ES2396214T3 - Capsule intended to contain doses of soluble drinks - Google Patents

Abstract

Capsule (1) for containing doses of soluble drinks comprising a container body (703) which defines an inner cavity (708) in which a solution chamber (713) for a dose of soluble drink and an opening (704) are defined, the body (703) also defining an inlet (737) shaped like a tray (714) for receiving a dispenser pipe (705), said inlet (737) being arranged eccentrically with respect to the solution chamber (713) and connected thereto through a passage (732), the opening (704) and the inlet (737) being closed by a shaped lid (709), which is made of perforable material and which centrally shapes a hollow seat (711) and a folded annular portion (710) that extends inside the solution chamber (713) for forming a forced path for hot water under pressure dispensed from the dispenser pipe (705); a substantially cylindrical body seat (754) is provided inside, which has an exit opening (757) that is initially closed by a sheet (758) of perforable material, whereby a perforator (720) is slidingly arranged inside said substantially cylindrical seat (754), and whereby said lid (709) is able to be bent towards the bottom (706), when the dispenser pipe (705) penetrates the tray (714), so as to push said perforator (720) for perforating said sheet (758).

Description

Capsule intended to contain doses of soluble drinks.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus intended to contain doses of soluble beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNIQUE

[0002] For some time now, the use of automatic machines capable of preparing and dispensing soluble drinks has been known.

[0003] These machines include a solvent liquid reservoir, which generally contains water, which is heated and which, upon request, is sent, by means of a pump and through a conduit pipe, to an area where it is placed a number of capsules containing powder soluble substances that, when mixed with water, are converted into beverages.

[0004] The capsules are permeable and mixing with the soluble substances occurs inside.

[0005] The machines are equipped with a dispensing device below which there is an area where the containers for dispensed beverages are placed, such as use and throw away glasses.

[0006] A capsule intended to contain soluble beverages is known from WO 2005/092160.

[0007] According to this patent, the capsule is composed of a portion of the lower cuvette that forms a base with a dispensing opening, and a top closure portion that forms an inner opening for the solvent liquid. Between the lower portion and the upper portion a containment chamber is defined in which a dose of a powder soluble substance is placed.

[0008] The substance is contained between two transverse filtering elements in the containment chamber above and below the dose respectively, and the lower filtering element forms a series of raised projections that are intended to penetrate the dose of powder substance and that define a mandatory path for the substance when dissolved, so that the mixture of the powder component and the solvent liquid, that is, water, is completed before leaving the dispensing opening.

[0009] Another capsule intended to contain soluble beverages is known from WO 2005/018395.

[0010] According to this patent, a capsule comprising a container body in which there are two defined superimposed chambers is contemplated.

[0011] The container body has an upper opening that is normally closed with a perforable diaphragm and an inner edge that delimits the two chambers and on which a second perforable diagram is fixed. Between the two diaphragms there is a dose of soluble substance, while, below the second diaphragm, the second chamber is formed which is provided, in the lower extremity, with a dispensing opening.

[0012] Between the lower face of the second diaphragm and the upper opening of the second chamber that connects it to the first chamber, a filtering element having a series of tips rotated towards the lower face of the second diaphragm is positioned.

[0013] Between the tips, transit holes are provided that lead to a number of collection sections which in turn lead to a number of surrounding areas of the filter element having calibrated openings to allow only the dissolved substance to flow into the lower chamber

[0014] Water under pressure is introduced into the first upper chamber by an injection unit of a dispensing machine, which punctures the first diaphragm and dispenses water under pressure. Within the first chamber, the pressure gradually increases and the second diaphragm is pushed towards the tips of the filter element until it is perforated by them.

[0015] The soluble beverage flows through the filtering element and is then collected into the second lower chamber and, from it, is dispensed out through the dispensing opening, which is formed by a series of openings to control the beverage dispensing speed

[0016] Another capsule for containing soluble substances is known from WO 2004/087529 A1. According to this patent, the capsule includes a truncated cone-shaped body with an upper opening that is closed by a first sheet of plastic or aluminum material and which has a lower wall with a section that re-enters the body.

[0017] Between the first sheet and the lower wall, a first containment chamber containing a dose of soluble substance is defined.

[0018] This lower wall forms a lower edge that delimits an opening with a width substantially equal to that of the body and also closes with a second sheet of plastic or aluminum material.

[0019] The lower wall has a plurality of through holes and has a raised part in the center which, below, has cylindrical projections resting on the second sheet.

[0020] Between the lower wall and the second sheet, a second chamber is defined below the first chamber.

[0021] The capsule is intended for use in an automatic machine that has an apparatus for injecting water under pressure.

[0022] This apparatus includes an injector that pierces the first sheet, introduces pressurized water into the first chamber and then also drills the second sheet.

[0023] This soluble substance dissolves within the first chamber and is collected in the second lower chamber, flowing through the holes obtained in the lower wall and then dispensed through the hole obtained in the second sheet.

[0024] Another capsule intended to contain soluble beverages is known from WO 2005/080223.

[0025] According to this patent, the capsule has a container body that defines, in its interior, a containment chamber intended to contain a dose of soluble substance.

[0026] The container body has an upper opening that is sealed with a sheet of perforable material and a bottom that defines a central area bounded by a predefined fracture line.

[0027] The capsule is used in beverage dispensing machines that have an injection unit that injects water under pressure into the containment chamber, after perforating the sheet of perforable material, and a pressing unit designed to push the central area to it breaks and returns to the inside of the chamber, leaving the central area open, so that, thanks to this, the drink can flow out.

[0028] The pressing unit has a part in contact with the central area and a predetermined section, so that it also penetrates into the chamber to a certain extent, being a passage of desired and variable dimensions for the defined beverage between it and the edges of the opening defined by the withdrawal of the central area.

[0029] Another capsule intended to contain soluble beverages for making beverages is known from WO 2006/0236871.

[0030] According to this patent, the capsule includes a container body intended to contain a dose of soluble substance.

[0031] The container body is cup-shaped and has an open upper extremity that is sealed with a sheet of perforable material, and a lower extremity that may be completely closed or open in the center, but sealed with a lower diaphragm of perforable material ; Between the upper limb and the lower limb there is a containment chamber designed to contain a dose of soluble substance.

[0032] Both in the area of the upper and lower extremities two respective selector elements are provided, each consisting of a flat body with through holes and which in the respective central area form a recess towards the containment chamber: Two entrances obtained in the flat body of the selector elements are coaxial with each other.

[0033] In each flat body, the filtering elements made of fabric are arranged in a manner that is intended to protect the through openings and that are sealed along the respective perimeters in the corresponding flat bodies such that, between these, The soluble substance is not filtered.

[0034] The capsule is made to fit in a location of an automatic dispensing machine, which has an upper injector of pressurized water which, after perforating the sheet of perforable material that closes the upper limb, is positioned inside the upper recess without tearing it and introduces water into the containment chamber to dissolve the soluble substance through the openings obtained in the upper selector element.

[0035] The dispensing machine also has a hollow bottom tip which, when the pressure inside the containment chamber increases and the lower limb of the vessel-shaped body bends outward, is designed to pierce this lower limb or, in another Capsule version, pierce the lower diaphragm, positioning itself in the corresponding recess, without tearing it.

[0036] The soluble beverage flows through the openings obtained in the lower selector element and is dispensed outwardly through an axial cavity in the lower tip.

[0037] Another embodiment of a capsule intended to contain soluble beverages is known from patent 92/07775.

[0038] According to this patent, a capsule with a container body intended to contain a dose of soluble substance is contemplated.

[0039] The container body is shaped like a truncated cone and is closed at the upper upper base by means of a convex wall towards the outside.

[0040] Similarly, the bottom of the container body has a shape similar to the convex upper wall and protrudes into the containment chamber defined in the container body.

[0041] The latter has, substantially in a medium area, a porous transverse diaphragm that is fixed around the perimeter of the inner wall of the container body.

[0042] The upper convex part has, centrally, a weakened area prepared to be pierced by a perforating part coupled to a beverage dispensing machine and consisting of an axially hollow needle having ports for dispensing pressurized water, which are positioned for direct water jets towards the inner face of the upper wall that will then exit towards the containment chamber areas, so that water can be distributed substantially uniformly in all these areas.

[0043] The dispensing machine, in addition to the aforementioned drilling part, also has a receptacle into which the capsule must be placed in order to be used.

[0044] This receptacle contains a second container body that is open at the top and that is substantially shaped like a truncated cone, such as that of the capsule, but slightly larger so that it can be contained within it.

[0045] In turn, this second container body is housed in a collection device of the dispensing machine designed to collect the formed beverage and transport it outside.

[0046] The bottom of this second container body has a series of perforators turned towards the bottom of the container body, which is smaller than the walls, so that it can be easily perforated.

[0047] When the injector of the dispensing machine injects pressurized water into the containment chamber, after perforating the upper wall, the pressure inside the chamber increases and the lower wall bends out, coming into contact with the perforators of the second container body. These perforators are axially hollow and, when they penetrate into the containment chamber where after the water injection the liquid mixture that produces the drink has formed, they allow this mixture to flow and be dispensed out after passing through a filter located in the collection device

[0048] Another capsule intended to contain soluble beverages for making prepared beverages is known from WO 2006/045536.

[0049] According to this patent, the capsule has a container body inside which defines a containment chamber of a dose of soluble substance.

[0050] This container body has a perforable limb and an opposite base limb that is open, but is sealed with a sheet of perforable material after the capsule has been filled with the soluble substance.

[0051] The dispensing machine using this capsule has a support element to support the base end of the capsule or, more specifically, the sheet of perforable material that is normally held bent out, injecting a small amount of a suitable gas. .

[0052] The support element has a plurality of piercing elements designed to perforate the sheet when dispensing of the beverage is required. The dispensing machine also comprises a bell-shaped body designed to engage with the support element, superimposing on the capsule and having, in the upper part of the inner wall, a perforator / injector attached to a water dispensing channel a pressure that is designed to inject water under pressure into the containment chamber after drilling the pierceable tip.

[0053] The capsule container body also has a surrounding edge that can be sealed between the support element and the bell-shaped body. When the dispensing of a beverage is required within the capsule, it is placed above the support element with the bell-shaped body and a position away from it to allow the positioning of the capsule.

[0054] Next, a mechanism approaches the bell-shaped body to the base element and the perforator / injector penetrates into the containment chamber, injecting pressurized water into it.

[0055] Within the containment chamber, the pressure gradually increases and the sheet of perforable material bends towards the perforating elements that pierce it.

[0056] Between the perforating elements there are defined channels for collecting the beverage that transport the beverage towards an outward dispensing opening.

[0057] This state of the art has a number of drawbacks.

[0058] A first drawback is that known capsules have an extremely complicated structure and their fixation and filling is usually difficult, since they are made of various elements.

[0059] Another drawback is that, due to the structure of the known capsules, the distribution of pressurized water in the dose of soluble substance and, therefore, in the mixture, lack uniformity, making the quality of the dispensed beverage not is acceptable in some cases due to the presence of undissolved residues of powdered substance.

[0060] Another drawback is that, due to this lack of uniform distribution of water within the dose of soluble substance, and of undissolved residues that have been formed accordingly, the concentration of the substance in the beverage is reduced and, by Therefore, the taste is negatively altered.

[0061] Another drawback of the state of the art is that in many cases it is required that the dispensing machines have a double service to pierce the capsules in both extremities, which implies injecting water under pressure and allowing the exit and dispensing of prepared beverages. .

[0062] This requires the manufacture of machines with complicated and therefore very expensive structures, and taking into account the nature of the drinks intended to be dispensed, which are generally quite common and, therefore, involve a long time of amortization of the costs of production.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0064] An object of the invention is to improve the state of the art. [0063] Another object of the invention is to make a capsule intended to contain doses of soluble beverages having a simplified structure, to allow the perfect distribution of the solvent liquid, in this specific case, water, in the dose of soluble substance, to obtain A complete and uniform mixture.

[0065] Another object of the invention is to make a capsule to contain doses of soluble beverages that is composed of the least possible number of components, so that it is as economical to produce as the known capsules.

[0066] According to the invention, a capsule is provided for containing doses of soluble beverages as defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Other features and advantages of the invention will be clarified from the following detailed description of capsules for containing doses of soluble beverages, illustratively illustrated by a non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first example of a capsule for containing doses of soluble beverages, in a closed configuration;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the capsule of Figure 1 in an inlet configuration for a solvent liquid;

Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the capsule of Figure 1 viewed from above;

Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the capsule of Figure 1 seen from below;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second example of a capsule for containing doses of soluble beverages, in a closed configuration;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the capsule of Figure 5 in an inlet configuration for a solvent liquid;

Figure 7 is an enlarged and perspective view of the capsule of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a capsule for containing doses of soluble beverages, in a closed configuration;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the capsule of Figure 8 in an inlet configuration for a solvent liquid;

Figure 10 is an enlarged and perspective view of the capsule of Figure 9, Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a capsule, for containing doses of soluble beverages according to the present invention, in a closed configuration;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the capsule of Figure 1 in an inlet configuration for a solvent liquid;

Figure 13 is an enlarged and perspective view of the capsule of Figure 11;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a capsule for containing doses of soluble beverages, in a closed configuration;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the capsule of Figure 14 in an inlet configuration for a solvent liquid and a dispensing configuration of a dissolved beverage;

Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the capsule of Figure 15;

EXAMPLES AND EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0068] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, it will be detected that a capsule 1 for containing a dose 2 of soluble substance intended for the production of a soluble beverage is composed of a container body 3, normally made of preformed plastic material and with form of a truncated cone, which has, in what is considered the upper area, a larger base in which an opening 4 is obtained to introduce both the dose 2 into the container body 3, and a solvent liquid normally dispensed by dispensing means , normally made of a rigid or substantially rigid tube 5.

[0069] The container body 3 has a bottom 6, which represents the smaller base of the container body 3, in which an outlet port 7 can be obtained, as will be mentioned below, through which it is ejected, usually by the gravity action, a dissolved beverage, obtained inside the capsule 1, dissolving dose 2 with a predetermined volume of solvent liquid, in this specific case hot water under pressure, supplied by a pumping unit of an automatic dispensing machine and introduced inside the container body 3 by means of a dispensing tube 5.

[0070] Inside the container body 3 an internal cavity is defined, indicated by reference 8, which is closed in the opening 4 by means of a sheet of perforable material, usually aluminum, which can also be a polymer sheet or material of paper.

[0071] In this internal cavity 8, there is a first elastic diaphragm 10 that centrally forms a concave seat 11 which extends into the interior of the internal cavity 8 and has the closed end turned towards the bottom 6.

[0072] The first elastic diaphragm 10 has an annular surface surrounding the concave seat, which is crossed by a plurality of holes 12 that communicate with a dissolution chamber 13, defined between the first elastic diaphragm 10 and the bottom wall 6 and in which the dose 2 is placed, with an adjacent chamber 14 for the distribution of the defined solvent liquid between the first elastic diaphragm 10 and the sheet 9 when closing the opening

Four.

[0073] The first elastic diaphragm 10 has its outer edge 15 resting on a support profile 16 obtained at the perimeter of the opening 4 and maintaining it in the correct position, that is, centered within the dissolution chamber 13, and It is designed to bend in an axial direction towards the bottom 6.

[0074] In the dissolution chamber 13 a second permeable diaphragm 17 is also arranged between the first diaphragm 10 and the bottom 6 and which can also be flexible in an axial direction: the central axes of the first diaphragm 10 and the second diaphragm 17 are substantially common to both and coincide with each other.

[0076] As can be seen again in Figures 1 to 4, the second diaphragm 17 defines, between it and the bottom 6, another chamber 21 for collecting dissolved drinks, before they are ejected outside and also forms a neck 18 which is centered and extends towards the concave seat 11.

[0076] The neck 18 has a diameter slightly larger than the external diameter of the seat 11 and is designed to receive the latter within it when the first diaphragm 10 bends towards the bottom 6.

[0077] In its outer wall, the concave seat 11 forms a collar 19 in relief towards the outer part that must rest in the mouth of the neck 18, to transmit an axial flexion of the first diaphragm 10 to the second diaphragm 17.

[0078] The latter, in a first version of the capsule 1, forms on the opposite side of the neck 18, a perforator intended to pierce the bottom 6, when the second diaphragm 17 bends toward the bottom 6, pushed in turn by the flexion of the first diaphragm 10.

[0079] This perforator 20, which in this version of the capsule 1 is presented in one piece with the second diaphragm 17, comprises, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, and in Figure 8 on an enlarged scale, a substantially cylindrical body 23 which axially has a cavity 22 within which a second tube element 24 coaxial with body 23 is disposed or obtained and having a diameter smaller than this, to define between them an annular chamber 25.

[0080] The second tube element 24 is connected by an inner limb to the body 23 by means of an annular lip 26 to form, as said, a single piece, and has an axial cavity 27 having an open end turned towards outside, while the opposite limb goes to a small chamber 28 obtained in a coupling area of the perforator 20 to the neck 18.

[0081] The small chamber 28 has a series of openings 29 that go to the other collection chamber 21 and communicate the latter with the outside when the second diaphragm 17 is bent towards the bottom 6 and the piercing element 20 has perforated it , as can be seen in Figure 2. The edge 30 of the tip turned out of the perforator 20 is sharp and has an oblique pattern to create a kind of sharp point that favors the drilling of the bottom 6.

[0082] At the perimeter of the wall of the tube element 24, a port is also obtained which communicates the axial cavity 27 of the tube element 24 and the annular chamber 25.

[0083] The second diaphragm 17 also has a surface on which transit openings 32 are obtained to allow beverages dissolved in the dissolution chamber 13 to flow into the collection chamber 21.

[0084] As can be seen in Figure 2, the rigid tube 5, which is part of a machine for dispensing soluble drinks and having the dual function of perforating the sheet 9 and dispensing hot water under pressure, has ejection holes 33 which are obtained on the side wall of the rigid tube 5, at a preset distance from the piercing end, indicated by 134 and closed; by means of the preset distance of the expression it is intended to indicate a distance that allows the pressurized water to be dispensed into the dissolution chamber 13: consequently, when the rigid tube 5 has completely penetrated into the concave seat 11, the ejection holes 33 are positioned beyond the perforated sheet 9, as can be seen again in Figure 2.

[0085] When the second diaphragm 17 is fully bent, it rests on the bottom 6, it should be noted that the outer edge of the second diaphragm 17 has been shaped according to the convex profile 34 that engages with a concave profile 35 obtained in the container body 34 , in which the side wall thereof, indicated by 36, is coupled with the bottom 6. It should also be indicated that in the second diaphragm element 17 a filter 37 can be inserted to filter the dissolved beverages flowing into the chamber of collection 21, so that no particle of undissolved beverage reaches it.

[0086] In a second version of the capsule 1, shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, it should be noted that the first diaphragm 10 still has the raised collar 19 obtained outside the concave seat 11 which is in contact with the neck 18, while the second diaphragm indicated by 117, forms a central seat 28, which can be cylindrical or slightly tapered, in which the perforator is located, axially sliding, indicated in this case by 120 which, in the If the central seat 38 is slightly tapered, it engages with it during sliding.

[0087] In other words, the concave seat 11 still rests on the neck 18, but in this case, the first diaphragm 10 does not bend towards the bottom 6. The dispensing tube 5, when crossing the concave seat 11 directly pushes the perforator 120 towards the bottom 6 to pierce it, as can be seen in figure 6.

[0088] In this second version of the capsule 1, the second diaphragm 117 may not be flexible, however, as in the previous version, it has a multitude of openings 132 that cross it to allow dissolved drinks to flow from the chamber. of dissolution 13 to the collection chamber 21, before being ejected outwards through a series of openings 129, which are obtained transversely in the perforator 120, and an axial cavity 124 thereof which, therefore, has a structure substantially equal to that of the perforator 20 described previously, but which is not made in one piece with the second diaphragm 117, but is guided slidably within the neck 18.

[0089] In this second version of the capsule 1, the use of a filter 37 that rests on the surface of the second diaphragm 117 is also contemplated, to prevent the transit of undissolved beverage particles into the collection chamber 21.

[0090] Referring to Figures 8, 9, 10, a third version of the capsule 1 will be seen.

[0091] This third version also has a container body 403 comprising a side wall 436 and a bottom 406 to which it is coupled.

[0092] The side wall 436 defines, on the side opposite the bottom 406, an opening 404 for the introduction of a dose 402 of powdered beverage contained in a mixing chamber 413 defined within the container body 403.

[0093] In this fourth version of the capsule 1, the opening 404 can also be closed with a sheet 409 pierceable by one end of a dispensing tube 406 coupled in a soluble beverage dispensing machine of known type and capable of moving between a position resting away from the capsule 1 to a position of dispensing hot water under pressure in which after perforating the sheet 409, the capsule 1 penetrates and dispenses the hot water under pressure required to dissolve the dose 402 of powdered beverage.

[0094] In this third version of the capsule 1, the container body 403 forms a concave seat 411 obtained eccentrically with respect to the mixing chamber 413 and which is intended, as described in the previous versions, to be received inside the perforating tip of the dispensing tube, after the sheet 409 has been perforated.

[0095] Between this and the concave seat 411, there is defined a passage 414 through which the dispensed water reaches the interior of the mixing chamber 413 having an annular pattern.

[0096] The sheet 409 which, in this case is preformed, has a portion 410 that is folded to form a profile that extends into the mixing chamber 413, to form within it with the wall 436 a mandatory path for the dispensed water, which develops when penetrating into dose 402.

[0097] The wall 346 of the container body 403, in turn, forms a portion 453 that is lifted from the bottom 406 and that forms, as said, the annular pattern of the mixing chamber 413.

[0098] This portion 453 extends to the sheet 409 in a predetermined section to form, with it, another passage 432 for the dissolved beverage transported within a collection chamber 421 centrally defined and concentric to the mixing chamber 413.

[0099] Inside the collection chamber 421 there is, in a sliding and guided manner, a perforator 420 that axially represents a conduit 427 that is open at both ends.

[0100] This perforator 420 is intended to pierce the bottom 406 by means of an end 430 turned towards it and which dispenses a beverage dissolved through the conduit 427.

[0101] In this third version of the capsule 1, the bottom 406 can contemplate, as can be seen in Figures 8 and 9, an opening 407 already defined and kept normally closed with another perforable sheet 460 fixedly adhered to the face external bottom 406.

[0102] It should be noted that between the mixing chamber 413 and the collection chamber 421, an annular concave area 463 is defined defined to receive within it a support collar indicated by 464 in Figure 14 and equipping the accommodation seat of capsule 1 of a soluble beverage dispensing machine.

[0103] At the end 431 of the perforator 420 opposite the end 430, there is a filter 437 intended to filter the dissolved beverages and prevent undissolved particles of a dose 402 from flowing into the conduit 427.

[0104] Referring to Figures 11, 12, 13, a fourth version of the capsule can be seen that is within the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

[0105] According to this fourth version, the capsule 1 has a container body 503 comprising an external wall 536, a bottom 506 and an opening 504, defined on the opposite side of the bottom 503, for the introduction of a dose 502 of a beverage powder, which is contained in a mixing chamber 513 defined in turn within the container body 503.

[0106] The opening 504 can be sealed by a perforable sheet 509 made, for example, of aluminum, which is adherently fixed around the opening 504, for example, by an adhesive material.

[0107] In addition, the opening 504 forms an internal support profile 516 on which an outer edge 515 of a first diaphragm 510 rests, held in a centered position within the dissolution chamber 513. Between the sheet 509 and the first diaphragm 510 a distribution chamber 514 adjacent to the dissolution chamber 513 and in communication with it is defined by means of a plurality of holes 512 obtained in the diaphragm 510. Centrally, the latter forms a concave seat 511 which is intended to receive a limb 530 of a dispensing tube 505 equipping a soluble beverage dispensing machine and designed to dispense hot water under pressure after perforating the sheet 509, having penetrated into the concave seat 511.

[0108] As can be seen in Figures 11 and 12, the dissolution chamber is annular and centrally the bottom 506 has a raised portion 553 that develops inside the dissolution chamber 513, acting as the central support for the concave seat. 512 of the first diaphragm.

[0109] The bottom 506 of the container body 5030 is shaped to form a support edge 535 for a second annular diaphragm 517 which, with the bottom 506, forms a collection chamber 521, into which a dissolved beverage is collected before be dispensed

[0110] The second diaphragm 517 is crossed by a plurality of holes (not visible) that cause the dissolution chamber 513 to communicate with the collection chamber 521.

[0111] Within the latter are arranged some walls 533 and 534, as shown in Figure 20, designed to create a labyrinth in which a dissolved beverage is forced to flow before being dispensed outward, so that, By means of this flow through the maze, the mixture of dissolved drink is improved.

[0112] The shape and dimensions of walls 533 and 534 can be any and defined by specific requirements.

[0113] The bottom 506 has an opening 507 already defined and that can be protected by attaching to an outer face of the bottom 506 another adhesive sheet 560 forming a flexible hose 561 axially hollow and normally bent towards the outer face of the bottom 506 to seal the opening 507 when no dissolved beverage must be dispensed.

[0114] According to a fifth version of the capsule 1 shown in Figures 14, 15, 16, it will be appreciated that this includes a container body 703 that is composed of a bottom 706 and a side wall 736 which defines in its interior a internal cavity 708 in which a dissolution chamber 713 is obtained. The internal cavity 708 defines an opening 704 opposite the bottom 706 which allows the introduction of a dose of powder-soluble beverage into the dissolution chamber 713.

[0115] The container body 703 also forms an inlet port 737 in the form of a tray 714, arranged eccentrically with respect to the dissolution chamber 713, but connected to it through a passage 732.

[0116] Inlet port 737 is intended to receive inside the tip of a dispensing tube 705 normally coupled in a soluble beverage dispensing machine and which, as already mentioned above, moves between a resting position and a dispensing position in which the introduction is made into the input port 737.

[0117] The opening 704 and the inlet port 737 can be closed by a thin cover 709, made of perforable material, in such a way that it allows the dispensing tube 705 to cross to reach the tray-shaped inlet 714.

[0118] The cover 709, in detail, centrally forms a hollow seat 711 and a folded annular portion 710 that extends into the dissolution chamber 713, penetrating the dose of soluble powder drink and forming a mandatory path with the wall 736 for the hot water under pressure dispensed from the dispensing tube 705, so that it reaches all the dose areas, making the solution substantially complete.

[0119] As can be seen in Figures 22 and 23, the bottom 706 has a portion 753 that extends centered towards the interior of the dissolution chamber 713, in the hollow seat 711.

[0120] The latter is prepared to receive inside a pushing element 770 that is connected to the dispensing tube 705 that can be moved, as shown schematically with the connecting rod 771.

[0121] This pushing element 770 is intended to press the blind bottom of the hollow seat 711, indicated by 772, causing the cover 709 to bend in the direction of the bottom 706 when the dispensing tube 705 penetrates the tray 714.

[0122] Again in reference to Figures 15 and 16, it will be detected that the portion 753 defines in its interior a substantially cylindrical seat 754 that is centered in the dissolution chamber 713 and that has an opening 755 and an opposite lower base 756 in which an opening 757 is defined, normally closed by a sheet 758 of perforable material.

[0123] A filter 759 with a predetermined porosity is provided at opening 755 to prevent undissolved particles from a dose of beverage from being dispensed out.

[0124] A perforator 720 is slidably disposed in the seat 754 with a tip turned toward the filter 759 and an opposite tip turned toward the opening 757 and designed to pierce the sheet 758 when, in a condition of dispensing dissolved beverage, The perforator 720 is pushed by the blind bottom 772 of the hollow seat 711, in turn pushed by the pushing element 770.

[0125] The perforator 720 axially has a transit channel 721 which, when the sheet 758 is perforated, communicates the dissolution chamber 713 with the outside, through the filter 759 that protects the entrance of the hollow seat

711

[0126] The operation of the capsule 1 is described below, sometimes referring to the versions of embodiments described above. According to the first version of the capsule intended to contain doses of soluble beverages, the capsule 1 is located within a seat specifically provided in a conventional soluble beverage dispensing machine, which has a rigid tube 5 for dispensing hot water under pressure that can be move between a resting position away from the seat and a dispensing position near the seat, as indicated below.

[0127] The capsule 1 is prepared by inserting in its interior, specifically into the internal cavity 8 through the opening 4, a dose of a powder-soluble beverage, in this case specifically, by way of example, coffee, but which can be any other soluble substance, such as tea, chamomile, infusions.

[0128] The opening 4 is then sealed by a sheet 9, preferably made of aluminum and perforable by the rigid tube 5.

[0129] When the capsule 1 is placed by a consumer inside the seat of the dispensing machine and starts dispensing coffee, the rigid tube 5, which normally remains in the distanced position, moves in the direction of the capsule 1 piercing the sheet 9 and the dispensing of hot water under pressure begins, which in this case is the solvent liquid.

[0130] The dispensed water extends through the first elastic diaphragm 10, between it and the residual part of the sheet 9, in the distribution chamber 14, and penetrates the dissolution chamber 13 through the holes 12 that are distributed in such a way that water can reach all areas of the dissolution chamber 13 and, therefore, completely dissolves the entire dose of powdered beverage contained therein.

[0131] While the dispensing of hot pressurized water continues, the rigid tube 5 continues to move towards the bottom 6 of the capsule 1, guided in the concave seat 11 and resting at the bottom thereof.

[0132] Dissolved coffee is collected gradually in collection chamber 21, passing through transit openings 32.

[0133] The rigid tube 5 continues to move, causing the first diaphragm 10 to deform elastically in the direction of the bottom 6: in this way, the first diaphragm 10 gradually compresses the dose of coffee contained in the dissolution chamber 13. Due to that the first diaphragm 10 is placed in contact with the second diaphragm 17 by means of the collar 19 resting on the neck 18 obtained, the second diaphragm also bends in the direction of the bottom 6 of the capsule 1. The movement of the second diaphragm 17 it causes the perforation of the bottom 6, as can be seen in Figure 2, by the perforator 20 which, in this first version of the capsule 1, is presented in only one piece in the second diaphragm 17. The movement of the perforator 30 towards The exterior of the capsule 1 results in the series of openings 29 obtained in this movement towards the bottom 6, allowing the flow of the coffee dissolved outwards, placing the collection chamber n 21 communicated outside through the axial cavity 27 obtained in the perforator 20 and, therefore, consecrating the dispensation towards the consumer.

[0134] during the flow of the coffee dissolved in the axial cavity 27, an amount of air is sucked from the outside through the cavity 22 surrounding the axial cavity 27 and the port 31 is mixed with the coffee dissolved during the dispensing.

[0135] Thus, dissolved coffee is enriched with air during dispensing and forms a pleasant cream on the surface of the dispensed coffee that is deposited in a container below the edge 30 of the dispenser 20.

[0136] The filter 37 disposed on the surface of the first diaphragm 10 protects the holes 12 from the transit of undissolved coffee particles, and prevents them from being deposited in the collection chamber 21 and then being dispensed outwards, falling into the container the consumer drinks from.

[0137] The outer edge of the second diaphragm 17 has a profile 34 shaped in such a way that it is sealed with the opposite profile 35 of the container body 3 of the capsule 1, whose side wall 36 is connected to the bottom 6, to prevent infiltration in this area also of undissolved particles between the dissolution chamber 13 and the collection chamber 21. The outlet port 7 may have the shape of the opening obtained at the bottom 6 and subsequently be closed with another perforable sheet, or it can be obtained in the bottom 6 as a prefabricated contour obtained in the latter.

[0138] According to this second version of the capsule 1 intended to contain doses of soluble beverages illustrated in Figures 5, 6, 7, it will be detected that the perforator 120 is no longer obtained in just one piece with the second diaphragm 117, but that it is separated from it and arranged in a sliding manner, guided in a central seat 38, cylindrical or slightly conical, which is tensioned towards the bottom 6, obtained in the latter and pushed by the bottom of the hollow seat 11 when the dispensing tube 5 penetrates in it, pushing it towards the bottom 106 while dispensing hot water under pressure.

[0139] Also in this second version of the capsule 1, the hot water first dispensed is collected in the distribution chamber 14, from which it passes to the dissolution chamber 13 through the holes 12 obtained in the first diaphragm 10, whose outer perimeter edge 15 rests on the support profile of the container body 3. However, in reality, the operation of this second version of the capsule 1 is substantially similar to that of the previous version.

[0140] The hot water dispensed from the dispensing tube 5, after the sheet 9 has been perforated, dissolves the dose 2 of coffee contained within the solution chamber 13.

[0141] Dissolved coffee flows gradually into the collection chamber 21 through multiple openings 132 obtained in the second diaphragm 117 and protected by a filter 37 that prevents undissolved coffee particles from going to the collection chamber 21.

[0142] In this second version of the capsule 1, the dispensing tube 5 directly presses the perforator 120 which, pushed in the direction of the bottom 6, drills it by sliding it outwards.

[0143] At the same time, the movement of the perforator 120 communicates the collection chamber 21 with the outside, allowing the dispensing of the dissolved coffee through a series of openings 129 and the axial cavity 127.

[0144] In this second version, the flexion of the first diaphragm 10 and the second diaphragm 117 is not contemplated, which in this case also rests with the convex profile 34 of the outer edge in the concave opposite profile 35 obtained in the container body 3 in the connection point between the bottom 6 and the side wall 36.

[0145] In the third version of the capsule 1, the perforation tube 5 perforates the sheet 409 which in this case is formed and is completely flat, which closes the container body 403 and can be shaped as a thin perforable lid made by pressing a sheet of plastic material for food use.

[0146] The dispensing tube 5 penetrates into the concave seat 411 which, in this version of the capsule 1, is obtained eccentrically with respect to the dissolution chamber 413 and dispenses pressurized water that follows the path indicated by the arrows "F" , forced by the portion of curve 410 that penetrates into the dose 2 of coffee contained in the dissolution chamber 413.

[0147] The path is deliberately irregular and is also formed by the portion 453 raised with respect to the bottom 406, in this way, the hot water under pressure is distributed substantially uniformly within the dissolution chamber 413 which, in this fourth version of capsule 1, it generally has an annular shape.

[0148] Centrally, the raised portion 453 defines the collection chamber 421 in which the perforator 420 that is axially covered by the conduit 427 flows, whose inlet, as can be seen in Figure 11 or 12, is protected by a filter 437, which has a predetermined porosity to create a difference in pressure between the dissolution chamber 413 and the collection chamber 421, which increases with the increase of water dispensed within the dissolution chamber 413.

[0149] When this pressure difference reaches a preset value, the force that pushes the filter 437 causes the perforator 420 to move in the direction of the bottom 406 until it is perforated, communicating the collection chamber 421 with the outside and allowing the dispensing of dissolved coffee.

[0150] It is possible that in the concave area 463 defined by the raised portion 453, a support collar 464 specifically provided in the automatic dispensing machine is placed to support the capsule 1 in the correct position during the perforation of the sheet 409 and Coffee dispensing

[0151] Referring to the fourth version of the capsule 1 shown in Figures 11, 12, 12, it will be appreciated that the dispensing tube 505 perforates the sheet 509, penetrating the concave seat 511 defined in the first diaphragm 510 and dispensing hot water under pressure.

[0152] This hot water dispensed is collected in the collection chamber 514 and from here it is distributed within the dissolution chamber 513 through the plurality of holes 512 obtained in the first diaphragm

510

[0153] The dissolution chamber 513 has an annular shape and the bottom 506 has, centrally, a raised portion 553 that also acts as a stopper element for the dispensing tube 520.

[0154] The dissolved coffee is collected in the collection chamber 21 after passing through the plurality of holes obtained in the second diaphragm 517 and is forced to complete a winding path between the interstices defined between the walls 533 and 534: this path improves the Water mixture and coffee dose.

[0155] When the pressure inside the container body 503 reaches a preset value, the flexible hose 561 of the sheet 560 separates from it and bends outwards, opening the opening 507 and communicating the collection chamber with the outside and allowing the dispensing of coffee dissolved through flexible hose 561 which, for this reason, is axially hollow.

[0156] In the fifth version of the capsule 1, the cap 709 is perforated by a dispensing tube 705 that penetrates into the inlet 736 arranged eccentrically and that moves together with a thrust element 770 that is mechanically attached, for example , schematically, by means of a connection bar 771.

[0157] The latter is introduced at the same time into the hollow seat 711 causing the cover 709 to bend towards the bottom 706 and the perforator 720 to slide into the seat 754 until the bottom 796 is perforated, communicating the transit channel 721 with the outside. [0158] The hot water under pressure dispensed by the dispensing tube 705 follows the path defined in the dissolution chamber 713 by the bent portion 710 and by the portion 753 that lifts the bottom 706, dissolving the entire dose of coffee contained in the dissolution chamber 713.

[0159] The dissolved coffee flows through the filter 759 protecting the entry of the seat 754 and is dispensed out through the transit channel 721. l push it towards the bottom 706, the perforator 720 perforates the sheet 758 sealing the opening 757 in the background 706.

Claims (13)

one.

 Capsule (1) for containing doses (502) of soluble beverages comprising, a container body (503) that forms an internal containment cavity (513) to contain at least one of said doses (502) and which has an introductory opening (504 ) within said internal containment cavity (513) to introduce a solvent liquid under pressure by means of the use of a dispensing means (505) whereby said introductory opening (504) is sealed by means of a pierceable closure means (509) ) which can be perforated with the axial movement of said dispensing means (505), whereby the container body (503) has a lower part (506) with an outlet means that can be opened for the output of dissolved drinks , characterized in that it comprises opening means arranged to open said outlet means that can be opened and cooperate with said dispensing means (505) such that said exit means can operate with pr esions generated in said internal containment cavity (513) by dispensing said solvent liquid under pressure dispensed by means of said dispensing means (505), wherein said opening means which can be opened comprises an opening (507) obtained in said lower part (506) and wherein said opening means comprises a flexible hose segment (561) fixed on an outer surface of said lower part (506) having a nozzle communicating with said opening (507), and an opposite exit that communicates with the outside.

2.

 Capsule according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing means includes a substantially rigid distribution tube (505), movably associated with a dispensing machine between a rest position and a perforation and dispensing position.

3.

 Capsule according to claim 1, wherein in said internal cavity (513) are arranged separation means (510) defining an inlet chamber (514) for said pressurized liquid and an adjacent solution chamber (513) for said at less a dose with said solvent liquid under pressure.

Four.

 Capsule according to claim 3, wherein said separation means includes a first diaphragm (510) that can be arranged in said internal cavity (513) substantially parallel to said introduction opening (504).

5.

 Capsule according to claim 4, wherein said first diaphragm (510) forms a concave seat (511) extending towards said lower part (506) and which is arranged to receive said dispensing tube (505) tightly inside ) in a perforated position of said closing means (509) and in a dispensing position of said solvent liquid under pressure.

6.

 Capsule according to claim 5, wherein said first diaphragm (510) can be flexed towards said opening means (561) such that in a folded configuration, said concave seat (511) pushes said opening means (561) to open said output means that was configured (507).

7.

 Capsule according to claim 6, wherein said folded configuration occurs when said dispensing tube 8505) penetrates said concave seat (511) by engaging therein with a perforation movement of said closure means (509) and a movement of dispensing of said solvent liquid under pressure.

8.

 Capsule according to claim 4, wherein said first diaphragm (510) comprises a plurality of through holes (512) distributed such that said solvent solvent liquid is distributed in all of the at least one dose.

9.

 Capsule according to any of claims 4-8, wherein said first diaphragm (510) is circular and said concave seat (513) is obtained in a substantially centered position.

10.

 Capsule according to claim 1, wherein said pierceable closure means comprises a sheet membrane (509) that can be perforated and can be sealed sealed on a perimeter edge (516) of said inlet opening (504).

eleven.

 Capsule according to claim 1, wherein diverting means (533; 534) of said solvent solvent under pressure are arranged in said internal cavity (513) and define a dissolution path.

12.

 Capsule according to claim 1 or 11, wherein said flexible hose segment (561) is flexible between a closed configuration of said opening (507) where it is kept folded and adherent to said external surface and an open configuration where it is bent with said opposite limb turned outwards.

13.

 Capsule according to claim 12, wherein said flexible hose segment (561) forms, on said communication tip, a collar that adheres to the contour of said opening (507) obtained in said lower part (506).