JP2023535603A - Capsules for preparing beverages in equipment for making beverages [2006.01] - Google Patents

Abstract

A capsule (1) for the preparation of a beverage in an apparatus for making beverages, comprising a bottom wall (101), a side wall (102) and an annular flange (103), the bottom wall (101) comprising the side wall An annular support portion (1011) connected to (102) and a central portion (1012) surrounded by the annular support portion (1011), the annular support portion (1011) projecting from the central portion (1012). and the central portion includes a first region (1021A) having a first thickness (S1) and a second region (1021B) having a second thickness (S2); A capsule (1) wherein the thickness (S2) is less than the first thickness and the second region (1021B) is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A).

Description

The present invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of beverages in an apparatus for making beverages. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing capsules and a mold for manufacturing capsules.

The present disclosure relates to the field of producing beverages by infusion, in which the use of capsules containing infusion material, such as coffee, is known. The capsule comprises a cup or body and a lid and is designed to be placed in a particular beverage-making machine where hot water or steam is supplied to the capsule for brewing the beverage.

More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the field of infusion production of beverages such as American coffee. The capsules used in this field are larger than the capsules used in coffee machines such as Nespresso, and typically the capsule comprises a filter element that divides the interior space into first and second parts and a second part. Part 1 contains substances for the production of beverages (eg coffee). The beverage production machine supplies hot water to the first part, substances contained in the first part are infused to produce a beverage, the beverage passes through the filter element to the second part and finally , the machine extracts the beverage from the second portion.

Capsules of this kind are described, for example, in the following patent documents. US2002/0020659, US9232871B2, US2018160845A1, US2018118450A1, US2017042362A1. In particular, patent document US2017042362A1 describes a capsule comprising an annular support portion with a bottom wall connected to the side walls and a central portion surrounded by the annular support portion, the annular support portion protruding from the central portion. are doing.

There is a general desire in this field to make capsules lighter in order to conserve material while maintaining the mechanical properties of the capsule and effectively isolating the product within the capsule from external matter. Additionally, if the capsules are made by compression molding, the process of filling the mold with the material used to form the capsules can be facilitated to ensure that the capsules made are of high quality. is necessary.

Furthermore, patent documents EP2962957A1, WO2004/087529A1, WO2017/055350A1 and US2017/042362A1 describe capsules of the aforementioned type. However, even in these documents, the problem is that the relationship between weight and mechanical strength is inefficient.

The present disclosure provides a capsule for preparing beverages, a method for manufacturing capsules and a mold for manufacturing capsules in an apparatus for making beverages to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art. for the purpose.

This object is fully achieved by the capsule, method and mold characterized in the appended claims.

More specifically, the present disclosure relates to capsules for preparing beverages in apparatus for making beverages.

A capsule comprises a body (or cup). The body is preferably made of a thermoplastic material (eg, polymer, composite or biocompatible material, etc.).

The body has a bottom wall. The body has side walls. A sidewall extends about the longitudinal axis between the first annular edge and the second annular edge. The first annular edge is connected to the bottom wall. The side walls thus extend between the bottom wall and the second annular edge. The sidewall has an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The side and bottom walls define an interior space within the capsule body.

The body also includes an annular flange. An annular flange is connected to the second annular edge of the side wall. An annular flange extends from the second annular edge of the side wall away from the longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the sidewall includes a first portion proximal to the flange and a second portion distal to the flange. Note that the second portion of the sidewall is preferably frustoconical. The first portion of the sidewall may be cylindrical or frusto-conical. In one embodiment, the first portion of the sidewall is frusto-conical and has a different slope with respect to the longitudinal axis compared to the second portion. More specifically, the taper direction of the first portion is opposite to the taper direction of the second portion. Preferably, the first portion of the sidewall projects radially from the second portion of the sidewall away from the longitudinal axis.

The bottom wall includes an annular support portion and a central portion surrounded by the annular support portion. An annular support portion is connected to the side wall. An annular support portion projects from the central portion away from the second annular edge. The central portion is thus recessed with respect to the annular support portion.

The annular support portion has variable portions to allow for increased thickness at the most stressed points and to increase the stiffness of the capsule.

The central portion includes a first region having a first thickness and a second region having a second thickness. The second thickness is less than the first thickness. The second region is therefore thinner than the first region, allowing less material to be used and a lighter body of the capsule. Preferably, the second region is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first region is also oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the central portion is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the second region is recessed with respect to the first region on the inner surface (or inner wall) of the central portion (facing the interior space).

In one example, the first region surrounds the second region and is arranged radially outside the second region. This allows the thinnest areas to be maintained in areas of low stress without compromising the mechanical strength of the capsule, thus reducing weight.

The second area is perfect. That is, the second region has no depressions. The second region is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the capsule.

A second region is obtained from a groove in the rear wall. Said groove faces the internal volume of the capsule. The walls of the groove are chamfered so as not to have edges that can act as stress concentrations. In one example, the radial expansion of the first region to the radial expansion of the second region is a ratio between 0.8 and 1.5.

Note that in one embodiment, the second region has an annular shape and surrounds the first region. In at least one embodiment, the first region has a circular shape. The longitudinal axis thus passes through the first region (the center of the circle).

In one embodiment, the central portion of the bottom wall includes a third region. The third region is annular in shape. A third region surrounds the second region. The second region is thus arranged between the first region and the second region. The third region has a third thickness. The third thickness is preferably thicker than the second thickness. The second region is also recessed relative to the third region at the inner surface of the central portion.

In one embodiment, the third thickness is equal to the first thickness.

In one embodiment, the bottom wall includes a connecting portion interconnecting the central portion with the annular support portion. More specifically, the bottom wall interconnects the third region of the central portion with the annular support portion. The connecting portion is obliquely slanted with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the connecting portion has a fourth thickness that is greater than the second thickness. More specifically, the fourth thickness is equal to the first and/or third thickness.

Note that the annular support portion has a support thickness greater than the first thickness. The support thickness is also thicker than the third and/or fourth thickness.

The first annular edge has a diameter of 40 mm or more, ie a radius of 20 mm or more. More specifically, the diameter of the first annular edge is 45 mm or greater (eg, 46 mm).

The diameter of the second annular edge is greater than or equal to 35mm.

Preferably, the second region has a width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of between 4 mm and 8 mm, even more preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm (eg 6 mm). .

Thus, preferably the ratio between the width of the second region measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the radius of the first annular edge is between 0.2 and 0.5, and furthermore More preferably between 0.3 and 0.4. This dimensional spacing allows the second region to be large enough to effectively reduce the weight of the capsule, yet large enough not to adversely affect the moisture barrier and mechanical resistance properties.

In one embodiment, the first thickness (and/or the third thickness) is between 0.35mm and 0.40mm. The second thickness is between 0.15 mm and 0.20 mm. The ratio between the second thickness and the first thickness is therefore between 0.35 and 0.55, in particular between 0.40 and 0.50.

The annular support portion has a width measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is less than the width of the second region. The ratio between the width of the annular support portion measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the radius of the first annular edge is between 0.1 and 0.2.

The height of the capsule (ie of the capsule body or of the side walls of the capsule body) is greater than or equal to 30 mm along the longitudinal axis. More specifically, the height of the capsule (ie of the capsule body or of the side walls of the capsule body) is greater than or equal to 35 mm along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the height of the capsule (ie of the capsule body or of the side walls of the capsule body) is greater than or equal to 40 mm (eg 45 mm) along the longitudinal axis. The height of the capsule or its side walls means the maximum distance between the bottom wall and the second annular edge.

Note that the capsule also includes a lid, at least in its final configuration ready to be placed in the beverage production machine. A lid is joined to the annular flange. More specifically, the lid is joined to the front face of the annular flange. The lid, together with the body, defines or encloses an interior space within the capsule. The capsule also preferably comprises a filter element arranged in the interior space. The filter element may be made of cellulosic material such as paper, for example. The capsule also contains substances for making a beverage. A substance for making a beverage is enclosed in the space at least partially defined by the filter element. More specifically, the filter element divides the interior space into a containment space and a collection space, and the substance for making the beverage is contained in the containment space. Preferably, the receiving space is partially defined by the lid (and by the filter element) and the collection space is partially defined by the bottom wall (and by the filter element). Thus, when the capsule is inserted into the beverage production machine, the machine supplies hot water to the receiving space in which the substance is located. Beverage is produced by infusion and passes through the filter element from the containment space into the collection space. The machine then extracts the beverage from the collection space. More specifically, the machine drills a first hole in the lid through which hot water is supplied to the containing space and a second hole in the bottom wall through which the beverage produced is extracted. Preferably, a second (thinned) region having a second thickness is positioned proximate to a punch forming part of the coffee machine and configured to form the second hole. . This means that the punch penetrates thinner areas that are prone to puncture.

In one embodiment, the substance for making the beverage comprises coffee granules. In one embodiment, the substance for making the beverage comprises coffee powder. In another embodiment, the substance for making the beverage comprises chamomile or tea.

The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing capsules for the preparation of beverages in an apparatus for making beverages. The method includes forming the body of the capsule. A capsule, and more particularly a capsule body, is made according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The forming step forms a bottom wall, side walls and an annular flange of the capsule body. A side wall extends about the longitudinal axis between first and second annular edges connected to the bottom wall. The sidewall has an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. An annular flange extends from the second annular edge of the side wall away from the longitudinal axis.

The bottom wall includes an annular support portion connected to the side walls and a central portion surrounded by and recessed relative to the annular support portion. According to one or more aspects of the disclosure, the central portion includes a first region having a first thickness and a second region having a second thickness. More specifically, the second thickness is less than the first thickness and the second region is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the forming step is performed by compression molding. The capsule body is thus formed from a dose of thermoplastic material.

In this embodiment, the forming step is performed by a mold made according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. More specifically, it is performed by a mold comprising a lower unit and an upper unit that are mutually movable. Thus, the forming step comprises providing a dose of thermoplastic material, placing the dose on a lower unit of a mold, the upper unit and the lower unit defining a molding cavity in which the capsule body is formed from the dose. closing the molds by moving them towards each other until they are in contact with each other. The forming step may also include cooling the capsule body. The method also includes opening the mold by moving the upper and lower units away from each other and removing the formed capsule from the mold.

In one embodiment, the forming step is performed by injection molding. The method may also include providing a filter element and inserting the filter element into the interior space inside the capsule body. The method may also include supplying a substance to the interior space for making the beverage. More specifically, the substance is supplied to a portion (also called a containment space) within the interior space partially defined by the filter element. The method may also include joining a lid to the front surface of the annular flange to close the interior space. After the step of joining the lid, the containment space in which the substance is located is enclosed between the lid and the filter element.

The present disclosure also provides a mold for manufacturing capsules for the preparation of beverages in an apparatus for making beverages. The mold is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration defining a molding cavity. The molding cavity is shaped to form a capsule according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. More specifically, the molding cavity includes a bottom recess, a side recess and a flange recess. The side recess extends about the longitudinal axis between first and second annular ends connected to the bottom recess. The side recess has an inner wall facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite the inner wall. The flange recess is connected to the second annular end and extends away from the longitudinal axis from the second annular end. An outer wall of the side recess includes a first portion proximal to the flange recess and a second portion distal from the flange recess. Preferably, the second portion is frusto-conical. The first portion is cylindrical or frustoconical.

Before the capsule is removed from the mold, the longitudinal axis of the mold coincides with the longitudinal axis of the capsule formed with the mold.

Preferably, the second annular end (specifically its outer edge) has a diameter of 35 mm (or 40 mm, or 45 mm, or 50 mm) or more. The molding cavity (ie side recess) has a length of 35 mm (or 30 mm, or 40 mm, or 45 mm) or more along the longitudinal axis.

The bottom wall includes an annular portion connected to the side recesses and a central portion surrounded by the annular portion. The annular portion protrudes from the central portion away from the second annular end. The central portion includes a first region having a first thickness and a second region having a second thickness, the second thickness being less than the first thickness, the second region comprising: Oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first region is also oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and/or the central portion is also oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second region has a radial expansion and an axial expansion relative to the longitudinal axis, the radial expansion being greater than the axial expansion.

Preferably, the first region surrounds the second region. The second region thus functions as a tank of material during the forming step by molding.

Therefore, the thinner second region has several advantages. That is, it makes it possible to make the capsule body lighter and save material. Also, if the capsule is made by molding, especially compression molding, it is possible to fill the mold more effectively. It also provides an easy piercing area that can be more easily pierced by the punch of the beverage machine.

The central portion may also include a third region surrounding the second region and having a third thickness greater than the second thickness of the second region. The second region is recessed with respect to the first and/or second regions on the inner surface of the bottom wall facing the second annular end.

The bottom recess also includes a connecting portion joining the central portion to the annular portion connected to the side recess. The connecting portion is obliquely slanted with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the mold comprises an upper unit and a lower unit that are movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the mold is parallel to gravity. In the open configuration of the mold, the upper and lower units are spaced apart, and in the closed configuration of the mold, the upper and lower units are close together to define a molding cavity. In the closed configuration, the lower unit is positioned below the upper unit and is at least partially inserted into the recess of the upper unit. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the body of the capsule is made of multilayer material.

These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.
1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a capsule body made in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 shows a detail of the capsule body of FIG. 1; 2 shows the capsule body of FIG. 1 in perspective view; FIG. 2 shows the capsule body of FIG. 1 in top view; FIG. Figure 2 shows a capsule of the present disclosure, including the body, filter, material and lid shown in Figure 1; 6 shows a filter of the capsule of FIG. 5; A mold for manufacturing the capsule body of Figure 1 is shown in an open configuration. 7 shows the mold of FIG. 6 in a closed configuration;

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the number 1 indicates a capsule. Capsule 1 comprises a body 100 . Body 100 includes bottom wall 101 , side walls 102 and annular flange 103 . Sidewall 102 extends about longitudinal axis A between first annular edge 102A and second annular edge 102B. First and second annular edges 102A and 102B circumscribe longitudinal axis A. As shown in FIG. A first annular edge 102A is connected to the bottom wall 101 . A second annular edge 102B is connected to the annular flange 103 .

Sidewall 102 has an inner surface facing longitudinal axis A and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. Side wall 102 , or its outer surface, comprises first portion 1021 and second portion 1022 . First portion 1021 is proximal to annular flange 103 and second portion 1022 is distal from annular flange 103 . More specifically, the first portion 1021 is connected to the annular flange 103 and the second portion 1021 is connected to the bottom wall 101 . Thus, the first portion 1021 extends about the longitudinal axis A between the first annular edge 102A of the side wall and the connecting edge joining the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022. Extend.

The second portion 1022 extends about the longitudinal axis A between a connecting edge joining the first portion 1021 and the second portion and the second annular edge 102B. The inner surface of first portion 1021 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The second portion 1022 is frusto-conical in shape. Accordingly, the connecting edge joining the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 has a radius larger than the radius R1 of the first annular edge 102A.

The second annular edge 102B has a radius R2 that is greater than the radius R1 of the first annular edge 102A. More specifically, the radius R2 of the second annular edge 102B is preferably greater than 20 mm (eg, 22 or 23 mm). The radius R1 of the first annular edge 102A is preferably greater than 15 mm (eg 17 or 18 mm). The radius R2 of the second annular edge 102B is substantially the same as the radius of the connecting edge that joins the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 (at least on the inner surface). The annular flange 103 has an outer edge, the radius of which is preferably greater than or equal to 25 mm.

The height H of the side wall 102, ie the capsule body 100, along the longitudinal axis A is greater than or equal to 35 mm. Height H defines the maximum distance between bottom wall 101 and second annular edge 102B.

Capsule 1 comprises lid 14 . Lid 14 is joined to the front face of annular flange 103 . Lid 14 and body 100 define an interior space V inside capsule 1 . When the lid 14 is joined to the annular flange 103, the internal space V becomes a closed space.

Bottom wall 101 includes an annular support portion 1011 connected to side wall 102 . Bottom wall 101 includes a central portion 1012 surrounded by an annular support portion 1011 . Central portion 1012 is recessed relative to annular support portion 1011 . That is, the distance of central portion 1012 from lid 14 along longitudinal axis A is less than the distance of annular support portion 1011 from the lid. An annular support portion 1011 is located at the periphery of the bottom wall. Annular support portion 1011 projects longitudinally relative to central portion 1012 away from second annular edge 102B so that the outer surface of annular support portion 1011 is the only surface in contact with the support surface. The capsule can be placed on a support surface (such as a table or desk) as defined.

Bottom wall 101 includes a connecting portion 1013 that joins annular support portion 1011 to central portion 1012 . The connecting portion 1013 is therefore obliquely inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A at an angle between 10° and 80°.

Central portion 1012 includes a first region 1012A intersected by longitudinal axis A, a second region 1012B surrounding first region 1012A, and a third region 1012C surrounding second region 1012B. A third region 1012C is connected to the connecting portion 1013 . Central portion 1012 is oriented perpendicular to longitudinal axis A. FIG. Accordingly, the first region 1012A, the second region 1012B and/or the third region 1012C are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The second region 1012B is recessed from the first region 1012A and the third region 1012C on the inner surface of the bottom wall 101 facing the internal space V. As shown in FIG. Instead, on the outer surface opposite the inner surface of bottom wall 101, central portion 1012 is uniform. More specifically, the first region 1012A has a first thickness S1, the second region 1012B has a second thickness S2, and the third region 1012C has a third thickness S3. have The second thickness S2 is thinner than the first thickness S1 and the third thickness S3. The first thickness S1 may be the same as the third thickness S3. The ratio between the second thickness S2 and the first thickness S1 (or the third thickness S3) is between 0.35 and 0.55.

The first region 1012A has a circular shape with a radius larger than 5 mm (especially larger than 7 mm). The second region 1012B has a ring shape with a width L2 greater than 4 mm (especially greater than 6 mm). The width L2 of the second region 1012B refers to the difference between the (maximum) radius of the second region 1012B and the (maximum) radius of the first region 1012A. Width L2 is thus defined in a direction perpendicular to longitudinal axis A. FIG. Therefore, preferably the ratio between the width L2 of the second region 1021B and the radius R1 of the first annular edge 102A is between 0.2 and 0.5.

Preferably, there is a connecting portion connecting the second region 1012B to the first region 1012A and/or a second connecting portion connecting the second region 1012B to the third region 1012C, which are along the longitudinal axis. Note the oblique tilt (at an angle between 10° and 80°) with respect to (A).

Connecting portion 1013 has a fourth thickness S4. Also, the fourth thickness S4 is thicker than the second thickness S2. For example, the fourth thickness S4 may be the same as the first thickness S1 and/or the third thickness S3.

Annular support portion 1011 has a fifth thickness S5. The fifth thickness S5 is preferably thicker than the first thickness S1, the second thickness S2, the third thickness S3 and the fourth thickness S4. Also, the fifth thickness S5 is thicker than the thickness of the sidewall 102 (more specifically, the first portion 1021 of the sidewall 102). Annular support portion 1011 has a width L3 measured in a direction perpendicular to longitudinal axis A. As shown in FIG. Width L3 is preferably shorter than width L2.

Capsule 1 also comprises a filter element 11 . A filter element 11 is arranged in the interior space V inside the capsule 1 . Preferably, filter element 11 is cup-shaped and includes side walls and a bottom wall. Side walls of the filter element 11 also extend around the longitudinal axis A. As shown in FIG. The sidewalls of filter element 11 are parallel or substantially parallel to sidewall 102 (or second portion 1022 of sidewall 102). The bottom wall of filter element 11 is connected to the side walls of filter element 11 . Preferably, the bottom wall of filter element 11 is parallel to bottom wall 101 of capsule body 100 . Preferably, the upper annular end of filter element 11 is joined (eg, glued) to capsule body 100 in a region proximal to second annular edge 102B of sidewall 102 . The bottom wall of filter element 11 is spaced from bottom wall 101 of capsule body 100 . Thus, the filter element 11 is located in the interior space of the capsule 1, in the accommodation space 12 contained between the lid 14 and the bottom wall of the filter element 11, and between the bottom wall of the filter element 11 and the bottom wall 101 of the capsule. defines a collection space 13 contained in . Substances for making a beverage (eg coffee granules) are placed in the receiving space 12 . Collection space 13 is filled with air.

When the capsule 1 is inserted into the beverage production machine, a syringe punctures the lid 14 and supplies the receiving space 12 with hot water. Beverage is produced by infusion and extracted through the filter element 11 into the collection space 13 . The machine then punches holes in the bottom wall 101 to dispense the beverage produced. Preferably, the punch pierces the second region 1012B of the central portion 1012 of the bottom wall 101 .

The present disclosure also relates to mold 2 . The mold 2 is shaped to form the body 100 of the capsule 1 . The mold 2 comprises an upper unit 21 and a lower unit 22 movable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis A (coincident with the longitudinal axis A of the body 100 to be formed). Upper unit 21 and lower unit 22 are movable relative to each other between a spaced position defining an open configuration of mold 2 and an approximated position defining a closed configuration of mold 2 . In the open configuration, mold 2 is configured to receive dose 3 of thermoplastic material. Preferably dose 3 is placed on lower unit 22 . In the closed configuration, the upper unit 21 and the lower unit 22 define a molding cavity 200 in which the body 100 of the capsule 1 is formed from the dose 3 by compression molding.

Molding cavity 200 includes a bottom recess 201 configured to form bottom wall 101 of body 100 of capsule 1 .

Molding cavity 200 also includes side recesses 202 that are connected (ie, communicate with) bottom recesses 201 . Side recess 202 is configured to form side wall 102 of body 100 of capsule 1 . More specifically, side recess 202 extends about longitudinal axis A between first annular end 202A and second annular end 202B. The first annular end 202A is connected to the bottom recess. Molding cavity 200 also includes a flange recess 203 extending from second annular end 202B away from the longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the flange recess 203 is connected (ie, communicates) with the side recess 202 at the second annular end 202B. The side recess 203 is configured to form the annular flange 103 of the body 100 of the capsule 1 .

The bottom recess 201 includes an annular portion connected to the side recesses and a central portion surrounded by the annular portion. The annular portion protrudes from the central portion away from the second annular end. The annular portion of the bottom recess 201 is thus configured to form the annular support portion 1011 of the body 100 of the capsule 1 . A central portion of the bottom recess 201 is configured to form a central portion 1012 of the body 100 of the capsule 1 . The central portion includes a first region having a first thickness and a second region having a second thickness. The second thickness is less than the first thickness. The second region (and preferably the first region) is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and surrounds the first region. A first region of the bottom recess 201 is configured to form a first region 1021 A of the central portion 1021 of the bottom wall 101 of the body 100 of the capsule 1 . Accordingly, the first region of the bottom recess 201 has a thickness S1. A second region of the bottom recess 201 is configured to form a second region 1021 B of the central portion 1021 of the bottom wall 101 of the body 100 of the capsule 1 . Accordingly, the second region of bottom recess 201 has a thickness S2. The central portion includes a third region surrounding the second region and connected to the annular portion by a connecting portion. The third region of bottom recess 201 is configured to form third region 1012C of central portion 1021 of bottom wall 101 of body 100 of capsule 1 . Accordingly, the third region of bottom recess 201 has a thickness S3.

US2002/0020659 US9232871B2 US2018160845A1 US2018118450A1 US2017042362A1 EP2962957A1 WO2004/087529A1 WO2017/055350A1 US2017/042362A1

Claims (18)

A capsule (1) for the preparation of a beverage in an apparatus for making beverages, comprising a body (100), said body (100) comprising:
a bottom wall (101);
a sidewall (102) extending about a longitudinal axis (A) between a first annular edge (102A) and a second annular edge (102B) connected to the bottom wall, said sidewall (102) and said bottom wall (101) are side walls (102) defining an interior space (V) within said body (100) of said capsule (1);
an annular flange (103) extending from said second annular edge (102B) of said sidewall (102) away from said longitudinal axis (A);
Said bottom wall (101) comprises an annular support portion (1011) connected to said side wall (102) and a central portion (1012) surrounded by said annular support portion (1011), wherein said annular support portion ( 1011) projects from said central portion (1012) away from said second annular edge (102B);
The central portion includes a first region (1021A) having a first thickness (S1) and a second region (1021B) having a second thickness (S2), wherein the second thickness The capsule (1), wherein the thickness (S2) is less than said first thickness and said second region (1021B) is oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (A). Capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein said second region (1021B) has an annular shape and surrounds said first region (1021A). The central portion (1012) of the bottom wall (101) surrounds the second region (1021B) and has a third thickness (S3) greater than the second thickness (S2). and the second region (1021B) is recessed with respect to the first region (1021A) and the third region (1021C) on the inner surface of the central portion (1012) 3. A capsule (1) according to claim 2, wherein Said bottom wall (101) comprises a connecting portion (1013) interconnecting said central portion (1012) to said annular support portion (1011), said connecting portion (1013) extending along said longitudinal axis (A). Capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is inclined obliquely with respect to. The central portion (1012) has an inner surface facing the interior space (V) and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, and the second region (1021B) is the inner surface of the central portion (1012). Capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is recessed on its inner surface with respect to said first region (1021A). Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said annular support portion (1011) has a support thickness (S5) greater than said first thickness (S1). The ratio between the width (L2) of said second region (1021B) and the radius (R1) of said first annular edge (102A) in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (A) is Capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is between 0.2 and 0.5. 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between said second thickness (S2) and said first thickness (Sl) is between 0.35 and 0.55. Capsule (1). Said second annular rim (102B) has a radius (R2) of 20 mm or more and said capsule (1) has a height (H) of 35 mm or more along said longitudinal axis (A). 9. Capsule (1) according to any one of clauses 1 to 8. Said sidewall (102) has a first portion (1021) proximal to said flange (103) and a second portion (1022) distal to said flange (103); 10. The method of claim 1 to 9, wherein two parts (1022) are connected to said first part (1021) and said bottom wall (101), said second part (1022) being frusto-conical in shape. Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The first part (1021) has a cylindrical inner wall facing the inner space (V) and an outer wall opposite to the inner wall, the outer wall being frusto-conical and tapered in the direction of the outer wall. 11. Capsule (1) according to claim 10, wherein is opposite to the taper direction of said second portion (1022). a lid (14) joined to said annular flange (103), said lid (14) defining an interior space within said capsule (1) with said body (100);
A filter element (11) arranged in said interior space and dividing said interior space into a receiving space (12) and a collecting space (13), said receiving space (12) being partially separated by said lid (14). a filter element (11) defined by said collection space (13) partially defined by said bottom wall (101);
12. Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a substance used for making a beverage contained in said containing space (12). Said annular support portion (1011) is arranged around said bottom wall and projects longitudinally away from said second annular edge (102B) with respect to said central portion (1012), so that said Capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said capsule can be placed on said support surface with the outer surface of the annular support portion (1011) being the only surface in contact with the support surface. ). from claim 1, wherein said second region has a radial expansion and an axial expansion with respect to said longitudinal axis (A), said radial expansion being greater than said axial expansion; 14. Capsule (1) according to any one of claims 13. 1. A method for manufacturing a capsule (1) for the preparation of beverages in an apparatus for making beverages, comprising forming a body (100) of said capsule (1), said forming step comprising:
a bottom wall (101);
a sidewall (102) extending about a longitudinal axis (A) between a first annular edge (102A) and a second annular edge (102B) connected to the bottom wall, said sidewall a side wall (102), (102) and said bottom wall (101) defining an interior space (V) within said body (100) of said capsule (1);
an annular flange (103) extending from said second annular edge (102B) of said side wall (102) away from said longitudinal axis (A);
Said bottom wall (101) comprises an annular support portion (1011) connected to said side wall (102) and a central portion (1012) surrounded by said annular support portion (1011), wherein said annular support portion ( 1011) projects from said central portion (1012) away from said second annular edge (102B);
The central portion includes a first region (1021A) having a first thickness (S1) and a second region (1021B) having a second thickness (S2), wherein the second thickness thickness (S2) is less than said first thickness (S1) and said second region (1021B) is oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (A). 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the forming step is performed by compression molding from a dose of thermoplastic material. A mold (2) for producing a capsule (1) for the preparation of a beverage in an apparatus for making a beverage, the mold (2) being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration defining a molding cavity (200). can be,
a bottom recess (201);
a side recess (202) extending about a longitudinal axis (A) between a first annular end (202A) and a second annular end (202B) connected to said bottom recess (201); )and,
a flange recess (203) connected to said second annular end (202B) and extending from said second annular end (202B) away from said longitudinal axis (A);
Said bottom recess (201) comprises an annular portion connected to said side recesses (202) and a central portion surrounded by said annular portion, said annular portion being connected to said second annular end (202B). ) projecting from said central portion away from
The central portion includes a first region having a first thickness and a second region having a second thickness, the second thickness being less than the first thickness, and the A mold (2), wherein the second region is oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (A). comprising an upper unit (21) and a lower unit (22) movable relative to each other along said longitudinal axis (A), wherein in said open configuration of said mold (2) said upper unit (21) and The lower units (22) are spaced apart and in the closed configuration of the mold (2) the upper unit (21) and the lower unit (22) are close together to define the molding cavity (200). 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said lower unit (22) is arranged below said upper unit (21) and at least partially inserted into a recess of said upper unit (21) in said closed configuration. mold (2).

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