ES2656203T3 - Capsule and system for the preparation of a drink - Google Patents

Abstract

Capsule (1), consisting of a capsule body (2) consisting of a polymer, with a side wall (3) and a bottom (4), as well as a lid (5) that covers the capsule body ( 2) for the formation of a closed chamber (6), which contains a substance (7) for the preparation of a food, the capsule body (2) presenting at least one opening (20) for the conduction of a liquid to through the capsule (1), the lid (5) being made of a material that is essentially impermeable to air, especially aroma-tight, and a membrane (26) being fixed between the substance (7) and the opening (20) in essence impermeable to air, especially aroma-tight, for sealing the chamber (6) closed with respect to the opening (20) and the membrane (26) being arranged in such a way that, in a use according to its purpose, it can be penetrated by a penetration equipment (18) of the device for the preparation of food in operation, characterized in that the capsule body (2) It is made of a material that is essentially impermeable to air, especially aroma-tight, and because at least the bottom (4) for conducting the liquid through the closed chamber (6) can be penetrated into a penetration zone (23 ) of the bottom (4) with the penetration equipment (18) arranged outside the capsule (1), the bottom (4) having a reinforcing zone (24), and a zone of the bottom (4) being in particular configured as a zone penetration zone (23), and because the reinforcement zone (24) is arranged especially rotationally symmetrical around the penetration zone (23), the reinforcement zone (24 being configured as at least one cavity (25) in sections essentially in the perimeter direction at the bottom (4).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Capsule and system for the preparation of a drink

The present invention relates to a capsule according to the preamble of claim 1.

The capsules, especially those that are only used once and discarded after use, are now widely used as individual containers for the preparation of, for example, coffee or tea in a device. The consumer, thus, should no longer worry, for example, about the dosage of the correct amount of coffee, and after the extraction process the capsule can be discarded along with the contents.

From WO 2010/128844 a capsule is known that contains a substance for the production of beverages that has circular openings or elongated grooves in the bottom. From WO 2004/026091 A1 10 a capsule is known for housing a substance for the manufacture of beverages in which slits are arranged in the lid that can be opened by means of an opening device. From US 5,756,311 a capsule for the storage of a substance for the manufacture of beverages is known in which a bottom or a membrane of the capsule has areas of reduced thickness that can be broken during operation by the pressure of a liquid supplied . In addition, from document EP 2 133 285 A1, an individual package 15 with a container, a bottom and a membrane is known in which the bottom is perforated during operation by means of a drilling equipment for the supply of fluid.

From DE 27 52 733 a capsule is known that contains a substance such as, for example, coffee for the preparation of a beverage by preparing it in a device. This known capsule is usually made of aluminum sheet.

20 The use of aluminum as a capsule material known to the state of the art, however, has the disadvantage that aluminum is expensive and high energy consumption is produced in the manufacture of aluminum.

From WO 2008/087009 A2 a plastic capsule is known which contains a substance for making a beverage with a machine. This known capsule is already less expensive than, for example, aluminum in manufacturing and also the energy consumption for its manufacture is reduced with respect to known aluminum capsules.

From DE 10 2004 056 224 A1, an individual capsule has been known for a coffee maker whose capsule bottom is provided with a central opening which is covered with a piece of sealed foil on the inner side. The sheet piece can be made of plastic or aluminum sheet. In the coffee maker the sheet piece can be pierced by means of puncture.

30 This known capsule has, however, the disadvantage that the plastic capsule in food processing machines often does not penetrate reliably, so that food of reduced quality is eventually made when it is not extracted by the sufficient liquid capsule according to the respective specifications. In addition, it is also possible that a large overpressure occurs in the device when the capsule is not penetrated and, thus, the liquid supplied cannot be removed without more, so that the device can possibly deteriorate. In addition, due to overpressure, a security risk for the user can also occur.

Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to avoid the disadvantages of the known, especially, thus, to facilitate a capsule that, with an end-to-end use in a device for the preparation of a food, makes operational safety possible. increased, be little polluting and economical to produce.

This objective is solved by a capsule with the characteristics according to claim 1.

40 The capsule consists of a capsule body with a side wall and a bottom. The capsule body is preferably rotatably symmetrical. Especially, the capsule body is configured in one piece with the side wall and the bottom. The capsule comprises a cap that covers the capsule body for the formation of a closed chamber containing a substance for the preparation of a food. The capsule body has at least one groove for the conduction of a liquid through the capsule, a groove that is essentially formed without removal of material. The groove in the capsule body is formed before the use of the capsule according to its purpose in a device for the preparation of a food.

The formulation "in essence without material removal" means, according to the present application, a procedure without chip removal with which the groove is formed, that is, that in essence no material is removed from the capsule body in slot formation. This can be achieved, for example, with a cutting process 50 when a suitable cutting tool is used, such as a knife.

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By the formulation that "the groove in the capsule body is formed before the use of the capsule according to its purpose in a device for the preparation of a food" is understood, according to the present application, that the groove is formed in The capsule body during the manufacture of the capsule body, after the manufacture of the capsule body or after packaging and closure of the capsule with a lid, and the capsule is marketed and stored with the groove in the capsule body. A capsule in which a groove is formed during the use of a device for the preparation of a food is not, therefore, according to the present application, a groove in the capsule body that is formed before the use of the capsule according to its end.

For example, the slot can be produced with a blade and / or a laser.

Especially the capsule is suitable for the preparation of a food and, especially, of a drink in a device without penetration equipment.

This has the advantage that it is possible to manufacture a more economical device for the preparation of a food.

A "penetration device" means, according to the present application, a device with which the capsule can be penetrated and, especially, traversed in a use according to its purpose in the device, so that liquid can be conducted by of the capsule.

The term "rotationally symmetrical" means, according to the present application, a symmetry with respect to rotation about the longitudinal axis of the capsule around a discrete angle or also around discretionary angles.

The formation of at least one groove in the capsule body has the advantage that in a penetration, where appropriate, unreliable of the capsule body, the liquid can flow through the groove. In this way it is advantageously achieved that overpressure in the device can be avoided, whereby the risk of deterioration of the device is reduced. Furthermore, by means of the arrangement of the groove in the capsule body, a more constant quality of the processed food is achieved, since at least a certain circulation through the device is guaranteed.

Especially they can be used as coffee, tea and chocolate substance or discretionary combinations of these.

Especially, for example, by means of parameters such as, for example, the length of the groove, the wall thickness of the capsule body and the material of the capsule body or the combination of these parameters can advantageously influence the opening behavior of the groove in use according to its purpose; for example, in this way it is possible for the groove to open for the conduction of a liquid only when a certain overpressure is reached in the device that only exists when the capsule is incorrectly penetrated into the device; Thus, the slot can act as a safety valve and / or circulation regulation equipment.

Preferably, the opposite margins of the groove are touched, at least by sections, in a rest position. Preferably, the opposite margins of the groove are touched by at least 90% of a length l of the groove; especially preferably, at least 95%, and 100% completely. By the concept of "100%" is meant a contact in essentially the entire length l of the groove.

A "resting position" means, according to the present application, the position of the groove in which, for example, for the preparation of a food, no force is exerted by the device on the capsule body. In the case of such a force, it can be, for example, a mechanical force action for deformation of the capsule body, whereby the groove would move from the rest position. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be, for example, a hydraulic force action that occurs with the supply of a pressurized liquid to the capsule for the extraction of the substance in the capsule, for example, to prepare a beverage of coffee.

The configuration of the groove in such a way that the opposite margins are touched, at least in sections, in the rest position has the advantage that the capsule is essentially closed and no substance can reach from the capsule body.

Especially preferably, the groove can be opened, by force action, from a rest position to an open position. Especially the groove can be opened by an action of mechanical and / or hydraulic force.

By an "open position" of the groove is understood, according to the present application, that position of the groove in which the opposite margins of the groove are distanced from each other by the force action for the conduction of the liquid.

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This has the advantage that the groove can be opened, depending on the force action, from the rest position to the open position, for example, for the adaptation of the circulation through the groove depending on the force action.

In a completely preferred manner, the groove can be opened when a pressure difference occurs at least in the groove area between the chamber and the outer side of the capsule body, especially when the pressure difference is produced by a liquid that can be supplied to Pressure. In other words, the groove can be opened by a pressure difference between the outer side of the capsule and the inner side of the capsule formed by the chamber.

This has the advantage that the groove, depending on the pressure difference that appears in the device between the inner side and the outer side of the capsule, can be opened, for example, by the supply of a liquid for the extraction of the Substance for improved and safer use of the capsule in the device.

Preferably, the groove can essentially be reversibly closed after the withdrawal of the force action and essentially returns to the rest position.

This has the advantage that after the processing of the food the groove is essentially re-closed automatically and, therefore, the extracted substance is enclosed in the capsule, which results in improved handling. In addition, this has the advantage that the groove opens, if necessary, only with a certain overpressure and closes again after the reduction of the overpressure, so that the processing of the food can be carried out under operating conditions, given the case, standardized for the achievement of a food quality as constant and high as possible.

Especially preferably, the groove essentially remains in the open position after opening to the open position by force action and thermal energy supply. In other words, the groove remains in the open position after the pressure difference is removed. Especially, the groove remains in the open position after opening by means of a liquid to produce the pressure difference when the liquid has a temperature above 70 ° C; preferably, above 75 ° C, and, especially preferably, above 80 ° C, for the supply of thermal energy.

Especially the capsule body essentially deforms irreversibly by thermal energy at least in the groove area, so that the groove remains in the open position.

This has the advantage that also, for example, with a reduction of the pumping power for the liquid supplied, good circulation through the capsule is guaranteed, since the groove remains in the open position also with a reduction in the difference in Pressure.

In a completely preferred way, the open position of the groove is independent of the pressure difference, such that with an increase in the pressure difference the opening of the groove can be enlarged in the open position.

This has the advantage that the opening of the groove in the open position with the pressure difference, for example, produced by a varying pumping power, can be adapted to the respective pressure difference and thus a circulation regulation is achieved. . Preferably, the capsule body is manufactured by vacuum molding. Especially, the capsule body consists of a polymer. Preferably, the capsule body has a wall thickness in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm; particularly preferably, in the range of 0.06 mm to 0.3 mm, and, most preferably, in the range of 0.07 mm to 0.25 mm.

The "wall thickness" of the capsule body means, according to the present application, the average wall thickness of the bottom and the side wall.

The manufacture of the capsule body by vacuum molding has the advantage that it is economically possible. Especially, in addition, the reduced wall thickness has the advantage that this reduces the consumption of material in the manufacture of the capsule and thus can continue to reduce costs.

Especially preferably, the groove has a length l in the range of 0.1 to 20 mm; preferably, from 1 mm to 15 mm, and, especially preferably, from 3 mm to 8 mm.

This has the advantage that the configuration of the groove can be adapted to the respective requirements of the food to be processed and / or of the device used for food processing.

In a completely preferred way, the slot in the open position has a maximum width b of 6 mm; especially 5 mm, and more especially 4 mm. In the closed position the groove presents especially

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a width b of about 0 mm.

This has the advantage of improving the regulation of circulation depending on the respective requirements on food processing.

Preferably the groove is arranged at the bottom.

This has the advantage that the liquid supplied, which is extracted by the groove, can wet a part as large as possible of the substance to be extracted, since the liquid must essentially cross the entire length of the capsule, of so that a high quality product can be made with the smallest possible amount of substance, which makes the manufacturing of the capsule economical.

Especially preferably the bottom has at least two grooves that intersect especially, preferably around the geometric midpoint of the bottom.

This has the advantage that the surface of the openings formed by the at least two grooves is enlarged, so that more liquid can be extracted by them for the best extraction of the substance. The arrangement of at least two grooves at the bottom that intersect especially, preferably around the geometric midpoint, has the other advantage that, depending on the difference in pressure produced, larger openings of the grooves can be formed for the best circulation regulation.

In a completely preferred manner, the slot is arranged in the side wall. Especially the groove refers to the one disposed in the total length of the capsule along the longitudinal axis of the capsule along the average flow of the liquid through the capsule in a first half; preferably, in a first third, and, especially preferably, in a first quarter of the side wall. In other words, the groove in the direction of current from the bottom outward, observed, for example, in the first half, in the first third or in the first quarter of the side wall, refers to the length along the axis Longitudinal capsule.

This has the advantage that through this arrangement of the groove the supply of liquid to the capsule is perfected, as well as the regulation of circulation. Especially, the arrangement of the grooves in a first half, referring to the length of the capsule and the flow direction of the liquid, has the advantage that a part as large as possible of the substance can be wetted by means of the groove arranged in the side wall, which improves the quality of processed food and results in a lower need for substance, which is economical.

Preferably the groove is essentially arranged along the perimeter of the side wall. In other words, thus, the groove is essentially arranged parallel to a perimeter of the specially rotatable symmetrical shaped capsule body.

The perimeter of the side wall is, for example, in the case of a conical shaped capsule body, essentially a circle in a perpendicular plane with respect to the longitudinal axis of the capsule.

This arrangement of the groove essentially along the perimeter or at an angle with the perimeter has the advantage of improved circulation regulation and results in an increased extraction efficiency of the substance.

It is especially possible, with several slots, to arrange these in combination in accordance with the provisions disclosed above. For example, it is possible to provide at the bottom two grooves arranged at the geometric midpoint, as well as at least one groove essentially along the perimeter and another groove essentially perpendicular to the perimeter.

In a completely preferred manner, no lump is arranged in the area of the groove margins on the side facing the chamber.

A package of this type can be formed, for example, by producing the groove, for example, by means of the cutting tool. Avoiding the provision of such a package has the advantage that the flow of the liquid in the capsule in the groove area is not negatively influenced and thus the regulation of circulation and / or circulation is improved.

Preferably, the capsule body has at least two slots; especially, at least three slots, and, more especially, four slots.

This has the advantage of improved circulation regulation and improved extraction of the substance to increase the quality of processed food.

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Especially preferably, the slot is essentially configured as a straight slot.

The groove is essentially preferably configured as a curved groove.

This has the advantage that the slot, depending on the requirements, can be chosen accordingly. With the arrangement of at least two grooves a combination of straight and curved grooves is also possible.

Preferably the groove is configured in such a way that, before an extraction of the food-processing substance, essentially no substance can pass through the groove.

Especially, the substance has a particle size distribution in the range of more than 0 pm to 800 pm; preferably, from 25 pm to 750 pm, and, especially preferably, from 50 pm to 700 pm. A substance has a distribution of particle sizes of this type when at least 95% of the weight; preferably, 97% of the weight, and, especially preferably, 99% of the weight of the particle has a particle size in the ranges defined above. A particle size means, according to the present application, the largest extent of a particle.

This has the advantage that the manipulation of the capsule is improved and during storage or transport the substance cannot escape from the capsule, which may eventually result in reduced quality, since the capsule may contain in a case of This type less substance than the default.

Especially preferably, the groove is closed with an essentially air impermeable layer. Especially the air impermeable layer is arranged on the side of the opposite capsule body and / or directed to the chamber.

This has the advantage that the capsule can be closed essentially in airtight way with aromas by means of the air impermeable layer and, therefore, no additional outer coating is necessary for storage or transport, which can make the face more expensive. capsule manufacturing and difficult handling by the user.

Preferably the layer is essentially applied throughout the surface in the capsule body and, especially, in the side wall and / or the bottom.

This has the advantage of a simplified coating procedure, since, regardless of the position of the grooves, the entire capsule body is coated, which makes the procedure easier to implement and, thus, more economic.

Preferably the layer is applied in sections for closing the groove.

This has the advantage of reduced material consumption for the layer, which reduces material costs. In addition, this has the advantage that less material in the layer reaches the food, since during the preparation of the food the layer is in contact with the liquid that is used for food processing.

Especially preferably, the layer is applied in at least one of the opposite margins and, especially, in both opposite margins of the groove.

This has the advantage that the material needed for the layer is further reduced with the advantage explained above. In addition, depending on the material chosen for the layer, intentional adhesion of the groove is possible, which results in improved sealing and, if necessary, better defined opening characteristics of the groove under pressure.

In a completely preferred manner, the layer consists of a soluble material suitable for food, of aluminum or a soluble polymer or a discretionary combination thereof. The polymer melts especially at temperatures of> 50 ° C. Especially sugar, polysaccharide, hydrogel, biopolymer, wax and paraffin or discretionary combinations thereof can be used for the formation of the essentially air impermeable layer.

This has the advantage that, with the use of a soluble and suitable material for food and / or a soluble polymer, the layer dissolves during the processing of the food and, thus, makes possible, where appropriate, its preparation. The use of a material suitable for food, such as a soluble sugar layer, has the advantage that it is not of concern for food processing.

The use of aluminum has the advantage that more reliable sealing can be achieved. Agree

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with the invention the aluminum layer is perforated by penetration means arranged accordingly. This has the advantage that the processed food is not contaminated by aluminum.

The present invention relates to a capsule consisting of a capsule body preferably preferably rotatably symmetrical. The capsule is especially a capsule as described above. The capsule body consists especially of a polymer. The capsule body consists of a side wall and a bottom, the side wall and the bottom being specially configured of a piece. The capsule comprises a cap that covers the capsule body for the formation of a closed chamber containing a substance for the preparation of a food. The capsule body has at least one opening for the conduction of a liquid through the capsule. The opening is specially configured as a slot. The opening is formed in the capsule body before use according to its purpose in a device for preparing the food. Between the substance and the opening an essentially air-impermeable and aromatic-tight membrane is arranged for sealing the closed chamber with respect to the opening. The membrane is specially fixed in the capsule body. In other words, the closed chamber contains the substance, the essentially air-impermeable membrane being arranged in the capsule body, so that there is no direct liquid connection for, for example, liquids and / or gases from the opening to the substance before the use of the capsule.

This has the advantage that the material of the capsule body and the membrane material can be chosen differently in terms of drilling capacity with a penetration device of the food preparation device. This increases the reliability of the capsule perforation during operation, so that the food can be prepared reliably. In addition, this allows economical manufacturing of the capsule body, which can be manufactured, for example, from plastic.

During operation, when using plastic capsules, which consist, for example, of a polymer, it is common to observe that after perforation of the capsule body with penetration equipment by partially elastic behavior of the capsule body, it can be partially closed again the penetration opening produced by the penetration equipment, so that not enough liquid can be supplied for food preparation. By arranging at least one opening in the capsule body it can now be ensured that, also after a partial closure of the penetration openings by the elastic behavior of the material of the capsule body, sufficient liquid can be supplied to the closed chamber of the capsule. By arranging the at least one opening in the capsule body, however, it is prevented that the capsule is essentially closed in an air-tight manner for the formation of an aromatic container: in this case, for example, the using coffee as a removable substance, it is advisable to close the capsule for transport and / or storage of the capsule in an essentially air-tight outer coating, which, however, has the disadvantage that more packaging material is consumed and also Each packaged capsule occupies a volume greater than the capsule as such. By arranging the essentially air impermeable membrane in the capsule between opening and substance, the substance can be closed in the capsule essentially in an air tight manner, so that an aromatic waterproof capsule is formed.

An opening in the capsule body can be configured, for example, as a hole with rectangular, elliptical or circular cross-section, or also as a groove. By having more than one opening in the capsule body the shapes of the openings can be combined discretionally according to the requirements, for example, by providing an opening with circular cross-section, as well as a groove, at the bottom and / or the side wall.

Preferably the essentially air impermeable membrane is arranged, at least in the area of the at least one opening, distanced from the side wall and / or the bottom. Especially the essentially air impermeable membrane is distanced from the entire bottom.

This has the advantage that after the perforation of the membrane by means of the penetration equipment, a current connection of the opening is formed to the position of the perforation of the membrane for a reliable extraction of the substance for the preparation of the food. Especially by distancing the membrane from the entire bottom and by arranging several openings in the bottom, a reliable and rapid extraction of the substance for food preparation can thus be carried out.

By distancing the membrane from the opening it is understood herein that the membrane does not fit the capsule body in the area where the opening is arranged.

Preferably the capsule body has at least two openings, all openings being arranged on the opposite side to the substance of the membrane essentially impermeable to air.

This has the advantage that there is no direct liquid connection between the environment and the substance by arranging the openings in the capsule body for simplified sealing of the closed chamber in which the substance is arranged.

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According to the invention, the essentially air-impermeable membrane is arranged in such a way that the membrane in a use according to its purpose can be penetrated by a penetration device of the device for preparing the food during operation.

This has the advantage that the capsule body and the membrane can be penetrated with the same penetration equipment for the reliable supply of the liquid extraction supply of the substance for the preparation of the beverage.

As an alternative, of course, it is also conceivable that only the capsule body is pierced by penetration equipment and the membrane is broken by the pressure of the liquid supplied during operation. To this end, areas of weakening in the membrane may be arranged, so that it breaks less during operation.

Preferably the membrane is made of aluminum and / or a laminate. Especially the laminate can essentially deform plastically.

This has the advantage of the ability to adapt the capsule to the corresponding device for preparing the food, a device in which it must be introduced to ensure a reliable supply of the liquid to the closed chamber for the extraction of the substance. Especially the use of aluminum is advantageous, since when perforated it the aluminum membrane essentially deforms plastically and, thus, the penetration opening for the liquid supply can be reliably formed in the aluminum. Alternatively, the membrane can also be formed of a laminate, that is, a multilayer material that can be especially deformed in plastic form for the reliable formation of the penetration opening.

For example, the laminate can be formed from two layers of polymers or also from an aluminum layer in combination with a layer of a polymer according to the requirements on the capsule.

According to the invention, the capsule body and the lid are made of an essentially air impermeable material. This also has the advantage that the substance housed in the capsule is essentially closed in an air-tight manner, so that an aromatic-tight capsule is formed and no additional outer coating is needed, which reduces manufacturing costs and Simplifies the handling of the capsule when used by a user.

In accordance with the invention, the bottom of the capsule for the conduction of the liquid through the closed chamber can be penetrated with a penetration equipment arranged outside the capsule in a bottom penetration zone. The bottom has, in this respect, a reinforcement zone, a central bottom zone being specially configured as a penetration zone. The reinforcement zone is arranged around the penetration zone. The arrangement of the reinforcement zone is especially rotationally symmetrical around the penetration zone. The reinforcement zone is configured as at least one cavity by sections essentially in the perimeter direction at the bottom.

A cavity in the bottom means a cavity in an outer side of the capsule, namely, as an integral component of the bottom.

By a cavity by sections in the bottom essentially in the perimetric direction it is understood that the cavity has an extension in the perimetric direction that is less than 360 °.

A penetration zone means, according to the present application, a bottom zone that is penetrated by the penetration equipment.

A reinforcement zone means, according to the present application, a bottom zone in which the cavities for the reinforcement are arranged.

The arrangement of the reinforcement zone around the penetration zone now has the advantage that the bottom can be reliably penetrated by penetration equipment arranged in usual devices for the preparation of a food, so that the beverage manufacturing In addition, the capsule can also be manufactured economically, since the reinforcement zone is configured as an integral component of the capsule and the capsule can be manufactured, for example, by a vacuum molding process. Thus, plastic capsules can be used in usual devices that penetrate reliably without always providing a reinforcement zone in the devices.

Preferably the cavity has at least two wall sections inclined towards each other, especially the wall sections are inclined towards each other in a cutting plane through the cavity, a cutting plane that has its path along the longitudinal axis of the capsule body

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This arrangement as a cavity of two wall sections inclined towards each other has proved advantageous in practice for the formation of the reinforcement zone, which cavity can also be produced in a simple and economical way, for example, with a vacuum molding process. .

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system comprising a capsule filled with a substance, as described above, and a beverage making device. The beverage making device has a capsule holder for the capsule housing. The beverage manufacturing device also has a device for the supply of a liquid to the capsule for the extraction of the substance for the preparation of a beverage, the beverage can be removed by a capsule lid. Finally, the beverage making device advantageously also presents a further penetration device.

The beverage making device also especially presents a device for the withdrawal of the beverage, for example, to a drinking vessel.

Other features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below by means of examples of

embodiment for a better understanding, without which the invention should be restricted to the embodiments.

They show:

Figure 1: plan view of a capsule body with four slots;

Figure 2: plan view on an alternative capsule body with grooves with a full surface coating;

Figure 3: plan view on a slotted capsule body with a sectional coating;

Figure 4: plan view on a slotted capsule body with a coating of the entire surface of the

background;

Figure 5: plan view on a capsule body with grooves in the bottom and side wall;

Figure 6: plan view on a capsule body with curved grooves in the bottom;

Figure 7: plan view on a capsule body with grooves in the side wall and covering the entire surface;

Figure 8: plan view on another alternative capsule body with grooves;

Figure 9: enlarged representation of detail A according to Figure 8 with a groove in a position of

repose;

Figure 10: enlarged representation of detail A according to Figure 8 in an open position of the groove with coating;

Figure 11: side view of a capsule with a curved groove;

Figure 12: schematic representation of a system according to the invention consisting of a capsule according to the invention and a beverage making device;

Figure 13: schematic representation of an alternative system according to the invention consisting of capsule and beverage making device with penetration equipment;

Figure 14: plan view on a capsule with slots;

Figure 15: Cut-away side view of a capsule body according to the invention;

Figure 16: partially cut side view of another alternative capsule according to the invention;

Figure 17: plan view on a capsule according to the invention with openings.

A plan view on the bottom 4 of a capsule body 2 is shown in Figure 1. The capsule body 2 has a flange 22 and a side wall 3. On the bottom 4 four grooves 8 are shown in a rest position , that is, in a closed position. No force is exerted on the capsule body 2.

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A plan view on an alternative capsule body 2 is shown in Figure 2. The same references indicate the same characteristics in all the figures and, therefore, are only explained again if necessary.

At the bottom 4 of the capsule body 2 two slots 8 are arranged that intersect approximately at the geometric midpoint of the bottom. For sealing the grooves 8, the capsule body 2, that is, the side wall 3 and the bottom 4, is closed over its entire surface with a layer 10 essentially impermeable to air. This layer 10 is configured as an appropriate layer for soluble and air-impermeable foods consisting essentially of sugar.

In FIG. 3, another alternative capsule body 2 with grooves 8 is shown. The grooves 8 are sealed with an aluminum layer 10, which covers the bottom 4 in sections.

A plan view of another capsule body 2 is shown in Figure 4. The grooves 8 in the bottom are closed with a layer of soluble polymer 10 covering the bottom 4 over its entire surface.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of another capsule body 2 with grooves 8 at the bottom 4 and the side wall 3. A layer for closing the grooves 8 is applied on the inner side, that is, on the chamber of the capsule body in which the substance for making a beverage is housed. This layer is not visible in the present figure.

A plan view of another capsule body with curved grooves is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of another capsule body 2 with grooves 8 in the side wall, which are closed with a soluble layer 10 suitable for food. The layer 10 is applied to the side wall 3 throughout its surface.

Another plan view of an alternative embodiment of the capsule body 2 comprising two grooves in the bottom is shown in Figure 8. Detail A is explained in more detail below in Figures 9 and 10.

Figure 9 shows the detail A according to the enlarged figure 8.

The groove 8 is in a rest position, that is, no force action takes place on the groove or the capsule body. Slot 8 has a length l of 4 mm. Figure 10 shows the detail A according to Figure 8 enlarged with a slot 8 in an open position 16. In the open position the slot 8 has a maximum width of b = 4 mm.

One of the two opposite margins 9 of the groove 8 is coated with a soluble and food-grade layer 10, which results in a closure and, herein, an adhesion in the resting position, as depicted in the figure 9.

In figure 11 a capsule body 2 is shown in a side view.

The arrow marked 21 represents the direction of flow of the liquid. As a liquid, hot water is supplied at a pressure of approximately 15 bar. A groove 8 is configured as a curved groove and disposed on the side wall 3. The curved groove 8 is referred to the longitudinal axis 17 of the capsule body 2 along the mean stream of the liquid by the capsule body body disposed in a first quarter starting from the bottom referring to the total length between bottom 4 and flange 22.

In Fig. 12 a system 11 is schematically shown comprising a beverage making device 12 with a filter plate 19 and a capsule 1 with slots 8.

The capsule 1 has a side wall 3 and a bottom 4 and is closed with a lid 5 for the formation of a chamber 6. In the chamber 6 a substance not represented in this case is packaged.

In the representation shown in this case two slots 8 are visible, which are arranged in the side wall and have their path essentially in a perimetric plane U represented symbolically.

The beverage making device 12 comprises a capsule holder 13 for the housing of the capsule 1 and a device 14 for the supply of a liquid. The beverage making device 12 has no penetration equipment.

During operation, water is heated by the equipment for the supply of a liquid and the capsule 1 is supplied. The heated water now enters the slots 8 in the chamber 6 of the capsule 1, so that it can be

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extract a drink, in this case, coffee. The extracted beverage is removed by the lid 5 and the filter plate 19.

For the best wetting of the substance in the chamber 6, the capsule 1 has grooves, not visible in this case, in the bottom 4.

A schematic representation of an alternative system 11 is shown in Figure 13. Unlike in figure 12, the beverage making device 12 has a penetration device 18 for penetration of the capsule at the bottom 4. The capsule has grooves 8 that are arranged in the side wall. Two of the visible grooves 8 are essentially arranged in the perimeter plane U. Another groove has an angle W of approximately 90 ° with the perimeter plane U and thus has its path parallel to the longitudinal axis 17.

The capsule 1 is represented in a side view partially cut with the substance 7 in the chamber 6.

In figure 14, another capsule body 2 with four slots 8, which are arranged in the bottom 4, is shown in a plan view in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

The capsule body 2 has reinforcement elements configured as reinforcement zone 24, which are formed in the bottom by means of cavities 25, so that a penetration zone 23 of the bottom 4 can be perforated, if necessary, reliably by The penetration team.

The capsule body 2 has several reinforcement ribs 27 distributed laterally around the perimeter and is configured in one piece with the bottom 4 with the reinforcement zone 24. The capsule body 2 consists of a plastic material and is manufactured in the process vacuum molding.

In figure 15 a capsule body 2 according to the invention is shown in a cut-away representation whose outer shape corresponds to that according to figure 14. On the side wall 3 of the capsule body 2 the reinforcing ribs 27 are visible for the reinforcement of the capsule body 2, among other things, during penetration by means of a penetration device in the penetration zone 23.

The bottom 4 is provided with the grooves 8 according to Fig. 14. The bottom 4 further presents the reinforcement zone 24, which is formed by cavities 25. The reinforcement zone 24 is arranged rotationally symmetrical about the penetration zone 2. 3.

In the capsule body 2 an essentially air-impermeable membrane 26, for example, of aluminum, is arranged near the bottom. 4. The substance not represented in this case in the closed chamber 6 is arranged on the side of the membrane 26 opposite the bottom. A penetration punch 18 pierces both the bottom 4 and also the membrane 26 waterproof.

An alternative capsule 1 according to the invention is shown in a partially cut side view in FIG. The capsule 1 is closed with an aluminum lid 5. In the closed chamber 6 the substance 7 is arranged, in which case it is coffee. In the capsule 1 the essentially air impermeable membrane is fixed, for example, by welding.

In the side wall 3 of the capsule 1 there is a groove and in the bottom 4, two openings 20 or also grooves.

In Fig. 17 another alternative capsule body 2 according to the invention is shown in plan view. Unlike the capsule body according to Figure 14, the capsule body 2 according to Figure 17 has four openings 20 with an elliptical cross-section that are arranged in the penetration zone 23. An essentially air impermeable membrane, which is not visible in this case, it is arranged in the capsule body 2 distanced from the bottom.

Claims (13)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five 1. Capsule (1), consisting of a capsule body (2) consisting of a polymer, with a side wall (3) and a bottom (4), as well as with a lid (5) covering the body of capsule (2) for the formation of a closed chamber (6), which contains a substance (7) for the preparation of a food, the capsule body (2) presenting at least one opening (20) for the conduction of a liquid through the capsule (1), the lid (5) being made of an essentially air impermeable material, especially airtight, and a membrane (26) being fixed between the substance (7) and the opening (20) ) essentially impermeable to air, especially airtight, for the sealing of the chamber (6) closed with respect to the opening (20) and the membrane (26) being arranged such that, in a use according to its purpose, can be penetrated by a penetration device (18) of the device for preparing the food in operation, characterized in that the c Capsule body (2) is made of an essentially air-impermeable material, especially airtight to aromas, and because at least the bottom (4) for the conduction of the liquid through the closed chamber (6) can be penetrated into a penetration zone (23) of the bottom (4) with the penetration equipment (18) disposed outside the capsule (1), the bottom (4) having a reinforcement zone (24), and a zone of the bottom (4) as a penetration zone (23), and because the reinforcement zone (24) is especially rotatably symmetrical about the penetration zone (23), the reinforcement zone (24 being configured as at least one cavity (25) by sections essentially in the perimeter direction at the bottom (4). 2. Capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane (26) is arranged, at least in the area of the at least one opening (20), distanced from the side wall (3) and / or from the bottom (4), especially from the whole bottom (4). 3. Capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the capsule body (2) has at least two openings (20), all openings (20) being arranged on the membrane side (26) opposite to the substance (7). 4. Capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the membrane (26) is made of aluminum and / or a laminate, especially in essence plastically deformable. 5. Capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that all openings (20) are arranged at the bottom (4). 6. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the capsule body is rotatably symmetrical. 7. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the bottom (4) is configured in one piece with the side wall (3). 8. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one opening (20) is configured in the capsule body as a hole with rectangular, elliptical or circular cross-section. 9. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the opening is configured as a groove. 10. Capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cavity (25) has at least two wall sections inclined towards each other. 11. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the capsule body (2) has several reinforcement ribs (27) distributed laterally around the perimeter, the capsule body of a piece having the bottom being configured (4) with the reinforcement zone (24). 12. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the capsule body (2) is manufactured in the vacuum molding process. 13. System (11) comprising a capsule (1) filled with a substance (7) according to one of claims 1 to 12 and a beverage brewing device (12), presenting the beverage brewing device (12 ) a capsule holder (13) for housing the capsule (1), as well as equipment (14) for the supply of a liquid to the capsule (1) for the extraction of the substance (7) for the preparation of a beverage , the beverage being able to be extracted by a cap (5) of the capsule (1) or by presenting the beverage brewing device additionally a penetration device.