EP3052408B1 - Capsule and system for preparing a liquid food - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a liquid food according to the preamble of independent claim 1, whose characteristics EP 1 774 878 A and a system comprising such a capsule.

From the prior art, a variety of different capsules and systems for the preparation of liquid food, especially for home use, known.

Usually, such capsules, which are known especially for the preparation of coffee and mixed drinks, comprise a capsule body having a side wall, a bottom and a cover sheet for forming a closed chamber containing the coffee powder. The capsule has an inlet and an outlet opening or is provided with such openings in the corresponding preparation machine. Since the preparation of the liquid food is carried out under pressure, the known capsule systems tend to drip after extraction, which leads to undesirable contamination and favors the nucleation in the preparation machine. In addition, especially in coffee, the crema and mixed drinks of the foam is not or only insufficiently formed.

The US 2010/0047418 , the WO 2009/008723 and the WO 2010/093247 show closed with a lid cup for producing a mixed drink. In the center of a static mixer is arranged, which includes a riser. In a ground-level area openings are arranged on the riser. Such cups are not suitable as a portion pack for extractable substances such as coffee or tea.

The initially mentioned EP 1 774 878 A1 relates to a process for the preparation of a beverage from a capsule in a beverage preparation machine. The capsule used has a capsule shell with an ingredient and a filter that limits the ingredient in the shell. In the distance to the filter, an overflow wall is arranged, which channels the extract flowing out of the filter.

The GB 2 235 868 A relates to a filter device for the preparation of tea. For this purpose, a siphon is provided in a filter container consisting of an inner outlet tube and a cuff arranged above. The siphon is surrounded by a ring, which is provided in the lower part with passages for retaining tea leaves.

The EP 1 500 358 A1 relates to a system for dispensing drinks with different amounts of foam from a capsule. The capsule has a cup and a penetrable lid. The cup has an inner shoulder, on which a membrane is welded. This membrane divides the cup into an upper portion containing the substance to be extracted and a lower portion collecting and discharging the liquid.

It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is intended to provide a capsule, possibly in a system, which forms turbulence when extracted in the flow, in order to obtain an optimal crema in coffee and an optimal foam in mixed drinks and which drips after extraction of the liquid food reduced or prevented.

This object is achieved by the devices defined in the independent claims. Further embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

An inventive capsule for the preparation of a liquid food has a, preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body with a side wall and a particular integrally formed with this bottom, and a capsule body covering the lid to form a closed chamber. This chamber contains a substance which is intended for the preparation of a liquid food. For the passage of a liquid through the chamber of the lid form an inlet side and the bottom of an outlet side with a preferably central outlet opening. In the capsule, a riser and a discharge pipe connected to the outlet opening are arranged communicating with each other such that the liquid flows through the riser from the capsule bottom in the direction of the cover to an inlet opening of the outlet pipe. Between the riser pipe and the chamber, a ground-near transition region is arranged, which can be penetrated with a penetration means arranged on the capsule such that a plurality of transition openings are formed. For certain applications, it would also be advantageous if the ground-near transition region is already formed with a plurality of transition openings. These alternative embodiments are also described below and illustrated in the drawings.

This specific embodiment with an outlet pipe and a riser pipe through which flow is in the opposite direction ensures that, after the extraction process has ended, dripping of the extraction material from the capsule is prevented. Furthermore, a shearing action is forced by the transition openings, which is advantageous for the formation of the crema in the coffee preparation or the foam in mixed drinks.

The riser can occupy a height between 50% and 100%, preferably between 60% and 90%, particularly preferably between 70% and 80% of the maximum height between the bottom and lid within the capsule. This height of the riser ensures that dripping of the capsule after extraction is effectively prevented.

The transition openings may be dimensioned such that they exert a filtering effect for retaining the substance. In particular, in the extraction, for example, coffee from coffee powder or tea from tea herbs, a filter effect is advantageous, so that the liquid food is free of undissolved substance.

The transition openings may be dimensioned such that the sum of their cross-sectional areas is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the riser to generate shear forces in the flow. It is thus forced in an extraction, a pressure difference between the chamber and the riser, so that in particular the crema is formed reinforced in the coffee or foam in mixed drinks.

The outlet pipe can be arranged within the riser pipe, preferably concentrically. By such a configuration, in particular fewer individual parts are necessary and a simple production of the capsule is made possible. A concentric arrangement allows a particularly uniform flow through the extraction material or a continuous and orderly formation of a discharge stream.

The riser may have an average outside diameter between 20% and 35%, preferably between 22% and 30%, more preferably between 24% and 26% of the mean inside diameter of the capsule. This dimensioning allows a relatively large amount of substance in the capsule can be accommodated and at the same time optimum flow of the liquid food from the chamber through the riser and the outlet pipe can be ensured.

The spout or riser may be integrally formed with the bottom of the capsule. Due to the one-piece design of the outlet pipe or the riser pipe to the bottom in particular the number of individual parts of the capsule is reduced. The manufacturing cost of the capsule are thus reduced.

A closure element, in particular a film, can be arranged between the chamber and the outlet opening, wherein the closure element can be opened for dispensing the liquid food. Such a closure element can, for example, ensure a fluid-tight and / or aroma-tight and / or oxygen-tight closure of the capsule. Especially with capsules for the preparation of coffee, an aroma-tight closure is necessary. Such a film may comprise, for example, one or more plastic layers or a metal layer, in particular an aluminum foil.

The film may have a predetermined breaking point, which breaks under a predetermined or predeterminable pressure. Usually, for the preparation of the liquid food, hot water is injected under a certain pressure into the capsule. If the film now has predetermined breaking points, a certain pressure required for the extraction of the food can at the same time as guaranteeing a definite phase-out of the food.

The closure element may be arranged between the chamber and the riser pipe or between the riser pipe and the outlet pipe. For example, the closure element is arranged at the bottom of the capsule so that it closes the transition openings to the riser. In particular, in concentrically arranged riser and outlet pipe, for example, the upper end of the outlet pipe can be closed by the closure element. There are thus various alternatives possible, which may have advantages depending on the design.

The capsule may have a piercing element for opening the closure element. In particular, when the closure element has no predetermined breaking point, the use of a piercing element makes sense.

The piercing element can be mounted displaceably in a transition region between the riser tube and the outlet tube in such a way that it can be displaced by means located outside the capsule for piercing the closure element. For example, the piercing element can be arranged in a bearing element, wherein the bearing element allows a displacement of the piercing element in the direction of the closure element. The bearing element can be arranged in the riser. For example, the bearing element is formed by a flexible membrane, a bellows or a bellows. By such an embodiment of the bearing element, a simple displaceability of the piercing element can be ensured with simultaneous tightness.

The penetration means may be formed integrally with the outlet pipe. Such a configuration reduces the number of required individual parts, so that the capsule can be inexpensively manufactured and assembled.

The penetrant may be distributed locally disposed on the outlet pipe, so that locally distributed over a larger area transition openings are formed, which allows easier exit of the liquid food from the chamber.

The penetration means may be held on the capsule body in such a way that it can be displaced under force from a rest position into a penetration position. For example, the force can be applied by means arranged outside the capsule, which allows a simple way of penetration. For example, the force can be generated by inserting the capsule in a suitably designed receiving chamber of a preparation machine, wherein upon closure of the receiving chamber, a force acting on the penetrating agent.

The penetration means may be arranged in the region of the bottom and the bottom may be configured such that the bottom shifts under an internal pressure of the chamber relative to the penetrating agent and is penetrated by it. It goes without saying that in this variant, too, the penetration agent has to be retained by a force acting outside the capsule.

The penetration means may comprise a sealing element, which rests sealingly in the penetration position at the bottom of the capsule and seals the riser tube to the outside. With such a sealing element can be ensured that the liquid food, which from the chamber by the Penetrationsmittel emerges transition openings, flows without leakage in the riser. In particular, contamination of a preparation machine is prevented.

The penetration means may be a separate component and have a guide portion which cooperates with a complementary guide portion on the capsule body. For example, the penetration means comprises a cylindrical portion of the capsule body concentric, so that a guide for the displacement between the rest position and the penetration position is formed.

The penetration agent may have star-shaped blades. Such blades are, for example, directly produced by injection molding and allow depending on the design, a simple penetration of the ground-level transition region, which are formed by the star-shaped configuration at the same time several through channels from the chamber to the riser. It goes without saying that the blades can also be used as separate parts, for example in the outlet pipe.

The penetration means may comprise several, in particular star-shaped Aufstechdorne, in particular Aufstechpyramiden or Aufstechspitzen. It should be noted that upon penetration, a fluidic passage through the closure element must be ensured. For example, triangular base surfaces with a notch running to the tip, conical tips with an incision surface at the tip or tubular mandrels with bevelled tips are conceivable. The liquid food can flow off either along the penetrating agent or through an opening through the penetrating agent.

The capsule body may be a deep-drawn part or an injection molded part. Both manufacturing processes are cost-effective for large production lots. In addition, almost the same tolerances are guaranteed across the entire production volume.

In the interior of the riser pipe, one or more support ribs can be arranged between the riser pipe and the outlet pipe, so that the riser pipe and the outlet pipe are necessarily kept at a distance from each other. It is thus ensured that at any time a sufficiently large cross-sectional area is present, through which the liquid food can flow.

In the interior of the outlet pipe, a mixing chamber and a baffle plate may be arranged. For example, such a mixing chamber is arranged directly under the closure element. A jet of liquid food formed through the opening in the closure element or through another nozzle-shaped constriction strikes the baffle plate and is broken. The liquid food mixes in the sequence in the mixing room with air, so that a foam can form.

The chamber can be divided into two subregions by a permeable separating layer arranged between the lid and the bottom, in particular by a filter plate or a permeable foil. Such a separation layer allows, for example, the separate storage of different substances, which may be mixed only during preparation. However, such a separation layer also makes it possible to fill the capsule with less substance, without the substance being able to disperse unnecessarily throughout the capsule body.

The side wall of the capsule body may comprise stop means or latching means on which the separating layer in a predefined Position is present. For example, a circumferential shoulder can be formed, to which the separating layer can be fastened in particular by gluing or welding. Alternatively, projections are conceivable which allow a locking of a rigid separating layer in the corresponding position. The release layer therefore does not have to be welded or glued.

The separating layer can be placed on the riser. For example, this may have a central dome-shaped deformation, which allows a placement on the riser. Depending on the design of the separating layer or depending on the height of the dome, the position of the separating layer can be defined exactly. The separating layer can be fixed, for example, on the riser, in particular snapped, glued or welded.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system comprising a capsule filled with a substance as described above and a beverage preparation machine having a capsule holder for receiving the capsule. The system further comprises means for passing a liquid through the capsule to extract or dissolve the substance for making a beverage or liquid food, the beverage preparation machine having at least one device for penetrating the lid of the capsule.

Figur 1:

Eine perspektivische Ansicht einer aufgeschnittenen erfindungsgemässen Kapsel in einer ersten Ausführungsform mit einer Filterplatte,

Figur 2:

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Filterplatte gemäss Figur 1,

Figur 3:

einen Querschnitt entlang der zentralen Achse durch eine zweite Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Kapsel, wobei das Auslaufrohr eine alternative Form eines Penetrationsmittels aufweist,

Figur 4a:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Auslaufsrohrs mit einem Penetrationsmittel,

Figur 4b:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Auslaufsrohrs mit einem alternativen Penetrationsmittel,

Figur 5a:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer aufgeschnittenen nicht erfindungsgemässen Kapsel als Beispiel, wobei zwischen Steigrohr und Auslaufrohr ein Verschlusselement angeordnet ist,

Figur 5b:

einen Querschnitt durch die Kapsel gemäss Figur 5a,

Figur 6:

eine perspektivische Darstellung der aufgeschnittenen nicht erfindungsgemässen Kapsel gemäss Figur 5a, wobei das Steigrohr und das Auslaufrohr alternativ ausgeführt sind,

Figur 7a:

einen Schnitt durch eine nicht erfindungsgemässe Kapsel als weiteres Beispiel, wobei zwischen der Kammer und dem Steigrohr ein Verschlusselement angeordnet ist,

Figur 7b:

eine erste Ausgestaltung eines Details B aus Figur 7a,

Figur 7c:

eine zweite Ausgestaltungsform des Details B aus Figur 7a,

Figur 8:

eine Darstellung einer erfindungsgemässen Kapsel in einer weiteren Ausführungsform, wobei im Steigrohr eine Dichtung angeordnet ist, und

Figur 9:

einen Querschnitt durch eine nicht erfindungsgemässe Kapsel als weiteres Beispiel, wobei das Steigrohr und das Auslaufrohr nicht koaxial zueinander angeordnet sind.

On the basis of figures, which represent only embodiments, the invention will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

FIG. 1:

A perspective view of a cut-open capsule according to the invention in a first embodiment with a filter plate,

FIG. 2:

a perspective view of the filter plate according to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3:

a cross section along the central axis through a second embodiment of a capsule according to the invention, wherein the outlet tube has an alternative form of a penetration means,

FIG. 4a

a perspective view of a first embodiment of an outlet tube with a penetration means,

FIG. 4b:

a perspective view of another embodiment of a spout with an alternative penetration means,

FIG. 5a

a perspective view of a cut-open capsule not according to the invention as an example, wherein between the riser and outlet pipe, a closure element is arranged,

FIG. 5b:

a cross section through the capsule according to FIG. 5a .

FIG. 6:

a perspective view of the cut not according to the invention capsule according to FIG. 5a wherein the riser pipe and the outlet pipe are made alternatively,

FIG. 7a:

a section through a capsule not according to the invention as a further example, wherein between the chamber and the riser pipe a closure element is arranged,

FIG. 7b:

a first embodiment of a detail B from Figure 7a .

FIG. 7c:

a second embodiment of the detail B from Figure 7a .

FIG. 8:

a representation of a capsule according to the invention in a further embodiment, wherein in the riser a seal is arranged, and

FIG. 9:

a cross section through a non-inventive capsule as another example, wherein the riser and the outlet pipe are not arranged coaxially to each other.

In FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a cut-open capsule according to the invention 1 is shown in a perspective view. The capsule has a separating layer in the form of a filter plate 30. The capsule 1 is cut open along a central axis. The capsule 1 consists essentially of a capsule body 2 with a side wall 3, a bottom 4 and an outlet tube 11. Usually, the capsule with a lid 5 (see FIG. 3 ) locked. The capsule body 2 is designed as a deep-drawn part. Alternatively, the capsule body 2 can also be produced by injection molding. The side wall 3 has in the direction from the lid to the bottom 4 reinforcing ribs 9 in order to prevent deformation of the capsule 1 under pressure. Inside the capsule 1, a chamber 6 is formed, which can be filled with a substance 7. The filter plate 30 configured separating layer is inserted in the chamber 6 between the lid and bottom 4 so that they the chamber 6 in two areas divided. This filter plate 30 makes it possible for a substance 7 to be extracted to be arranged both below the filter plate 30 and above the filter plate 30. In addition, two different substances 7 can be arranged above and below the filter plate 30 through the filter plate 30, wherein a mixing of the substances 7 is prevented at least in the dry state.

In a central region of the bottom 4, a frusto-conical elevation is formed. An outlet pipe inserted into this elevation from below forms a riser pipe together with the elevation. The outlet pipe 11 has a central through-bore which opens into an outlet opening. Furthermore, the outlet pipe 11 has a plate-like plate 24 which is provided with penetrating means 20 in the form of piercing pyramids 22. The plate-like plate 24 has a collar-shaped sealing element 27, which surrounds the bottom 4 of the capsule body 2 tight. At the same time, this sealing element 27 forms a guide section which cooperates with a cylindrical or conically shaped corresponding guide section of the capsule body 2. The bottom 4 of the capsule body 2 is closed and separates the chamber 6 from the riser 13 and thus from the outlet opening 10. A portion of the bottom 4 can be penetrated for the dispensing of liquid food, so that transition openings between the chamber and the riser are formed. The outlet pipe 11 defines an outlet direction 12, which extends in the illustrated embodiment along the central axis from the region of the lid (not shown) to the outlet opening 10.

When the capsule 1 is used in intended use in a brewing chamber of a preparation machine, the outlet pipe 11 is in the direction of the closing of the brewing chamber Lid (not shown) shifted so far that the penetration means 20 pierce through the bottom 4 of the capsule body 2 and penetrate it. The chamber 6 thus has a fluidic connection with the outlet opening 10. A liquid prepared food can thus flow through the transition openings formed by the penetration agent 20 in the bottom 4 in a trained between outlet pipe 11 and conical elevation riser 13 and then exit through the outlet pipe 11 in the outlet direction 12 from the outlet opening 10. Characterized in that the liquid food after extraction first counter to the outlet direction 12 in the riser 13 and exits only in the outlet pipe 11 in the outlet direction of the outlet opening 10, is at the end of the extraction process or as soon as the pressure in the chamber 6 decreases, a dripping of Ausktionsgut or liquid food from the outlet opening 10 effectively prevented. As it flows through the liquid food through the transition openings in the riser, a crema is formed in particular in the preparation of coffee by the shearing action forced in the transition openings. In other mixed drinks, for example, a thorough mixing with air, so that a foam is formed.

In FIG. 2 a filter plate 30 is shown in a perspective view. Clearly visible is the centrally arranged dome 31, which serves as a positioning of the filter plate 30 on the riser 13 (see FIG. 1 ) serves. The filter plate 30 is provided with a plurality of openings 32, which allow a passage for a liquid, in particular for hot water. Alternatively or additionally, slits are also conceivable which also form a passage. Due to the height of the dome 31, the position of the filter plate 30 in the capsule 1 (see FIG. 1 ). It goes without saying that in a capsule 1 with reinforcing ribs 9 as in FIG. 1 shown, the filter plate 30 is configured such that corresponding recesses are provided in the edge region of the filter plate 30, which the reinforcing ribs 9 (see FIG. 1 ) correspond.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section along the central axis through a second embodiment of a capsule according to the invention 1, wherein the outlet pipe 11 has an alternative form of a penetration means 20. The capsule body 2 is limited by the side wall 3, the bottom 4, the riser 13, which forms a central elevation in the bottom 4 and the lid 5. Inside the capsule 1 is a filter plate 30, as previously described, arranged. This filter plate 30 holds a substance to be extracted 7, from which the liquid food is formed, in the lower portion of the chamber 6. As already in FIG. 1 described, an outlet pipe 11 is inserted from below into the conical elevation of the riser 13. Only with this outlet pipe 11, the riser 13 is effectively formed. The outlet pipe 11 has on its underside an outlet opening 10, and defines an outlet direction 12 in the direction of the central axis. The outlet pipe 11 has in its lower region a plate-shaped plate 24, which is provided with penetration means 20 in the form of star-shaped blades 21. Above the penetration means 20, the outlet pipe 11 is provided on its outer side with support ribs 25, which ensure that between the outlet pipe 11 and riser 13, a fluidic connection is ensured.

The capsule 1 is in the FIG. 3 shown in the already opened state. The penetration means 20 has already pierced the bottom 4 of the capsule body 2 in a transition region between the chamber 6 and the riser 13. The star-shaped arrangement of the blades 21 thus transitional openings 14 are formed, which allow a fluidic connection from the chamber 6 to the riser 13. At the same time, these transition openings 14 form a filtering effect and ensure that undissolved substance 7, for example coffee powder, is retained in the chamber 6 and is not dispensed with the liquid food. Furthermore, as the liquid food flows through the transition openings 14 formed by the penetration means 20, for example formed as a gap between the penetration means 20 and the bottom 4, a shearing action is forced from the chamber 6 to the riser 13, which in particular during the preparation of coffee Crema trains. In the case of mixed drinks, for example, mixing with air can take place, so that a foam is formed.

In the FIGS. 4a and 4b each two different embodiments of outlet pipes 11 are shown in a perspective view. Both outlet pipes 11 have on their outer side support ribs 25 which a spacing of the outlet pipe 11 from the riser 13 (see FIG. 1 and 3 ) guarantee. The outlet pipe 11 also has at its adjoining the outlet opening 10 area a plate-shaped plate 24, which is provided with the penetration means 20. In the FIG. 4a the penetration means is designed as a star-shaped blade 21, while in the FIG. 4b the penetration means is a plurality of star-shaped pyramid tips 22. Both penetration means 20 are designed so that they the bottom 4 of the capsule (see FIG. 3 ) can pierce. The two outlet pipes 11 from the FIGS. 4a and 4b are preferably produced by injection molding. Both the star-shaped blades 21 in the FIG. 4a as well as the star-shaped pyramid tips 22 in the FIG. 4b can be injection molded or inserted as separate parts. Possible materials for the outlet pipe 11 are Polypropylene or polystyrene, in addition, for example, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulfide or polyoxymethylene can be used.

FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of a cut-open capsule 1 in example form, wherein between the riser 13 and outlet pipe 11, a closure element 15 is arranged. FIG. 5b shows a corresponding cross section. The capsule 1 in turn has a capsule body 2 with a side wall 3 and a bottom 4. Integrally connected to the bottom 4 is a central conical elevation, which simultaneously forms the outlet pipe 11. This outlet pipe 11 is closed in the outlet direction 12 upper region, ie at its lid 5 facing region by a closure element 15 in the form of a film 16. About this outlet pipe 11, a conical riser 13 is arranged, which is placed coaxially. At its end facing the bottom 4, the riser 13 has a slotted transition region with transition openings 14, which fulfill a filter function between the chamber 6 and the riser 13 and ensure a fluidic connection from the chamber 6 to the riser 13. The riser 13 is closed at its upper end with a bellows 23 which centrally receives a piercing element 26 in the form of a directed to the closure element 15 of the outlet tube 11 tip. This piercing element 26 extends to the cover 5 and can be actuated from the outside in such a way that the piercing element 26 is displaced in the direction of the closure element 15 and subsequently penetrates it. Thus, a fluidic connection from the chamber 6 through the transition openings 14, the riser 13, the opening in the closure element 15, the outlet pipe 11 and the outlet opening 10 is ensured. A liquid food extracted from a substance 7 can thus escape from the capsule 1. Furthermore, it can be seen in the capsule 1 that a filter plate 30 is inserted approximately centrally transversely to the central axis. This filter plate 30 separates the chamber 6 in an upper and a lower portion. Both sections can each be filled with a substance 7, wherein the upper and the lower portion can accommodate a different substance. The filter plate 30 prevents premature mixing of the two substances. However, it is also conceivable that only the lower or only the upper portion of the chamber 6 is filled. In the interior of the outlet pipe 11, a sword 17 is arranged in the direction of the outlet opening 10, which calms the flow of the liquid food flowing out of the capsule 1 and forms it into a uniform jet.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the cut-open capsule 1 according to FIG. 5a , wherein the riser 13 and the outlet pipe 11 are made alternatively. As already in the FIGS. 1 and 3 the riser 13 is integrally connected to the bottom 4. The outlet pipe 11 is inserted with its outlet opening 10 from below into the riser 13. The outlet pipe 11 is in turn closed at its upper end in the outlet direction 12 by a closure element 15 in the form of a film 16. At the same time as in the FIGS. 5a and 5b described the riser 13 at its top, the lid 5 (see FIG. 3 ) facing end, completed with a bellows 23, which centrally has a piercing element 26. The piercing element 26 has a tip, which is directed against the closure element 15 of the outlet tube 11. As already in the FIGS. 5a and 5b described, the piercing element 26 is displaceable from the outside against the closure means 15, so that the film 16 can be pierced. The result is a fluidic connection from the chamber 6 through the slot-like transition openings 14 via the riser 13 and the outlet pipe 11 to the outlet opening 10. The transition openings 14 ensure a filter function and prevent leakage of undissolved substance. 7

In the outlet pipe 11, a mixing chamber 37 is formed with a baffle plate 38 directly below the closure element 15. As soon as the closure element 15 has been pierced by the puncturing element 26, the liquid foodstuff can flow through the opening thus formed in the closure element 15 in a stream into the outlet tube 11. In the mixing chamber 37, the jet of the liquid food hits the baffle plate 38, the jet is broken and the liquid food is subsequently mixed with air, so that a foam can form. In order to achieve a uniform jet in the outlet direction 12, the outlet pipe 11 is provided with a central sword 17 in the form of a cross bar. The sword 17 runs along a central axis.

The filter plate 30, which separates the chamber 6 into an upper and a lower portion, is held in position in the capsule body 2 by a latching means 33 integrated in the side wall 3. Thus, a simple assembly of the filter plate 30 is possible.

The FIGS. 7a, b, c show a section through a capsule 1 in another example form with enlarged detail, wherein between the chamber 1 and the riser 13, a closure element 15 is arranged. The chamber 6 is bounded by the side wall 3, the bottom 4 and the riser 13. In the ground-level transition region from the chamber 6 to the riser 13 transition openings 14 are formed, which act as a filter at the same time. These transition openings 14 are closed by the closure element 15 in the form of a film 16. The closure element 15 is designed such that the transition openings 14 be released upon reaching a predetermined pressure. Accordingly, in turn, a fluidic connection is formed starting from the chamber 6 through the riser 13 and the outlet pipe 11 to the outlet opening 10. The outlet pipe 11 is formed in the direction of the central axis and has a central sword 17, which ensures a directed flow in the outlet direction 12.

In the FIGS. 7b and 7c is enlarged the area of the transition openings 14 and the closure element 15 is shown. In the FIG. 7c the closure element 15 in the form of a film 16 is stretched and fastened directly over the transition openings 14. In the FIG. 7b However, the film 16 is stretched over a recess, which ensures that even a rupture of the film 16 ensures at a single location, that each transition opening 14 and an opening in the riser 13 (see Figure 7a) learns.

The FIG. 8 shows a representation of an inventive capsule 1 in a further embodiment, wherein in the riser 13, a seal 34 is arranged, which closes the riser 13 in a first rest position. The outlet pipe 11 has a bead 34 corresponding to the seal 34. The outlet pipe 11 is displaceable from a rest position into an illustrated penetration position, in which the penetration means 20 (see FIG FIGS. 1 and 3 ) Transition openings in a transition region in the bottom 4 between the chamber 6 and the riser 13 form. As a result of this displacement, the seal 34 and the bead 35 also shift relative to each other, so that the initial sealing action between the seal 34 and the bead 35 is extinguished and the riser is released accordingly.

In the FIG. 9 is schematically shown a cross section through a capsule 1 in a further example form, wherein the riser 13 and the outlet pipe 11 are not arranged coaxially with each other. As can be seen in the detail section AA, the riser 13 and the outlet pipe 11 are formed side by side in a pipe by a partition 36. Likewise, it is also conceivable that the two tubes are formed completely separate side by side, which of course must be a connection between the two tubes.

• Kapsel 1 mit einem vorzugsweise rotationssymmetrisch ausgebildeten Kapselkörper 2 mit einer Seitenwand 3 und mit einem insbesondere einstückig mit dieser ausgebildeten Boden 4, sowie mit einem den Kapselkörper 2 abdeckenden Deckel 5 zur Bildung einer geschlossenen Kammer 6, welche eine Substanz 7 für die Zubereitung eines flüssigen Lebensmittels enthält, wobei für die Durchleitung einer Flüssigkeit durch die Kammer 6 der Deckel 5 eine Eintrittsseite und der Boden 4 eine Austrittsseite mit einer vorzugsweise zentralen Auslauföffnung 10 bildet und wobei in der Kapsel 1 ein Steigrohr 13 und ein mit der Auslauföffnung 10 verbundenes Auslaufrohr 11 derart miteinander kommunizierend angeordnet sind, dass die Flüssigkeit das Steigrohr 13 vom Kapselboden in Richtung Deckel 5 zu einer Eintrittsöffnung des Auslaufrohres 11 durchströmt, wobei zwischen dem Steigrohr 13 und der Kammer 6 ein bodennaher Übergangsbereich angeordnet ist, der mit einer Mehrzahl von Übergangsöffnungen 14 ausgebildet ist.

Another possible embodiment of a capsule described here can be summarized as follows:

• Capsule 1 with a preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body 2 with a side wall 3 and with a particular integrally formed with this bottom 4, and with a capsule body 2 covering lid 5 to form a closed chamber 6, which is a substance 7 for the preparation of a liquid food contains, for the passage of a liquid through the chamber 6, the cover 5 an inlet side and the bottom 4 forms an outlet side with a preferably central outlet opening 10 and wherein in the capsule 1, a riser 13 and connected to the outlet opening 10 outlet pipe 11 with each other are arranged communicating, that the liquid flows through the riser 13 from the capsule bottom in the direction of cover 5 to an inlet opening of the outlet pipe 11, wherein between the riser 13 and the chamber 6, a ground-near transition region is arranged, which is provided with a plurality of transition openings 14th is trained.

Claims (18)

1. Capsule (1) having a preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body (2), with a side wall (3) and with a base (4) formed in particular in one piece with said side wall, and having a cover (5), which covers the capsule body (2) to form a closed chamber (6), which contains a substance (7) for preparing a liquid food, wherein, in order for a liquid to be passed through the chamber (6), the cover (5) forms an entry side and the base (4) forms an exit side, with a preferably central outflow opening (10), and wherein a riser tube (13) and an outflow tube (11), which is connected to the outflow opening (10), are arranged in the capsule (1) so as to communicate with one another such that the liquid flows through the riser tube (13) from the capsule base, in the direction to the cover (5), to an entry opening of the outflow tube (11), wherein a base-side transition region is arranged between the riser tube (13) and the chamber (6), characterized in that the base-side transition region can be penetrated by a penetration means (20), arranged on the capsule (1), such that a plurality of transition openings (14) are formed.
2. Capsule (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transition openings (14) are dimensioned such that they perform a filter action in order to restrain the substance (7).
3. Capsule (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transition openings (14) are dimensioned such that, for the generation of shear forces in the flow, the sum of the cross-sectional surface areas of said openings is smaller than the cross-sectional surface area of the riser tube (13).
4. Capsule according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outflow tube (11) is arranged, preferably concentrically, within the riser tube (13).
5. Capsule according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the outflow tube (11) or the riser tube (13) is formed in one piece with the base (4) of the capsule (1).
6. Capsule (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a closure element (15), in particular a film (16), is arranged between the chamber (6) and the outflow opening (10), wherein the closure element (15) can be opened in order for the liquid food to be dispensed.
7. Capsule (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the capsule (1) has a piercing element (26) and/or a predetermined breaking point for opening the closure element (15), in particular under pressure.
8. Capsule (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the piercing element (26) is mounted in a displaceable manner in a transition region between the riser tube (13) and outflow tube (11) such that it can be displaced by means which are located outside the capsule (1) for penetrating the closure element (15).
9. Capsule (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the penetration means (20) is formed in one piece with the outflow tube (11).
10. Capsule (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the penetration means (20) is retained on the capsule body (2) such that it can be displaced from a rest position into a penetration position under the action of force.
11. Capsule (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the penetration means (20) has a sealing element (27) which, in the penetration position, butts with sealing action against the base (4) of the capsule (1) and seals the riser tube (13) in the outward direction.
12. Capsule (1) according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the penetration means (20) is a separate component and has a guide portion, which interacts with a complementary guide portion on the capsule body (2).
13. Capsule (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the penetration means (20) has blades (21) arranged in the form of a star.
14. Capsule (1) according to Claim 1 or 12, characterized in that the penetration means (20) comprises a plurality of in particular star-form piercing spikes, in particular piercing pyramids (22).
15. Capsule (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the chamber (6) is divided up into two sub-regions by a permeable partition layer, in particular a filter plate (30), arranged between the cover (5) and the base (4).
16. Capsule (1) according to Claim 15, characterized in that the side wall (3) of the capsule body (2) has arresting means or latching means (33), against which the partition layer butts in a predefined position.
17. Capsule (1) according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the partition layer is positioned on the riser tube (13).
18. System comprising a substance-filled capsule (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 17 and a beverage maker, which has a capsule holder for accommodating the capsule, and also a device for passing a liquid through the capsule in order for the substance to be extracted or dissolved to make a beverage, wherein the beverage maker has at least one device for penetrating the cover (5) of the capsule.

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