EP2961671A1

EP2961671A1 - Portion capsule and method for producing a beverage by means of a portion capsule

Info

Publication number: EP2961671A1
Application number: EP14706823.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marc KRÜGER; Christoph ENGELS; Günter EMPL
Original assignee: K Fee System GmbH
Current assignee: K Fee System GmbH
Priority date: 2013-02-26
Filing date: 2014-02-26
Publication date: 2016-01-06
Anticipated expiration: 2034-02-26
Also published as: CA2902412A1; CN105008250A; US20160001968A1; WO2014131779A1; RU2015140922A; AU2014222758A1; EP2961671B1; AU2014222758B2; JP2016511033A; BR112015021298A2; KR20160005009A

Abstract

The invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a capsule body, which has a capsule bottom and a lid, wherein a cavity for accommodating a powdery or liquid beverage substrate or food substrate is formed between the capsule bottom and the lid and wherein a filter element is arranged in the cavity. The invention further relates to a method for producing a portion capsule and a method for producing a beverage.

Description

Portion capsule and method of making a beverage with a portion capsule

The present invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage comprising a capsule body having a capsule bottom and a lid, wherein between the capsule bottom and the lid, a cavity for receiving a beverage or food substrate is formed s. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing a portion capsule and the use of the portion capsule for the preparation of a beverage.

Such portion capsules are well known in the art. For example, EP 1792850 B1, EP 1344722 A1, WO 2012/038063 A1 and US 2003/0172813 A1 disclose generic portion capsules for making coffee and espresso.

Such portion capsules for producing a beverage or a food are preferably frusto-conical or cylindrical in shape and are produced, for example, from a thermoformed plastic film or by plastic injection molding. They usually have a preferably closed capsule bottom and an open filling side with a collar edge on which, after the cavity of the portion capsule has been filled with a granulated, powdered beverage or food substrate, for example, a lid film is sealed or glued.

For the preparation of a beverage or food, for example a coffee beverage, the portion capsule is introduced into a brewing chamber of a preparation device. After or during the closing operation of the brewing chamber, the capsule is preferably preferably opened on its closed bottom side by means of an opening mandrel arranged in the brewing chamber and after sealing the brewing chamber, preferably the filling side of the portioned capsule closed with a cover film is pierced by means of at least one piercing means. But there are also portion capsules that is already open on at least one side before it is introduced into the preparation device. Subsequently, a preparation liquid, preferably hot water, under pressure in the portion capsule promoted. The preparation liquid flows through the beverage or food substrate and extracts and / or dissolves the substances required for beverage production from the beverage or food substrate.

A disadvantage of the prior art is that the filter elements often become blocked by the granulated beverage or food substrate and / or the resulting beverage is "too thin" in taste, especially if drinks with a comparatively large volume, for example 300 ml, are to be produced.

It was therefore the object of the present invention to provide a portion capsule with a filter element which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art.

This object is achieved with a portion capsule for producing a beverage having a capsule body with a capsule bottom and a lid, wherein between the capsule bottom and the lid is a cavity in which a particulate beverage or food substrate is provided, wherein the beverage or food substrate consists of a, preferably to be extracted, carrier and a soluble component.

The statements made on this subject of the present invention apply equally to the other objects of the present invention and vice versa. Features of this article of the present invention may be combined with features of other articles.

For the purposes of the invention, particulate means that the beverage or food substrate is present in single particles or single particle conglomerates. As a rule, these individual particles at least partially have a different particle size. The individual particles can adhere to each other. According to the invention, the particulate beverage or food substrate consists of two components. One of these components is a, preferably to be extracted, carrier, in particular coffee powder, which is used for example for the production of coffee, espresso or the like. For this carrier to be extracted, when flowing through the portion capsule with, for example, hot water substances, such as flavorings, extracted and / or desorbed. However, the carrier can also be another, in particular dried, food, for example dried vegetables and / or meat. In the event that the carrier is a coffee powder, the particle size distribution is preferably between 200 and 650 μηη, more preferably between 280 and 600 μηη. The mean particle diameter is preferably between 300-550 μηη. The second component is a soluble component which dissolves at least partially, preferably completely, when flowing through the portion capsule with, for example, hot water. In particular, the second component is an instant product, for example instant coffee and / or instant milk or instant soup. The instant product can be prepared, for example, by freeze-drying or any other manner known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the weight fraction of the second, soluble component is less than 20% of the total weight of the substrate. Preferably, the coffee powder and the soluble coffee are provided in a weight ratio of 10: 1 - 10: 3. Particularly preferably, the particle size distribution of the soluble coffee is smaller than the particle size distribution of the coffee powder. As a result, the soluble coffee can be arranged in the spaces between particles of the coffee powder, so that a very dense package is formed.

The two components can be mixed together in the portion capsule or provided at least partially layered.

Preferably, the volume fraction of the carrier in the total volume of the particulate beverage or food substrate to the soluble component is 1-99 vol.%, More preferably 10-90 vol.% And even more preferably 20-80 vol.% And most preferably 30-70 % by volume.

With the portion capsule according to the invention, for example, a coffee beverage with or without crema or a coffee beverage with milk can be produced, wherein for the production only a single portion capsule must be used. The portion capsule according to the invention is particularly suitable for producing drinks with a large volume with a single portion capsule, for example coffee drinks with a volume between 170 and 300 ml. Preferably 200-300 ml. Furthermore, with the inventive portion capsule, a soup can be prepared, the solid particles in the resulting product contains.

The portion capsule in the sense of the present invention comprises a preferably hermetically sealed portion capsule. This means that the beverage or food substrate located in the portion capsule, for example coffee powder, soup powder or tea, is essentially closed to the environment in an aroma-tight manner before the extraction process. However, the portion capsule does not have to be hermetically sealed, but can also be provided before being used in a hermetically sealed package, which is then opened manually, for example. Such portion capsules are usually opened on at least one, preferably two sides, i. perfused by the preparation liquid without being pierced.

The portion capsule according to the invention is optionally provided with or without filter element. In the event that no filter element is provided, the carrier is at least partially rinsed out of the portion capsule and is then in the beverage or food to be produced.

The filter element is preferably arranged between the beverage or food substrate and the capsule bottom and is supported on this. These filter elements are either molded from a thermoplastic or deep drawn or embossed from a plastic film or made of a woven or non-woven fiber and / or thread material and prevent at least partially that particles of beverage or food substrate passes into the beverage to be produced.

Preferably, the nonwoven fibrous material is a nonwoven. A nonwoven according to the invention is a disordered, non-woven structure of fibers, in particular Plastic fibers. A nonwoven according to the invention preferably does not include paper or paper-like fabrics.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the nonwoven comprises a nonwoven fabric made of synthetic fine fibers, for example polyester fine fibers, which is in particular a random fiber and / or fiber oriented nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven preferably comprises a mass occupancy (also referred to as grammage or basis weight) of between 40 and 200 grams per square meter, more preferably between 60 and 80 grams per square meter, and most preferably, of substantially 70 grams per square meter. The filter element or the fleece preferably has a thickness of between 0.2 and 0.8 millimeters, more preferably between 0.3 and 0.35 millimeters, and most preferably, of substantially 0.32 millimeters. The nonwoven fabric is formed such that the air permeability of the nonwoven fabric at 100 Pascals preferably between 1000 and 3000 l / (m ² s), more preferably between 1500 and 2500 (l / m ² s) and most preferably, substantially at 2000 l / (m ² s) is. It has been found, surprisingly and unpredictably, that with such nonwovens optimum results can be achieved with regard to extraction efficiency, mixing and draining behavior as well as constipation resistance and, nevertheless, the "crema" forms.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nonwoven fibrous material has a felt structure. In particular, this is a needled felt structure. Preferably, the fiber material consists of at least one felt structure and a support structure, in particular a fabric structure, wherein, particularly preferably the felt structure, at least a portion of the volume, comprises the support structure. Preferably, the felt structure extends over the entire cross section of the support structure, but more preferably over only a portion of the height. The felt structure is preferably connected to the carrier structure in a form-locking and / or materially bonded manner. Preferably, the fibrous material has two or more felt structures which are preferably separated from each other by the support structure. The thickness of the two felt structures may be the same or different. Preferably, a felt structure facing the powder or tea is thinner than the felt structure facing the capsule bottom, or vice versa. Preferably, the surface of the felt structure is treated, for example, heat-treated, for example, to fix loose fibers. Preferably, the filter element having a felt structure is merely inserted into the capsule, in particular on its bottom. However, the filter element can also be connected to the capsule, in particular its bottom, in particular materially bonded. When perforating the perforating agent can penetrate into this filter element. Preferably, a plurality of filter elements, which have one or more felt structures and a carrier structure, are arranged one above the other in the capsule, possibly joined together.

A fiber material having a support structure, in particular a fabric structure, and a felt structure is produced, for example, by providing a fabric structure consisting of longitudinal and transverse threads. For the construction of a felt, in particular a needle felt, fiber units are preferably selected from 0.8 to 7 dtex. The connection of the individual fibers together to form a felt and / or its anchoring in the support structure preferably takes place through the production process of needling. In this case, needles are inserted with reverse barbs in the submitted fiber package at high speed and pulled out again. The barbs are used to entangle the fibers with one another and / or with the carrier fabric via a multiplicity of loops.

The support member comprising one or more felt structures preferably comprises a mass occupancy (also referred to as grammage or basis weight) of between 100 and 1500 grams per square meter, more preferably between 200 and 1350 grams per square meter, and most preferably substantially 1000-1300 grams per square meter Square meters and most preferably 1 100-1200 grams for making tea and coffee, espresso or the like. The filter element or fleece preferably has a thickness of between 0.5 and 6.0 millimeters, more preferably between 1.1 and 4.5 millimeters, and most preferably 4.0-4.4 millimeters for the production of tea and coffee, etc.

The filter element, ie, for example, the nonwoven or the felt material is, according to a preferred or a further aspect of the present invention with the side wall of the portion capsule or with the collar edge, in particular by welding, for example, connected with ultrasound or by gluing, before the beverage or food substrate is filled in the capsule body.

Preferably, the filter element is connected to the collar edge of the portion capsule, i. with the particular horizontally projecting from the side wall flange of the portion capsule, in particular by welding, for example, by ultrasound or by gluing, preferably before the beverage or food substrate is filled into the capsule body. Preferably, for the outer edge of the filter element is also designed as a flange which rests on the collar edge of the portion capsule. The diameter of the filter element is preferably equal to or smaller, in particular slightly smaller, than the outer diameter of the collar edge. Preferably, in this embodiment, the cover film is connected to the filter element, in particular to its edge region, for example by gluing or welding. The connection of the cover film with the filter element can be carried out simultaneously or with a time offset with the connection between the filter element and portion capsule, wherein preferably first the filter element is connected to the portion capsule and then the lid film is attached to the filter element. It was very surprising for the skilled person and not to be expected that this embodiment can be hermetically sealed.

Preferably, the filter element is provided spaced from the capsule bottom, i. at least before the liquid is applied to the substrate, it does not touch the capsule bottom. Particularly preferably, the filter element never touches the capsule bottom. This embodiment has the advantage that the filter element can not be injured when piercing the portion capsule.

Preferably, the side wall of the filter element has a substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical shape and, for example, has a substantially flat, elliptical or hemispherical bottom. Preferably, in particular, the side wall has an embossment, which increases the surface thereof. For example, the side wall is wavy or zig-zag shaped. Preferably, the side wall of the filter element, at least not completely against the side wall of the liquid before applying the portion capsule with the liquid Portion capsule, wherein, particularly preferably, the pressure of the liquid increases the contact surface of the side wall of the filter element on the side wall of the portion capsule. In this case, the bottom of the filter element is preferably raised.

The capsule body is preferably frusto-conical or cylindrical in shape and is produced, for example, from plastic, a natural substance and / or a biodegradable material and / or a metallic material, from a thermoformed plastic film or by a plastic injection molding process. The material from which the capsule body is made may be multi-layered. The capsule body preferably or according to the invention has a collar edge on the filling side, onto which lid film is directly or indirectly glued or glued. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the capsule body and a capsule lid are connected to each other by means of a mechanical method. The bottom of the portion capsule is preferably closed and is preferably first perforated in the brewing chamber by means of a perforating means acting on the portion capsule bottom from outside to produce an outlet opening. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable that the bottom of the portion capsule is already provided at the factory with an outlet opening, which is preferably closed by means of a sealing film. The sealing film can then be perforated, for example, by means of the perforating means or can be removed by hand from the capsule bottom. The filter element is preferably designed tear-resistant. The sealing film is preferably a plastic film which has at least one barrier layer, for example a metal layer, in particular an aluminum layer or an aluminum oxide layer. Alternatively, a pure plastic film with a barrier layer for the flavor of the beverage to be produced can be used as the sealing film. The plastic film preferably has on its side facing the capsule on a "peel layer" in order to solve the plastic film comparatively easily from the capsule bottom can.

The outlet opening is preferably provided so large that it can accommodate a possibly present perforating contact. Particularly preferably, the outlet opening is provided so large that there is no appreciable pressure loss on it, during the outflow of the finished beverage, in particular that there is no appreciable turbulence of the finished beverage, which could lead to a gas entry into the beverage and thus foaming. Alternatively, the material of the capsule bottom is after piercing on the piercing. The finished beverage runs between the piercing agent and the material in the capsule. This creates a targeted pressure loss and / or a targeted turbulence, which produces a "crema" in coffee.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the filter element is elastic. When the capsule bottom is pierced by an outer perforating means, the filter element may be so yielded or stretched in contact with the perforating means due to its elasticity that a perforation of the filter element is prevented. Thus, the risk is eliminated that the filter element is perforated by the perforating agent and beverage substance is rinsed unfiltered from the portion capsule.

A fixed spacing between the filter element and the capsule bottom is preferred.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the filter element is stretched, pierced and / or pierced by the perforation means.

According to a further inventive or preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the filter element is attached to the capsule body or on the collar edge, wherein the filter element is fastened in particular by sealing or gluing. Advantageously, a slipping of the filter element in the portion capsule is thus prevented. Furthermore, this prevents the liquid from unintentionally flowing around the filter element. This attachment is preferably carried out by ultrasonic welding.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the capsule bottom has a bulge in one of the filling side opposite direction. Advantageously, the bulge serves to receive the perforating means, so that while the perforation medium is pierced into the capsule bottom, the capsule bottom is perforated in the region of the bulge, but the perforating agent subsequently remains in the cavity of the bulge. A perforation of the filter element is thus prevented. In particular, in this embodiment, a lifting of the filter element by the perforating means is not required.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the filter element is designed such that in a perforation of the capsule bottom by an outer perforation means at least partially lifting the filter element from the capsule bottom. In this way, a perforation of the filter element is effectively prevented by the perforating.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the capsule bottom permanently has an outlet opening, which is preferably sealed with a film, wherein the film particularly preferably has a pull tab for removing the film by hand. A perforation of the capsule bottom by means of an outer perforating means is advantageously not required here. Before inserting the portion capsule into the brewing chamber, the foil is simply removed from the capsule base by means of the pull-tab and the brewing process can be started. The combination of a prefabricated and thus comparatively large outlet opening with a filter element made of a non-woven fiber material, in particular a fleece, felt, in particular needled felt, has the advantage that the beverage liquid does not flow out of the outlet opening under high pressure and thus the foaming (" Crema "), especially in the production of coffee or tea is prevented.

A further preferred subject matter of the present invention is a portion capsule in which the filter element has a filter region and a connection region, wherein the connection region is provided angled away from the filter region. When brewing the beverage and / or during the production of the food, the portion capsule is usually flowed through with hot water which extracts the first component and at least partially dissolves the second component. To improve the extraction of the first component or the solution of the second component, the portion capsule preferably has a liquid distributor which decelerates a water jet entering the portion capsule and / or distributes the water entering the portion capsule over its entire cross section. The liquid ketone distributor is provided between the liquid entry into the portion capsule and the beverage or food substrate. Preferably, the liquid distributor is slidably provided in the portion capsule, in particular parallel to the rotational axis of the portion capsule. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, during the brewing of the drink to be produced, water flows into the portion capsule, which displaces the distributing element in the direction of the beverage or food substrate and particularly preferably compresses the substrate or bears against the substrate, even if this is displaced by the beverage Resolution of the second component reduced in volume.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter and / or the distribution element are provided with a flavor component, for example a flavoring agent. This flavoring agent is dissolved and / or desorbed from that of the inflowing liquid in the production of the beverage or food, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality of the resulting beverage or food. The flavor / aroma substance can be connected as a solid and / or as a liquid to the filter and / or the distribution element. For example, the flavor / aroma substance is present as an oil which contains the flavor / flavor by addition and / or naturally.

A further object of the present invention is a process for preparing a beverage with a portion capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the soluble component is dissolved before the extraction of the carrier is completed.

The statements made on this subject of the present invention apply equally to the other objects of the present invention and vice versa. Features of this article of the present invention may be combined with features of other articles. According to the invention, the dissolution of the soluble component takes place before or while the carrier is being extracted. It is achieved by the method according to the invention that the soluble component, which is preferably provided between the particles of the carrier, is at least partially dissolved. Preferably, the pressure loss in the particulate beverage or food substrate drops at least temporarily.

Preferably, the particle size distribution of the soluble component and / or the carrier and / or the distribution of the soluble component in the carrier is provided such that the dissolution of the soluble component, in particular the soluble coffee, is less than 30% by volume, preferably less than 25% Vol%, and more preferably less than 20% by volume of the selected flow rate is completed by the portion capsule.

Preferably, the average particle size distribution Dv _{50 of} the carrier is greater than the average particle size distribution of the soluble component. Particular preference is given to the D ₅₀ value of the carrier between 375-575 μm and most preferably the Dv ₅₀ value of the soluble component <500 μm.

The dry residue in the beverage or foodstuff produced, in particular the coffee beverage produced, is preferably 30-40% by weight, based on the weight of the carrier material present in the portion capsule and the soluble component.

Preferably, the dry residue, based on the amount of brewing 8 -12 wt .-%, preferably 9 -1 1 wt .-%

Another object of the present invention is a method for producing the portion capsule according to the invention, in which the cavity is filled simultaneously with a powdered excipient to be extracted and a soluble solid component and then sealed with a lid, in particular with a cover film. The statements made on this subject of the present invention apply equally to the other objects of the present invention and vice versa. Features of this article of the present invention may be combined with features of other articles.

In the event that coffee powder is the carrier and the soluble component is soluble coffee particles, wherein the coffee powder is prepared by grinding coffee beans, the soluble coffee particles are preferably mixed with the coffee powder during grinding of the coffee beans. This results in a homogeneous mixture between the coffee powder and the soluble coffee particles and / or the soluble coffee particles are also crushed. It was extremely surprising for the skilled person and not to be expected that the soluble coffee particles do not adversely affect the grind of coffee beans. The soluble coffee particles are added to the mill in the desired weight and / or volume ratio. Milling preferably takes place in the presence of an inert gas, for example C0 ₂ .

Particularly preferably, the soluble coffee particles of the mill are added separately from the coffee beans.

After grinding, the coffee powder is conveyed into a degassing container, in which the ground coffee can degas. Preferably, the soluble coffee is added to the coffee powder as it is transported downstream of the mill. This may be done alternatively or in addition to adding the soluble coffee particles to the mill. Preferably, the addition is carried out in a forced conveyor, for example a screw or a paddle conveyor, which conveys a certain volume or a certain mass of coffee powder per unit time. This allows an exact volume and / or weight ratio between coffee powder and soluble coffee component can be adjusted. Particularly preferably, the two components are mixed in particular mixed by a conveying member. Also, the conveying can take place under an inert gas.

Alternatively or additionally, the soluble coffee particles become the coffee powder in one

Degassing tank added, for example, while the coffee powder in the Degassing tank trickles.

Particular preference is given to mixing the soluble coffee particles and the coffee powder in a degassing vessel and / or homogenizing their mixture after or during the degassing vessel is or has been filled. In this case, for example, the entire degassing is moved, for example, rotated or driven tumbling. This preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention has the advantage that neither the coffee powder nor the soluble coffee particles come into contact with air during mixing and thus with oxygen.

Preferably, a filter element is provided on the capsule bottom.

Preferably, an opening is provided in the capsule bottom, which is closed with a film.

After the particulate beverage or food substrate has been filled into the portion capsule and optionally a distribution element has been provided in the portion capsule, the capsule body is closed with a cover film. The distributing element distributes the incoming liquid at least partially over the cross-section of the portion capsule and / or breaks the jet of the incoming liquid so that the beverage or food substrate is not fluidized. Most preferably, the liquid distributor holds the beverage or food substrate in position and / or even under some pressure.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and an example and explained in more detail in the following description. The figures and the example are described by way of example only and do not limit the general inventive concept. The description applies equally to all objects of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a portion capsule according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which is adapted for the preparation of espresso.

Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section through a in a closed

Brew chamber lying portion capsule according to the first embodiment of the present invention

Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through a in a closed

Brew chamber lying portion capsule according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4a, 4b show schematic sectional views of a portion capsule according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5a, 5b show schematic sectional views of a portion capsule according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 6a, 6b show schematic plan views of a capsule bottom of a

Portion capsule according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a sectional view of a portion capsule according to the seventh

Embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8a-c show different embodiments of the filter element

Felt, in particular needled felt. Figure 9 shows the inventive method for producing a

Portion capsule.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the portion capsule 1 according to the invention. The portion capsule 1 comprises a capsule body 2 with a closed capsule bottom 3 and a collar edge 5 arranged on its filling side 4, onto which a cover film 6 is welded or glued. Between the capsule bottom 3 and the cover sheet 6 is thus a, preferably air and aroma sealed cavity 100, formed, which is filled with a particulate beverage or food substrate 101. The beverage substrate 101 according to the invention comprises a carrier to be extracted and a soluble component. The carrier to be extracted in the present case consists of ground coffee beans. The soluble component is instant coffee and / or instant milk. On the inside 3a of the closed capsule body bottom 3, i. Within the cavity 100, a filter element 7, for example consisting of a non-woven fiber material can be arranged. In the event that a filter element is provided, this at least partially restrains the carrier, so that it is not part of the beverage / food to be produced. In the event that no filter element is provided, at least a portion of the solid is rinsed out of the portion capsule and is part of the beverage to be prepared. The optional filter element 7 is either loose on the inside 3a of the capsule bottom 3 or is fixed, i. preferably cohesively, connected to the inside 3a of the capsule body bottom 3. In the second variant, the optionally present filter element 7 is in particular fastened in a material-locking manner only in an edge region 3 'of the capsule bottom 3 on the capsule bottom 3. The optionally present filter element preferably comprises a nonwoven fabric made of polyester fine fibers.

FIG. 2 shows a portion capsule 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the portion capsule 1 in FIG. 2 is arranged in a closed brewing chamber 8. The brewing chamber 8 consists of a first brewing chamber element 9 and a second brewing chamber element 10, wherein the first Brühkammerelement 9 is provided to introduce the portion capsule 1 movable relative to the second Brühkammerelement 10 or vice versa. Between the two Brühkammerelementen 9, 10, a seal 1 1 is arranged. The first brewing chamber element 9 essentially consists of a closing piston 12 with piercing elements 13a, 13b for opening the cover film 6 of the portion capsule 1, a preparation liquid feed 14 and the seal 1 1. The second brewing chamber element 10 consists essentially of a brewing chamber beaker 15 partially enclosing the portion capsule 1 to accommodate the portion capsule 1, the brewing chamber 8 is in an open state, not shown, in which the first and the second brewing chamber element 9, 10 are spaced from each other to ensure a supply of the portion capsule 1, and the illustrated closed state in which a preparation process for producing a beverage by means of the portion capsule 1 is feasible. In the closed state, the brewing chamber 8 is sealed pressure-tight. When transferring the brewing chamber 8 from the opened state into the illustrated closed state, the cover film 6 is pierced by the piercing elements 13a, 13b, so that the preparation liquid, in particular hot brewing water, passes through the preparation liquid feed 14 under pressure into the cavity 100 of the portion capsule 1. Furthermore, when the brewing chamber 8 is closed, the capsule bottom 3 is perforated by the perforating means designed as an opening mandrel 16 so that an exit opening 107 is produced in the portion capsule 1, through which the beverage beverage produced can emerge from the portion capsule 1 in the direction of the beverage outlet 18. To support the derivation of the beverage liquid, the opening mandrel 16 on its lateral surface on the drain grooves 17. In the illustration, the bottom 3 of the present in the brewing chamber 9, 10 portion capsule 1 is pierced by the opening mandrel 16 of the second Brühkammelementes, but possibly overlying the injection point filter element 7 is slightly raised from the piercing tip 19 of the opening mandrel 16, but not pierced. This is achieved in particular by the fact that the central region 7 "is not materially connected to the capsule bottom 3, but the optionally present filter element 7 is merely materially connected to the capsule bottom 3 in the edge region 3 'of the capsule bottom 3, so that it is due to the mechanical contact with the tip of the opening mandrel 16 is only raised from the capsule bottom 3 and thus remains unperforated (ie, not perforated by the opening mandrel 16.) Alternatively or additionally, the optionally present filter element by deep drawing is so shaped, that is lifted off at the puncture site of the capsule bottom. In the edge region 3 'of the capsule bottom 3 or in the edge region 7' of the optionally present filter element 7, the capsule bottom 3 and the optionally present filter element 7 remain in contact with each other and in particular materially connected to each other, so that no beverage or food substrate 101 around the filter element 7 around enters the beverage outlet 18. The capsule bottom 3 has at its central point 106, in which the capsule bottom 3 is perforated by the opening mandrel 16, optionally a predetermined breaking point 104, so that a comparatively blunt opening mandrel 16 for perforation of the capsule bottom 3 is sufficient and thus the risk that accidentally the possibly existing filter element 7 is perforated by the opening mandrel 16, is cleared.

FIG. 3 shows a portion capsule 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second embodiment substantially equals the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 and the portion capsule 1 is likewise shown in a closed brewing chamber 8. In contrast to the first embodiment, however, the portion capsule bottom 3 in the piercing region of the opening mandrel 16 has a bulge 21 directed against a recess 20 in the brewing chamber bottom 3a (the bulge 21 is thus directed in a direction opposite to the filling side 4), into which the opening mandrel 16 pierces. without puncturing the possibly existing filter element 7. A lifting of the optionally present filter element 7 from the capsule bottom 3 is thus not required in particular. For the preparation of the beverage is in turn closed after the introduction of the portion capsule 1 in the brewing chamber 8, the brewing chamber 8. During the closing process, the lidding film 6 of the portion capsule 1 is perforated by means of the piercing means 13a, 13b and after the merging and sealing of the first and second brewing chamber elements 9, 10 (by means of the seal 11), brewing water is made available via the liquid inlet 6. Similarly, during the closing operation of the brewing chamber, the opening mandrel 16 pierces an opening in the bottom 3 of the portion capsule 1. The optionally present over the puncture site, filter element 7 is tuned in its thickness and tensile strength of a shape obtained by Tiefzeihen on the penetration depth of the piercing tip 19 of the opening mandrel 16, so that the optionally present filter element 7 is not pierced. Alternatively, the optional filter element 7 is located above the bulge 21 of the capsule bottom 3, which lies in the recess of the Brühglockenbodens 23, and the Opening mandrel 16 stabs only in the bulge 21 of the capsule bottom 3 and does not reach the possibly present filter element 7. Then flows the liquid, in the production of coffee, for example, hot water, in the capsule 1 a. In the capsule, this liquid flows through the beverage or food substrate 101 and extracts and releases the substances required for beverage production from the beverage or food substrate 101. The flow of the liquid in the beverage or food substrate 101 is illustrated by the reference numeral 22. Thereafter, the resulting beverage flows through the between the beverage or food substrate 101 and arranged on the capsule bottom 3 filter element 7, which prevents constituents of the beverage or food substrate 101 particulate enter the resulting beverage and on the opening of the mandrel 16 in the capsule bottom 3 pierced opening and the drainage grooves 17 of the opening mandrel 16 further into a collecting vessel, such as a cup or jug, go. However, it is also provided according to the invention that no filter element is present. In this case, particulate carriers in the beverage / food are desired.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show schematic sectional views of a portion capsule 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present case, the optionally present filter element is preferably made of a non-woven fiber material and particularly preferably deep-drawn, ie, the originally flat fiber material of the filter element has been brought into a three-dimensional shape. In its edge region 7 ^' , this filter element is connected in the present case to the collar edge 5 of the capsule body. This composite can be done for example by sealing or gluing. By fastening this filter element 7 to the collar edge of the capsule body, a free space is provided between the central region 7 ^"of the filter element and the filter bottom 3, into which a piercing spike 16 can penetrate when piercing the portion capsule without piercing the filter element 7 ^"of the filter element deformed due to its elasticity of the piercing spike. Preferably, the portion capsule is closed with a cover film 6, which, particularly preferably, is connected to the edge region of the filter element, for example by sealing or gluing. FIGS. 5a and 5b show schematic sectional views of a portion capsule 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, reference being made to the statements made with reference to the third embodiment (see FIGS. 4a, b). In the present case, the edge region 7 ^'of the optionally present filter element is connected to the side wall of the capsule body, for example by sealing or gluing. The cover film 6 is connected in the present case directly to the collar edge of the capsule body. Otherwise, reference is made to the comments on the figures 4a, b reference. The filter element is likewise preferably deep-drawn in the present case.

FIGS. 6a, 6b and 7 show a sectional pictorial view of a portion capsule 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, but may be combined with any other illustrated embodiment. The portion capsules 1 of the seventh embodiment is equipped with a permanent outlet opening 107 in the capsule bottom 3, which is sealed in the starting position with the film 108. Predetermined breaking points, the portion capsule 1 therefore not on. The film 108 in this case has a pull tab 109 for removing the film 108 by hand. A perforation of the capsule bottom 3 by means of an outer perforating means 16 is not provided. Rather, the insertion of the portion capsule 1 in the brewing chamber 8, the film 108 is simply removed by means of Abziehlasche 109 from the capsule bottom 3 and the brewing process can then be started directly and without perforation of the capsule bottom 3. The outlet opening is preferably designed so large that no or only a very small pressure loss occurs during its passage. As a result, the resulting beverage, for example coffee, has little or no crema.

FIGS. 8a-c show different embodiments of an optional filter element 7 having a felt structure 7.1, in particular a needle felt structure. This filter element 7 preferably has a support structure 7.2, for example, a fabric structure. At this and / or in this tissue structure 7.2, a felt structure 7.1 is arranged on the entire surface facing the beverage or food substrate and, for example, connected thereto by needled felts, which is shown in FIG. 8a. The embodiment according to FIG. 8b has two felt structures 7.1 and 7.3, which are respectively arranged on and / or in the carrier structure. Both structures preferably extend over the entire cross section, ie in this case the entire circular surface, of the filter element. The felt structures 7.1 and 7.3 may be the same or different thickness. Preferably, the felt structure 7.1 is made thinner than the layer 7.3 or vice versa. The carrier layer is then provided offset relative to the center, based on the thickness of the filter element. The structures 7.1 and 7.3 may be made of different or the same material (s). These concern not only the substance from which they are made, but also the thread diameter and / or the thread length from which the felt structures are made. Between the two structures 7.1 and 7.3, a support structure 7.2 is provided in which there is no or only a little felt structure and which preferably allows transverse flows.

FIG. 8 c shows yet another embodiment of a filter element with a felt structure. In the present case, two filter elements 7 with a felt structure, as described, for example, according to the figures 8a and b, arranged one above the other. The filter elements 7 can only lie on one another or be connected to one another. But the filter elements 7 can also have only felt without support structure.

Figure 9 shows schematically the inventive method for producing a

Portion capsule, wherein only the preparation of the substrate is shown schematically here. In the present case, a portion capsule for making a coffee beverage, i. For example, coffee or espresso with or without crema, made. The particulate beverage or food substrate is therefore coffee powder as to be extracted

Carrier and soluble coffee particles as a soluble component. The coffee powder is made from whole roasted beans 24 which are ground in a 26 mill.

According to a first embodiment of the mill, in particular separately from the coffee beans, for example, by a side arm, the soluble coffee particles, also referred to as Instantkaffeepartikel added. During grinding, the coffee powder and the soluble coffee particles mix intimately, preferably to a completely homogeneous

Mixture. In this case, the soluble coffee particles can be crushed. The two components are the mill in the desired volume and / or

Weight ratio added. Alternatively or additionally, the addition of the soluble coffee particles can also take place during the delivery of the coffee powder 24 or the mixture 24 from the mill into a degassing container 29. For example, the soluble Coffee particle 25 a conveying member 28, such as a screw or a

Paddeförderer added, which preferably also ensures in addition to the conveying for a mixture of the two components. Preferred is a forced conveyor, a specific

Volume and / or a certain amount of coffee powder 24 or mixture 24 promotes.

Thereby, a desired volume and / or weight ratio can be adjusted. Both the grinding and the conveying can be carried out under a protective gas, for example C0 ₂ . The coffee powder or the mixture of coffee powder and soluble coffee particles then trickle into a degassing tank. The soluble coffee particles can be dosed for the first time or as a supplement also in this degassing.

After the container has been filled, it is closed and then, according to a preferred embodiment set in motion, for example, rotated and / or tumbling driven to effect or improve the mixture of the two components. This preferred embodiment has the advantage that no oxygen is introduced into the mixture during mixing.

example

There were mixed as carrier 8 grams of coffee powder with a Dv ₅₀ of 550 μηη with one gram of instant coffee with a Dv ₅₀ of 400 μηη homogeneously and then filled in a portion capsule body at the bottom of a felt mat was as a filter element. The portion capsule body was then sealed with a cover sheet by sealing the lid sheet to the capsule body. Then, the portion capsule was inserted into a coffee maker (which type?), Pierced, and then with water applied at a temperature of 92 ° -98 ° C with a pressure of 17-19 bar.

The finished coffee beverage was collected every 15 seconds and determined from the collected sample each of the dry residue. The device of the company Sartorius LMA 200 PM was used. The results of this measurement are summarized in the table below.

The dry residue in% is the quotient of the dry residue and the initial weight.

It turns out that after 15 seconds or a flow rate of 51, 08 ml of soluble instant coffee has already been completely dissolved out of the mixture.

The total dry residue was 36.44% of the weight of 9 grams of the mixture.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 portion capsule

2 capsule bodies

3 capsule bottom

3a capsule bottom inside

3 'edge area of the capsule floor

4 filling side

5 collar edge

6 lid, lid foil

7 filter element

7 'edge region of the filter element

7 "central area of the filter element

7.1 felt structure, needle felt structure

7.2 Carrier structure

7.3 felt structure, needle felt structure

8 brewing chamber

9 First brewing chamber element

10 second brewing chamber element

1 1 seal

12 closing pistons

13a piercing element

13b piercing element

14 preparation liquid supply Brühglocke

opening blade

escape grooves

procedure

piercing

indentation

Input / bulge

Preparation liquid flow

Brühglockenboden

coffee beans

soluble coffee, instant coffee

Mill

Mass flow of coffee powder or mixture of coffee powder and soluble coffee conveying means, e.g. slug

degassing

Movement means for the degassing tank

cavity

Beverage or food substrate

Sidewall region

Dent, corrugated or folded area

Central point

Opening, exit opening

foil

pull tab

Claims

claims

1 . Portion capsule (1) for producing a beverage comprising a capsule body (2) with a capsule bottom (3) and a lid (6), wherein between the capsule bottom (3) and the lid (6) is a cavity (100), in which a particulate beverage or food substrate (101) is provided, characterized in that the beverage or food substrate consists of a carrier to be extracted and a soluble component.

2. portion capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier to be extracted is coffee powder.

3. portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the soluble component is soluble coffee.

4. portion capsule (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the coffee powder and the soluble coffee in a weight ratio of 10: 1- 10: 3 is provided.

5. portion capsule (1) according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that the particle size distribution of the soluble coffee is smaller than the particle size distribution of the coffee powder.

6. portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the cavity, a filter and / or distribution element is provided.

7. portion capsule (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the filter and / or a distribution element is provided with a flavor component.

8. portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element is a non-woven and / or has a felt structure.

9. portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element (7) is elastic.

10. portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element (7) to the capsule bottom, the capsule body (2) or to the collar edge (5) of the capsule is sealed, in particular ultrasound-sealed.

1 1. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid is a lid foil (6), which is preferably sealed to the collar edge (5).

12. portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capsule bottom (3) has an opening (107), which is preferably sealed with a film (108), wherein the film (108) particularly preferably a Abziehlasche ( 109) for removing the film by hand.

13. portion capsule according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the distribution element is slidably provided in the portion capsule.

14 portion capsule according to claim 13, characterized in that when brewing the beverage to be produced water flows into the portion capsule, which shifts the distribution element in the direction of the beverage or food substrate.

15. A method for producing a beverage with a portion capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the soluble component is dissolved before the extraction of the carrier is completed.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the dissolution of the soluble component, in particular of the soluble coffee, after less than 30% by volume, preferably less than 25% by volume and particularly preferably less than 20 vol% % of the selected flow rate through the portion capsule is completed.

17. The method according to any one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the pressure loss during the production of the beverage decreases at least temporarily.

18. A method for producing a portion capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity (100) is filled simultaneously with a powdered excipient to be extracted and a soluble solid component and then with a lid, in particular with a lid film is closed.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the coffee powder is prepared by grinding coffee beans, wherein the soluble coffee is mixed during grinding with the coffee powder.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the soluble coffee is added to the coffee powder during its transport downstream of the mill.

21. Method according to one of claims 18-20, characterized in that the soluble coffee is added to the coffee powder in a degassing container.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 - 21, characterized in that the soluble coffee and the coffee powder mixed in a degassing and / or their mixture is homogenized.

23. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an opening is provided in the capsule bottom, which is closed with a film.