EP2947028B1 - Capsule for beverage preparation - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a drink, in particular a hot drink such as coffee, tea or drinking chocolate according to the preamble of claim 1.

STATE OF THE ART

From the EP 2 287 090 a capsule for coffee preparation has become known, which has a frusto-conical wall with a bottom portion. The bottom portion is provided with a recessed structure with a locally reduced material thickness, ie with material weakenings, which serves to facilitate the penetration of blades.

This capsule has the disadvantage that the material is weakened in the range of lower material thickness. Moreover, these depressions are disadvantageous because objects can get caught on the edges. In addition, these structures do not look good optically and are expensive to manufacture, since an additional step of notching by laser or mechanical tool may be necessary. In any case, these notches weaken the oxygen barrier, which is detrimental to the aroma protection of the capsule contents. In EP2133285 A1 and DE102007024579 A1 are the flap valves, or the lines of weakness in the membrane and not in the ground.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a capsule for the preparation of a drink, in particular a hot drink such as coffee, tea or drinking chocolate specify which is easier to produce. In addition, it is an object to provide a generic capsule, which allows an improved piercing of the capsule for the purpose of liquid introduction via a preparation machine.

• dass die Kammer zumindest in einem Bereich des Schwächungsmusters (insbesondere die Schwächungslinien) zum proximalen Bodenabschnitt hin mit einer proximalen Schutzfolie abgeschlossen ist,
• dass das Schwächungsmuster mindestens eine sich von einem ersten Eckpunkt zu einem zweiten Eckpunkt erstreckende Schwächungslinie umfasst, wobei die Schwächungslinie zumindest abschnittsweise beabstandet von einer vom ersten Eckpunkt zum zweiten Eckpunkt verlaufenden Verbindungsstrecke verläuft und so eine Klappe im Bodenabschnitt definiert,
• und wobei die Klappe derart geformt ist, dass durch Eindrücken der Klappe die proximale Schutzfolie mit mindestens einem Abschnitt eines der Schwächungslinie zugeordneten freien Endes der Klappe perforierbar ist.

These objects are achieved by a capsule with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, a capsule for preparing a beverage by means of a preparation device having at least one projection, wherein the capsule comprises a wall with a proximal bottom portion, wherein a chamber is formed in the capsule, wherein the proximal bottom portion is provided with a weakening pattern, characterized

• the chamber is closed with a proximal protective film at least in a region of the weakening pattern (in particular the weakening lines) towards the proximal bottom section,
• in that the weakening pattern comprises at least one weakening line extending from a first corner point to a second corner point, the weakening line being at least partially spaced from a connecting line extending from the first corner point to the second corner point and thus defining a flap in the bottom section,
• and wherein the flap is shaped such that by depressing the flap, the proximal protective sheet is perforable with at least a portion of a free end of the flap associated with the line of weakness.

The term "protrusion" is to be understood as meaning truncated or sharp-pointed mandrel elements. For the present invention, therefore, no sharp tips are necessary, since the flap for pivoting can indeed be perforated per se, but does not have to. It can also only be touched and pushed.

A distance of the weakening line from the associated connecting path may amount to 5% to 100% of a diameter of the bottom section, preferably 10% to 40% of this diameter and in particular about 15% to 30% or 20 to 25% of this diameter.

The lines of weakness are notches or cuts, that is essentially linear Objects that only slightly weaken an oxygen barrier. The proximal protective film also provides improved aroma protection and can be perforated in an improved manner, in particular with the flaps according to the invention.

Preferably, the line of weakness is longer than a cross section of said protrusions, so that this structure causes a stronger perforation of the proximal protective film than if the protrusions simply pierce the capsule bottom and the protective film.

It is preferred if the proximal protective film is at least partially spaced from the proximal bottom portion attached. In particular, the proximal protective film may be attached to the wall only peripherally inside the capsule, in particular welded thereto. This allows easy production. At most, the bulk material pressed into the chamber can bulge the film slightly. In the case of a spaced-apart proximal protective film, the flap is then preferably shaped so that a distance perpendicular to said connecting path of at least one point of said connecting path to the associated weakening line greater, in particular about 0.5 times to 4 times larger than a shortest distance (parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the capsule) from this point of the connecting path to the proximal protective film is from this point of the connecting path to the proximal protective film.

Such a distance between the bottom section and the proximal protective film may be 0.5 to 10 millimeters, in particular about 3 to 6 millimeters, preferably about 4 or 5 millimeters.

Alternatively, the distal foil can also be attached over the entire surface of the inner surface of the bottom portion, in particular welded. The proximal protective foil protects the chamber from oxygen penetration through the lines of weakness.

Accordingly, the invention is based on the finding that the perforation of the proximal protective layer can be improved by the projections of the preparation machine, by at least one flap being deliberately placed in the path of the projection (s) is unfolded or erected by the piercing or indenting of the projections in the capsule against the capsule interior and thereby expand the punctiform perforation of the projections in a line-shaped perforation along the free end of the flap. This applies both to a distally mounted film spaced from the bottom portion as well as for a full surface on the proximal surface of the bottom portion attached distal protective film. Here, the bottom portion or contacted by the projection flap portion should be designed to be resistant and flexible according to that the projection does not pierce the flap, but pivoted to the perforation of the proximal protective film against the capsule interior.

The proximal side is the side of the fluid supply from the preparation device, the distal side that of the beverage discharge. The axial direction, the L direction, runs along the axis of symmetry of the wall, from the proximal side to the distal side. The lateral or radial direction runs perpendicularly away from the axial direction.

As "flap" here is a flap-like portion of the bottom portion, which is defined by a substantially not exactly line of weakness in the bottom portion and can be folded away from the bottom portion. The two endpoints of the line of weakness form the endpoints of the link. The bend is thus the natural bending line, which runs as a rule along a straight line section. If the flap is pressed out of the surface of the bottom section, it will bend around this connecting section, which is a straight line section connecting the end points of the weakening line. In this case, the weakening line can be a notch or a scoring, that is to say not an elongated recess or local material weakening that extends completely through the bottom section, on the inner or the outer side of the bottom section. If one presses then on the flap, breaks the bottom portion along the recess due to the weakening of the material by local thinning of the material thickness and the pivoting is possible. This pre-punching has the advantage that the flap remains secured in the bottom portion prior to use of the capsule, and that oxygenation - or generally fluid entry - into the capsule is reduced as compared to a continuous slot. Alternatively, the pattern may also be provided from slots extending from the inside to the outside of the bottom section. Through slots facilitate the folding movement, since no previous breaking out of the flap is required. It is also conceivable that slots and indentations form the pattern at the same time, or that the indentations in sections extend completely through the bottom section.

The free end of a flap is the movable, pivotable portion of the flap near the associated weakening line, which projects freely against the capsule interior in the second flap position.

The chamber of the capsule is in particular a bulk material chamber for coffee powder, tea or tea powder, chocolate or milk powder or similar good. Liquids such as gels or thick liquid are also usable. Basically, the capsule according to the invention is suitable as an improvement for any capsule which is to be opened proximally by protrusions, in particular if an inner protective foil is to be perforated by these protrusions.

A direction of the notch or slots may be directed perpendicular to the respective surface portion of the bottom portion. It is also possible to provide this direction inclined to this surface normal, so that the flap is easier to fold against the capsule interior. In the latter case, then the inner surface of the flap is larger than the outer surface, so that the slot or Kerbrichtung, seen from outside to inside, runs away from a valve center. Alternatively or additionally, the notch or the slot may be chamfered to facilitate the deployment movement.

Preferably, the capsule has a distal outlet opening, wherein the distal outlet opening is surrounded by a preferably flange-like edge. Preferably, this outlet opening is closed with a distal protective film, wherein the protective film is preferably attached to this edge. This distal (as well as the proximal) protective foil serves for aroma protection; it is preferably correspondingly oxygen-tight. Both protective films may in particular be made of metal, preferably aluminum or plastic or another material, in particular of a multilayer and oxygen-tight film, or may comprise such materials.

Preferably, the wall is made in one piece and / or of substantially frusto-conical shape. In essence, the outer shape of the cup-shaped capsule is dictated by the shape of the capsule cage of the preparation machine used. The bottom section may be straight or curved inwards or outwards.

Preferably, this wall is made of a thermoformable, oxygen-tight, possibly multi-layered material, in particular of a polymer material, preferably of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and / or contains polypropylene and / or polyethylene. The layers can also be coated (see below). A preferred material thickness of the wall is at least in the area of the planar structures about 0.3 to 1.1 millimeters.

In a preferred embodiment of the capsule, the weakening pattern (ie, the pattern consisting of indentations or passageways) comprises two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more flaps defined by individual lines of weakness. It is advantageous if the flaps perforate the proximal protective film as much as possible when folded from the first to the second flap position. The flaps thus enhance the effect of the projections of the preparation machine. Advantageously, a flap is provided essentially for each projection. Because the capsules are most cylindrical in symmetry, the pattern is more advantageously provided so that the projections can not all meet simultaneously between the flaps (e.g., lands or slits). This can be done by specifying the number of flaps depending on the number of protrusions (see below). Preferably, in this case, the number of flaps is selected such that, given the known number of projections due to the accuracy of rotational symmetry of the axis arranged flaps or mandrel elements can be excluded that all projections simultaneously next to a flap (for example, on a web, see below). For example, if the number of flaps is not equal to the number of protrusions and the flaps are substantially circumferential, i. without major gaps (with the exception of the bars, see below) arranged so at least one projection must open a flap and perforation.

The flaps are preferably shaped to conform to the proximal protective film perforate as comprehensively as possible; but advantageously without separating sections of the film.

Preferably, the connecting sections of these flaps are each non-intersecting tendons of a closed, preferably circular first imaginary path about a center of the bottom section.

The connecting sections of these flaps together can essentially form a polygon around the center of the proximal bottom section, wherein immediately adjacent corner points of two adjacent bending lines are spaced apart at least via a web. The webs then ensure that the weakening lines do not run continuously along a closed imaginary path, otherwise a portion of the bottom portion could detach from the wall and the targeted perforation of the proximal protective film with the movable portion of the wall or the bottom portion would no longer be possible ,

In a preferred embodiment of the capsule for the preparation device with a plurality of protrusions extending along a second imaginary path for piercing the proximal base portion, the first imaginary trajectory and the second imaginary trajectory are arranged concentrically or intersecting so that, when used as intended, the capsule in FIG the preparation device at least one of the flaps can be pressed by at least one projection from the first flap position into the second flap position.

It is preferred if the first path extends substantially circularly around the center of the proximal bottom section as the center and / or the number of flaps is not equal to a multiple of the number of protrusions of the preparation device. Advantageously, a pattern in which the number of flaps is smaller, preferably by exactly one smaller than the number of projections of the preparation device. This can be prevented that all projections simultaneously push on webs or in slots between the flaps and blocked there, without at least one flap collapses and the proximal protective film is pierced.

In a further development, at least one, preferably each flap in the first flap position extends away from the connection path from the center of the proximal base section or towards this center. The effective curvature of the line of weakness may be inward or outward. The weakening line can thus lie between the connecting path and this center or else the connecting path lies between the weakening line and this center. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the connection section extends substantially radially outward from the center and a multiplicity of such connection sections are arranged along a preferably circular path around the center.

Preferably, the weakening line is formed by one or more circular arc sections and / or by polygons. It is particularly preferred if the free end of the flap has one or more tips, in particular jagged. In the case of several flaps, the weakening lines of all the flaps in the first flap position can form a star line (interrupted only by the webs). The tips at the free ends, formed by the tines in the associated weakening line, allow targeted selective puncturing of the proximal foil, wherein upon further pivoting of the flap, the perforation is increasingly widened by the penetrating tines.

The bottom portion has a height in the L direction of about 1 to 3 millimeters, in particular about 2 millimeters and a maximum outside diameter of about 17 to 25 millimeters, in particular about 21 millimeters. The first conical section has a height in the L direction of about 4 to 6 millimeters, in particular about 5 millimeters and a maximum outside diameter of about 28 to 26 millimeters, in particular about 22 millimeters. The second conical section 15 has a height in the L direction of 10 to 20 millimeters, in particular about 15 millimeters and a maximum outside diameter of about 15 to 20 millimeters, in particular about 17 millimeters. The third conical section 16 has a height in the L direction of about 4 to 6 millimeters, in particular about 5 millimeters and a maximum outside diameter of about 29 to 33 millimeters, in particular about 31 millimeters. A total height of the capsule in the L direction 27 to 31 millimeters, in particular about 29 millimeters.

The invention also relates to a capsule system consisting of the one described above Capsule with a preparation machine or device or extraction device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine perspektive Draufsicht auf eine erste Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Kapsel aus einem proximalen Blickwinkel auf einen proximalen Bodenabschnitt der Kapsel mit einem ersten Schwächungsmuster;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf den proximalen Bodenabschnitt der Kapsel nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

zeigt einen Längsquerschnitt durch die Kapsel gemäss Fig. 1;

Fig. 4a

den Querschnitt nach Fig. 1 mit einem Ausschnitt eines Querschnitts durch einen Kapselkäfig einer Zubereitungsmaschine;

Fig. 4b

den Querschnitt nach Fig. 4a mit der stilisiert dargestellten Zubereitungsmaschine mit weiteren Elementen;

Fig. 5

ein alternatives Schwächungsmuster im Bodenabschnitt mit zwei nach aussen gewölbten Schwächungslinien;

Fig. 6

ein weiteres alternatives Schwächungsmuster im Bodenabschnitt mit drei nach aussen gewölbten Schwächungslinien;

Fig. 7

ein weiteres alternatives Schwächungsmuster im Bodenabschnitt mit vier nach aussen gewölbten Schwächungslinien;

Fig. 8

ein alternatives Schwächungsmuster im Bodenabschnitt mit zwei nach innen gewölbten Schwächungslinien;

Fig. 9

ein alternatives Schwächungsmuster im Bodenabschnitt mit drei nach innen gewölbten Schwächungslinien;

Fig. 10

ein alternatives Schwächungsmuster im Bodenabschnitt mit vier nach innen gewölbten Schwächungslinien;

Fig. 11

ein alternatives Schwächungsmuster im Bodenabschnitt mit zwei nach rechts gewölbten Schwächungslinien; und

Fig. 12

ein alternatives Schwächungsmuster im Bodenabschnitt mit einer nach rechts gewölbten Schwächungslinie.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a perspective top view of a first embodiment of the inventive capsule from a proximal angle to a proximal bottom portion of the capsule having a first weakening pattern;

Fig. 2

a plan view of the proximal bottom portion of the capsule after Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

shows a longitudinal cross section through the capsule according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4a

after the cross section Fig. 1 with a section of a cross section through a capsule cage of a preparation machine;

Fig. 4b

after the cross section Fig. 4a with the stylized preparation machine with other elements;

Fig. 5

an alternative weakening pattern in the bottom section with two outwardly curved lines of weakness;

Fig. 6

another alternative weakening pattern in the bottom section with three outwardly curved weakening lines;

Fig. 7

another alternative weakening pattern in the bottom section with four outwardly curved lines of weakness;

Fig. 8

an alternative weakening pattern in the bottom section with two inwardly curved lines of weakness;

Fig. 9

an alternative weakening pattern in the bottom section with three inside domed lines of weakness;

Fig. 10

an alternative weakening pattern in the bottom section with four inwardly curved lines of weakness;

Fig. 11

an alternative weakening pattern in the bottom section with two right-arched lines of weakness; and

Fig. 12

an alternative weakening pattern in the bottom section with a right-curved line of weakness.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to FIG FIGS. 1 to 12 described.

FIG. 1 shows in a plan view obliquely from above a capsule 1 with a cup-shaped wall 10th FIG. 2 10 shows a plan view of the proximal surface of the bottom portion 100. The wall comprises a substantially frustoconical wall with a step and a convexly outwardly arched bottom portion 100 mounted in a distal end portion of the capsule 1. The bottom portion 100 has a circular rim 1000 and a Circle center 121 on. The capsule 1 extends from the proximal bottom portion 100 along a L-axis extending cylinder axis of symmetry to a distal end where a flange 2 is mounted. The frustoconical capsule 1 forms a bounded by the wall 10 and distally increasing chamber 3. This chamber 3 is suitable for bulk material such as coffee powder, tea powder, milk powder, chocolate powder or other types of powder or beverage ingredients and, for example, viscous liquids or To pick up gels.

The capsule 1 has at the distal end of the wall 10 a cantilevered extension, which forms the flange-like edge 2. With this flange 2, the capsule 1 can be brought into engagement with a capsule cage 50 of a preparation machine 5. The truncated cone of the capsule 1 has in the L direction, distal from the bottom portion 100, a first conical section 71 (see FIG. Fig. 3 ), to which a widening step 74 adjoins, which enlarges the cross-section laterally or radially and merges into a second conical section 72. The second conical portion 72 has a less steep inclination to the L direction than the first conical portion 71. In a third conical section 73, which adjoins the latter substantially in alignment with the second conical section 72, the material thickness is increased inwards. This provides more stability.

The wall 10, the bottom portion 100 and the flange-like edge 2 are formed as one piece. Preferably, this single piece is made by deep drawing a suitable material. It is preferred to use a material which is oxygen-tight to ensure aroma protection. In addition, the material should be correspondingly flexible at least in the region of the connecting sections of the flaps.

Particularly preferred is a material of a polymeric material. It may be a multi-layered material consisting of multiple layers wherein one layer has low oxygen diffusion levels (eg, 5-20 micron EVOH) or an aluminum coated substrate (eg, 5-50 micron polypropylene or polyethylene) or an SiO _x coated one Carrier material (eg 5-50 micron polypropylene or polyethylene). Another layer may have low vapor diffusion values (eg, 5-50 micron polypropylene or polyethylene), and another layer may, if desired, provide the necessary mechanical strength of the multilayer material.

On a proximal, that is to say outer surface of the bottom section 100, a weakening pattern 11 having two weakening lines 111 and 112 is provided. These punching or weakening lines 111, 112 (henceforth lines of weakness) are either line-shaped notches which are notched into the material of the proximal bottom portion 100 or are from the proximal surface of the bottom portion 100 to a distal surface of the bottom portion 100 and thus into the capsule interior reaching cuts , The two weakening lines 112 and 111 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 together form a star, where vertices 1111 and 1112 of the line of weakness 111 from the respective vertices 1121 and 1122 of the line of weakness 112 respectively are spaced over a web 120. The web 120 ensures that flaps 101, 102 formed by the weakening lines 111, 112 are securely attached to the wall 10. A web width can be about 1 to 2 millimeters here.

The weakening pattern 11 comprises the two flaps 101, 102 defined by the weakening lines 111, 112. These flaps 101, 102 have two connecting sections which are parallel and spaced over the web 120 and which connect as straight sections the corner points 1111 and 1112 of the first weakening line 111 Join vertices 1121 and 1122 of the second weakening line 112. Each of the mirror-symmetrical to each other with respect to a middle line between said connecting lines weakening lines 111, 112 and flaps 101, 102 have four points, which radially from a center 121 (see also FIG. 2 ) to the outside. These prongs are pointed and sharply shaped to perforate the distal protective film. The star has a diameter which covers 50 to 100% of the proximal surface of the bottom portion 100. The centroids of the flaps 101, 102 are arranged so as to be approximately on the circular path, along which projections 51, 52 (s. Fig. 4 ) of a preparation machine 5, come to rest. The flaps 101, 102 are then by means of the elements 51, 52 by pressure from the outside along the bending lines in the interior of the chamber 3 for perforating a proximal protective film, which is mounted in the capsule interior, pivotable.

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal cross section through the capsule 1 and chamber 3, respectively FIGS. 1 and 2 , Out FIG. 3 It can be seen that the flange 2 in the proximal direction (ie, opposite to the L direction) protruding webs 21 and 22 has. These webs 21, 22 are concentric with each other about a distal end of the capsule 1. The outer web 21 is mounted radially outwardly flush with the radial end of the flange 2. The inner web 22 is spaced a few millimeters from the wall 10 is attached. The outer web 21 has a substantially quadrangular cross-section, while the inner web 22 is of a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape, wherein the triangular tip is located distally over the flange 2. A height in the L direction of the outer web 21 is about 0.5 to 1 millimeter, the inner web 22 is two to three times as high.

FIG. 3 also shows the convex outwardly arched shape of the bottom portion 100 the rounded edges. Also, a distal outlet opening 4 for the exit of the drink can be seen. At the inner end of the flange 2, part of the wall 10 is recessed (see recess 75), so that the third conical section 73 buckles outward in the distal region. Thus, material is saved.

FIG. 3 also shows the proximal protective film 81, which is mounted in the capsule interior, about 1 to 5 mm apart from the bottom portion 100. Also, the distal protective film 82 is shown, which is mounted on the flange 2 and the outlet opening 4 of the capsule 1 closes. The films 81, 82 are preferably formed of metal, for example. Aluminum, or a plastic film and close off oxygen-tight, to provide flavor protection.

FIG. 4a shows a section of the preparation machine 5 with the capsule cage 50, in which the capsule 1 is inserted for extraction. When the capsule 1 is inserted, during the closing movement of the machine 5, the first projection 51, the second projection 52 and the third projection (not illustrated) are pushed onto the proximal surface of the proximal base section 100. Here, the flaps 101 and 102 are formed and arranged such that these projections 51, 52 press on the proximal flat side of the corresponding flaps 101, 102 and the flaps 101, 102 release the weakening pattern 11 and the corresponding connection distance against the chamber 3 in Press in the capsule interior. The material of the capsule 1 is thus provided correspondingly flexible at least in the bottom portion 100, so that a pivoting of the flaps 111, 112 is possible. Free ends 1010, 1020 of the flaps 101, 102 are thus folded against the capsule interior and protrude beyond the distal surface of the proximal bottom portion 100. The aluminum foil 81 (the proximal protective foil), which is welded into the capsule interior as a proximal protective foil and held substantially parallel to the bottom portion 100, serves for aroma protection. This film 81 is in this case welded so close to the bottom portion 100, so that the projections 51, 52 perforate the film 81 when penetrating into the capsule interior. Since the projections 51, 52 guide the flaps 101, 102, the aluminum protective film is punctured not only punctually by the projections 51, 52, but by the entrained free ends of the flaps 101, 102 over a larger area of the free end of the flaps 101, 102 are slit linearly along the lines of weakness 111, 112. The provision of this Flaps 101, 102 thus results in better perforation of the internal aroma protection film, thus improving a flow behavior during the fluid introduction through the proximal bottom section 100 and the aroma protection film into the chamber 3.

It is also conceivable an embodiment in which the protective film 81 is mounted so spaced in capsule interior that the projections 51, 52 alone do not pierce the film 81, but only the pivoted flaps 101, 102 which are formed so that further in Capsule interior against the film 81 protrude than the projections 51, 52, the film 81 perforate.

FIG. 4b shows the stylized preparation machine 5 with the closing element 53, which closes the capsule cage 50 shaped in a manner complementary to the capsule 1. Through a channel 55 in the capsule cage 50, liquid can be pumped into the interior of the capsule cage 50 and into the capsule 1. The closing element 53 has distally emerging channels 54, through which the prepared beverage flowing out of the capsule 1 can escape to the outside.

There is a wide variety of weakening patterns 11 possible. The FIGS. 5 to 12 show a non-exhaustive, exemplary selection of such embodiments of the weakening pattern 11.

FIG. 5 shows two smooth (not jagged), arranged along a circle, arcuate lines of weakness 111, 112, which form around the center 121 arranged flaps 101, 102 on the bottom portion 100 according to a specific pattern 11. FIG. 6 shows three smooth, arranged along the circle and bent outwards (ie bent away with a central portion of the center 121) weakening lines 111, 112, 113, which flaps 101, 102, 103 form. The weakening lines 111, 112, 113 of the FIG. 6 are no longer arcuate, but more curved. The increased curvature causes an increase in the flap height (maximum length of the flap perpendicular from the connecting line to the weakening line) compared to circular lines of weakness. FIG. 7 shows four smooth, distributed along the circle and with a central portion compared to the circular curvature strongly outwardly bent lines of weakness 111, 112, 113, 114th FIG. 8 shows a pattern 11 with the in FIG. 5 shown weakening lines 111, 112, wherein these lines of weakness 111, 112 are now arranged on the bottom portion 100, that the central portions are curved towards the center 121 and no longer outwardly. FIG. 9 shows a weakening pattern 11 with the three smooth, inwardly bent lines of weakness 111 to 113. FIG. 10 shows a weakening pattern 11 with the lines of weakness 111 to 114 after FIG. 7 wherein these weakening lines 111 to 114 are bent inwardly.

Other embodiments are in the FIGS. 11 and 12 shown. FIG. 11 shows a weakening pattern 11 with the two weakening lines 111, 112 after the Figures 5 or 8, wherein these lines of weakness according to the pattern FIG. 11 run parallel. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment with only one line of weakness 111.

These embodiments according to FIGS. 5 to 12 can also be mixed or modified. For example, mushroom-shaped, triangular or other shapes may be provided. The smooth weakening lines 111, 112, 113, 114 of FIGS. 5 to 12 can also be at least partially curved or serrated or shaped differently, as long as they are shaped such that a displacement of the flap 101, 102, 103, 104 from the first to the second flap position for perforation of the proximal protective film by the flap 101 , 102, 103, 104 leads. Preferably, the lines of weakness 111, 112, 113, 114 are circumferentially evenly distributed around the center 121; however, this does not have to be. It may, for example, also be advantageous to choose an irregular arrangement in order to prevent regularly arranged projections 51, 52 all at the same time encountering webs 120 or slots or notches of the pattern 11 and thus the flaps 101, 102, 103, 104 do not pan.

The portion of the bottom portion 100 remaining inside the center 121 between the weakening lines 111, 112, 113, 114 remains advantageous since it covers the distal aroma protection film 81. In principle, however, this could also be excluded if the weakening lines 111, 112, 113, 114 are bent inwards. However, if these weakening lines 111, 112, 113, 114 are bent outwards, this central section serves for fastening the corresponding flaps 101, 102, 103, 104.

The proximal protective film 82 is pierced during extraction according to conventionally known principles. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 capsule 3 chamber 10 wall 11 Attenuation pattern to 100 4 distal outlet 100 proximal floor section 1000 Edge of 100 5 preparation machine 101 first flap 50 capsule cage 1010 free end of 101 51 first advantage 102 second flap 52 second lead 1020 free end of 102 53 Closing element of 5 103, 104 another flap 54 Channel in 53 111 first line of weakness 1111 first corner of 111 71 first conical section 1112 second corner of 111 of 10 112 second line of weakness 72 second conical section 1121 first corner of 121 of 10 1122 second corner of 112 73 third conical section 113, 114 further weakening lines of 10 74 broadening stage 120 web 75 recess 121 Center of 100 81 proximal protective film 2 flange-like edge 82 distal protective film

Claims (17)

1. Capsule (1) for preparing a beverage by means of a preparation machine (5) having at least one projection (51; 52), wherein the capsule (1) comprises a wall (10) with a proximal bottom portion (100), wherein a chamber (3) is formed in the capsule (1), wherein the proximal bottom portion (100) is provided with a weakening pattern (11), characterized
   in that the chamber (3) is closed off towards the proximal bottom portion (100) by a proximal protective foil (81) at least in a region of the weakening pattern (11),
   in that the weakening pattern (11) comprises at least one weakening line (111; 112; 113; 114) which extends from a first corner point (1111; 1121) to a second corner point (1112; 1122), wherein the weakening line (111; 112) extends at least in certain portions at a spacing from a connecting section extending from the first corner point (1111; 1121) to the second corner point (1121; 1122), and thus defines a flap (101; 102; 103; 104) in the bottom portion (100),
   and wherein the flap (101; 102; 103; 104) is formed in such a way that, by pressing in the flap (101; 102; 103; 104), the proximal protective foil (81) can be perforated by at least one portion of a free end (1010; 1020), which is assigned to the weakening line (111; 112; 113; 114), of the flap (101; 102; 103; 104).
2. Capsule (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the proximal protective foil (81) is mounted at least regionally at a spacing from the proximal bottom portion (100) and wherein the flap (101; 102; 103; 104) is formed in such a way that a spacing, which extends perpendicularly to the stated connecting section, from at least one point of said connecting section to the associated weakening line (111; 112; 113; 114) is greater than a shortest spacing from this point of the connecting section to the proximal protective foil (81).
3. Capsule (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 having a distal outlet opening (4), wherein the distal outlet opening (4) is surrounded by a preferably flange-like edge (2), wherein the distal outlet opening (4) is preferably closed by a distal protective foil (82) mounted on the edge (2).
4. Capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall (10) is produced in one piece and/or is of substantially frustoconical design.
5. Capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall (10) is produced from a thermoformable, oxygen-tight material, in particular from a polymer material, preferably from EVOH, and/or contains polypropylene and/or polyethylene.
6. Capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the proximal protective foil (81) and/or the possibly present distal protective foil (82) are/is produced from an oxygen-tight material, in particular from metal, preferably from aluminium or from plastic or from a single-or multi-layer foil or comprise/comprises such materials.
7. Capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weakening pattern (11) defines two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more flaps (101; 102; 103; 104).
8. Capsule (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting sections of these flaps (101; 102; 103; 104) are in each case non-intersecting chords of an imaginary closed, preferably circular first imaginary path about a centre (121) of the bottom portion (100).
9. Capsule (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting sections of these flaps (101; 102; 103; 104) together substantially form a polygon about the centre (121) of the proximal bottom portion (100), wherein directly adjacent corner points (1112, 1121; 1111, 1122) of two adjacent bending lines are spaced at least via a web (120).
10. Capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each, flap (101; 102; 103; 104) extends away from the connecting section from the centre (121) of the proximal bottom portion (100) or towards this centre (121).
11. Capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weakening line (111; 112; 113; 114) is formed by one or more circular arc portions and/or by polygonal chains, wherein the free end (1010; 1020) of the flap (101; 102; 103; 104) preferably has one or more points, and is in particular serrated.
12. Capsule (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein a plurality of flaps (101, 102, 103, 104) are provided, the weakening lines (111, 112, 113, 114) of which form a star.
13. Capsule system consisting of a capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims and of a preparation machine (5).
14. Capsule system according to the preceding claim with a capsule (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 12, wherein the preparation machine (5) comprises a plurality of projections (51, 52) which extend along a second imaginary path and are intended for pricking the proximal bottom portion (100), wherein the first path and the second path are arranged concentrically or in an intersecting manner, with the result that, when the capsule (1) is used as intended in the preparation machine (5), at least one of the flaps (101; 102; 103; 104) is pressed in by at least one projection (51, 52).
15. Capsule system according to the preceding claim, wherein the first path extends substantially circularly around the centre (121) of the proximal bottom portion (100) as mid-point.
16. Capsule system according to either of Claims 14 and 15, wherein the number of flaps (101; 102; 103; 104) is unequal to a multiple of the number of projections (51, 52) of the preparation machine (5).
17. Capsule system according to the preceding claim, wherein the number of flaps (101; 102; 103; 104) is less, preferably by exactly one less, than the number of projections (51, 52) of the preparation machine (5).

Images