AU2012356914A1

AU2012356914A1 - Capsule, system and method for preparing a beverage

Info

Publication number: AU2012356914A1
Application number: AU2012356914A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Raphael Gugerli
Original assignee: Delica AG
Current assignee: Delica AG
Priority date: 2011-12-21
Filing date: 2012-12-20
Publication date: 2014-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2032-12-20
Also published as: EP2794427B2; NO2985240T3; DK2794427T4; RU2623917C2; JP2015502230A; RU2014129800A; AU2012356914B9; DE202012013330U1; AU2012356914C1; KR20140105834A; AU2012356914B2; PT2985240T; DK2794427T3; ES2573304T5; PL2794427T5; ES2656203T3; EP2794427A1; EP2985240A1; IL233218A0; ES2573304T3

Abstract

The capsule (1) according to the invention consists of a capsule body (2) with a side wall (3) and a base (4). The capsule (1) comprises a lid (5) covering the capsule body (2) in order to form an enclosed chamber (6), which contains a substance for preparing a foodstuff. The capsule body (2) has at least one slot (8), formed substantially without material removal, for passing a fluid through the capsule (1). The slot (8) in the capsule body (2) is formed prior to the intended use of the capsule (1) in a device for producing a foodstuff.

Description

WO 2013/092910 PCT/EP2012/076481 Capsule, system and method for preparing a beverage The present invention relates to a capsule according to the preamble of claim 1 as well as to a method for 5 producing a capsule of this type. Capsules, which, in particular, are used just once and are disposed of after use, are widely used today as portion packagings for the preparation of, for example, 10 coffee or tea in an apparatus. The consumer therefore, for example, no longer has to bother about apportioning the correct amount of coffee and after the extraction operation can dispose of the capsule together with the contents. 15 WO 2010/128844 Al makes known a capsule which contains a substance for producing a beverage, said capsule comprising circular openings or elongated slots in the base. WO 2004/026091 Al makes known a capsule for 20 accommodating a substance for producing a beverage, where slots, which are able to be opened by means of an opening device, are arranged in the lid. US 5,756,311 makes known a capsule for receiving a substance for the production of a beverage where a base or a membrane of 25 the capsule comprise regions of reduced thickness which can tear open in operation under the pressure of a supplied liquid. In addition, EP 2 133 285 Al makes known a portion packaging having a receptacle, a base and a membrane, where for supplying liquid the base is 30 perforated in operation by means of a piercing device. DE 27 52 733 makes known a capsule which contains a substance such as, for example, coffee for producing of a beverage as result of brewing in an apparatus. Said 35 known capsule is usually produced from aluminum sheet. However, the disadvantage of using aluminum as the material for the capsule known from the prior art is that aluminum is expensive and a large amount of energy is used when the aluminum is produced.

WO 2013/092910 - 2 - PCT/EP2012/076481 WO 2008/087009 A2 makes known a plastics material capsule which contains a substance for the production of a beverage using a machine. Said known capsule is 5 already less costly to produce than, for example, aluminum and the energy consumption for the production thereof is also reduced compared to the known aluminum capsules. 10 However, the disadvantage of said known capsule is that the plastic material capsule is often not penetrated in a reliable manner in the machines for producing the foodstuff, as a result of which sometimes reduced quality foodstuffs are produced if, corresponding to 15 the respective specification, insufficient liquid is conveyed through the capsule. In addition, it is also possible for a large overpressure to be generated in the apparatus if the capsule is not penetrated and the supplied liquid is consequently not easily removable, 20 as a result of which the apparatus can possibly become damaged. In addition, there can also be a safety risk to the operator as a result of the overpressure. A further disadvantage of the known prior art is the 25 necessity to arrange a device for penetrating the capsule in the apparatus, which is expensive. It is consequently one object of the present invention to avoid the disadvantages of the known, in particular 30 therefore to provide a capsule which, in the case of the intended use in an apparatus to produce a foodstuff, enables increased operating reliability is less environmentally harmful and can be produced economically. In addition, a capsule which can be used 35 in an apparatus for producing a beverage without a penetrating device is to be provided.

WO 2013/092910 - 3 - PCT/EP2012/076481 Said object is achieved by a capsule with the features according to claim 1. The capsule according to the invention consists of a 5 capsule body having a side wall and a base. The capsule body is preferably rotationally symmetrical. In particular, the capsule body is realized integrally with the side wall and the base. The capsule includes a lid which covers the capsule body for forming a closed 10 chamber which contains a substance for the preparation of a foodstuff. The capsule body comprises at least one slot for the passage of a liquid through the capsule, said slot being formed substantially without material removal. The slot in the capsule body is formed prior 15 to the intended use of the capsule in an apparatus for producing a foodstuff. The wording "substantially without material removal" is to be understood in terms of the present application as 20 a non-machining method by way of which the slot is formed, this means that substantially no material is removed from the capsule body when forming the slot. This can be achieved, for example, with a cutting method if a suitable cutting tool such as, for example, 25 a blade is used. The wording "the slot in the capsule body is formed prior to the intended use of the capsule in an apparatus for producing a foodstuff" is to be 30 understood in terms of the present application as the slot being formed in the capsule body during the production of the capsule body, after the production of the capsule body or after the filling and closing of the capsule with a lid and the capsule being sold and 35 stored with the slot in the capsule body. A capsule where a slot is formed during the use in an apparatus for producing a foodstuff as a result of a device of the apparatus is consequently in terms of the present WO 2013/092910 - 4 - PCT/EP2012/076481 application not a slot in the capsule body which is formed prior to the intended use of the capsule. For example, the slot can be produced using a blade 5 and/or a laser. In particular, the capsule is suitable for producing a foodstuff and in particular a beverage in an apparatus without a penetrating device. 10 The advantage here is that the production of a cost efficient apparatus for producing a foodstuff is made possible. "A penetrating device" is to be understood in terms of 15 the present application as a device by way of which the capsule can be penetrated in the apparatus when used as intended and in particular can be pierced such that liquid is able to be conducted through the capsule. 20 The term rotationallyy symmetrical" is to be understood in terms of the present application as a symmetry with reference to rotation around the longitudinal axis of the capsule by a discrete angle or also by an arbitrary angle. 25 The advantage of forming at least one slot in the capsule body is that in the case of, where applicable, unreliable penetration of the capsule body, the liquid is able to flow through the slot. The achievement in an 30 advantageous manner as a result of this is that generation of an overpressure in the apparatus is able to be avoided, as a result of which the risk of damage to the apparatus is reduced. In addition, by arranging the slot in the capsule body it is possible to achieve 35 a more constant quality of the produced foodstuff since at least one certain flow is ensured through the apparatus. A further advantage is the usability of the WO 2013/092910 - 5 - PCT/EP2012/076481 capsule according to the invention in an apparatus for producing a foodstuff without a penetrating device. Coffee, tea and chocolate or arbitrary combinations 5 thereof can be used in particular as the substance. In particular, therefore, when used as intended, it is possible to influence the opening behavior of the slot in an advantageous manner, for example as a result of 10 parameters such as, for example, the length of the slot, the wall thickness of the capsule body and of the material of the capsule body or arbitrary combinations of said parameters; for example it is possible as a result for the slot not to be opened for the passage of 15 the liquid until a certain overpressure, which simply does not exist if the capsule is not correctly penetrated, is achieved in the apparatus; the slot can consequently function as a safety valve and/or as a flow control device. 20 In a preferred manner, in a position of rest, the opposite edges of the slot contact one another at least in portions. In a preferred manner, the opposite edges of the slot contact one another along at least 90% of a 25 length 1 of the slot, in a particularly preferred manner along at least 95% and in a quite especially preferred manner along 100%. The term "100%" is to be understood as contact along substantially the entire length 1 of the slot. 30 A "position of rest" in terms of the present application is to be understood as the position of the slot in which, for example, no force is exerted onto the capsule body by the apparatus for producing a 35 foodstuff. A force of this type can be, for example, a mechanical action of force to deform the capsule body, as a result of which the slot would be moved out of the position of rest. As an alternative to this or in WO 2013/092910 - 6 - PCT/EP2012/076481 addition to it, it can also be, for example, a hydraulic action of force which is generated in the capsule to extract the substance when a liquid is supplied under pressure into the capsule, for example 5 for brewing a coffee beverage. The advantage of developing the slot in such a manner that the opposite edges contact one another at least in portions in the position of rest is that the capsule is 10 substantially closed and no substance is able to pass out of the capsule body. In a particularly preferred manner, the slot is openable from a position of rest into an open position 15 by means of an action of force. In particular, the slot is openable by means of a mechanical and/or hydraulic action of force. An "open position" of the slot in terms of the present 20 application is to be understood as that position of the slot where the opposite edges of the slot are spaced apart from one another for the passage of the liquid as a result of the action of force. 25 The advantage of this is that the slot is openable from the position of rest into the open position in dependence on the action of force, for example to adapt the flow through the slot in dependence on the action of force. 30 In a quite especially preferred manner, the slot is openable by means of generating a pressure difference at least in the region of the slot between the chamber and the outside surface of the capsule body, in 35 particular when generating the pressure difference by means of a liquid which is suppliable under pressure. In other words, the slot is openable by means of a pressure difference between the outside surface of the WO 2013/092910 - 7 - PCT/EP2012/076481 capsule and the inside surface of the capsule formed by the chamber. The advantage of this is that in dependence on the 5 pressure difference being set in the apparatus between the inside surface and the outside surface of the capsule, for example as result of supplying a liquid, the slot is able to open for the extraction of the substance for the further improved and more reliable 10 use of the capsule in the apparatus. In a preferred manner, once the action of force has been removed the slot is closable in a substantially reversible manner and returns substantially into the 15 position of rest. The advantage of this is that once the foodstuff has been produced, the slot is essentially automatically closed again and consequently the extracted substance 20 remains enclosed in the capsule, which results in improved handling. In addition, the advantage of this is that the slot, where applicable, simply opens at a certain overpressure and once the overpressure is removed closes again such that the production of the 25 foodstuff is able to be effected under, where applicable, standardized operating conditions to achieve as constant and high a quality of the foodstuff as possible. 30 In a particularly preferred manner, the slot remains substantially in the open position once it has opened into the open position by means of an action of force and the thermal energy has been supplied. In other words, the slot remains in the open position once the 35 pressure difference has been removed. In particular, the slot remains in the open position after opening by means of a liquid to generate the pressure difference when the temperature of the liquid is in excess of 700 WO 2013/092910 - 8 - PCT/EP2012/076481 C, in a preferred manner in excess of 750 C and in an especially preferred manner in excess of 800 C for supplying the thermal energy. In particular, the capsule body is substantially 5 irreversibly deformed as a result of the thermal energy at least in the region of the slot such that the slot remains in the open position. The advantage of this is that even, for example, when 10 reducing the pump output for the supplied liquid, a good flow through the capsule is ensured as the slot remains in the open position even when the pressure difference is reduced. 15 In a quite especially preferred manner, the open position of the slot is dependent on the pressure difference in such a manner that when the pressure difference is increased, the opening of the slot in the open position can be enlarged. 20 The advantage of this is that the opening of the slot in the open position with the pressure difference, for example generated as a result of a varying pump output, is able to be adapted to the respective pressure 25 difference and consequently flow control is achieved. In a preferred manner, the capsule body is produced by means of deep-drawing. In particular, the capsule body consists of a polymer. In a preferred manner, the 30 capsule body has a wall thickness within the range of between 0.05 mm and 0.4 mm, in a particularly preferred manner within the range of between 0.06 mm and 0.3 mm and in a quite particularly preferred manner within the range of between 0.07 mm and 0.25 mm. 35 The "wall thickness" of the capsule body in terms of the present application is to be understood as the mean wall thickness of the base and of the side wall.

WO 2013/092910 - 9 - PCT/EP2012/076481 The advantage of producing the capsule body by means of deep-drawing is that this is possible in a cost efficient manner. In particular, the advantage of the 5 small wall thickness is that as a result the consumption of material is reduced when producing the capsule and consequently the costs are able to be reduced further. 10 In a particularly preferred manner, the slot comprises a length 1 within the range of between 0.1 and 20 mm, in a preferred manner between 1 mm and 15 mm and in a particularly preferred manner between 3 mm and 8 mm. 15 The advantage of this is that the development of the slot can be adapted to the respective requirements of the foodstuff to be produced and/or of the apparatus used to produce the foodstuff. 20 In a quite particularly preferred manner, the slot in the open position comprises a maximum width b of 6 mm, in particular of 5 mm and further in particular of 4 mm. In the closed position, the slot comprises, in particular, a width b of approximately 0 mm. 25 The advantage of this is further improvement in the flow control in dependence on the respective requirements for the production of the foodstuff. 30 In a preferred manner, the slot is arranged in the base. The advantage of this is that the supplied liquid which is conveyed through the slot is able to wet as large a 35 proportion of the substance to be extracted as possible as the liquid has to traverse substantially the entire length of the capsule such that a qualitatively high value product can be produced with as small an amount WO 2013/092910 - 10 - PCT/EP2012/076481 of substance as possible, which makes the production of the capsule more cost-efficient. In a particularly preferred manner, the base comprises 5 at least two slots which in particular cross one another, in a preferred manner approximately in the geometric center point of the base. The advantage of this is that the face of the openings 10 formed by the at least two slots is enlarged such that more liquid is able to be conveyed through the same for better extraction of the substance. The further advantage of the arrangement of at least two slots in the base which in particular cross one another, in a 15 preferred manner approximately in the geometric center point, is that in dependence on the pressure difference generated, larger openings of the slots can be formed for better flow control. 20 In a quite particularly preferred manner, the slot is arranged in the side wall. In particular, the slot is arranged with reference to the overall length of the capsule along the longitudinal axis of the capsule along the central stream of the liquid through the 25 capsule in a first half, in a preferred manner in a first third and in a particularly preferred manner in a first quarter of the side wall. In other words, the slot, when viewed from the base in the direction of flow, is for example in the first half, in the first 30 third or in the first quarter of the side wall with reference to the length along the longitudinal axis of the capsule. The advantage of this is that as a result of said 35 arrangement of the slot the supplying of liquid into the capsule is further improved as well as also the flow control. In particular, the advantage of the arrangement of the slots in a first half with reference WO 2013/092910 - 11 - PCT/EP2012/076481 to the length of the capsule and the direction of flow of the liquid is that as large a proportion as possible of the substance can be wetted through the slot which is arranged in the side wall, which improves the 5 quality of the foodstuff produced and results in a requirement for less substance, which is cost efficient. In a preferred manner, the slot is arranged 10 substantially along the circumference of the side wall. In other words, the slot is therefore arranged substantially parallel to a circumference of the in particular rotationally symmetrical capsule body. 15 For example, in the case of a cone-shaped capsule body, the circumference of the side wall is therefore substantially a circle in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the capsule. 20 The advantage of said arrangement of the slot substantially along the circumference or at an angle to the circumference is further improved flow control and leads to increased extraction efficiency of the substance. 25 In particular, it is possible in the case of an arrangement of several slots to arrange said slots in combination according to the arrangements disclosed above. For example, it is possible to provide two slots 30 which are arranged in the geometric center point in the base as well as at least one slot substantially along the circumference and a further slot substantially perpendicular to the circumference. 35 In a quite especially preferred manner, no bead is arranged in the region of the edges of the slot on the side which faces the chamber.

WO 2013/092910 - 12 - PCT/EP2012/076481 A bead of this type can be created, for example, when generating the slot for example as a result of the cutting tool. The advantage of avoiding the arrangement of a bead of this type is that the flow of the liquid 5 in the capsule is not negatively influenced in the region of the slot and consequently the flow control and/or the flow is improved. In a preferred manner, the capsule body comprises at 10 least two slots, in particular at least three slots and further in particular four slots. The advantage of this is further improved flow control and improved extraction of the substance to increase 15 the quality of the foodstuff produced. In a particularly preferred manner, the slot is realized as a substantially straight slot. 20 In a quite particularly preferred manner, the slot is realized as a substantially curved slot. The advantage of this is that the form of the slot can be correspondingly chosen in dependence on the 25 requirement. In the case of an arrangement of at least two slots, a combination of straight and curved slots is also possible. In a preferred manner, the slot is realized in such a 30 manner that prior to extracting the substance for producing the foodstuff substantially no substance is able to pass through the slot. In particular, a substance comprises a particle size 35 distribution within the range of between greater than 0 pm and 800 pm, in a preferred manner between 25 pm and 750 pm and in a particularly preferred manner between 50 pm and 700 pm. A substance comprises a particle size WO 2013/092910 - 13 - PCT/EP2012/076481 distribution of this type when at least 95 percent by weight, in a preferred manner 97 percent by weight and in a particularly preferred manner 99 percent by weight of the particles comprise a particle size within the 5 afore-defined ranges. A particle size in terms of the present application is to be understood as the largest expansion of a particle. The advantage of this is that the handling of the 10 capsule is improved and during storage or also transport substance is not able to escape from the capsule, which can sometimes result in reduced quality as the capsule in such a case can contain less substance than prescribed. 15 In a particularly preferred manner, the slot is closed by a substantially hermetic layer. In particular, the hermetic layer is arranged on the side of the capsule body which is remote from and/or faces the chamber. 20 The advantage of this is that the capsule is closable in a substantially aroma-tight manner by means of the hermetic layer and consequently no additional outer sleeve is necessary for storage or transport, which can 25 make the production of the capsule more expensive and handling by an operator by an operator more difficult. In a preferred manner, the layer is applied substantially over the entire surface of the capsule 30 body and in particular of the side wall and/or the base. The advantage of this is a simplified coating method as the entire capsule body is coated irrespective of the 35 position of the slots, which makes the method easier to carry out and consequently more cost-efficient.

WO 2013/092910 - 14 - PCT/EP2012/076481 In a preferred manner, the layer is applied in portions to close the slot. The advantage of this is the reduced consumption of 5 material for the layer, which reduces the material costs. In addition, the advantage of this is that less material of the layer passes into the foodstuff as, during production of the foodstuff, the layer is in contact with the liquid which is used to produce the 10 foodstuff. In a particularly preferred manner, the layer is applied on at least one of the opposite edges and in particular on both opposite edges of the slot. 15 The advantage of this is further reduction in the material required for the layer with the aforementioned advantage. In addition, in dependence on the material chosen for the layer, targeted conglutination of the 20 slot is possible which results in further improved sealing and, where applicable, better defined opening characteristics of the slot under pressure. In a quite particularly preferred manner, the layer 25 consists at least of a dissolvable and food-safe material, of aluminum or a dissolvable polymer or an arbitrary combination thereof. The polymer fuses in particular at temperatures of > 50 0 C. In particular, sugar, polysaccharide, hydro gel, biopolymer, wax and 30 paraffin or arbitrary combinations thereof are used to form the substantially hermetic layer. The advantage of this is that where a dissolvable and food-safe material and/or a dissolvable polymer are 35 used, the layer dissolves during the production of the foodstuff and consequently, where applicable, makes possible the production. The advantage of using a food safe material such as, for example, a dissolvable sugar WO 2013/092910 - 15 - PCT/EP2012/076481 layer is that this is generally recognized as safe for the production of the foodstuff. The advantage of using aluminum is that a more reliable 5 seal is achievable. The aluminum layer is either removed from the capsule body prior to use or is fastened in such manner on and/or in the capsule that, where applicable, it is detached from the slot by means of the supplied liquid and continues, however, to stay 10 fastened to the capsule. As an alternative to this, it is also possible for the aluminum layer to tear under pressure and/or to be pierced by, where applicable, correspondingly arranged penetrating means. The advantage of this is that the produced foodstuff is not 15 contaminated by the aluminum. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a capsule consisting of a preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body. The capsule is in particular 20 a capsule as described above. The capsule body consists in particular of a polymer. The capsule body consists of a side wall and a base, the side wall and the base being realized in particular in one piece. The capsule includes a lid which covers the capsule body for 25 forming a closed chamber which contains a substance for the preparation of a foodstuff. The capsule body comprises at least one opening for the passage of a liquid through the capsule. The opening is realized, in particular, as a slot. The opening is formed in the 30 capsule body prior to the intended use in an apparatus for preparing the foodstuff. Between the substance and the opening a substantially hermetic and aroma-tight membrane is arranged for sealing the closed chamber in relation to the opening. The membrane is in particular 35 fastened in the capsule body. In other words, the closed chamber contains the substance, the substantially hermetic membrane being arranged in the capsule body such that there is no direct liquid WO 2013/092910 - 16 - PCT/EP2012/076481 connection for, for example, liquids and/or gases from the opening to the substance prior to the use of the capsule. 5 The advantage of this is that the material of the capsule body and the material of the membrane can be selected so as to be different with regard to the ability to be pierced by way of a penetrating device of the apparatus for preparing the foodstuff. This 10 increases the reliability of the piercing of the capsule in operation such that the foodstuff is able to be prepared in a reliable manner. In addition, this enables cost-efficient production of the capsule body which can be produced, for example, from plastics 15 material. In operation, when using plastics material capsules which consist, for example, of a polymer, it can frequently be observed that once the capsule body has 20 been pierced by way of a penetrating device, the penetrating opening generated by the penetrating device is partially closed again as a result of the partially elastic behavior of the capsule body such that insufficient liquid is able to be supplied for 25 preparing the foodstuff. As a result of the arrangement of at least one opening in the capsule body, it can now be ensured that even after a partial closing of the penetrating opening as a result of the elastic behavior of the material of the capsule body, sufficient liquid 30 is suppliable into the closed chamber of the capsule. As a result of the arrangement of the at least one opening in the capsule body, however, the capsule is prevented from being closed in a substantially air tight manner to form an aroma-tight packaging; in this 35 case, it is to be recommended, for example when using coffee as the extracted substance, to close the capsule in a substantially air-tight manner in an outer sleeve for transport and/or storage of the capsule, which, WO 2013/092910 - 17 - PCT/EP2012/076481 however, has the disadvantage that more packaging material is consumed and in addition each packaged capsule assumes a larger volume than the capsule as such. As a result of the arrangement of the 5 substantially hermetic membrane in the capsule between the opening and the substance, the substance can be closed in the capsule in a substantially air-tight manner such that an aroma-tight capsule is formed. 10 An opening in the capsule body can be realized, for example, as a hole with a rectangular, elliptical or circular cross section or also as a slot. Where more than one opening is arranged in the capsule body, the forms of the openings can be combined in an arbitrary 15 manner corresponding to the requirements, for example by arranging one opening with a circular cross section as well as a slot in the base and/or the side wall. In a preferred manner, the substantially hermetic 20 membrane is arranged at least in the region of the at least one opening at a spacing from the side wall and/or the base. In particular, the substantially hermetic membrane is arranged at a spacing from the entire base. 25 The advantage of this is that once the membrane has been pierced by the penetrating device, a flow connection from the opening to the position of the piercing of the membrane is formed for reliable 30 extraction of the substance for preparing the foodstuff. In particular, when spacing the membrane from the entire base and when arranging several openings in the base, reliable and rapid extraction of the substance can thus be effected for preparing the 35 foodstuff.

WO 2013/092910 - 18 - PCT/EP2012/076481 Spacing the membrane from the opening is to be understood in the present case as the membrane not abutting against the capsule body in the region in which the opening is arranged. 5 In a preferred manner the capsule body comprises at least two openings, all the openings being arranged on the side of the substantially hermetic membrane which is remote from the substance. 10 The advantage of this is that no direct fluid connection is created between the surrounding area and the substance as a result of arranging the openings in the capsule body for the simplified sealing of the 15 closed chamber in which the substance is arranged. In a preferred manner, the substantially hermetic membrane is arranged in such a manner that, when used as intended, the membrane is penetratable in operation 20 by a penetrating device of the apparatus for preparing the foodstuff. The advantage of this is that the capsule body and the membrane are penetratable by means of the same 25 penetrating device for reliably supplying the liquid and extracting the substance for preparing the beverage. As an alternative to this, it is obviously also 30 conceivable for only the capsule body to be pierced by means of the penetrating device and for the membrane to tear open in operation as a result of the pressure of the supplied liquid. To this end, in particular, weakening regions can be arranged on the membrane such 35 that it tears open more easily in operation.

WO 2013/092910 - 19 - PCT/EP2012/076481 In a preferred manner, the membrane is produced from aluminum and/or a laminate. In particular, the laminate is substantially plastically deformable. 5 The advantage of this is the adaptability of the capsule to the corresponding apparatus for preparing the foodstuff in which said capsule is to be used for ensuring a reliable supply of liquid into the closed chamber for extraction of the substance. In particular, 10 the use of aluminum is advantageous as when it is pierced, the aluminum membrane is substantially plastically deformed and consequently the penetrating opening can be formed reliably in the aluminum for supplying the liquid. As an alternative to this, the 15 membrane can also be formed from a laminate, that is a multilayer material which is, in particular, plastically deformable for the reliable formation of the penetrating opening. 20 For example, the laminate can be formed from two layers of polymers or also from one layer of aluminum in combination with one layer of polymer corresponding to the requirements for the capsule. 25 In a preferred manner, the capsule body and the lid are produced from a substantially hermetic material. The advantage of this is that the substance accommodated in the capsule is closed in a substantially air-tight manner such that an aroma-tight capsule is formed and 30 no additional outer sleeve is required, which reduces production costs and simplifies the handling of the capsule when used by an operator. In a preferred manner, for the passage of the liquid 35 through the closed chamber, the base of the capsule is penetratable at a penetration region of the base by way of a penetrating device that is arranged outside the capsule. The base, in this case, comprises a WO 2013/092910 - 20 - PCT/EP2012/076481 reinforcement region, in particular a central region of the base being realized as the penetration region. The reinforcement region is arranged around the penetration region. The reinforcement region is arranged in 5 particular in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the penetration region. The reinforcement region is realized in the base as at least one portionwise indentation substantially in the circumferential direction. 10 An indentation in the base is to be understood as an indentation on an outside surface of the capsule, as an integral component part of the base. 15 A portionwise indentation in the base substantially in the circumferential direction is to be understood as an indentation having an extension which is smaller than 3600 in the circumferential direction. 20 A penetration region in terms of the present application is to be understood as a region of the base which is penetrated by the penetrating device. A reinforcement region in terms of the present 25 application is to be understood as a region of the base in which the indentations are arranged for reinforcement. The advantage of the arrangement of the reinforcement 30 region around the penetration region is that the base is penetratable in a reliable manner by means of penetrating devices that are arranged in commercially available apparatuses for preparing a foodstuff such that the production of the beverage is made possible. 35 In addition, the capsule can also be produced in a cost-efficient manner as the reinforcement region is realized as an integral component part of the capsule and the capsule can consequently be produced, for WO 2013/092910 - 21 - PCT/EP2012/076481 example, by means of a deep-drawing process. Consequently, in commercially available apparatuses it is possible to use capsules of plastics material which are not always reliably penetrated in the apparatuses 5 without the arrangement of a reinforcement region. In a preferred manner, the indentation comprises at least two wall portions which are inclined toward one another. In particular, the wall portions are inclined 10 toward one another in a sectional plane, which extends along the longitudinal axis of the capsule body, as a result of the indentation. Said arrangement of two wall portions inclined toward 15 one another as an indentation has proved to be advantageous in practice for forming the reinforcement region, said indentation additionally being producible in a simple and cost-efficient manner, for example using a deep-drawing process. 20 A further aspect of the present invention relates to a capsule body for a capsule as described above. An additional aspect of the present invention relates 25 to a method for producing a capsule body, in particular as described above. Said method includes the step of a deep-drawing of the capsule body. Following and/or simultaneously with the deep-drawing, at least one slot is cut. The step of cutting is effected in such a 30 manner that substantially no material is removed. In particular the opposite edges of the slot contact one another at least in portions, in a preferred manner along at least 90%, in a particularly preferred manner along at least 95% and in a quite especially preferred 35 manner along 100% of a length L of the slot. The advantage of generating at least one slot in the deep-drawn capsule body is that the slot can be WO 2013/092910 - 22 - PCT/EP2012/076481 produced at such a size in a cost-efficient manner such that substantially no substance is able to pass out of the capsule. In particular, the method for generating at least one slot is substantially more cost-efficient 5 than the generating of holes with a correspondingly small diameter in the capsule body. The at least one slot can be generated in particular after the substance has been filled in and the capsule body closed with a lid. 10 In a preferred manner, a substantially hermetic layer is applied in portions and/or over the entire surface. In particular, the layer is applied on the side wall and/or the base. 15 A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system which includes a capsule filled with a substance, as described above, and a beverage producing apparatus. The beverage producing apparatus comprises a 20 capsule holder to accommodate the capsule. The beverage producing apparatus additionally comprises a device for supplying a liquid into the capsule for the extraction of the substance for producing a beverage, the beverage being removable through a lid of the capsule. Finally, 25 in an advantageous manner, the beverage producing apparatus also comprises a penetrating device. The beverage producing apparatus additionally comprises a device for removing the beverage, for example into a 30 drinking container. For better understanding, further features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below by way of exemplary embodiments without 35 the invention being restricted to the exemplary embodiments. The figures are as follows: WO 2013/092910 - 23 - PCT/EP2012/076481 figure 1: shows a top view of a capsule body according to the invention with four slots; figure 2: shows a top view of an alternative capsule 5 body according to the invention with slots with a coating over the entire surface; figure 3: shows a top view of a capsule body according to the invention with slots with a coating in 10 portions; figure 4: shows a top view of a capsule body according to the invention with slots with a coating over the entire surface of the base; 15 figure 5: shows a top view of a capsule body according to the invention with slots in the base and the side wall; 20 figure 6: shows a top view of a capsule body according to the invention with curved slots in the base; figure 7: shows a top view of a capsule body according 25 to the invention with slots in the side wall and a coating over the entire surface; figure 8: shows a top view of a further alternative capsule body according to the invention with 30 slots; figure 9: shows an enlarged representation of the detail A according to figure 8 with a slot in the rest position; 35 figure 10: shows an enlarged representation of the detail A according to figure 8 with the slot in an open position with coating; WO 2013/092910 - 24 - PCT/EP2012/076481 figure 11: shows a side view of a capsule according to the invention with a curved slot; 5 figure 12: shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention consisting of a capsule according to the invention and a beverage producing apparatus; 10 figure 13: shows a schematic representation of an alternative system according to the invention consisting of capsule and beverage producing apparatus with a penetrating device; 15 figure 14: shows a top view on a capsule according to the invention with slots; figure 15: shows a sectioned side view of an alternative capsule body according to the 20 invention; figure 16: shows a part-sectioned side view of a further alternative capsule according to the invention; 25 figure 17: shows a top view of a capsule according to the invention with openings. Figure 1 shows a top view of the base 4 of a capsule 30 body 2 according to the invention. The capsule body 2 comprises a flange 22 and a side wall 3. Four slots 8 in a rest position, that is in a closed position, are shown in the base 4. No force is exerted onto the capsule body 2. 35 Figure 2 shows a top view of an alternative capsule body 2 according to the invention. Identical references WO 2013/092910 - 25 - PCT/EP2012/076481 designate identical features in all the figures and are consequently only explained again where required. Two slots 8 which cross approximately in the geometric 5 center point of the base 4 are arranged in the base of the capsule body 2. To seal the slots 8, the capsule body 2, that is the side wall 3 and the base 4, are closed over the entire surface by way of a substantially hermetic layer 10. Said layer 10 is 10 realized as a dissolvable and hermetic food-safe layer consisting substantially of sugar. Figure 3 shows a further alternative capsule body 2 according to the invention with slots 8. The slots 8 15 are sealed by way of an aluminum layer 10 which covers the base 4 in portions. Figure 4 shows a top view of a further capsule body 2 according to the invention. The slots 8 in the base are 20 closed with a dissolvable polymer layer 10 which covers the entire surface of the base 4. Figure 5 shows a top view of a further capsule body 2 according to the invention with slots 8 in the base 4 25 and the side wall 3. A layer for closing the slots 8 is applied on the inside surface, that is in the chamber of the capsule body in which the substance for producing a beverage is accommodated. Said layer is not visible in the present figure. 30 Figure 6 shows a top view of a further capsule body according to the invention with curved slots. Figure 7 shows a top view of a further capsule body 2 35 according to the invention with slots 8 in the side wall which are closed by way of a dissolvable and food safe layer 10. The layer 10 is applied over the entire surface of the side wall 3.

WO 2013/092910 - 26 - PCT/EP2012/076481 Figure 8 shows a further top view of an alternative embodiment of the capsule body 2 which includes two slots 8 in the base. The detail A is explained in more 5 detail below in figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 shows an enlargement of the detail A according to figure 8. 10 The slot 8 is situated in a rest position 15, that is no force is exerted onto the slot or the capsule body. The length 1 of the slot 8 is 4 mm. Figure 10 shows an enlargement of the detail A 15 according to figure 8 with the slot 8 in an open position 16. The slot 8 has a maximum width of b = 4 mm in the open position. One of the two opposite edges 9 of the slot 8 is coated 20 with a dissolvable and food-safe layer 10, which leads to closing and in the present case to conglutination in the rest position as shown in figure 9. Figure 11 shows a side view of a capsule body 2 25 according to the invention. The arrow designated by the reference 21 shows the direction of flow of the liquid. Hot water is supplied as liquid at a pressure of approximately 15 bars. A 30 slot 8 is realized as a curved slot and is arranged in the side wall 3. With reference to the longitudinal axis 17 of the capsule body 2 along the central flow of the liquid through the capsule body, the curved slot 8 is arranged in a first quarter starting from the base 35 with reference to the entire length between the base 4 and the flange 22.

WO 2013/092910 - 27 - PCT/EP2012/076481 Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a system 11 which includes a beverage producing apparatus 12 with a mesh plate 19 and a capsule 1 according to the invention with slots 8. 5 The capsule 1 has a side wall 3 and a base 4 and is closed by way of a lid 5 to form a chamber 6. A substance which is not shown here is filled in the chamber 6. 10 In the representation shown here, it is possible to see two slots 8 which are arranged in the side wall and extend substantially along a symbolically shown circumferential plane U. 15 The beverage producing apparatus 12 includes a capsule holder 13 for accommodating the capsule 1 and a device 14 for supplying a liquid. The beverage producing device 12 does not comprise a penetrating device. 20 In operation, water is heated and supplied to the capsule 1 by means of the device for supplying a liquid. The heated water then passes through the slots 8 into the chamber 6 of the capsule 1 such that a 25 beverage, in this case coffee, is able to be extracted. The extracted beverage is removed through the lid 5 and the mesh plate 19. To wet the substance in the chamber 6 in a better 30 manner, the capsule 1 comprises slots (not visible here) in the base 4. Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of an alternative system 11. In contrast to figure 12, the 35 beverage producing apparatus 12 comprises a penetrating device 18 for penetrating the capsule in the base 4. The capsule comprises slots 8 which are arranged in the side wall. Two of the visible slots 8 are arranged WO 2013/092910 - 28 - PCT/EP2012/076481 substantially along the circumferential plane U. A further slot comprises an angle W of approximately 900 with the circumferential plane U and consequently extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 17. 5 A part-sectioned side view shows the capsule 1 with the substance 7 in the chamber 6. Figure 14 shows a top view in the direction of the 10 longitudinal axis of a further capsule body 2 according to the invention with four slots 8 which are arranged in the base 4. The capsule body 2 comprises reinforcement elements 15 which are realized as reinforcement region 24 and are formed by indentations 25 in the base such that a penetration region 23 of the base 4 is piercable, where applicable, in a more reliable manner by means of the penetrating device. 20 The capsule body 2 comprises several reinforcement ribs 27, which are distributed laterally over the circumference, and is realized integrally with the base 4 by way of the reinforcement region 24. The capsule 25 body 2 consists of a plastics material and it is produced using the deep-drawing method 23. Figure 15 shows a sectioned representation of an alternative capsule body 2 according to the invention, 30 the outside form of which corresponding to that according to figure 14. The reinforcement ribs 27 can be seen in the side wall 3 of the capsule body 2 to reinforce the capsule body 2 among other things when being penetrated in the penetration region 23 by means 35 of a penetrating device. The base 4 is provided with the slots 8 according to figure 14. The base 4 also comprises the reinforcement WO 2013/092910 - 29 - PCT/EP2012/076481 region 24 which is formed from indentations 25. The reinforcement region 24 is arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the penetration region 23. 5 A substantially hermetic membrane 26, for example of aluminum, is arranged close to the base 4 in the capsule body 2. The substance (not shown here) in the closed chamber 6 is arranged on the side of the membrane 26 which is remote from the base. A 10 symbolically shown penetration mandrel 18 pierces both the base 4 and the aroma-tight membrane 26. Figure 16 shows a part-sectioned side view of an alternative capsule 1 according to the invention. The 15 capsule 1 is closed by way of a lid 5 of aluminum. The substance 7, which is coffee, is arranged in the closed chamber 6. The substantially hermetic membrane is fastened in the capsule 1 for example by means of fusion welding. 20 One slot is arranged in the side wall 3 of the capsule 1 and two openings 20 or also slots in the base 4. Figure 17 shows a top view of a further alternative 25 capsule body 2 according to the invention. Unlike the capsule body according to figure 14, the capsule body 2 according to figure 17 comprises four openings 20 which have an elliptical cross section and are arranged in the penetration region 23. A substantially hermetic 30 membrane, which is not visible here, is arranged in the capsule body 2 at a spacing from the base.

Claims

1. A capsule (1) consisting of a preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body (2) having a side 5 wall (3) and having a base (4) which is realized in particular integrally with said side wall, as well as having a lid (5) which covers the capsule body (2) for forming a closed chamber (6) which contains a substance (7) for the preparation of a foodstuff, characterized 10 in that the capsule body (2) comprises at least one slot (5) for the passage of a liquid through the capsule (1), said slot being formed substantially without material removal, wherein the slot (8) is formed in the capsule body (2) prior to the intended 15 use of the capsule (1) in an apparatus for producing a foodstuff.

2. The capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, in a position of rest (15), the 20 opposite edges (9) of the slot (8) contact one another at least in portions, in a preferred manner along at least 90%, in a particularly preferred manner along at least 95% and quite especially preferred along 100% of a length (1) of the slot (8). 25

3. The capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the slot (8) is openable from a position of rest (15) into an open position (16) by means of an action of force, in particular a mechanical 30 and/or hydraulic action of force.

4. The capsule (1) as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the slot (8) is closable in a substantially reversible manner once the action of 35 force has been removed and returns substantially into the position of rest (15). WO 2013/092910 - 31 - PCT/EP2012/076481

5. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the slot is realized in such a manner that prior to the substance being extracted for the preparation of the foodstuff, it is essentially not 5 possible for any substance to pass through the slot.

6. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the capsule body (2) is produced in particular from a polymer by means of a 10 deep-drawing process, in a preferred manner with a wall thickness within the range of between 0.05 mm and 0.4 mm, in a particularly preferred manner within the range of between 0.06 mm and 0.3 mm and in a quite particularly preferred manner within the range of 15 between 0.07 mm and 0.25 mm.

7. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the slot (8) is arranged in the base (4). 20

8. The capsule (1) as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the base (4) comprises at least two slots (8) which in particular cross one another, in a preferred manner approximately in the geometric 25 center point of the base (4).

9. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the slot (8) is arranged in the side wall (3), in particular in a first half, in a 30 preferred manner in a first third and in a particularly preferred manner in a first quarter of the side wall (3) with reference to the overall length of the capsule (1) along the longitudinal axis (17) of the capsule (1) along the central stream of the liquid through the 35 capsule (1).

10. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the capsule body (2) comprises WO 2013/092910 - 32 - PCT/EP2012/076481 at least two slots (8), especially at least three slots (8) and further especially at least four slots (8).

11. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5 10, characterized in that the slot (8) is realized substantially as a straight slot (8) and/or substantially as a curved slot (8).

12. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10 11, characterized in that the slot (8) is closed with a substantially hermetic layer (10), in particular on the side of the capsule body (2) which is remote from and/or facing the chamber (6). 15

13. The capsule (1) as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the layer (10) is applied on at least one of the opposite edges (9) of the slot (8).

14. The capsule (1) as claimed in either of claims 12 20 to 13, characterized in that the layer (10) consists at least of a dissolvable and food-safe material, of aluminum or a dissolvable polymer which fuses in particular at temperatures in excess of 50 0 C, or arbitrary combinations thereof. 25

15. The capsule (1), in particular as claimed in one of claims 1 to 14, consisting of a preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body (2) which consists, in particular, of a polymer, having a side 30 wall (3) and having a base (4) which is realized in particular integrally with said side wall, as well as having a lid (5) which covers the capsule body (2) for forming a closed chamber (6) which contains a substance (7) for the preparation of a foodstuff, wherein the 35 capsule body (2) comprises at least one opening (20), in particular a slot (5), for the passage of a liquid through the capsule (1), characterized in that a substantially hermetic, in particular aroma-tight WO 2013/092910 - 33 - PCT/EP2012/076481 membrane (26) is arranged and in particular is fastened between the substance (7) and the opening (20) for sealing the closed chamber (6) in relation to the opening (20). 5

16. The capsule (1) as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the membrane (26) is arranged at least in the region of the at least one opening (20) at a spacing from the side wall (3) and/or the base (4), 10 in particular from the entire base (4).

17. The capsule (1) as claimed in either of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the capsule body (2) comprises at least two openings (20), wherein all the 15 openings (20) are arranged on the side of the membrane (26) remote from the substance (7).

18. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the membrane (26) is arranged 20 in such a manner that, when used as intended, it is penetratable in operation by a penetrating device (18) of the apparatus for the preparation of the foodstuff.

19. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 15 to 25 18, characterized in that the membrane (26) is produced from aluminum and/or a laminate which is in particular substantially plastically deformable.

20. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 15 to 30 19, characterized in that the capsule body (2) and the lid (5) are produced from a substantially hermetic, in particular aroma-tight material.

21. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 15 to 35 20, characterized in that all the openings (20) are arranged in the base (4). WO 2013/092910 - 34 - PCT/EP2012/076481

22. The capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 21, wherein at least the base (4) is penetratable at a penetration region (23) of the base (4) by way of a penetrating device (18) which is arranged outside the 5 capsule (1) for the passage of the liquid through the closed chamber (6), wherein the base (4) comprises a reinforcement region (24), and wherein in particular a central region of the base (4) is realized as the penetration region (23), characterized in that the 10 reinforcement region (24) is arranged in particular in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the penetration region (23), wherein the reinforcement region (24) is realized in the base (4) as at least one portion-wise indentation (25) substantially in the 15 circumferential direction.

23. The capsule (1) as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that the indentation (25) comprises at least two wall portions which are inclined toward one 20 another.

24. A capsule body (2) for a capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 23.

25 25. A method for producing a capsule body (2), in particular as claimed in claim 24, including a deep drawing of the capsule body (2) with following and/or simultaneous cutting of at least one slot (8), in such a manner that substantially no material is removed, 30 wherein in particular the opposite edges (9) of the slot (8) contact one another at least in portions, in a preferred manner along at least 90%, in a particularly preferred manner along at least 95% and in a quite especially preferred manner along 100% of a length (1) 35 of the slot (8).

26. A system (11) including a capsule (1) which is filled with a substance (7) as claimed in one of claims WO 2013/092910 - 35 - PCT/EP2012/076481 1 to 23 and a beverage producing apparatus (12), wherein the beverage producing device (12) comprises a capsule holder (13) for receiving the capsule (1), as well as a device (14) for supplying a liquid into the 5 capsule (1) for extracting the substance (7) for producing a beverage, wherein the beverage is removable through a lid (5) of the capsule (1) or that the beverage producing apparatus additionally comprises a penetrating device.