EP3487787B1 - Capsule, method for producing a plurality of capsules and beverage preparation system comprising a capsule - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a capsule, in particular for preparing a beverage product, a method for producing several capsules and a beverage preparation system comprising such a capsule.

Beverage preparation systems for preparing coffee or tea are now particularly widespread in private households. Portion packaging, especially capsules, with different types of coffee or tea are commercially available for the respective systems. The beverage is usually prepared by inserting a corresponding capsule into a device provided for this purpose and extracting or dissolving a substance contained in the capsule by passing a liquid through it. In many cases the substance is roasted and ground coffee powder, but sometimes it is also dried tea leaves. However, soluble products in general or concentrates are also possible. After the beverage has been produced, the capsule is removed from the device and usually disposed of.

So that capsules with different contents (e.g. different types of coffee or tea, soluble products, or concentrates) can be used with one and the same device, there is a need to set the operating parameters of the device depending on the product used. This concerns, for example, the amount of liquid to be passed through, the extraction temperature or the extraction speed. For safety reasons, it should also be prevented that the machine is operated with incompatible capsules.

For this purpose, it is basically already known to equip a portion packaging with an identifier and a device with means for detecting the identifier. That's how it describes CH 707374 A1 a beverage production system with capsules, each of which has a machine-readable code on the lid, which is made up of concentric circles. The corresponding beverage preparation machine has a reading device for the code, which is connected to a control device with which the operating parameters of the beverage preparation machine can be adjusted depending on the code read. The beverage production system in question allows user-friendly recognition of the type of capsule used. Due to the rotationally symmetrical design of the code on the capsule lid, it can be read by machine regardless of the relative orientation of the capsule and the reading device.

However, the problem with the system described is that successful capture of the code depends heavily on the relative positioning of the capsule and the reader. In particular with optical reading devices, which only detect the code in one dimension, it is necessary that the reading process runs along a line that runs through the center of the code formed by concentric circles. This usually requires not only precise positioning of the capsule in front of the reader but also precise attachment of the lid printed with the code to the capsule body. If the code is dirty along the reading direction of the reading device, the reading process may be disrupted. In addition, due to the rotationally symmetrical design of the code, its word length is limited to only half of its width.

Further arrangements of machine-readable codes on a capsule are, for example, in WO 2016009258 A1 , WO 2015055849 A1 , EP 1790470 A1 and EP 2572609 A1 shown. What all of the codes shown have in common is that if the code or the corresponding reading device is dirty, the reading process is disrupted and the code cannot be read correctly.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages in the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a capsule and a beverage preparation system of the above-mentioned type in which the reliability of the machine reading of the code attached to the capsule is improved.

This task is solved by a capsule which has the features in claim 1. The capsule in question, in particular for preparing a beverage product, comprises a capsule body covered with a lid and preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical. A one-dimensional machine-readable code is attached to the lid, in particular printed, which extends along a straight line running through the center of gravity of the lid. The code is machine readable in a reading direction perpendicular to the straight line.

In the present context, the fact that the code extends along the straight line means that the code has an extension in the direction of the straight line and the straight line runs on or immediately next to the code.

This design of the code and its arrangement on the capsule means that machine reading of the code is significantly less prone to errors. On the one hand, this applies to the relative positioning of the capsule and the reading device. on the other hand The code can be read at several points along the straight line, which means that the code can still be recognized if the lid is dirty. This is particularly advantageous if the reading device is only suitable for one-dimensional reading. In addition, the tolerances regarding the placement of the code on the capsule can be significantly larger. Last but not least, the entire width of the code can be used for its word length.

In addition to actual printing processes, which are usually based on pigment application, a laser marking process can also be used to apply the one-dimensional machine-readable code, in which the material to be marked is itself changed.

The code is machine readable along the entire section of the straight line running onto the lid. This allows the advantages described above to be maximized. Alternatively, the code is machine-readable along several interrupted sections of the straight line running on the lid. This means that the advantages described above can still be achieved.

The code can extend in the middle along the straight line. This allows the use of a code with a longer word length. In the present context, the fact that the code extends centrally along the straight line means that the straight line runs through the center of gravity of the area occupied by the code.

The one-dimensional machine-readable code is a barcode. The barcode can be single-line or multi-line, but the code can always be read in a reading direction perpendicular to the straight line. The barcode can be standardized. So it can for example, a commercial barcode (EAN, UPC, IAN, JAN), a 2/5 code, a Code 39, a Code 93, a Codabar, or a Code 128. Such codes are widely used in the prior art. They have a high level of reliability in terms of their detection and a number of different systems are available with which they can be read. The barcode can be oversquare, which means that it has a greater extent perpendicular to its reading direction than in its reading direction. This makes it possible to read the barcode in any orientation using two scanners positioned at right angles to each other.

However, it goes without saying that the one-dimensional machine-readable code does not have to be a conventional barcode. For example, the code can have any shape, including a waveform. In addition, the code can also be masked by an outer contour.

The one-dimensional machine-readable code can be crossed by at least one further one-dimensional machine-readable code. The further one-dimensional machine-readable code can extend along a second straight line, which runs in particular perpendicular to the first straight line. However, the second straight line does not have to be exactly perpendicular to the first straight line. An intersection angle between the first and second straight lines of 80° to 90° can be advantageous. The second straight line can preferably run through the center of gravity of the cover. This design of the capsule allows different information to be attached to the lid and selectively read out using the two crossing codes. However, it is also possible that the two codes are identical. Especially if the two straight lines run perpendicular to each other, it is possible to read the information contained in the two codes with just one scanner, regardless of the orientation of the capsule.

The lid of the capsule can have a tab arranged in its plane. The tab may allow a user to more easily remove the lid from the capsule to access its contents if necessary. However, the tab can also serve as a grip element to make handling the entire capsule easier. In addition, the tab can fulfill the function that the capsule can only be inserted into a beverage preparation device in a certain orientation. If the one-dimensional machine-readable code runs in a defined direction relative to the tab or its position, the orientation of the code on the capsule in relation to the reading device on the beverage preparation device is also determined. This makes reading the code easier. In one possible orientation, the straight line along which the code extends can, for example, run through the tab.

Alternatively or in addition to a tab arranged on the lid, the capsule body can also have an extension, in particular in the form of a tab. This extension can also serve as a grip element to simplify handling of the capsule. In addition, similar to the tab on the lid, the extension on the capsule body can be used to determine the relative orientation between the code and the reading device when inserting the capsule into the receptacle of a beverage preparation device.

However, it goes without saying that the relative orientation between the code and the reading device is also determined by an the shape of the capsule body adapted to the holder of the beverage preparation device can be determined.

At least one one-dimensional machine-readable code can contain and/or be linked to parameters for preparing the beverage product. The parameters can in particular be selected from a list consisting of temperature, volume, flow rate and composition of a liquid to be introduced into the capsule. This means that when the capsule is inserted into a beverage preparation device, its operating parameters can be adjusted. This makes it possible to prepare various types of drinks with the beverage preparation device. However, the one-dimensional machine-readable code cannot only contain and/or be linked to parameters that remain constant during beverage preparation. It is also possible for the at least one one-dimensional machine-readable code to contain and/or be linked to a beverage preparation routine. For example, the flow rate through the capsule can vary while making coffee: first 100%, then 0% (pre-brewing), later 60%. In particular, this enables the production of a higher quality coffee drink.

The capsule body can be compressed or stretched along its longitudinal central axis. As a result, the shape of the capsule body can be adapted to the respective application, in particular with regard to the volume of substance to be absorbed and/or the pressure of the liquid to be introduced, for example when extracting the capsule contents. The capsule body can be manufactured using an injection molding or deep-drawing process. While the capsule body can be made into significantly more complex shapes by injection molding, it is possible to produce capsule bodies with particularly high oxygen and/or aroma tightness using deep-drawing processes. However, oxygen and/or aroma impermeability is not limited to capsules produced by a deep-drawing process. The lid covering the capsule body can consist of a plastic film and/or metal film. This makes it possible to adapt the characteristics of the lid in terms of oxygen and/or aroma tightness, tear resistance and printability to the respective requirements.

As already mentioned, the capsule body can be designed to be oxygen-tight and/or aroma-tight, independent of the manufacturing process. If the capsule is designed to be oxygen-tight, penetration of oxygen into the capsule during storage of a starting substance contained therein is essentially avoided. This means that aging of the starting substance, for example coffee powder, due to oxidation can be avoided. An oxygen-tight capsule is usually also aroma-tight. Accordingly, leakage of flavoring substances contained in the starting substance during storage within the capsule is essentially prevented. Oxygen and aroma impermeability is required in order to achieve a minimum shelf life of 12 months, preferably 18 months, particularly for coffee. Accordingly, in the present context, an oxygen-tight and/or aroma-tight capsule is understood to mean a capsule in which coffee powder can be stored at room temperature in atmospheric air for a period of at least 12 months, preferably 18 months, without the coffee powder being changed , which affects the quality of a coffee drink made from it.

If an oxygen and/or aroma-tight capsule is produced using a deep-drawing process, the film material used can have an OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate) of less than 5, preferably less than 2. The OTR indicates which ones Amount of oxygen diffused through a film per unit of area and time, in the unit: cm ³ /m ² /day/0.21 bar.

However, the finished oxygen and/or aroma-tight capsule body, or the entire capsule (including the lid), can also have an OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate) of less than 5, preferably less than 2. This applies regardless of the manufacturing process used.

• Bereitstellen einer Folie, insbesondere einer Kunststoff- und/oder Metallfolie;
• Aufdrucken eines eindimensional-maschinenlesbaren Codes auf die Folie entlang einer Geraden, insbesondere in einem kontinuierlichen Verfahren;
• Optional: Beschichten, insbesondere Kaschieren oder Lackieren, der Folie mit einer transparenten Deckschicht;
• Ausstanzen oder ausschneiden von mehreren Deckeln aus der Folie entlang der Geraden, derart dass sich die Flächenschwerpunkte der Deckel auf der Geraden befinden;
• Aufbringen der Deckel auf Kapselkörpern.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing multiple capsules as described above, comprising the following steps:

• Providing a film, in particular a plastic and/or metal film;
• Printing a one-dimensional machine-readable code onto the film along a straight line, in particular in a continuous process;
• Optional: Coating, especially laminating or painting, the film with a transparent top layer;
• Punching out or cutting out several lids from the film along the straight line so that the centers of gravity of the lids are on the straight line;
• Applying the lids to capsule bodies.

The method described makes it possible to significantly improve the manufacturing efficiency of capsules that are equipped with a one-dimensional machine-readable code. This can be achieved in particular because the one-dimensional machine-readable code can be continuously printed onto the film before the lids are punched or cut out of it. This eliminates the need for difficult alignment a printing device for the code on prefabricated lids.

• Aufdrucken von zumindest einem weiteren eindimensional-maschinenlesbaren Code, welcher den ersten eindimensional-maschinenlesbaren Code kreuzt und entlang einer zweiten Geraden, insbesondere senkrecht zur ersten Geraden, verläuft, wobei die zweite Gerade bevorzugt durch den Flächenschwerpunkt des Deckels verläuft.

The method described above may further include the following additional step:

• Printing of at least one further one-dimensional machine-readable code, which crosses the first one-dimensional machine-readable code and runs along a second straight line, in particular perpendicular to the first straight line, the second straight line preferably running through the center of gravity of the lid.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage preparation system comprising a capsule described above and a beverage preparation machine. The beverage preparation machine has a receptacle with at least one reading device. The capsule can be inserted into the receptacle and at least one one-dimensional machine-readable code can be read with the at least one reading device.

The reading device can be designed as at least one barcode scanner, in particular as two barcode scanners arranged at right angles to one another. This enables a one-dimensional machine-readable code to be readable in any orientation of the capsule relative to the reading device. However, the holder of the beverage preparation machine can also have a recess for a tab on the lid of the capsule. Alternatively, the receptacle can also be designed in such a way that the capsule can only be inserted into the receptacle in one orientation due to the shape of the capsule body or extensions attached to it. This makes it easier to read a code on the capsule, as this can be done in a predetermined direction.

However, it is also possible for the reading device to be designed as a camera system. With this, the one-dimensional machine-readable code can be reliably read in any orientation to the reading device.

Further advantages and individual features of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the drawings.

Figur 1:

Draufsicht auf einen Deckel für eine erfindungsgemässe Kapsel ohne Lasche;

Figur 2:

Perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemässen Kapsel ohne Lasche;

Figur 3:

Draufsicht auf einen Deckel für eine erfindungsgemässe Kapsel mit Lasche;

Figur 4:

Perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemässen Kapsel mit Lasche;

Figur 5:

Draufsicht auf einen Deckel für eine erfindungsgemässe Kapsel mit Lasche und asymmetrisch angeordnetem Strickcode;

Figur 6:

Draufsicht auf einen Deckel für ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemässen Kapsel mit un-regelmässig-wellenförmigen Codemuster;

Figur 7:

Draufsicht auf einen Deckel für eine erfindungsgemässe Kapsel, wobei der Strichcode als Tierfigur maskiert ist;

Figur 8:

Draufsicht auf einen Deckel für eine erfindungsgemässe Kapsel mit Lasche und zwei gekreuzten Stichcodes;

Figur 9:

Perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemässen Kapsel mit Lasche und zwei gekreuzten Stichcodes;

Figur 10:

Draufsicht auf eine Zwischenstufe in einem erfindungsgemässen Verfahren zum Herstellen mehrerer Kapseln;

Figur 11:

Perspektivische Darstellung weiterer Verfahrensschritte eines erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens zum Herstellen mehrerer Kapseln;

Figur 12:

Schnittansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Kapsel mit der Aufnahme einer Getränkezubereitungsmaschine, in offenem Zustand vor dem Einlegen;

Figur 13:

Schnittansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Kapsel mit der Aufnahme einer Getränkezubereitungsmaschine, in geschlossenem Zustand nach dem Einlegen.

It shows schematically:

Figure 1:

Top view of a lid for a capsule according to the invention without a tab;

Figure 2:

Perspective view of a capsule according to the invention without a tab;

Figure 3:

Top view of a lid for a capsule according to the invention with a tab;

Figure 4:

Perspective view of a capsule according to the invention with a tab;

Figure 5:

Top view of a lid for a capsule according to the invention with a tab and asymmetrically arranged knitting code;

Figure 6:

Top view of a lid for a further exemplary embodiment of a capsule according to the invention with an irregular, wave-shaped code pattern;

Figure 7:

Top view of a lid for a capsule according to the invention, the bar code being masked as an animal figure;

Figure 8:

Top view of a lid for a capsule according to the invention with a tab and two crossed stitch codes;

Figure 9:

Perspective view of a capsule according to the invention with a tab and two crossed stitch codes;

Figure 10:

Top view of an intermediate stage in a method according to the invention for producing several capsules;

Figure 11:

Perspective representation of further process steps of a process according to the invention for producing several capsules;

Figure 12:

Sectional view of a capsule according to the invention with the holder of a beverage preparation machine, in the open state before insertion;

Figure 13:

Sectional view of a capsule according to the invention with the holder of a beverage preparation machine, in the closed state after insertion.

How out Figure 1 As can be seen, the lid 2 of the capsule 1 can be circular. In this case, the center of gravity S of the cover 2 corresponds to the center of the circle formed by it. For better clarity, the center of gravity S is highlighted in white in this figure. The straight line g runs through the center of gravity S. Perpendicular to the straight line g is the reading direction r by an arrow symbolized. The one-dimensional machine-readable code 4 is designed here as a bar code, which extends symmetrically on both sides along the straight line g. In the spatial representation according to Figure 2 the complete capsule 1 with the one-dimensional machine-readable code 4 on the lid 2 and the capsule body 3 can be seen.

The Figures 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment of a capsule 1 according to the invention with a tab 5 on the lid 2. The one-dimensional machine-readable code 4 is attached to the lid 2 in such a way that it continues on the tab 5.

The Figures 5 to 7 show further exemplary embodiments of lids 2 for capsules 1 according to the invention Figure 5 the one-dimensional machine-readable code 4 is also designed as a barcode, which, however, runs next to the straight line g. In Figure 6, the one-dimensional machine-readable code 4 is designed as an irregular, wave-shaped bar code. Figure 7 shows a lid 2 with a one-dimensional machine-readable code 4, which is designed as a barcode but is masked in the form of an animal figure.

The Figures 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment of a capsule 1 according to the invention with two crossed bar codes 4a, 4b. While the bar code 4a runs along the line g, the bar code 4b extends along the line h. The straight lines g and h intersect at a right angle in the center of gravity S of the lid 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the two bar codes 4a and 4b contain the same information.

The Figure 10 shows an intermediate stage in a process for producing several capsules 1. In the present example, the film from which the lids 2 of the capsules 1 are produced is provided as an endless strip 6, which is printed continuously along the straight line g with the one-dimensional machine-readable code 4 . The later contour of the lid is indicated by the dashed circles 7.

The Figure 11 shows the process steps for producing the capsules 1 following the intermediate stage described above. The circular lids 2 are punched or cut out of the endless strip 6 along the straight line g. For this purpose, a punch 8, 8' or a knife is used. The lids 2 are then applied to capsule bodies 3 to obtain capsules 1.

The Figures 12 and 13 show the insertion of a capsule 1 according to the invention into a suitable beverage preparation machine. The machine has a receptacle 9, which is composed of the two halves 9' and 9". The upper half 9' is equipped with a reader 10 for the one-dimensional machine-readable code 4 of the capsule 1. The lower half 9" has a concave area, the shape of which essentially corresponds to the outer contour of the capsule body 3. In addition, the lower half 9" of the receptacle has a recess 11 for the tab 5 of the capsule 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, there are penetration elements 12, 13 on the upper and lower half 9 ', 9" of the receptacle for passing a liquid through the capsule 1 appropriate.

Claims (13)

1. Capsule (1), in particular for the preparation of a beverage product, comprising a capsule body (3) which is covered with a lid (2) and is preferably rotationally symmetrical, wherein a one-dimensional machine-readable code (4) is applied, in particular printed, on the lid (2), the one-dimensional machine-readable code (4) being a bar code whose bars extend along a straight line (g) running through the centre of gravity (S) of the lid, the code (4) being machine-readable in a reading direction (r) perpendicular to the straight line (g), characterized in that the code (4) is machine-readable (2)

   - along the entire section (a) running on the cover (2), or

   - along several interrupted sections (a1, a2) running on the cover (2)

   of the straight line (g).
2. Capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein the code (4) extends centrally along the straight line (g).
3. A capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2,
   wherein the bar code is oversquare.
4. Capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one-dimensional machine-readable code (4a) is crossed by at least one further one-dimensional machine-readable code (4b) which runs along a second straight line (h), which in particular runs perpendicularly to the first straight line (g), the second straight line (h) preferably running through the surface centre of gravity (S) of the lid (2).
5. A capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   wherein the lid (2) has a tab (5) disposed in its plane.
6. Capsule (1) according to claim 5, wherein the straight line (g) passes through the tab (5).
7. A capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
   wherein at least one one-dimensional machine-readable code (4) contains and/or is linked to parameters for preparing the beverage product, in particular selected from a list consisting of temperature, volume, flow rate and composition of a liquid to be introduced into the capsule (1).
8. The capsule (1) of claim 7, wherein the at least one one-dimensional machine-readable code (4) includes and/or is associated with a beverage preparation routine.
9. A method of manufacturing a plurality of capsules (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of:

   - Providing a foil (6), in particular a plastic and/or metal foil;

   - Printing a one-dimensional machine-readable code (4) on the foil (6) along a straight line (g), in particular in a continuous process;

   - Optional: Coating, especially laminating or lacquering, of the film with a transparent top layer;

   - Punching or cutting out several lids (2) from the foil (6) along the straight line (g) in such a way that the surface centres of gravity (S) of the lids (2) are located on the straight line (g);

   - Placing the lids (2) on capsule bodies (3).
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of:

    - printing of at least one further one-dimensional machine-readable code (4b) which crosses the first one-dimensional machine-readable code (4a) and runs along a second straight line (h), in particular perpendicular to the first straight line (g), the second straight line (h) preferably running through the centre of gravity (S) of the surface of the cover (2).
11. A beverage preparation system (7) comprising a capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a beverage preparation machine, wherein the beverage preparation machine has a receptacle (9) with at least one reader (10), the capsule (1) is insertable into the receptacle (9) and at least one one-dimensional machine-readable code (4) is readable with the at least one reader (10).
12. Beverage preparation system (7) according to claim 11,
    wherein the reader (10) is designed as at least one barcode scanner, in particular as two barcode scanners arranged at right angles to one another, or as a camera system.
13. A beverage preparation system (7) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the receptacle (9) of the beverage preparation machine has a recess (11) for a tab (5) of the lid (2) of the capsule (1).

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