JP6742095B2 - Beverage making capsule - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to capsules for making beverages. In particular, it relates to a capsule having an outer body and a lid closing the upper part of the outer body and containing a powdered food substance (eg coffee powder) therein. The powdered food material can be extracted by passing water (which may be pressurized) to make a beverage, such as coffee. More specifically, it relates to a capsule wherein the outer body comprises a lower wall and a side wall forming a chamber having a rigid or semi-rigid filter body therein.

More specifically, it is possible to inject water (which may be pressurized) into the capsule itself by punching a hole in the lid of the capsule, and in the lower wall, the mutual interaction of water and powdered food substance. The present invention relates to a capsule suitable for use in a beverage preparation system capable of discharging a beverage produced by the action to the outside of the capsule.

In such capsules, the filter body is substantially flat, usually disc-shaped, and is located proximate the lower wall of the capsule outer body. The filter body separates the powdered food material from the lower wall so that the powder does not leave the capsule even after the piercing element has penetrated the lower wall. In fact, the filter body allows the beverage to pass through the lower wall (through the holes formed by the piercing element or through the channels present in the latter (the piercing element)) so that it exits the capsule, while On the other hand, it is also possible to keep the powdered food substance inside the capsule.

However, this prior art may have some drawbacks under certain circumstances.

Especially when using powdered food substances of several kinds and particle sizes, or when dispensing relatively large amounts of beverages (eg American coffee etc.), the prior art capsules do not allow optimum extraction of powdered food substances. there is a possibility. In fact, for example, the beverage present near the lid made by the interaction of the powder and water has to reach the filter body in order to get out of the capsule, so that its route below Must pass through any powder that may interfere with In fact, once wet with water, the powdered food material tends to compress, which impedes the flow of liquid into the powder and impedes its flow.

In fact, the water injected into the capsule tends to cause compaction of the powdered food material in the filter body. Thus, there is an increased resistance of the liquid as it passes through the powdered food substance, which results in the difficulty of draining the beverage therethrough.

Furthermore, during the injection of water into the capsules, regions with varying degrees of compaction are formed in the powder. Therefore, the prior art capsules have the disadvantage that the powdered food substance is penetrated only inhomogeneously, that is, the degree of penetration varies greatly depending on the position of the powdered food substance in the capsule. Moreover, in the prior art capsules, water tends to flow into areas of the powder that have less resistance to permeate, thus easily forming a preferential flow path for water to pass through, resulting in , All powdered food substances are not homogeneously penetrated.

A first solution to overcome such a drawback is Patent Document 1 (Italian Patent Application No. VR2012A000133 (corresponding to US Patent Application No. 13/549904) filed by the present applicant). Although described, its contents have not yet been disclosed at the time this patent application was filed.

In this patent application, a disk-shaped filter was replaced by a basket-shaped rigid or semi-rigid filter having an opening in its side wall, the side wall of the filter being separated from the inner part of the side wall of the outer body. This solution makes it possible to practically avoid the various clogging problems that can occur in the prior art capsules (as opposed to the present application).

However, even this solution did not overcome all possible drawbacks.

Italian Patent Application No. VR2012A000133

In particular, if the powdered food substance is not milled in a suitable manner and contains too much powder below a given particle size (as is known, beverages of this kind, especially coffee When it does, very small amounts of powder flow out (although it would be substantially normal) such powder would flow out with the beverage, resulting in poor quality beverages.

Finally, in the prior art there are also capsules with flat or semi-rigid filters instead of conical or frustoconical filters formed by layers of flexible material. However, even these capsules have serious drawbacks. In particular, when dispensing relatively large amounts of beverages such as American coffee, the powder tends to be compressed at the bottom of the filter when wet, clogging the filter. At this point, the water after extraction can no longer penetrate the powder, tending to bypass it and exiting the filter laterally above the powder. Therefore no extraction occurs. Therefore, the quality of the obtained beverage is low.

In such a situation, the technical object underlying the present invention is to provide a beverage making capsule which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

In particular, it provides a capsule for making beverages, in which the supplied water can penetrate the powdered food substance more evenly than the prior art capsules, while at the same time minimizing the risk of the powder flowing out with the beverage. It is a technical object of the present invention.

Also, compared to prior art capsules, there is a risk that highly compressed areas may be formed in the powdered food material that may impede the flow of the beverage and/or a flow path through which water preferentially passes. It is also a technical object of the present invention to provide a beverage preparation capsule that can be reduced.

The above-identified technical objectives and stated objectives are substantially realized by the beverage-making capsules set forth in the appended claims.

1 is a schematic axonometric exploded view of a capsule made according to the first embodiment of the invention in a cross section along the vertical center plane. FIG. 5 is a schematic axonometric exploded view of a capsule made according to the second embodiment of the invention in a cross section along the vertical center plane. FIG. 6 is a schematic vertical center sectional view of a capsule made according to a third embodiment of the invention, similar to the first embodiment. Note that in FIG. 3 only the visible details in the cross section are shown, and not the background details, for the sake of clarity. FIG. 6 is a schematic vertical center cross-section of a capsule made according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, similar to the second embodiment. It should be noted that in FIG. 4, only the visible details in the cross section are shown, and not the background details, for the sake of clarity. FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical center cross-sectional view of a capsule made according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 5 also shows only visible details in the cross-section, not background details. FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical center cross-sectional view of a capsule made according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 6 also shows only visible details in the cross-section, not background details. FIG. 2 shows a schematic vertical center section of a detail of the capsule of FIG. 1 in an assembled arrangement.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly set forth in the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some preferred, non-limiting, beverage making capsule embodiments.

In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates the whole of the beverage production capsule 1 according to the present invention.

As already indicated, the present invention relates to a beverage making capsule 1 containing at least one powdered food substance (not shown in the accompanying drawings) which can be extracted by passing water to make a beverage. .. Powdered food substances such as, for example, coffee powder can be extracted or melted, for example by leaching, to make beverages such as coffee, tea, decoctions, soups and the like. The capsule 1 may allow the extraction of powdered food substances, eg coffee, by passing pressurized water, eg to make espresso coffee.

The capsule 1 comprises a substantially cup-shaped outer body 2 with a lower wall 3 and a first side wall 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower wall 3 of the capsule 1 extends mainly in the shape of a disc and the first side wall 4 extends therefrom, the shape of which in a first approximation is a truncated cone. The upper part of the side wall 4 terminates in an upper edge 5 located on the opposite side of the lower wall 3. The lid 6 is fixed to the outer body 2 at the upper edge 5, and closes the upper portion of the outer body 2. The outer body 2 and the lid 6 of the capsule 1 may be made of different materials. For example, the outer body 2 can be made of a plastic material, while the lid 6 can be made of an aluminum sheet (both of which may consist of a single layer or multiple layers).

Inside the outer body 2 is a chamber 7 between the lid 6 and the inner surface of the outer body 2. In it, during the use of the capsule 1, a beverage is made after the interaction of the powdered food substance and water. Between the center point of the lid 6 and the center point of the lower wall 3, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, there is an extension line 8 of the axis of the capsule 1. In all the illustrated embodiments, the capsule 1 is symmetrical about the extension 8 of the axis.

Advantageously, in the illustrated embodiment, the capsule 1 is liquid-tightly sealed, but in use, the lid 6 can be pierced to allow water to be injected into the capsule 1 and the lower wall It is also possible to make a hole in 3 and take out the beverage from the capsule 1. Therefore, in the following, preferential reference will be made to this embodiment. However, other embodiments are also feasible, in which case the lid 6 and/or the lower wall 3 itself can allow water and beverages to pass through (eg they are pre-perforated, Or because they are permeable).

The capsule 1 is therefore suitable for use in a beverage production system, which advantageously comprises a housing into which the capsule 1 can be inserted, for use in the production of beverages, for example coffee. A suitable system for using the exemplified capsule 1 is a capsule, which can be associated with the lid 6, in a manner known per se, for injecting water into the capsule 1 and with the lower wall 3. Means for extracting a beverage from 1. The means for injecting water comprises an injecting element such as a needle or blade optionally comprising a flow path for the passage of water, while the means for extracting the beverage comprises the outer body 2 of the capsule 1. It comprises a piercing element for piercing/piercing the lower wall 3. In this context, the term piercing element means virtually any element known to be capable of piercing, cutting or breaking, eg nails or blades. The piercing element may be fixed or movable (again forming an optional flow path for the passage of water). The piercing element can also pass through the central part of the lower wall 3 of the capsule 1, or preferably an off-center part.

The capsule 1 also comprises a filter body 9 having a generally basket shape arranged in the chamber 7, through which the beverage can pass and at the same time substantially holding the powdered food substance. Thereby, during use of the capsule 1, the beverage passes through the filter body 9 and then out of the capsule 1 (for example through the holes formed in the lower wall 3 by the piercing element or the flow channels formed in the piercing element). While allowing exit, the powdered food material can remain substantially enclosed.

The filter body 9 comprises a basket-shaped rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 for containing a powdered food substance, which framework 10 comprises a second side wall 11 and a bottom 12. The latter (bottom 12) can in each case only consist of the lower edge of the second side wall 11. The rigid or semi-rigid first framework 10 has an opening 13 through which fluid communication is possible. Advantageously, the opening 13 is formed in at least the second side wall 11. In some embodiments, the openings 13 may or may not be formed in the bottom 12 (as illustrated in the accompanying drawings).

According to the invention, the second side wall 11 comprises a generally annular upper peripheral edge 14, the lower part of the second side wall being connected to the bottom part 12.

In the assembled state of the capsule 1, the upper peripheral edge 14 is located close to the lid 6 of the capsule 1 (which may or may not be in contact) and the connection of the first side wall 4 It is connected to the outer body 2 at 15. Similarly, the connecting portion 15 has a substantially ring shape, and is arranged close to the upper edge 5 of the first side wall 4. Thus, advantageously, the upper peripheral edge 14 of the filter body 9 also has a substantially annular extension around the extension 8 of the axis. The connection between the filter body 9 and the outer body 2 of the capsule 1 will be described in more detail below.

The bottom 12 is, in contrast, located close to the lower wall 3 of the outer body 2, but it is possible for there to be a certain distance between the two, for the following reasons.

According to the invention, the filter body 9 thus substantially separates the chamber 7 into a first compartment 16 and a second compartment 17 in which the powdered food substance is contained. In a preferred embodiment, the piercing element can penetrate the second compartment 17 during use, after penetrating the lower wall 3, without damaging the filter body 9. In contrast, the perforation injection element may penetrate the first compartment 16 directly after penetrating the lid 6.

Advantageously, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the upper peripheral edge 14 of the filter body 9 substantially defines a substantially circular opening in the illustrated embodiment, which allows access to the first compartment 16. Therefore, it is advantageous if the upper part of the filter body 9, that is to say the side facing the lid 6, is open. Therefore, during the manufacture of the capsule 1, when the lid 6 is separated from the outer body 2, by simply pouring the powdered food substance into the first compartment 16 through the access opening, the powdered food substance is poured into the compartment. Can be inserted.

Therefore, in the first compartment 16, the powdered food substance interacts with the water injected into the capsule 1 to make a beverage. In contrast, the second compartment 17 is intended to receive the beverage made in the first compartment 16 during use. The produced beverage exits from the latter (first compartment 16) via the filter body 9.

According to the invention, the first compartment 16 is defined at least by the filter body 9 and the lid 6 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). However, in many preferred embodiments, the first compartment 16 is also defined by a small annular portion of the first side wall 4, which is located between the upper edge 5 of the first side wall 4 itself and the connecting part 15. (As already indicated, in each case the connection 15 is close to the upper edge 5 (see FIG. 7)). The first compartment 16 is thus mainly defined at least by the filter body 9 and advantageously extends over most of the volume of the chamber 7.

According to the invention, the second side wall 11 is at least partially separated from the first side wall 4 (adjacent and opposite) so that the beverage flows between them towards the lower wall 3. Is possible. Advantageously, the opening 13 of the second side wall 11 is formed in at least a part of the second side wall 11 which is separated from the first side wall 4. In this way, the openings 13 reduce the average distance that water has to travel through the powdered food substance in order to leave the filter body 9 in the form of a beverage compared to prior art capsules. It This also has the advantage of reducing the resistance that water experiences as it passes through the powdered food substance. As a result, the filter body 9 makes it possible to improve the filtering function of the beverage and to reduce the uneven compression tendency of the powdered food substance, so that the powdered food substance makes the water injected into the capsule 1 more uniform. Can be penetrated into.

The second compartment 17 is defined by the filter body 9, the lower wall 3, and a portion of the first side wall 4 that is located between the lower wall 3 and the connecting portion 15. Partially extending between the side walls 11 of the. In other words, the second compartment 17 surrounds at least a part of the filter body 9. In particular, the second compartment 17, when measured parallel to the extension 8 of the axis, extends along the first side wall 4 between the connection 15 and the lower wall 3 at least for the most part of its distance. .. Therefore, the second compartment 17 surrounds the filter main body 9 in parallel with the extension line 8 of the axis in most of its extension.

Further advantageously, the second compartment 17 extends along the first side wall 4 to the connection 15 as in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Since the filter body 9 is connected to the connecting portion 15 at the upper peripheral edge 14, almost the entire filter body 9 is surrounded by the second compartment 17. The openings 13 are preferably distributed in all parts of the filter body 9 which are surrounded by the second compartment 17, in particular in all parts of the second side wall 11 facing the second compartment 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 13 are advantageously evenly distributed around the filter body 9 and are grouped, each group being between the upper peripheral edge 14 and the bottom 12 the second side wall 11. Are distributed substantially uniformly along the extension of the.

However, it is advantageous if all the openings 13 formed in the second side wall 11 are arranged in the first compartment 16 at a height lower than the maximum height reached by the powdered substance (here the height Is measured on the basis of the lower wall 3). This is to prevent water from reaching the opening 13 without passing through the powdery substance.

As already shown, the filter body 9 is connected to the first side wall 4 at the connecting portion 15. The coupling can be done in various ways.

In the case of FIGS. 3 and 4, the connection is only schematically illustrated with the upper peripheral edge 14 being arranged substantially adjacent to the lid 6.

In contrast, a preferred embodiment is illustrated in detail in FIG. 7, in which the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 of the filter body 9 comprises a shoulder 18 near the upper peripheral edge 14, 18 has a substantially annular extension centered on the extension line 8 of the axis, and projects in the radial direction from the rest of the filter body 9 (again, again with reference to the extension line 8 of the axis). In other words, when viewed from the cross section passing through the extension line 8 of the axis, the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 has an inverted step near the upper peripheral edge 14 on the outside. The filter body 9 is advantageously mounted on the connecting part 15 by means of a shoulder part 18. In fact, in the illustrated preferred embodiment, the connecting part 15 has an opposite shoulder 19 having a substantially annular extension around the extension 8 of the axis, which opposite the extension 8 of the axis. As a reference, the first side wall 4 projects more in the radial direction than the portion adjacent to the facing shoulder portion 19 on the lower wall 3 side. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the shoulder portion 18 is placed on the facing shoulder portion 19. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the upper peripheral edge 14 is connected to the annular region 20 of the connecting portion 15 located between the upper edge 5 of the first side wall 4 to which the lid 6 is fixed and the facing shoulder portion 19. ing. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the filter body 9 is in contact with the outer body 2 of the capsule 1, and in particular the two annular parts of the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 (one of which corresponds to the upper peripheral edge 14). , The other of which corresponds to the shoulder 18) is substantially in contact with the connecting part 15. In particular, the contact between the shoulder portion 18 and the facing shoulder portion 19 allows the filter body 9 to stop at the facing shoulder portion 19 when inserted into the outer body 2 of the capsule 1. In other words, the opposed shoulders 19 act as contact elements that prevent the filter body 9 from moving further towards the lower wall 3 of the capsule 1. As will be described in more detail below, this is particularly useful for keeping the filter body 9 in place.

However, the connection is formed between the filter body 9 and the connection part 15, and the filter body 9 may advantageously be connected to the connection part 15 by mechanical interference. Additionally or alternatively, the filter body 9 forms a sealing contact with the connection 15. "Sealing contact" in this context advantageously means a liquid-tight contact. Furthermore, the sealing contact can also be useful in the manufacture of the capsule 1. In fact, during the insertion of the powdered food substance into the first compartment 16, the sealing contact (at the connection 15) ensures that the powder is not accidentally poured into the second compartment 17 (note If it does, it will hinder the use of the beverage preparation capsule 1).

The connection using mechanical interference and/or the connection by sealing can be formed in various ways.

In the embodiment illustrated in detail in FIG. 7, a mechanical interference connection is formed between the upper peripheral edge 14 of the filter body 9 and the annular region 20 of the connection part 15 described above. In order to show mechanical interference, the upper peripheral edge 14 is depicted in FIG. 7 as having a portion thereof overlapping the annular region 20. In particular, this expression indicates that the contact due to mechanical interference occurring between the upper peripheral edge 14 and the annular region 20 is, in practice, advantageously in the state of deformation of at least one of them (advantageously elastic deformation). It implies that it is necessary to become. The mechanical interference is, in fact, brought about by the elastic deformability of the upper peripheral edge 14 and/or the annular region 20, which elasticity is advantageously obtained by the material used to make them and/or their shape. preferable. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular region 20, i.e. the region of the connection between the opposite shoulder 19 and the upper edge 5, is advantageously bendable. In particular, the annular region 20 presses against the upper peripheral edge 14 of the filter body 9 due to the elastic deformation it receives. As shown in FIG. 7, the annular region 20 seen from the axial cross section extends obliquely with respect to the extension line 8 of the axis. In particular, as one proceeds from the upper edge 5 to the lower wall 3, the annular region 20 moves away from the axial extension 8. Furthermore, the area of the cross section defined perpendicular to the extension 8 of the axis at the connection 15 at the upper edge 5, i.e. at the connection 15 at the portion of the annular region 20 adjacent to the upper edge 5, is advantageously. , Smaller than the area of the surface of the upper peripheral edge 14, which is also defined in the direction perpendicular to the extension line 8 of the axis. For that reason, advantageously, during the manufacture of the capsule 1, the connection 15, in particular in the preferred embodiment its annular region 20, passes through the upper peripheral edge 14 during the final step of inserting the filter body 9 into the chamber 7. Prevent. Therefore, in order to insert the filter body 9 into the chamber 7, it is necessary to exert a pressure on the filter body 9 towards the lower wall 3, at least when the upper peripheral edge 14 passes through the annular region 20. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the pressure on the filter body 9 is advantageously maintained until the shoulder 18 rests on the opposite shoulder 19, thus forming a snap-on insertion. Due to this particular shape of the connection 15 and its interaction with the filter body 9, in particular with the upper peripheral edge 14, a force is exerted, for example on the bottom 12 of the filter body 9 and the filter body 9 is pushed towards the lid 6. Even afterwards, the filter body 9 can advantageously be prevented from coming off the inside of the outer body 2 of the capsule 1.

Furthermore, a sealing contact is also advantageously formed between the upper peripheral edge 14 of the filter body 9 and the annular region 20 of the connection 15. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper peripheral edge 14 and the annular region 20 are formed such that they are in continuous contact and the sealing is ensured by mechanical interference.

As already indicated, the filter body 9 has its dimensions, associated picks, and its By taking into account the position, it is advantageous to have a shape that allows penetration of the piercing element, but at the same time avoids contact with it.

Advantageously, in some preferred embodiments (see Figures 1 to 4) the above is realized by the following configurations. That is, the bottom 12 of the filter body 9 is spaced from the lower wall 3 so that during use of the capsule 1 in a system suitable for use of the capsule 1, without damaging the bottom 12 of the filter body 9, Through the lower wall 3 it is possible to insert a piercing element into the capsule 1. Further, the bottom portion 12 of the filter body 9 is preferably mainly constituted by a substantially flat disc shape.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, the position of the facing shoulder portion 19 of the connecting portion 15 and the position of the shoulder portion 18 of the filter body 9 are between the lower wall 3 of the outer body 2 and the bottom portion 12 of the filter body 9. Is established to determine the distance. The distance is greater than the distance between the tip of the piercing element and the lower wall 3 when the piercing element is inserted in the capsule 1.

Alternatively, the bottom 12 may have a recess 21 facing the lid 6 in which the piercing element can be inserted. The size of the recess 21 depends on the size of the piercing element and the stroke of the associated piercing element which must be ensured inside the capsule 1 (between the lower wall 3 when the piercing element is inserted into the capsule 1 and the tip of the piercing element). Distance). Depending on whether the piercing element passes through the central part of the lower wall 3 or a position offset from the central part, the recess 21 is respectively a central part or a position offset from the central part with respect to the extension 8 of the axis. Will be placed in. In the latter case, it advantageously has an annular extension about it. This configuration is illustrated in FIG. 5, where the bottom 12 comprises an outer annular section 22 and an inner section 23. The outer annular section 22 is spaced or spaced from the lower wall 3, while the inner section 23 is close to the lower wall 3.

Instead of the presence of the annular recess 21 (and thus when the piercing element is off-center with respect to the extension 8 of the axis), the shape of the filter body 9 may be substantially conical, the taper of which is piercing. It can be shaped so as to prevent contact with the piercing element even when the element is fully inserted (taking into account its maximum stroke) into the second compartment 17.

Again referring to the shape of the filter body 9, its upper part contacts the first side wall 4 at the connection 15, as already indicated. On the other hand, the bottom of the filter body 9 is separated from the first side wall 4. That is, between the first side wall 4 of the outer body 2 and the second side wall 11 of the filter body 9, a portion of the second compartment 17 located between the first side wall 4 and the filter body 9 is provided. There is a space to do it. Advantageously, the distance between the filter body 9 and the first side wall 4 in the second compartment 17 increases as one proceeds towards the bottom 12. For example, when the first side wall 4 extends in a substantially conical shape with respect to the extension line 8 of the axis, the second side wall 11 of the filter body 9 is similar to the lower wall 3 as it goes from the lid 6. However, it is also possible to have an extension with a more pronounced taper (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the second side wall 11 of the filter body 9 has a structure in which a plurality of annular shapes 24 overlap, which are concentric with respect to the extension 8 of the axis and which are connected to each other. There is. Each annular shape 24, as it progresses from the upper peripheral edge 14 towards the bottom 12 of the filter body 9, has an area larger than the area defined by the next annular shape 24 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the extension 8 of the axis. Each section of the first compartment 16 having is defined. Advantageously, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the same annular shape 24 results in different sections of the first compartment 16 whose area decreases as one progresses from the upper peripheral edge 14 towards the bottom 12. These are perpendicular to the extension 8 of the axis). In other words, each annulus 24 approaches the axial extension 8 as it progresses from the top edge 14 to the bottom 12. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, each section defined by the annulus 24 is substantially circular and its center is identified by the intersection with the extension 8 of the axis.

The above construction of the second side wall 11 of the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 allows the framework 10 to be stiff and also easy to manufacture. The production can advantageously be carried out by injection moulding.

The second side wall 11 as viewed in a radial cross section with respect to the extension line 8 of the axis has, therefore, on the side facing the first compartment 16 an outer shape having a substantially step, and each step has a ring shape 24. It corresponds to each of. Advantageously, also on the side facing the first side wall 4, the second side wall 11 of the filter body 9 has an outer shape with a step, each step having a step with respect to the extension 8 of the axis. It is dented in the radial direction from the adjacent steps located between the upper peripheral edges 14. In other words, the second side wall 11 of the filter body 9 has an inner step formed by each ring shape 24 and an outer step facing the first side wall 4. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner step and the outer step need not be aligned with each other. In particular, in the first and second embodiments, each external step extends from substantially about half the height of each annulus 24 when measured parallel to the extension 8 of the axis. However, in other embodiments, the second side wall 11 can have other configurations and structures as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

In the first and second embodiments, the filter body 9 also comprises stiffening ribs 25, which are advantageously arranged at least on the second side wall 11 of the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, advantageously, the ribs 25 of the second side wall 11 extend in the longitudinal direction from the upper peripheral edge 14 to at least the bottom 12 and are substantially planar, passing through the extension 8 of the axis. Is located in. Preferably, ribs 25 also extend to bottom 12. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, more precisely, some of the ribs 25 extend radially (relative to the extension 8 of the axis) on the bottom 12, while the remaining ribs 25 are It extends annularly around the extension line 8 of. The annularly extending ribs 25 and the radially extending ribs 25 may merge with each other, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Some radially extending ribs 25 of the bottom 12 may extend from the ribs 25 of the second side wall 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 25 of the second side wall 11 extend on the ring shape 24 and on the outer step where the second side wall 11 is configured, the ring shape 24 projecting more radially than the outer step. , Form a truncated cone as a whole. In other words, each rib 25 is angled such that the distance between its outer surface and the axis of the capsule 1 which is the extension 8 decreases as it progresses from the upper peripheral edge 14 of the filter body 9 to the bottom 12. ..

In the preferred embodiment, the ribs 25 do not contact the outer body 2 of the capsule 1 except at the connection 15. However, in general, the filter body 9 can also come into contact with the outer body 2 of the capsule 1 at a location other than the connecting portion 15, such as the outer surface of the rib 25. However, it is limited to the case where there is no blocker in both the fluid communication through the filter body 9 and the fluid communication in the beverage discharge area through the lower wall 3. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more ribs 25 present on the second sidewall 11 and/or the bottom 12 may be in contact with the outer body 2 of the capsule 1. For example, the longitudinal ribs 25 present on the second side wall 11 may contact the first side wall at one or more locations, while the filter body 9 may, between one rib 25 and another rib 25, 1 is separated from the side wall 4.

As already indicated, the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 has openings 13 allowing fluid communication, i.e. openings 13 allowing passage of the beverage from the first compartment 16 to the second compartment 17.

As already indicated, the opening 13 is arranged at least in the second side wall 11. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, each annulus 24 of the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 has a number of openings 13. In the illustrated embodiment, in particular, the openings 13 formed in the second side wall 11 are formed by slits extending mainly parallel to the extension 8 of the axis, which are arranged side by side. As shown in the accompanying drawings (FIGS. 3-5), the slits extend substantially across the height of each annulus 24 (and thus each internal step). On the other hand, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, each through slit only extends to a part of each ring shape 24.

As already indicated, the opening 13 is also advantageously formed in the bottom 12 (its shape is mainly a flat disc). In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 13 are elongate slots on the bottom 12 that extend radially with respect to the extension 8 of the axis.

However, more generally, no matter what the shape of the filter body 9 is and where the openings 13 are located, their shape, orientation, placement and dimensions are, for example, circular holes or cruciforms. It can be variously elongated slits, curved lines, etc. Furthermore, the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 can also have different types of openings 13.

Finally, according to the invention, the filter body 9 comprises at least one layer 26 of flexible filter material attached to a rigid or semi-rigid framework 10. In use, the layer 26 captures the beverage flowing out of at least some openings 13 of the filter body 9 towards the lower wall 3 and filters the beverage.

In particular, in some embodiments, the layer 26 may be attached directly to at least some of the openings 13 in the rigid framework 10, or in a different manner, as will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. It may be operatively associated with the opening 13. As the flexible filter material, for example, non-woven fabric, woven fabric, paper or the like can be used.

In some embodiments, the opening 13 to which the layer 26 of flexible filter material is attached, or the opening 13 operatively associated with the layer 26, allows passage of powdered food material therethrough. It may have a shape and/or size. In contrast, the preferred embodiment is not such a configuration and the openings 13 are all sized such that the openings 13 act as a filter for the powdered food material, and at least the powdered food material is The powdered food substance is retained when it is larger than a predetermined particle size (the size of the opening is usually smaller than the nominal size of the powdered food substance).

In contrast, the opening 13 when the layer 26 of flexible filter material is not attached or operatively associated with the layer 26 is such that at least the powdered food substance has more than a predetermined particle size. When large, it will always have a size that acts as a filter for the powdered food material, such that the powdered food material is retained.

If the layer 26 is attached to the opening 13 and the rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 also has an opening 13 in the bottom 12, depending on the requirements, the layer 26 of flexible filter material may be provided in the opening 13 formed in the bottom 12. (Only in this case the opening 13 formed in the second side wall 11 has a size acting as a filter for the powdered food substance) (FIGS. 1, 3 and 5), or the layer 26 of flexible filter material is attached only to all of the openings 13 formed in the second side wall 11 of the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 (in this case at the bottom 12). The opening 13 formed, in contrast, has a size which acts as a filter for powdered food substances, in contrast). Which of the above two solutions to choose depends on the manufacturing requirements, which in each case depend on the properties of the powdered food substance used, but the former is generally preferred.

In contrast, according to another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a layer 26 of flexible filter material is attached to all openings 13 formed in the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, such a configuration is also achieved by molding the flexible filter material as a single basket-shaped member.

If the bottom 12 has a recess 21 (as in FIG. 5), the layer 26 of flexible filter material may be shaped to follow the shape of the bottom 12.

In other embodiments not illustrated, the flexible material may instead be used as a plurality of smaller members, each member secured to the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 at one or more openings 13. You may.

In contrast, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the layer 26 is not directly attached to the opening 13, but instead the layer 26 is separated from the opening 13 and the layer 26 has a beverage in the second compartment. Only catch the beverage after entering 17. In particular, in this embodiment, the bottom of the rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 is provided with a protrusion 27 which is connected to the first side wall 4 to form a sealed state. The protrusions 27 then define one or more passages 28 in fluid communication with at least some of the openings 13 described above. A layer 26 of flexible filter material is associated with one or more passageways 28 to capture all of the beverage flowing out of the at least some openings 13 towards the lower wall 3.

In particular, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the protrusions 27 and the layer 26 form a filtering partition between the bottom 12 and the bottom wall 3 for trapping the beverage that exits through all the openings 13. The partition is provided with a peripheral edge 29, which is connected to the first side wall 4 to form a seal and to form a single passage 28 which is closed by the layer 26.

However, advantageously, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, all of the openings 13 are sized to act as a filter for the powdered food material, at least the particle size of the powdered food material being of a predetermined size. On the other hand, the powdered food substance is retained when larger, while on the other hand, the layer 26 of flexible filter material is attached only to the openings 13 formed in the bottom 12 or all of the openings 13. Attached to.

The flexible filter material can be advantageously secured to the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 in any suitable manner for its purpose. For example, it can be fixed by sealing, gluing, or molding the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 directly onto the material of layer 26.

However, in general, it is advantageous that the flexible filter material is secured to the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 along a continuous line that completely surrounds the aperture 13 or associated passage 28 for each member. This is to prevent the beverage from forming a passage 28 that passes from the opening 13 to the lower wall 3 without passing even through the flexible filter material layer 26.

As already indicated, the capsule 1 is for use in a capsule-based beverage preparation system comprising water injection means, which can be associated with the lid 6 of the capsule 1, and beverage extraction means, which can be associated with the lower wall 3 of the capsule 1. Suitable for In particular, in a preferred embodiment water is injected into the first compartment 16 containing the powdered food substance by means of an injection element which pierces the lid 6. Beverages are made by the interaction of the water with the powdered food substance, which is carried in a stream of water (which may be pressurized) to pass through the powder and the openings 13 present in the filter body 9. , That distance, if necessary, until reaching a subsequent layer 26 of flexible filter material. The powdered food substance remains at least predominantly confined in the first compartment 16, while the beverage passes from the first compartment 16 to the second compartment 17 through the opening 13, where the lower wall After the movement of the piercing element through 3 the beverage can leave the capsule 1. Depending on the type of beverage preparation system, the beverage can also exit through the holes left by the piercing element or the channels present in the piercing element.

Any granules of powder that have passed through the openings 13 associated with the layer 26 of flexible filter material are then retained in the layer 26. Unlike what happens in prior art capsules with filters made from flexible filter material, the opening 13 is sized to act as a filter for the powdered food substance and at least the powdered food substance In a preferred embodiment where the powdered food material is retained when the particle size of the powder is greater than a predetermined size, the majority of the powdered material is retained directly by the rigid or semi-rigid framework 10 and thus the layer 26 of Any clogging can be avoided.

The present invention is an invention that brings significant advantages.

The basket shape of the filter element and the opening in the second side wall can reduce the average distance that water must travel through the powdered food substance to exit the filter body. It will be possible. For example, a beverage made near the lid may not pass through substantially all of the powdered food substance to exit through the bottom of the filter body, leaving the openings in the vicinity of the above mentioned openings. You can go out through it. In this way, the resistance of the beverage during its movement can be reduced. In addition, this method reduces the risk of forming highly compressed regions associated with the substantially unidirectional flow of water and beverages. In this way, the powdered food material can maintain a substantially uniform compressibility during the making of the beverage, resulting in a reduced risk of preferential water flow channels being formed. Therefore, the water can penetrate the powdered food substance more uniformly and homogeneously, and the quality of the beverage made can be improved.

The combination of the flexible filter material with at least some apertures makes it possible to even prevent or even prevent the particulates of the powder from going out with the beverage.

In addition to this, there are the following advantages. The filter body of the capsule according to the invention has a larger filtration surface than the filtration surface of a typical flat filter body (the size of the capsule remains the same), due to its shape and the presence of the openings mentioned above, It is possible to keep the amount of powdered food substance contained therein substantially unchanged. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve the filtering function of the beverage.

Finally, it should be noted that the present invention is relatively easy to manufacture and the costs associated with implementing the present invention are not very high.

The above invention may be modified and utilized in several ways without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

Furthermore, all details of the invention may be substituted with other technically equivalent elements and materials. Also, the shapes and dimensions of the various components can be changed according to demand.

1 Capsule 2 Outer Main Body 3 Lower Wall 4 First Side Wall 5 Upper Edge 6 Lid 7 Chamber 8 Extension Line 9 Filter Body 10 Frame 11 Second Side Wall 12 Bottom 13 Opening 14 Upper Perimeter 15 Connecting Part 16 First Compartment 17 2 Compartments 18 Shoulder 19 Opposing shoulder 20 Annular area 21 Recess 22 Outer annular area 23 Inner area 24 Annular shape 25 Rib 26 Layer 27 Protrusion 28 Passage 29 Periphery

Claims (15)

A beverage preparation capsule containing at least one powdered food substance that can be extracted by passing water to make a beverage,
A substantially cup-shaped outer body (2) comprising a lower wall (3) and a first side wall (4),
A lid (6) fixed to the outer body (2) at an upper edge (5) of the first side wall (4) located on the opposite side of the lower wall (3), the lid (6). The chamber (7) between the inner surface of the outer body (2) and the center point of the lid (6) and the lower wall (3), the capsule ( The lid (6) having an extension (8) of the axis of 1);
A filter body (9) comprising a basket-shaped rigid or semi-rigid framework (10) located in the chamber (7), the rigid or semi-rigid framework (10) comprising powdered food material. For receiving and having a second side wall (11) and a bottom (12), the second side wall (11) having a generally annular upper peripheral edge (14), the lower part of the second side wall (11) being An opening (13) connected to the bottom (12), the rigid or semi-rigid framework (10) being formed in at least the second side wall (11) to allow fluid communication therethrough In the capsule including the filter body (9) having
The upper peripheral edge (14) is arranged close to the lid (6) of the capsule (1) and is connected to the outer body (2) at a connecting portion (15) of the first side wall (4). , The connecting part (15) is substantially annular and is located close to the upper edge (5) of the first side wall (4) itself, and the bottom part (12) is of the outer body (2). Placed close to the lower wall (3),
The second side wall (11) is at least partially separated from the first side wall (4), which allows beverages to flow towards the lower wall (3), The opening (13) of the second side wall (11) is formed at least in a portion of the second side wall (11) separated from the first side wall (4),
The filter body (9) further comprises at least one layer (26) of flexible filter material attached to the rigid or semi-rigid framework (10), wherein in use the layer (26) is Configured to capture a beverage flowing out of at least some openings (13) of the filter body (9) towards the lower wall (3) and to filter the beverage ,
The capsule (26), wherein the layer (26) is arranged outside the rigid or semi-rigid framework (10) . Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the layer (26) of flexible filter material is attached to at least some of the openings (13). The rigid or semi-rigid framework (10) also comprises the openings (13) in the bottom (12), and the layer (26) of flexible filter material comprises the rigid or semi-rigid framework (10). ) Attached only to all of the openings (3) formed in the bottom part (12) of the second side wall (11), the openings (13) formed as a filter for powdered food substances. Capsule according to claim 2, having a size to work. The rigid or semi-rigid framework (10) also has the openings (13) in the bottom (12) and the layer (26) of flexible filter material comprises the rigid or semi-rigid framework ( 10) is attached only to all of the openings (3) formed in the second side wall (11) and the openings (13) formed in the bottom (12) are filters for powdered food substances. The capsule of claim 2, having a size that acts as a. Capsule according to claim 2, wherein the layer (26) of flexible filter material is attached to all of the openings (13) formed in the rigid or semi-rigid framework (10). The rigid or semi-rigid skeleton (10) comprises a protrusion (27) on the lower side, which protrusion (27) is connected to the first side wall (4) to form a sealed state, Defining one or more passageways (28) in fluid communication with the openings (13), the layer (26) of flexible filter material being in communication with the one or more passageways (28). Capsule according to claim 1, which captures all of the beverage flowing out of the at least some openings (13) towards the lower wall (3). The protrusion (27) and the layer (26) form a partition wall for filtration that is arranged between the bottom portion (12) and the lower wall (3), and extend out from all of the openings (13). 7. The capsule according to claim 6, which captures the beverage that emerges. 8. Any one of claims 1-7, wherein all of the openings (13) formed in the rigid or semi-rigid framework (10) are sized to act as a filter for powdered food material. The capsules listed. The second side wall (11) is separated from the first side wall (4) at least for the most part of its extension, and/or the second side wall (11) and the first side wall. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between (4) increases as it progresses from the top edge (14) towards the bottom (12). The filter body (9) is connected to the connecting part (15) by mechanical interference, and/or the filter body (9) is in sealing contact with the connecting part (15). Item 10. The capsule according to any one of Items 1 to 9. The filter body (9) includes a shoulder portion (18) in the vicinity of the upper peripheral edge (14), and the shoulder portion (18) is substantially annular with the extension line (8) of the axis as a center, and With reference to the extension line (8) of the axis, the filter body (9) protrudes further in the radial direction than the rest of the filter body (9), and the connecting portion (15) includes an opposing shoulder portion (19). The part (19) is substantially annular with the extension line (8) of the axis as a center, and the lower wall (3) of the first side walls (4) is based on the extension line (8) of the axis. Projecting in a radial direction from a portion adjacent to the facing shoulder portion (19) on the side, the shoulder portion (18) is placed on the facing shoulder portion (19), and the upper peripheral edge (14) Is connected to an annular region (20) of the connecting part (15) located between the opposite shoulder part (19) and the upper edge (5), according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The capsules listed. The bottom portion (12) of the filter body (9) is at least partially spaced from the lower wall (3), thereby damaging the bottom portion (12) of the filter body (9) during use. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which allows the insertion of a piercing element into the capsule (1) via the lower wall (3) without provision. The bottom (12) comprises an outer annular section (22) and an inner section (23), the outer annular section (22) being spaced from the lower wall (3), whereby in use the It is possible to insert a piercing element into the capsule (1) through the lower wall (3) without damaging the bottom (12) of the filter body (9), while the inner area ( Capsule according to claim 12, wherein 23) is proximate to the lower wall (3). The lower wall (3) is perforated during use to allow the beverage to exit the capsule (1), during use a piercing element damages the filter body (9). Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which can be inserted between the filter body (9) and the outer body (2) following penetration of the lower wall (3) without .. The filter body (9) divides the chamber (7) into a first compartment (16) containing a powdered food substance and a second compartment (17), the second compartment being at least in use. Liquid communication between the compartment (17) and the lid (6) is possible only via the first compartment (16), according to any one of the preceding claims 1-14. The listed capsules.

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