KR20240058094A - Capsules for manufacturing beverages and methods for manufacturing capsules - Google Patents

Abstract

챔버(21)를 한정하는 캡슐 몸체(2) - 상기 캡슐 몸체는, 상단 개구(23)를 향해 축방향으로 연장되는 하나 이상의 측벽들(22), 및 상기 하나 이상의 측벽들로부터 반경방향 외향으로 연장되는 원주방향 플랜지(24), 및 상기 원주방향 플랜지의 상부 표면(241)의 적어도 일부분에 부착되고 상기 상단 개구를 폐쇄하고, 상기 캡슐 내로의 액체 주입을 위해 천공되도록 적응된 상단 멤브레인(3) - 상기 상단 멤브레인 및 상기 플랜지는 공통 평면(P)을 따라 전체적으로 연장됨 -, 상기 챔버(21) 내측에 제공된 하단 멤브레인(4) - 상기 상단 멤브레인(3)과 상기 하단 멤브레인 사이에 성분 챔버를 한정하게 함 -, 및 챔버 내측에 제공되고 챔버를 개방하도록 적응된 개방 디바이스(5)를 포함한다.A capsule (1) for use in a beverage preparation machine, said capsule comprising:

A capsule body 2 defining a chamber 21 - the capsule body comprising: one or more side walls (22) extending axially toward the top opening (23), and a circumferential flange (24) extending radially outwardly from the one or more side walls, and A top membrane (3) attached to at least a portion of the top surface (241) of the circumferential flange and closing the top opening, adapted to be perforated for injection of liquid into the capsule, the top membrane and the flange having a common plane. extending entirely along (P) -, a bottom membrane (4) provided inside the chamber (21), defining a component chamber between the top membrane (3) and the bottom membrane, and It comprises an opening device (5) provided inside the chamber and adapted to open the chamber.

Description

Capsules for manufacturing beverages and methods for manufacturing capsules

The present invention relates to capsules for use in beverage preparation machines, methods for making capsules, and sealing dies.

Beverage making machines allow consumers to prepare various types of beverages at home, such as coffee-based beverages.

Today, most beverage making machines for home beverage preparation include a system consisting of machines capable of receiving portioned ingredients for the preparation of beverages. Such parts may be soft pods or pads, or sachets, but more and more systems are using semi-hard or hard parts, such as hard pods or capsules. In the following, the beverage machine of the invention will be considered to be a beverage preparation machine operating with hard capsules.

The machine includes a receptacle for receiving the capsule, and a fluid injection system for injecting fluid, preferably water, into the capsule under pressure. For the production of coffee beverages, the water injected under pressure into the capsule is preferably at a high temperature, i.e. above 70°C. However, in some specific cases, this may also be ambient temperature. The pressure inside the capsule chamber during extraction and/or dissolution of the capsule contents is typically between about 1 and 1 in the case of dissolution of the product (in the case of dissolution of soluble ingredients such as milk powder, chocolate powder, instant coffee or instant tea). 8 bars, and for extraction of roasted and ground coffee, about 2 to 12 bars.

The principle of extracting and/or dissolving the contents of a closed capsule under pressure is known and typically involves restraining the capsule within a receptacle of a machine, typically by inserting the capsule with a penetrating injection element such as a fluid injection needle mounted on the machine. After penetrating one side of the capsule, a certain amount of pressurized water is injected into the capsule to extract or dissolve the substance and then create a pressurized environment inside the capsule to release the extracted or dissolved substance through the capsule. It comes true. Capsules allowing the application of this principle have already been described, for example, in EP 1472156 and EP 1784344 B1. These capsules provide specific features that enclose the beverage ingredients within a chamber closed by a top membrane into which water is injected and by a bottom membrane configured to open further with an increase in water pressure inside the chamber. Upon injection of liquid inside the chamber, the pressure deforms the bottom membrane such that an opening element located proximate to the bottom membrane penetrates the deformed membrane and the beverage prepared inside the chamber is directed to the outside of the capsule, e.g. Provides a passage into the cup.

As mentioned above, these capsules are typically hard capsules made of plastic materials. To improve either the recyclability or compostability of these capsules, new materials that answer these objectives must be used.

In particular, two different solutions can be developed:

- One is to enable the recyclability of capsules by proposing capsules made only from polypropylene (PP) materials. In fact, in currently existing capsules, different parts of the capsule are typically manufactured from different types of materials, which can make recycling of used capsules difficult depending on the capacity of the recycling plant. Capsules with a body and top membrane made of PP will be easier to recycle.

- The other is to enable biodegradability of the capsule by proposing a capsule manufactured only from biodegradable materials.

In both situations, problems were encountered when the properties of the material changed.

The problem with capsules made of 100% PP material is that by using only top membranes made entirely of PP, the temperature used to seal these PP top membranes to the capsule body must be between 220°C and 170°C to avoid damaging these PP membranes. It should be reduced to 175℃. These temperatures are applied at the heat sealing stage of the capsule manufacturing line. Heat sealing consists of covering the open top of the capsule with a membrane, and then pushing a cutting and heating head against the membrane to cut the top membrane to the dimensions of the capsule and simultaneously heat sealing the membrane to the cup. While manufacturing these new capsules on a conventional manufacturing line, it was observed that the new produced capsules provided lower resistance to the pressure developed within the capsule during beverage extraction.

Based on the principle of beverage production by capsules mentioned above, in addition to the introduction of water, the pressure increases inside the capsule until the bottom opening means punctures the bottom membrane. Therefore, to achieve this effect, it is essential that the top membrane can resist higher pressures than the bottom membrane. However, with new recyclable capsules made on current manufacturing lines, the top membrane has been observed to separate from the capsule body during beverage extraction.

One first solution to improve sealing was to extend the stage of heat sealing at 170 to 175°C, but this immediately created problems with the speed of the manufacturing line, which affected other stages of the manufacturing line and, above all, The number of capsules produced was reduced.

Another problem with other capsules made from biodegradable materials is sealing the top membrane onto the capsule body. It has been observed that the compostable materials of the membrane and capsule body easily separate when pressure increases inside the capsule during beverage preparation, preventing accurate preparation of the beverage.

As a result, whatever the nature of the material from which the capsule is made, the top membrane needs to properly close the chamber without any leakage during the rise of the pressure within the chamber to a minimum pressure. This is important because a defined pressure needs to be ensured during extraction or dissolution of the beverage ingredients.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to overcome the above-described disadvantages. That is, in particular, the object of the present invention is to provide capsules with higher resistance in terms of burst resistance, i.e. capsules that better resist the pressure within the capsule required to produce the respective beverage.

These and other objects which will become apparent upon reading the following description are resolved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a capsule for use in a beverage preparation machine, the capsule comprising a soluble and/or extractable food ingredient, the capsule comprising:

- a capsule body defining a chamber - the capsule body comprising:

. one or more side walls extending axially toward the top opening, and

. a circumferential flange extending radially outwardly from one or more side walls, and

. Includes lower beverage outlet -,

- a top membrane attached to at least a part of the upper surface of the circumferential flange and closing the top opening, adapted to be perforated for injection of liquid into the capsule, - the top membrane and the flange extending entirely along a common plane (P),

- a bottom membrane provided inside the chamber, defining a component chamber between the top membrane and said bottom membrane, and

- an opening device provided inside the chamber, the opening device being adapted to open the chamber by relative engagement of the opening device with the bottom membrane under the influence of an increase in liquid pressure in the component chamber during injection of the liquid,

The upper surface of the flange includes at least one circumferentially transverse fixed section, the fixed section extending transversely with respect to a common plane,

The top membrane is attached to at least the fixed section.

Circumferential means that this fixed section is present on the entire circumference of the flange. In general, the geometric form of these fixed sections is the same along the entire circumference.

These fixed sections transverse to and extend from a common plane P.

By this, a fixation interface between the fixation section and the top membrane can be provided in a direction transverse to the top membrane main orientation. This advantageously has the effect of increasing the force required to separate the top membrane from the flange.

As a result, the strength required to tear the top membrane extending from the fastening section along the top plane P is increased, since the force generated for tearing is transverse to this plane.

Resistance to removing the top membrane from the fastening section can be increased without increasing the temperature or time to seal the membrane. Capsule materials with weak adhesion may be used.

Accordingly, the resistance of the capsule in terms of resistance to rupture is increased in a very cost-effective and easy way, especially during beverage production at defined (high) pressures. Accordingly, the capsule offers great flexibility in material selection without adversely affecting the capsule's ability to resist a defined pressure. Accordingly, the capsule also makes it possible to improve its environmental sustainability, for example by selecting its materials in a specific (environmentally friendly) way. In particular, the specific shape of the fastening section makes it possible to create materials that, on the one hand, have a greater tendency to separate from the body, but on the other hand have advantageous features such as greater environmental friendliness, for example due to increased recyclability or biodegradability. You can use it. Additionally, no additional fixation steps and/or additional time for fixation are required in the manufacture or creation of the capsule to improve the fixation of the top membrane. This is because the effect of improved fixation and resistance of the top membrane is provided by specific transverse fixation sections. Moreover, other parameters during the production of the capsule can be modified to advantage without adversely affecting the resistance of the capsule in terms of rupture. For example, the temperature required for heat sealing can be reduced without reducing the time for heat sealing. This also reduces the risk of damaging parts of the capsule involved in the fastening process, such as the top membrane and/or the capsule body.

The transverse fastening section may include at least one circumferential recess and/or at least one circumferential protrusion around the top opening.

The fastening section may extend upwardly from the top surface of the flange and may form a circumferential projection on the flange, such as an annular bump or ridge around the top opening. These protrusions extend circumferentially around the top opening of the chamber. The transverse fastening section may comprise a plurality of (more than one) protrusions preferably arranged concentrically with respect to each other.

Alternatively, the fastening section may extend downwardly from the upper surface of the flange and may form a recess or groove inside the upper surface of the flange. This recess forms an annular groove extending circumferentially around the top opening of the chamber. The transverse fastening section may comprise a plurality of (more than one) recesses preferably arranged concentrically with respect to each other.

In another embodiment, the transverse fixture may include at least one protrusion and at least one recess.

Preferably, the at least one circumferential transverse fixation section is:

- at least 0.2 mm,

- preferably extends by a length l of at most 0.5 mm,

It preferably consists of 0.2 to 0.35 mm.

This length corresponds to the most important dimension of the transverse fixed section along the direction perpendicular to the common plane P.

Preferably, these dimensions are not critical to avoid fragilizing the flange.

The at least one circumferential transverse fastening section 7 extends by a width of at least 0.8 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, and preferably consists of 0.8 to 1.8 mm.

This width corresponds to the most important dimensions of the transverse fixed section. It extends radially and along a common plane (P).

Preferably, the at least one circumferential transverse fastening section comprises at least one radially inward end, wherein the circumferentially transverse fastening section is inclined by an angle of at least 10°, preferably at most 45°. It extends transversely to a common plane (P). Preferably, at said radially inward end, the circumferential transverse fastening section extends along a straight shape, such as a chamfer.

Preferably the at least one circumferential transverse fastening section is positioned between the radially inward end of the flange and the radially outward end of the flange.

Accordingly, the top membrane is not attached near the ends of the flange, but rather preferably on the top surface of the flange between these two ends.

In practice, the manufacturing tools, especially the heat seal dies used to attach the top membrane to the flange, are usually designed to apply heat on the section of the flange located between these two ends, which means that in the same step these manufacturing tools This is because the top membrane on the capsule body is heated and cut.

Accordingly, it is desirable to take advantage of such manufacturing tools in the current embodiment of the invention.

Although the top membrane may be attached generally along the entire upper surface of the flange - from the inward end to the outward end - the top membrane is only attached to the transverse fastening sections.

Preferably, the circumferentially transverse fixing section comprises at least one recess, said recess extending transversely with respect to a common plane P and from the upper surface of the flange into the flange, the lower end of said recess having: It has a round shape.

Such a shape allows easy production of the capsule body with such a recess in the flange, especially at the stage of removal from the mold during production of the capsule body,

- Facilitates material flow in cases where the shape is not pre-manufactured in the capsule, except during sealing time.

Preferably, the radially inward and radially outward surfaces of this recess represent straight surfaces.

Such a shape allows:

- easy production of the capsule body with such a recess in the flange, especially during the removal step from the mold,

- facilitating the introduction of heating and sealing dies in the recess,

- To facilitate material flow in cases where the shape is not pre-manufactured in the capsule, except during sealing time.

In one embodiment, the radially inward and/or radially outward surfaces of the recess may form a chamfer.

The at least one chamfer may form, in cross-section, a symmetrical or asymmetrical shape of the recess. In cross-section, the radially inward and radially outward chamfers may be symmetrical with respect to the remainder of the recess, or may have an axis of symmetry passing through the remainder of the recess.

Alternatively, the recess may comprise only a radially outward chamfer or a radially inward chamfer, thereby forming an asymmetric shape. Accordingly, no chamfers are formed on the respective other faces, but are, for example, perpendicular to the upper flat surface of the flange.

If the circumferential transverse fastening section comprises at least one protrusion rising upwardly from the upper surface of the flange, said protrusion is shaped correspondingly to the above-described recess, so that the above description of recesses applies correspondingly to protrusions. can do. Preferably, the protrusions are formed complementary to the aforementioned recesses.

Typically, the flange comprises a flat surface, from which protrusions protrude and/or recesses recessed therefrom.

In one embodiment, the capsule body and top membrane are made from the same recyclable plastic, such as polypropylene.

“Recyclable” means that at least part and preferably all of the capsule can be converted into a single type of material or into several types of materials separate from each other. Preferably, the capsule body is made of polypropylene and the top membrane is made of polypropylene. In this way, particularly improved recyclability is achieved compared to capsules where the capsule body is made of PP but the top membrane is a multilayer component comprising PP and other materials, especially PET. The transverse fastening section ensures a stronger adhesion of the different parts of the PP materials to each other at lower temperature sealing.

In other embodiments, the capsule body and top membrane may be made from compostable and/or biodegradable materials. Here, “biodegradable and/or compostable material” can be understood as any material that can be decomposed into environmentally harmless products by (the action of) living organisms such as microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, etc.). Environmentally harmless products from which biodegradable materials break down can be water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Biodegradation can occur in an oxygenated (aerobic) environment and/or in an otherwise oxygen-free (anaerobic) environment. International standards (e.g. EU13432 or USASTMD6400) specify technical requirements and procedures for determining the compostability of materials.

The transversal fastening sections ensure a stronger attachment of the different parts of the compostable and/or biodegradable materials to each other.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for producing a capsule as described above, comprising:

- providing a capsule body defining a chamber, said capsule body comprising:

. one or more side walls extending axially toward the top opening (23), and

. a circumferential flange extending radially outward from one or more side walls and extending along a plane P, and

. Includes a bottom outlet,

The upper surface of the flange comprises at least one circumferentially transverse fixed section, the fixed section extending transversely to the plane P,

- introducing an opening device inside the capsule body,

- attaching the bottom membrane inside the capsule body and over the opening device,

- Filling the capsule body with beverage ingredients,

- attaching the top membrane to the upper surface of the flange of the capsule body by applying heat to the top membrane positioned along the flange with a heating die, the heating die having a complementary shape to the transverse fixed section of the flange; The top membrane within at least one transverse fixed section of the capsule is heated and pressurized.

The sealing die is adapted to seal by heat. Accordingly, the sealing die may include thermal conductivity. The sealing die may be a single or monolithic part, for example made from a single block of material. Preferably, the sealing die has the shape of a ring. The sealing die may be made of a single material, such as metal. The sealing die may also include one or more tool elements (eg, formed integrally with the sealing section) that can be used in the manufacture of the capsule. For example, the one or more tool elements include cutting elements adapted to cut or punch the membrane foil thereby providing a top membrane. The sealing die may be in the form of a sealing head.

In the following, the present invention is exemplarily explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- Figure 1a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a currently existing capsule, and Figure 1b is a perspective cross-sectional view of an existing alternative embodiment.
- Figure 2a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper part of the capsule, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 2b is an enlarged part of the recess in the flange of the capsule of Figure 2a.
- Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper part of the capsule, according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule, according to a third embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing die, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing die, according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing die, according to another embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 8 schematically shows the manufacturing method according to the invention.

Figure 1a illustrates an existing capsule 1 adapted for use in beverage preparation machines. The capsule 1 includes a capsule body 2 with one or more side walls 22 extending axially from the bottom toward the top. The side wall extends towards the top opening (23). At the top opening 23, the body includes a circumferential flange 24 extending radially outward from one or more side walls. Flange 24 is typically formed integrally with one or more side walls 22. The flange preferably extends around the opening 23 in the form of a closing ring. The flange includes an upper surface 241 facing upward and a lower surface. The lower surface preferably comprises or consists of a flat surface.

Generally, the cross-section of the capsule body is circular from bottom to top, and the flange is also circular, as illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 1B.

One or more side walls define a chamber 21 for containing soluble and/or extractable beverage ingredients.

These soluble beverage ingredients are water-soluble powder ingredients and may be selected from the list of instant coffee powder, milk powder, cream powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder or mixtures of the above powders. The powder may be agglomerated or sintered.

These beverage ingredients contained within the package may also be brewable or brewable ingredients, such as roasted and ground coffee or tea leaves. In such embodiments, water extracts the beverage ingredients.

The capsule comprises a top membrane (3) which is fixed, sealed or attached to at least a part of the top surface (241) of the circumferential flange and thus covers and closes the top opening (23). The top membrane 3 and flange 24 extend entirely along a common plane P corresponding to the plane of the top opening 23 .

This top membrane is adapted to be perforated for injection of liquid into the capsule. Preferably, the top membrane is pierceable by an injection needle of a beverage preparation machine adapted to inject extraction liquid under pressure into or into the chamber. Preferably, the drilling operation is carried out in one single location by means of a water injection needle as described in WO 2006/082064 or WO 2008/107281.

The term "top membrane" refers to the membrane pierced by the injection needle of the machine, in contrast to the "bottom membrane" (as described below), which is to be understood as the membrane located on the opposite side of the capsule 1. It must be understood. This definition allows the “top” and “bottom” membranes to be defined at any position at the position of the capsule 1 within the machine, when both the capsule and the machine are engaged in a functional manner.

The capsule includes a bottom membrane (4) that closes the bottom of the chamber (21). Accordingly, the soluble and/or extractable beverage ingredients are surrounded between the top and bottom membranes. The top and bottom membranes define an interior space of the chamber configured to hold beverage ingredients for the preparation of a beverage.

In one preferred embodiment, the distributor wall 9 may extend through the inner cross-section of the chamber defining a lower sub-chamber for the components and an upper distribution chamber for the liquid. This distributor wall contains small holes to distribute the liquid evenly over the ingredients.

The capsule comprises an opening device (5) adapted to open the chamber by relative engagement with the bottom membrane (4) under the influence of a rise in liquid pressure in the chamber during injection of said liquid. The opening device 5 may comprise a rigid plate, which comprises opening elements such as spikes on its surface directed upward towards the bottom membrane 4 . The opening device 5 may alternatively be referred to as a “pyramid plate”. Upon injection of liquid inside the chamber (4), pressure builds up until the lower membrane is pierced, deforming the lower membrane (4) against the opening means (5), thereby forcing the capsule (1) inside each chamber (21). Provides a passage through which the beverage prepared in is directed downward to the open device (5).

The capsule body comprises a bottom beverage outlet (25) at its bottom and below the opening device (5). The lower end of the capsule body preferably extends below the opening means, which retains said opening means and collects the beverage into this beverage outlet 25, thereby placing the beverage on the outside of the capsule 1, for example in a cup (example (does not work) distributed within.

The upper membrane (3) is designed in such a way that the extraction liquid injected into the chamber (21) achieves an internal pressure increase and reaches the pressure necessary to achieve penetration of the lower membrane (4), which is deformed by the opening device (5). It is fixed to the flange (24). The top membrane 3 is thus fixed to the flange in such a way that it cannot be separated, at least until a defined pressure inside the chamber is achieved. This defined pressure may be at least 2 bar, preferably at least 3 bar or at least 6 bar. Thereby, the immobilization results in the capsule 1 not leaking through the interface between the flange and the top membrane during beverage production.

Figure 2a according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A schematic cross-sectional view of the upper part of the capsule is shown. The remainder of the capsule is similar to the capsule in Figure 1.

In this capsule, the upper surface 241 of the flange comprises a circumferential transverse fastening section 7 to which the top membrane 3 is attached. Circumferentially means that this fixed extension is present on the entire circumference of the flange as shown on the left and right sides of the cross-sectional view. Preferably, the membrane is secured to said area by heat sealing, the membrane comprising a heat sealant component on its lower side facing the upper surface of the capsule flange.

The transverse fastening section extends transversely to a common plane (P) of the top membrane, flange and top opening. Transverse means that this fixed section is not in this plane P, but extends in a direction transverse to this plane. As a result, at least part of the surface 71 of the fixed section is tilted or tilted relative to the plane P. Figure 2b illustrates the inclined planar surface of the portion 71 forming an angle α with the plane P at the radially inward end 73 of the fastening section.

Preferably, the circumferential transverse fastening section 7 extends by a length l of at least 0.2 mm. This length corresponds to the most important dimension of the transverse fixed section along the direction perpendicular to the common plane P as illustrated.

The flange may comprise one or more flat sections (6). Preferably, the upper part of the flange consists of one or more flat parts (6) and a transverse fixed section (7). Each of the flat portions 6 comprises a flat surface, which preferably extends along a plane P. One first flat portion 6 faces radially inward with respect to the transverse fastening section 7 and the second flat portion 6 faces radially outward with respect to the fastening section 7 . Optionally, the top membrane (3) is not fixed to the one or more flat parts (6). Accordingly, the top membrane (3) can only be fastened to the transverse fastening section (7).

According to this embodiment of Figure 2a, the fastening section 7 is a recess extending transversely into the flange 24 from the upper surface 241 of the flange. As shown in Figure 2a, the recess can have, in cross-section, two straight chamfers 71 surrounding a bottom round concave shape 72, with the chamfers 71 and the concave shape 72 being preferred. It extends around the entire circumference of the opening 23.

Accordingly, the top membrane 3 is fixed to the fastening section 7 in a very advantageous way. This fixation has the effect in particular that the top membrane 3 is not fixed along a single plane P covering the opening 6 . Instead, the top membrane 3 is fixed along the different directions provided by the parts 71, 72. Accordingly, the strength required to tear the fixture until it breaks or separates is increased. In particular, when the pressure inside the capsule increases due to the filling of water, the water exerts a force on the intersection 241a between the side wall 22 and the flange 24, and the force is illustrated by arrow A. As shown, the membrane 3 is pushed upward and away from the flange 24. This force may facilitate separation of the top membrane 3 along the flat portion 6 from the flange. However, in the transverse fastening section 7, the new orientation of this fastening section reduces the influence of upwardly oriented forces on the sealing of the membrane and flange.

As shown in Figure 2a, the fastening section 7 comprises a radially outward chamfer and a radially inward chamfer 71, to which the top membrane 3 is fastened. In this way, the fastening between the flange and the top membrane is much improved, since the fastening between these parts is in much different directions.

Capsules are not limited to specific ingredients.

In one embodiment, the capsule body 2 is recyclable and/or consists of a single material, such as polypropylene. In particular, the capsule body (2) and the top membrane (3). Accordingly, both of these elements can be tightly sealed together by heat sealing at lower temperatures by implementing a circumferentially transverse fastening section 7 .

In another embodiment, the capsule, particularly the capsule body 2 and top membrane 3, may be made from compostable and/or biodegradable materials. Therefore, even if the seal between the compostable and/or biodegradable materials of both these elements is weak, their attachment can be reinforced with the circumferentially transverse fastening section 7 .

Figure 3 exemplarily shows a capsule 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The capsule 1 corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 2 a except that the cross-sectional shape of the circumferential transverse fastening section 7 is different, ie the radially inward chamfer 71 is not present.

In other embodiments not illustrated, recess 74 may be replaced with a protrusion. That is, the circumferentially transverse fixed section extends transversely over the flange from the upper surface of the flange.

2a and 3 instead of a recessed recess against the upper surface of the flange extending along plane P, a protrusion protrudes. These protrusions may include shapes complementary to the shapes of the recesses illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3 . Preferably, the protrusion comprises a ridge, such as an annular ridge, extending around the opening 6.

The upper surface of the flange may include a plurality of protrusions arranged concentrically with respect to each other.

In one other embodiment not illustrated, the top surface of the flange may include:

- at least one projection as previously described extending from the upper surface of the flange over the flange transversely to a common plane P; and

- at least one recess as described above extending above the flange and transversely into the upper surface of the flange.

The protrusion(s) and recess(s) are arranged concentrically with respect to each other.

Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. A schematic cross-sectional view of the upper part of the capsule is shown.

The upper surface 241 of the flange is transverse to the common plane P and comprises one circumferentially transverse fixed section 7 located at the radially outward end 241b of the flange. The fixed section (7) consists of a flat chamfer (71) to which a top membrane (3) is attached.

This embodiment is less preferred because, generally during manufacturing, attaching the top membrane to the capsule body requires two different steps: first cutting the membrane to the desired dimensions and then attaching it to the recess 7.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of a sealing die 100A used in the production of the capsule illustrated in FIG. 2A. The sealing die 100A is adapted to seal and thus secure the top membrane to the fixed section of the flange of the capsule body. The sealing die 100A includes an annular sealing section 170A configured to press and heat the membrane against the flange 241 of the capsule to secure the top membrane 3 to the fixed section of the flange 241 of the capsule body.

The annular heating portion 170A of the sealing die has a complementary shape to the circumferential transverse fastening section 7 of the flange of the capsule in Figure 2a and the outer surface of this portion 170A is located along the outer surface of the transverse fastening section of the capsule. and has an annular shape with a diameter such that the top membrane positioned between these surfaces can be attached along the entire surface of the transverse fastening section.

For this reason, the annular heating part 170A corresponds to the two chamfers 171 and the negative or conformal shape of the two chamfers 71 and the concave shape 72 of the transverse fastening section 71 of the capsule in Figure 2a. It shows a cross section including the middle convex portion 172.

By pressing the high-temperature heating die on the top membrane 3 extending along the plane P defined by the capsule top opening and flange of the capsule, the annular heating portion 170A is connected to the corresponding transverse fixed section 71 of the capsule. Enter the medial side and secure it.

In a similar manner, Figure 6 exemplarily shows a cross-section of a sealing die 100B used to manufacture the capsule illustrated in Figure 3.

For this reason, the annular heating part 170B has only one chamfer 171 and a negative or conformal shape of the chamfer 71 and a concave shape 72 of the transverse fastening section 71 of the capsule in FIG. 3 . A cross section including the convex portion 172 is shown.

In a similar manner, Figure 7 exemplarily shows a portion of a cross-section of a sealing die 100C used to manufacture other types of capsules (not shown).

The annular heating portion 170C represents a cross-section comprising one convex portion 172 and a radially outwardly located planar portion 173.

The capsule to be sealed by the top membrane with this heating die 170 is provided with a flange containing grooves corresponding to the negative or conformal shape of the annular heating portion 170C, which is roundly concave in shape. The top membrane extends along this concave shape and along the plane P of the capsule and is sealed along a planar portion located radially outward from the concave portion.

When a part of the top membrane is attached to the upper flat surface of the flange of the capsule, this part is preferably attached to a part of the flange that is located radially outwardly compared to the transverse fixed section.

In another embodiment, the annular heating portions 170A, 170B, 170C, which are protrusions, may be replaced by recesses. For example, the recess may include a shape complementary to the shape of a protrusion on the upper surface of the flange of the capsule.

The above description of protrusions therefore applies analogously to recesses.

In Figure 8 , an exemplary manufacturing apparatus (eg manufacturing line) is shown carrying out a preferred embodiment of the method for manufacturing capsules 1. The capsule 1 may be the capsule of FIG. 2A or FIG. 3 described above. The manufacturing apparatus includes at least a holding device 100, such as one or more of the sealing dies 100A, 100B described above.

In the first step (a), a capsule body (2) is provided. Before step (a), the open device (5), bottom membrane and beverage ingredients were introduced through the top opening. Additionally, raw material 30 is provided between the capsule body 2 and the fastening device 100 . Raw material 30 may be provided in the form of a foil. In the first step (a), the stationary device 100 is in an initial position.

In the second step (b), the fastening device 100 cuts the top membrane and performs heat sealing of the top membrane to the fastening section 7 of the capsule body 2. The fixing step can be performed by applying heat to the top membrane 3 contacted by the fixing device 100 . In this way, the top membrane (3) is fixed to the fastening section (7).

Once the top membrane 3 is fixed to the fastening section 7, an advantageous fastening of the top membrane 8 to the fastening section 7 is achieved as described above.

In an optional third step (c), the stationary device 100 returns to its initial position along the axis of movement. By this, the remainder of the raw material 20 is retained and can subsequently be moved further to repeat steps (a) to (c) to produce further capsules (1).

yes

In the following, examples of capsules according to the invention are described compared with comparative examples.

In each example, the capsule's resistance to rupture is measured. The procedure for such measurements includes the following steps: a) placing the capsule to be tested in a bell under airtight conditions; b) introducing compressed air (6 bar) inside the bell shape and through a hole at the bottom of the capsule and measuring the pressure inside the bell shape; The capsule being tested can be empty (no pyramid plate and no bottom (aluminum) membrane at the bottom of the body), or, if a pyramid plate and bottom (aluminum) membrane are present, the air introduced through the bottom hole is (aluminium) ) easily penetrates the bottom membrane or wall; In both of these cases, the results in terms of the rupture resistance of the top membrane are the same; c) Waiting for the rupture of the top membrane and measuring the corresponding pressure.

Example 1 - Comparative example

The capsule according to this comparative example comprises a capsule body with a flat flange with a fastening section for the membrane. Accordingly, the fixed sections do not include any parts extending transversely to each other. Sealing of the top membrane to this fixed section is carried out with heat at a temperature of 220°C. The top membrane is non-recyclable and has a layered structure of PET/alu/PP. Burst pressure measurements were performed on a series (number to be determined) of such capsules and gave the following results (pressure represents the pressure at which the capsule ruptures, i.e. the pressure at which the top membrane separates from the capsule body, causing leakage) ):

" 기계) 내측에서 정확하게 추출되기 위해, 캡슐은 바람직하게는 저압에서 추출되는 제품에 대해 적어도 2.1 바 그리고 고압에서 추출되는 다른 제품에 대해 적어도 3.0 바의 파열 압력을 제공한다.Beverage preparation machines (e.g. NDG "

In order to be extracted correctly from the inside (machine), the capsule preferably provides a bursting pressure of at least 2.1 bar for products extracted at low pressure and at least 3.0 bar for other products extracted at high pressure.

Example 2 - Comparative example

The capsule according to this comparative example comprises a capsule body with a flat flange with a fastening section for the membrane. Accordingly, the fixed sections do not include any parts extending transversely to each other. Sealing of the top membrane to this fixed section is carried out with heat at a temperature of 175°C. The top membrane is a recyclable multilayer single material membrane made of PP. Burst pressure measurements were performed on a series (number to be determined) of such capsules and gave the following results (pressure represents the pressure at which the capsule ruptures, i.e. the pressure at which the top membrane separates from the capsule body, causing leakage) ):

As can be derived from these results, the bursting pressure is too low for extraction of these capsules in beverage machines. The membrane will delaminate during beverage production.

Example 3 - Example according to the invention

The capsule according to the present example has a symmetrical design as illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b and comprises a capsule body with a flange with a fixed section comprising a recess as a groove. Sealing of the top membrane to these parts is carried out with heat at a temperature of 220°C. The top membrane is a non-recyclable membrane and has a sealed layer structure of PET/alu/PP. Burst pressure measurements were performed on a series of such capsules and gave the following results (pressure represents the pressure at which the capsule ruptures, i.e. the pressure at which the top membrane separates from the capsule body, causing leakage):

As can be seen, the values of burst pressure are comparable to those of Comparative Example 1.

Example 4 - Example according to the invention

The capsule according to the present example comprises a capsule body with a flange with a fixed section comprising a recess as a groove with the same symmetrical design as in FIG. 3 . Accordingly, the symmetrical design includes a first part and a second part transverse to each other, and the top membrane is sealed to these parts and secured accordingly. Sealing of the top membrane to these parts is carried out with heat at a temperature of 175°C. The top membrane is a recyclable multilayer mono-material PP membrane. Burst pressure measurements were performed on a series of such capsules and gave the following results (pressure represents the pressure at which the capsule ruptures, i.e. the pressure at which the top membrane separates from the capsule body, causing leakage):

As can be seen, the minimum value of burst pressure increases and is always above 2.1 bar, which means a clear increase compared to the value of the same capsule with a flat flange (Comparative Example 2).

Example 5 - Example according to the invention

The capsule according to this comparative example includes a capsule body having a flange with a fixed section including a recess as a groove with an asymmetric design as illustrated in FIG. 3 . Sealing of the top membrane to this fixed section is carried out with heat at a temperature of 220°C. The top membrane is a non-recyclable membrane with a layer structure PET/alu/PP. Burst pressure measurements were performed on a series of such capsules and gave the following results (pressure represents the pressure at which the capsule ruptures, i.e. the pressure at which the top membrane separates from the capsule body, causing leakage):

As can be seen, the values of burst pressure are improved compared to the values of Comparative Example 1, which is baseline with capsules operating efficiently in beverage machines.

Example 6 - Example according to the invention

The capsule according to the present example comprises a capsule body with a flange with a fixed section comprising a recess as a groove with the same asymmetrical design illustrated in FIG. 3 . Sealing of the top membrane to this fixed section is carried out with heat at a temperature of 175°C. The top membrane is a recyclable multilayer mono-material PP membrane. Burst pressure measurements were performed on a series of such capsules and gave the following results (pressure represents the pressure at which the capsule ruptures, i.e. the pressure at which the top membrane separates from the capsule body, causing leakage):

As can be seen, the minimum value of the bursting pressure has increased and is always above 2.1 bar on average, which represents a clear increase compared to the value of the same capsule with a flat flange (Comparative Example 2).

Example 7 - Comparative example

Capsules were made with a capsule body made of a biodegradable material, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and a 120 micrometer top membrane also made from PHA. The top membrane was fixed to a completely flat fixed section of the flange of the capsule body. The average burst pressure was 8 bar.

Example 8 - Example according to the invention

Capsules were made with a capsule body made of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and a 120 micrometer top membrane also made of PHA. The top membrane was fixed to a fixed section of the flange of the capsule body, where the fixed section comprises an asymmetric shape with grooves in the flange as shown in Figure 3. The average burst pressure was 10 bar.

Accordingly, the asymmetric shape of the fixing section to which the top membrane is fixed had the effect of increasing the burst pressure from an average of 8 bar to an average of 10.5 bar in Comparative Example 7.

Example 9 - Example according to the invention

Capsules were made with a capsule body made of biodegradable material, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and a 150 micrometer top membrane also made from PHA. The top membrane was fixed to a fixed section of the flange of the capsule body, where the fixed section comprises an asymmetric shape with grooves in the flange as shown in Figure 3. Compared to Example 8, the depth of the groove was changed from 2 mm to 0.5 mm. The average burst pressure increased from 10 bar to 11 bar.

Although the embodiment shown in the figures is merely a preferred embodiment, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that other designs of capsules, sealing dies, and manufacturing equipment for the present method may also be used.

List of drawing symbols:

Claims (12)

Capsule (1) for use in a beverage preparation machine, said capsule comprising soluble and/or extractable beverage ingredients, said capsule comprising:
- a capsule body (2) defining the chamber (21) - the capsule body,
. one or more side walls (22) extending axially toward the top opening (23), and
. a circumferential flange (24) extending radially outwardly from the one or more side walls, and
. Includes lower beverage outlet (25) -,
and
- a top membrane (3) attached to at least a part of the top surface (241) of the circumferential flange, closing the top opening and adapted to be perforated for injection of liquid into the capsule, - the top membrane and the flange having a common extending entirely along the plane (P) -,
- a bottom membrane (4) provided inside the chamber (21), which defines a component chamber between the top membrane (3) and the bottom membrane, and
- an opening device (5) provided inside the capsule body (2) - the opening device (5) is connected to the bottom membrane (4) of the opening device under the influence of an increase in liquid pressure in the component chamber during injection of the liquid. adapted to open the component chamber by relative engagement of -
The upper surface (241) of the flange comprises at least one circumferentially transverse fixed section (7), the fixed section extending transversely to the common plane (P),
Capsule (1), wherein the top membrane (3) is attached to at least the fastening section (7). Capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein the transverse fastening section (7) may comprise at least one circumferential recess and/or at least one circumferential protrusion around the top opening. Capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one circumferential transverse fixing section (7) is located between the radially inward end (241a) of the flange and the radially outward end (241b) of the flange. (One). 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one circumferential transverse fastening section (7) extends by a length of at least 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.2 and 0.35 mm. Consisting of a capsule (1). 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one circumferential transverse fastening section (7) extends by a width of at least 0.8 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, preferably between 0.8 and 1.8 mm. Consisting of a capsule (1). 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one circumferentially transverse fixation section (7) comprises at least one radially inward end (73), wherein the at least one radially inward end (73) Capsule (1), wherein the circumferential transverse fixation section extends transverse to the common plane (P) by an angle of at least 10°, preferably at most 45°. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the circumferential transverse fastening section (7) comprises at least one recess, said recess relative to the common plane (P) and at the top of the flange. extending transversely from the surface to the inside of the flange (24),
The capsule, wherein the lower end (72) of the recess exhibits a round concave shape. Capsule according to claim 7, wherein the radially inward and radially outward surfaces (71) of the recess represent straight surfaces. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the top membrane (3) is fixed to the transverse fastening section (7) by heat sealing. Capsule (1A, 1B) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the capsule body (2) and the top membrane (3) are made of the same recyclable plastic, for example polypropylene. Capsule (1A, 1B) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the capsule body (2) and the top membrane (3) are made of compostable and/or biodegradable materials. A method for producing a capsule (1, 1A, 1B) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising:
- providing a capsule body defining a chamber (21), said capsule body comprising:
. one or more side walls (22) extending toward the top opening (23), and
. a circumferential flange (24) extending radially outwardly from said one or more side walls and extending along a plane (P), and
. Comprising a bottom outlet (25),
The upper surface 241 of the flange comprises at least one circumferentially transverse fixed section 7, the fixed section extending transversely to the plane P,
- introducing an opening device (5) inside the capsule body (2),
- attaching a bottom membrane (4) inside the capsule body and on the opening device (5),
- filling the capsule body with beverage ingredients,
- fixing the top membrane (3) to the upper surface of the flange (24) of the capsule body by applying heat to the top membrane positioned along the flange with a heating die, the heating die Method for heating and pressurizing the top membrane in at least one transverse fastening section of the capsule and having a complementary shape to the transverse fastening section (7) of the flange.

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