DE202012013330U1 - Capsule and system for the preparation of a drink - Google Patents

Abstract

A capsule (1) consisting of a capsule body (2) made of a polymer, having a side wall (3) and a bottom (4), and a cover (5) covering the capsule body (2) to form a closed one A chamber (6) containing a substance (7) for the preparation of a foodstuff, the capsule body (2) having at least one opening (20) for the passage of a liquid through the capsule (1), and between the substance (7) 7) and the opening (20) a substantially air-impermeable, in particular aroma-tight membrane (26) is arranged and in particular fastened to seal the closed chamber (6) opposite the opening (20), characterized in that the capsule body (2) and the Cover (5) are made of a substantially air-impermeable, in particular aroma-tight material, that the membrane (26) is arranged such that, when used as intended by a penetration device (18) of the Device for preparing the food during operation is penetrated and that the bottom (4) has a stiffening region (24) which is formed as a section of depressions (25) in the circumferential direction in the bottom (4).

Description

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

In particular, capsules that are used only once and disposed of after use are now widely used as portion packs for the preparation of, for example, coffee or tea in a device. For example, the consumer no longer has to worry about dosing the right quantity of coffee, and after the extraction process, the capsule and its contents can be disposed of.

From the WO 2010/128844 A1 For example, a capsule containing a beverage-making substance having circular openings or elongated slots in the bottom is known. From the WO 2004/026091 A1 a capsule for receiving a substance for beverage production is known, in which slots are arranged in the lid, which can be opened by means of an opening device. From the US 5,756,311 For example, a capsule for containing a beverage-making substance is known, in which a bottom or a membrane of the capsule have regions of reduced thickness which, during operation, can rupture under the pressure of a liquid supplied. Moreover, from the EP 2 133 285 A1 a sachet with a container, a bottom and a membrane, in which the bottom is perforated in operation by means of a piercing device for supplying fluid.

From the DE 27 52 733 For example, a capsule is known which contains a substance such as coffee for making a beverage by brewing in a device. This known capsule is usually made of aluminum sheet.

The use of aluminum as a material for the capsule known from the prior art, however, has the disadvantage that aluminum is expensive and high energy consumption in aluminum production arises.

From the WO 2008/087009 A2 For example, a plastic capsule containing a substance for making a beverage with a machine is known. This known capsule is already less expensive than, for example, aluminum in the production and the energy consumption for their production is reduced compared to the known aluminum capsules.

However, this known capsule has the disadvantage that the plastic capsule is often not reliably penetrated in the machines for food production, which may produce food of reduced quality, if not enough liquid is conveyed according to the respective specifications by the capsule. In addition, it is also possible that in the device, a large overpressure arises when the capsule is not penetrated and the supplied liquid is thus not easily dissipated, whereby the device may be damaged. In addition, the overpressure can also create a safety risk for the operator.

Another disadvantage of the known prior art is the necessity of providing a device for penetrating the capsule in the device, which is costly.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to avoid the disadvantages of the known, ie in particular to provide a capsule that allows for intended use in a device for producing a food increased reliability, little burden on the environment and can be produced inexpensively. In addition, a capsule is to be provided, which can be used in a device for producing drinks without penetrating device.

This object is achieved by a capsule with the features according to claim 1.

The capsule according to the invention consists of a capsule body with a side wall and a bottom. The capsule body is preferably rotationally symmetrical. In particular, the capsule body is integrally formed with the side wall and the bottom. The capsule comprises a lid covering the capsule body to form a closed chamber containing a substance for the preparation of a food. The capsule body has at least one slot for the passage of a liquid through the capsule, which is formed substantially without material removal. The slot in the capsule body is formed prior to the intended use of the capsule in a device for producing a food.

For the purposes of the present application, the expression "substantially without removal of material" means a non-cutting process with which the slot is formed, that is, essentially no material is removed from the capsule body during the formation of the slot. This can be achieved, for example, with a cutting method when using a suitable cutting tool such as a knife.

Under the formulation that "the slot in the capsule body before the intended use of the capsule in a device for Production of a food is ", is understood in the context of the present application that the slot in the capsule body during the production of the capsule body, after the production of the capsule body or after the filling and closing of the capsule is formed with a lid and the capsule with the slot sold and stored in the capsule body. A capsule in which a slit is formed during use in a device for producing a food by a device of the device, therefore, for the purposes of the present application is not a slot in the capsule body, which is formed prior to the intended use of the capsule.

For example, the slot can be produced with a knife and / or a laser.

In particular, the capsule is suitable for producing a food and in particular a beverage in a device without penetrating device.

This has the advantage that the production of a cheaper device for the production of a food is made possible.

For the purposes of the present application, a "penetrating device" is understood to mean a device with which the capsule can penetrate the device when it is used as intended and, in particular, can be punctured, so that fluid can be passed through the capsule.

For the purposes of the present application, the term "rotationally symmetrical" is understood to mean a symmetry with respect to rotation about the longitudinal axis of the capsule at a discrete angle or else at any desired angle.

The formation of at least one slot in the capsule body has the advantage that, in the case of possibly unreliable penetration of the capsule body, the liquid can flow through the slot. In this way, it is advantageously achieved that the occurrence of an overpressure in the device can be avoided, whereby the risk of damage to the device is reduced. In addition, the arrangement of the slot in the capsule body a more constant quality of the food produced is achieved because at least a certain flow through the device is ensured. A further advantage is the usability of the capsule according to the invention in a device for producing a food without a penetrating device.

In particular, coffee, tea and chocolate or any combinations thereof can be used as the substance.

In particular, therefore, for example by parameters such as the length of the slot, the wall thickness of the capsule body and the material of the capsule body or any combination of these parameters, the opening behavior of the slot can be advantageously influenced during intended use; For example, it is possible that the slot for the passage of a liquid opens only when a certain pressure in the device is achieved, which consists only in incorrect penetration of the capsule in the device; the slot can thus act as a safety valve and / or as a flow control device.

Preferably, the opposite edges of the slot in a rest position at least partially contact each other. Preferably, the opposing edges of the slot contact at least 90% of a length 1 of the slot, more preferably at least 95% and most preferably 100%. By the term "100%", a contact is made on substantially the entire length 1 of the slot Understood.

For the purposes of the present application, a "rest position" is understood to be the position of the slot in which, for example, no force is exerted on the capsule body by the device for producing a food. Such a force may, for example, be a mechanical action of force for deforming the capsule body, whereby the slot would move out of the rest position. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be, for example, a hydraulic force which arises when a liquid is supplied under pressure into the capsule for extracting the substance in the capsule, for example for brewing a coffee beverage.

The configuration of the slot in such a way that the opposite edges touch each other at least in sections in the rest position has the advantage that the capsule is substantially closed and no substance can pass out of the capsule body.

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

For the purposes of the present application, an "open position" of the slot is understood to be that position of the slot in which the opposite edges of the slot are spaced apart from one another by the action of force for the passage of the liquid.

This has the advantage that the slot can be opened in dependence on the force from the rest position to the open position, for example, to adjust the flow through the slot in response to the force.

Most preferably, the slot is openable by generating a pressure difference at least in the region of the slot between the chamber and the outside of the capsule body, in particular when generating the pressure difference by means of a pressurizable liquid. In other words, the slot is openable by means of a pressure difference between the outside of the capsule and the inside of the capsule formed by the chamber.

This has the advantage that the slot can open depending on the adjusting in the device pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the capsule, for example, by supplying a liquid for extracting the substance for further improved and safer use of the capsule in the device.

Preferably, the slot is substantially reversible closable after removal of the force and substantially returns to the rest position.

This has the advantage that after the production of the food, the slit substantially closes automatically again, and therefore the extracted substance remains trapped in the capsule, resulting in improved handling. In addition, this has the advantage that the slot may only open at a certain overpressure and closes again after reducing the overpressure, so that the production of the food can be carried out under possibly standardized operating conditions to achieve a constant and high quality of the food.

Particularly preferably, the slot remains after opening by means of the force in the open position and the supply of thermal energy substantially in the open position. In other words, the slot remains in the open position after removal of the pressure difference. In particular, the slot remains after opening by means of a liquid for generating the pressure difference in the open position, when the liquid has a temperature greater than 70 ° C, preferably greater than 75 ° C and more preferably greater than 80 ° C for supplying the thermal energy.

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

This has the advantage that a good flow through the capsule is also ensured, for example, when reducing the pumping power for the supplied liquid, since the slot remains in the open position even with a reduction in the pressure difference.

Most preferably, the open position of the slot is dependent on the pressure difference, such that when increasing the pressure difference, the opening of the slot in the open position can be increased.

This has the advantage that the opening of the slot in the open position with the pressure difference, for example generated by a varying pump power, is adaptable to the respective pressure difference and thus a flow control is achieved.

Preferably, the capsule body is produced by deep drawing. In particular, the capsule body consists of a polymer. Preferably, the capsule body has a wall thickness in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.06 mm to 0.3 mm and most preferably in the range of 0.07 mm to 0.25 mm.

For the purposes of the present application, the "wall thickness" of the capsule body is understood to mean the average wall thickness of the bottom and the side wall.

The production of the capsule body by deep drawing has the advantage that this is possible at low cost. In particular, in addition, the low wall thickness has the advantage that thereby the material consumption in the production of the capsule is reduced and thus the cost can be further reduced.

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

This has the advantage that the design of the slot can be adapted to the respective requirements of the food to be produced and / or the apparatus used to produce the food.

Most preferably, the slot in the open position has a maximum width b of 6 mm, in particular of 5 mm and more particularly of 4 mm. In the closed position, the slot in particular has a width b of about 0 mm.

This has the advantage of further improving the flow control as a function of the particular requirements in the production of the food.

Preferably, the slot is arranged in the ground.

This has the advantage that the supplied liquid, which is conveyed through the slots, can wet the largest possible portion of the substance to be extracted, since the liquid must flow through substantially the entire length of the capsule, so that a high-quality product can be produced with a the smallest possible amount of substance, which makes the production of the capsule cheaper.

Particularly preferably, the floor has at least two slots, which in particular intersect, preferably approximately in the geometric center of the floor.

This has the advantage that the area of the openings formed by the at least two slots is increased, so that more fluid can be conveyed through them for better extraction of the substance. The arrangement of at least two slots in the bottom, which intersect in particular, preferably approximately in the geometric center, has the further advantage that, depending on the generated pressure difference larger openings of the slots can form for better flow control.

Most preferably, the slot is arranged in the side wall. In particular, the slot is disposed relative to the total length of the capsule along the longitudinal axis of the capsule along the mean flow of fluid through the capsule in a first half, preferably in a first third, and more preferably in a first quarter of the side wall. In other words, the slot is viewed in the flow direction from the bottom, for example in the first half, in the first third or in the first quarter of the side wall relative to the length along the longitudinal axis of the capsule.

This has the advantage that the supply of liquid into the capsule is further improved by this arrangement of the slot as well as the flow control. In particular, the arrangement of the slots in a first half relative to the length of the capsule and the direction of flow of the liquid has the advantage that the largest possible proportion of the substance is wetted by the slot arranged in the side wall, which improves the quality of the food produced and leads to a lower need for substance, which is inexpensive.

Preferably, the slot is arranged substantially along the circumference of the side wall. In other words, therefore, the slot is arranged substantially parallel to a circumference of the particular rotationally symmetrical capsule body.

The circumference of the side wall is thus, for example, in the case of a cone-shaped capsule body, essentially a circle in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the capsule.

This arrangement of the slot substantially circumferentially or at an angle with the periphery has the advantage of further improved flow control and results in increased extraction efficiency of the substance.

In particular, it is possible to arrange in the arrangement of a plurality of slots in combination according to the arrangements disclosed above. For example, it is possible to provide two slots arranged in the geometric center in the bottom, and at least one slot substantially along the circumference and another slot substantially perpendicular to the circumference.

Most preferably, no bead is arranged in the region of the edges of the slot on the side facing the chamber.

Such a bead may arise, for example, in the production of the slot, for example by the cutting tool. The avoidance of the arrangement of such a bead has the advantage that the flow of the liquid in the capsule in the region of the slot is not adversely affected and thus the flow control and / or the flow rate is improved.

The capsule body preferably has at least two slots, in particular at least three slots and more particularly four slots.

This has the advantage of further improved flow control and improved extraction of the substance to increase the quality of the food produced.

Particularly preferably, the slot is formed substantially as a straight slot.

Most preferably, the slot is formed substantially as a curved slot.

This has the advantage that the slot can be selected according to the shape of the requirements. In the arrangement of at least two slots is also a combination of straight and curved slots possible.

Preferably, the slot is formed such that substantially no substance can pass through the slot prior to extracting the substance for food production.

In particular, a substance has a particle size distribution in the range from greater than 0 μm to 800 μm, preferably from 25 μm to 750 μm, and particularly preferably from 50 μm to 700 μm. A substance has such a particle size distribution if at least 95% by weight, preferably 97% by weight and particularly preferably 99% by weight of the particles have a particle size in the above-defined ranges. For the purposes of the present application, a particle size is understood to mean the greatest extent of a particle.

This has the advantage that the handling of the capsule is improved and substance can not escape from the capsule during storage or even transport, which can sometimes lead to reduced quality, since the capsule in such a case contain less substance than predetermined can.

Particularly preferably, the slot is closed with a substantially air-impermeable layer. In particular, the air-impermeable layer is arranged on the side facing away from the chamber and / or facing the capsule body.

This has the advantage that the capsule is essentially closed in an aroma-tight manner by means of the air-impermeable layer and therefore no additional outer covering is necessary for storage or transport, which can make the production of the capsule more expensive and makes handling by the operator more difficult.

Preferably, the layer is applied over the entire surface of the capsule body and in particular on the side wall and / or the bottom.

This has the advantage of a simplified coating method, since regardless of the position of the slots, the entire capsule body is coated, which makes the process easier to carry out and thus less expensive.

Preferably, the layer is applied in sections to close the slot.

This has the advantage of reduced consumption of material for the layer, which reduces material costs. Furthermore, this has the advantage that less material of the layer gets into the food, since the layer during the production of the food in contact with the liquid used for the preparation of the food.

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

This has the advantage of further reducing the required material for the layer with the advantage explained above. Furthermore, a selective bonding of the slot is possible depending on the material chosen for the layer, which leads to a further improved sealing and optionally better defined opening properties of the slot under pressure.

Most preferably, the layer consists at least of a releasable and food grade material, of aluminum or a soluble polymer or any combination thereof. The polymer melts especially at temperatures> 50 ° C. In particular, sugar, polysaccharide, hydrogel, biopolymer, wax and paraffin or any combination thereof may be used to form the substantially air impermeable layer.

This has the advantage that when using a releasable and food grade material and / or a releasable polymer, the layer dissolves during production of the food and thus optionally enables the production. The use of a food grade material such as a soluble sugar layer has the advantage that it is safe for the production of the food.

The use of aluminum has the advantage that a more reliable seal can be achieved. The aluminum layer is either removed from the capsule body prior to use or attached to and / or in the capsule such that it is optionally released from the slot by means of the supplied liquid and remains attached to the capsule. Alternatively, it is also possible that the aluminum layer tears under pressure and / or is pierced by optionally arranged appropriately penetrating agents. This has the advantage that the food produced is not contaminated by the aluminum.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a capsule consisting of a preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body. The capsule is in particular a capsule as described above. The capsule body consists in particular of a polymer. The capsule body consists of a side wall and a bottom, wherein the side wall and the bottom are in particular integrally formed. The capsule comprises a lid covering the capsule body to form a closed chamber containing a substance for the preparation of a food. The capsule body has at least one opening for the passage of a liquid through the capsule. The opening is designed in particular as a slot. The opening is formed in the capsule body prior to its intended use in a device for preparing the food. Between the substance and the opening, a substantially air-impermeable and aroma-tight membrane is arranged to seal the closed chamber with respect to the opening. The membrane is fastened in particular in the capsule body. In other words, the closed chamber contains the substance, wherein in the capsule body, the substantially air-impermeable membrane is arranged so that there is no direct fluid connection for example liquids and / or gases from the opening to the substance before use of the capsule.

This has the advantage that the material of the capsule body and the material of the membrane are differently selectable with regard to the pierceability with a penetrator of the device for preparing the food. This increases the reliability of the capsule piercing during operation, so that the food can be reliably prepared. In addition, this allows a cost-effective production of the capsule body, which can be produced for example from plastic.

In operation is often observed when using plastic capsules, which consist for example of a polymer, that after piercing the capsule body with a penetrating device by a partially elastic behavior of the capsule body, the penetrating opening generated by the penetrating device are partially closed again, so that not enough Liquid for the preparation of the food can be supplied. The arrangement of at least one opening in the capsule body can now be ensured that even after a partial closure of the penetrating through the elastic behavior of the material of the capsule body sufficient liquid in the closed chamber of the capsule can be fed. By arranging the at least one opening in the capsule body is prevented, however, that the capsule is substantially hermetically sealed to form an aroma-tight packaging; in this case, it is recommended, for example, when using coffee as the extractable substance, the capsule for the transport and / or storage of the capsule in an outer shell substantially airtight to seal, but has the disadvantage that more packaging material is consumed and also each packaged capsule occupies a larger volume than the capsule as such. By placing the substantially air-impermeable membrane in the capsule between the opening and the substance, the substance can be substantially airtight sealed in the capsule, so that an aroma-tight capsule is formed.

An opening in the capsule body may be formed, for example, as a hole with a rectangular, elliptical or circular cross-section or as a slot. With more than one opening in the capsule body, the shapes of the openings can be arbitrarily combined according to the requirements, for example by arranging an opening with a circular cross-section and a slot in the bottom and / or the side wall.

Preferably, the substantially air-impermeable membrane is arranged at least in the region of the at least one opening spaced from the side wall and / or the bottom. In particular, the substantially air-impermeable membrane is spaced from the entire floor.

This has the advantage that, after the penetration of the membrane by the penetration device, a flow connection is formed from the opening to the position of piercing the membrane for a reliable extraction of the substance for the preparation of the food. In particular, when spacing the membrane from the entire floor and when arranging several openings in the ground so a reliable and rapid extraction of the substance for the preparation of the food can follow.

The spacing of the membrane from the opening is understood here to mean that the membrane does not bear against the capsule body in the area in which the opening is arranged.

Preferably, the capsule body has at least two openings, wherein all openings are arranged on the side facing away from the substance of the substantially air-impermeable membrane.

This has the advantage that no direct fluid connection between the environment and the substance is created by arranging the openings in the capsule body for simplified sealing of the closed chamber in which the substance is arranged.

Preferably, the substantially air-impermeable membrane is arranged such that the membrane, when used as intended, can be penetrated by a penetrating device of the device for preparing the food during operation.

This has the advantage that the capsule body and the membrane can be penetrated by the same penetrating device for the reliable supply of the liquid extraction of the substance for the preparation of the beverage.

Alternatively, it is of course also conceivable that only the capsule body is pierced by means of the penetrating device and the membrane ruptures during operation by the pressure of the supplied liquid. For this purpose, in particular weakening regions can be arranged on the membrane, so that it easily ruptures during operation.

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

This has the advantage of adaptability of the capsule to the corresponding device for preparing the food in which it is to be used to ensure a reliable supply of the liquid into the closed chamber for the extraction of the substance. In particular, the use of aluminum is advantageous because the aluminum membrane is substantially plastically deformed during piercing and thus the penetrating opening can be reliably formed in the aluminum for supplying the liquid. Alternatively, the membrane can also be formed from a laminate, that is to say a multilayer material, which in particular is plastically deformable for the reliable formation of the penetrating opening.

For example, the laminate may be formed from two layers of polymers or even one layer of aluminum in combination with a layer of a polymer according to the requirements of the capsule.

Preferably, the capsule body and the lid are made of a substantially air-impermeable material. This has the advantage that the substance accommodated in the capsule is substantially hermetically sealed, so that an aroma-tight capsule is formed and no additional outer shell is required, which reduces the manufacturing costs and simplifies the handling of the capsule when used by an operator.

Preferably, the bottom of the capsule for the passage of the liquid through the closed chamber with a penetrating device arranged outside the capsule is penetratable to a penetration region of the soil. The floor has a stiffening area, wherein in particular a central area of the floor is designed as a penetration area. The stiffening area is arranged around the penetration area. The arrangement of the stiffening region is in particular rotationally symmetrical about the penetration region. The stiffening region is designed as at least one section-wise depression substantially in the circumferential direction in the bottom.

Under a depression in the soil is a depression on an outside of the capsule understood as an integral part of the soil.

By a section-wise recess in the bottom substantially in the circumferential direction is meant that the recess has an extent in the circumferential direction, which is smaller than 360 °.

For the purposes of the present application, a penetration area is understood to mean a region of the soil which is penetrated by the penetrating device.

In the context of the present application, a stiffening region is understood to mean a region of the bottom in which the depressions are arranged for stiffening.

The arrangement of the stiffening area around the penetration area now has the advantage that the floor can be reliably penetrated by penetrating devices arranged in commercially available devices for preparing a food so that beverage production is made possible. In addition, the capsule is also inexpensive to produce, since the stiffening region is formed as an integral part of the capsule and thus the capsule can be produced for example by means of a deep-drawing process. Thus, plastic capsules can be used in commercially available devices that are not always reliably penetrated in the devices without the provision of a stiffening region.

Preferably, the recess has at least two mutually inclined wall sections. In particular, the wall sections are inclined in a cutting plane running along the longitudinal axis of the capsule body through the recess to each other.

This arrangement of two mutually inclined wall sections as a recess has been shown in practice to be advantageous for the formation of the stiffening region, said recess is further easy and inexpensive to produce, for example, with a deep-drawing process.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a capsule body for a capsule as described above.

An additional aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a capsule body, in particular as above described. This method comprises the step of deep-drawing the capsule body. Subsequently and / or simultaneously with the deep-drawing, cutting of at least one slit takes place. The step of cutting takes place in such a way that substantially no removal of material takes place. In particular, the opposite edges of the slot touch at least in sections, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and most preferably 100% of a length L of the slot.

The production of at least one slot in the deep-drawn capsule body has the advantage that the slot can be produced inexpensively with such a size, so that essentially no substance can pass out of the capsule. In particular, the method of producing at least one slit is much less expensive than the production of holes of a correspondingly small diameter in the capsule body. The at least one slot can be produced in particular after the filling of substance and closing of the capsule body with a lid.

Preferably, a substantially air-impermeable layer is applied in sections and / or over the entire surface. In particular, the layer is applied to the sidewall and / or the floor.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system comprising a capsule filled with a substance as described above and a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device has a capsule holder for receiving the capsule. The beverage production device also has a device for supplying a liquid into the capsule for extracting the substance for producing a beverage, wherein the beverage can be discharged through a lid of the capsule. Finally, the beverage production device advantageously also has a penetration device.

In particular, the beverage production device has a device for discharging the beverage, for example into a drinking container.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments for better understanding, without the invention being limited to the embodiments. Show it:

1 : Top view of a capsule body according to the invention with four slots;

2 : Top view of an alternative capsule body according to the invention with slots with a full-area coating;

3 : Top view of a capsule body according to the invention with slots with a section-wise coating;

4 : Top view of an inventive capsule body with slots with a full-surface coating of the soil;

5 : Top view of a capsule body according to the invention with slots in the bottom and the side wall;

6 : Top view of a capsule body according to the invention with curved slots in the bottom;

7 : Top view of a capsule body according to the invention with slots in the side wall and full surface coating;

8th : Top view of a further alternative capsule body according to the invention with slots;

9 : enlarged view of detail A according to 8th with a slot in a rest position;

10 : enlarged view of detail A according to 8th in an open position of the slot with coating;

11 : Side view of a capsule according to the invention with a curved slot;

12 : schematic representation of a system according to the invention consisting of a capsule according to the invention and a beverage production device;

13 : schematic representation of an alternative system according to the invention consisting of capsule and beverage production device with a penetration device;

14 : Top view of a capsule according to the invention with slots;

15 : sectional side view of an alternative capsule body according to the invention;

16 : partially cutaway side view of another alternative capsule according to the invention;

17 , Top view of a capsule according to the invention with openings.

In 1 is a top view of the ground 4 a capsule body according to the invention 2 shown. The capsule body 2 has a flange 22 and a side wall 3 on. In the ground 4 There are four slots 8th in a rest position, that is in a closed position, shown. There is no force on the capsule body 2 exercised.

In 2 is a plan view of an alternative inventive capsule body 2 shown. Like reference numerals denote like features in all figures and are therefore explained again only when needed.

In the ground 4 of the capsule body 2 are two slots 8th arranged, which intersect approximately in the geometric center of the soil. To seal the slots 8th is the capsule body 2 that means the side wall 3 and the ground 4 , over the entire surface with a substantially air-impermeable layer 10 locked. This layer 10 is formed as a releasable and impermeable food-grade layer consisting essentially of sugar.

In 3 is another alternative capsule body according to the invention 2 with slits 8th shown. The slots 8th are with an aluminum layer 10 , which sections the ground 4 covered, sealed.

In 4 is a plan view of another inventive capsule body 2 shown. The slots 8th in the soil are covered with a soluble polymer layer 10 closed, the whole surface of the ground 4 covered.

In 5 is a plan view of another inventive capsule body 2 shown with slots 8th in the ground 4 and the side wall 3 , A layer for closing the slots 8th is on the inside, that is applied in the chamber of the capsule body, in which the substance is taken up for the production of a beverage. This layer is not visible in the present figure.

In 6 is a plan view of another inventive capsule body shown with curved slots.

7 shows a plan view of another inventive capsule body 2 with slits 8th in the sidewall, which with a soluble and food-grade layer 10 are closed. The layer 10 is on the side wall 3 applied over the entire surface.

In 8th is another plan view of an alternative embodiment of the capsule body 2 shown comprising two slots 8th in the ground. The detail A will be in the 9 and 10 explained in more detail below.

In 9 is the detail A according to 8th shown enlarged.

The slot 8th is in a resting position 15 in that means that no force on the slot or the capsule body takes place. The slot 8th has a length l of 4 mm.

In 10 is the detail A according to 8th enlarged shown with the slot 8th in an open position 16 , In the open position has the slot 8th a maximum width of b = 4 mm.

One of the two opposite edges 9 of the slot 8th is with a soluble and food grade coating 10 coated, which leads to a closure and in the present case to a bond in the rest position as in 9 shown.

In 11 is a capsule body according to the invention 2 shown in a side view.

The one with 21 designated arrow represents the flow direction of the liquid. As liquid hot water is supplied at a pressure of about 15 bar. A slot 8th is formed as a curved slot and in the side wall 3 arranged. The curved slot 8th is relative to the longitudinal axis 17 of the capsule body 2 along the mean flow of liquid through the capsule body in a first quarter, starting from the bottom, with respect to the entire length between the bottom 4 and flange 22 ,

In 12 is schematically a system 11 comprising a beverage production device 12 with a sieve plate 19 and a capsule according to the invention 1 with slits 8th shown.

The capsule 1 has a side wall 3 and a floor 4 and is with a lid 5 to form a chamber 6 locked. In the chamber 6 is filled a substance, not shown here.

In the illustration shown here are two slots 8th visible, which are arranged in the side wall and extend substantially on a symbolically represented circumferential plane U.

The beverage manufacturing device 12 includes a capsule holder 13 for receiving the capsule 1 and a facility 14 for supplying a liquid. The beverage manufacturing device 12 has no penetration device.

In operation, water is heated by the means for supplying a liquid and the capsule 1 fed. The heated water now passes through the slots 8th in the chamber 6 the capsule 1 so that a drink, here coffee, can be extracted. The extracted drink is through the lid 5 and the screen plate 19 dissipated.

For better wetting of the substance in the chamber 6 shows the capsule 1 not visible here slits in the ground 4 on.

In 13 is a schematic representation of an alternative system 11 shown. In contrast to 12 indicates the beverage production device 12 a penetration device 18 on to penetrate the capsule in the ground 4 , The capsule has slots 8th on, which are arranged in the side wall. Two of the visible slots 8th are arranged substantially on the circumferential plane U. Another slot has an angle W of about 90 ° with the circumferential plane U and thus runs parallel to the longitudinal axis 17 ,

The capsule 1 is shown in a partially sectioned side view with the substance 7 in the chamber 6 ,

In 14 is in a plan view in the direction of the longitudinal axis another capsule body according to the invention 2 shown with four slots 8th which are in the ground 4 are arranged.

The capsule body 2 indicates as stiffening area 24 formed stiffening elements, which by depressions 25 formed in the ground, leaving a penetration area 23 of the soil 4 if appropriate, it can be pierced more reliably by means of the penetrating device.

The capsule body 2 has laterally distributed over the circumference several stiffening ribs 27 on and is integrally formed with the ground 4 with the stiffening area 24 , The capsule body 2 consists of a plastic material and it is made by deep drawing.

In 15 is a sectional view of an alternative inventive capsule body 2 represented, the outer shape of which according to 14 equivalent. In the sidewall 3 of the capsule body 2 are the stiffening ribs 27 visible to stiffen the capsule body 2 inter alia during penetration by means of a penetrating device in the penetration area 23 ,

The floor 4 is with the slots 8th according to 14 Mistake. The floor 4 also has the stiffening area 24 up, made of pits 25 is formed. The stiffening area 24 is rotationally symmetric around the penetration area 23 arranged.

In the capsule body 2 is a substantially air impermeable membrane 26 for example, made of aluminum close to the ground 4 arranged. The substance not shown here in the closed chamber 6 is on the side facing away from the bottom of the membrane 26 arranged. A symbolically represented penetration thorn 18 pierces both the ground 4 , as well as the aroma-tight membrane 26 ,

In 16 is an alternative capsule according to the invention in a partially sectioned side view 1 shown. The capsule 1 is with a lid 5 made of aluminum. In the closed chamber 6 is the substance 7 arranged, which is coffee. In the capsule 1 For example, the substantially air-impermeable membrane is attached by welding, for example.

In the sidewall 3 the capsule 1 There is a slot in the floor 4 two openings 20 or also slots.

In 17 is in a plan view another alternative capsule according to the invention 2 shown. In contrast to the capsule body according to 14 has the capsule body 2 according to 17 four openings 20 with elliptical cross-section on, in the penetration area 23 are arranged. A substantially air-impermeable membrane, which is not visible here, is in the capsule body 2 arranged at a distance to the ground.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2010/128844 A1 [0003]
• WO 2004/026091 A1 [0003]
• US 5756311 [0003]
• EP 2133285 A1 [0003]
• DE 2752733 [0004]
• WO 2008/087009 A2 [0006]

Claims (14)

Capsule ( 1 ), consisting of a capsule body ( 2 ), which consists of a polymer, with a side wall ( 3 ) and with a floor ( 4 ), and with a capsule body ( 2 ) covering lid ( 5 ) to form a closed chamber ( 6 ), which is a substance ( 7 ) for the preparation of a food, wherein the capsule body ( 2 ) at least one opening ( 20 ), for the passage of a liquid through the capsule ( 1 ), and wherein between the substance ( 7 ) and the opening ( 20 ) a substantially air-impermeable, in particular aroma-tight membrane ( 26 ) and in particular is attached to seal the closed chamber ( 6 ) opposite the opening ( 20 ), characterized in that the capsule body ( 2 ) and the lid ( 5 ) are made of a substantially air-impermeable, in particular aroma-tight material, that the membrane ( 26 ) is arranged such that, when used as intended, it is provided by a penetrating device ( 18 ) of the device for preparing the food during operation is penetratable and that the soil ( 4 ) a stiffening area ( 24 ), which as partial depressions ( 25 ) in the circumferential direction in the ground ( 4 ) is trained. Capsule ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane ( 26 ) at least in the region of the at least one opening ( 20 ) spaced from the side wall ( 3 ) and / or the ground ( 4 ), in particular of the entire soil ( 4 ) is arranged. Capsule ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the capsule body ( 2 ) at least two openings ( 20 ), wherein all openings ( 20 ) on the substance ( 7 ) facing away from the membrane ( 26 ) are arranged. Capsule ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the membrane ( 26 ) is made of aluminum and / or a particular substantially plastically deformable laminate. Capsule ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that all openings ( 20 ) in the ground ( 4 ) are arranged. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the capsule body is rotationally symmetrical. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the bottom ( 4 ) integral with the side wall ( 3 ) is trained. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one opening ( 20 ) is formed in the capsule body as a hole with a rectangular, elliptical or circular cross-section. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the opening is formed as a slot. Capsule ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the depressions ( 25 ) have at least two mutually inclined wall sections. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the capsule body ( 2 ) laterally distributed over the circumference several stiffening ribs ( 27 ), wherein it is integral with the ground ( 4 ) with the stiffening area ( 24 ) is trained. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the capsule body is produced by deep drawing. Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least the bottom ( 4 ) for the passage of the liquid through the closed chamber ( 6 ) with one outside the capsule ( 1 ) arranged penetration device ( 18 ) at a penetration area ( 23 ) of the soil ( 4 ) is penetrable, characterized in that in particular a central region of the soil ( 4 ) as a penetration area ( 23 ) is formed and that the stiffening area ( 24 ) is arranged in particular rotationally symmetrical about the penetration region. System ( 11 ) comprising one with a substance ( 7 ) filled capsule ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and a beverage production device ( 12 ), wherein the beverage production device ( 12 ) a capsule holder ( 13 ) for receiving the capsule ( 1 ), as well as a facility ( 14 ) for supplying a liquid into the capsule ( 1 ) for extracting the substance ( 7 ) for making a drink, wherein the beverage by a lid ( 5 ) of the capsule ( 1 ) and that the beverage production device comprises a penetrating device.

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