DK3010838T3 - Capsule with a capsule element and method for making this - Google Patents

Description

Capsule having a capsule body and method for producing said capsule

The invention relates to a capsule according to the preamble of claim 1. Capsules of this type are currently used in different forms for the preparation of a beverage, in particular of coffee or tea in a beverage preparation machine.

Here, the capsules perform a dual function in that they on the one hand protect the substance contained therein against external influences and preserve the aroma thereof and on the other hand, due to the cooperation with the beverage preparation machine, they also perform a mechanical function for the passage of hot water at high pressure. Here, the capsule is received in a brewing chamber, which is closed in a pressure-tight manner for the brewing process. In many beverage preparation machines the base is penetrated as the brewing chamber is closed, whereby, following the actuation of the pump, water can infiltrate the capsule. The cover closing the capsule body is either likewise perforated or tears open at a number of points due to the build-up of internal pressure, such that the hot beverage can flow out from the brewing chamber. A capsule of this type is described for example in WO 2012/080501. WO 2013/076519 A1 discribes a capsule made of plastic material for the production of beverage comprising a side wall, a base and a cover. Circumferentially in the area of the base deepened zones are arranged which connect the base and the side wall. WO 2012/144885 Al alos discribes a closed capsule made of plastic material comprising a circumferential collar for connecting a cover. On this cover a sealing element is arranged for sealingly engaging the capsule in a beverage preparation machine. WO 2012/127233 A2 describes a capsule made of plastic material comprising a side wall, a base and a cover, wherein in the base of the capsule a entrance opening for a fluid is arranged. This obening is closed ba an inlet filter, which ist glued on the inside of the capsule to the base. US 2011/0033580 A1 also discloses a capsule with an circumferential wall, a base and a cover to define a closed chamber. The base comprises at least one inlet opening, which is covered on its inner side with an inlet filter. DE 10 2004 056 224 A1 discribes a capsule manufactured from plastic material having a central opening in its base. This opening is coverd with a foil element on its inner side, wheras the foil element consists of a aluminium foil. A problem with capsules made of plastics material lies in the fact that, as a result of the material resilience, when the base is perforated the base bears closely against the perforation means, such that the infiltrating water volume per unit of time is lower than for example in the case of capsules made of aluminum. It has therefore been found that it is particularly advantageous to make additional openings in the base as early as the production stage of the capsule, said openings increasing the flow rate in the beverage preparation machine. These openings are advantageously slits produced without material removal, which are closed in the pressureless state and assume a sort of valve function when exposed to pressure. A disadvantage of this embodiment, however, is that each individual capsule still has to be packaged separately in an aroma-tight pouch. It would be desirable, however, to dispense with this additional packaging means, because, apart from the openings in the base, an oxygen- and aroma-tight embodiment of the capsule can be provided without difficulty. The object of the invention is therefore to create a capsule of the type mentioned in the introduction which does without additional outer sleeve and with which the flow rate in the beverage preparation machine can be controlled by arbitrary openings in the base of the capsule. This object is achieved in accordance with the invention with a capsule having the features in claim 1.

The capsule body is already provided itself with a barrier layer in a manner known per se. Plastics films constructed in a number of layers having a barrier layer of this type are already known. Covers having barrier properties are also known. In order to prevent the infiltration of moisture or atmospheric oxygen or the release of flavorings via the openings in the capsule base made at the factory, a membrane having barrier properties in order to seal off the closed chamber with respect to the opening is arranged on the inner side of the base. Here, the membrane is connected to the base along a connection zone following the circumference of the base. All openings already made in the base are thus hermetically sealed, such that the base and the membrane are only pierced simultaneously by the penetration means in the beverage preparation machine .

The dimensioning of the connection zone is selected such that a sufficiently rigid connection to the base is ensured. Here, it may be particularly expedient when the connection zone encloses a central region of the capsule base, in which the membrane is not connected to the base. This unconnected region may serve to compensate for unevennesses, such as folds or impressions, in the membrane.

On the other hand, however, it may also be particularly expedient when the openings are arranged at least partly in the central region of the capsule base, in which the membrane is not connected to the base. The liquid infiltrating through the openings in this way can spread immediately in all directions in the unconnected membrane region, such that a sufficient flow is maintained.

The capsule may be rotationally symmetrical, wherein the connection zone may extend annularly. Of course, the same principle can also be provided for example in the case of a capsule that is polygonal in cross section and has a polygonal capsule base.

In the case of an annular connection zone, it has proven to be particularly advantageous when the connection zone has an outer diameter between 14 and 17 mm and an inner diameter between 8 and 11 mm. As a result of these measurements, a secure connection between membrane and capsule base is ensured on the one hand, and on the other hand a sufficiently large central area remains, in which the membrane is not connected to the base.

The term "barrier properties" is known in general to a person skilled in the art of the packaging of foodstuffs. Key criteria here are the oxygen permeability and the water vapor permeability in each case at a certain temperature for example of 23 °C or 25 °C. By way of example, polyethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is known as a plastics material having excellent barrier properties. This material can be used in laminated films as barrier layer and has permeability values in the range from 0.01 to 1. The oxygen permeability of plastics films is measured in accordance with DIN 53 380. The value for the oxygen permeability is given from cm3/m2 x d x bar. For the present application, permeability rates as already used with thermoformed plastics capsules for portioned coffee apply.

In certain cases it may also be expedient when the membrane is connected over its entire area to the base of the capsule. Depending on the embodiment of the penetration means on the machine, the openings in a case of this type may also produce a better flow rate. This is the case in particular when the penetration means pierce the base of the capsule in the region of the slits.

As already mentioned in the introduction, the opening is advantageously a slit which is closed in the pressureless state and which can be widened and when exposed to hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical pressure. The individual slit may extend in a straight or curved manner, or these slits may also be crossed slits. Advantageous embodiments of slit valves, which also open when exposed to pressure, are already known to a person skilled in the art from various fields of technology.

Of course, instead of slits, other types of openings may also be used, in particular round or polygonal holes . A particularly optimal effect is attained when a plurality of openings, preferably at least three openings, are made in the base. This is due to the fact that the position of the capsule relative to the penetration means in the beverage preparation machine is not always foreseeable. With at least three openings, however, the risk of an unfavorable relative position is considerably reduced.

The base at the outer circumference particularly advantageously borders a reinforcement zone, which is formed by a plurality of indentations. The base can thus be penetrated by a penetration means for the passage of the liquid through the chamber in a beverage preparation machine, without the capsule body bending. A sufficient resistance force at the bottom of the capsule is of particular significance in the case of capsule bodies made of plastics material, since this material puts up a greater resistance to the penetration than aluminum, for example.

The aforementioned indentations may have inner wall portions which lie on a common circular circumference, wherein the diameter of the circular circumference corresponds approximately to the diameter of the membrane. The membrane is in this way also centered by the inner wall portions, which has a positive influence on the production method.

The membrane consists of an aluminum-based film. Here, the film may also be a film made of an aluminum alloy or made of a laminate comprising at least one aluminum layer. The cover for closing the capsule body may also be produced from the same film material. As is known, aluminum has excellent properties with regard to the barrier effect to diffusion. For this reason, films of this type are often also used in the food industry for aroma-tight packagings.

The capsule body is formed as a thermoformed part. In the thermoforming method multi-layer plastics films may be processed which are oriented exactly to the packaged content and to the use of the capsule.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a capsule body for a capsule having the features in claim 12. Here, it has proven to be particularly advantageous when the openings in the base of the capsule are made in a separate process step following the production of the capsule body. In this way, the openings can be exactly positioned, which is particularly important for the sought effect. The membrane is then inserted, the surface configuration of said membrane corresponding approximately to that of the base of the capsule. The connection is made here along a connection zone following the circumference of the base as already mentioned, or over the entire surface.

An optimization of the production process is also achieved in that the capsule body is produced in a thermoforming method, wherein the base is preferably formed as a flat surface. The openings can be made more easily in a flat surface than when this surface is curved. Lastly, the membrane can also be better applied to a flat base surface.

The opening is formed without material removal by means of an incision in such a way that a slit that is selfclosing in the rest state is produced. Here, the base is preferably pierced by a sharp cutting edge. However, the openings could of course also be punched out or for example burned out by means of laser beams.

The membrane is connected to the base advantageously by heat sealing, wherein the membrane may be provided with a layer that can be sealed accordingly, for example with a sealing wax. However, other connection methods are of course also conceivable, such as adhesive bonding or welding or purely mechanical pressing.

Lastly, the invention also relates to a system comprising a capsule filled with a substance as described beforehand and a beverage preparation machine that has a capsule holder for receiving the capsule, and an arrangement for allowing a liquid to pass through the capsule in order to extract or dissolve the substance in order to produce a beverage, wherein the beverage preparation machine has at least one device for penetrating the base of the capsule. Due to the use of the capsules according to the invention in a beverage preparation machine known per se, the performance of said machine can be considerably increased. The additional openings in the capsule base reduce the loading of the pump in the beverage preparation machine and therefore extend the service life thereof. Nevertheless, the capsule is absolutely aroma-tight and does not require any additional external wrapping.

Further advantages in the system can be achieved in that the arrangement of the opening or of the openings in the base of the capsule is adapted to the device for penetrating the base in such a way that at least one penetration means contacts at least one opening. Depending on the configuration of the openings, an excellent flow rate can be obtained in this way.

Further advantages and individual features of the invention will emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the drawings, in which: figure 1 shows a perspective illustration of a capsule, figure 2 shows a plan view of the capsule according to figure 1, figure 3 shows a plan view of the empty capsule body according to figure 1 in the direction of the capsule opening, figure 4 shows a cross section through the capsule body according to figure 3 in the plane of section A-A, figure 5 shows a cross section through the capsule body according to figure 3 in the plane of section B-B, figure 6 shows an enlarged cross section through a capsule base with inserted membrane, figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of the production of a capsule body, figure 8 shows a plan view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the capsule, figure 9 shows a plan view of a further exemplary embodiment of a capsule, and figure 10 shows an enlarged cross section through a capsule base with continuously connected membrane .

According to figure 1 a capsule 1 known per se consists of a substantially rotationally symmetrical capsule body 2 having a side wall 3 and having a base 4. The capsule body 2 on the whole has the form of a graduated truncated cone, wherein the last truncated cone portion 17 has the steepest truncated cone angle to the longitudinal center axis. The base 4 extends in a substantially planar manner, but for production reasons may have a slight concave curvature 25 in the central region. Reinforcement ribs 18 are arranged around the side wall 3 in a manner distributed at equal angles. A circumferential flange 19 on the one hand provides the seal in the beverage preparation machine and on the other hand fastens a cover 5.

The outer circumference of the base 4 is a joined by a reinforcement zone 13, which is formed by individual indentations 14. These indentations interrupt the truncated cone portion 17 in a manner distributed at equal angles.

As can also be seen in particular from figure 2, openings 8 in the form of slits are arranged in the base 4 and fully penetrate the base, but in the rest state are closed on account of the material resilience. In the shown exemplary embodiment four slits are arranged in each case at an angle of 90°.

Figures 3 to 5, for reasons of improved clarity, show an empty capsule body 2 in the state prior to filling with a substance and prior to the closing of the capsule opening by the cover 5. As can be seen from figure 3, the capsule base is covered on the inner side with a membrane 9. The connection zone 10 is indicated here by a dashed circular line, at which the membrane is fixedly connected to the base. This connection zone follows the circumference of the base and is annular here .

Figure 4 also shows further details of the reinforcement zone 13 or the individual indentations 14. Each indentation is provided with an inner wall portion 15, which in cross section extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the capsule. The inner wall portions 15 lie on a common circular circumference, which corresponds approximately to the outer diameter of the membrane 9. Each indentation 14 additionally has two side wall portions 16, the spacing of which from one another here widens slightly away from the base 4. In this way, a particularly good level of stability is provided against an application of force externally onto the capsule base.

In figure 5 the cross section through the truncated cone portion 17 is illustrated in the left half of the image. These are in each case the portions between two individual indentations 14.

Figure 6 in a simplified illustration shows the situation following the penetration of the capsule base 4 by the penetration means 12 in a beverage preparation machine. The membrane 9 is fixedly connected to the capsule base 4 at a circular connection zone 10. This membrane consists of an aroma-tight film having barrier properties, for example made of aluminum. The capsule body 2 made of plastics material also has an aroma-tight barrier layer of this type, which is not designated in greater detail in the drawings. The connection zone 10 has an outer diameter dl, which at the same time corresponds approximately to the outer diameter of the membrane 9. The membrane 9, however, may also still overlap the side wall 3 of the capsule in part. The inner diameter d2 of the connection zone 10 encloses a central region 11, in which the membrane 9 is not fixedly connected to the capsule base 4. The penetration means 12 pierces the capsule base 4 and the membrane 9 inside or where appropriate also outside the central region 11. Hot brewing water flows through the opening 8, which is a slot that is closed in the rest state, into the region between capsule base 4 and membrane 9, and from there through the opening in the membrane 9 created by the penetration means 12. At the same time, however, brewing water also penetrates through the opening in the base 4, likewise created by the penetration means 12. Prior to insertion in the beverage preparation machine, the chamber 6 formed by the capsule clearly remains hermetically sealed with respect to the external atmosphere.

Figure 7 shows in individual sequences the production of a capsule body for a capsule according to the invention. According to a, a capsule body 2 is firstly produced in a thermoforming tool 20. The production technique and the materials are known to a person skilled in the art. By way of example, a film having a number of layers based on polypropylene and polyethylene can be used.

The finished capsule body 2 in accordance with b is provided with the openings in the base with the aid of a piercing tool 21.

According to c, a membrane 9 is then provided and is placed on the base on the inner side of the capsule body.

According to d, the membrane 9 is then fixedly connected to the base of the capsule body 2 using a heat sealing tool 22 in the manner described above. The initially completely planar base of the capsule body may obtain a slightly concave curvature towards the inner side as a result of the sealing process.

According to e, the capsule body 2 is filled with a substance 7, i.e. for example with coffee powder, at a filling station 23.

Lastly, according to f, the capsule body 2 is closed by a cover 5 with the aid of a closing tool 24. In particular, the process steps e and f can be performed chronologically far apart from the process step d. The pre-prepared capsule bodies 2 for example following process step d can be stacked and stored in this state until they are fed to the filling station.

In the alternative exemplary embodiment according to figure 8, the openings 8 consist of a total of eight circular holes which penetrate the base 4.

The capsule according to figure 9 differs from that according to figure 2 in that the four slits 8 serving as openings are arranged relatively far outwardly almost in the region of the indentations 14. With an arrangement of this type the openings are located in the region of the connection zone, i.e. in the region in which the membrane 9 is fixedly connected to the basis 4 of the capsule. This is irrespective of whether the membrane is connected to the base only at an annular connection zone or over the entire surface.

Figure 10 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the membrane 9 is connected over the entire surface to the base 4. The slit-shaped openings 8 here likewise extend far outwardly, as shown in figure 9. The penetration means 12 and 12' also penetrate the base 4 in the outer circumferential region of the base 4. The illustrated penetration means 12 pierces the base in a region in which no opening is arranged. At this point, there is no increase in the flow rate. By contrast, the penetration means 12' pierces the base 4 in a region in which an opening 8 is also arranged. Here, the slit 8 causes an increased flow rate, which is caused on the one hand by the enlarged opening cross section and on the other hand by a reduction of the recovery behavior of the base wall.

Claims (19)

1. Kapsel (1) med et kapselelement (2) af et kunststofmateriale, med en sidevæg (3) og med en bund (4), der er udformet ud i et med denne, samt i med et dæksel (5), der dækker kapselelementet, til dannelse af et lukket kammer (6), hvilket indeholder en substans (7) til fremstilling af en drikkevare, hvor kapselelementet (2) i bunden (4) har mindst en åbning (8) til at lede en væske igennem kapslen, og hvor der på indersiden af bunden (4) er anbragt en membran (9) til tætning af det lukkede kammer i forhold til åbningen ) (8), som er fast forbundet med bunden (4), og som består af en folie, der er baseret på aluminium, kendetegnet ved, at kapselelementet er en dybtrækningsdel, og at kapselelementet (2) og dækslet (5) har barriereegenskaber med hensyn til gennemtrængelighed for ilt og aromastoffer, og at membranen (9) ligeledes har barriereegenskaber, og at membranen er forbundet > med bunden langs med en forbindelseszone (10), der følger bundens omkreds.A capsule (1) having a capsule element (2) of a plastic material, having a side wall (3) and having a bottom (4) formed integrally therewith, and with a cover (5) covering the capsule element, for forming a closed chamber (6), containing a substance (7) for the manufacture of a beverage, wherein the capsule element (2) at the bottom (4) has at least one opening (8) for passing a liquid through the capsule; and wherein on the inside of the bottom (4) a membrane (9) is provided for sealing the closed chamber relative to the opening) (8), which is firmly connected to the bottom (4) and which consists of a film which is based on aluminum, characterized in that the capsule element is a deep drawing member, and that the capsule element (2) and cover (5) have barrier properties with regard to oxygen and flavor permeability, and that the membrane (9) also has barrier properties and that the membrane is connected to the base along a connecting zone (10) following the perimeter of the base. 2. Kapsel ifølge krav 1, kendetegnet ved, at forbindelseszonen (10) inde-slutter et centralt område (11) af kapselbunden (4), ved hvilket membranen ) (9) ikke er forbundet med bunden.Capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting zone (10) includes a central area (11) of the capsule bottom (4), at which the membrane (9) is not connected to the bottom. 3. Kapsel ifølge krav 2, kendetegnet ved, at åbningen (8) er anbragt i det mindste delvist i kapselbundens (4) centrale område (11), ved hvilket membranen (9) ikke er forbundet med bunden.Capsule according to claim 2, characterized in that the opening (8) is arranged at least partially in the central region (11) of the capsule bottom (4), at which the diaphragm (9) is not connected to the bottom. 4. Kapsel ifølge et af kravene 1 til 3, kendetegnet ved, at kapslen (1) er udformet rotationssymmetrisk, og at forbindelseszonen (10) forløber cirkelformet.Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the capsule (1) is designed to be rotationally symmetrical and that the connecting zone (10) extends circularly. ) 5. Kapsel ifølge krav 4, kendetegnet ved, at forbindelseszonen har en ud vendig diameter på mellem 14 og 17 mm og en indvendig diameter på mellem 8 og 11 mm.Capsule according to claim 4, characterized in that the connecting zone has an outside diameter of between 14 and 17 mm and an inside diameter of between 8 and 11 mm. 6. Kapsel ifølge krav 1, kendetegnet ved, at membranen er forbundet med bunden (4) over hele sin flade.Capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane is connected to the base (4) over its entire surface. 7. Kapsel ifølge et af kravene 1 til 6, kendetegnet ved, at membranen (9) er forbundet med bunden ved hjælp afen varmeforsegling.Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the membrane (9) is connected to the bottom by means of a heat seal. 8. Kapsel ifølge et af kravene 1 til 7, kendetegnet ved, at åbningen (8) er en slids, som er lukket i trykløs tilstand, og som kan udvides under hydraulisk, pneumatisk eller mekanisk trykpåvirkning.Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the opening (8) is a slot which is closed in a pressure-free state and which can be expanded under hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical pressure. 9. Kapsel ifølge et af kravene 1 til 8, kendetegnet ved, at der i bunden (4) er anbragt flere åbninger (8), fortrinsvis mindst tre åbninger.Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that several openings (8), preferably at least three openings, are arranged in the bottom (4). 10. Kapsel ifølge et af kravene 1 til 9, kendetegnet ved, at bunden (4) kan gennemtrænges med penetrationsmidler med henblik på at lede væsken gennem kammeret i en drikkevarefremstillingsmaskine, og at bunden ved den udvendige omkreds grænser op til en afstivningszone (13), som dannes af flere indbugtninger (14).Capsule according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the bottom (4) can be penetrated with penetrating means for passing the liquid through the chamber of a beverage making machine and that the bottom at the outer circumference borders a stiffening zone (13). , which is formed by several indentations (14). 11. Kapsel ifølge krav 10, kendetegnet ved, at indbugtningerne (14) har in-dervægsektioner (15), som ligger på en fælles cirkelomkreds, hvor diameteren af cirkelomkredsen omtrent svarer til membranens (9) diameter.Capsule according to claim 10, characterized in that the bends (14) have in-wall sections (15) which lie on a common circular circumference, the diameter of the circular circumference approximately being equal to the diameter of the diaphragm (9). 12. Fremgangsmåde til fremstilling af et kapselelement (2) til en kapsel (1), især ifølge et af kravene 1 til 11, kendetegnet ved de følgende trin: - tilvejebringelse af et kapselelement (2) af kunststofmateriale, der er fremstillet ved dybtrækning, med mindst et barrierelag, med en sidevæg (3) og med en bund (4), der er udformet ud i et med denne; - anbringelse af mindst en åbning (8) i bunden; - tilvejebringelse af en membran (9) med barriereegenskaber, hvis fladekonfiguration omtrent svarer til den for bunden (4); - indføring af membranen (9) i kapselelementet (2) og forbindelse med bundens (4) inderside enten langs med en forbindelseszone (10), der følger bundens omkreds, eller over hele membranens flade.Process for producing a capsule element (2) for a capsule (1), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the following steps: - providing a capsule element (2) of plastic material made by deep drawing, with at least one barrier layer, with a side wall (3) and with a bottom (4) formed integrally therewith; placing at least one opening (8) in the bottom; providing a membrane (9) with barrier properties whose surface configuration is approximately similar to that of the bottom (4); inserting the diaphragm (9) into the capsule element (2) and connecting to the inside of the bottom (4) either along a connecting zone (10) that follows the bottom circumference, or over the entire surface of the diaphragm. 13. Fremgangsmåde ifølge krav 12, kendetegnet ved, at bunden er udformet som en jævn flade.Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the bottom is formed as a smooth surface. 14. Fremgangsmåde ifølge krav 12 eller 13, kendetegnet ved, at åbningen (8) dannes uden materialefjernelse ved hjælp af et indsnit på en sådan måde, at der opstår en slids, der selv lukker i hviletilstand.Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the opening (8) is formed without material removal by means of an incision in such a way that a slit is formed which closes itself in a resting state. 15. Fremgangsmåde ifølge krav 12 eller 13, kendetegnet ved, at åbningen (8) udstanses eller udbrændes ved hjælp af laserstråler.Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the opening (8) is punched or burned by laser beams. 16. Fremgangsmåde ifølge et af kravene 13 til 15, kendetegnet ved, at forbindelsen af membranen (9) med bunden (4) sker ved hjælp af varmeforseg-ling.Process according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the connection of the membrane (9) to the bottom (4) is effected by means of heat sealing. 17. System omfattende en kapsel (1), der er fyldt med en substans, ifølge et af kravene 1 til 11 og en drikkevarefremstillingsmaskine, som har en kapselholder til at optage kapslen, samt en indretning til at lede en væske igennem kapslen for at ekstrahere eller opløse substansen med henblik på fremstilling af en drikkevare, hvor drikkevarefremstillingsmaskine har mindst en indretning til gennemtrængning af kapslens bund (4).A system comprising a capsule (1) filled with a substance according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a beverage making machine having a capsule holder for receiving the capsule, as well as a device for passing a liquid through the capsule to extract or dissolve the substance for the manufacture of a beverage, wherein the beverage making machine has at least one device for penetrating the base of the capsule (4). 18. System ifølge krav 17, kendetegnet ved, at anbringelsen af åbningen eller af åbningerne (8) i kapslens bund (4) er tilpasset til indretningen til gennemtrængning af bunden på en sådan måde, at mindst et penetrationsmiddel rammer imod mindst en åbning.System according to claim 17, characterized in that the placement of the opening or of the openings (8) in the bottom (4) of the capsule is adapted to the device for penetrating the bottom in such a way that at least one penetrating means strikes against at least one opening. 19. Kapselelement til en kapsel ifølge et af kravene 1 til 11.A capsule element for a capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 11.