EP3350100A1

EP3350100A1 - Single serve capsule, method for producing a single serve capsule, system and method for producing a beverage

Info

Publication number: EP3350100A1
Application number: EP15763323.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marc KRÜGER; Günter EMPL; Marco HANISCH
Original assignee: K Fee System GmbH
Current assignee: K Fee System GmbH
Priority date: 2015-09-14
Filing date: 2015-09-14
Publication date: 2018-07-25
Also published as: JP2018532462A; WO2017045699A1; CN108025863A; US20180249859A1; KR102082822B1; CA2998514A1; CN108025863B; KR20180054699A; AU2015409137A1; JP6626961B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a single serve capsule (1) for producing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine (10), said capsule having an essentially frustoconical or cylindrical capsule base body (2) which has a cavity (3) for receiving a raw beverage material, and a membrane (4) sealing the cavity (3). Said capsule base body (2) has a capsule base (5). A central area of weakness (6) having a reduced material thickness is formed in the capsule base (5) which can be perforated by perforation means (11) of the beverage preparation machine (10).

Description

DESCRIPTION Title

Portion capsule, method for producing a portion capsule,

System and method for making a beverage

State of the art

It is well known from the prior art to prepare beverages by means of so-called portion capsules in corresponding beverage production machines. Such beverage production machines, also referred to as portion coffee machines, are known, for example, from the publications WO 201 1/147 553 A1 or WO 2011/147 491 A1, while typical portion capsules are known, for example, from the publications WO 2012/038 063 A1 and WO 2010/085 824 A1 are.

The user always inserts a sachet filled with a beverage raw material into the beverage making machine, then closes the beverage making machine and starts the cooking mechanism. When closing the beverage production machine, the portion capsule is perforated in at least two places, hot water is introduced under pressure into the inside of the portion capsule through one of the two Perforati- onsöffnungen and by interaction of the hot water with the beverage raw material, the drink is produced by the other the two perforations from the portion capsule drains and is passed into a corresponding drinking vessel. A disadvantage of these portion capsules is that the capsule bottom is usually formed relatively thick and stable, so that the perforation means for perforating the capsule bottom is exposed to a high closure.

Disclosure of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple to produce and inexpensive portion capsule for a beverage production machine, with which the increased wear on the perforating means can be eliminated and a secure piercing of the portion capsule is ensured.

The object of the present invention is achieved by a portion capsule for the production a beverage in a beverage manufacturing machine comprising a substantially frusto-conical or cylindrical capsule body having a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material, and a membrane occluding the cavity, the capsule body having a capsule bottom, and wherein

Capsule bottom is formed a central weakening area with reduced material thickness, which is perforated by means of a perforating means of the beverage production machine.

The portion capsule according to the invention has the advantage over the prior art that at the point in the capsule bottom at which the portion capsule is perforated by the perforation means of the beverage production machine, a weakened region with reduced material thickness is formed. The piercing of the capsule bottom thus requires a substantially lower force, so that the stress of the perforating lowered and the life of the same is increased. In addition, the weakened area can be formed so large that when perforating the capsule bottom a larger opening in the capsule bottom forms than in the perforation of an unattenuated capsule bottom. The portion capsule can also be produced inexpensively by the weakened area to be perforated in the capsule bottom by means of the perforating means of the beverage production machine being made in one piece and from the same material as the rest of the capsule base body. Advantageously, the capsule body is produced in particular in a deep-drawing process. The capsule main body is produced by deep-drawing in such a way that during deep-drawing in the capsule bottom, a region of reduced material thickness is formed to form the weakened region. This can be done for example by a corresponding molding element in a thermoforming tool. The portion capsule is thus comparatively simple, quick and inexpensive to produce. The term "thermoforming" in the sense of the present invention preferably encompasses any molding process of the capsule base body in which a plastic deformation of the capsule starting material takes place for producing the capsule base body The beverage raw material comprises in particular coffee powder or coffee granules (preferably ground roasted coffee), chocolate powder, milk powder, tea, soup powder or the like Alternatively, it is conceivable that the beverage raw material comprises a beverage extract, such as instant coffee.

Advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention are the dependent claims, as well as the description with reference to the drawings. Optionally, the portion capsule has a filter element which is arranged between the capsule bottom and the beverage raw material. The filter element preferably comprises a textile of natural and / or synthetic fibers, for example a paper, a fleece or a felt. In the event that a felt and a fleece are provided, these are preferably connected to each other. The felt and / or the fleece can be single-layered or multi-layered. Preferably, the filter element comprises a point calendered fiber-made material.

Furthermore, one or more built-in elements, such as, for example, a further filter element, a liquid distributor, a shut-off film and / or the like can be provided in the cavity.

The capsule main body preferably has on a side facing away from the capsule bottom, also referred to as the filling side, a circumferential capsule flange to which the membrane is attached. The capsule lid is glued or welded in the region of a capsule flange with the truncated cone.

It is conceivable that the portion capsule is formed without a filter, wherein the beverage raw material rests in particular directly on the capsule bottom. The portion capsule is formed without a filter, in particular, when the beverage raw material comprises instant powder.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the portion capsule is formed without a filter, wherein it weakening region is formed substantially circular and wherein the diameter of the weakened region between 10 and 25 percent, preferably between 15 and 20 percent and particularly preferably in

Essentially 17 percent of the diameter of the capsule floor amounts. In particular, the diameter of the weakening region is between 4 and 7 millimeters, preferably between 4.5 and 6 millimeters and particularly preferably substantially 5 millimeters. The diameter of the capsule bottom comprises in particular 25 to 35 millimeters, preferably 28 to 32 millimeters and particularly preferably substantially 30 millimeters. Advantageously, the diameter of the weakened area thus has a sufficient size, so that forms a correspondingly large beverage outlet when perforating the capsule bottom. The formation of this comparatively large beverage outlet has the advantage that the drink is not under high pressure and with a correspondingly high speed from the

Portion capsule splashes. In this way, the risk of contamination of the immediate Be cleared surrounding the beverage manufacturing machine or scalding the user in the production of the beverage. In addition, if necessary, the formation of a foam or cream layer on the beverage produced can be prevented. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the material thickness in the weakened region is between 20 and 70 percent, preferably between 30 and 60 percent and particularly preferably substantially 50 percent of the material thickness in the region of the remaining capsule bottom. It has been found that the proposed dimensioning on the one hand allows a light perforation of the capsule base, which is gentle on the perforation means, while on the other hand a flavor-tight and

vibration-resistant closure of the portion capsule is ensured.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the capsule bottom is formed on its circumference a circumferential stiffening bead, which projects outwardly in a direction opposite to the membrane. Advantageously, by the circumferential stiffening bead through the weakening area

impaired stability of the capsule floor can be compensated.

Another object of the present invention is a process for the preparation of the portion capsule according to the invention, wherein in a first production step

Starting material is arranged in the region of a die of a thermoforming tool, wherein in a second manufacturing step, the starting material by means of vacuum and / or by means of a movable punch in the die pulled and / or pressed, whereby from the starting material, the frusto-conical or cylindrical Kapselgrundkörper is formed, wherein second manufacturing step is displaced by means of a molding element material in the region of the capsule bottom to form the weakened region.

The inventive method allows a particularly cost-effective production of the portion capsule, since the weakening in the capsule bottom already during deep drawing of the

Capsule body is formed. After deep drawing, the capsule body is filled with the beverage raw material and then sealed by the membrane. It is conceivable that the thermoforming process is carried out with the supply of heat. Optionally, the capsule body is cooled during or after deep drawing. The molding element comprises in particular a bulge for the displacement of deep-drawn material in the

Weakening region. The mold element is for this purpose centrally on the stamp or on a Stamp counterpart, to which the punch is moved in the second manufacturing step formed. Preference is given to both a molding element on the stamp and a

formed corresponding to the die or a stamp counterpart, so that in the deep drawing tool on both sides of the capsule bottom, a material displacement in the weakened area is achieved. The stamp is in particular cylinder or

truncated cone-shaped. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that one of the two

opposite form elements in the form of a recess is formed, in which the formed as a bulge opposite mold element when closing the

Mold tool engages. It is also conceivable that the form element is movably formed on the stamp or on the stamp counterpart and is extended only during the second production step. Alternatively, it would also be possible for the shaped element to have a nozzle,

for example, on the stamp or counterpart on the stamp, which displaces material by means of overpressure or negative pressure to form the weakening region. Another object of the present invention is a system comprising a

Beverage manufacturing machine and the portion capsule according to the invention, wherein the

Beverage manufacturing machine having a first and a second Brühkammerelement, wherein the first and / or the second Brühkammerelement between a loading position, in which the first and the second Brühkammerelement for introducing the portion capsule in the

Beverage manufacturing machine are spaced apart, and a working position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber element to form a substantially closed brewing chamber are approximated, is movable, wherein the second

Brewing chamber element projecting in the direction of the first brewing chamber element

Having perforation, which during transfer of the beverage production machine from the loading position to the working position the capsule bottom in the weakening area

Creation of a beverage spout pierces.

Advantageously, in the system excessive wear of the perforation is prevented by the portion capsule has the weakened area in the capsule bottom. The perforating agent generates in the capsule bottom in particular the beverage outlet through which the beverage produced can leave the portion capsule.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the first Brühkammerelement a plurality of in the direction of the second

Brühkammerelements protruding further perforating, which during transfer of the beverage production machine from the loading position to the working position pierce the membrane to form inlet openings. Advantageously, openings are produced in the membrane by the further perforating means through which brewing water can be introduced under pressure into the portion capsule.

Another object of the present invention is a process for producing a beverage with the system according to the invention, wherein in a first process step, the beverage production machine is provided in the loading position, wherein in a second process step, the portion capsule of the beverage production machine is supplied, wherein in a third process step, the beverage production machine is transferred from the loading position to the working position, whereby the perforating pierces the weakened area and the capsule bottom is perforated, and wherein in a fourth process step of the portion capsule brewing water is forcibly fed. Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings, as well as from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the essential inventive idea. Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a portion capsule according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2a, 2b show schematic views of a system and a method for

Preparation of a beverage according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3a, 3b show schematic views of a method for producing a

Portion capsule according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention

In the various figures, the same parts are always provided with the same reference numerals and are therefore usually named or mentioned only once in each case. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a portion capsule 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The portion capsule 1 has a substantially rigid or semi-rigid

truncated cone-shaped capsule main body 2 with a capsule bottom 5 and a filling opening 7. In the region of the filling opening 7, the circumferential side wall of the closes

Capsule main body 2 with a circumferential flange 8 from. The filling opening 7 serves to fill a cavity 3 in the interior of the portion capsule 1 with a beverage raw material. The cavity 3 is then hermetically sealed with a membrane 4, wherein the edge of the membrane 4 is sealed to the flange 8. The beverage raw material comprises in particular coffee powder or coffee granules (preferably ground roasted coffee), chocolate powder, milk powder, tea, soup powder, instant powder or the like. The capsule bottom 5 has a central weakening region 6, which is formed by the fact that the capsule bottom 5 in the weakened region 6 has a lower material thickness in the weakening region 6

Compared to the thickness of the rest of the capsule base 5 has. The weakening region 6 is formed where the portion capsule 1 in use by a perforation 1 1 of the beverage production machine 10 (see Figures 2a and 2b) for generating a

Beverage outlet is perforated. Due to the lower material thickness in the weakening region 6 of the perforation process or the production of the beverage outlet is favored.

Preferably, the portion capsule 1 has a filter element (not shown), which is located within the cavity 3 between the beverage raw material and the capsule bottom 5. The filter element comprises in particular a filter fleece or a filter felt, wherein the filter fleece or filter felt is optionally calendered.

On the underside of the capsule base 5, the capsule base body 2 optionally has, on the circumference of the capsule base 5, a peripheral reinforcing bead 9 which projects outward in a direction opposite to the membrane 5.

Figures 2a, 2b are schematic views of a system and method of making a beverage according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system has the portion capsule 1 already described with reference to FIG. 1, as well as a beverage production machine 10. In the present example, the beverage production machine 10 comprises a first brewing chamber element 12 and a second brewing chamber element 13. The first brewing chamber element 12 is displaceable relative to the second brewing chamber element 13 between a loading position illustrated in FIG. 2a and a working position illustrated in FIG. 2b. In the loading position, the first brewing chamber element 12 is objected to by the second brewing chamber element 13, so that the portion capsule 1 can be inserted into the beverage production machine 10 and between the first and second brewing chamber elements 12, 13, for example from above, utilizing the gravitational force. Thereafter, the first brewing chamber element 12 is displaced in the direction of the second brewing chamber element 13 until the first and second brewing chamber elements 12, 13 together form a closed brewing chamber, in which the portioning capsule 1 is arranged.

The second brewing chamber element 13 is provided with a central perforating means 1 1, while the first brewing chamber element 12 has a plurality of further perforating means 14. When the brewing chamber is closed, the further perforation means 14 pierce the membrane 4 of the portion capsule 1 in order to produce an inlet opening for introducing brewing water into the portion capsule 1. At the same time, the central perforating means 1 1 on the second brewing chamber element 13 perforates the capsule bottom 5 precisely in the weakened region 6. In this way, a beverage outlet is formed in the capsule bottom 5, through which the beverage produced in the portioning capsule 1 by interaction between the brewing water and the beverage raw material the portion capsule 1 can flow.

FIGS. 3a, 3b are schematic views of a method for manufacturing a portion capsule 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The portion capsule 1 to be produced essentially equals the portion capsule 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. In a first production step (cf., FIG. 3a), a starting material 20 comprising plastic is placed in a deep-drawing die 21. The deep-drawing tool 21 comprises a die 22 and a die 23 which is movable relative to the die 22. At the lower end of the die 23, a forming element 24 is centrally arranged. The underside of the die 22 forms a stamped counterpart 26, which in the present example is formed integrally with the die 22. The stamp counterpart 26 here likewise has a central further mold element 25.

In the second production step (see FIG. 3b), the punch 23 is now moved into the die 22, so that the starting material 20 is transformed or deep-drawn by plastic deformation into the cylindrical capsule base body 2. Optionally, the deep-drawing tool 21 heated before or during the second manufacturing step to promote the plastic deformation of the starting material 20. In this third production step, the punch 23 is moved as far as the inner end of the die 22 until the mold member 24 and the further mold member 25 almost touch each other. In the area of the two mold elements 24, 25, material is displaced by the two mold elements 24, 25 during the deep drawing, so that the weakened region is formed in the capsule bottom 5 with reduced material thickness.

Alternatively, the mold element 24 or the further mold element 25 may also be designed in the form of a recess into which the opposite mold element 24, 25 engages.

Furthermore, as an alternative to the stamp 23, the starting material 20 can also be drawn into the die 22 by negative pressure or pressed into the die 22 by overpressure.

It would also be conceivable that the form element 24 is designed to be movable relative to the punch 23 and is extended in the second production step out of the punch 23 to form the weakened region. Similarly, the further mold element 25 could be designed to be extendable out of the die bottom or the counter punch piece 26.

In a further alternative, the mold element 24 comprises a nozzle, which in the second production method for forming the weakened region 6 displaces material by means of overpressure or underpressure.

In unillustrated further manufacturing steps, the capsule main body 2 is removed from the deep-drawing tool 21, filled with beverage raw material and then sealed by sealing the membrane 4 onto the flange 8.

Claims

1. portion capsule (1) for making a drink in one

A beverage manufacturing machine (10) comprising a substantially

truncated conical or cylindrical capsule main body (2) having a cavity (3) for receiving a beverage raw material, and a membrane (4) closing the cavity (3), the capsule main body (2) having a capsule bottom (5), wherein in the capsule bottom ( 5) a central

Weakening region (6) is formed with reduced material thickness, which is perforated by means of a perforation means (11) of the beverage production machine (10).

2. portion capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein the capsule main body (2) by

Deep drawing is made such that during deep drawing in the capsule bottom (4) a region of reduced material thickness to form the weakening region (6) is formed.

3. portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Portion capsule (1) is formed without a filter, wherein the beverage raw material in particular rests directly on the capsule bottom (5).

4. portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Weakening region (6) is formed substantially circular and wherein the diameter of the weakening region (6) between 10 and 25 percent, preferably between 15 and 20 percent, and more preferably substantially 17 percent of the diameter of the capsule bottom (5).

5. portion capsule (1) according to claim 4, wherein the diameter of the

Weakening range (6) between 4 and 7 millimeters, preferably between 4.5 and 6 millimeters, and particularly preferably substantially 5 millimeters.

6. portion capsule (1) according to claim 5, wherein the diameter of the capsule bottom (5) 25 to 35 millimeters, preferably 28 to 32 millimeters and more preferably substantially 30 millimeters comprises.

7. portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Material thickness in the weakening range (6) is between 20 and 70 percent, preferably between 30 and 60 percent and particularly preferably substantially 50 percent of the material thickness in the region of the remaining capsule bottom (5).

8. portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Capsule bottom (5) is formed on its circumference a circumferential stiffening bead, which in a direction opposite to the membrane (4) protrudes outward direction.

9. A method for producing a portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in a first manufacturing step, a starting material (20) in the region of a die (22) of a thermoforming tool (21) is arranged, wherein in a second manufacturing step, the starting material (30 ) is moved by means of vacuum and / or by means of a punch (23) in the die (22), whereby from the starting material (20) of the frusto-conical or cylindrical

Capsule main body (2) is formed, wherein in the second production step by means of at least one molding element (24, 25) material in the region of the capsule bottom (5) to form the weakened region (6) is displaced.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the mold element (24) is formed centrally on the punch (23) or on the die (22).

1 1. A method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein in the second manufacturing step, the punch (23) is moved to a stamp counterpart (26) and wherein the mold element (25) is formed on the stamp counterpart (26).

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the punch (23) is cylindrical or frusto-conical and / or wherein the shaped element (24) has a

Bulge or a recess on the punch (23) or on the die (22).

13. A system comprising a beverage production machine (10) and a portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Beverage manufacturing machine (10) has a first and a second Brühkammerelement (12, 13), wherein the first and / or the second Brühkammerelement (12, 13) between a loading position, in which the first and the second

Brühkammerelement (12, 13) for introducing the portion capsule (1) in the

Beverage manufacturing machine (10) are spaced apart, and a working position in which the first and the second Brühkammerelement (12, 13) for forming a substantially closed brewing chamber are approximated, is movable, wherein the second Brühkammerelement (13) in the direction of the first brewing chamber element (12) projecting perforation (1 1), which during transfer of the beverage production machine (10) of the

Loading position in the working position the capsule bottom (5) in the weakening region (6) pierces to produce a beverage outlet.

14. System according to claim 13, wherein the first Brühkammerelement (12) a plurality of in the direction of the second Brühkammerelements (13) protruding further

Perforating means (14), which during the transfer of the

Beverage manufacturing machine (10) from the loading position into the working position pierce the membrane (4) to form inlet openings.

15. A process for the preparation of a beverage with a system according to one of

Claims 13 or 14, wherein in a first step the

Be prepared in the loading position, wherein in a second method step, the portion capsule (1) of

Be supplied beverage manufacturing machine (10), wherein in a third

Process step the beverage production machine (10) from the loading position in the

Working position, whereby the perforating means (1 1) the

Weakening region (6) pierces and the capsule bottom (5) is perforated, and wherein in a fourth process step of the portion capsule brewing water

is forcibly fed.