WO2017162337A1

WO2017162337A1 - Capsule for producing a liquid food, method for producing a liquid food using a capsule, device for producing a liquid food, wherein a capsule can be introduced into the device in a receiving chamber, use of a capsule, and system having a capsule and a device

Info

Publication number: WO2017162337A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/000365
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan SCHÖNENBERGER; Dominic Zwicker; Cyrill Baur
Original assignee: LigaLife GmbH & Co. KG
Priority date: 2016-03-24
Filing date: 2017-03-24
Publication date: 2017-09-28
Also published as: DE202016002363U1; DE102016003516A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a capsule for producing a liquid food, comprising a capsule body and two chambers which are separated by means of a divider for receiving two substances. The capsule contains a perforation element for perforating the capsule body and an active section for interacting with the divider. A passage which extends in the longitudinal direction is formed in the perforation element, said passage being connected to a lateral opening of the perforation element, and the active section is designed to perforate the divider. The active section has an opening which is connected to the passage of the perforation element at least when the divider is perforated.

Description

"Capsule for producing a liquid food, method for producing a liquid food with a capsule, device for producing a liquid food into which a capsule can be inserted into a receiving space, using a capsule and system comprising a capsule and a device"

The invention relates to a capsule for producing a liquid food, a method for producing a liquid food with a capsule, a device for producing a liquid food, into which a capsule can be inserted into a receiving space, using a capsule and a system comprising Capsule and a device.

Capsules for producing a liquid food, especially coffee, are known. In the capsule, a chamber for receiving a substance, in particular coffee, is formed. A liquid can be introduced into the chamber of the capsule so that the desired liquid food, in particular coffee, is formed from the substance and the introduced liquid with a corresponding device, for example a coffee machine.

EP 1 710 172 A1 discloses a disposable capsule with an inlet as well as an outlet closure, which are opened by the hydraulic action of a liquid. For this purpose, the liquid is supplied from an infusion module under a predetermined pressure, with no additional means for piercing the disposable capsule are necessary.

The embodiment with respect to a capsule having two chambers is complex and leads in the sense of a defined and predetermined mixture of two into two

CONFIRMATION COPY different chambers of the capsule present substances to an unsatisfactory result.

The object of the present invention is to provide a capsule for producing a liquid food, a method for producing a liquid food with a capsule, a device for producing a liquid food, into which a capsule can be inserted into a receiving space, using a capsule, and a system comprising a capsule and a device to provide, in which the discharge of the substances contained in the capsule can be largely complete. At least one of the disadvantages can be overcome: contamination of the device in which the capsule is inserted with the capsule contents and / or the resulting liquid; insufficient rinsing and / or mixing of the substances contained in the capsule; Danger of injury (eg to pointed elements of the device), in particular when cleaning the device; Missing vote of the element to perform the perforation with the capsule; as well as undefined and / or undefined limited outlet from the capsule.

The object is achieved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the respective dependent claims and the description below.

The invention is in one aspect based on the idea that a capsule with two chambers, which are separated by a separator, can be formed, in which a perforation element for perforating the capsule body is disposed within the capsule and with the perforation an improved discharge can be achieved at least from a chamber of the capsule. For this purpose, a negative pressure or suction, in particular by means of a Venturi effect, can be formed in a chamber by means of a fluid flowing through the passage. According to this aspect of the invention, the perforation element has a passage extending in the longitudinal direction of the perforation element, which passage is connected to a lateral opening of the perforation element. An operative portion is configured to perforate the separator and has an opening which is connected to the passage of the perforation element at least for perforated separator or forms a compound for a fluid.

The capsule thus contains a perforation element, with which the capsule body, in particular at a substantially defined perforation, can be perforated. To perform the perforation, an anvil can be arranged on the perforation element, which can cooperate with a punch of a machine into which the capsule can be inserted. To produce the liquid food, the machine exerts a pressure on the anvil by means of a punch, whereby the then perforating element operatively connected to the anvil perforates the capsule body. The machine in which the capsule is inserted does not itself have to have a perforation element with which the capsule body of the capsule is perforated. This eliminates contamination of a trained on the machine perforation. Furthermore, perforation elements adapted to the capsule, which can already be inserted into it during the production of the capsule, can be used. An adaptation of the perforation of the capsule can thus be carried out within the present in the capsule elements and geometry. Since the capsule according to the invention only requires interaction with a stamp provided on the machine, a change in the geometry and / or structure of the capsule can be taken into account by adapting the perforation element provided inside the capsule. This embodiment of the capsule is desirable not only in terms of the perforation of the same, but also allows easy handling during filling and subsequent placement and connection with a separator separating the two chambers and a lid and a simple use in a device for producing liquid food , The perforation element may remain in the capsule after use and disposed of.

According to the invention, the term "capsule" encompasses a small, preferably symmetrical, in particular closed, container which can be substantially ellipsoidal, spherical, cylindrical or conical at least in sections A cap may be present in the capsule to form the partition for two chambers, and the cap and separator may be substantially perpendicular or at a small angle to an axis of symmetry of the capsule In particular, it may be between about 30 ml and about 200 ml, preferably between about 50 ml and about 150 ml, more preferably between about 60 ml and about 120 ml.

According to the invention, the term "capsule body" encompasses the capsule shell or the capsule cup, which can be closed with a lid The term "capsule body" thus encompasses the side wall and the bottom of the capsule. The capsule body can define an outer contour of the capsule in the region of the side wall and the bottom. The closure of the capsule body with the lid can take place on a flange formed on the capsule body by means of a sealing or thermosealing, ultrasonic welding or gluing, in particular a method producing a cohesive connection, between the lid and the flange. According to the invention, the term "flange" comprises a section projecting with respect to a surface, which in particular is provided on the container at the head end is and can form a peripheral portion of the container or the capsule. On the flange is on the edge of the lid, which can be configured as a foil. The capsule body may in particular comprise or consist of a polymer. The capsule body may have multiple layers, for example, it is possible that the capsule body has a layer of PP / EVOH / PP (polypropylene / ethylene-vinyl alcohol / polypropylene). The capsule body may also comprise or consist of a biodegradable material. The capsule body may also comprise or consist of a thermoplastic made of PLA. The capsule body may also comprise a polypropylene which is coated with a plasma (SiOx). The materials allow for easy injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, hot forming, welding, deep drawing and machining. Furthermore, the materials are odorless, physiologically harmless and particularly suitable for applications in the food industry and pharmacy.

The term "comprising" is to be understood within the meaning of the invention and includes both the term "consist of", whereby conventional impurities are not excluded, as well as the presence of other materials.

The term "separator" is understood to mean a constructive element of the capsule which is present for separating the two chambers from the capsule or the container Element comprises, which may be preferably configured as a thin metal, paper or plastic element, which may be made very thin. The separator may preferably have a barrier or be designed as such, which may be impermeable to a fluid, in particular a liquid. The separator can form the bottom for one chamber and the lid for the other chamber, so that one element serves two functions. Preferably, the separator and / or the connection of the separator with a shoulder on the capsule body is designed such that during production of the liquid food suspension of the separation function of the separator takes place and the two chambers of the capsule are at least partially traversed by a fluid and the substances with the fluid to the liquid food mix. In particular, lids and separators may be pierced with an element, which may preferably be injection needle-like, wherein a lateral hole may be formed in the element at the level of the upper chamber, through which a fluid pressurized in the element is flushed into the upper chamber , Fluid can thus be flushed into the upper chamber by means of the element.

The separator is preferably connected to a shoulder formed on the capsule body. The term "heel" according to the invention is an extending into the interior of the container or the capsule intermediate portion of the Capsule body understood, which is formed at an angle to an inside wall portion of the container or the capsule. The paragraph can form a section of a platform. Preferably, a wall of the capsule has a substantially equal thickness in the area of the shoulder and in the adjoining areas, so that the outer contour of the capsule corresponds to the inner contour of the capsule at least in the areas mentioned. The shoulder can also be formed at an angle to an outside wall section of the capsule. The heel can interrupt the otherwise uniform course of the outer contour of a wall of the capsule. On the shoulder of the separator is placed on the edge and with this example, by means of Thermosiegelns, ultrasonic welding or gluing, preferably cohesively connected.

The separator is preferably tear resistant, i. has a high tensile strength, so that a perforation or piercing is possible, but no cracks form from the puncture point. Furthermore, the separator is preferred to pressure of a

Stamp of a device in which the capsule is used to produce a liquid food, tear-resistant. Preferably, the separator is made of a composite film or has these. The composite foil may be a lamination, in particular a sandwich, in which three layers may be provided, of which the outer two may be a thermoplastic. The outer two layers may be the same thermoplastic. In particular, a polypropylene (PP) or a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be used as the thermoplastic. An ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) may be interposed between the thermoplastic. The composite film may preferably have a PP-EVOH-PP, PET-EVOH-PET or PET-EVOH-PP coating.

According to the invention, the term "foodstuff" encompasses as a generic term both a liquid, such as drinking water, and any solid, pasty or fluidic food and nutritional supplement. The substances accommodated in the chambers may in particular be micronutrients, macronutrients, dietetic foods, high-calorie dietary supplements, balanced dietary supplements , Fruit juice (concentrated), vegetable juice (concentrate), fruit powder, fruit extracts, puree concentrates, pulp concentrates and / or mixtures have thereof. The substances may be in the consistency liquid, nectar-like, syrupy, honey-like, solid, semi-solid, as a powder, as granules, as a detachable tablet or as an effervescent tablet with gas evolution. Powdery substances may be freeze-dried substances. The consistency of the substances in the chambers may be different or the same. For example, a pulverulent substance may be present in one chamber and a syrupy substance in one chamber or a pulverulent substance may be present in both chambers.

Preferably, in the chamber in which the perforation element is present, a pasty or fluidic substance, which may be in particular syrupy, are present. Preferably, in the other chamber, a solid substance, which may be in particular powdered, are present.

Micronutrients, which may be water-soluble and fat-soluble, include vitamins, minerals, trace elements and phytochemicals. Macronutrients include egg whites, fats and carbohydrates.

Preferably, the substances present in the chambers may be separated in such a way that a longer storage is possible in relation to a mixture of the substances. The substances can be mixed or associated only shortly before the production and use or oral intake of the food.

The term "perforation element" designates an element with which a perforation or creation of an outlet on the capsule body is possible. [..] With the perforation element, a hole can be formed in the capsule body, in particular at a substantially predetermined perforation point, from which the material flushed out of the capsule Preferably, the perforation element is movable in the capsule, and the perforation element may be disposed in the chamber together with surrounding substance In this context, the arrangement of substance and at least a portion of the perforation element based on the same height of the capsule in the direction of a central axis of the capsule. The perforation element may in particular be elongated, wherein the ratio between the longitudinal extent and cross section (transverse extent) transverse to the longitudinal extent greater than 1, 5, preferably greater than 2, more preferably greater than 2.5 and particularly preferably greater than 3. The perforation element has a perforation tip at least at one end-side end face. The perforation tip can be formed by a tapering cross-section of the perforation element. The perforation tip may comprise surface areas which are at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the perforation element, which is smaller than 90 °. The perforation tip can have at one end face of the perforation element tapered, ie, ideally to a point tapered end face. The perforation tip can taper towards at least one end face of the perforation element. The perforation element may in particular comprise a polymer or a polypropylene. The perforating member may also comprise or consist of polyamide fibers or a high performance polymer or a polyphthalamide, for example, materials available under the trade name "Grivory" or "Grilon" may be used, as well as PA 6.6. The perforation element can be arranged in a chamber of the capsule without having a material connection to the capsule body, the lid or the separator. The perforation element can thus be arranged freely or loosely in the chamber, wherein the perforation element can be held in the chamber. As a result, the production process of the capsule can be simplified by the perforation element can be used only as a separate component in the chamber.

The perforation element has a passage which extends in the longitudinal axial direction of the perforation element. The passage can thus run in particular substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the capsule and preferably in the

Essentially coincide with the axis of symmetry. According to the invention, the mount "passage" comprises a cavity in the perforation element, wherein the extent of the cavity in the longitudinal direction of the perforation element or in the direction of the symmetry axis of the capsule can be greater than the extent of the cavity transverse to the longitudinal axis of the perforation element or in the direction transverse to

Direction of the symmetry axis of the capsule. The lateral opening of the perforation element may preferably be arranged in such a way that the lateral opening when the perforation is carried out is substantially at the level of the bottom of the capsule body or below.

The perforation in the capsule body can be configured as a predetermined breaking point, which breaks when exposed to the perforation. The perforation point can be formed as a structure present in the capsule body. The perforation can be formed as a local projection or as a local depression in the capsule body. Projection or depression may be formed in particular three-dimensional. The

Perforation point can be arranged in particular centrally in the capsule body. The perforation point can have a material reduction of the capsule body.

The perforation element is preferably arranged in the lower of the two chambers of the capsule, wherein, in the case of a capsule tapering towards one end in cross-section, the chamber closer to the tapered end is the lower chamber. To the perforation of the perforation Perforationselements an anvil-sided portion of the perforation, in particular at the other end face, be spaced. The perforation element can thus preferably have a perforation tip at one end and the anvil section at the other end, wherein it is not excluded that the anvil section itself is formed as a (perforation) tip. The perforation element is preferably designed in the form of an elongate element. The diameter of the longitudinal perforation member is in the range of about 3 mm to about 18 mm, preferably about 5 mm to about 15 mm, more preferably about 5 mm to about 10 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the

Perforation element about 8 mm. The length of the perforating element is in the range of about 15 mm to about 35 mm, preferably about 20 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably about 23 mm to about 28 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the perforation element is about 25 mm. In particular, the perforation element may be formed as a mandrel-shaped element. The perforation element is preferably arranged substantially centrically to the central axis of the capsule.

According to the invention, the term "effective section" comprises a section which is designed to perforate the separator, Furthermore, the active section is arranged in the capsule such that an opening of the active section is connected to the passage of the perforation element, at least when the separator is perforated In particular, the perforation element can perforate both the capsule body and the separator, the active section of the perforation element can then extend into the other of the two chambers and a fluid introduced into the chamber can flow into the passage of the perforation element through the opening of the active section.

The active section can also be present separately from the perforation element. In particular, the active portion can be arranged on or connected to an element which is present in a chamber other than the chamber in which the perforation element is arranged. The active portion may be formed on a pressing member or connected thereto. The pressing element can be arranged with the active section in the effective direction of the perforation element. By means of the pressing element, an extension of the perforation element into the other chamber of the capsule can be achieved without the actual perforation element and / or the pressing element having to extend through the separator. The perforation element, which is present in a chamber, can with the

Pressing element upon the action of the device-side punch in such a way cooperate, that a force flow between a device-side punch, pressing element and perforation element is present. Preferably, the pressing element has a height which corresponds substantially to the height of the chamber in which the pressing element is arranged. The pressing element can bridge the present in the height of the upper chamber distance to form the flow of force between the device side punch and perforation. Preferably, the pressing element is arranged in the upper chamber. The pressing element can rest on the separator, in particular freely, ie without integral connection. In a preferred embodiment, the pressing element is arranged centrally in the capsule and aligned centrally on the perforation element. The provision of a pressing element can reduce the distance traveled by the device-side punch for acting on the perforation element.

In a preferred embodiment, the pressing element has an alignment element, in particular centering element. The alignment or centering element can be adapted with its outer circumference to an inner contour of the capsule body for alignment and / or centering of the pressing element, in particular of the active portion in the capsule. The centering element may have a closed or non-closed outer circumference, individual sections corresponding to the inner contour of the capsule body. The centering element may, for example, have outer peripheral elements which correspond to the inner contour of the shoulder on the capsule body. The centering element can be configured annular, elliptical or spiral and rest on the shoulder of the capsule body, preferably with an active section aligned with the shoulder. The annular configuration can be used to a predetermined arrangement and / or orientation. The pressing element may have at least one or more webs. The web (s) runs or run in the plane spanned by the centering element. The web (s) may or may be connected to the active section extending in particular at the level of the chamber. Effective section and web (e) may be integrally formed with each other. By a design with webs material and weight can be saved compared to a massive design. In the sense of the invention, the effective direction runs essentially perpendicular to the lid of the capsule and is preferably centered in the center of the capsule.

In particular, if the active portion is not formed on the perforation, an anvil may be formed on the perforation, which can cooperate with the active portion. According to the invention, the term "anvil" comprises an element which is in direct or indirect contact with the perforation element and which can come into direct or indirect contact with a device-side stamp be educated. The anvil may be provided separately from the perforation element and surround the anvil portion of the perforation element. The anvil portion and the anvil formed separately from the perforation element can be connected to one another in a positive, force and / or material fit. An integral formation of the perforation element with an anvil has the advantage of reducing the elements required for the manufacture of the capsule. A multi-part design in which the perforation element and the anvil are produced separately from each other has the advantage that by means of the design of the anvil an adaptation of the perforation element to the device side punch is possible without the perforation element, which on the design of the capsule, or the Capsule body is aligned to change.

In particular, the capsule according to the invention has two chambers, wherein in particular one syrup can be present in one chamber and in particular a powder in the other chamber. In the capsule, a tempered fluid, such as water, which may be at room temperature, are introduced. The fluid can flow into the first chamber, for example the powder-filled chamber, mix it and / or dissolve and passes together with the substance through the opening of the active portion in the passage of the perforation element, wherein exploiting a Venturi effect, the content of the second chamber, which may for example contain a syrup, can be "sucked" in at the lateral opening of the perforation element by means of negative pressure The fluid with the first and second substance can pass through the outlet from the capsule into a container provided for receiving the produced liquid food By flooding the first chamber and "sucking" the substance of the second chamber, the contents of the capsule can be completely "washed out" as far as possible.

Preferably, the perforation element is arranged in the bottom-side chamber of the capsule. The length of the perforation element and the anvil can be designed such that, in an arrangement of the perforation element in the chamber together with the arranged on the anvil portion anvil, the anvil end - spaced from the perforation tip - in contact with the separating the two chambers separator , The separator can stabilize the perforation element directly or indirectly, preferably via the anvil, at least at one end. The length of the perforation element together with a possibly provided anvil may in particular substantially correspond to the height of the lower chamber.

In a preferred embodiment, the active portion and the perforation element are present in a chamber of the capsule. The active section can in particular be formed integrally with the perforation element. The active portion, which is connected to the perforation, is designed to perforate the separator pointed. In a preferred embodiment, the active portion and the

Perforation element in different chambers before, so that effective portion and / or perforation can be adapted to different configurations of the capsule independently. In a preferred embodiment, the opening of the active element is laterally on

Acting element arranged so that the lateral opening can be adapted so that it is at least partially aligned with the top of the separator. For example, it can be provided that the lower edge of the lateral opening is aligned with the upper side of the separator. The lateral opening may be arranged to be in the lower portion of the chamber. As a result, when flooding the first

Chamber the substance present in the first chamber are rinsed out.

In a preferred embodiment, the active portion has a plurality of openings which are formed distributed over the circumference of the active portion on the active portion. This can ensure that the discharge is essentially complete. For example, the plurality of lateral openings may be arranged at the same or different height of the active portion, for example to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral openings are distributed at the effective portion substantially equidistant about the circumference of the active portion to a uniform flow of the

To allow passage in the perforation element.

In a preferred embodiment, the active portion is connected to an alignment element in order, for example, to be able to align the active portion with the device-side punch.

In a preferred embodiment, the passage in the perforation element has a first cross section, wherein in the perforation element a further passage extending in the longitudinal direction of the perforation element is formed, which has a smaller cross section than the first cross section. This allows the

Training a Venturi effect be increased.

In a preferred embodiment, the lateral opening of the active portion is connected to the passage by means of the further passage, so that a fluidic connection or fluid connection between the first chamber via the lateral openings of the knitting section, following the passage, and subsequently the further passage can be made.

In a preferred embodiment, the perforation element is formed symmetrically on the side or end which perforates the capsule body. The perforation element may be cone-shaped, arrow-shaped or cylindrical.

In a preferred embodiment, the active portion is configured such that it has a section adapted to the passage of the perforation element. The active portion thus has a portion which can engage in the passage of the perforation element. As a result, in the case of a force flow which is exerted on the capsule, in particular the lid of the capsule, by means of a device-side punch, the active section engages with the section adapted to the passage of the perforation element and does not slip against the perforation element when the force is applied further by means of the punch. Particularly preferably, the active portion may have at the portion which is adapted to the passage of the perforation, a chamfer for facilitating insertion of the portion of the active element in the passage. The adapted to the passage portion of the active element may be cone-shaped, cylindrical. In particular, the outer circumference or the outer contour of the section can be adapted to an inner contour or inner circumference of the passage of the perforation element.

In a preferred embodiment, the distance is formed offset in the longitudinal direction to an edge of the active portion, which can come into contact with the perforation. As a result, in addition to the function of forming a fluid channel between the first chamber or upper chamber and the outlet of the capsule, the active section can also take over the effect of force transmission from the device-side punch on the perforation element. As soon as the edge of the active section comes into contact with the perforation element, the force applied by the device-side punch can be exerted on the perforation element for perforating the capsule body by means of the active section.

The perforation element is preferably guided by a guide sleeve arranged within a chamber, in particular in the direction of the perforation point, so that a defined perforation can be carried out at a predetermined location, in particular at the perforation point. The term "guide sleeve" comprises a guide designed at least in sections as a ring-shaped or tubular element, wherein the guide can essentially be formed by a tube jacket which optionally has apertures or slots The tube jacket or the tubular element can also be provided by means of pins or projections be formed, which define an inner contour that can surround the perforation element The inner contour does not have to have a closed circumference. The guide sleeve can be aligned such that the perforation element can perforate substantially exactly one point of the capsule body. Preferably, the guide sleeve is connected in the capsule on the bottom side with the capsule body. In particular, the capsule for this purpose has a bottom-side flattening, in the region of which the guide sleeve is connected to the capsule body. The guide sleeve may be made of polypropylene, a semi-crystalline thermoplastic, or comprise this material. It is possible that the guide sleeve is formed integrally or integrally with the capsule body. The capsule body can be manufactured together with the guide sleeve in a spraying process. It can also be provided that the guide sleeve is manufactured separately and connected to the capsule body by means of ultrasonic welding. For this purpose, a flange-like base can be formed on the guide sleeve, which can be connected to the bottom of the capsule body. The sleeve and the flange-like base may include an angle of substantially 90 ° to each other. The ultrasonic welding can be connected by means of a sonotrode in which high-frequency mechanical vibrations are introduced into the guide sleeve, in particular the flange-like base portion, and / or the bottom of the capsule body. The guide sleeve can define a substantially rectilinear movement direction for the perforation element, for example, the sleeve can extend from the capsule body into the interior of the chamber and receive the perforation element such that the sleeve surrounds the perforation element circumferentially at least over a longitudinal section arranged in particular at the end.

Preferably, the capsule body, in particular for forming a perforation, in the passage of the guide sleeve is formed such that the capsule body in the passage has a portion which is bent away from the chamber or into the chamber. In this way, a portion can be generated in the capsule body, which may be advantageous for a defined outlet. In particular, in the passage of the guide sleeve, a nose-shaped portion of the capsule body may be formed, which projects into the interior of the capsule. The perforation tip of the perforation element can be aligned with the nose, and a perforation of the capsule body in the region of the nose can produce a shaped and pierced outlet.

The guide sleeve preferably has lateral slots through which the liquid foodstuffs formed with the substances contained in the capsule can emerge from the capsule. The slots can be used as an outlet for the liquid food and cause as few residues in the capsule as possible to remain from the liquid food produced. The slots can be configured in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve or curvilinear to the longitudinal direction of the sleeve. A curvy Design in deviation from the rectilinear configuration parallel to the longitudinal extent of the guide sleeve can lead to an improvement of the outlet of the food, since a larger peripheral area can be detected around the guide sleeve.

In one embodiment, in the guide sleeve in the longitudinal direction of the guide sleeve extending guide elements may be formed, which can cooperate with corresponding formed on the perforation element (guided) elements. The guidance of the perforation element can be increased by means of the guide elements formed on the guide sleeve. For example, projections projecting into the guide sleeve can interact with projections on the perforation element and improve alignment and / or guidance of the perforation element in the guide sleeve. For example, a rail-shaped and / or cam-shaped design of guide elements in the guide sleeve is possible. By means of a cam-shaped guide or a rail-shaped guide, an elongated element, provided on the perforation element and extending at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the perforation element, of the perforation element can be guided along the cam-like and / or rail-like guide elements.

In a preferred embodiment, the perforation element has a round outer cross section, which can simplify the production. The perforation element may also have an outer cross section, which may be formed star-shaped. The outer cross section can be an N-corner-shaped polygon, in particular a 2n-corner, whose edges can all be the same length. Sharp edges can increase the perforation effect. A symmetrical configuration, in particular point-symmetrical to the outer cross-section center is preferred in order to achieve a uniform perforation effect based on the circumference. An n-pointed star may be reduced to straight-line portions that connect one corner of the polygon to the center of the polygon or outer cross-section. Of the

Outer cross section may also be cross-shaped as a star shape. Through the corners of the outer cross-section, longitudinally extending straight sections can result, which can also be guided for guidance by means of the guide elements possibly provided in the guide sleeve. By means of an at least partially formed cross-shaped configuration of the perforation is a

Reducing the mass and the material of the perforation element based on an envelope of the circumference achievable.

The invention also provides a method of producing a liquid food having a capsule having two chambers and a separator. The capsule can be configured as described above. However, there are other forms of Capsule possible. According to the method of the invention, a fluid for flushing a substance from one of the chambers is introduced into the chamber. The fluid can be tempered. The fluid is passed through a passage that is at least partially disposed in the other chamber and with the generated flow, a negative pressure, in particular a Venturi effect can be generated.

The invention also provides a device for producing a liquid food into which a capsule, in particular a capsule as described above, can be inserted. The device may further comprise a plunger which can be moved from a first position outside the space enclosed by the capsule body to a second position in which the plunger partially protrudes into the space enclosed by the capsule body. The device into which the capsule can be inserted is characterized by a fluid supply which is arranged eccentrically to the capsule.

The device also provides for using a capsule as described above for producing a liquid food, wherein in particular a device described above can be used. The invention further provides a system comprising a capsule as described above and a device described above, in which the capsule can be inserted.

A device for producing a liquid food, in which a capsule, in particular a capsule described above can be inserted, may have an injection element, can be entered with the liquid in the capsule. Such a thing

Injection element may have a perforation tip, with which it can perforate a capsule shell or a lid or a separator. Such an injection element can be moved from a rear position to a front position and thereby perforate the capsule shell, or the lid, or the separator. The injection element particularly preferably has at least part of it

Longitudinal extension of a closed channel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening through which the liquid to be introduced into the capsule can flow. Preferably, the flange and shoulder of the capsule body are integrally connected to each other, which can simplify the manufacture and enable defined conditions to be obtained. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container of the capsule is integrally formed, which further simplifies the construction and manufacture. For example, the container can be deep-drawn or injection-molded. A wall of the capsule or the capsule body may preferably have a substantially equal thickness over the entire extent of Have wall, wherein the flange of the container may be configured slightly thicker.

In a preferred embodiment, the flange and shoulder have a substantially same orientation of their surface normals, whereby the

Filling and laying on and / or attaching the lid and the separator in subsequent steps of one and the same device can be performed and / or the capsule for placing and / or attaching the lid and separator does not move or differently oriented or even spent at different stations , Particularly preferred flange and heel are concentric with each other. First and second chamber can be filled through the same opening of the container. There may be defined conditions for the two chambers. The chamber disposed above the separator may have a bottom with the separator which may be substantially parallel to the lid.

Preferably, the capsule body comprises a part-spherical or partially ellipsoidal portion having a flattening which has a substantially same orientation as a surface normal of the flange and / or heel, whereby defined conditions for the lower and / or upper chamber can be formed. The capsule body may be rotationally symmetrical with respect to a surface normal of the flattening. The handling can be simplified; By means of the flattening and the part-spherical or partially ellipsoidal section, a geometry is created which allows a specification with regard to the insertion into a device for producing liquid foods. The same orientation of the flattening of the flange and / or the paragraph also allows a footprint on which the capsule can rest.

In a preferred embodiment, the flattening to the part-spherical or partially ellipsoidal section is set back or shifted towards the front.

In a preferred embodiment, the part-spherical or partially ellipsoidal section of the capsule body is smooth, wherein the term "smooth" in the sense of the invention comprises a step-free, edge-free and / or corner-free configuration Section and / or a medial surface normal of the flattening so as to allow easy handling of the capsule, which is simplified both when filling the capsule body and / or using the capsule in a liquid food processing device, and no preference must be given to it. In a preferred embodiment, an edge portion of the wall extends between the flange and the shoulder, and forms an angle with the flange which is less than 90 °. Thus, both a stacking of the capsule body after the production thereof and at the same time a rapid separation of the stacked containers can be made possible. With the angle an undercut can be designed. The containers provided without separator and lid can be made by the formation of the angle of less than 90 ° safely into one another such that the bottom of a paragraph of a capsule body rests on the inner edge region of a flange of an underlying capsule body. It is thus ensured that the capsule body does not enter into a tight positive connection of lateral, peripheral edge regions of the capsule body, but rather substantially support surfaces are formed to each other and the capsule body loosely rest on each other. By stacking the transport volume can be reduced and an automation can be achieved, which can be designed complication-free, as a simplified separation is possible.

In a preferred embodiment, adjoins the paragraph to the support of the separator to the paragraph at an angle of greater than 90 ° enclosing wall, which is part of the teilellipsenförmigen or partially spherical portion or merges into this. As a result, the effect of an undercut between the flange and the subsequent section can be enhanced and a quick to be separated stacking can be improved.

Particularly preferably, the edge portion between the flange and paragraph runs substantially straight, whereby a simple geometry with a simplified manufacture of the container is possible. Preferably, the edge portion, which need not be rectilinear, include a rounded angle of less than 90 ° with the shoulder.

In a preferred embodiment, the volume ratio of the upper and lower chambers is in the range of 1: 4 to 1:10, more preferably in the range of 1: 5 to 1: 9, particularly preferably in the range of 1: 6 to 1: 8 and all most preferably in the range of 1: 6.5 to 1: 1, 75. Preferably, the upper chamber may be filled with a volume of about 10 ml to about 25 ml, preferably about 15 ml to about 20 ml, most preferably about 18 ml. Preferably, the lower chamber may be filled with a volume of about 30 ml to about 50 ml, preferably about 35 ml to about 45 ml, most preferably about 40 ml. The differently sized chambers can be adapted to the requirements for the production of the liquid food and in particular only be made as large as they are needed. For example, micro-, macronutrients, dietetic foods, high calorie dietary supplements and balanced dietary supplements may be present in the smaller of the two chambers.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings.

In the drawings shows:

1 shows a capsule according to the invention in a partially sectioned view from the side.

FIG. 2 shows the capsule according to FIG. 1 after an action of a stamp of a device; FIG.

3 is an enlarged view of the inserted in a device capsule with fluid feeds in a partially sectioned view from the side. and

4 is an enlarged view of FIG .. 3

FIG. 1 shows a capsule 1 in a sectional view from the side. The capsule 1 has a capsule body 2, a lid 3 and a separator 4.

The capsule 1 and the capsule body 2 is closed at the top with the lid 3. The separator 4 divides the interior of the capsule 1 in two areas or the sealed capsule body 2 in two chambers 5, 6. The separator 4 forms an upper chamber 5 between the lid 3 and the separator 4 and a lower chamber 6, the bottom side and is bounded laterally by the capsule body 2. The capsule 1 is substantially rotationally symmetrical to the central axis.

In the two chambers 5, 6 each have a substance, not shown, is present.

At the bottom of the capsule body 2, a perforation 7 is formed, which can be pierced by means of a perforation 8. The perforation 8 is formed as an elongated mandrel which tapers pointed at the front end, directed to the perforation 7. The perforation element 8 has a perforation tip 9 at the front end.

The perforation element 8 is loosely in the chamber 6 and is surrounded by a guide sleeve 10. The perforation element 8 is by means of the guide sleeve 10 aligned with the perforation 7 and out with respect to the movement of the perforation 8 by means of the guide sleeve 10.

The perforation element 8 has a passage 11, which extends in the longitudinal axial direction of the perforation element 8. The passage 1 1 is connected to a likewise formed in the perforation 8 further passage 12. The passage 11 has a larger cross section than the passage 12. With the passage 12, a lateral opening 13 of the perforation element 8 is connected.

By means of the passages 1, 12 and the opening 13, a fluid connection is formed from the region of the separator 4 into the lower region of the chamber 6. Further, through the passages 11, 12, a passage is formed from one end of the perforating member 8 to the other end of the perforating member.

At the end spaced from the perforation tip 9, the perforation element 8 has an anvil 14, which is aligned in the direction of action on a punch of a device into which the capsule 1 can be inserted, when the capsule has been inserted into the device. The anvil 14 of the perforation 8 rests freely on the separator 4.

On the separator 4, an alignment or pressing element 15 is placed, which is aligned in the support in the capsule body 2 by means of its outer contour, which substantially corresponds to the inner contour of the capsule body 2 in the region of the support.

The alignment or pressing element 15 has an active section 16, which comprises a perforation tip 17 for perforating the separator 4. Furthermore, the active portion 16 has an opening 18.

FIG. 2 shows a state of the capsule 1 in which a punch (not shown) of a device, which has a receiving space into which the capsule 1 can be inserted, acts on the capsule 1. The centrally aligned on the alignment or pressing member 15 effective portion has been pressed in the direction of the bottom of the capsule 1. The perforation tip 17 of the active portion 16 has been pushed into a region end of the passage 11. The edge around the perforation 17 of the active portion 16 abuts the anvil 14 of the perforation 8. The force of the punch on the active portion 16 has the perforation 8 shifted down and the perforation 8 has perforated the capsule body 2. 3 schematically shows the introduction of fluid into the chamber 5. The opening 18 of the active section is arranged in the region just above the separator 4.

The stroke of the punch is designed such that the path of the active portion 16 is designed so that the opening 18 of the active element 16 is present after the action of the stamp of the device substantially shortly above the separator 4. The fluid introduced into the chamber 5 can then flow through the opening 18 and then passes from the opening 18 in fluid communication with the passage 1 1 in the passage 11 of the perforation 8. From the passage 11, the fluid passes as in Fig. 4 is seen, in the further passage 12, which is now at least partially disposed outside of the capsule body 2. The further passage 12 is in fluid communication with the chamber 6. The fluid communication between the passage 12 and the chamber 6 is provided through the opening 13 on the perforation member and on the guide sleeve 10 formed slots. By reducing the cross section of the passages 11 and 12, a negative pressure is generated in the region of the passage 12 at the lateral opening 13, which acts on the substance located in the chamber 6.

The mixture of fluid and the substance in chamber 5 passes through the opening 18 of the active element in the passage 11 of the perforation and further into the passage 12 of the perforation. The substance located in the chamber 6 flows through the negative pressure through the slots of the guide sleeve 10 to the lateral opening 13 of the perforation 8. The substance in the chamber 6 is sucked by the mixture of substance from chamber 5 and the fluid and mixes with the Mixture of fluid and substance of the chamber 5 to the finished liquid food, which flows out of the capsule 1 at the passage 12.

Claims

"Claims"

1. capsule (1) for a production of a liquid food with a capsule body (2) and two by means of a separator (4) separate chambers (5, 6) for receiving two substances, wherein the capsule, a perforation element (8) for perforating the capsule body (2) and an operative portion (16) for cooperation with the separator (4), characterized in that in the perforation element (8) a longitudinally extending passage (11) is formed, which with a lateral opening (13) of the Perforationselements is connected, wherein the active portion (16) for perforating the separator (4) is configured and the operative portion (16) has an opening (18) with the passage (11) of the perforation (8) at least at perforated separator (4 ) connected is.

2. capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the active portion (16) and the perforation element (8) in a chamber (6) are present.

3. capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the active portion (16) and the perforation element (8) in different chambers (5, 6) are present.

4. capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opening (18) of the active portion (16) is arranged laterally on the active portion.

5. capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of openings (18) over the circumference of the active portion (16) distributed on the effective portion are formed.

6. capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the active portion (16) is connected to an alignment element (15).

7. capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the passage (11) has a first cross section and in the perforation (8) further in the longitudinal direction of the perforation (8) extending passage (12) is, which has a smaller cross section than the first cross section.

8. capsule (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the lateral opening (13) by means of the further passage (12) with the passage (1 1) is connected.

9. capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the perforation element (8) on the capsule body (2) perforating side is formed symmetrically.

10. capsule (1) according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the active portion (16) is designed such that it has a to the passage (11) of the perforation element (8) adapted portion.

11. Capsule (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the section is formed offset in the longitudinal direction to an edge of the active portion (16) which can come into contact with the perforation element (8).

12. capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the perforation element (8) by a within a chamber (6) arranged guide sleeve (10) is guided, which has a lateral opening.

13. A method for producing a liquid food with a two chambers (5, 6) and a separator (4) having capsule (1), in particular a capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a fluid for Purging a substance from one of the chambers (5, 6) is introduced into the chamber (5), the fluid is passed through a passage (11) which is at least partially disposed in the other chamber (6), and with the flowing fluid a negative pressure, in particular a venturi effect, is generated in the other chamber (6).

14. A device for producing a liquid food, in which a capsule (1), in particular a capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, can be inserted into a receiving space, characterized in that the device is a fluid supply to the capsule (1 ), which is arranged off-center to the capsule (1).

15. Use of a capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 for producing a liquid food, in particular in a device according to claim 14.

16. System comprising a capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 and a device according to claim 14.