EP2957524A1 - Capsule for beverage preparation - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capsule (1) for preparing a beverage, wherein the capsule (1) comprises a wall (10) with a proximal bottom portion (100), wherein a chamber (3) is formed in the capsule (1) the proximal bottom portion (100) has a weakening pattern (11) with at least one tear line. This tear line is associated with a reinforcing structure. In this case, this tear line and this reinforcing structure are designed such that a predetermined pressure from the outside onto the capsule (1) causes a first section of the proximal base section (100) to be reduced less than a second section of the proximal base section (100), whereby the proximal bottom section (100) can be opened at least in sections along the tear line for the purpose of introducing fluid through this pressure. This ensures opening of the capsule during intended use in a preparation device.

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 prior art truncated cone-shaped aluminum capsules for coffee preparation with preparation devices are known. These aluminum capsules are placed in the preparation device and then pierced by means of mandrel elements for fluid entry.

Plastic capsules have the problem that, due to the different material properties of aluminum and plastic, they can not easily be pierced with the mandrel elements of the aforementioned preparation devices suitable for aluminum capsules.

From the EP 2 287 090 a solution to this problem has become known. There is disclosed a capsule for coffee preparation, which has a frusto-conical wall with a bottom portion. The bottom section is provided with a recessed structure with locally reduced material thickness, that is with flat material weakenings, which makes it possible to penetrate the mandrel elements.

However, this capsule has the disadvantage that the material is weakened in the range of lower material thickness. This weakening is unfavorable both structurally and with respect to the effect as an oxygen barrier. Moreover, these depressions are disadvantageous because objects can get caught on the edges. In addition, see these structures optically not good and there is a risk that the mandrel elements outside of the weakened areas on the capsule push, so this does not rise.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a capsule for the preparation of a beverage, in particular a hot drink such as coffee, tea or drinking chocolate, which is reliable to open for the purpose of fluid entry.

This object is achieved by a capsule with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, a capsule for preparing a beverage is specified, which comprises a wall with a lateral wall section circulating about an axis and a bottom section which intersects this axis in the proximal region of the capsule. The lateral wall portion and the bottom portion define a chamber. The wall has a weakening pattern with at least one tear line and comprises at least a first section and at least one second section adjoining the first section, the tear-open line running at least in sections between this first section and the second section. The capsule achieves the above object by having a reinforcing structure supporting the first portion. This reinforcing structure is in this case designed such that a movement of the wall in the region of the weakening pattern against the chamber causes the first section to sink less strongly against the chamber than the second section due to the selective support by the reinforcing structure. The first section is therefore more strongly supported than the second. This leads to a relative movement between the first and second sections, whereupon the wall at least in sections breaks up along the tear line for the purpose of introducing fluid.

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 perpendicular to the axial direction.

By the term "line of weakness" is meant a line weakening in an (inner and / or outer) surface of the wall, such as a slot, notch or notch, which is substantially perpendicular to the supporting one Surface is introduced, meant. The weakening line can therefore be mounted on an outside and / or on an inner side of the wall facing the chamber. The weakening line can be chamfered laterally to allow or improve a predefined kinking movement. The weakening lines are therefore essentially linear objects which only minimally impair the function of an oxygen barrier and guide a movement pattern of the wall when pressurized, so that predetermined areas of the wall open for the purpose of introducing fluid. Preferably, the weakening pattern at least or sufficiently weakens the capsule such that said pressure from outside a pressure typically exerted by a preparation device is sufficient to cause the capsule to open.

The "tear line" is a line of weakness in the above sense, with the wall breaking up along the tear line in the above described movement. The tear line is so greatly weakened that it breaks up when used as intended.

The weakening pattern thus allows the material to be prepared, before the movement of the wall in the above sense, i. Pressurization of the wall for the purpose of opening can not escape from the filled, closed capsule and at the same time ensures that the capsule reliably opens as intended.

The basic idea of the invention is that, by means of a suitable weakening pattern on the wall of the capsule (inside and / or outside, laterally and / or at the proximal bottom section), the capsule can already be pressed onto the capsule by pressure from outside or by movement of the wall region of the weakening pattern against the chamber is open. In this case, this pressure can only move the region of the weakening pattern against the chamber and does not have to act at a certain point, whereby a proper opening of the wall can be made more reliable with the preparation device.

This is achieved by the fact that the wall deforms according to the mechanical specifications of the weakening pattern and the reinforcing structure and thereby creates slots or openings which allow the fluid entry for the preparation of the beverage. The fluid discharge is conventionally ensured.

For this purpose, the weakening pattern comprises at least one or more preferably line-shaped predetermined breaking points (tear lines) and preferably also Predetermined bending lines (weakening lines). The predetermined bending lines advantageously guide the deformation or buckling of the wall in the region of the weakening pattern.

The pressure from the outside, which thus presses the wall of the capsule against the chamber, in this case can be generated mechanically, hydrostatically or in another way. The preparation device may have a projection for pressing or piercing the capsule. However, such a projection does not have to exist. The term "protrusion" is to be understood as meaning truncated or sharp-pointed mandrel elements. Thus, no sharp points are necessary for the present invention, since the sections of the wall which are acted upon by said pressure can, but do not have to be, perforated in the region of the weakening pattern; they can also be touched from the outside, pushed and / or pressurized from the outside. A hydrostatic pressure build-up would be conceivable.

The capsule thus has the advantage that, for example, preparation devices with blunt or sharp tips or tips designed for metal capsules are able to reliably open the capsule. It is thus possible to use materials for the capsules according to the invention which, because of their nature, for example their strength, can not be pierced by projections of preparation machines oriented on aluminum capsule, since even the direct or indirect pressure of the projections on the weakening pattern is sufficient for opening and the capsule material does not have to be pierced.

The invention is thus based on the finding that the weakening pattern can be provided on the capsule wall such that at least a first portion of the affected capsule portion of the reinforcing structure, an additional structural element, preferably a rib or a bead against this pressure or movement is supported from the outside against the chamber, while another second portion of the capsule wall, which is separated from the first portion via at least one tear line of the weakening pattern is not or less supported, so that the pressure from the outside can move the second portion more than the first Section. Therefore, the pressure from the outside or the movement of the wall in the region of the weakening pattern against the chamber to a relative movement between the first and the second section, whereupon the wall breaks along the tearing line arranged between the first and the second section and an opening or forms a slot for fluid entry into the capsule chamber.

A direction of the notch or slots may be directed perpendicular to the respective surface portion of the wall. It is also possible to provide this direction inclined to the surface normal of the wall. In the latter case, the inner surface of the sections is then preferably smaller than its outer surface, so that the slot or Kerbrichtung, seen from the outside inward, tapers to a center of the chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the notch or the slot can be chamfered, that is bevelled laterally, in order to facilitate or guide the buckling or fracture movement of the section of the wall affected by the weakening pattern.

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 viscous liquids are also usable.

Basically, the capsule according to the invention improves the process of opening for fluid introduction, in particular if the opening is made by a preparation device with projections.

The reinforcing structure is preferably designed as a rib or bead extending at least in sections substantially in the direction of the axis L on the wall. Particularly preferred is a reinforcing structure, which is designed as a festmasgemacht on the lateral wall portion rib. The rib can protrude 1 to 3 millimeters over the wall and be 5 to 20 millimeters long. This design is simple and easy to manufacture by injection molding, so the rib or bead can be formed directly in one piece with the wall (either inside or outside).

The tear line preferably runs at least in sections between the first and the second section, so that the wall ruptures along this line due to the said relative movement.

Preferably, the tear line runs at least partially in the proximal bottom section, in particular the tear line runs essentially radially relative to the axis in the proximal bottom section. As a result, at least one radially extending slot can be used as an opening for the fluid entry per weakening line.

The at least one reinforcing structure more strongly supports the first portion against the external pressure effect of supporting the second portion. Preferably, the reinforcing structure is formed as at least partially extending in the axial direction of the capsule rib and engages supporting the first section.

The weakening pattern may be at least one more first weakening line which is substantially transverse to the tear line, wherein the tear line and the first line of weakness contact or intersect kinkingly. The first weakening line can act as a predetermined bending line and facilitate buckling of the wall region of the weakening pattern when pressure is applied from the outside.

The expression "buckling effect" is to be understood in this case as meaning that, when the capsule is pressurized as intended, which leads to the buckling movement of the wall along the tear line, this pressurization also leads to a bending movement along the first weakening line.

The first weakening line (s) may extend in sections along a closed first path, in particular a circular path around a midpoint of the proximal bottom section, and bound the bottom section radially outward with respect to the axis L. As a result, the bending movement is limited in the radial direction when the pressure is applied to or movement of the wall in the region of the bottom section on the proximal bottom section, since the proximal bottom section buckles along this first path, which makes the bending movement more controllable.

The weakening pattern may advantageously comprise at least one second weakening line which is substantially parallel to the first weakening line and provides a second, inner crease line. In this case, it is preferred if the tear line and the second weakening line also touch or intersect kinkingly. Also, the second weakening line thus leads as a predetermined bending line the bending movement of the bottom section. This can be pressed onto the plane lying within the second line of weakness against the axis L surface to open the capsule.

Preferably, the first line of weakness and, if present, the second line of weakness around a center of the proximal bottom portion define concentric, preferably substantially circular, tracks which may be interrupted in places. Thus, the bending movement is limited and guided by a pressurization from the proximal direction substantially to the bottom portion.

It is particularly preferred if a proximal end section of the reinforcing structure is fastened or engages on an end section of the first section of the bottom section that is preferably radial with respect to the axis L. Here, the reinforcing structure is preferably shaped so that the first portion is supported at the radially outer end portion and yields less when pressurized from outside than second portions of the wall which are not supported by the reinforcing structure.

The first sections may extend from the first weakening line to the possibly existing second weakening line or in the absence of the second weakening line all the way to the axis L.

It is advantageous if the proximal bottom portion is curved convexly outwards, wherein the reinforcing structure protrudes with the proximal end portion proximally to or above this first line of weakness against the proximal bottom portion and is preferably connected there to the proximal bottom portion.

Preferably, the particular rib-shaped reinforcing structure is secured in the chamber. As a result, the outer shape of the capsule is not changed by these elements and it fits into conventional capsule cages.

Particularly preferred is a capsule with a plurality of tear lines and / or with a plurality of reinforcing structures, in particular extending in the L direction reinforcing ribs. These ribs may be circumferentially distributed regularly spaced and each a first portion, which is associated with a tear line, respectively.

The term "plurality" may mean two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, ten, or more.

The weakening pattern may be formed on the proximal bottom portion such that the first portions preferably form substantially radially with respect to the axis L extending and spaced apart strips or ring sections or segments. The second sections may be circumferentially interposed between these first sections and preferably of strip or ring section or circular segment shape. Thus, the first and second sections may form a ring or circle segmented by the tear lines. The first lines of weakness may radially outwardly bound the ring or circle with respect to the axis L. The second lines of weakness may limit the ring radially inward. Thus, the tear lines act as substantially radially directed predetermined breaking lines; the first and second weakening lines act as predetermined bending lines which direct the bending movement of the bottom section to pressure from the outside.

Preferably, the first portions are thinner in the circumferential direction than the second portions, preferably 3 to 12 times thinner. This has the advantage that when pressure is applied with projections, the probability of hitting a first section directly is minimized. It is particularly preferred if the first sections are formed as strips that are substantially as wide as the ribs are thick along the circumference (eg, 1 to 2 millimeters). As a result, the strip is attached over its entire width on the proximal end of the rib and supported against the pressure from the outside.

Preferably, the wall together with the reinforcing structure is produced in one piece and / or of a 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 device used. The bottom section can be straight, curved inwards or outwards. If the capsule itself is not sufficiently oxygen-tight, the capsule can be packed in an oxygen-tight envelope or foil, for example a bag.

The capsule may preferably be made of injectable materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, PLA or other injection moldable, sinterable and / or moldable materials having similar properties. A preferred material thickness is about 0.4 to 1 millimeter. This allows a cost-effective production of the capsule.

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. An overall height of the capsule in the L direction is 27 to 31 millimeters, in particular about 29 millimeters.

Preferably, the capsule has a distal outlet opening. This distal outlet opening may be surrounded by a flange-like edge. Preferably, the closed distal exit opening with a distal protective film, wherein the protective film is preferably attached to this edge. This distal (as well as a possibly provided proximal, provided in the capsule interior over the weakening pattern) protective film is the aroma protection; it is preferably correspondingly oxygen-tight. The protective film 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. It is preferably pierced for fluid discharge.

There may be a proximal protective film for improved aroma protection on the inside or outside of the weakening pattern so that the weakening pattern is covered towards the chamber.

The present invention also relates to a capsule system comprising a preparation device or extraction device and a capsule as described herein for preparing a beverage.

In this case, it is preferred if the preparation device has a first number of projections and the proximal bottom portion of the capsule has a second number of first portions, wherein the first number of projections is not equal to the second number of first portions.

Preferably, the weakening pattern comprises two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more first sections each having an associated second section.

Preferably, the preparation device comprises a plurality of protrusions extending along a second imaginary path for piercing the proximal bottom portion, the first and second trajectories being concentric or intersecting such that, when used as intended, the above-described capsule in the preparation device the predetermined pressure is applied to the weakening pattern of the capsule.

Preferably, the first path extends substantially circularly around the center of the proximal bottom portion as the center.

Preferably, the preparation device comprises a first number of projections and the wall of the capsule a second number of first portions, wherein the first number of projections is not equal to, preferably smaller, in particular exactly one smaller than the second number of first portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

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

Fig. 2

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

Fig. 3

einen Längsquerschnitt durch die Kapsel gemäss Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine perspektive Draufsicht auf die Kapsel nach Fig. 1 wobei der proximale Bodenabschnitt eingedrückt ist;

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf den proximalen Bodenabschnitt der Kapsel nach Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine Sicht in die Kapsel nach Fig. 4;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Sicht in die Kapsel nach Fig. 4;

Fig. 8

einen Ausschnitt des Längsquerschnitts durch die Kapsel nach Fig. 4; und

Fig. 9

die Kapsel nach Fig. 4 im Längsschnitt in einer stilisiert dargestellten Zubereitungsvorrichtung.

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 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

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

Fig. 4

a perspective top view of the capsule behind Fig. 1 wherein the proximal bottom portion is depressed;

Fig. 5

a plan view of the proximal bottom portion of the capsule after Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

a view into the capsule Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 7

a perspective view into the capsule Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 8

a section of the longitudinal cross section through the capsule Fig. 4 ; and

Fig. 9

the capsule after Fig. 4 in longitudinal section in a stylized preparation device.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows in a perspective view obliquely from above a first embodiment of the inventive capsule 1. The capsule 1 comprises a wall 10 with a capsule 1 proximal limiting proximal bottom portion 100, a truncated cone, the capsule 1 laterally delimiting wall portion 12 with a rim 2 which projects outwards in a flange-like manner, delimiting the capsule 1 distally, which has a distal outlet opening 4 of the capsule 1 (see FIG. Fig. 3 ) surrounds. The lateral wall portion 12 surrounds the axis L of the capsule 1. The bottom portion 100 is transverse to the axis L and is curved in the proximal direction. The outlet opening 4 is closed with a distal, preferably made of aluminum or plastic or another material, in particular a multi-layered and oxygen-tight protective film 6 (s. Fig. 9 ). With 7 symbolically an aroma protective cover is indicated. In FIG. 2 is the capsule 1 after Fig. 1 in a plan view from the top on the proximal bottom portion 100 shown.

The wall 10 is manufactured in one piece by an injection molding process and consists of materials suitable for injection molding, in particular of a polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polylactides or other sinterable and / or mouldable materials with similar properties. A preferred material thickness of the wall is at least in the region of the planar structures about 0.4 to 1 millimeter.

FIG. 3 shows in longitudinal cross-section through the capsule 1, the lateral wall portion 12, which extends around an axis L. The lateral wall section 12 has a first conical section 13 which adjoins the proximal bottom section 100 that is curved outwards. The first conical section 13 is adjoined in the distal direction L (ie towards the opening 4) by a step section 14 which enlarges the diameter of the capsule 1 and to which the second conical section 15 adjoins. The third conical section 16 adjoins the second section 15 distally, wherein the edge 2 is located at the distal end of the third section 16.

The bottom portion 100 has a height of the curvature in the L direction of about 1 to 3 millimeters, in particular about 2 millimeters and a maximum outside diameter of about 15 to 20 millimeters, in particular about 17 millimeters. The first conical section 13 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 20 to 24 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. An overall height of Capsule 1 in the L direction is 27 to 31 millimeters, in particular about 29 millimeters.

With the flange 2, the cylindrically symmetrical with respect to L capsule 1 in engagement with a capsule cage 50 of the preparation device 5 (s. Fig. 8 ) to be brought.

The frusto-conical capsule 1 forms a chamber 3 delimited by the wall 10 and substantially conically enlarged in the distal direction. 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 to absorb viscous liquids or gels.

A weakening pattern 11 applied to the bottom portion 100 includes tear lines 111-118, first weakening lines 121-124, and second weakening lines 125-128 (see FIG. Figures 1 and 2 ).

The bottom portion 100 is bounded radially outward with respect to L by a number of four first weakening lines 121-124 revolving around a center 120 of the bottom portion 100 substantially in a quarter circle. These first lines of weakness 121-124 define a first circle. Between two adjacent first weakening lines 121-124, a first distance for the connection of strips 101-104 forming the first sections with the lateral wall section 12 is circumferentially left in each case. Lateral or radially outside this first circle is the first conical section 13, within the proximal bottom portion 100; the wall 10 drops radially outside this first circle in the distal direction more than at this first circle. The transition region between the bottom portion 100 and the first conical portion 13 is rounded.

Second, substantially quarter-circular lines of weakness 125-128 extend along a second circle concentrically within the first circle about the center 120. The diameter of the second circle is about 5 millimeters to 7 millimeters, more preferably about 6 millimeters. The diameter of the first circle is about 3 to 4 times the diameter of the second circle.

Between two adjacent second weakening lines 125-128, a second distance is left on the circumference for connecting the strips 101-104 to the central circular surface 129. The four third distances between second weakening lines 125-128 and the four approximately equal second distances between first weakening lines 121-124 are 1 to 2 millimeters and are distributed in each case arranged the first and second circle, that each second distance, a first distance is assigned, wherein these two distances are on a radius of the first circle. In other words, the strips 101-104 extend substantially radially between in each case one of the first and one of the second distances.

The tear lines 111-118 extend substantially radially from ends of the first weakening lines 121-124 to ends of the second weakening lines 125-128 and define the tabs 101-104. The tear lines 111-118 are thus arranged in four pairs 111-112, 113-114, 115-116, 117-118, wherein the four strip-shaped first portions 101-104 and four annular portion-shaped second portions 106-109 are formed. The width of the first sections 101-104 is the same as the first or second distance. The second portions 106-109 are disposed between the first portions 101-104 so that the first and second portions 106-109 together form the ring between the first and second circles. The strips 101-104 are about 1 to 2 millimeters wide and 4 to 5 millimeters long. The strips 101-104 are arranged so that a middle straight passes through the center 120 between the respective pair of weakening lines 111-112, 113-114, 115-116, 117-118. The strips 101-104 are circumferentially arranged regularly spaced from each other.

Neither the first weakening lines 121-124 nor the second weakening lines 125-128 delimit the tabs 101-104 in the radial direction. The strips 101-104 thus connect the lateral wall section 12 with a circular surface 129 defined by the second weakening lines 121-128 about the center 120, the strips 101-104, the wall section 12 and the circular surface 129 being formed without interruption by weakening lines, ie contiguously are.

The weakening pattern 11 thus defines four ring segments 106-109 delimited by the weakening lines, which are formed between the first and the second circle around the center 120. The first and second weakening lines 121-128 are peripherally spaced in pairs over the strip width between the ring segments 106-109.

Radial outer end portions 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 of the strips 101-104 (s. Fig. 2 ) are respectively connected to one of four reinforcing ribs 131-134 (see FIG. Figures 3 . 6 ). The reinforcing ribs 131-134 are attached to the inside of the lateral wall 12 and extend in the L direction over approximately half the capsule height in the L direction. The reinforcing ribs 131-134 are each formed to be proximal in the L direction extend to or over the first lines of weakness 121-124 and the first circle, respectively. Preferably, they protrude with proximal end portions 1310, 1320, 1330, 1340 in the radial direction beyond the first circle against the axis L. The proximal end portions 1310, 1320, 1330, 1340 (see FIG. Figures 3 . 6 ) are connected to the radially outer end portions 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 of the strips 101-104 or integrally formed. The convexly outwardly arched proximal bottom portion 100 is out of this convex position Fig. 3 can be brought into a concave position, ie pressed against the chamber 3, so that the bottom portion 100 buckles along the first lines of weakness 121-124 and bulges concavely against the center of the capsule.

The reinforcing ribs 131-134 are now formed and connected to the bottom portion 100 such that the first portions 101-104, due to the support of the reinforcing ribs 131-134, only partially participate in the buckling movement of the bottom portion 100 upon displacement from the convex sheet to the concave sheet. while the second sections 106-109 sink completely. The strips 101-104 are supported across their width by the equally wide ribs 131-134. This results in a relative movement between the first sections 101-104 and second sections 106-109, whereupon the first sections 101-104 and second sections 106-109 separate radially inwardly along the tear lines 111-118; This results in a slot 14, which is suitable for fluid entry into the capsule 1.

Thus, if the proximal bottom portion 100 is pressurized from the outside of the L direction or moved against the chamber 3 (for example by a projection of a closing preparation device), the proximal base portion 100 buckles along the first lines of weakness 121-124 and ruptures along the tear lines 111-118, since only the first portions 101-104 and not the second portions 106-109 are supported by the reinforcing ribs 131-134. The bottom portion 100 merges from a convexly outwardly arched shape into a concave shape inwardly toward the chamber 3. Because the proximal end portions 1310, 1320, 1330, 1340 of the reinforcing structures 131-134 only prevent the tabs 101-104 from being depressed but not supporting the second portions 106-108, the second portions 106-108 are moving relative to the strips 101-104, whereupon the bottom section 100 ruptures along the tear line 111-118. In other words, by the pressure from the outside, the strips 101-104 are torn from the bottom portion 100. The resulting openings are the fluid entry for the purpose of producing the Drink used in the capsule 1. The capsule 1 is easy to open by pressure on the bottom portion 100. The bottom portion 100 does not have to be pierced.

The lines of weakness 111-118, 121-128 are mounted on the inner surface of the proximal bottom portion 100 and chamfered, which improves the buckling movement along the first and second weakening lines 121-128 when pressurized from outside the capsule 1 and also a tearing of the bottom portion 100 along the tear lines 111-118 improved.

FIG. 4 shows in a perspective view from the side another embodiment of the weakening pattern 11, which differs from the aforementioned in that the second weakening lines are omitted. FIG. 5 shows the capsule 1 after Fig. 4 in a plan view of the proximal bottom portion 100 from the outside, FIG. 6 a view into the chamber 3 of this capsule 1 and the bottom portion 100 and FIG. 7 a perspective view from below into the chamber 3 of the capsule. 1

The attenuation pattern 11 after Figures 4-7 also has strips 101-104 which extend radially outward with respect to the L-axis. In the Figures 4-7 is the proximal bottom portion 100 in the concave position, the reinforcing ribs 131-134 support with end portions of the strips 101-104, the latter are then correspondingly only partially buckled. The radially outer end portions of the strips 101-104 protrude from the ribs 131-134 over the concave surface of the bottom portion 100 in the proximal direction so that slots 14 are open as openings in the proximal bottom portion 100 for fluid entry.

FIG. 8 shows in an enlarged longitudinal section FIG. 5 the proximal bottom portion 100 concave with open slots 14. In Fig. 8 it can be seen how the ribs 131-134 are attached to the strips 101-104.

FIG. 9 shows a section of the preparation device 5 with the capsule cage 50, in which the capsule 1 is inserted with a distal aroma protection film 6 for extraction. The preparation device 5 has a closing element 53, which closes capsule cage 50 shaped in a manner complementary to the capsule 1. The closing element 53 has distally emerging channels 54, through which the prepared, after fluid entry from the capsule 1 flowing beverage can escape to the outside. When the capsule 1 is inserted, during the closing movement of the device 5, the first projection 51, the second projection 52 and the third projection (not shown) are pushed onto the proximal surface of the proximal base section 100. The material of the capsule 1 is so provided correspondingly flexible at least in the bottom portion 100, so that an impressions of the second portions 106-109 is possible. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 capsule 1330.1340 proximal end portion 10 Wall of 1 14 slot 11 weakening pattern 12 lateral section of 10 2 flange 13 first conical section of 12 21 first jetty 22 second bridge 14 Stage in 12 15 second conical section of 12 3 Chamber in 1 16 third conical section of 12 4 distal outlet opening of 1 100 proximal bottom section of FIG 5 making device 50 capsule cage 101-104 1010,1020, first section on 100 51 first advantage 52 second lead 1030.1040 radially outer end portion 53 Closing element of 5 106-109 second section on 100 54 Channel in 53 111-118 tear line 120 Center of 100 6 protector 121-124 first line of weakness 125-128 second line of weakness 7 Aroma Cover 129 central circular area 131-134 1310, 1320, reinforcing structure L axis

Claims (15)

Capsule (1) for preparing a beverage comprising a wall (10) with a lateral wall section (12) revolving about an axis (L) and a bottom section (100) intersecting the axis (L) in the proximal region of the capsule (1) the lateral wall section (12) and the bottom section (100) define a chamber (3), the wall (10) having a weakening pattern (11) with at least one tear line (111-118), the wall (10) at least one first Section (101-104) and at least one of the first portion (101-104) adjacent second portion (106-109), and wherein the tear line (111-118) at least partially between this first portion (101-104) and second Section (106-109) passes, characterized
in that the capsule (1) has a reinforcing structure (131-134) supporting the first section (101-104), which reinforcing structure (131-134) is designed such that movement of the wall (10) in the region of the weakening pattern (11) against the chamber (3) allows the first section (101-104) to sink less strongly against the chamber (3) than the second section (106-109) and the wall (10) thereby at least in sections along the tear line (111-118) ruptures for fluid entry. Capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing structure (131-134) is designed as a rib or bead extending at least in sections substantially in the direction of the axis (L) on the wall (10). A capsule (1) according to claim 2, wherein the reinforcing structure (131-134) is formed as a rib fixed to the lateral wall portion (12). A capsule (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first portion (101-104) extends at least in portions in the bottom portion (100) and a proximal end portion (1310; 1320; 1330; 1340) of the reinforcing structure (131-134) at one preferably with respect to Axis (L) radially outer End portion (1010; 1020; 1030; 1040) of the first portion (101-104) is fixed. Capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tear line (111-118) extends at least in sections in the bottom portion (100), preferably substantially radially to the axis (L). A capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, including at least a first line of weakness (121-124) which radially outwardly bounds the bottom portion (100) with respect to the axis (L) and forms a first crease line. A capsule (1) according to claim 6 having at least one second line of weakness (125-128) which is substantially parallel and spaced from the first line of weakness (121-124) in the bottom portion (100) and forms a second crease line. A capsule (1) according to claim 7, wherein said first line of weakness (121-124) and said second line of weakness (125-128) define substantially substantially circular orbits about a center (120) of said bottom portion (100). A capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bottom portion (100) is convexly convex. A capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, having a plurality of tear lines (111-118). A capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, having a plurality of reinforcing structures (131-134). A capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the weakening pattern (11) is formed on the bottom portion (100) such that the first portions (101-104) are preferably substantially radial with respect to Form axis (L) extending and peripherally spaced strips or ring segments or segments form, the second portions (106-109) are circumferentially interposed between these first portions (101-104). A capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the wall (10) is integrally formed with the reinforcing structure (131-134) and preferably made by an injection molding process. Capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the capsule (1) is packed in an oxygen-tight sheath (7). Capsule system with a preparation device (5) and a capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14 for the preparation of a beverage, wherein preferably the preparation device (5) has a first number of circumferentially substantially uniformly distributed projections (51, 52) and the wall (10) the capsule (1) has a second number of circumferentially substantially uniformly distributed first portions (101-104), wherein the first number of projections (51; 52) is not equal to, preferably smaller than the second number of first portions ( 101-104).

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