DE202019104062U1 - Capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble drinks - Google Patents

Abstract

Capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble drinks, comprising:
a capsule body (1) consisting of:
i) an annular side wall (2) having a central axis (X) extending axially between a lower end (4) and an upper end (6);
ii) a bottom (8) located at the lower end (4) of the side wall (2) and provided with at least one continuous line (10) for dispensing the beverage;
iii) a radially outwardly projecting flange (12) disposed at the upper end (6) of the side wall (2) and provided with an upper surface (12a) and a lower surface (12b);
a predefined product portion for the production of the beverage contained in the capsule body;
a lid attached to the flange (12) to close the top of the capsule, the lid being adapted to be perforated for the injection of pressurized liquid; and
wherein the capsule body (1) comprises at least one spacer element (14) formed integrally with the flange (12) and projecting axially from the underside (12b) of the flange (12).

Description

The present invention is a capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble drinks. In particular, the present invention relates to a capsule for packaging concentrate products (for example in the form of powder, granules, leaves) in pre-determined disposable portions for the immediate preparation of beverages (such as tea, coffee, herbal tea, milk, chocolate, etc.) Introducing a pressurized fluid (usually hot water) into the interior of the capsule.

In the category of capsules and pads for coffee or other infusion beverages, the use of automatic or semi-automatic devices with a brewing group adapted to produce an infusion by means of flow of pressurized hot water through the capsule containing the product to be dissolved or dissolved is known ,

The capsule body comprises a base, a side surface and a flange to which the lid is welded. After opening the brewing group of the machine, the capsule is inserted into an opening and after the automatic or manual closing of the brewing group, the flange between a movable ring and a fixed stop is blocked.

During the closing of the brewing group, the perforation of the lid takes place so that the inflow of a pressurized hot water flow is possible. After the product inside the capsule is infused, the infused beverage exits from the bottom of the capsule and is passed into the cup or into the final container.

In order to avoid that the pressurized fluid flows too fast through the aufzugießende product, without thus sufficiently distribute inside the capsule and with negative effects on the quality of the infusion beverage, the known capsules are equipped with a film layer on the capsule bottom. The increase in pressure causes a deformation of the film and forms passages from which the beverage can escape. An embodiment of such a capsule is in the applicant's international application WO2016 / 135581 described.

Based on the above described operation, it will be appreciated that the flange plays an essential role in the proper functioning of the capsule since it must adequately support the forces generated during the perforation of the lid and during the inflow of the pressurized fluid. For these reasons, the flange is formed with a predefined thickness to ensure adequate structural strength.

As is known, there are other requirements at the same time, such as providing an oxygen and moisture impermeable capsule so that the product contained inside can last for a long time under optimal preservation conditions. In addition, this requirement is currently compounded by increasing environmental concerns that require compostable capsules to be provided.

All this requires the use of special technologies for the production of the capsule body and special materials that do not always allow to solve the design details of the capsule body, as mentioned with respect to the flange, the best possible.

The object of the present invention is to produce an oxygen and moisture impermeable capsule which meets these requirements and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

This object is achieved with a capsule prepared according to claim 1. The subclaims describe further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

• - 1 einen Kapselkörper einer Kapsel gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer Längsschnittansicht zeigt;
• - 2 und 3a einen Kapselkörper beziehungsweise eine Vergrößerung eines Flansches des Kapselkörpers gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung darstellen;
• - 3b eine Schnittansicht des Flansches einer Kapsel gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung darstellt;
• - 4 und 5 einen Kapselkörper beziehungsweise eine Vergrößerung eines Flansches des Kapselkörpers gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung darstellen;
• - 6 und 7 einen Kapselkörper beziehungsweise eine Vergrößerung eines Flansches des Kapselkörpers gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung darstellen;
• - 8 und 9 einen Kapselkörper beziehungsweise eine Vergrößerung eines Flansches des Kapselkörpers gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung darstellen;
• - 10 und 11 einen Kapselkörper beziehungsweise eine Vergrößerung eines Flansches des Kapselkörpers gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung darstellen;
• - 12 eine Schnittansicht eines Details der Seitenwand und des Flansches des Kapselkörpers gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung darstellt; und
• - 13 eine Schnittansicht eines Details des Bodens des Kapselkörpers gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt.

The features and advantages of the capsule according to the invention will become apparent in the following description purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• - 1 shows a capsule body of a capsule according to the present invention in a longitudinal sectional view;
• - 2 and 3a represent a capsule body or an enlargement of a flange of the capsule body according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• - 3b a sectional view of the flange of a capsule according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• - 4 and 5 represent a capsule body or an enlargement of a flange of the capsule body according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• - 6 and 7 represent a capsule body or an enlargement of a flange of the capsule body according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• - 8th and 9 represent a capsule body or an enlargement of a flange of the capsule body according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• - 10 and 11 represent a capsule body or an enlargement of a flange of the capsule body according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• - 12 Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a detail of the side wall and the flange of the capsule body according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
• - 13 a sectional view of a detail of the bottom of the capsule body according to an embodiment of the present invention shows.

In the attached figures, 1 denotes a capsule body of a capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble drinks.

The capsule body 1 includes an annular side wall 2 and has a central axis X. Axial extends the side wall 2 between a lower end 4 and an upper end 6 ,

The capsule body 1 also includes a floor 8th that is radially inside the lower end 4 the side wall 2 extends and with at least one continuous line 10 provided for the exit of the drink, and a flange 12 at the upper end 6 the side wall 2 ,

The flange 12 extends radially outside the upper end 6 the side wall 2 , substantially on a plane perpendicular to the central axis X imaginary plane. The flange 12 is circumferential from a flange edge 13 limited.

The flange 12 has a top 12a , which is intended for example for welding with a capsule lid (not shown), and a bottom side located on the opposite side 12b on, both of which are essentially planar and circular.

The flange 12 further comprises at least one spacer element 14 that from the bottom 12b of the flange 12 survives.

According to a first embodiment ( 2 and 3a) this includes at least one spacer element 14 a continuous outer ring 15a that from the bottom 12b of the flange 12 survives.

Preferably, the at least one spacer element further comprises 14 a continuous inner ring 17a that is radially inward with respect to the outer ring 15a is arranged.

Preferably, the at least one spacer element further comprises 14 a continuous intermediate ring 19a which is radially between the outer ring 15a and the inner ring 17a is arranged.

Further, the rings 15a . 17a . 19a preferably arranged radially at the same distance, for example in a radial distance A, which is 15% - 25% greater than the thickness H2 of the flange, preferably about 20%.

According to a further embodiment ( 4 and 5 ) comprises the at least one spacer element 14 a broken outer ring 16a that from the bottom 12b of the flange 12 survives.

In particular, there is the outer ring 16a from a plurality of separate ring sections 16b , which are arranged in a circle in succession and by corresponding free sections 16c are separated, which are preferably of equal circular length and angularly evenly spaced.

Furthermore, this comprises at least one spacer element 14 preferably a broken inner ring 18a that is radially inward with respect to the outer ring 16a is arranged, which, similar to the outer ring 16a , with ring sections 18b and free sections 18c is provided.

Preferably, the at least one spacer element further comprises 14 a broken intermediate ring 20a that is between the outer ring 16a and the inner ring 18a is arranged.

The intermediate ring 20a consists of a plurality of separate ring sections 20b , which are arranged in a circle in succession and by corresponding free sections 20c are separated, which are preferably of equal circular length and angularly evenly spaced.

Each ring section 20b of the intermediate ring 20a is opposite a free section 16c of the outer ring 16a or a free section 18c of the inner ring 18a arranged.

In one embodiment, the ring sections 16b of the outer ring 16a and the ring sections 18b of the inner ring 18a radially aligned and also the corresponding free sections 18c . 20c ,

Preferably, in this embodiment, each ring section 20b of the intermediate ring 20a opposite a free section 16c of outer ring 16a and a free section 18c of the inner ring 18a arranged.

The ring sections preferably also overlap, at least partially 20b of the intermediate ring 20a radially with the ring sections 16b of the outer ring 16a and / or with the ring sections 18b of the outer ring 18a ,

According to a further embodiment ( 6 and 7 ) comprises the at least one spacer element 14 a broken outer ring 22a with ring sections 22b and free sections 22c , a broken inner ring 24a with ring sections 24b and free sections 24c and a broken intermediate ring 26a with ring sections 26b and free sections 26c ,

In this embodiment, the ring sections 26b of the intermediate ring 26a the same length as the ring sections 22b of the outer ring 22a and the ring sections 24b of the inner ring 24a and are arranged opposite to these.

Consequently, the free sections 22c . 24c . 26c The Rings 22a . 24a . 26a radially aligned and form redundant radial channels 28 extending from the sidewall 2 to the outer edge of the flange 12 extend.

According to a further embodiment ( 8th and 9 ) comprises the at least one spacer element 14 a variety of cones 30 on the bottom 12b of the flange 12 are distributed.

The cones 30 are for example in the form of small cylinders or cones or, according to another variant, in the form of small domes.

Preferably, the pins 30 arranged along three imaginary concentric circles.

According to a further embodiment ( 10 and 11 ) comprises the at least one spacer element 14 a variety of radial ribs 32 that from the bottom 12b of the flange 12 protrude.

For example, each rib extends radially from the side wall 2 to the outer edge of the flange 12 ,

Preferably, the ribs are 32 angularly evenly spaced.

According to the above-described embodiments (for example 3b) has the at least one spacer element 14 a predefined height H1 on, with it axially from the bottom 12b of the flange 12 projects; at the same time the flange points 12 a predefined thickness H2 (Axial distance between the top 12a and the bottom 12b) on. The total axial space requirement of the flange with the spacer elements is thus defined as H1 + H2.

The flange 12 and the at least one spacer element 14 are configured so that the height H2 of the at least one spacer element 25% - 45% of the total size H1 + H2 is; preferably it is 30% -40%, more preferably about 35%.

According to a preferred embodiment (for example 3b) assigns each ring 15a - 19a . 16a - 20a . 22a - 26a a substantially asymmetrical triangular (or trapezoidal) longitudinal section (obtained with an imaginary plane passing through the central axis X).

In particular, each cut is such that the outwardly directed surface 54 essentially perpendicular to the flange 12 is, for example, to its outside 12a while the inward facing surface 56 is tapered so that it is tapering towards the flange.

The side wall 2 and the flange 12 with the spacer elements 14 are integrally formed.

For example, they are integrally formed by injection molding of a single polymeric material, for example, an oxygen and moisture impermeable material.

According to another example ( 12 ) are the sidewall 2 and the flange 12 with the spacer elements 14 so formed in one piece by coinjection that an oxygen and moisture impermeable body is obtained, with a completely in an outer matrix 52 embedded in a polymer barrier layer 50 is made of a polymer.

The barrier layer is made of, for example, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH); the outer matrix is made, for example, of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

In this embodiment, the barrier layer extends 50 in the sidewall 2 and in the flange 12 but not in the spacer elements 14 ,

Advantageously, according to this embodiment, the barrier layer arranges correctly in the interior of the outer matrix, since the flange is sufficiently thin to the Ausweh-phenomena of To avoid barrier layer, which can occur if the matrix is excessively thick.

According to a further embodiment, the capsule body and the lid comprehensive capsule is compostable or made of different materials, but all of which are compostable.

Inside is the floor 8th such with a variety of surveys 40 and depressions 42 provided that a support for a (not shown) disc is formed, the access to the lines 10 inside closes.

Preferably, the disc is on the ground 8th glued or welded.

The injection of the pressurized fluid causes the deformation of the disc due to the depressions 42 - without breaking - deformed in such a way that the bonding or welding in some parts dissolves and some sections are raised, so that the infusion liquid to the lines 10 can come for the outflow.

Furthermore, the floor faces 8th preferably a variety of labyrinths 54 on top of the wires 10 and below the disc, with the function of reducing the pressure of the exiting fluid and / or as anti-drip.

According to one embodiment, the elevations 40 and / or mazes 52 created in one piece with the ground.

According to a further embodiment, the elevations and / or labyrinths form a body created separately from the ground and attached thereto.

Furthermore, the one with the lines 10 equipped floor 8th preferably in one piece with the side wall 2 created, for example by injection molding or coinjection.

According to a further embodiment, the floor equipped with the pipes is provided separately from the side wall and attached thereto at its lower end.

Inventively, the capsule according to the present invention meets the requirements of the industry, as it ensures a stable reception of the flange inside the opening of the brewing group and at the same time overcomes the mentioned drawbacks, since it can be created very well by means of injection molding or coinjection technologies.

A capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble drinks comprises a capsule body ( 1 ) with a side wall ( 2 ), a floor ( 8th ) and a flange ( 12 ), a predefined product portion for the production of the drink and one on the flange ( 12 ) attached lid to close the capsule up. The lid is suitable to be perforated for the injection of pressurized liquid. The capsule body ( 1 ) comprises at least one integral with the flange ( 12 ) spacer element ( 14 ), for example in the form of rings, pins or ribs, axially from the bottom ( 12b) of the flange ( 12 ) to produce a suitable thickness for receiving the capsule in the brewing group.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2016/135581 [0005]

Claims (14)

Capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble drinks, comprising: a capsule body (1) consisting of: i) an annular side wall (2) having a central axis (X) extending axially between a lower end (4) and an upper end (6); ii) a bottom (8) located at the lower end (4) of the side wall (2) and provided with at least one continuous line (10) for dispensing the beverage; iii) a radially outwardly projecting flange (12) disposed at the upper end (6) of the side wall (2) and provided with an upper surface (12a) and a lower surface (12b); a predefined product portion for the production of the beverage contained in the capsule body; a lid attached to the flange (12) to close the top of the capsule, the lid being adapted to be perforated for the injection of pressurized liquid; and wherein the capsule body (1) comprises at least one spacer element (14) formed integrally with the flange (12) and projecting axially from the underside (12b) of the flange (12). Capsule after Claim 1 wherein the flange has a predefined thickness which ensures adequate structural strength. Capsule after Claim 1 or 2 in that the side wall (2) and the flange (12) are integrally formed of polymer material by coinjection, thereby providing a single body equipped with a barrier layer (50) fully recessed in an outer matrix (52). Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule body is compostable. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - The at least one spacer element (14) has a predefined height (H1), with which it projects axially from the underside (12b) of the flange (12), the flange (12) has a predefined thickness (H2); and - The flange (12) and the at least one spacer element (14) are formed such that the height (H2) of the at least one spacer element (14) 25% - 45% of the total size (H1 + H2), preferably 30% - 40 %, more preferably about 35%. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spacer element (14) comprises a continuous outer ring (15a). Capsule after Claim 6 wherein the at least one spacer member (14) comprises a continuous inner ring (17a) disposed radially inwardly of the outer ring (15a). Capsule after Claim 7 wherein the at least one spacer element (14) comprises a continuous intermediate ring (19a) which is arranged between the outer ring (15a) and the inner ring (17a). Capsule according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 5 wherein the at least one spacer element (14) comprises a discontinuous outer ring (16a). Capsule after Claim 9 wherein the at least one spacer element (14) comprises a discontinuous inner ring (18a) disposed radially inwardly of the outer ring (16a). Capsule after Claim 10 wherein the at least one spacer element (14) comprises an interrupted intermediate ring (20a) which is arranged between the outer ring (16a) and the inner ring (18a). Capsule after one of the Claims 6 to 11 wherein said rings (15a-19a; 16a-18a; 22a-26a) have a substantially asymmetrical triangular or trapezoidal longitudinal section, said inwardly directed surface (56) being chamfered to taper toward said flange. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spacer (14) comprises a plurality of pins (30) distributed on the underside (12b) of the flange (12). Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spacer element (14) comprises a plurality of radial ribs (32).

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