JP2015502230A - Capsules, systems and methods for preparing beverages - Google Patents

Abstract

The capsule (1) according to the invention comprises a capsule body (2) including a side wall (3) and a base (4). The capsule (1) includes a lid (5) that covers the capsule body (2) to form an enclosed chamber (6), which contains a substance for preparing a food product. The capsule body (2) has at least one slot (8), which is formed without material removal to allow fluid to pass through the capsule (1). The slot (8) of the capsule body (2) is formed before the intended use of the capsule (1) in a device for producing food products.

Description

  The present invention relates to a capsule according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for producing a capsule of this type.

  In particular, capsules that are used only once and discarded after use are widely used today, for example, as a portion package for preparing coffee or tea in a device. Thus, the consumer no longer needs to be concerned about, for example, dispensing the correct amount of coffee, and after the brewing operation, the capsule can be discarded with the contents.

  WO 2010/128844 A1 discloses a capsule containing a substance for producing a beverage, said capsule comprising a circular opening or an elongated slot in the base. WO 2004/026091 A1 discloses a capsule for containing a substance for producing a beverage, in which a slot that can be opened by an opening device is arranged on the lid. US 5,756,311 discloses a capsule for receiving a substance for the production of a beverage, in which the capsule base or membrane is torn open during operation under the pressure of the supplied liquid. It includes a thin area that can be used. Furthermore, EP2 133 285 A1 discloses a portion package having a receptacle, a base and a membrane, in which the base is pierced during operation by a penetrator to supply liquid.

  DE 27 52 733 discloses a capsule containing a substance, for example coffee, for producing a beverage by brewing in an apparatus. The known capsules are usually manufactured from aluminum sheets. However, the disadvantages of using aluminum as the encapsulating material known from the prior art are that it is expensive and that a large amount of energy is used when producing the aluminum.

  WO 2008/087009 A2 discloses a plastic material capsule containing a substance for producing a beverage using a machine. The known capsules are already less expensive to produce, for example than aluminum, and the energy consumption for their production is also reduced compared to known aluminum capsules.

  However, the disadvantages of the known capsules are that plastic material capsules are often not reliably pierced by machines for the production of foodstuffs, and as a result, only insufficient amounts of liquid are encapsulated depending on the respective specifications. If it is not carried in, food products of reduced quality may be produced. Furthermore, if the capsule is not pierced, excessive pressure may be generated in the device, and as a result, the supplied liquid may be difficult to take out and the device may be damaged. Furthermore, excessive pressure can create a safety risk for the operator.

  A further disadvantage of the known prior art is that the device for penetrating the capsule has to be placed in the device and is expensive.

  Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to avoid known drawbacks, thus enabling increased operational reliability and more environmentally friendly, especially for use purposes for producing foodstuffs in equipment. It is to provide a capsule that is harmless and can be produced economically. Furthermore, a capsule is provided that can be used in an apparatus for producing a beverage without a penetrator.

This object is achieved by a capsule comprising the features according to claim 1.
The capsule according to the invention comprises a capsule body having a side wall and a base. The capsule body is preferably rotationally symmetric. In particular, the capsule body is realized by integrally including a side wall and a base. The capsule includes a lid that covers the capsule body to form a closed chamber, the closed chamber containing a substance for the preparation of a food product. The capsule body includes at least one slot for allowing liquid to pass through the capsule, the slot being formed substantially without material removal. The slot in the capsule body is formed prior to the intended use of the capsule in an apparatus for producing food products.

  The expression “substantially without material removal” is understood in this application as a non-machining method by which the slot is formed. This means that substantially no material is removed from the capsule body when forming the slot. This can be achieved, for example, by a cutting method if a suitable cutting tool such as a blade is used.

  The expression “the slot of the capsule body is formed before the intended use of the capsule in the apparatus for producing food products” is used in this application to mean that the slot is manufactured during the manufacture of the capsule body, Or, after the capsule has been filled and closed with a lid, is formed in the capsule body and the capsule is understood to be sold and stored with a slot in the capsule body. Capsules that are slotted during use in a device for producing foodstuffs, depending on the equipment of the device, result in a capsule body slot formed prior to the intended use of the capsule in this application. is not.

For example, the slot can be manufactured using a blade and / or a laser.
In particular, the capsule is suitable for producing foodstuffs, in particular beverages, in a device without a penetrator.

  The advantage here is that it enables the production of cost-effective devices for producing foodstuffs.

  A “penetrator” is used in this application to penetrate a capsule within the device when the device is used as intended, and in particular to allow liquid to flow through the capsule. To be understood as a possible device.

  The term “rotational symmetry” is understood in this application as symmetry with respect to rotation about the longitudinal axis of the capsule, either by individual angles or by any angle.

  An advantage of forming at least one slot in the capsule body is that, where applicable, liquid can flow through the slot if there is an unreliable penetration of the capsule body. This result is advantageously achieved by reducing the risk of damage to the device by avoiding the generation of excessive pressure within the device. Furthermore, by placing the slot in the capsule body, at least one flow is ensured through the device, so that a more constant quality food product can be produced. A further advantage is that the capsule according to the invention can be used in a device for producing a food product without a penetrator.

  In particular, coffee, tea and chocolate or any combination thereof can be used as substances.

  Thus, particularly when used as intended, the opening behavior of the slot depends on parameters such as, for example, slot length, capsule body wall thickness, and capsule body material, or any combination of the above parameters. Can be beneficially affected. As a result, the slot cannot be opened for the passage of liquid until, for example, some overpressure is achieved in the device that simply does not exist unless the capsule is penetrated correctly. As a result, the slot can function as a safety valve and / or a flow controller.

  Preferably, in the rest position, the side edges of the slot are at least partially in contact with each other. Preferably, the two side edges of the slot contact each other along at least 90% of the length l of the slot, particularly preferably along at least 95% and even more preferably along 100%. The term “100%” is understood as contact along substantially the entire length l of the slot.

  The “static position” in this application is understood as the position of the slot in which no force is applied to the capsule body, for example by a device for producing food products. This type of force can be, for example, the action of a mechanical force that deforms the capsule body, whereby the slot is moved out of the rest position. As an alternative or in addition to this, for example when liquid is fed into the capsule under pressure to brew coffee drinks, the action of the hydraulic force generated in the capsule to extract the substance There can also be.

  The advantage of developing the slots so that the side edges are at least partially in contact with each other in the rest position is that the capsule is substantially closed and no material can pass out of the capsule body.

  Particularly preferably, the slot can be opened from the rest position to the open position by the action of a force. In particular, the slot can be opened by the action of mechanical and / or hydraulic forces.

  The “open position” of a slot in this application is understood as the position of the slot where the opposite edges of the slot are spaced from each other for the passage of liquid by the action of a force.

  The advantage of this is that the slot can be opened from the rest position to the open position depending on the action of force, for example adapting the flow through the slot depending on the action of force.

  More particularly preferably, the slot generates a pressure difference at least in the region of the slot between the chamber and the outer surface of the capsule body, in particular when generating a pressure difference due to a liquid that can be supplied under pressure. Can be opened. In other words, the slot can be opened by a pressure difference between the outer surface of the capsule and the inner surface of the capsule formed by the chamber.

  The advantage of this is that depending on the pressure difference set in the device between the inner and outer surfaces of the capsule, for example by supplying liquid, the slot can be opened for the extraction of the substance. A further improved and more reliable use of the capsule in the device is obtained.

  Preferably, the slot is substantially reversibly closable and returns to a substantially rest position once the action of the force is removed.

  The advantage of this is that once the food product has been manufactured, the slot is substantially automatically closed again, so that the extracted substance remains enclosed in the capsule, resulting in improved handling. It is to be obtained. Furthermore, the advantage of this is that the production of food products is standardized when applicable, since the slot simply opens at some overpressure when applicable and closes again once the overpressure is removed. It is possible to be carried out under different operating conditions and to achieve as constant and high quality food products as possible.

  Particularly preferably, the slot is opened to the open position by the action of a force and remains substantially in the open position once thermal energy is supplied. In other words, once the pressure differential is removed, the slot remains in the open position. In particular, when the temperature of the liquid is more than 70 ° C., preferably more than 75 ° C., particularly preferably more than 80 ° C. in order to supply heat energy, Stay in the open position.

  In particular, the capsule body is deformed substantially irreversibly by thermal energy at least in the region of the slot so that the slot remains in the open position.

  The advantage of this is that, for example, a good flow through the capsule is ensured even when the injection power for the supplied liquid is reduced. This is because the slot remains in the open position even if the pressure differential is reduced.

  More particularly preferably, the opening position of the slot depends on the pressure difference so that the opening of the slot in the open position can be expanded if the pressure difference is increased.

  The advantage of this is that, for example, the opening of the slot in the open position due to the pressure difference generated by the changing injection power can be adapted to the respective pressure difference, so that flow control is achieved. Is Rukoto.

  Preferably, the capsule body is manufactured by deep drawing. In particular, the capsule body is made of a polymer. Preferably, the capsule body is in the range between 0.05 mm and 0.4 mm, particularly preferably in the range between 0.06 mm and 0.3 mm, even more preferably between 0.07 mm and 0.25 mm. Wall thickness in the range between.

  In this application, the “wall thickness” of the capsule body is understood as the average wall thickness of the base and the side walls.

  The advantage of manufacturing the capsule body by deep drawing is that this is possible cost-effectively. In particular, the advantage of a small wall thickness is that, as a result, the consumption of material is reduced when producing capsules, so that costs can be further reduced.

  Particularly preferably, the slot comprises a length l in the range between 0.1 and 20 mm, preferably in the range between 1 mm and 15 mm, particularly preferably in the range between 3 mm and 8 mm.

  The advantage of this is that the development of the slot can be adapted to the respective requirements of the foodstuff to be produced and / or the equipment used to produce the foodstuff.

  More particularly preferably, the slot in the open position comprises a maximum width b of 6 mm, in particular 5 mm, more particularly 4 mm. In the closed position, the slot comprises a width b, in particular of approximately 0 mm.

  The advantage of this is a further improvement in flow control depending on the respective requirements for the production of food products.

Preferably, the slot is disposed in the base.
The advantage of this is that the supplied liquid carried through the slot can wet as much of the extractable material as possible. Because the liquid has to traverse substantially the entire length of the capsule, a product of quality value can be produced with as little material as possible, making the production of the capsule more cost effective Because.

  Particularly preferably, the base comprises at least two slots, in particular they preferably intersect each other at a substantially geometric center point of the base.

  The advantage of this is that the surface of the opening formed by the at least two slots is enlarged so that more liquid can be carried therethrough and a better substance extraction is obtained. A further advantage of the arrangement of at least two slots in the base, preferably at a substantially geometric center point, in particular intersecting one another, is that a larger opening of the slot is formed depending on the pressure difference generated. And better flow control can be obtained.

  More particularly preferably, the slot is arranged on the side wall. In particular, the slot is based on the total length of the capsule along the longitudinal axis of the capsule along the central flow of the liquid through the capsule, preferably the first half of the side wall, preferably the first third, particularly preferably Arranged in the first quarter. In other words, when viewed in the direction of flow from the base, the slot is relative to the length along the longitudinal axis of the capsule, for example, the first half of the sidewall, the first third, or the first four minutes. 1 of

  The advantage of this is that the slot arrangement described above further improves the supply of liquid into the capsule and the flow control. In particular, the advantage of placement in the first half of the slot relative to the length of the capsule and the direction of liquid flow is that as much material as possible can be wetted through the slots located in the sidewalls. This improves the quality of the food product produced and is less costly because less material is required.

  Preferably, the slots are arranged substantially along the circumference of the side wall. In other words, the slots are therefore arranged substantially parallel to the circumference of the capsule body, which is particularly rotationally symmetric.

  For example, in the case of a conical capsule body, the circumference of the side wall is thus substantially circular in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the capsule.

  An advantage of the above arrangement of slots substantially along the circumference or at an angle to the circumference is that there is a further improved flow control resulting in increased material extraction efficiency.

  In particular, in the case of several slot arrangements, the slots can be arranged in combination according to the arrangement disclosed above. For example, there may be two slots located at the geometric center point in the base, at least one slot substantially along the circumference and a further slot substantially perpendicular to the circumference.

  More particularly preferably, no bead is arranged in the region of the edge of the slot facing the chamber.

  This type of bead can be made, for example, when the slot is generated, for example, by a cutting tool. An advantage of avoiding this type of bead placement is that flow control and / or flow is improved because the flow of liquid in the capsule is not adversely affected in the region of the slot.

  Preferably, the capsule body comprises at least 2 slots, in particular at least 3 slots, more particularly 4 slots.

  The advantage of this is that flow control is further improved, material extraction is improved and the quality of the food product produced is increased.

Particularly preferably, the slot is realized as a substantially straight slot.
More particularly preferably, the slot is realized as a substantially curved slot.

  The advantage of this is that the slot configuration can be chosen to correspond depending on the requirements. In the case of an arrangement of at least two slots, a combination of straight and curved slots is also possible.

  Preferably, the slot is implemented such that substantially no material can pass through the slot before extracting the material to produce a food product.

  In particular, the substance comprises a particle size distribution in the range between greater than 0 μm and 800 μm, preferably between 25 μm and 750 μm, particularly preferably between 50 μm and 700 μm. A substance comprises this kind of particle size distribution when at least 95% by weight of the particles, preferably 97% by weight, particularly preferably 99% by weight, contain a particle size within the range defined above. The particle size in this application is understood as the maximum expansion of the particles.

  The advantage of this is that the handling of the capsule is improved and the substance cannot escape from the capsule during storage or transport. In such a case, since the capsule may contain less than a predetermined amount of material, there is a possibility of incurring a deteriorated quality.

  Particularly preferably, the slot is closed by a substantially hermetic layer. In particular, the sealing layer is arranged on the side of the capsule body away from and / or opposite the chamber.

  The advantage of this is that the capsule can be closed so as to substantially seal the scent with a sealing layer, which can make the manufacture of the capsule more expensive and more difficult for the operator to handle, The need for an additional outer sleeve for storage or transportation.

  Preferably, the layer is applied substantially over the entire capsule body, in particular over the entire sidewall and / or base.

  The advantage of this is that the entire capsule body is coated independently of the slot position, which makes the method easier to implement and, consequently, more cost effective, and thus a simpler coating method. It is to become.

Preferably, the layer is partially applied to close the slot.
The advantage of this is that material consumption for the layer is reduced and material costs are reduced. Furthermore, the advantage of this is that fewer layers of material pass through the food product. This is because during the production of the food product, the layer is in contact with the liquid used to produce the food product.

  Particularly preferably, the layer is applied on at least one of the side edges, in particular on both side edges of the slot.

  The advantage of this is that, together with the advantages described above, the material required for the layer is further reduced. In addition, depending on the material selected for the layer, the targeted slot attachment is possible, resulting in a further improved seal and, where applicable, the slot under pressure. A better defined opening characteristic is obtained.

  More particularly preferably, the layer consists of at least a degradable and food-safe material, which consists of aluminum, or a degradable polymer, or any combination thereof. The polymer melts especially at temperatures> 50 ° C. In particular, sugars, polysaccharides, hydrogels, biopolymers, waxes and paraffins or any combination thereof are used to form a substantially hermetic layer.

  The advantage of this is that when degradable and food-safe materials and / or degradable polymers are used, the layer degrades during the production of the food product and, as a result, can be manufactured if applicable Is to do. For example, an advantage of using a food safety material such as a degradable sugar layer is that it is generally recognized that it is safe for the production of food products.

  The advantage of using aluminum is that a more reliable seal can be achieved. The aluminum layer is removed from the capsule body prior to use, or, if applicable, on the capsule and / or so that it remains peeled off the slot by the supplied liquid but remains fixed to the capsule. Fixed in the capsule. As an alternative, the aluminum layer can be split under pressure and / or, if applicable, penetrated by correspondingly arranged penetration means. The advantage of this is that the food product produced is not contaminated by aluminum.

  A further aspect of the invention relates to a capsule, preferably consisting of a rotationally symmetric capsule body. The capsule is in particular a capsule as described above. The capsule body is particularly made of a polymer. The capsule body consists of a side wall and a base, the side wall and the base being realized in particular integrally. The capsule includes a lid that covers the capsule body to form a closed chamber, the closed chamber containing a substance for the preparation of a food product. The capsule body includes at least one opening for liquid to pass through the capsule. The opening is in particular realized as a slot. The opening is formed in the capsule body prior to its intended use in an apparatus for preparing food products. Between the substance and the opening, a substantially hermetic and scent-tight membrane is disposed to seal the chamber closed against the opening. The membrane is in particular fixed within the capsule body. In other words, the closed chamber contains the substance and the substantially hermetic membrane is present before the use of the capsule, for example, there is a direct liquid connection from the opening to the liquid and / or gaseous substance So that it is not placed in the capsule body.

  The advantage of this is that the capsule body material and the membrane material can be chosen differently in terms of their ability to be penetrated by the penetrator of the device for preparing food products. This increases the certainty of penetration of the capsule during operation, so that the food product can be reliably prepared. In addition, this allows for a cost-effective production of a capsule body that can be produced, for example, from a plastic material.

  During operation, for example, when using a plastic material capsule made of polymer, once the capsule body is penetrated by the penetrator, the penetrating opening generated by the penetrator is partially re-particulated by the partially elastic behavior of the capsule body. It is often found that only insufficient amounts of liquid can be supplied to prepare a food product because it is closed. Due to the arrangement of the at least one opening in the capsule body, a sufficient amount of liquid can now remain in the closed chamber of the capsule even after the penetration opening has been partially closed due to the elastic behavior of the material of the capsule body. It can be ensured that it can be supplied. However, the arrangement of at least one opening in the capsule body prevents the capsule from being substantially airtightly closed to form a scent-tight package. In this case, for example when using coffee as the material to be extracted, it is recommended to close the capsule substantially airtight with an outer sleeve for transport and / or storage of the capsule. However, this has the disadvantage that more packaging material is consumed and each packaged capsule takes up a larger volume than the capsule itself. Due to the arrangement of a substantially sealed membrane in the capsule between the opening and the substance, the substance can be closed in the capsule substantially airtight so that a scent-sealing capsule is formed. .

  The opening of the capsule body can be realized, for example, as a hole having a rectangular, elliptical or circular cross section or as a slot. When multiple openings are arranged in the capsule body, the form of the opening can be any arbitrary according to requirements, for example by arranging one opening and slot with a circular cross-section in the base and / or side wall Can be combined in a way.

  Preferably, the substantially sealed membrane is at least disposed in the region of the at least one opening spaced from the sidewall and / or the base. In particular, the substantially hermetic membrane is spaced from the entire base.

  The advantage of this is that once the membrane is pierced by the penetrator, a flow connection is formed from the opening to the location of the membrane piercing, resulting in a reliable extraction of the substance for preparing the food product. is there. In particular, when the membrane is spaced from the entire base and several openings are placed in the base, reliable and rapid extraction of the substance can thereby be carried out in order to prepare foodstuffs.

  Placing the membrane at a distance from the opening is understood in this case as the membrane does not abut the capsule body in the region where the opening is located.

  Preferably, the capsule body includes at least two openings, all of which are located on the side of the substantially sealed membrane away from the substance.

  The advantage of this is that the opening is placed in the capsule body for a simplified sealing of the closed chamber in which the substance is placed, so that it is directly between the surrounding area and the substance. The fluid connection cannot be made.

  Preferably, the substantially sealed membrane is arranged such that when used as intended, the membrane is pierceable during operation by the penetrator of the device for the preparation of foodstuffs.

  The advantage of this is that the capsule body and the membrane can be pierced by the same penetrator in order to reliably supply the liquid and extract the substance for preparing the beverage.

  As an alternative, it is obvious that only the capsule body can be penetrated by the penetrator, and the membrane can be assumed to tear and open during operation by the pressure of the supplied liquid. For this, in particular, the weakened region can be arranged on the membrane so that the membrane is more easily torn and opened during operation.

  Preferably, the membrane is made from aluminum and / or a laminate. In particular, the laminate is substantially plastically deformable.

  The advantage of this is that a corresponding device for preparing a food product in which the capsule is used in order to ensure a reliable supply of liquid into a closed chamber for the extraction of substances On the other hand, the capsule can be adapted. In particular, the use of aluminum is advantageous because when the aluminum is penetrated, the aluminum film is substantially plastically deformed, so that a penetration opening can be reliably formed in the aluminum to supply the liquid. It is. As an alternative, the membrane can also be formed from a laminate, which is a multi-layered material that can be plastically deformed, in particular for the reliable formation of a penetrating opening.

  For example, the laminate can be formed from two layers of polymer or a combination of one layer of aluminum and one layer of polymer corresponding to the capsule requirements.

  Preferably, the capsule body and the lid are made from a substantially hermetic material. The advantage of this is that the substance contained in the capsule is substantially hermetically closed, so that a scent-sealing capsule is formed, and no additional outer sleeve is required, reducing manufacturing costs, The capsule is easy to handle when used by an operator.

  Preferably, the base of the capsule can be pierced in the piercing region of the base by a penetrator located outside the capsule for liquid to pass through the closed chamber. In this case, the base includes a reinforcing region, and in particular, the central region of the base is realized as a penetration region. The reinforcement area is arranged around the penetration area. The reinforcing area is arranged rotationally symmetrical, especially around the penetration area. The reinforcing region is realized in the base as at least one indentation in a substantially circumferential direction.

  A depression in the base is understood as a depression on the outer surface of the capsule as an integral component of the base.

  A recess portion in the substantially circumferential base is understood as a recess having an inflated portion of less than 360 ° in the circumferential direction.

The penetration area in this application is understood as the area of the base that is penetrated by the penetrator.
The reinforcing region in this application is understood as the region of the base in which the depressions are arranged for reinforcement.

  The advantage of the placement of the reinforcement area around the penetration area is that the base can be reliably penetrated by a penetrator located in a commercial device for preparing foodstuffs, thus allowing the production of beverages. is there. Furthermore, the reinforced area is realized as an integral component of the capsule, so that the capsule can be manufactured cost-effectively, for example, because the capsule can be manufactured, for example, by a deep drawing process. As a result, it is possible to use capsules of plastic material in commercially available devices that are not necessarily pierced reliably in the device without the placement of a reinforced area.

  Preferably, the depression includes at least two wall portions that are inclined toward each other. In particular, the wall portions are inclined toward each other by a recess in a cross section extending along the longitudinal axis of the capsule body.

  The above arrangement of two wall portions inclined towards each other as a depression has proven to be advantageous in practice to form a reinforced region, which is further simplified, for example using a deep drawing process. And can be manufactured cost-effectively.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a capsule body for a capsule as described above.
An additional aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a capsule body, particularly as described above. The method includes a step of deep drawing the capsule body. After deep drawing and / or simultaneously, at least one slot is cut. The cutting step is performed such that substantially no material is removed. In particular, the side edges of the slot are at least partly in contact with each other, preferably along at least 90%, particularly preferably along at least 95%, more particularly preferably along 100% of the length L of the slot. .

  The advantage of creating at least one slot in the deep-drawn capsule body is that the slot is manufactured cost-effectively in such a size so that no material can substantially pass out of the capsule. Is that it can be done. In particular, the method for generating at least one slot is substantially more cost effective than generating a hole with a small diameter corresponding to the capsule body. The at least one slot can in particular be created after the substance is filled and the capsule body is closed with a lid.

  Preferably, the substantially hermetic layer is applied partially and / or over the entire surface. In particular, the layer is applied on the side walls and / or the base.

  A further aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a capsule filled with a substance and a beverage production device as described above. The beverage production apparatus includes a capsule holder for containing a capsule. The beverage production apparatus further includes an apparatus for supplying liquid into the capsule for the extraction of the substance to produce the beverage, the beverage can be removed through the capsule lid. Finally, the beverage production device advantageously also includes a penetrator.

The beverage production device further comprises equipment for taking out the beverage, for example in a beverage container.
For better understanding, further features and advantages of the present invention are described in more detail below by way of example embodiments, but the invention is not limited to these example embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a capsule body according to the invention including four slots. FIG. 6 is a top view of another capsule body according to the invention including a slot having a coating on the entire surface. FIG. 2 is a top view of a capsule body according to the invention including a slot with a coating in part. FIG. 6 is a top view of a capsule body according to the invention including a slot having a coating on the entire surface of the base. FIG. 6 is a top view of a capsule body according to the invention including slots in the base and side walls. FIG. 6 is a top view of a capsule body according to the invention including a curved slot in the base. FIG. 2 is a top view of a capsule body according to the invention including slots on the side walls and a coating on the entire surface. FIG. 6 is a top view of yet another capsule body according to the invention including a slot. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of detail A according to FIG. 8 with the slot in a rest position. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of detail A according to FIG. 8 with the slot in the open position with a coating. FIG. 3 is a side view of a capsule according to the invention including a curved slot. 1 is a schematic view of a system according to the invention comprising a capsule and a beverage production device according to the invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of another system according to the invention consisting of a beverage production device including a capsule and a penetrator. FIG. 6 is a top view on a capsule according to the invention including a slot. It is side surface sectional drawing of another capsule main body which concerns on invention. FIG. 6 is a partial side sectional view of yet another capsule according to the invention. It is a top view of the capsule which concerns on the invention which has an opening part.

  FIG. 1 shows a top view of a base 4 of a capsule body 2 according to the invention. The capsule body 2 includes a flange 22 and a side wall 3. Four slots 8 are shown in the base 4 in the rest position, i.e. closed position. No force is applied to the capsule body 2.

  FIG. 2 is a top view of another capsule body 2 according to the invention. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same features, and will be described again only when necessary.

  Two slots 8 that intersect at a substantially geometric center point of the base 4 are arranged in the base of the capsule body 2. In order to seal the slot 8, the capsule body 2, i.e. the side wall 3 and the base 4, is closed over the entire surface by a substantially hermetic layer 10. The layer 10 is realized as a degradable and hermetic food safety layer consisting essentially of sugar.

  FIG. 3 shows yet another capsule body 2 according to the invention that includes a slot 8. The slot 8 is sealed with an aluminum layer 10, and the aluminum layer 10 partially covers the base 4.

  FIG. 4 shows a top view of a further capsule body 2 according to the invention. The slot 8 in the base is closed by a decomposable polymer layer 10, and the polymer layer 10 covers the entire surface of the base 4.

  FIG. 5 shows a top view of a further capsule body 2 according to the invention comprising slots 8 in the base 4 and the side walls 3. A layer for closing the slot 8 is applied on the inner surface, i.e. in the chamber of the capsule body in which the substance for producing the beverage is accommodated. The layer is not visible in this figure.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a further capsule body according to the invention comprising a curved slot.
FIG. 7 shows a top view of a further capsule body 2 according to the invention comprising a side wall slot 8 sealed by a degradable and food safety layer 10. The layer 10 is applied to the entire side wall 3.

  FIG. 8 shows a further top view of another embodiment of the capsule body 2 comprising two slots 8 in the base. Details A will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 shows an enlargement of detail A according to FIG.
The slot 8 is located at the rest position 15. That is, no force is applied to the slot or capsule body. The length l of the slot 8 is 4 mm.

  FIG. 10 shows an enlargement of detail A according to FIG. 8 with the slot 8 in the open position 16. The slot 8 has a maximum width of b = 4 mm in the open position.

  One of the two opposite edges 9 of the slot 8 is coated with a decomposable and food-safety layer 10 so that a closure is obtained as shown in FIG. Adhesion at is obtained.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the capsule body 2 according to the invention.
The arrow indicated by reference numeral 21 indicates the direction of liquid flow. Hot water is supplied as a liquid at a pressure of approximately 15 bar. The slot 8 is realized as a curved slot and is arranged on the side wall 3. With respect to the longitudinal axis 17 of the capsule body 2 along the central flow of the liquid through the capsule body, the curved slot 8 is the first 4 starting from the base with respect to the total length between the base 4 and the flange 22. It is arranged in a half.

  FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a system 11 including a beverage production device 12 comprising a mesh plate 19 and an inventive capsule 1 having a slot 8.

  The capsule 1 has a side wall 3 and a base 4 and is closed by a lid 5 to form a chamber 6. Although not shown here, the chamber 6 is filled with a substance.

  In the figure shown here, two slots 8 are visible which are arranged on the side walls and extend substantially along the circumferential surface U indicated by the reference.

  The beverage production device 12 includes a capsule holder 13 for housing the capsule 1 and a device 14 for supplying liquid. The beverage production device 12 does not include a penetrator.

  During operation, water is heated and supplied to the capsule 1 by a device for supplying liquid. The heated water then passes from the slot 8 into the chamber 6 of the capsule 1 so that a beverage, in this case coffee, can be extracted. The extracted beverage is taken out through the lid 5 and the mesh plate 19.

  In order to better wet the material in the chamber 6, the capsule 1 includes a slot (not visible here) in the base 4.

  FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of another system 11. In contrast to FIG. 12, the beverage production device 12 includes a penetrator 18 for penetrating the capsule of the base 4. The capsule includes a slot 8 disposed in the side wall. Two of the slots 8 seen are arranged substantially along the circumferential plane U. The further slot extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 17 by including an angle W of approximately 90 ° to the circumferential surface U.

The partial side sectional view shows the capsule 1 with the substance 7 in the chamber 6.
FIG. 14 shows a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis of a further capsule body 2 according to the invention, the capsule body 2 comprising four slots 8 arranged in the base 4.

  The capsule body 2 includes a reinforcing element, which is realized as a reinforcing region 24, and a recess in the base so that the penetrating region 23 of the base 4 can be penetrated more reliably by the penetrator when applicable. 25.

  The capsule body 2 includes several reinforcing ribs 27 that are distributed laterally over the circumference and are realized integrally with the base 4 by means of a reinforcing region 24. The capsule body 2 is made of a plastic material and is manufactured using the deep drawing method 23.

  FIG. 15 shows a sectional view of another capsule body 2 according to the invention. The outer form of the capsule body 2 corresponds to that according to FIG. In particular, a reinforcing rib 27 for reinforcing the capsule body 2 can be seen on the side wall 3 of the capsule body 2 when the penetration area 23 is penetrated by the penetrator.

  The base 4 is provided with a slot 8 according to FIG. The base 4 further includes a reinforcing region 24 formed from the recess 25. The reinforcing area 24 is arranged rotationally symmetrical around the penetration area 23.

  A substantially hermetic membrane 26 made of aluminum, for example, is arranged near the base 4 of the capsule body 2. The material in the closed chamber 6 (not shown here) is placed on the side of the membrane remote from the base. A penetrating mandrel 18 indicated by the reference passes through both the base 4 and the scent-sealing membrane 26.

  FIG. 16 shows a partial side sectional view of another capsule 1 according to the invention. The capsule 1 is closed by an aluminum lid 5. A substance 7 which is coffee is placed in a closed chamber 6. The substantially sealed membrane is fixed in the capsule 1 by, for example, fusion welding.

  One slot is arranged on the side wall 3 of the capsule 1, and two openings 20 or slots are also arranged in the base 4.

  FIG. 17 shows a top view of yet another capsule body 2 according to the invention. Unlike the capsule body according to FIG. 14, the capsule body 2 according to FIG. 17 includes four openings 20. The opening 20 has an oval cross section and is disposed in the penetration region 23. Although not seen here, a substantially sealed membrane is disposed in the capsule body 2 at a distance from the base.

Claims (26)

  Capsule (1), said capsule preferably comprising a rotationally symmetric capsule body (2), said capsule body (2) being realized integrally with the side wall (3), in particular with said side wall And a lid (4) covering the capsule body (2) to form a closed chamber (6) containing a substance (7) for the preparation of foodstuffs. 5), the capsule body (2) includes at least one slot (5) for allowing liquid to pass through the capsule (1), the slot being formed substantially without material removal. The capsule (1), characterized in that the slot (8) is formed in the capsule body (2) before the intended use of the capsule (1) in a device for producing food products .   In the rest position (15), the side edges (9) of the slot (8) are preferably along at least 90% of the length (l) of the slot (8), particularly preferably at least 95%. 2. Capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it at least partly contacts each other along, more particularly preferably along 100%.   The slot (8) can be opened from a rest position (15) to an open position (16) by the action of a force, in particular by the action of a mechanical and / or hydraulic force. 2. Capsule (1) according to 2.   4. The slot (8) according to claim 3, characterized in that, once the action of force is removed, the slot (8) can close substantially reversibly and return substantially to the rest position (15). Capsule (1).   The slot is implemented such that the material is substantially impossible to pass through the slot before the material is extracted to produce a food product. Item 5. The capsule (1) according to any one of items 1 to 4.   The capsule body (2) is produced in particular from a polymer by a deep drawing process, and the capsule body (2) is preferably in the range between 0.05 mm and 0.4 mm, particularly preferably 0. A wall thickness in the range between 0.06 mm and 0.3 mm, more particularly preferably in the range between 0.07 mm and 0.25 mm. 2. Capsule (1) according to item.   Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slot (8) is arranged in the base (4).   Said base (4) comprises at least two slots (8), in particular said at least two slots preferably intersect each other, preferably at a geometrical center point of said base (4). The capsule (1) according to claim 7.   The slot (8) is arranged in the side wall (3), the slot (8) being a longitudinal axis (17) of the capsule (1) along the central flow of the liquid through the capsule (1) On the basis of the total length of the capsule (1) along, in particular, the first half of the side wall (3), preferably the first third, particularly preferably the first quarter Capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that.   10. The capsule body (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two slots (8), in particular at least three slots (8), more particularly at least four slots (8). Capsule (1) according to any one of the above.   11. The slot (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slot (8) is realized as a substantially straight slot (8) and / or a substantially curved slot (8). Capsule (1).   The slot (8) is closed by a substantially sealing layer (10), in particular the sealing layer (10) is remote from the chamber (6) of the capsule body (2) and / or Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is on the side facing the chamber (6).   Capsule (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the layer (10) is applied on at least one of the side edges (9) of the slot (8).   Said layer (10) consists of at least a degradable and food-safe material, in particular consisting of aluminum which melts at a temperature above 50 ° C. or a degradable polymer, or any combination thereof. 14. Capsule (1) according to claim 12 or 13.   Said capsule (1) preferably consists of a rotationally symmetric capsule body (2), said capsule body (2) being in particular made of a polymer and realized integrally with the side wall (3), in particular with said side wall. The capsule body further covering the capsule body (2) to form a closed chamber (6) containing a substance (7) for the preparation of foodstuffs Having a lid (5), the capsule body (2) comprises at least one opening (20), in particular a slot (5), for allowing liquid to pass through the capsule (1) and is closed In order to seal the chamber (6) with respect to the opening (20), a substantially airtight, in particular scentable, sealing between the substance (7) and the opening (20). Membrane (26) is arranged, in particular characterized by being fixed , In particular, Capsule according to one wherein any one of claims 1 to 14 (1).   The membrane (26) is in the region of the at least one opening (20) spaced from the side wall (3) and / or the base (4), in particular from the entire base (4). Capsule (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that it is at least arranged.   The capsule body (2) comprises at least two openings (20), all the openings (20) being arranged on the side of the membrane (26) away from the substance (7). Capsule (1) according to claim 15 or 16.   Said membrane (26) is arranged such that when used as intended, said membrane is pierced during operation by means of a penetrator (18) of a device for the preparation of foodstuffs. A capsule (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 17.   Capsule (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the membrane (26) is manufactured from aluminum and / or a laminate, in particular substantially plastically deformable. .   20. The capsule body (2) and the lid (5) according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the capsule body (2) and the lid (5) are manufactured from a substantially hermetic, in particular scent-sealing material. Capsule (1).   Capsule (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that all the openings (20) are arranged in the base (4).   At least the base (4) is penetrated by a penetrating region (18) of the base (4) by means of a penetrator (18) arranged outside the capsule (1) for passing liquid into the closed chamber (6). 23), the base (4) includes a reinforcing region (24), and in particular, the central region of the base (4) is realized as the penetrating region (23), and the reinforcing region (24) In particular rotationally symmetrical around the penetration region (23), the reinforcement region (24) being in the base (4) as at least one indentation (25) substantially circumferentially Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is realized.   23. Capsule (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that the recess (25) comprises at least two wall portions inclined towards each other.   Capsule body (2) for a capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.   In particular, a method for manufacturing a capsule body (2) according to claim 24, wherein the method comprises a step of deep drawing the capsule body (2) and thereafter and / or at the same time the material is substantially Cutting at least one slot (8) so that it is not removed at all, in particular, the side edges (9) of the slot (8) are of the length (l) of the slot (8) Preferably at least partly in contact with each other along at least 90%, particularly preferably along at least 95%, more particularly preferably along 100%.   24. A system (11) comprising a capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, filled with a substance (7), and a beverage production device (12), the beverage production device ( 12) includes a capsule holder (13) for receiving the capsule (1), wherein the beverage production device (12) further supplies a liquid for extraction of the substance (7) to produce a beverage. Including a device (14) for dispensing into the capsule (1), wherein the beverage can be removed through the lid (5) of the capsule (1), or the beverage production device further comprises a penetrator Including the system (11).

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