive additives such as, for example, flakes or fibers of metal, for example aluminum, carbon, graphite, steel (in particular stainless steel), and / or carbon black (in particular conductive carbon black).

By the use of a plastic, which is either already electrically conductive itself, or can be made conductive by adding electrically conductive additives, the

costly and resource-intensive use of aluminum, for example, or to a large extent be avoided.

However, it is also conceivable to use for the electrically conductive compound films of polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl alcohol plastic, aluminum / polyethylene terephthalate or a composite film of these and other materials.

The cup may for example consist of (non-conductive) plastic and an electrically conductive compound (such as aluminum or conductive plastic).

In its preferred embodiment, the bottom wall of the cup-like base body of the container has a second opening which is closed by a second closure element. The necessary stability of the shell wall and at least of parts of the bottom wall can be achieved by the combination of different components. With a predominant use of plastic not only costs and effort of production are reduced. When disposing of used containers is also less valuable material (usually aluminum or

Aluminum composite) lost. This also contributes to environmental protection.

Advantageously, the first closure element and / or the second closure element consist of a conductive material (or comprise a conductive material), in particular of a conductive foil or a metal. These closure elements can be conductively connected to one another via the electrically conductive connection. Preferably, the first and / or the second exist

Closure element made of an air- and waterproof material.

The electrically conductive connection can be electrically conductively connected to the conductive first closure element and / or to the conductive second closure element.

The cup-like base body can be produced by thermoforming or by injection molding. The cup-like base body of the container may have a flange which extends outwardly from the edge of the casing wall delimiting the opening. The flange surrounds the opening in particular annular.

The cup-like base body may consist of biodegradable plastic, which may be

contains biologically renewable raw materials.

The cup-like base body may have a layer structure, in particular a

Barrier layer comprises, which may be formed as a coextruded film.

The first closure member of the container may be welded to the flange to form a preferably air and watertight connection. This way is through the

Base body and the closure an air- and waterproof, so formed the aroma of the food, especially the beverage powder, receiving space.

Preferably, the first component is attached to the second component by heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.

Variants specified by the embodiments and definitions already described above are also claimed in connection with the last mentioned inventive container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures, wherein the figures show:

Figure 1 is a side view of the container according to the invention in the form of a capsule;

Figure 2 is a first perspective view of the container according to the invention in the form of a capsule

(with recognizability of the bottom and the second closure element);

FIG. 3 shows a second perspective view of the container according to the invention in the form of a capsule (with recognizability of the first closure element);

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the jacket wall with the layer structure being recognizable;

FIG. 5 shows a further side view of the container according to the invention in the form of a capsule with an electrically conductive connection; FIG. 6 shows a first perspective view of the container according to the invention in the form of a capsule (with recognizability of the bottom as well as the second closure element) with an electrically conductive connection;

FIG. 7 shows a second perspective view of the container according to the invention in the form of a capsule (with recognizability of the first closure element) with an electrically conductive connection;

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIAL EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like reference numerals in different figures refer to like elements.

In FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a container according to the invention in the form of a capsule is shown in different perspectives.

The capsule has a cup-like base body 1. This consists of a jacket wall 10 and a bottom wall 11 which delimit a receiving space. In the bottom wall 11 is centrally located a second closure element. 3

The receptacle aum has a first opening, which lies opposite the bottom wall 11 and is closed by a first closure element 2. The second closure element 3, the first closure element 2 is opposite. The cup-like basic body 1 has, on the side of the first closure element 2, a flange 13 which extends outwardly from the edge of the lateral wall 10 delimiting the first opening. The flange is integral / one piece with the

Base body 1 is formed.

In the perspective view in Figure 2, the second closure element 3 is visible.

In contrast, in the perspective view in Figure 3, the second closure element 3 can be seen.

The cup-like base body 1 is at least partially electrically conductive in the embodiments. As a result, an electrically conductive connection is to be made either via the main body 1 either a) between the closure elements 2 and 3, and / or b) between the first closure element 2 and the base body 1, e.g. the jacket wall 10, and / or c) between the second

Closure element 3 and the base body 1, for example, the jacket wall 10, are produced. This conductivity is due to the use of conductive composite material (with at least one electrical conductive layer) or conductive plastic. For this purpose, the conductive layer or the conductive part of the main body must be electrically conductively connected to the corresponding closure elements.

In Figure 4, parts of the jacket wall 10 and the bottom wall 11 and the flange 13 are shown. The aforementioned components consist of a composite material with at least two layers 20, 21, wherein one of the layers is electrically conductive. At least one of the layers consists of electrically conductive plastic or electrically conductive polymer (for example polypropylene,

Polyethylene, polyparaphenylene, polythiophene, polypyrrole and polyaniline) or from polymers, the electrically conductive additives such as flakes or fibers of metal such as aluminum, carbon, graphite, steel (especially stainless steel) or carbon black (in particular

Conductive carbon black). If only one of the layers is conductive, it does not matter if this is the outer or inner layer. If this is the outer layer 20, however, a contact of a control device directly outside of the jacket wall can make electrical contact.

Alternatively, the conductive material may be an electrically conductive layer 20 or 21, e.g. be formed of aluminum or aluminum composite material. The shape of the cup-like base body consists of coextruded film and / or was produced in a deep-drawing process.

Although the capsule 1 is shown with an opening in the bottom area. However, the bottom of the cup-like base body can also be closed in the two main embodiments (basic body with electrically conductive layer or basic body made of electrically conductive plastic).

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show another container according to the invention in the form of a capsule, each with a different perspective.

The receptacle aum has a first opening, which lies opposite the bottom wall 11 and is closed by a first closure element 2. The second closure element 3, the first closure element 2 is opposite. The cup-like basic body 1 has, on the side of the first closure element 2, a flange 13 which extends outwardly from the edge of the lateral wall 10 delimiting the first opening. The flange is integral / one piece with the Base body 1 is formed. Also shown is an electrically conductive connection 110 on the jacket wall 10.

In the perspective view in FIG. 6, the second closure element 3 is visible.

In contrast, in the perspective view in Figure 7, the second closure element 3 can be seen.

The cup-like base body 1 has in the embodiments by the use of the electrically conductive connection 110 at least partially electrical conductivity. By means of this electrically conductive connection, an electrically conductive connection is made either over the base body 1, either a) between the closure element 2 and the conductive bottom wall 11, and / or b) between the closure elements 2 and 3. This electrically conductive connection is caused by the use of conductive composite material (with at least one electrically conductive layer) or conductive plastic or other conductive material. The conductive material may be in the form of a conductor or a cylindrical or net-like insert, which is arranged in the interior or exterior of the capsule 1 (in particular in the region of the jacket wall 10).

Claims

A container for containing food, comprising:

A cup-shaped base body (1) having at least one jacket wall (10) and a bottom wall (11), the jacket wall (10) and the bottom wall (11) delimiting a receiving space, the receiving space having a first opening facing the bottom wall is located, and a first closure element (2),

characterized in that

the cup-like basic body (1) is produced from a composite material having at least two layers (20, 21), one of the layers being electrically conductive.

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that

the electrically conductive layers (20, 21) of the cup-like base body (1) are a layer (20, 21) of electrically conductive plastic or an electrically conductive polymer (eg polypropylene, polyethylene, polyparaphenylene, polythiophene, polypyrrole and polyaniline) or polymers which electrically conductive additives such as flakes or fibers of metal, for example aluminum, carbon, graphite, steel (especially stainless steel) or carbon black (in particular

Conductivity black).

3. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically conductive layer (20, 21) comprises aluminum or aluminum composite material.

4. Container for containing food, comprising:

a cup-like base body (1) having at least one jacket wall (10) and a bottom wall (11), wherein the jacket wall (10) and the bottom wall (11) define a receiving space, wherein the receiving space has an opening which is opposite to the bottom wall ; and a closure element (2),

characterized in that

the cup-like base body (1) consists of a conductive plastic, in particular of an electrically conductive polymer (eg polypropylene, polyethylene, polyparaphenylene, polythiophene, polypyrrole and polyaniline) or of polymers containing electrically conductive additives such as flakes or fibers of metal, for example aluminum , Carbon, graphite, steel (especially stainless steel) or carbon black (especially conductivity black).

5. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom wall (11) of the cup-like base body (1) has a second opening which is closed by a second closure element (3).

6. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first closure element (2) and / or the second closure element (3) comprise an electrically conductive material.

7. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first closure element (2) and / or the second closure element (3) made of a conductive material, in particular of a conductive foil or a metal.

8. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically conductive layer of the cup-like base body (1) with the first closure element (2) and / or with the second closure element (3) is electrically connected.

9. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cup-like base body (1) is made by thermoforming.

10. Container according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the cup-like base body (1) is produced by thermoforming or by injection molding.

11. A container for containing food, comprising: a cup-shaped base body (1) having at least one jacket wall (10) and a bottom wall (11), wherein the jacket wall (10) and the bottom wall (11) defining a receiving space, wherein the Receiving space having a first opening which is opposite to the bottom wall, and a first closure element (2), characterized in that an electrically conductive connection (110) between the closure element (2) and the bottom wall (11) is arranged.

12. A container according to claim 11, characterized in that the electrically conductive

Connection (110) consists of at least one conductor track.

13. A container according to claim 11, characterized in that the electrically conductive

Connection (110) consists of an at least partially cylindrical or a net-like insert, which is arranged in the receiving space, wherein this insert can be arranged outside or inside the casing wall (10).

14. Container according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the electrically conductive connection (110) made of metal (eg aluminum, copper or silicon), of electrically conductive plastic or an electrically conductive polymer (eg polypropylene, polyethylene , Polyparaphenylene, polythiophene, polypyrrole and polyaniline) or polymers containing electrically conductive additives such as flakes or fibers of metal, for example aluminum, carbon, graphite, steel (especially stainless steel), and / or carbon black (especially conductivity black).

15. Container according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the bottom wall (11) of the cup-like base body (1) has a second opening which is closed by a second closure element (3).

16. Container according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the bottom wall (11) comprises an electrically conductive material.

17. Container according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the first closure element (2) and / or the second closure element (3) comprise an electrically conductive material.

18. Container according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the first closure element (2) and / or the second closure element (3) and / or the conductive bottom wall made of a conductive foil or a metal.

19. Container according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the electrically conductive connection (110) between the conductive first closure element (2) and the conductive second closure element (3) or the conductive bottom wall.

20. Container according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 19, characterized in that the cup-like base body (1) is made by thermoforming or by injection molding.

21. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cup-like base body (1) has a flange (13) extending from the first opening bounding edge of the jacket wall (10), starting outwards.

22. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cup-like base body (1) consists of biodegradable plastic.

23. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cup-like base body (1) has a layer structure, which in particular comprises a barrier layer, which may be formed as a coextruded film.

24. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first closure element (2) is welded to the flange (13) to form a preferably air and water-tight connection.

25. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cup-like base body (1) by heat sealing or ultrasonic welding to the second

Component (2) is attached.