JP2022553319A - capsule - Google Patents

Abstract

A capsule (1), a casing (2) with a longitudinal axis of development (Z), an open cavity (203) designed to contain an initial product that is added to the fluid to obtain the final product. and a flange edge (204) extending from the sidewall (202) to close the cavity (203). ), the cover element (3) being pierceable by the extractor device of the dispenser capable of using the capsule (1) and the fluid of the dispenser comprising a penetrating blade A closure element (4) fixed to the bottom wall (201), which can be pierced by an injection device, is described. The bottom wall (201) has an edge region (205) that is annular and extends to the sidewalls (202), a central region (206), and is disposed between the central region (206) and the edge region (205), and a groove (207) shaped to receive a penetrating blade, the closure element (4) comprising a central portion (401) configured to be fixed to the central region (206) and an edge region; (205), wherein the central region (206) and the edge region (205) are connected to the central portion (401) to close the groove (207). The middle part (403) of the closure element (4) arranged between the edge part (402) is inclined, extending on respective planes offset from each other along the axis (Z).

Description

The present invention relates to a capsule suitable for containing an initial product that is added to a fluid to obtain the final product.

In particular, the present invention relates to single-dose disposable capsules containing an initial product that can be reacted with a pressurized fluid into a final product.

In particular, the capsule is especially configured for preparing products, such as beverages, in automatic dispensing machines.

Prior art capsules for use in dispensers are disposable, single-dose containers with an outer casing and having the shape of a glass or cup. The casing usually has a base wall and side walls defining an open cavity containing an initial product, such as ground coffee or tea, from which a final product, such as a beverage, is obtained.

The base wall of the capsule has an opening bounded by a bottom edge to which a closure element is fixed. A flange edge extends from the side wall and is disposed about the open cavity opposite the base wall. The cavity is sealed by a cover element secured to the flange edge so as to seal the initial product within the container.

A capsule of the above type is shown for example in WO2015056202 by the same applicant.

The capsule may be pierced to allow introduction of pressurized liquid (usually water) and dispensing of the resulting coffee beverage. In particular, both the cover element and the closure element must be made of perforable material, so that the capsule can be used very flexibly in the dispenser concerned.

The capsule can be used, for example, in a dispenser in which the closure element can be pierced by the injection device of the dispenser, while the cover element can be pierced by the extraction device.

The injection device comprises three blades configured to pierce the closure element with cuts and a separate central injection duct independent of the blades configured to supply pressurized fluid.

The extraction device, on the other hand, comprises a plurality of sharp elements that engage the cover element and pierce it in different zones as the pressure of the fluid within the capsule increases.

For successful distribution, the three blades must correctly pierce the closure element so that the fluid supplied by the central injection duct is evenly distributed into the cavity through the cuts made by the three blades.

However, it has been recognized that perforation of the closure element can be difficult, for example, if a closure element made of a film made of aluminum or plastic material is difficult to puncture. In fact, the closure element can be pulled by the three blades through the opening towards the interior of the cavity and deformed to assume a concave shape before being pierced.

In this case, the capsule may be imprecisely, i.e. partially and/or insufficiently perforated, which affects the distribution of the fluid in the cavity and thus the quality of the final dispensed product. affects

It should also be noted that in the field of food containers, capsules are becoming more and more popular on the market, for which reason the closure and cover elements are made entirely of compostable material according to the European standard UNI EN 13432:2002. .

In these capsules, the film of compostable material that constitutes the closure element and the cover element is particularly difficult to perforate. Therefore, especially with these materials, the closing element is often pulled through the opening and is not pierced by the three blades and thus the piercing may be incorrect or insufficient, e.g. adversely affect

The technical objective forming the basis of the present invention is therefore to provide a capsule which overcomes the drawbacks of prior art capsules.

A further object of the present invention is to obtain a capsule that is easy to construct, limited in cost, ensures correct distribution of water in the capsule and thus easily puncturable to ensure good quality of brewing of the beverage. is.

These objects are achieved by a capsule according to the invention comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following non-limiting description of preferred non-limiting embodiments of capsules as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
1 is an exploded front view of a beverage capsule according to the invention, comprising a casing with a base wall and a flange edge, a closing element securable to the base wall and a cover element securable to the flange edge of the capsule; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 1 along a section through the longitudinal deployment axis of the capsule, with the closure element fixed to the base wall and the covering element fixed to the flange edge; FIG. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part of the closure element of Figure 2 fixed to the base wall, with the casing of the capsule removed for clarity; 2 is a perspective view of the casing of FIG. 1 as seen from the outside; FIG.

The same elements in the several drawings are indicated below with the same reference numerals.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, numeral 1 designates a capsule according to the invention that can be used in a dispensing machine.

The capsule 1 comprises a casing 2 with a longitudinal unfolding axis A, eg an axis of symmetry, as shown in detail in FIGS.

The casing 2 is preferably manufactured by injection molding or thermoforming of sheet material and is substantially frusto-conical, ie in the shape of a glass or cup. Casing 2 includes a base wall 201 and side walls 202 defining an open cavity 203 and a flange edge 204 extending from side walls 202 .

Specifically, sidewall 202 diverges from base wall 201 to flange edge 204 .

The flange edge 204 defines a sealing element 204a configured to form a liquid-tight seal with the dispenser when the capsule 1 is inserted into a housing (not shown) suitably configured for insertion. be prepared. The sealing element 204a is made, for example, like a projection extending from the flange edge 204 and made integral with the flange 204. As shown in FIG. The flange edge 204 may also comprise an enlarged portion 204b located at the outer edge of the flange 204 and configured to favor correct placement of the capsule 1 within the housing.

Cavity 203 is suitable for containing an initial product (not shown) that is added to a fluid (not shown) to obtain a final product (not shown). The fluid is preferably a pressurized hot or cold liquid that is introduced into the cavity 203 in the step of injecting the fluid to obtain the final product.

As mentioned above, the initial product is, for example, a soluble, freeze-dried, dehydrated, concentrated, percolatable powder form food, such as coffee. Alternatively, the initial product may be, for example, a leafy food product such as tea. The initial product is preferably water, hot and under pressure, which makes it possible to obtain beverages such as coffee, barley coffee, tea or herbal tea.

Capsule 1 comprises cover element 3 fixed to flange edge 204 so as to close cavity 203 .

The cover element 3 is fixed to the flange edge 204 by thermal or ultrasonic welding or gluing.

Thanks to the cover element 3 the cavity 203 is hermetically closed and the initial product is isolated from the external environment. The cover element 3 is typically a film, as will be explained in detail below.

The cover element 3 can be pierced by the extraction device of the dispenser with which the capsule 1 can be used.

The capsule 1 comprises a closure element 4 fixed to the base wall 201, which can be pierced by a fluid injection device (not shown) of the dispenser comprising a penetrating blade.

Closing element 4 is fixed to base wall 201 by welding, heat or ultrasound, or by gluing.

The injection device also includes a fluid distribution device independent of the penetrating blade.

The base wall 201 is annular and includes an edge region 205 extending to the side wall 202, a central region 206 and a groove 207 disposed between the central region 206 and the edge region 205 and shaped to receive a penetrating blade. And prepare.

Edge region 205 is positioned along axis Z between central region 206 and flange edge 204 . In other words, central region 206 protrudes relative to edge region 205 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the closure element 4 comprises a central portion 401 secured to the central region 206 and edge portions 402 secured to the edge regions 205 .

Advantageously, the central region 206 and the edge region 205 are inclined such that the middle portion 403 of the closure element 4 arranged between the central portion 401 and the edge portion 402 and configured to close the groove 207 is inclined. extending along the axis Z in respective planes offset from each other.

Thanks to the fact that the intermediate portion 403 is angled with respect to the central portion 401 and the edge portion 402, penetration by the distributor blades is facilitated. Indeed, the inclination of the intermediate portion 403 between the two fixing surfaces 206, 205 contributes to keeping the intermediate portion 403 under tension, so that the intermediate portion 403 does not deform in the grooves 207 and is difficult to drill. It is easily perforated even when using tough materials.

Advantageously, the intermediate portion 403 is in tension between the outer edge 206' of the central region 206 and the inner edge 205' of the edge region 205.

In fact, the outer edge 206' of the central region 206 and the inner edge 205' of the edge region 205 form a local discontinuity that favors tension in the intermediate portion 403.

The planes in which the central region 206 and the edge regions 205 extend are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the Z axis.

In FIG. 2a, which shows the closure element 4 applied to the base wall 201, the inclined intermediate portion 403 forms an angle α with an axis H parallel to the axis Z, the angle α preferably being 71°. to 85°, more preferably between 75° and 82°, for example equal to 78°.

Note that central region 206 includes at least one outer rim, not shown, that extends to outer edge 206'. Preferably, the closure element 4, in particular its central portion 401, is fixed to at least the outer frame of the central region 206 such that the fixation extends to the outer edge 206'.

Similarly, edge region 205 comprises at least one inner frame, not shown, extending to inner edge 205'. Preferably, the closure element 4 , in particular its edge portion 402 , is fixed to the inner frame of at least the edge region 205 .

The fixing of the closure element 4, more particularly the central portion 401, to the outer frame of at least the central region 206 and/or the fixing of the edge portion 402 to the inner frame of at least the edge region 205 is based on the closure element 4. It makes it possible to avoid wrinkling of the intermediate part 403 when fixed to the wall 401 . In fact, the fixation of the closure element 4 works in conjunction to keep the intermediate portion 403 under tension between the outer edge 206' of the central region 206 and the inner edge 205' of the edge region 205.

The groove 207 has a bottom wall 207a with an opening 207b configured to allow fluid injected by the injection device to be dispensed to the initial product contained in the cavity 203.

Thanks to the fact that the middle part 403 is slanted, the closing element 4 can be easily pierced and thus the pressurized fluid is evenly distributed inside the cavity 203 through the opening 207b, thus providing Beverage quality can be improved.

Especially when the initial product is coffee powder, the pressurized fluid injected into the capsule should be distributed as evenly as possible over the initial product in order to extract the aroma components from the initial product to be transferred to the beverage. It has been known.

The bottom wall 207a is positioned at a distance such that it will not be pierced by the piercing blade of the injection device. If the penetrating blade is concentric with respect to axis Z, groove 207 may be arranged concentrically with respect to axis Z so as to accommodate the penetrating blade inside it.

Preferably, central region 206 is circular and groove 207 is annular, as is intermediate portion 403 . The intermediate portion 403 is thus shaped like the sides of a truncated cone.

Thus, the outer frame of central region 206 and the inner frame of edge region 205 are concentric with each other and annular.

Edge region 205 has an outer edge 205 ″ located between base wall 201 and sidewall 202 .

According to the version of the capsule 1 not shown, the closure element 4 is larger than the base wall 201 so that it can also be fixed to the side wall 202 adjacent to the base wall 201, so that the pressure inside the capsule 1 increases and also remain bound to capsule 1. In other words, the closure element 4 extends beyond the outer edge 205'' and overlaps the outer edge 205'' itself.

An increase in pressure within the capsule 1 may be due to gases released by the coffee contained in the capsule 1, for example if the initial product is non-aerated coffee.

As noted above, central region 206 protrudes from edge region 205 . For this purpose, the closure element 4 is preferably made of an elastically deformable material configured to be able to transition from a planar configuration to a deformed configuration, as shown in detail in Figure 2a. ing.

In fact, before fixing to the base wall 201, the closing element 4 is in a planar configuration, while after fixing to the edge region 205 and the central region 206 offset from each other along the axis Z, the middle part 403 is inclined. As such, the closure element 4 is deformed.

When the closure element 4 is fixed to the base wall 201, the closure element 4 assumes a convex shape.

Specifically, the casing 2 can be selected from one of the following materials from the first list. i.e.
- polyolefins (preferably polypropylene PP or polyethylene PE), polyethylene terephthalate PET, polystyrene PS, polylactic acid PLA, polyethylene furanoate PEF,
- biodegradable and/or compostable materials different from polylactic acid PLA, e.g. plant-derived materials such as cellulose, or materials derived therefrom, e.g. paper;
- a recyclable material, such as aluminum.

The above materials of the first list may be able to provide a barrier to oxygen and/or water.

According to one embodiment, the casing may comprise at least two layers, each layer comprising at least one of the materials of the first list, such as cellulose, polyethylene PE, or cellulose, polylactic acid PLA. can contain.

According to a further embodiment, the casing may comprise at least three layers, each layer comprising at least one of the materials of the first list, e.g. cellulose, polylactic acid PLA, aluminum. , aluminum constitutes a barrier layer that is resistant to fragrances and/or liquids and/or gases.

The cover element 3 and the closure element 4 may comprise at least one layer comprising a material selected from one of the following materials of the second list. i.e.
- polyolefins (preferably polypropylene PP or polyethylene PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PET containing aluminum oxide and silicon oxide), polylactic acid PLA,
- recyclable materials, e.g. aluminum,
- polyvinyl chloride PVDC,
- polylactic acid PLA,
- ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH or polyvinyl alcohol PVOH,
- a material selected from one of the biodegradable and/or compostable materials different from polylactic acid PLA, e.g. plant-derived materials such as cellulose, or materials derived therefrom, e.g. paper or cellulose acetate at least one layer comprising

According to one embodiment, the cover element 3 and/or the closure element 4 may comprise at least two layers, each layer comprising at least one of the materials of the second list, e.g. , polyethylene terephthalate PET, polyvinyl chloride PVDC, or polyethylene terephthalate PET, aluminum.

According to a further embodiment, the cover element 3 and/or the closure element 4 may comprise at least three layers, each layer comprising at least one of the materials of the second list, e.g. polypropylene PP, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polypropylene PP, or polypropylene PP, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polyethylene PE, or polypropylene PP, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polylactic acid PLA.

For example, if the capsule 1, ie the casing 2, the cover element 3 and the closure element 4 are made of paper, preferably the paper constituting the closure element 4 is deformable.

The same considerations apply if the capsule 1, ie the casing 2, the cover element 3 and the closure element 4 are made of PLA.

Advantageously, if the capsule 1 is fully biodegradable and compostable, as it is made of paper or PLA for example, the user can dispose of the entire capsule 1 in organic waste.

On the other hand, if the capsule 1 is made of a recyclable material such as aluminum or a plastic material, the casing 2 can be recycled after emptying the initial product casing 2 contained therein. In the case of capsules 1 made of aluminum or plastics material, the closure element 4 may be made of aluminum or plastics material, respectively.

In use, the user inserts the capsule 1 into the housing of a dispenser, for example having an injection device with penetrating blades arranged around a conduit for supplying pressurized fluid. When the housing is closed, the base wall 201 comes to interfere with the penetrating blade and the intermediate portion 403 of the closing element, inclined with respect to the axis Z and arranged to close the groove 207, is easily pierced by the penetrating blade. can be Intermediate portion 403 is sloped and tensioned between outer edge 206' of central region 206 and inner edge 205' of edge region 205 so that intermediate portion 403 is easily punctured. can be done.

The invention with the edge region 205 and the central region 206 of the base wall 201 offset along the axis Z such that the intermediate portion 403 of the closure element 4 arranged to close the groove is inclined with respect to the axis Z. ensures that the closure element 4 can be easily pierced in a simple and inexpensive manner.

Advantageously, the present invention can be applied not only to fully biodegradable and compostable capsules 1, but also to capsules made of aluminum or plastics, which eliminates dispensing defects due to fully non-perforated capsules. can be reduced.

WO2015056202

Claims (15)

A capsule (1),
A casing (2) having a longitudinal axis of development (Z) and a base wall (201) defining an open cavity (203) designed to contain an initial product that is added to the fluid to obtain the final product. and a side wall (202) and a flange edge (204) extending from said side wall (202);
a cover element (3) fixed to said flange edge (204) for closing said open cavity (203), which is pierced by an extraction device of a distributor capable of using said capsule (1); a cover element (3) capable of
a closure element (4) fixed to said base wall (201), which is pierceable by a fluid injection device of said distributor comprising a penetrating blade;
The base wall (201) comprises an edge region (205) which is annular and extends to the side wall (202), a central region (206) and between the central region (206) and the edge region (205). a groove (207) positioned in and shaped to receive said penetrating blade;
Said closure element (4) comprises a central portion (401) adapted to be secured to said central region (206) and an edge portion (402) adapted to be secured to said edge region (205). ) and
Said central region (206) and said edge region (205) comprise said closing element (4) arranged between said central portion (401) and said edge portion (402) for closing said groove (207). ) extending on respective planes offset from each other along said axis (Z) such that the middle portion (403) of the capsule (1) is inclined. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said intermediate portion (403) is under tension between an outer edge (206') of said central region (206) and an inner edge (205') of said edge region (205). Capsules as described. Said central region (206) and said edge region (205) extend in planes parallel to each other and perpendicular to said axis (Z), and said intermediate portion (403) extends along said axis (Z). With respect to the parallel axes (H) form an angle (α), said angle (α) preferably comprised between 71° and 85°, even more preferably between 75° and 82° 3. Capsule according to claim 1 or 2, comprising, for example 78[deg.]. Said central region (206) comprises an outer frame extending to an outer edge (206′) and said edge region (205) comprises an inner frame extending to an inner edge (205′), said closure element (4) comprising , at least to said outer frame and/or at least to said inner frame. Said groove (207) has an opening (207b) configured to allow said fluid injected by said fluid injection device to be distributed to said initial product contained in said open cavity (203). 5. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, having a bottom wall (207a) with Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said central region (206) is circular and said groove (207) is annular. Said edge region (205) has an outer edge (205'') arranged between said base wall (201) and said side wall (202), said closure element (4) Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, which is of a size larger than the base wall (201) so that it can also be fixed (202). Said closure element (4) is made of a material that is elastically deformable, being able to transition from a planar configuration before being secured to said base wall (201) to a deformed configuration, said closure element (4) being Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate portion (403) is slanted after being fixed to the edge region (205) and the central region (206). In order to allow the capsule (1) to be disposed of as organic waste after use, the casing (2), the cover element (3) and the closure element (4) are biodegradable and/or compostable. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 8, made of a viable material. Said casing (2) is selected from one of the following materials in the first list, i.e.
- polyolefins (preferably polypropylene PP or polyethylene PE), polyethylene terephthalate PET, polystyrene PS, polylactic acid PLA, polyethylene furanoate PEF,
- biodegradable and/or compostable materials different from polylactic acid PLA, e.g. plant-derived materials such as cellulose, or materials derived therefrom, e.g. paper;
- a recyclable material (e.g. aluminium). 4. Claim wherein said casing (2) comprises at least two layers, each layer comprising at least one of the materials of said first list, e.g. cellulose, polyethylene PE or cellulose, polylactic acid PLA. 11. The capsule according to 10. Said casing (2) comprises at least three layers, each layer may comprise at least one of the materials of said first list, e.g. cellulose, polylactic acid PLA and aluminum, said aluminum being aromatic and 11. Capsule according to claim 10, constituting a barrier layer resistant to liquids and/or gases. Said cover element (3) and said closure element (4) may comprise at least one layer comprising a material selected from one of the following materials of the second list, i.e.
- polyolefins (preferably polypropylene PP or polyethylene PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PET containing aluminum oxide and silicon oxide), polylactic acid PLA,
- recyclable materials, e.g. aluminum,
- polyvinyl chloride PVDC,
- polylactic acid PLA,
- ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH or polyvinyl alcohol PVOH,
- a material selected from one of the biodegradable and/or compostable materials different from polylactic acid PLA, e.g. plant-derived materials such as cellulose, or materials derived therefrom, e.g. paper or cellulose acetate 13. Capsules according to any one of the preceding claims, which can comprise at least one layer comprising Said cover element (3) and/or said closure element (4) may comprise at least two layers, each layer being made of at least one of the materials of said second list, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate PET, polyvinyl chloride PVDC, or polyethylene terephthalate PET, aluminum. Said cover element (3) and/or said closure element (4) may comprise at least three layers, each layer comprising at least one of the materials of said second list, e.g. polypropylene PP, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polypropylene 14. Capsules according to claim 13, which can comprise PP, or polypropylene PP, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polyethylene PE or polypropylene PP, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polylactic acid PLA.

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