DE102010030988B4 - container - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (10) with a top wall (40), a peripheral wall (30) and a bottom wall (50) is described. The top wall (40) has at least one top wall area (46) which can be perforated to form a feed opening (46) for the supply of a liquid. The bottom wall (50) has at least one bottom wall area (56) that can be perforated to fill an outlet opening (58). The container (10) has at least one chamber (12) surrounded by chamber walls (13) in which there is a base product (14) and an adjusting element (100), the adjusting element (100) being arranged to be movable from a rest to a working position is and in the working position at least one chamber wall (13) opens. The chamber wall (13) has at least one opening (19) to which or in which a component (101) of the adjusting element (100) is releasably attached in its rest position, this component (101) of the adjusting element (100) having the opening ( 19) closes in the chamber wall (13).

Description

The invention relates to a container according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

In beverage machines, especially in coffee machines, disposable containers or disposable packaging, eg. B. in the form of capsules used, which are closed by means of one or two films and z. As coffee or other substances such as flavors, in powder or liquid form. These disposable containers are placed in the beverage machine, the contents of the disposable container with a liquid, eg. As water, brought together and this preparation is then delivered as a finished drink. The used disposable container is then removed from the beverage machine and disposed of.

The EP 0 451 980 B1 discloses a sealed package containing one or more powdered, pasty or liquid food preparation ingredients. Through an inlet opening these ingredients water is supplied. The finished preparation is discharged through an outlet nozzle provided in the bottom area, which has a displaceable plug. To discharge the finished preparation, the film consisting of a bottom wall of the package in the region of the outlet nozzle is pierced from below by a machine-side connecting piece, which pushes the plug upwards against an intermediate wall after penetrating into the outlet nozzle. This intermediate wall has a wall portion provided with predetermined breaking lines, which is broken by the plug, whereby the preparation is released. This flows through a central passageway in the plug and then through the machine-side spigot down out of the package.

This packaging has the disadvantage that the bottom-side outlet must be opened by the machine-side connecting piece, so that the connecting piece comes into contact with the finished preparation. In order to meet today's high hygienic requirements for such a device, it is necessary to clean this connector before inserting a new packaging every time.

The US 2004/0115317 A1 describes a z. B. filled with coffee powder cartridge whose bottom wall is pierced from the inside. Above the bottom wall, a cup-shaped intermediate bottom is arranged, which is referred to as inner piston and which is adapted to the inner dimensions of the cartridge. The powder is located between the intermediate bottom and the top wall of the cartridge. The intermediate floor is provided with a trained as a cutting element outlet. When water is introduced with pressure through the top wall into the interior of the cartridge, the intermediate bottom is pressed down, the cutting element pierces the bottom wall and the outlet is released.

Although this cartridge meets the hygienic requirements, but the functionality of the cartridge is not always guaranteed. In this embodiment, it is important that the water pressure and thus the pressure on the false bottom right at the beginning of the introduction is large enough so that the bottom wall can be pierced. A jamming of the movable intermediate floor can not be excluded in this case. Since the intermediate bottom has a plurality of passage openings, liquid can also penetrate into the intermediate space between the bottom wall and the intermediate bottom, whereby the pressure on the false floor after the beginning of the introduction process degraded relatively quickly and thus the bottom wall can not be reliably pierced.

From the WO 2008/132571 Capsules are known which contain a certain amount of a soluble beverage. The capsule has a cover sheet which is pierced in the beverage machine by a connecting piece, via which a pressurized solvent liquid such. As water, the interior of the capsule is supplied.

The capsule is essentially divided into four chambers. The supplied liquid is first introduced into a distribution chamber and fed from there to a storage chamber in which the amount of soluble beverage is located. In this storage chamber, the releasable beverage mixes with the supplied liquid and the prepared beverage is then collected in a collection chamber, from where it is discharged through an opening in the bottom wall of the capsule.

In order to open the bottom wall, a displaceable perforator is arranged in a central chamber of the capsule, which is pressed by the connecting piece against the bottom wall, so that it tears open.

In this case, arranged in the interior of the perforator passageway with the outlet opening of the collection chamber is made to coincide, so that the prepared liquid can be discharged from the capsule down.

However, this capsule has the disadvantage that complicated parts are required to subdivide the various chambers. In order to be able to supply the liquid as evenly as possible to the storage chamber and in this a homogeneous To ensure mixing, a distribution chamber upstream of the storage chamber is required.

The WO 2007/114685 describes a capsule-shaped package containing a liquid portion. Centrally a column is arranged, which is connected at the lower end via a corrugated flexible bottom portion with the bottom wall of the package. Both the top and the bottom of the packaging is sealed with a sealing film.

By means of a fitting, the upper sealing foil can be pierced and the column pushed down, whereby in turn pierces the attached to the ground foil. The column is provided with a Venturieinrichtung over which the liquid Sportion is sucked out of the chamber surrounding the column at a discharge of a liquid into the column. Mixing of both liquids takes place in the lower part of the column.

It is an object of the invention to provide a container which is simple and reliable.

This object is achieved with a container according to the features of patent claim 1.

The container has a cover wall which has at least one cover wall region which can be perforated to form a feed opening for the supply of a liquid. Furthermore, the container has a bottom wall, which has at least one bottom wall region which can be perforated to form an outlet opening, with at least one chamber surrounded by chamber walls, in which a base product and an adjusting element are located, wherein the adjusting element is movably arranged from a rest position into an operating position, and opens at least one chamber wall in working position. The chamber wall has at least one opening on which or in which a component of the adjusting element is releasably secured in its rest position, wherein said component of the adjusting element closes the opening in the chamber wall.

A container is understood as meaning both reusable containers and packaging as well as disposable containers and packaging.

Under perforable is understood that the affected wall area can be opened in any way. The opening of the wall region can be done for example by cutting or slicing, piercing, piercing or tearing.

The adjustment takes in the rest position, the preferably tight closure of the chamber in which the base product is located, and is fixed by the releasable attachment simultaneously. The releasable attachment to the opening means that the component of the adjusting element is arranged on the outer surface of the opening bounding wall region of the chamber wall.

The releasable attachment in the opening means that the component is disposed within the opening at the wall portion of the chamber wall defining the opening.

With a connecting and dispensing means, such as a connection piece of a beverage machine, the closed by the adjusting element opening can be opened by the occlusive component of the adjusting element is pushed inside within the chamber. Depending on where this opening is, thereby the feed opening or the outlet opening of the chamber can be created.

The liquid supplied by the connecting and discharging means of the beverage machine is introduced into the chamber and mixed there with the base product. This chamber thus forms not only the storage space of the base product, but also the mixing chamber. It can be saved additional subdivisions of the interior of the container.

Preferably, the chamber wall is a top wall of the container, a bottom wall of the container, or a partition within the container.

When the chamber wall forms the top wall of the container, by releasing the releasable attachment of the component of the adjusting element, the supply opening is provided, through which the liquid can be introduced from the connecting and discharging means of the beverage machine into the container. The component of the adjusting element forms in this embodiment, the perforable for supplying the liquid cover wall area.

If the relevant chamber wall forms the bottom wall, the outlet opening is created by releasing the releasable attachment of the component of the adjustment, through which the mixture of liquid and base product can be discharged. The component of the adjusting element forms in this embodiment, the perforable for the formation of the exit opening bottom wall area. In this embodiment, the connecting and dispensing means first pierces the top wall and then the adjusting element is actuated by this connection and dispensing means.

If the chamber wall is disposed within the container partition, between the partition and the top wall or the bottom wall nor an additional chamber is disposed within the container, which is advantageous for hygienic reasons, since the occlusive component of the adjustment not directly environmental influences is exposed from the outside. By releasing the releasable attachment of the component of the adjustment element, an access or exit opening of the chamber is created within the container.

Preferably, the component of the adjusting element closes the opening in a liquid-tight manner.

The adjusting element is preferably connected via a predetermined breaking line with the chamber wall. This predetermined breaking line can be formed for example by an adhesive seam. Another possibility is to apply the adjusting element with a predetermined breaking line to the chamber wall. Preferably, a portion of the predetermined breaking line can also be formed as a film hinge.

The component of the adjusting element preferably comprises a plate-shaped element which closes the opening of the chamber wall.

The plate-shaped element may have an upwardly projecting annular wall with at least one inlet opening. It is thereby created a cup-shaped structure in which, for example, the connection piece of a beverage machine can intervene.

The adjusting element preferably has a cutting and / or pushing device, which may consist of a needle according to a particular embodiment. With the cutting and / or pushing device, preferably the bottom wall is pierced, which may have, for example, a bottom plate with a perforable area or a sealing foil.

When the connection and dispensing means of a beverage machine engages the adjusting element, on the one hand the respective opening in the chamber wall is opened and on the other hand the bottom wall is simultaneously opened by means of the cutting and / or pushing device.

Preferably, the cutting and / or pushing device extends to the bottom wall. In particular, the cutting and / or bumping device contacts the bottom wall, thereby achieving an additional fixation of the adjusting element in the rest position. In the working position of the adjusting element thus the feed or an access and the outlet opening are created.

According to a further embodiment, the cutting and / or pushing device may have a pipe section with at least one outlet opening. Other cutting and / or pushing devices are possible.

According to a further embodiment, the component of the adjusting element is a plate-shaped element which closes an opening in the bottom wall.

The adjusting element preferably has means for tipping over the adjusting element. In this embodiment, the adjusting element, which is fixed to or in the bottom wall, projects upwardly within the container and is tilted by the connecting and discharging means of the beverage machine, so that the opening in the bottom wall is broken. The means for tipping over the adjusting device preferably comprise a relative to the longitudinal axis of the adjusting inclined actuating plate.

A base product is understood to mean a powdery and / or liquid product which may consist of one or more components. The base product may be, for example, a syrup, a concentrate or an extract. The base product is miscible with the externally supplied liquid and is preferably soluble in this liquid.

The base product can be a food, a dietary supplement, a dietetic food, a pharmaceutical product or a detergent.

Depending on the type of base product, the type of liquid to choose. The associated device in which such a container can be used is aligned and equipped for the particular application. Preferably, such a device is a beverage machine, in the container, in particular disposable containers, can be used, with the content z. B. drinking water can be changed taste.

The device has a receptacle for a container and a connection and dispensing means, in particular in the form of a connecting piece, with which the container is perforated and with which at least one liquid can be supplied to the container.

The container and / or the adjusting element are preferably made of plastic. The production can be carried out by means of an injection molding process. The container with peripheral wall and bottom wall and optionally further chamber walls can be made in one piece, the Bottom wall is formed depending on the embodiment wholly or partially on the one-piece container.

The two components container and adjustment can also be made in one piece depending on the design. This one-piece container with adjustment is then filled with the base product and sealed with a respective sealing film as the top wall and / or bottom wall.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 a perspective top view of a container,

2 a perspective bottom view of a container,

3 a section through the container according to the 1 and 2 together with a machine-side connecting piece,

4 in the 3 shown embodiment of a container with inserted connecting piece, and

5 - 10 wertere embodiments of a container with a connection piece.

In the 1 and 2 is a container in two perspective views 10 shown, which is preferably used as a disposable container. The container 10 has a top wall 40 , a peripheral wall 30 and a bottom wall 50 ,

In the embodiment shown here, the top wall 40 through a foil 41 formed on a torus 32 the peripheral wall 30 is attached.

The bottom wall 50 consists of a ring plate 52 and a centrally located film 54 , Both the top wall 40 as well as the bottom wall 50 or the film 54 have a perforable wall area 42 . 56 ,

Furthermore, the bottom wall 50 two annular ribs 60 and between the two annular ribs 60 radial ribs 62 on, which are not shown in the following figures for clarity. Also, these ribs can be dispensed with altogether.

In the 3 is a vertical section through the in the 1 and 2 shown container 10 shown. The interior of the container 10 is in a first chamber 12 and a second smaller chamber 18 divided. In the embodiment shown here, the chamber is 18 centrally in the chamber 12 arranged. It is a rotationally symmetrical arrangement. An embodiment, such as an asymmetrical arrangement, is also possible.

Both chambers 12 . 18 be through a cylindrical partition 20 separated from each other, with the cylindrical partition 20 from the top wall 40 extends down into the container. Furthermore, in the chamber 12 the basic product 14 provided over the mirror 15 a free space 16 is present, in which a gas, for. As air or a protective gas is located.

The chamber walls 13 the first chamber 12 be through the top wall 40 , the peripheral wall 30 , the bottom wall 50 and the partition 20 formed, with the partition wall 20 the opening 19 having.

In the chamber 12 is also an adjustment 100 provided, which is at rest and a plate-shaped element 102 has, on which an upwardly projecting annular wall 104 with inlet opening 106 is formed. The plate-shaped element 102 with the ring wall 104 forms the component 101 of the adjusting element 100 that the opening 19 in the partition 20 closes. It gets through the ring wall 104 a cup-shaped configuration of the component 101 created.

The ring wall 104 lies on the inside of the partition 20 and is with this over a breaking line 108 connected, the above the predetermined breaking line 108 located inlet openings 106 through the inner wall 20 are closed. The ring wall 104 can with the partition 20 along the predetermined breaking line 108 for example, be glued. The component 101 is thus in the opening 19 releasably secured.

At the bottom of the plate-shaped element 102 is a cutting and / or pushing device 110 arranged in the form of a needle 112 is designed. The needle extends from the underside of the plate-shaped element 102 to the bottom wall 50 and ends over the perforable area 56 the bottom wall 50 , The bottom wall 50 can as well as the top wall 40 from a foil 54 , in particular a sealing film consist.

in the 3 is the connection element 200 drawn in the form of a Ausschlussstutzens a beverage machine, not shown, which at the lower end of a cutting and / or bumper 210 which already partially covers the top wall 40 in the perforable area 42 for forming the feed opening 46 has pierced and in the direction of the adjustment 100 emotional. The ring wall 104 forms the connection element 140 for the spigot 200 , Over the passageway 212 of the connecting piece 200 can after complete insertion of the connecting piece into the container 10 a liquid in the interior 12 the first chamber to be initiated, as in 4 is shown. In the chamber 12 the mixing of liquid and base product takes place 14 ,

While 3 the rest position of the adjusting element 100 shows is in the 4 the working position of the adjusting element 100 shown. By means of the connecting piece 200 becomes the adjusting element 100 pressed down, causing the breaking point 108 at the component 101 is broken up. The inlet openings 106 are released, creating an access opening to the chamber 12 is created.

The cutting and / or pushing device 110 has the bottom wall 50 pierced and in this way the outlet opening 58 of the container 10 created. The foil parts of the perforable area 56 hang down. The liquid passing through the connecting piece 200 is supplied, penetrates into the cup-shaped inner region of the adjusting element 100 ie in the second chamber 18 , one and can through the in the ring wall 104 located inlet openings 106 in the chamber 12 infuse and there with the base product 14 to a mixture 14 ' mix. The chamber 12 thus also forms the mixing chamber for the two substances.

If, as shown in the illustration shown here, above the mirror 15 of the basic product 14 a free space 16 is present, which can be over the connecting piece 200 supplied liquid first in this upper free space 16 spread out before mixing in the lower part of the chamber 12 takes place.

The length of the cutting and / or pushing device 110 , especially the needle 112 can also be shorter than this in the 3 and 4 is shown. A shorter needle 112 has the advantage that when moving the adjustment 100 first the access openings in the form of the inlet openings 106 be released and at a later date the perforable area 56 is pierced. The liquid may therefore be in the chamber before opening the bottom wall 12 penetrate and start the mixing process before flowing out of the container 10 he follows. To prevent this premature penetration of the liquid into the chamber 12 To favor, the connecting element 200 with a device 220 for piercing the top wall 40 and to create at least one vent 44 be provided (only in 4 dashed line as an option).

In the 5 and 6 is a wertere embodiment with an adjustment 100 shown in rest and working position, where the top wall 40 the area above the adjusting element 100 does not cover. This area stays open, leaving the component 101 of the adjusting element 100 is directly accessible. The partition 20 which also chamber wall 13 is, forms part of the outer wall, ie the top wall 40 , the container 10 , The component 101 of the adjusting element 100 forms in this embodiment the perforable for supplying the liquid cover wall area 42 ,

Again, as a component 101 a plate-shaped element 102 with a ring wall 104 illustrated, the end face of the shape of the cutting and / or pushing device 210 of the connecting piece 200 is adjusted. Besides, in the ring wall 104 only a side inlet opening 106 provided below the predetermined breaking line 108 is arranged.

At the bottom of the component 101 there is a pillar 122 , at the lower end of webs 130 are arranged, between which openings 132 are formed by the working position of the adjusting element 100 the mixture 14 ' from liquid and base product can enter the interior. At these jetties 130 is an annular cutting and / or pushing device 110 with a pipe section 114 arranged, which has an outlet opening 116 having. The mixture passes through this outlet opening 116 down from.

By releasing the detachable attachment of the component 101 of the adjusting element 100 becomes the opening 106 released and thus the opening 19 open, eliminating the feed opening 46 is formed.

In the 7 another embodiment is shown in which the plate-shaped element 102 the component 101 of the adjusting element 100 a much shorter ring wall 104 having no opening. The ring wall 104 serves as a clamping element, in which the connection element 200 intervenes. Between the end faces of the inner wall 20 that are part of the top wall 40 is, and the ring wall 104 is the break line 108 intended. The component 101 of the adjusting element 100 is located at the opening 19 and closes the opening 19 ,

The connecting piece 200 has a passageway 212 extending into two transverse outlet channels 214 divides.

Like in the 8th can be seen, the lower section attacks 202 of the exclusion element 200 in the space between the ring wall 104 and holds the component by clamping 101 , so that they do not fall off uncontrollably and possibly the outlet opening 58 accidentally close. The tear-off force for separating the predetermined breaking line 108 must be set so that the clamp connection can be made first and only then the demolition takes place.

The supplied liquid is laterally from the outlet channels 214 in the chamber 12 discharged where the mixing with the base product 14 takes place.

In the 9 a further embodiment is shown, wherein the adjusting element 100 a plate-shaped element 102 that has the component 101 that forms at the opening 19 the bottom wall 50 is releasably secured and the outlet opening 58 of the container 10 closes. On the plate-shaped element 102 is a pillar 122 Molded upwards into the interior of the container 10 rises and at the upper end an obliquely arranged, to the longitudinal axis 105 inclined actuator plate 124 having.

Instead of the inclined actuator plate 124 can the pillar 122 also have a correspondingly inclined end face.

The plate-shaped element 102 and thus the component 101 forms the perforable area 56 the bottom wall 50 of the container 10 , The component 101 is over a break line 108 with the bottom wall 50 connected, wherein the predetermined breaking line 108 in a section as a film hinge 109 is executed. The adjusting element is with the bottom wall 50 and the peripheral wall 30 executed in one piece.

When the connection piece 200 - as in 10 shown - the top wall 40 has pierced, the tip of the connecting piece passes 200 in contact with the obliquely arranged actuator plate 124 and pivots the adjustment 100 over the film hinge 109 to the side, causing the breaking point 108 in the area of the bottom wall 50 is broken and thus the outlet opening 58 is released.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

container

12

first chamber

13

chamber walls

14

base product

14 '

mixture

15

mirror

16

free space

18

second chamber

19

opening

20

partition wall

30

peripheral wall

32

collar

40

top wall

41

foil

42

perforable wall area

44

vent

46

feed

50

bottom wall

52

ring plate

54

foil

56

perforable wall area

58

outlet

60

annular rib

62

radial rib

100

adjustment

101

component

102

plate-shaped element

104

ring wall

105

longitudinal axis

106

inlet port

108

Rupture line, attachment point

109

film hinge

110

Cutting and / or shock device

112

needle

114

pipe section

116

outlet opening

122

pillar

124

operating plate

130

web

132

opening

140

connecting element

200

connecting element

202

lower section

210

Cutting and / or shock device

212

Through channel

214

outlet channel

220

Device for creating a ventilation opening

Claims (13)

Container ( 10 ) - with a top wall ( 40 ), which at least one for forming a feed opening ( 46 ) for the supply of a liquid perforable cover wall area ( 42 ), - having a bottom wall ( 50 ), at least one for forming an outlet opening ( 58 ) perforable bottom wall area ( 56 ), - with at least one of chamber walls ( 13 ) surrounded chamber ( 12 ), in which a basic product ( 14 ) and an adjusting element ( 100 ), wherein the adjusting element ( 100 ) is arranged movable from a rest position to a working position and at least one chamber wall ( 13 ), characterized in that a chamber wall ( 13 ) at least one opening ( 19 ), at or in the one component ( 101 ) of the adjusting element ( 100 ) is releasably secured in its rest position, this component ( 101 ) of Adjustment element ( 100 ) the opening ( 19 ) in the chamber wall ( 13 ) closes. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the chamber wall ( 13 ) a top wall ( 40 ) of the container ( 10 ), a bottom wall ( 50 ) of the container ( 10 ) or a partition ( 20 ) within the container ( 10 ). Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the component ( 101 ) the opening ( 19 ) closes liquid-tight. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adjusting element ( 100 ) over a predetermined breaking line ( 108 ) with the chamber wall ( 13 ) connected is. Container according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the adjusting element ( 100 ) on the chamber wall ( 13 ) is glued or molded. Container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the component ( 101 ) of the adjusting element ( 100 ) a plate-shaped element ( 102 ), the opening ( 19 ) in the chamber wall ( 13 ) closes. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that the plate-shaped element ( 102 ) an upwardly projecting annular wall ( 104 ) with at least one inlet opening ( 106 ) having. Container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the adjusting element ( 100 ) a blending and / or pushing device ( 110 ) having. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that the cutting and / or pushing device ( 110 ) a needle ( 112 ). Container according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the cutting and / or pushing device ( 110 ) a pipe section ( 114 ) with at least one outlet opening ( 116 ) having. Container according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the component ( 101 ) of the adjusting element ( 100 ) a plate-shaped element ( 102 ) is that an opening ( 19 ) in the bottom wall ( 50 ) closes. Container according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the adjusting element ( 100 ) Means for tilting the adjusting element ( 100 ) having. A container according to claim 12, characterized in that said means for tilting one with respect to the longitudinal axis ( 105 ) of the adjusting element ( 100 ) inclined actuator plate ( 124 ).

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