EP3487788B2 - Capsule for preparing a beverage - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage according to claim 1.

Various capsules for preparing drinks, in particular for preparing coffee, are known from the prior art. For example, the EP 1 908 706 A2 a capsule in the interior of which an insert is arranged which, together with the bottom of the capsule body, fulfills a valve function, so that after the liquid pressure has been removed, no beverage can escape from the capsule. A labyrinth structure downstream of the valve calms the flow of the beverage and mixes the beverage that has been prepared.

In WO 2015/049269 A1 , WO 2015/165627 A1 , EP 1 767 467 A1 and WO 2005/092160 discloses various capsules that are in the prior art.

It has been shown that the prior art solutions are complex to manufacture. In addition, due to the labyrinth structure, a large quantity of beverage is temporarily stored downstream of the valve, which continues to drip out of the capsule after the preparation process has ended.

It is the object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a capsule for the preparation of a drink is to be made available, which can be produced easily and inexpensively. In addition, dripping of the capsule after the end of the preparation process should be suppressed or completely prevented as far as possible. At the same time, foaming of the beverage and, when preparing coffee, a crema should be made possible by generating shear forces.

This object is solved by the capsule defined in independent claim 1. Further embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims.

A capsule according to the invention for the preparation of a drink comprises a preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body which completely or partially delimits a substance chamber for receiving at least one substance, a preferably centrally arranged outlet nozzle with an outlet opening and a cover for closing the substance chamber. A liquid can be introduced into the substance chamber and drained through the outlet opening. Arranged between the substance chamber and the outlet nozzle is a slit valve that opens further under increasing liquid pressure in the substance chamber in such a way that the slit valve opens directly into the outlet nozzle and in particular generates a jet of beverages. Under atmospheric pressure, the slit valve is not necessarily tightly closed, at least not airtight.

The use of a valve, which in particular only opens fully when the liquid pressure increases, can prevent the beverage from escaping prematurely, which in particular allows a coffee substance to be pre-brewed. Correspondingly, the capsule will not only allow the drink to be dispensed drop by drop, but will also, due to its design, allow the beverage to be dispensed continuously. The design of the valve as a slit valve means that an increased shearing effect is achieved in the beverage while the cross-sectional area remains the same. In this way, an improved crema is produced, particularly when making coffee. The fact that the slit valve opens directly into the spout makes dispensing the drink easier. If the outlet nozzle is designed cylindrically and in particular has straight inner walls, the dripping time after the end of the preparation can be reduced.

The slit valve can be part of a boundary wall of the outlet connection on the inlet side. This means that the entire length of the spout can be used to calm the jet of beverages. The drink will flow out of the capsule accordingly calmly and can be collected in a cup.

The slit valve can extend over the entire diameter of the outlet nozzle. Such a slit valve opens up further degrees of freedom in terms of construction. For example, the slit valve can comprise a movable or a deflecting wall element, which is not only separated from the outlet connection by the slit of the slit valve, but also the deflection is simplified by further design measures. For example, further weakened zones can be provided in the edge area of the boundary wall.

According to the invention, the slit valve is formed by wall sections offset from one another. Such wall sections, which, for example, each form half of the boundary wall and are arranged in an offset manner, make it easy to implement by injection molding. In this way, a slit can be formed which can be arbitrarily thin. It is even possible to easily produce a closed valve with a predetermined breaking point. It is also possible in the case of injection molding production with forced demoulding that the valve must be open from the start.

The slit valve can be designed in such a way that it only opens when a minimum liquid pressure is reached. For example, such a minimum internal liquid pressure for a capsule for the “ ^Tassimo® ” system could be greater than 0.5 bar, preferably greater than 1.0 bar, particularly preferably 1.5 bar. In another capsule system, for example for the "Dolce ^Gusto® " system, this minimum internal pressure can be 3 to 4 bar. Such a valve ensures, for example, that a beverage can only emerge from the capsule when it is under the pressure required for the shearing effect in the valve. Accordingly, the quality of the beverage prepared, in particular the crema, can always be kept the same when preparing coffee.

The slit valve can be designed to be self-closing in such a way that it closes automatically when there is no liquid pressure or when the liquid pressure is reduced below a predetermined pressure. For example, it is conceivable that the valve gradually closes when the pressure falls below 0.2 bar. For example, the pressure can be continuously reduced independently of the capsule or machine system before it is completely sealed. A self-closing valve ensures that the capsule no longer drips after the preparation process is complete.

The slit valve can be designed as a predetermined breaking point and can be closed tightly, in particular fluid-tight, preferably aroma-tight, before the minimum liquid pressure is applied for the first time. Such a tight, in particular aroma-tight construction of the slit valve means that no additional membrane has to close the outlet opening and a loss of aroma from the beverage substance can nevertheless be prevented. If the lid and the capsule body are designed accordingly, the quality of the prepared drink can be guaranteed even after the capsule has been stored for a long period of time.

The slit valve can be arranged in such a way that the jet of beverage pours out transversely to an outflow direction of the outflow connection piece. The outlet direction extends from the slit valve to the outlet opening and is generally approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the outlet connector and/or approximately parallel to an axis of symmetry of the preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body. A jet of beverage, which pours out into the outlet nozzle transversely to the outlet direction, will collide with a side wall of the outlet nozzle, so that on the one hand its flow speed is reduced and on the other hand a thorough mixing of the beverage with air is promoted.

An air inlet opening connected to an air supply duct is arranged in the outlet nozzle in such a way that the jet of beverage can be guided past the air inlet opening. Such a construction is, for example, in EP 1 440 910 A1 disclosed. By directing the jet of beverage past the air inlet opening, air can be entrained, which then mixes with the jet of beverage. Accordingly, an airy liquid does not already have to be formed from the beverage substance in the capsule in order to produce a foamed beverage, for example. The proportion of air can be increased by subsequently adding air to the beverage.

The air inlet opening can be arranged and/or designed in such a way that, when the capsule is used as intended, no beverage can enter the air inlet opening under the effect of gravity. Accordingly, a machine for preparing the beverage is prevented from being unintentionally contaminated by a beverage escaping through the air inlet opening and the air inlet channel of the capsule. For example, this air inlet opening is dimensioned so small that due to the viscosity of the beverage being prepared, it cannot get through the air inlet opening at all.

When the capsule is used as intended, the air inlet opening can be arranged to the side or in the direction of gravity above the beverage jet formed by the nozzle. This opening, which is arranged on the side or above the jet of beverage, prevents the beverage from escaping under the effect of gravity, even with a larger air inlet opening. However, the machine used to prepare the drink must also be taken into account accordingly, since this machine determines the orientation of the capsule when it is used as intended.

The outlet nozzle can have two, three or more air inlet openings. It has been shown that more air can be introduced into the beverage through a plurality of air inlet openings. Accordingly, depending on the drink, more or less froth can be used.

The valve and air inlet port may be configured such that when the valve is open, a venturi nozzle is formed. By designing the valve as a Venturi nozzle, the air entrained or the air introduced into the beverage can be precisely determined. The term Venturi nozzle is understood to mean any arrangement whose entrainment of air is based on the Venturi effect or Bernoulli's law. It is also conceivable for the capsule to have only one Venturi nozzle and for the valve to be dispensed with. This venturi nozzle can be arranged instead of the slit valve and inject the beverage directly into the outlet nozzle.

The air supply channel or partial areas thereof can be formed by interaction of the capsule body with a plug attached to the capsule body. Such a two-part design of the capsule enables additional degrees of freedom and, in particular, simplifies cost-effective production of the capsule.

The plug can be attached to the capsule body from the outside. This construction allows further degrees of freedom in the construction of the capsule. The prior art shows, for example, that an additional part is inserted into the capsule body, which includes the outlet nozzle. In a construction in which the discharge nozzle is closed by the same lid as the capsule body, a construction is advantageous in which an additional part is attached to the capsule body on the side opposite the lid. Accordingly, the tolerance chain on the cover side is not affected.

The capsule body and the outlet nozzle can be designed in one piece. By forming the capsule body and outlet nozzle in one piece, tolerances can be maintained very easily for example, are required to close the capsule with the lid. Accordingly, the capsule can be manufactured at low cost. However, it is also conceivable that the outlet nozzle is a separate component which interacts with the capsule body and is attached to the capsule body.

A filter can be arranged in front of the slit valve. A filter ensures that no undissolved beverage substance particles are flushed onto and/or into the valve and clog it. A correct function of the valve is thus guaranteed.

The outlet nozzle with its outlet opening can be closed by the cover. Closing the capsule and the outlet opening at the same time increases the hygiene of the capsule. When they are stored, no foreign substances can get into the spout, which could contaminate a prepared drink or the machine for preparing the drink.

However, the cover can also have a recess in the area of the outlet opening. This is particularly useful in the case of an aroma-tight configuration of the slit valve. Likewise, with a two-part construction of the capsule body and the outlet nozzle, tolerance problems can be avoided if the lid does not have to close the capsule body and the outlet nozzle.

The capsule body and optionally also the outlet nozzle and/or the stopper and/or the insert can be manufactured by an injection molding or deep-drawing process. The use of an injection molding process allows great flexibility with regard to the configuration of the shape of the capsule body and/or the outlet connection piece and/or the stopper and/or the insert part. Although this is limited in a deep-drawing process, it is possible to produce particularly oxygen- and/or aroma-tight capsules. However, oxygen and/or aroma tightness is not limited to capsules produced by a deep-drawing process.

If the capsule is designed to be oxygen-tight, penetration of oxygen into the capsule during storage of a substance contained therein is essentially avoided. As a result, aging of the substance, for example coffee powder, can be avoided due to oxidation. An oxygen-tight capsule is usually also aroma-tight. Correspondingly, leakage of flavoring substances contained in the substance during storage of the same within the capsule is essentially prevented. Oxygen or aroma tightness is required in order to achieve a minimum shelf life of 12 months, preferably 18 months, particularly in the case of coffee. Accordingly, in the present context, an oxygen- 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 changing , which impairs the quality of a coffee beverage made from it.

If an oxygen and/or aroma-tight capsule is produced using a deep-drawing process, the film material used for this purpose can have an OTR (oxygen transmission rate) of less than 5, preferably less than 2. The OTR indicates the amount of oxygen per unit area and time that diffuses through a foil, in the unit: cm3/m2/day/0.21 bar. However, the finished oxygen- and/or aroma-tight capsule body, or the entire capsule (including stopper and/or insert and lid), can have an OTR (oxygen transmission rate) of less than 5, preferably less than 2. This applies regardless of the manufacturing process used.

Figur 1:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kapsel mit Kapselkörper und abgehobenem Stopfen,

Figur 2:

einen Querschnitt durch die zusammengesetzte Kapsel aus Figur 1,

Figur 3a:

eine perspektivische Ansicht von schräg unten auf eine aufgeschnittene Kapsel gemäss Figur 1, wobei der Schnitt quer zum Schnitt aus Figur 2 verläuft, wobei die Kapsel erfindungsgemäß ist,

Figur 3b:

einen vergrösserten Ausschnitt aus der Figur 3a,

Figur 3c:

eine vergrösserte perspektivische Ansicht von schräg oben auf einen zentralen Bereich der aufgeschnittenen Kapsel gemäss Figur 1, wobei die Kapsel erfindungsgemäß ist,

Figur 4:

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf einen zentralen Bereich des Kapselkörpers aus Figur 1, wobei die Kapsel erfindungsgemäß ist,

Figur 5:

eine vergrösserte perspektivische Ansicht von schräg unten auf einen zentralen Bereich einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Kapsel,

Figur 6:

eine perspektivische Ansicht von oben auf einen zentralen Bereich des Kapselkörpers gemäss der Ausführungsform von Figur 5,

Figur 7:

eine perspektivische Ansicht von schräg oben auf eine aufgeschnittene erfindungsgemässe Kapsel in einer weiteren Ausführungsform, und

Figur 8:

einen Querschnitt durch eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Kapsel.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of figures, which merely represent exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Figure 1:

a perspective view of a capsule with a capsule body and a lifted stopper,

Figure 2:

a cross-section through the assembled capsule figure 1 ,

Figure 3a:

a perspective view obliquely from below of a cut open capsule according to FIG figure 1 , where the cut is perpendicular to the cut out figure 2 runs, wherein the capsule is according to the invention,

Figure 3b:

an enlarged section of the Figure 3a ,

Figure 3c:

an enlarged perspective view obliquely from above of a central area of the cut-open capsule according to FIG figure 1 , wherein the capsule is according to the invention,

Figure 4:

a perspective view of a central area of the capsule body figure 1 , wherein the capsule is according to the invention,

Figure 5:

an enlarged perspective view obliquely from below of a central area of a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention,

Figure 6:

a perspective view from above of a central area of the capsule body according to the embodiment of FIG figure 5 ,

Figure 7:

a perspective view obliquely from above of a cut open capsule according to the invention in a further embodiment, and

Figure 8:

a cross section through a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention.

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a capsule 1 with a capsule body 2 and a plug 9 lifted from the capsule body 2 and to be connected thereto. The capsule 1 is aligned as it is to be used as intended. Correspondingly, a cover 8 (see figure 2 ) located on the underside of the capsule 1. The capsule body 2 has a receptacle on the visible upper side in a central area, into which the plug 9 can be inserted. When used as intended, the plug 9 is firmly connected to the capsule body 2, for example glued in, welded in or snapped in. The capsule body 2 has through openings 16 which allow a beverage formed in the capsule 1 to pass through to the stopper 9 . The stopper 9 has a filter 15 on its lower side in the illustration shown, which is formed by a multiplicity of slits. However, the actual filter function only comes into effect when the plug 9 is inserted in the capsule body 2, the drink is in a space between the capsule body 2 and the plug 9 and is passed through the slots of the filter 15.

In the figure 2 is a cross-section through the assembled capsule 1 of FIG figure 1 pictured. The capsule body 2 can again be seen, in which the plug 9 is inserted from above in the illustration shown. The plug 9 tightly seals the capsule body 2 on the upper side, which is at the top in the illustration shown and when used as intended. The capsule body 2 forms a substance chamber 3 in which a substance 4 for preparing the drink is present. The capsule 1 or the capsule body 2 is closed by a cover 8 on the underside. This cover 8 not only closes the substance chamber 3 but also an air supply channel 7 and an outlet connection 5 with its outlet opening 6 . The air supply channel 7 is arranged coaxially around the outlet connection 5 . The outlet nozzle 5 is closed off by a boundary wall 12 on the side opposite the outlet opening 6 . The slots in the additional part 9, which form the filter 15, can also be seen.

In the Figures 3a to 3c is in each case a perspective view of a cut-open capsule according to FIG figure 1 shown wherein the capsule is in accordance with the invention. The cut runs transversely to the cut from the figure 2 . The function of the capsule is explained on the basis of these figures. Again, the capsule body 2 and the additional part 9 can be seen. As already for figure 1 mentioned, the capsule body 2 forms a substance chamber 3, which receives the substance required for the production of the beverage. The outlet nozzle 5 with its outlet opening 6 is arranged in a central region of the capsule body 2 . The air supply duct 7 is provided coaxially around this outlet nozzle 5 . The cover 8 is not shown (see figure 2 ), which closes the capsule 1. When used as intended, the capsule 1 is pierced from below, ie through the lid, so that a liquid is injected into the capsule or into the substance chamber 3 . After a short time, the drink will fill the entire substance chamber 3 and pass through the passage openings 16 into an intermediate space 17 between the capsule body 2 and the stopper 9 . The drink will flow down there and through the filter 15 (see Figure 3b ) get into a collection space 13 above the outlet nozzle 5. The collection space 13 is separated from the outlet nozzle 5 by a boundary wall 12 . This boundary wall 12 is formed by two wall sections 20, 21 which are offset from one another. A slit valve 14 is formed between these two wall sections 20, 21. The slit valve 14 opens under the pressure of the beverage and allows a jet of liquid to flow out into the outlet nozzle 5. This slit valve 14 also applies shearing forces to the beverage in order to produce a crema when preparing coffee or to condition any air bubbles contained in the beverage .

After the beverage has passed from the substance chamber 3 through the passage openings 16 into an intermediate space 17 between the stopper 9 and the capsule body 2, the beverage is forced downwards due to the internal pressure. The drink has to pass the filter 15 formed by the slits of the plug 9 in cooperation with the capsule body 2. The drink is filtered. When using, for example, coffee powder as a beverage substance, a filter cake will form in the intermediate space from substance particles that have been swept along, which promotes filtration. The filtered beverage enters a collecting chamber 13 above the outlet nozzle 5. This collecting chamber is separated from the outlet nozzle 5 and the outlet opening 6 by a boundary wall 12 and a slit valve 14 arranged therein. The slit valve 14 only opens when there is a minimum internal pressure of 0.5 bar inside the capsule. As soon as the required internal pressure is reached, the slit valve 14 will open, ie the slit of the slit valve 14 is pressed open by the pressure and a jet of beverage is formed. As already mentioned, this internal pressure depends on the capsule system and can be adjusted during the production of the capsule. This jet of beverage is injected into the outlet nozzle 5, the beverage can reach the outlet opening 6 unhindered. Through the slit valve 14, the beverage is loaded with shearing forces. Air contained in the drink is thus formed into fine air bubbles, which are carried along in the drink stream. In particular, when preparing coffee from coffee powder, a crema is thus produced which, for example, appears as a fine foam trains in a cup on the prepared coffee. By using a slit valve 14, the shearing force can be increased compared to a hole valve while the nozzle cross-section remains the same.

The slit valve 14 extends over the entire diameter of the outlet nozzle 5. Accordingly, the slit extends over the entire boundary wall 12. The slit is formed by two offset wall sections 20, 21, with one wall section 21 comprising a partition wall 19 of the air supply duct 7. The other partition wall 20 is designed to be comparatively thin, so that it can deform under the applied liquid pressure in order to enlarge the slit of the slit valve 14 accordingly. The partition wall 20 preferably has a thickness of between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm, so that it can be correspondingly easily deformed by an applied internal liquid pressure. Of course, this thickness can be adjusted depending on the material used and the internal pressure required.

The slit valve 14 is designed in such a way that the resulting jet of beverage is directed past an air inlet opening 11, i.e. it is injected transversely to an outlet direction 10 from the boundary wall 12 to the outlet opening 6 into the outlet connection piece 5 and hits the side wall of the outlet connection piece 5. This air inlet opening 11 is connected to the air supply duct 7 which is arranged coaxially around the outlet nozzle 5 . When passing under the air inlet opening 11, the beverage jet entrains air due to the suction effect and mixes with this air. An air-foamed drink is formed, which leaves the capsule through the outlet opening 6 . In particular when preparing milk, additional foam formation is often desirable, for example to produce a cappuccino or a latte macchiato. A fine foam in the form of a crema is also desirable when preparing coffee. As soon as the desired amount of drink has been prepared, the liquid is introduced into the substance chamber 3 (see Figure 3a ) is suppressed, the internal pressure in the capsule will drop and if the pressure falls below 0.2 bar, the slit valve 14 will close again. It can therefore no longer get a drink in the outlet nozzle 5, a dripping will be over after a short time. Said pressure is in turn dependent on the capsule system and can be adjusted during manufacture of the capsule. figure 4 shows a perspective view from above of a central area of the capsule body 2 from FIG figure 1 the capsule being in accordance with the invention. This central area is designed as a depression in the capsule body, as shown in FIG figure 1 can be seen. Clearly visible are the passage openings 16 through which the beverage enters the intermediate space 17 (see Figures 3a and 3b ) arrived. Ribs 18 are arranged in a circle in the bottom area of this recess, which serve to support the plug 9 to be inserted (see figure 1 ) serve. Also visible in the floor area are two partial areas with two wall sections 20, 21, which together form a boundary wall 12 to the outlet nozzle 5 (see Fig Figures 3a to 3c ) form. A first partial area with the wall section 20 represents the collection space 13 which collects the prepared beverage before it passes through the slit valve 14 . The second partial area with wall section 21 is separated from the ribs 18 and from the collection space 13 by a partition wall 19 . This partition wall 19 is tightly connected to the plug 9. The area separated in this way has access to the air supply duct 7 and three air inlet openings 11 which open into the outlet nozzle. This separated partial area makes it possible for air to be entrained by the beverage jet in the outlet nozzle. The arrangement of the air inlet openings 11 prevents the beverage from getting out of the outlet nozzle 5 into the air inlet openings 11 and the air inlet channel 7 under the effect of gravity.

As already described above, the drink collects after passing through the through openings 16 and the filter 15 (both see Figures 3a and 3b ) in the collection chamber 13. The slit valve 14 is closed in its rest position, the slit can only be seen as a hairline crack. Accordingly, there is still no opening, but the plastic has already been severed at the location of the slit valve 14 by the hairline crack. As soon as the liquid pressure inside the capsule increases and reaches a certain minimum internal pressure, the slit valve 14 opens by the wall section 20 of the collecting space 13 being bent downwards. The already existing slit of the slit valve 14 becomes correspondingly larger until an equilibrium is established between the restoring force of the wall section 20 of the collection space 13 and the force resulting from the internal pressure of the capsule. The drink exits through the slit valve 14 opened in this way and reaches the outlet nozzle 5 (see Fig Figures 3a to 3c ). When the internal pressure decreases, for example when the process of preparing the beverage is complete, the wall section 20 of the collection chamber 13 returns due to its elasticity and the gap of the slit valve 14 narrows again. The slit valve 14 is closed. Further leakage of beverage from the capsule is prevented.

The slit valve 14 can be completely closed before it is opened for the first time. For example, instead of a slit, a predetermined breaking point can be provided, which, however, allows opening under pressure.

In the Figures 5 and 6 a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention is shown in detail. These in turn represent an enlarged perspective view obliquely from below of a central area of the capsule and a perspective view from above of the recessed central area of the capsule body, similar to FIGS figures 3b and 4 . Accordingly, only the differences are pointed out. The reference numbers are left untouched.

The collection space 13 is designed as a deepened channel. The slit valve 14 is at the end of the channel adjacent the partition 19 and is open. With increased internal pressure, the wall section 20 of the boundary wall 12 of the stopper 2 can bend, so that the opening of the nozzle 12 is enlarged. There is again an equilibrium between internal pressure and restoring force. However, the valve 14 could also be designed as a closed slit which only opens under pressure. In contrast to the first embodiment, the jet of the drink is not formed by a wide slit over the entire diameter of the outlet nozzle 5 but by the slit in the channel of the collection chamber 13. Accordingly, it does not make sense to provide several air inlet openings for the outlet nozzle 5, it exists in this embodiment only one air inlet opening 11.

The figure 7 shows a perspective view obliquely from above of a cut open capsule 1 according to the invention in a further embodiment. The reference symbols are again used in analogy to the preceding figures. A capsule body 2 is closed by a lid. An insert part 22 is introduced into this capsule body 2, in which the outlet connector 5 with its outlet opening 6 and the slit valve 14 are formed. The insert part 22 has on its side opposite the outlet connection piece 5 a surface with ribs 18 on which a filter layer is arranged. The filter layer is not shown. The insert part 22 has spokes 23 at the edge, with which it is supported on a stepped edge in the capsule body 2 . The capsule body 2 forms a substance chamber 3 . A liquid is injected into the capsule 1 when the beverage is being prepared. This liquid gets into the substance chamber 3 so that the drink can form there. As the pressure of the beverage increases, it is pressed through the filter layer (not shown) consisting of a perforated film and/or a filter fleece and collects in a collection space 13 above the outlet nozzle 5. The collection space 13 is in turn defined by a boundary wall 12 with two wall sections 20 , 21 separated from the outlet nozzle 5. The two wall sections 20, 21 are offset from one another and form a slit valve 14, which opens under the applied liquid pressure. The jet of liquid is injected into the outlet nozzle 5 by the arrangement of the slit valve 14 transversely to an outlet direction 10 which extends approximately parallel to the side wall of the outlet nozzle 5 in the direction from the boundary wall 12 to the outlet opening 6 . An air inlet opening, which is connected to an air supply channel that runs coaxially around the outlet nozzle 5, is realized as already described in the previous embodiments.

In the figure 8 a cross section through a further embodiment of a capsule 1 according to the invention is shown. This capsule 1 is formed by a capsule body 2 which is closed by a cover (not shown). On the side opposite the cover, there is an outlet nozzle 5 with an outlet opening 6 . An outlet direction 10 extends approximately parallel to an axis of rotational symmetry of the capsule 1 from the lid to the outlet opening 6. The capsule body 2 has a substance chamber 3 in which the substance for producing the beverage is arranged. A filter 15 is arranged between the substance chamber 3 and the outlet nozzle 5 , which prevents undissolved substance particles from escaping from the capsule 1 . The filter 15 is followed by a collection space 13 which collects the prepared beverage in an area above the outlet nozzle 5 . This collection space 13 is separated by a boundary wall 12 comprising two wall sections 20, 21 offset from one another. The two wall sections 20, 21 in turn form a slit valve 14, which opens under pressure in a manner similar to that already described for the other exemplary embodiments. An air inlet opening is also integrated in this exemplary embodiment.

Claims (13)

1. Capsule (1) for the preparation of a beverage, comprising a preferably rotationally symmetrically formed capsule body (2), which completely or partially delimits a substance chamber (3) for receiving at least one substance (4), a preferably centrally arranged outflow connecting piece (5), which has an outflow opening (6), and a cover (8), which serves for closing off the substance chamber (3), wherein a liquid is able to be introduced into the substance chamber (3) and is able to be removed through the outflow opening (6), wherein a slit valve (14) which opens under an increasing liquid pressure in the substance chamber (3) is arranged between the substance chamber (3) and the outflow connecting piece (5) such that the slit valve (14) opens directly into the outflow connecting piece (5) and produces a beverage jet, wherein the slit valve (14) is formed by wall sections (20, 21) which are offset with respect to one another, characterized in that an air inlet opening (11) connected to an air supply channel (7) is arranged in the outflow connecting piece (5) such that the beverage jet is able to be guided past the air inlet opening (11).
2. Capsule (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the slit valve (14) is a part of an entry-side delimiting wall (12) of the outflow connecting piece (5) .
3. Capsule (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the slit valve (14) extends over the entire diameter of the outflow connecting piece (5).
4. Capsule (1) according to either of Claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the slit valve (14) is of self-closing design such that it closes automatically in the absence of liquid pressure or with a reduction of the liquid pressure below a predetermined pressure.
5. Capsule (1) according to either of Claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the slit valve (14) is configured as a predetermined breaking point and, prior to the minimum liquid pressure being present for the first time, is closed off in a sealed, in particular fluid-tight, preferably aroma-tight, manner.
6. Capsule (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the slit valve (14) is arranged such that the beverage jet pours into the outflow connecting piece (5) transversely with respect to the outflow direction (10) of the outflow connecting piece (5).
7. Capsule (1) according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the air inlet opening (11) is arranged and/or formed such that, in the case of intended use, no beverage can enter the air inlet (11) opening under the action of gravitational force.
8. Capsule (1) according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that, in the case of intended use, the air inlet opening (11) is arranged laterally with respect to, or, in the direction of gravitational force, above, the beverage jet formed by the slit valve (14).
9. Capsule (1) according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the air supply channel (7) is formed at least partially by an interaction of the capsule body (2) with a plug (9) mounted on the capsule body (2).
10. Capsule (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the plug (9) is mounted onto the capsule body (2) from the outside.
11. Capsule (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the capsule body (2) and the outflow connecting piece (5) are integrally formed.
12. Capsule (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the outflow connecting piece (5) is a component which is separate from the capsule body (2).
13. Capsule (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a filter (15) is arranged in front of the slit valve (14).

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