EP4377228A1

EP4377228A1 - Single serve capsule for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage preparation machine, and use of a single serve capsule

Info

Publication number: EP4377228A1
Application number: EP22761427.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marc KRÜGER; Günter EMPL
Original assignee: K Fee System GmbH
Current assignee: K Fee System GmbH
Priority date: 2021-07-30
Filing date: 2022-08-01
Publication date: 2024-06-05
Also published as: CA3226648A1; WO2023007025A1; AU2022318260A1; US20240343471A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a single serve capsule (10) for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage preparation machine, wherein: the single serve capsule (10) has a base element (12) with a cavity (20) for receiving a beverage raw material, and a capsule cover (33) closing the cavity (20); the base element (12) comprises a capsule bottom (22), a peripheral flange (26), and a capsule wall (14) extending from the capsule bottom (22) to the peripheral flange (26); the capsule cover (33) is fastened to the flange (26); the single serve capsule (10) has a feature (34), which in particular is optically detectable by a detector of the beverage preparation machine; the flange (26) has recesses (37) which represent the optically detectable feature (34).

Description

DESCRIPTION

title

Portion capsule for preparing a beverage using a beverage production machine and use of a portion capsule

State of the art

The present invention is based on a portion capsule for preparing a beverage using a beverage production machine, the portion capsule having a base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid closing the cavity, the base element having a capsule base, a peripheral flange and a comprises a capsule wall extending from the capsule base to the peripheral flange, the capsule lid being attached to the flange, the portion capsule having a feature that can be optically detected in particular by a detector of the beverage production machine.

Such portion capsules are known from the prior art. For example, publication WO 2016/186488 A1 discloses such a generic portion capsule. This portion capsule is intended to be placed in a brewing chamber in which the portion capsule is perforated in order to introduce brewing liquid in the form of hot water under pressure into the cavity. The interaction between the water introduced and the beverage raw material, in particular roasted and ground coffee, produces a beverage which leaves the portion capsule through further perforation points and enters a container.

As a rule, there is a suitable beverage production machine for each portion capsule, which is optimized for the preparation of beverages on the basis of the appropriate portion capsules. To avoid malfunctions, it has proven useful to provide such portion capsules with mechanically and optically readable, detectable features so that before the start of the brewing process, a check can take place as to whether the inserted portion capsule is compatible with the machine. In addition, if necessary, a suitable brewing program can be started for the raw beverage material located in the portion capsule. It is known from publications EP 3023362 B1, WO 2020/201 487 A1 and US Pat. No. 10,800,600 B2 to print such optically detectable features in the form of barcodes or binary codes onto the flange of the capsule.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portion capsule with an optically detectable feature (also simply referred to below as a feature) of the type mentioned at the outset, which represents an improvement over the solutions known from the cited prior art. In particular, the readout reliability should be increased when reading out the detectable feature by the detector of the beverage production machine, and the sensitivity of the detectable feature to damage (scratching) due to external forces during transport or storage of the portion capsules should be reduced. A further aim is to reduce the production costs, the production time and/or the weight of the portion capsule.

The object of the present invention is achieved with a portion capsule according to claim 1.

Advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and in the following description with reference to the drawings.

A portion capsule according to the invention for preparing a beverage using a beverage production machine is disclosed, the portion capsule having a base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid closing the cavity, the base element having a capsule base, a peripheral flange and a capsule base extending from the capsule base the capsule wall extending to the peripheral flange, the capsule lid being attached to the flange, the portion capsule having a feature that can be optically detected in particular by a detector of the beverage production machine, characterized in that the flange has recesses which represent the optically detectable feature. Advantageously, the optically detectable feature is thus built up by three-dimensional structures in the form of the recesses, so that the risk of damage to the optically detectable feature by external mechanical influences, such as scratching, is significantly reduced compared to a printed feature can be. This significantly increases the readout reliability by the detector in the beverage production machine. In addition, the portion capsule is lighter, which reduces transport costs. The following statements on preferred developments of this portion capsule optionally also apply to all other portion capsules disclosed in this description.

It is preferably the case that the flange has webs between the recesses, which extend in the radial direction in relation to a central axis of rotational symmetry of the portion capsule.

Preferably, the procedure is that the recesses are covered by the capsule cover.

Preferably, the capsule cover has a different color on its side facing the flange than the flange on its side facing away from the capsule cover.

Preferably, the procedure is that the capsule lid together with the recesses form a relief-like, machine-readable code, preferably a one-dimensional bit or barcode. It is conceivable that the appearance of a barcode, which can be read by the detector, is created by the capsule lid, which is designed, for example, white and shines through the recesses, and the structure of the flange.

Preferably, the flange is made in two parts from a first flange area and a second flange area, the first flange area being made in one piece with the capsule wall and the capsule base and only the second flange area being provided with the recesses. The second flange area is preferably designed as a ring, with the capsule cover being attached to the first flange area and the second flange area being attached to the first flange area on a side facing away from the capsule cover. Recesses in the second flange area are preferably covered by the first flange area. The optically detectable feature is thus formed by the flange, which is represented by the first flange area, and a ring, which forms the second flange area and has the recesses. This makes manufacture considerably simpler, since the recesses only have to be formed in the flat structure of the ring. Preferably, the first flange area has a different color on its side facing the second flange area than the second flange area on its side facing away from the first flange area.

Preferably, the first flange area together with the recesses form a relief-like, machine-readable code, preferably a one-dimensional bit or barcode.

A further object of the present invention is the use of the above-mentioned portion capsules according to the invention for the preparation of a beverage using a beverage production machine.

The above statements on different portion capsules are of course also to be understood in combination with one another.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the base element is made in one piece from aluminum and/or plastic. The base element is preferably produced by cold or hot forming, in particular deep drawing. The configuration of the base element with a cavity is preferably produced by thermoforming, for example deep-drawing using negative pressure, positive pressure and/or a movable stamp. The base element is preferably designed as a deep-drawn aluminum part. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the base element to be made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the portion capsule is produced by means of an injection molding process, in particular using the one-component, multi-component or in-mold process.

The base element is preferably frustoconical, conical, cylindrical, spherical, hemispherical, elliptical or partially elliptical. The base member is preferably rigid or semi-rigid. The hollow space formed by the base element serves to accommodate raw beverage material, for example roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, powdered chocolate, tea blends, powdered milk and/or the like. The lid film is in particular flat or almost flat, at least immediately after the filled portion capsule has been closed by the lid film. Any bulging of the lidding film over time due to coffee powder escaping does not cause the lidding film to deteriorate is not flat within the meaning of the present invention, since this curvature typically only occurs some time after the portion capsule has been filled.

The cover foil preferably comprises an aluminum foil or a plastic-aluminum composite foil or a plastic foil or a multi-layer plastic foil. It is conceivable that the portion capsule is rotationally symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis thus form a central axis of rotational symmetry, which runs centrally through the portion capsule and in particular essentially perpendicularly to a main plane of extension of the lid film. The flange of the base element preferably runs at an angle of between 70 and 110 degrees, particularly preferably between 80 and 100 degrees and very particularly preferably essentially 90 degrees to the axis of rotational symmetry. The flange is in particular closed, circumferential. The free, outer end of the flange preferably has a bulge, a flange or what is known as a rolled edge in order to prevent the user from being injured by the sharp-edged end.

The portion capsule may contain one or more beverage substances. The one or more beverage substances can be a liquid, syrup, solid, powder, coffee or cocoa grounds, tea leaves, or a combination thereof. The one or more beverage substances can be diluted or extracted in a beverage making machine and/or beverage system to make a beverage.

The portion capsule may comprise any of the optically detectable features and/or elements described and/or illustrated herein. Any of the features and/or elements described herein can be combined to produce a sachet. Any of the features and/or elements described herein may be duplicated to produce a single sachet. Any of the features and/or elements described herein may be eliminated or omitted to produce a single sachet. Any of the features disclosed herein may be rearranged on any of the elements or surfaces listed herein. For example, a feature or element indicated as being located on the flange of the sachet may also or instead be located on the lid or the base element.

The portion capsule can have a body or a base element. The body or the base element can be a container or form one or more cavities in which the Beverage substance and / or one or more elements are added and / or stored. The body or base member may have a sidewall with rounded, domed, or hemispherical surfaces. The body or base member may have a sidewall with straight, flat, or tapered surfaces. The body or base member may have a sidewall with surfaces forming a hemisphere, dome, cone, or truncated cone. The base element may have a bottom surface. The bottom surface can be rounded or have a hemispherical shape. The bottom surface can be generally flat or planar. The bottom surface can have one or more indentations. If the base has more than one indentation, the two or more indentations may be concentric or nested within one another. The bottom surface may be angled or sloped relative to the side wall.

The portion capsule can have a flange. The flange and base member may be made from one or more integral materials. The flange and base member may be formed from one or more separate materials and then joined together through a joining process. For example, the flange and base member can be joined with an adhesive, gasket, or other suitable joining method. The flange can be made of the same material as the base element and/or the lid. The flange can be made of a different material than the base element and/or the cover. The flange may have an annular shape extending at least partially around the entire circumference of the base member. However, in certain embodiments, the flange may extend around only a portion of the perimeter of the base member. In some cases, the flange may consist of two or more tabs extending from the base member. The flange may extend or protrude outwardly from the base member or the sidewall of the base member. The flange may extend at an angle from the base member such that an angle between the top surface of the flange and the side wall of the capsule is an acute angle (less than 90 degrees). The flange may extend at an angle from the base member such that an angle between the top of the flange and the side wall of the capsule is an obtuse angle (less than 90 degrees). The flange may extend at an angle from the base member such that an angle between the top of the flange and the side wall of the capsule is about a right angle (about 90 degrees).

The flange may be at the top of the base member. The flange may be on the underside of the base member. The flange can be in a range between the bottom surface and the bottom surface of the base element. The flange may be closer to the top than the bottom of the base member, or vice versa.

The portion capsule can be provided with a lid (also referred to as a capsule lid). The lid can close or seal the cavity or base after the beverage ingredient has been added or placed in the cavity. The lid can create an airtight or hermetic seal to preserve the freshness of the beverage ingredient. The lid may provide a non-airtight or non-hermetic seal. The lid may create a seal such that air and moisture are prevented from entering and/or exiting the cavity or capsule. The lid may be attached to the portion capsule, the base, the top of the base, the bottom of the base, the flange, the top of the flange, the bottom of the flange, or a combination thereof. The lid may be attached by gluing, welding or any other suitable attachment method or device. The lid can be made of the same material as the base element and/or the flange. The lid may be made of a different material than the base member and/or the flange. The lid, flange and/or base member may be made from one or more integral materials. The cover, the flange and/or the base element can consist of one or more separate materials and can then be connected to one another by means of a joining process. For example, the lid, flange, and/or base member may be joined with an adhesive, gasket, welding, or other suitable joining method.

The portion capsule, body or base, flange and/or lid may be made of any material suitable for beverage manufacture and/or storage of ingredients for beverage manufacture. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of a metal. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can consist of a non-metal. The portion capsule, base, flange and/or lid may be made from a recycled material. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of a recyclable material. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of a biodegradable material. The sachet, base, flange and/or lid may be made from a paper material. The portion capsule The base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of a compostable material. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of a cellulosic material. The sachet, base, flange and/or lid may be made of a material containing polylactic acid. The sachet, base, flange and/or lid may be made of a material that resists deformation, dissolution and collapse at temperatures up to at least 120°C or more or less. The portion capsule, base, flange and/or lid may be made from a material derived from corn. The sachet, base, flange and/or lid may be made from a plant based material. The sachet, base, flange and/or lid may be made of a polystyrene-free material. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of a material that is food safe. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be manufactured by injection molding, thermoforming, drawing or the like. The base member, flange and/or lid may be laminated. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of an electrically conductive material. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of an electrically non-conductive material. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of a fabric material. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of a rubber material. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of a plastic material. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be made of aluminium. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can consist of a material which is elastic or deformable. The base member, flange and/or cap may be made of a malleable material capable of withstanding various fluid temperatures (hot and cold) and pressures without damage (i.e. without the base member, flange and/or cap becoming in cracks or breaks in unwanted areas). The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can have a generally equal wall thickness. The portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can have different wall thicknesses. For example, the portion capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can have a thicker wall thickness in certain areas in order to prevent the portion capsule from being destroyed during handling and/or use. The portion capsule may have one or more capsule features. The one or more capsule features may be one or more protrusions, ridges, elevations, and/or convexities that extend from or protrude beyond the outer surface of the base member. The one or more capsule features can be one or more channels, grooves, indentations, valleys, or concavities that extend or protrude from the outer surface into the base member. The one or more encapsulation features may extend around the entire perimeter of the body or base member. The one or more encapsulation features may also extend around only a portion or region of the perimeter of the body or base member. The one or more surface capsule features may extend continuously around the body or base member. The one or more capsule features may extend intermittently (beginning and end) around the body or base member. The one or more encapsulation features may be located only on the base member. The one or more capsule features may only be on the lid. The one or more capsule features may be located only on the flange. The one or more capsule features may not be on the body, flange, lid, or a combination thereof. The one or more encapsulation features may be on the interior surface of the base member. The one or more encapsulation features may be disposed on the exterior surface of the base. The one or more capsule features may be located on the top of the flange, the bottom of the flange, the side surface of the flange, or a combination thereof. The one or more capsule features may be one or more rings extending around all or part of the perimeter of the portion capsule. The one or more features of the sachet may be diagonal or extend at a diagonal or at an angle relative to a central longitudinal axis of the sachet. The one or more capsule features may have irregular shapes such as squiggles or whorls. The one or more capsule features may be oriented vertically (top to bottom of the base member). The one or more capsule features may extend onto the flange (top, bottom, and/or side surface of the flange). The one or more capsule features may not extend onto the flange. The one or more capsule features may extend from the flange to the bottom surface of the base member. The one or more capsule features may extend from the flange towards the bottom surface of the base member, but may not extend to extend to the ground surface. The one or more encapsulation features may extend from the bottom surface of the base member to the top surface of the base member, but may not extend to the top surface. The spacing between adjacent capsule features can be uniform. In other words, the spacing between some or all of the capsule features can be substantially the same. The distances between adjacent capsule features can vary. In other words, the spacing between some or all of the capsule features can be different. The one or more capsule features may have a zebra shape or zebra print. This may mean that the one or more capsule features extend along at least a portion (or all) of the body or base, lid, and/or flange. The one or more capsule features may fade or be less visible in certain areas while being more intense or more visible in other areas. For example, the visibility of the one or more capsule features may change. For example, the depth of an indentation or groove may become shallower or deeper in certain areas of the base member, lid, and/or flange. For example, the height or protrusion of a rib or ridge may be greater or lesser in certain areas of the base member, flange, and/or lid than in other areas of the base member, flange, and/or lid.

The one or more capsule features may only be on the exterior surface of the sidewall or body. The one or more capsule features may be located only on the inner surface of the sidewall or body. The one or more capsule features can be located on both the interior and exterior surfaces of the sidewall or body. The one or more capsule features located on the exterior surface may correspond to the one or more capsule features located on the interior surface of the capsule body. For example, a groove on the outer surface of the capsule body may form a ridge or protrusion on the inner surface of the sidewall, or vice versa. For example, a groove on the top of the flange or cover may form a rib or protrusion on the underside of the flange or cover, or vice versa.

The one or more capsule features located on an interior surface or interior of the cavity may serve to alter or disrupt the flow of liquid from the beverage into and/or through the base member. One or more Capsule features may serve to cause or create turbulent liquid flow into and/or through the capsule. The one or more capsule features may serve to induce or create laminar liquid flow into and/or through the capsule. The one or more capsule features may serve to create a vortex of liquid into and/or through the capsule. The one or more capsule features can cause the liquid flowing into and through the capsule to move up and/or down to extract and/or dissolve the beverage ingredient in the capsule.

The sachet can be coated with an ink, with a material that gives the sachet a metallic appearance, which can be made from an ink or metallic flakes or metallic particles or pigments. The particles may be suspended or dispersed in an aqueous medium and then applied to the base, lid and/or flange. It is possible for the particles or pigments to be incorporated into the plastic when the plastic is in a molten or softened state to provide the metallic. For example, aluminum flake material can be added to the plastic to give it a unique appearance and/or to hide manufacturing swirls or defects resulting from

The one or more capsule features may be integrally formed on the capsule body or the base, the lid and/or the flange. The one or more capsule features can be added to the capsule body or the base, the lid and/or the flange. The one or more capsule features may be printed or affixed to the capsule body or the base, lid and/or flange. The one or more capsule features may be molded or fabricated from the same material as the capsule body, flange, and/or lid. The one or more capsule features may be molded or fabricated from a different material than the capsule body, flange, and/or lid. The one or more capsule features may be printed, embossed, etched, glued, or attached to the capsule body, flange, and/or lid.

The one or more capsule features can be glued, welded, or otherwise attached to the capsule base. The one or more capsule features can also be the one or more visually recognizable features. In this regard, the one or more capsule features may serve one or more purposes or functions disclosed herein. Alternatively, the one or more capsule features may only serve the function or purpose of a visually recognizable feature.

The portion capsule can have one or more optically recognizable features. The one or more optically detectable features may be located on the sachet, the body or base, the sidewall, the outer surface of the sidewall, the inner surface of the sidewall, the flange, the top of the flange, the bottom of the flange, the side surface of the flange, the lid, the top of the lid, the underside of the lid, the side surface of the lid, or a combination thereof.

The one or more optically detectable features can be read, detected, recognized and/or identified by one or more detectors of the beverage machine and/or the system. The one or more detectors can be one or more lasers, lights, light curtains, scanners, readers, eyes, cameras, bar code readers, bit code readers, or a combination thereof. After the portion capsule has been inserted into the beverage machine, the one or more detectors can be arranged above the portion capsule, below the portion capsule, next to the portion capsule, or a combination thereof. The one or more detectors may include or be in electronic communication with one or more processors, memory, programs, hard drives, RAM, or other computer hardware and software. The one or more detectors may be operable to read, identify, and/or correlate the one or more optically identifiable features with one or more stored references. One or more of the read optically recognizable characteristics can be stored on a hard drive, in a memory or in a cloud of the detector, the beverage machine or both. The one or more detectors may be operable to read, identify, and/or correlate the one or more optically recognizable indicia with one or more stored references to determine the type of portion capsule. For example, the one or more detectors can detect whether the portion capsule contains coffee, espresso, cocoa, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage ingredients, or machine cleaning ingredients. For example, the one or more detectors can detect whether the portion capsule requires warm, cold, or ambient water or another liquid (milk, juice, etc.) in order to to make the drink you want. For example, the detector or detectors can determine the machine parameters for producing the desired or intended beverage, such as e.g. the liquid temperature, the liquid pressure, the amount of liquid, the heating or cooling time and/or temperature, whether additional ingredients or liquids need to be mixed with the beverage or whether they need to be run through the portion capsule. The one or more detectors may be able to identify the machine parameters for cleaning the beverage machine when the detector detects that the capsule is destined for cleaning the machine. The one or more detectors may be operable to detect an incompatible optically detectable feature when a portion capsule not intended for use in the machine is inserted into the machine. This can advantageously prevent a fault from occurring, damaging the machine and/or injuring an operator or bystander.

The one or more optically recognizable features can be one or more: colors, patterns, logos, bar codes (2-dimensional and/or 3-dimensional), bit codes, binary code, pits, indentations, ridges, protrusions, bumps. The one or more optically recognizable features may be visible to the human eye. The one or more visually recognizable features may be invisible to the human eye. The one or more optically detectable features may include ridges, protrusions, bumps, nubs, spacers, barbs, apertures, holes, depressions, grooves, and depressions. The one or more visually recognizable features can be one or more images, patterns, lines or grooves. The one or more optically recognizable features can be flat or one-dimensional. The one or more visually recognizable features may be three-dimensional.

The beverage machine can contain one or more detectors. The one or more detectors may be electrically connected (wired or wireless) to a system network. The one or more detectors can transmit information about the use of the portion capsule in the machine to the system network. The information can be collected from one or more visually recognizable features and/or the machine and then transmitted to a system network. The information collected and transmitted can help a supplier or manufacturer of the portion capsules and/or machines or a service technician to solve problems with the Recognize portion capsule and / or the machine. The information collected and transmitted can help a supplier or manufacturer of the portion capsules and/or machines to predict consumer habits, determine consumption, create orders, manage inventory, create a customer loyalty program, information about consumer preferences collect, generate and analyze data, predict production, manufacture and shipment based on consumer consumption. The system network can be located anywhere in the world, including in the same state or country as the beverage machine and/or user, or in a different state or country.

The present teaching provides a method for reclamation and/or composting of a sachet, the lid, the filter or a combination thereof. The method may include separating one or more elements (if any) from the sachet, separating the lid from the sachet and composting one or more of the base elements and/or the lid. The method may include a step of composting the entire portion capsule including the lid, the filter (if present) and/or the base.

Further details, features and advantages of the portion capsule result from the drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the portion capsule, which do not restrict the essential idea of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a portion capsule according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the portion capsule according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic detailed view of the ring element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the ring element according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic detailed view of the ring element according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a further schematic detailed view of the ring element according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the portion capsule according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a drink.

The portion capsule 10 has a base element 12 (also referred to as the body). The body or base member 12 includes a side wall 14 (also referred to as a capsule wall). The side wall 12 extends from a base area 22 (also referred to as the capsule base) to a circumferential flange 26 which protrudes laterally and is in particular formed circumferentially. The base element 12 spans a cavity 20 which is provided for receiving raw beverage material. On the side facing away from the base area 22, the base element has a filling opening through which the cavity 20 can be filled with the beverage raw material.

The portion capsule 10 has, for example, a spherical base element 12 which has the capsule base 22 on its closed side (which can be curved and does not have to be flat) and has a peripheral flange 26 on its open side. The capsule wall 14 extends around the cavity 20 between the capsule base 22 and the flange 26. The portion capsule 10 is constructed rotationally symmetrically about its central central longitudinal axis. In the radial direction to the central axis of rotational symmetry, the flange 26 , which is circular and thus circumferential in the circumferential direction, protrudes outwards beyond the capsule wall 14 . The flange 26 is firmly connected to a capsule cover 33 (also referred to as a cover) in the form of a particularly circular cover film, which closes the cavity 20 on the open side of the base element 12 . For this purpose, the flange 26 preferably has a sealing plane which faces the capsule lid 33 and which extends approximately at right angles to the axis of rotational symmetry. The edge area of the capsule lid 33 is sealed, welded or glued to the flange 26 and in particular to the sealing plane.

The capsule lid 33 is preferably made of aluminum or plastic. The cavity 20 is formed within the base element 12, which is filled with the beverage raw material, for example roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blend, milk powder and/or the like (not illustrated for reasons of clarity) and which is closed by the capsule lid 33.

The spherical configuration of the base element 12 is preferably produced by thermoforming, for example deep-drawing using negative pressure, positive pressure and/or a movable stamp. The base element 12 is preferably designed as a deep-drawn aluminum part. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable for the base element 12 to be made of plastic, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the portion capsule 10 is produced by means of an injection molding process, in particular using the one-component, multi-component or in-mold process. As a further alternative, it would be conceivable for the base element 12 to be made entirely or partially from a biodegradable material, in particular from cellulose fibers, which can be embedded in a resin matrix.

The portion capsule 12 is intended to be introduced into a brewing unit of a beverage production machine 14 in order to produce a beverage. The brewing unit comprises a first brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part, with one of the first and second brewing chamber parts relative to the other brewing chamber part between an approximated position in which the first and second brewing chamber parts form a closed brewing chamber and an open position in which the first and the second brewing chamber part for inserting or ejecting the portion capsule 1 is spaced apart from one another, is movable, in particular can be given away or shifted. In the closed position, the capsule lid 33 and/or the capsule base 22 are perforated in order to create perforation openings for introducing brewing liquid or for discharging the beverage produced. The brewing liquid is introduced into the cavity 20 under pressure. The interaction between the brewing liquid and the beverage raw material produces the desired beverage, which leaves the portion capsule 12 through the perforation openings and is supplied to a beverage container. Any particles of the beverage raw material can be filtered out of the beverage and retained in the portion capsule 10 by an optional filter medium. Preferably, however, the multiply perforated capsule lid 33 acts as a filter element.

The portion capsule 10 now has a feature 34 that can be optically detected in particular by a detector of the beverage production machine. This feature 34 preferably serves to identify the portion capsule 10 in the beverage production machine. The beverage production machine can thus, for example, verify whether the portion capsule 10 in the brewing chamber is a system-compatible portion capsule 10 and/or whether a suitable brewing program for the beverage raw material in the portion capsule 10 can be automatically selected and started. It is also conceivable that brewing parameters to be used specifically are embedded in the optically detectable feature 34 and are read out by means of the detector.

The optically detectable feature 34 is in particular a machine-readable code, preferably a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional bit or barcode.

Flange 26 may have a top surface 28 and an opposing bottom surface 30 . The top surface 28 may face away from the base member 12 . The bottom surface 30 may face the base member 12 . Flange 26 may have a side surface 32 . The side panel 32 may extend between and connect the top and bottom panels 28, 30 together.

The lid 33 may be secured or attached to the base member 12, the sidewall 14, the flange 26, the top 28 of the flange 26, the side surface 32 of the flange 26, the bottom of the flange 26, or a combination thereof.

The portion capsule 10 can have one or more optically detectable features 34 . The one or more optically detectable features 34 (schematically with dashed boxed) may be located on the body or base member 12, side wall 14, outer surface 16, flange 26, top surface 28 of flange 26, bottom surface 30 of flange, side surface 34 of flange 26, lid 33 or a combination thereof. The one or more visual features 34 may be one or more of the visual features disclosed herein. The one or more optically detectable features 34 may be the same as the one or more capsule features 36 disclosed herein. The one or more optically detectable features 34 may differ from the one or more capsule features 36 disclosed herein.

The explanations given above for FIG. 1 apply in particular very generally to all variants of the portion capsule 10 described below and are not repeated in each case in the more detailed description of FIGS. 2 to 16 merely for reasons of clarity.

FIG. 2 discloses a schematic side view of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a beverage according to a first variant.

In the first variant, the optically detectable feature 34 extends over the capsule wall 14 of the base element 12. The optically detectable feature 34 comprises a machine-readable code made up of a plurality of lines, all or at least several lines extending over the capsule wall 14. It is conceivable that the lines run at least partially parallel to one another and in particular have different thicknesses.

The lines are printed on the capsule wall 14 or are designed as groove-shaped indentations in the capsule wall 14 (or protruding ridges on the capsule wall 14).

In the area of the capsule wall 14, the lines are partially curved and, in particular, have a wavy shape.

The body or base member 12 includes one or more encapsulating features 36. The one or more encapsulating features 36 may be one or more corrugations or have a corrugated shape. The one or more capsule features 36 may extend generally horizontally relative to a central longitudinal axis 38 of the sachet 10 . FIG. 3 discloses a schematic side view of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a beverage according to a second variant.

The second variant is essentially the same as the first variant, with the optically detectable feature 34 extending both over the capsule wall 14 and over the flange 26 . The optically detectable feature 34 is in turn a machine-readable code that is made up of a plurality of lines, with all or at least several lines extending both over the capsule wall 14 and over the flange 26 in each case. It is conceivable that the lines run at least partially parallel to one another and in particular have different thicknesses.

In the area of the capsule wall 14, the lines are partially curved and, in particular, wavy, and in the area of the flange 26 they flow into lines that run straight and in particular radially to the central axis of rotational symmetry of the portion capsule 10 on a side facing away from the capsule lid 33 (underside 30) of the flange 26.

In the flange area 26, the lines thus form in particular a one-dimensional bit or barcode.

The lines are printed on the capsule wall 14 and/or the flange 26 or formed as groove-shaped indentations in the capsule wall 14 and/or the flange 26 (or protruding ridges on the capsule wall 14 and/or the flange 26).

The body or base member 12 includes one or more encapsulating features 36. The one or more encapsulating features 36 may be one or more corrugations or have a corrugated shape. The one or more capsule features 36 may extend at an angle (i.e., diagonally) relative to a central longitudinal axis 38 of the sachet 10 . These features may also or instead be located on the lid 33 and/or the flange 26.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a drink according to a third variant. The third variant is particularly similar to the second variant shown in FIG. 3, the only difference being that the lines in the region of the capsule wall 14 do not run in a wavy manner but rather in a straight line. In particular, the lines run at an angle to the main extension plane of the capsule lid 33.

The body or base member 12 includes one or more capsule features 36. The one or more capsule features 36 may be angled (i.e., diagonally) relative to a central longitudinal axis 38 of the sachet 10. The spacings between adjacent capsule features 36 may be generally equal. The spacing between adjacent capsule features 36 may vary. For example, the spacing 40 between certain capsule features 36 may be greater or greater than the spacing 42 between certain other capsule features 36. These features may also or instead be on the lid 33 and/or the flange 26.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a drink according to a fourth variant.

The fourth variant is particularly similar to the first variant shown in FIG. 2, the only difference being that the lines in the region of the capsule wall 14 do not run in a wavy manner but rather in a straight line. In particular, the lines run parallel to the main extension plane of the capsule lid 33 and thus at right angles to the central axis of rotational symmetry of the portion capsule 10.

The body or base member 12 includes one or more capsule features 36. The one or more capsule features 36 may extend at an angle (ie, horizontal, generally perpendicular) relative to a central longitudinal axis 38 of the sachet 10. The spacings between adjacent capsule features 36 may be generally equal. The spacing between adjacent capsule features 36 may vary. For example, the spacing 40 between certain capsule features 36 may be greater or greater than the spacing 42 between certain other capsule features 36. These features may also or instead be on the lid 33 and/or the flange 26. FIG. 6C discloses a schematic view (view of the side of the portion capsule 10 facing away from the cover film 33) of a portion capsule 10 for the preparation of a beverage according to a fifth variant.

The optically detectable feature 34, 36 is mounted on a separate ring 44 (shown in Figure 6B) which is connected to the base member 12 (shown in Figure 6A). The ring 44 is applied in particular to the side (bottom 30) of the flange 26 facing away from the capsule cover 33 .

Figure 6A shows part of the capsule 10, more specifically the bottom surface 30 of the base member. FIG. 6B shows an encapsulation feature 36 which may include one or more optically recognizable features 34. FIG. Capsule feature 36 may be a ring 44 . The ring 44 can be an O-ring or other element that has the additional function of forming a seal between the portion capsule 10 and the beverage machine to prevent water or liquid from leaking between the capsule 10 and the machine. The ring 44 can be made of the same or different material than the base, the flange and/or the cover. The ring 44 may have an opening sized to slide over the bottom surface 22 of the body or base member 12 . However, the opening of the ring 44 can be smaller than the flange 26 so that the ring 44 can be placed against the bottom surface 30 of the flange 26 .

As shown in FIG. 6C, after the ring 44 is placed on the capsule 10, the one or more visually recognizable features 34 of the ring 44 are visible from a bottom and/or side of the capsule 10 or flange. The ring 44 can be attached (glued, glued, welded, etc.) to the capsule 10 or the flange 26 . Alternatively, ring 44 may be free of any fasteners between ring 44 and capsule 10 and/or flange 26.

FIG. 7C discloses a schematic view (view of the side of the portion capsule 10 facing away from the cover film 33) of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a beverage according to a sixth variant.

The flange 26 is provided with recesses 37 (also referred to as recesses), which serve to form the optically detectable feature 34, 36. The recesses 37 form flange 26 webs 38 (or web-like, flat projections), which are provided in the radial direction in relation to the central axis of rotational symmetry of the portion capsule 10 .

The recesses 37 extend parallel to the axis of rotational symmetry, preferably completely through the flange 26 and are covered by the circular capsule cover 33 . The capsule cover 33 has on its side facing the flange 26 in particular a different color than the flange 26 on its side facing away from the capsule cover 33 . A view of the underside 30 of the flange 26 thus results in a contrast image of webs and recesses through which the capsule cover 33 shines through. The capsule cover 33 thus forms, together with the recesses 37, a relief-like, machine-readable code, preferably a one-dimensional bit or barcode. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the recesses 37 do not extend parallel to the axis of rotational symmetry through the entire flange 26 and are only made in the side facing away from the capsule cover 33 (underside 30). The optically detectable feature 34, 36 thus includes a relief introduced into the underside 30, which represents the machine-readable code, preferably a one-dimensional bit or barcode. The optically detectable feature 34, 36 is thus designed as a three-dimensional structure in the flange 26. It therefore preferably comprises a plurality of depressions 37 and elevations 38 which are in particular in the form of grooves 37 and projections 38 which run radially to the central axis of rotational symmetry of the portion capsule.

It is conceivable that the three-dimensional structure is formed during the manufacture of the base element 12, in particular during a deep-drawing process for the manufacture of the base element 12. Furthermore, the three-dimensional structure could be embossed, stamped or engraved into the flange 26. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the three-dimensional structure to be in the form of a conductor structure made of recesses 37 and non-recesses 38 introduced into the flange 26 .

A further alternative is that the optically detectable features 34, 36 in the form of the recesses 37 are not introduced into the flange 26 of the base element 12 but rather into a ring 44. The ring is shown in Figure 7B and is bonded, for example glued, to the flange 26 of the base member 12 (shown in Figure 7A). The ring 44 has a ladder pattern of recesses 37 and non-recesses 38 which represent the code as described above. It is conceivable that the non-recesses 38 are connected to one another in a ring shape only on their radially inner side. After connection of the ring 44 to the base member 12, the ring 44 shown in Figure 7B can be referred to as the second flange portion, while the flange 26 shown in Figure 7A, which has no recesses 37, can be referred to as the first flange portion. The first flange area preferably has a different color on its side facing the second flange area than the second flange area on its side facing away from the first flange area.

Figure 7A shows part of the capsule 10, more specifically the underside 30 of the base member. The underside 30 of the flange 26 can be one color (e.g., black, white, blue, red, green, etc.). FIG. 7B shows a capsule feature 36, which may be a ring 44. FIG. Ring 44 may have open areas such as rungs on a ladder. The ring 44 may have a color that differs from the color of the underside 30 of the flange 26 . As shown in FIG. 7C, after assembly of the ring 44 on the capsule 10, the one or more optically detectable features 34 of the ring 44 cooperate with the colored bottom surface 30 of the flange to create an optically detectable feature 34 that is of a Detector can be read or identified.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic side view of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a drink according to a seventh variant.

A sectional view (section in the radial direction relative to the central axis of rotational symmetry of the portion capsule 10) of the flange 26 is shown in detail in FIG. The optically detectable feature 34, 36 is formed by a projections 46 and depressions 48, which - as described above - can be introduced into the flange 26 by deep drawing, stamping, pressing, injection molding or other methods.

Figure 8 shows an encapsulating feature 36 and/or optically recognizable features 34. Features 36, 34 are a series of protrusions 46 and indentations 48, or peaks and valleys, extending from the bottom surface 30 of flange 26 . The projections 46 and indentations 48 may be mounted on a ring as described above in Figures 6A-7C. The protrusions 46 and indentations 48 can be glued onto the flange 26 . The protrusions 46 and recesses 48 may be integrally formed with the flange 26 . The optically recognizable features 34 and in particular the projections 46 and valleys 48 or peaks and valleys form an optically recognizable feature 34 that can be read or identified by a detector.

FIG. 9A discloses a schematic sectional view (section in the radial direction relative to the central axis of rotational symmetry of the portion capsule 10) of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a beverage according to an eighth variant.

The eighth variant is characterized in that the portion capsule again has a feature 34 that can be optically detected in particular by a detector of the beverage production machine, but the portion capsule 10 has a circumferential lip 50 (also referred to as a wing) protruding from the base element 12 and the optically detectable feature Feature 34 is located on lip 50. The optically detectable feature 34 , 36 is arranged in particular on a side of the lip 50 facing away from the flange 26 .

The lip 50 itself and/or the connection of the lip 50 to the base element 12 is preferably designed to be flexible or movable in such a way that the side of the lip 50 (facing the flange 26) rests against the underside 30 of the flange 26 in the brewing chamber of the beverage production machine (this situation is illustrated in Figure 9B). The underside 30 is the side of the flange 26 facing away from the capsule cover 33.

It is conceivable that the lip 50 is a sealing element which is made in particular from an elastically or plastically deformable material and thus improves the seal between the brewing chamber element and the flange 26 .

The lip 50 is in particular ring-shaped and is fastened in particular circumferentially to the capsule wall 14 . Alternatively, lip 50 is attached to underside 30 of flange 26 . It would also be conceivable for the lip 50 to be attached to the outer edge of the flange 26 lying on the outside in the radial direction or to the underside 30 .

Optionally, the lip 50 is attached to the base member 12 in a transition area from the capsule wall 14 to the flange 26 . It is conceivable that the attachment of the lip 50 to the base element 12 functions as a hinge. In the starting position illustrated in FIG. 9A, the lip 50 is oriented at an angle of 25 to 65 degrees, preferably 35 to 55 degrees and particularly preferably essentially 45 degrees to a main direction of extent of the flange 26.

The optically detectable feature 34 located on the lip 50 is, for example, a machine-readable code, preferably a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional bit or barcode.

The portion capsule 10 is shown in Figure 9A. The portion capsule 10 includes one or more capsule features 36. The capsule feature 36 can be a lip or wing 50 or a separate element on the body or base element 12. The lip or wing 50 may be attached to the capsule body 12 or formed integrally with the base member 12 . The lip or wing 50 can be a ring that fits over the body or base member. The lip or wing may extend around the entire perimeter of the base member or only part of the perimeter. The lip or wing 50 may be or include a visually recognizable feature 34,36. The optically recognizable feature 34, 36 can face the side wall 14 or the bottom surface 30 of the base element 12 and face away from the bottom surface 30 of the flange 26. However, in some configurations, the optically detectable feature 34, 36 may also or instead be directed away from the sidewall 14 or bottom surface 30 of the base member 12 and toward the bottom surface 30 of the flange 26. As illustrated in FIG. 9B , after the capsule 10 is inserted into a beverage machine 10 , the lip or wing 50 may deform or flap up against the flange 26 and become trapped between the flange 26 and the capsule holder of the beverage machine 100 . The optically recognizable feature 34, 36 can be read or identified by a detector. The detector can be located above, below or to the side of the capsule.

FIG. 10 discloses a schematic plan view (view of the side of the portion capsule 10 facing away from the cover film 33) of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a beverage according to a ninth variant.

In the ninth variant, the optically detectable feature 34, 36, i.e. in particular the machine-readable code, extends only over a partial segment of the underside 30 of the circular flange 26 and thus in particular not over the entire circumference of the flange 26. FIG. 10 shows a portion capsule 10 which includes a base member 12 and a flange 26. The base member 12 is a flange 26. The base member 12 has a flange 26 therein. The bottom surface 30 of the flange 26 includes one or more encapsulating features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34. The one or more encapsulating features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34 do not extend the entire perimeter of the flange 26 or the base member 12. Instead, they are the one or more encapsulating features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34 disposed along only a portion thereof, e.g. along an arc of 10 degrees or less, an arc of 20 degrees or less, an arc of 30 degrees or less, a 45 degree arc degrees or less, an arc of 60 degrees or less, an arc of 90 degrees or less, an arc of 120 degrees or less, an arc of 180 degrees or less, an arc of 270 degrees or less, or an arc of less than 360 Degree.

FIG. 11 discloses a schematic plan view (view of the side of the portion capsule 10 facing away from the cover film 33) of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a beverage according to a tenth variant.

Similar to the ninth variant, in the tenth variant the optically detectable feature 34, 36, i.e. in particular the machine-readable code, also extends only over a partial segment of the underside 30 of the circular flange 26 and thus in particular not over the entire circumference of the flange 26.

11 is similar to FIG. 10. The portion capsule 10 has two discrete sections with capsule features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34. The area between the capsule features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34 can be devoid of any capsule features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34 be. There may be any number of these discrete or partial sections of encapsulation features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34 (two or more, three or more, four or more, etc.). These sections may be formed directly on the underside 30 of the flange 26 or applied thereto in a subsequent printing or appliqué process, or even as a ring as described above in Figures 6B, 7B.

FIG. 12C discloses a schematic plan view (view of the underside (capsule base 22) of the portion capsule 10 facing away from the cover film 33) of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a beverage according to an eleventh variant. The eleventh variant is characterized in that the flange 26 is at least partially optically transparent and the optically detectable feature 34 is arranged in the area of the optically transparent flange 26 .

The optically detectable feature 34, 36 is arranged in particular on a side of the flange 26 facing the capsule lid 33 or arranged on a side of the capsule lid 33 facing the flange 26 or on an additional element arranged between the capsule lid 33 and the flange 33 (in particular a ring 44 ) arranged.

In all three cases, the optically detectable feature 34 can be detected through the optically transparent flange 26 . At the same time, the optically detectable feature 34, 36 is protected from external environmental influences. The base element 12 can in particular be designed to be almost completely optically transparent.

Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the base element 12 to be constructed in two parts from a base part and a flange part, with only the flange part being designed to be optically transparent, with the base part and the flange part being connected to one another.

The capsule cover 33 is shown in FIG. 12B, with the underside 52 of the capsule cover 33 facing the base element 12 being visible. In this variant, the optically detectable feature 34, 36 is arranged in the edge area of this underside 52, preferably printed on.

The optically detectable feature 34, 36 includes a machine-readable code, preferably a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional bit or barcode.

In FIG. 12A, the base element 12 is illustrated, which is either completely transparent or only has a transparent flange 26 . To form the transparent base element 12, the base element 12 is made in particular from a transparent plastic, for example a transparent film.

Figure 12A shows a body or base member 12 and a flange 26 of the sachet. The base member 12 and/or flange 26 may be at least partially transparent, translucent, translucent, or a combination thereof. A cover 33 is shown in Figure 12B. The lid includes a top and an opposite bottom 52. The Lid 33 and in particular the underside 52 of the lid 33 has one or more capsule features 36 and/or optically recognizable features 34 . Fig. 12B shows the assembled sachet 10 looking at the underside of the body or base member 12. The underside 52 of the lid 33 is arranged to face the upper side 28 of the flange 26 so that when the sachet 10 is viewed from below 1, the one or more encapsulating features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34 are viewable through the at least partially transparent, translucent, or translucent flange 26 or the underside 30 of the flange 26. Accordingly, the one or more capsule features 36 and/or optically recognizable features 34 would be protected from liquid splashes or splashes and/or from damage during manufacture, shipping, and/or handling.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic sectional view of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a beverage according to a twelfth variant.

The twelfth variant is particularly distinguished from the other variants in that the portion capsule 12 has a further base element 12' (also referred to as the outer base element 12'), which at least partially surrounds the base element 12 (also referred to as the inner base element 12). The further base element 12' has in particular a further cavity 20' in which the base element 12 is partially arranged. The base element (12) is preferably arranged so far inside the further cavity 20' that a further capsule wall 14' of the further base element 12' extends in particular parallel to the capsule wall 14 of the base element 12 up to the flange (26).

The further base element 12' is preferably designed without a flange, so that the flange 26 of the inner base element 12 is not covered and the optically detectable feature 34, 36 arranged on the underside 30 of the flange 26 can therefore be read and the field of view is not covered.

Advantageously, the further base element 12' can be designed as a shape or structure-giving base part, while only the inner base element 12, which has the flange 26 with the optically detectable feature 34, 36, can be optimized with a view to a favorable manufacturing process. Preferably, the material in the area of the capsule wall 14 of the inner base element 12 is softer, less stiff or thinner than in the area of the capsule wall 14' of the outer base element 12'.

It is also conceivable that the material of the inner base element 12 is more gas-impermeable than the material of the outer base element 12'.

The inner base element 12 and the outer base element 12' are preferably glued, pressed or welded to one another in the area of the capsule walls 14.

The inner base member 12 and the outer base member 12' may be made of the same or different materials.

In Fig. 13 a portion capsule 10 is shown. The sachet 10 has a body or base member 12 and an outer body or base member 12'. Outer body or base member 12' may be substantially the same as body or base member 12, so all comments made about base member 12 apply to outer base member 12' as well. The base member 12 is sized to fit within the outer base member 12'. The base member 12 has a flange 26 and the outer base member 12' is flange free. The two base members 12, 12' may be joined together by an interference fit or by a fastener or method (welding, gluing, etc.). Each of the surfaces of base member 12 and/or base member 12' may include one or more of the encapsulating features 36 and/or optically recognizable features 34 disclosed herein.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 disclose schematic side views of portion capsules 10 for preparing a beverage according to a thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth variant.

In these three variants, the optically detectable features 34, 36 are designed in the form of three-dimensional structuring of the capsule wall 14. In the thirteenth variant the structuring comprises spherical shapes, in the fourteenth variant diamond shapes and in the fifteenth variant circumferential projections. In the figures 14, 15 and 16 a portion capsule 10 is shown. The portion capsule 10 comprises a body or base member 12, a flange 26 and a lid 33. The body or base member 12, sidewall 14 (inner and/or outer surfaces), flange 26, lid 33 or a combination thereof one or more capsule features 36 and/or optically recognizable features 34. In Figure 14, the one or more capsule features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34 can be dimples, ridges, valleys, or notches. The one or more encapsulating features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34 may resemble the dimples of a golf ball. In Figure 15, the one or more encapsulating features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34 may consist of a variety of diamond, diamond, triangular, or square planar surfaces. In Figure 16, the one or more capsule features 36 and/or the optically recognizable features 34 can be one or more grooves, steps, ribs, or rings. In Figure 16, the one or more capsule features 36 and/or the optically detectable features 34 can be one or more spirals, arcs, or curved features.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Portion capsule (10) for preparing a beverage using a beverage production machine, the portion capsule (10) having a base element (12) with a cavity (20) for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid (33) closing the cavity (20), wherein the base element (12) comprises a capsule base (22), a peripheral flange (26) and a capsule wall (14) extending from the capsule base (22) to the peripheral flange (26), the capsule lid (33) being attached to the flange ( 26), wherein the portion capsule (10) has a feature (34) that can be optically detected in particular by a detector of the beverage production machine, characterized in that the flange (26) has recesses (37) that represent the optically detectable feature (34). .

2. Portion capsule (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flange (26) between the recesses webs (38) which extend in the radial direction relative to a central axis of rotational symmetry of the portion capsule (10).

3. Portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recesses (37) are covered by the capsule lid (33).

4. Portion capsule (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule lid (33) on its side facing the flange (26) has a different color than the flange (26) on its side facing away from the capsule lid (33).

5. Portion capsule (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule lid (33) together with the recesses (37) form a relief-like, machine-readable code, preferably a one-dimensional bit or barcode.

6. Portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flange (26) is formed in two parts from a first flange area and a second flange area, wherein the first flange area is formed in one piece with the capsule wall (14) and the capsule base (22) and only the second flange area is provided with the recesses (37).

7. Portion capsule (10) according to claim 6, wherein the second flange area is designed as a ring, wherein the capsule lid (33) is attached to the first flange area and wherein the second flange area is attached to the first flange area on a side facing away from the capsule lid (33). is.

8. Portion capsule (10) according to claim 7, wherein recesses (37) in the second flange area are covered by the first flange area.

9. Portion capsule (10) according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the first flange area on its side facing the second flange area has a different color than the second flange area on its side facing away from the first flange area.

10. Portion capsule (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first flange area together with the recesses (37) form a relief-like, machine-readable code, preferably a one-dimensional bit or barcode.

11 . Use of a portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage production machine.