KR20160014637A - Cartridge for extracting a beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge (1) for injecting fluid under pressure to extract a beverage comprises a containment body (2) adapted to receive the material and to receive the fluid under pressure, the containment body (2) comprising at least one weakened And a bottom wall (4) having a portion (5), the weakened portion being broken due to the effect of the pressure of the fluid to create an opening for the outflow of the beverage, (8), wherein the receiving part is adapted to restrict the deformation of the bottom wall (4) due to the influence of the pressure of the fluid and to limit the degree of rupture of the at least one weakened part (5) 4).

Description

CARTRIDGE FOR EXTRACTING A BEVERAGE}

The present invention relates to a cartridge for injecting fluid under pressure to extract beverage.

Presently, several types of cartridges are known for obtaining beverages such as espresso coffee, wherein the internal volume of the cartridge containing the material to be extracted (e.g., baked ground coffee) allows a good air seal. This result is obtained using a single body for containing the material, which is cup-shaped and sealed in the upper region with a film or cover, and can be drilled such that fluid (usually water) can be injected under pressure.

These conventional approaches have weakened portions at the bottom of the cup-shaped body, which can be broken due to the effect of the pressure of the fluid injected into the cartridge. As the internal pressure of the cartridge increases, this bottom actually deforms and expands outward to cause a break in the weakened portion.

A disadvantage of the prior art is that it is only necessary to use a rigid filter made of plastic to separate the material to be extracted from the bottom wall from which the beverage flows out, since it is possible to use a sheet filter, If a filter made of material is used instead, the rupture of the bottom wall of the cartridge tends to cause the sheet filter to swell through the torn area of the bottom wall.

In the case of using a rigid filter, it is necessary to use a larger amount of plastic and may also cause problems during manufacture, which essentially involves inserting such a rigid filter into the cup-shaped body of the cartridge.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge for beverage extraction which can improve the prior art in at least one of the above mentioned points.

Within this aim, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge for extracting beverage by injecting liquid under pressure, the cartridge having a bottom that can be broken due to the influence of the internal pressure of the cartridge, And to provide the cartridge which can be controlled and limited.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge for extracting beverages by injecting a liquid under pressure, comprising: an outer element which does not form a part of the cartridge (for example, The punch or counter pressure element provided in the chamber).

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a cartridge for injecting a liquid under pressure to extract a beverage, which can control the rupture, so that a sheet filter such as a paper filter can be used if desired.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge for injecting a liquid under pressure to extract a beverage, which cartridge is highly reliable, easy to implement, and inexpensive.

These and other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved with a cartridge for injecting fluid under pressure to extract a beverage, the cartridge comprising a housing adapted to receive the material and to receive the fluid under pressure, Wherein the containment comprises a bottom wall having at least one weakened portion that is broken due to the effect of the pressure of the fluid to create an opening for the discharge of the beverage, The cartridge includes a receiving portion external to the enclosure for limiting the deformation of the bottom wall due to the effect of the pressure of the fluid to limit the degree of rupture of the at least one weakened portion, In a non-contact manner.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a cartridge according to the present invention, which embodiment is shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.

1 is a side view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention.
2 is an axial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the cartridge of FIG.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the body for containing the material to be extracted, used in the cartridge of Figure 1;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a support portion of a receiving portion for restricting rupture, which is used in the cartridge of Fig. 1;
5 is a top view of the support of Fig.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5;
7 is a plan view of the bottom wall of the cartridge viewed from above, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a detailed view of the central region of the bottom wall of Fig.

Referring to the drawings, a cartridge 1 according to the present invention includes a containment body 2, which is adapted to receive a fluid (particularly water) under pressure to contain a material (not shown) have.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the material is roasted ground coffee and the water under pressure is hot water, e.g., hot water having a temperature of about 90-99 C and a pressure of 9-12 bar, so the resulting drink is espresso coffee.

Alternatively, the material contained in the cartridge may be a soluble coffee, a powdery form, a mouth-shaped or lyophilized edible material, or it may consist of a concentrate.

The enclosure 2 can be made of a polymeric material, for example using a molding technique such as injection and / or compression or thermoforming or extrusion, and is cup-shaped or beaker-like, hermetically sealed by a lid 3 in the upper region, The lid can be drilled to allow fluid to be injected under pressure. In the embodiment shown, the lid 3 is made from a molding (e.g., injection and / or compression), thermoforming or extrusion, and is made of a cartridge as described in European Patent EP 2049416 B1 (herein incorporated by reference) It corresponds to the cover.

Alternatively, the lid 3 can also be made of a non-impermeable membrane in a known manner.

The enclosure 2 preferably has a bottom wall 4 that is free of openings and at least one weakened portion 5 which is now co-located with the weakened portion of the fluid 1 injected into the cartridge 1 So that an opening is created in which the beverage can flow out through such a wall 4.

The weakened portion can be obtained in a known manner by reducing the thickness in one or more linear regions of the bottom wall along a predetermined line during manufacture of the enclosure 2.

The bottom wall 4 may have a plurality of ridges 6 which are adapted to simultaneously form a fine flow path for delivering the extracted beverage to the discharge port created by the rupture of the weakened portion 5, , Said bottom wall comprising a filter capable of filtering solid particles of the substance contained in the cartridge 1, preferably a filter paper, a sheet of poly coated paper, a sheet or a nonwoven fabric or other material in the form of a film It may also have a large surface for supporting the filter 7.

The ridges 6 can be obtained as concentric arched ribs during molding of the enclosure 2 and the ribs are arranged to form concentric and radial channels with an average depth and width of approximately 1 mm.

The weakened portion 5 extends along at least one edge in at least one base of the ridge 6, for example in the radial direction in the circular central region 40 of the bottom wall 4, May extend along both of the substantially longitudinal edges 62a, 62b at the base of the base 61.

The weakened portion 5 may also extend along the radial line 51 of the region 40 across the direction of the central elevated portion 61 so that the weakened portion along the radial line 51 And the weakened portion 52 along the corner edges 62a and 62b of the central elevated portion 61. The intersection point 53 is formed by the intersection point 53, In this case, the radial direction of the central elevated portion 61 and the line 51 is preferably substantially perpendicular to one another, so that four circular sectoral regions, in which the ribs 63 and the initial burst points 53 are provided, do.

7 and 8, the bottom wall 40 of the enclosure 2 likewise has a plurality of ridges 600 as in the first embodiment, that is, the ridges thereof And a granule configured to simultaneously form a fine flow path for sending the extracted beverage to the discharge port created by the rupture of the weakened portion 5, the bottom wall having a filter (not shown) capable of filtering solid particles of material contained in the cartridge , Preferably a wide surface for supporting a sheet filter made of, for example, filter paper, poly coated paper, sheet or non-woven fabric or other materials in the form of a film.

However, the weakened portion 5 is obtained in the substantially circular central region 400 of such bottom wall 401 by the weakened lines 501 and 502, So as to define a pair of helical or toenail portions 503 on opposite sides. In the region delimited by this portion 503 in the circular region 400, there may be another raised portion 601 having substantially the same thickness as the raised portion 600.

In the above two embodiments, outside the enclosure 2, the cartridge 1 according to the invention comprises a receptacle 8, which in its non-operating state, i.e. before the extraction of the beverage, 401 in the state of not contacting the outer surface.

The support portion 8 is provided in a contoured support portion 80 having an edge 82 of the support portion and an annular rib 41 extending outwardly from the bottom wall 4, And selectively removably secured to the enclosure 2 from the bottom wall 4, 401 by mechanical interference between the enclosure 2 and the enclosure 2.

More specifically, the receiving portion 8 extends transversely from its supporting portion 80 toward the areas 40, 400 of the bottom wall 4, 401 (where the weakened portion 5 is present). Preferably, in the embodiment of Figs. 1-6, the receiving portion 8 extends toward the central ridge 61. The purpose of the abutment 8 is to limit the deformation of the bottom wall 4,401 after rupture of the weakened portion 5 due to the pressure of the fluid injected into the cartridge and thus to reduce the degree of rupture of the weakened portion 5 .

The receiving portion 8 does not contact the bottom wall 4 and 401 but has a distance D from the outer surface of the bottom wall 4 and 401 in the case where there is no pressure generated by the inflow fluid. For this reason, the receiving portion 8 is not used to generate the rupture of the weakened portion 5 of the bottom wall 4, 401 of the cartridge. Instead, such rupture is caused only by the influence of the internal compression of the cartridge 1 during extraction of the beverage. The rest portion 8 becomes a mechanical stroke restrictor which limits the further tearing of the weakened portion 5 and thus the possible escape of the sheet filter 7 through the tearing portion forming the opening for the outflow of the beverage . By limiting the degree of rupture, it is possible to control the flow of the beverage leaving the cartridge 1. [

The support portion 8 is preferably provided in the fluid flow obstruction 9 of the support portion 80 which is fixed to the enclosure 2 and which obstructs the flow of the beverage outflow generated by the rupture of the weakened portion 5 So that the flow of the extracted beverage is slowed / slowed or controlled, and the effect of splashing is prevented, so that the beverage can be dispensed directly into the cup or beaker. By means of said obstacle 9 for fluid flow, the quality of the extracted beverage can also be improved.

The obstacle 9 may be a stilling basin to define an appropriate outer surface for regularly making the flow of the beverage, for example, in the form of a nosecone as shown in the drawing. This compartment may have a rim 91 that rests on the bottom wall 4, 401 of the enclosure 2 and at this rim there is provided at least one port or notch 92 for the overflowing portion of the beverage, .

In this case, in the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 6, the receiving portion 8 is provided with a receiving portion 9 for receiving the bottom surface 4, 401 of the housing 2 of the cartridge 1 from the bottom of the cassette 9, Specifically, at least one element 81, for example a pin, protruding towards the central ridge 61 is provided.

The support 80 includes an annular wall 93 around the perimeter 9 and a corresponding rim 91 which is concentric with the rim 91 and which has a support 80 around the rim 91, Such that the inner annular region is provided with at least one passageway 95 that allows the beverage to flow out into the outer annular region of the support 80, A support wall 94 is provided.

As an alternative to the filter 7, a rigid filter (not shown in the figure) may be used, the rigid filter comprising a flat body having a thick circumferential rim surrounding a central region having a plurality of through- The through-hole is sized to block the passage of solid particles and allow passage of the prepared water or beverage. The thick rim may be arranged on a circumferential step which surrounds all ridges 6,600 in the bottom wall 4,400 in the figure. A suitable stiffness filter may be a rigid filter as described in European Patent Application EP 1982933 A2 (incorporated herein by reference).

One or more of the components of the cartridge 1 may be a conventional source such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, vinyl alcohol resin (e.g. EVOH), polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) For example, alcohol fermentation). Any of these materials can be used for any of the components of the cartridge 1, including the lid 3, the rigid filter (not shown in the figure), the enclosure 2 and the support 80. When the filter 7 is used instead of a rigid filter, the filter 7 may be a nonwoven fabric made of any of these materials. Two or more of the thermoplastic polymers in one or more of the components of the cartridge 1 may be joined together through a manufacturing process such as thermoforming or coinjection molding. For example, one or more of the components of the cartridge 1 may be a multi-layer consisting of two or more of the thermoplastic polymers.

One or more of the components of the cartridge 1 may be a biodegradable polyester (e.g., polylactide or PLA), a starch-based biodegradable material, a microbial polyester, a biodegradable vinyl alcohol resin (e.g., PVOH) A thermoplastic material or a biodegradable material comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). Any of these biodegradable materials can be used for any of the cover 3, the rigid filter (not shown in the figure), the enclosure 2, and the support 80. At least one of the biodegradable materials in one or more of the components of the cartridge 1 may also be bonded together. For example, one or more of the components of the cartridge 1 may be a multilayer composed of two or more of the biodegradable materials.

 The operation of the cartridge according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. Particularly, referring to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 6, the receiving portion 8 of the supporting portion 80 in the non-operating state is spaced apart from the outer surface of the bottom wall 4 of the housing 2 of the cartridge 1 by a distance D ).

When the cartridge is inserted into a beverage extracting machine (conventional one), the lid 3 is punched by a punch, which punches the fluid used to obtain the beverage with the material contained in the cartridge 1, The nozzle may be aligned with the nozzle.

If the lid 3 is already open, perforation of the lid may not be necessary.

Subsequently, fluid under pressure is injected into the cartridge 1, so that the fluid can be mixed with the material in the containment chamber 2. By this action, the internal pressure of the cartridge 1 is increased and the bottom wall 4 is deformed outward.

This deformation causes the weakened portion 5 to begin to rupture along the initial portion of the weakened line 51, 52 starting at the point 53, particularly at the intersection 53.

With this modification, the central ridge 61 also attracts the torn area of the central region 40 of the bottom wall 4. However, after the center ridge 61 has moved by the distance D, the stroke of the ridge is blocked by the receiving portion 8 of the pin 81, so that the weakened line 51, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > flap < / RTI >

On the other hand, the beverage is released from the tearing portion and is slowed down by the reducing paper 9 and raised to the pot 92. Finally, the beverage is formed on the supporting portion 80 coaxially around the reducing paper 9, And is discharged out of the cartridge through the passage 95 passing through the outer surface of the paper 9, and is conveniently in the form of nosecone.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the operation is similar. In particular, the rupture of the weakened portion due to the effect of the internal pressure of the cartridge is initiated and is maintained in at least one of the inner portions 501a, 502a of the lines 501, 502 facing each opposite portion 503. The additional spreading of the torn flap originally delimited by the weakened lines 501, 502 is prevented by the contact of the receiving portion 8 with the central portion of the region 400.

In fact, it has been found that the cartridge according to the present invention achieves this object completely, since it can control and limit the rupture of the cartridge bottom for the outflow of beverage. Thanks to this, a sheet filter such as filter paper, poly coated paper can be used, although the bottom can only be broken due to the internal pressure of the cartridge.

(E. G., A punch or counter pressure element provided in the extraction chamber in which the cartridge is located) that does not form a portion of the cartridge due to the rupture of the floor from which the beverage flows out, Forming support element, which can control and limit the tearing of the breakable region.

The cartridges according to the present invention are specifically designed to extract espresso coffee from ground roasted coffee, but more generally can be used to extract beverages from dispensed components using a fluid under pressure.

Such cartridges are subject to various modifications and variations, which are also within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all details may be replaced by other elements that are technically equivalent.

In practice, the materials and dimensions used may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

The disclosure of Italian patent application MI2013A000906, which is the basis of the priority claim of the present application, is incorporated herein by reference.

Where a reference is made to a technical element recited in a claim, the reference number is included solely for the purpose of helping to comprehend the claim, and such a reference is therefore intended to be construed in light of the interpretation of the respective element It does not give any definitive effect.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS 1. A cartridge (1) for injecting fluid under pressure to extract a beverage, comprising a containment body (2) adapted to receive a material and to receive said fluid under pressure, said containment body (2) comprising at least one weakening Wherein the weakened portion is broken due to the effect of the pressure of the fluid to create an opening for the outflow of the beverage,
Characterized in that the cartridge comprises a receiving portion (8) outside the enclosure (2), the receiving portion restricting deformation of the bottom wall (4) due to the effect of the pressure of the fluid, (5) in contact with the bottom wall (4) to limit the degree of rupture of the container (5). The method according to claim 1,
The receiving portion 8 faces the region of the bottom wall 4 where the at least one weakened portion 5 is present, preferably the central region 40 of the bottom wall 4. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The receiving portion 8 is provided in an obstacle 9 fixed to the receptacle 2 and the obstacle is provided with a cartridge 10 opposed to the opening for the outflow of the beverage to slow down / . The method of claim 3,
Wherein the obstacle (9) is a stilling basin. 5. The method of claim 4,
The dispenser includes a rim (91) that is seated in the bottom wall (4), wherein the rim is provided with at least one port (92) for the dispensing of beverage collected in the dispenser. The method according to claim 4 or 5,
Wherein said receiving portion comprises at least one element protruding from the bottom of said impregnated paper toward the bottom wall of the enclosure of the cartridge. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Wherein said receiving portion (8) is integrally formed with a supporting portion (80) detachably fixed to said accommodating body (2). 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Characterized in that the bottom wall (4) comprises a plurality of ridges (6) protruding toward the interior of the cartridge, a filter (7) interposed between the material and the plurality of ridges Wherein the weakened portion (5) of the raised portion (6) has at least one edge (62a, 62b) at the base of at least one ridge (61) 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Wherein the at least one weakened portion (5) extends along a radial line (51) in a substantially central region (40) of the bottom wall (4). 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9,
Wherein said at least one ridge portion (61) of said ridge portion (6) extends radially in said substantial central region (40) of said bottom wall (4) and transversely to said radial line (51) . 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The weakened portion 5 is provided in a substantially circular central region 400 of the bottom wall 401 and the weakened portion is adapted to define a pair of helical or clawed portions 503 A cartridge comprising weakened lines (501, 502). 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
Wherein one or more of the cartridge < Desc /
Thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, vinyl alcohol resin, polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate; or
A cartridge made of a combination of two or more thermoplastic polymers selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, vinyl alcohol resin, polyethylene and / or polyethylene terephthalate and bonded together. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Wherein one or more of the cartridge < Desc /
Biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polyester, starch-based biodegradable material, microbial polyester, biodegradable vinyl alcohol resin, biocompatible thermoplastic material or polyhydroxyalkanoate; or
A combination of two or more biodegradable materials selected from the group consisting of a biodegradable polyester, a starch-based biodegradable material, a microbial polyester, a biodegradable vinyl alcohol resin, a biodegradable thermoplastic material and a polyhydroxyalkanoate Cartridges made.

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