Portion capsule for preparing a beverage

Abstract

The invention relates to a portion capsule for preparing a beverage, wherein: the portion capsule has a pot-shaped base element which has a cavity filled with beverage raw material; the portion capsule also has a cover which closes the cavity; the base element has a bottom region which is formed along a longitudinal axis of the portion capsule running centrally through the cavity on a side opposite the cover; the base element has a wall region extending from the bottom region to the cover; the cover is fastened to an edge region of the wall region facing the cover; and the cover projects beyond the base element along a radial direction running radially to the longitudinal axis.

Description

[0001] Portion capsule for preparing a drink

[0002] The present invention relates to a portion capsule for preparing a beverage, wherein the portion capsule has a pot-shaped base element which has a cavity filled with beverage raw material, wherein the portion capsule further has a lid which closes the cavity, wherein the base element has a bottom region which is formed along a longitudinal axis of the portion capsule extending centrally through the cavity on a side opposite the lid, wherein the base element has a wall region extending from the bottom region to the lid, wherein the lid is attached to an edge region of the wall region facing the lid.

[0003] Background of the invention

[0004] Such portion capsules are known from the prior art. For example, publications WO 2007 137 974 A1, DE 102012 223291 A1, DE 102013 215274 A1, DE 102012 109 186 A1 and DE 102012 105282 A1 disclose such portion capsules.

[0005] Portion capsules of this type for beverage preparation in portion capsule machines have a rigid or semi-rigid base element that encloses a cavity for receiving the beverage raw material, such as coffee roasting granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blend, milk powder, or the like. After filling the portion capsule, the cavity is sealed with a capsule lid. To prevent the beverage material from losing its aroma during storage and transport, the base element is gas- and liquid-tight. Furthermore, the base element must withstand comparatively high mechanical forces during beverage production, as the extraction liquid is introduced into the cavity under high pressure and at high temperature to produce the beverage through interaction with the beverage raw material. Therefore, portion capsules known from the prior art typically use deep-drawn or...Thermoformed base elements made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and / or metal, especially aluminium, are used, as such base elements are inexpensive to manufacture, mechanically stable, and gas- and liquid-tight.

[0006] Furthermore, the base elements typically include a flange area that extends radially outwards from the wall of the base element, particularly approximately horizontally, to provide a larger contact area between the base element and the capsule lid. Consequently, a stronger bond between the base element and the capsule lid can be achieved.

[0007] The flange area also negatively impacts the printability of the base element. Its more complex geometry makes printing on the base element, particularly in the flange area, more difficult. It is known from the prior art that the flange area of ​​the portion capsule's base element is printed with an identifier for capsule identification. This identifier must necessarily be printed on the flange area of ​​the base element, as a reading unit of a portion capsule machine is typically aligned with this area. Furthermore, the capsule lid is also used as a printable surface. The capsule lid is preferably printed with company logos and / or information about the portion capsule's contents. Therefore, the production of the portion capsule requires at least two printing steps: one for the capsule lid and another for the base element.

[0008] Furthermore, the larger contact surface makes it more difficult to separate the base element from the capsule lid. This can be problematic when disposing of the portion capsule after beverage preparation, especially if the base element and the capsule lid are made of different materials.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] Against this background, the task arises to provide a portion capsule of the type mentioned above, which is both inexpensive to produce and easier, more environmentally friendly and more cost-effective to dispose of after beverage production.

[0011] The problem is solved by a portion capsule for preparing a beverage, wherein the portion capsule has a pot-shaped base element which has a cavity filled with beverage raw material, wherein the portion capsule further has a lid which closes the cavity, wherein the base element has a bottom area which is formed along a longitudinal axis of the portion capsule running centrally through the cavity on a side opposite the lid, wherein the base element has a wall area extending from the bottom area to the lid, wherein the lid is attached to an edge area of ​​the wall area facing the lid, and wherein the lid projects beyond the base element along a radial direction extending radially to the longitudinal axis.

[0012] The portion capsule according to the invention has the advantage over the prior art that the base element does not require a flange, particularly in the sense of a substantially horizontally projecting flange section, to connect to the lid. The lid can serve as the flange of the base element, particularly in the beverage manufacturing process, so that, for example, the base element does not need to be printed. Advantageously, the lid can be printed, for example, individually, preferably on both sides, and the base element does not necessarily need to be printed. Thus, a manufacturing step for the base element, particularly by eliminating the flange, and a potential further processing step for the base element can be saved. At the same time, the elimination of the flange simplifies the manufacturing step, particularly by deep drawing, of the base element by eliminating or reducing the need for printing.Only a slight change in pressure during deep drawing occurs. The smaller contact area between the base element and the lid also simplifies the separation of the two elements and allows, for example, their separate recycling after beverage production.

[0013] The portion capsule can be used, for example, to prepare beverages, particularly coffee, espresso, or tea. For this purpose, the portion capsule has a base element with a bottom and a wall section, which create a cavity into which the beverage ingredient can be placed. The beverage ingredient can be a syrup, a solid, a powder, coffee or cocoa grounds and / or leaves, in particular coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blend, and / or milk powder. The beverage ingredient is preferably dilutable, soluble, and / or extractable to prepare a beverage. The cavity can then be closed by means of the lid. According to the invention, the bottom section is formed along a longitudinal axis running centrally through the cavity of the portion capsule on a side opposite the lid.The wall area extends between the lid and the base area, with the lid extending radially outwards relative to the longitudinal axis over the base element. The lid is connected to an edge area of ​​the wall area facing the lid, in particular an end face of the wall area.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base element is produced by cold or hot forming, in particular by deep drawing. The cavity in the base element is preferably created by thermoforming, for example by deep drawing using vacuum, overpressure and / or a movable die.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base element is essentially frustoconical and / or dome-shaped, with the inner diameter increasing, particularly continuously, from the base region towards the open end. Alternatively or additionally, the base element is at least partially frustoconical, conical, cylindrical, spherical, hemispherical, elliptical, or partially elliptical. The base element is preferably rigid or semi-rigid.

[0016] Preferably, the bottom and wall regions are integrally connected. The bottom region preferably extends substantially radially, and particularly preferably substantially perpendicularly, outwards relative to the longitudinal axis of the portion capsule. The bottom region can transition smoothly into the wall region or have a transition zone, wherein the transition zone is arranged at an angle of less than 90° between the longitudinal axis and the bottom region. Alternatively, the bottom and wall regions can be hemispherical.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover has a projection extending radially beyond the base element, wherein the projection is preferably fully circumferential, and in particular annular. According to the invention, the cover projects beyond the base element along a radial direction extending to the longitudinal axis. This projection can be configured as a projection. In addition to the projection, the cover can have a sealing element, wherein the cover preferably comprises an annular cross-sectional area with an opening, and the sealing element closes the opening of the annular cross-sectional area. The sealing element can either be configured as a sealing film and / or have a thinner profile than the projection of the cover.The protruding area can have a particularly stiffening effect on the portion capsule and make it easier to pierce the sealing element in the beverage manufacturing process.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lid is designed to be completely or partially transparent, and in particular optically transparent, with preferably only the overhanging portion being transparent, and in particular optically transparent. The advantage of this embodiment is that a print on the side of the lid facing away from the base element is visible from the side of the lid facing the base element. Preferably, at least the overhanging portion of the lid is designed to be optically transparent. The lid can have a sandwich construction, wherein a first layer of the lid is arranged on the side facing the base element and is preferably transparent, and / or a second layer of the lid is transparent on the side facing away from the base element. The sandwich construction can preferably have an annular cross-sectional area.A second layer can either be made of a cost-effective material, significantly influence the stiffness properties of the lid, and / or be additionally transparent. Preferably, the sealing film is arranged at least partially between the first and second layers, wherein the sealing film particularly has a printing surface that is positioned between the first and second layers. This allows the printing surface to be protected from environmental influences by the first and second layers and, in particular, to remain readable through the first layer.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lid is provided with an identifier, the identifier being located in the overhanging area. The identifier on the portion capsule enables a reading unit of a portion capsule machine to recognize the portion capsule. The portion capsule machine can then execute a specific beverage production program based on the identifier. The identifier is particularly well-positioned such that it is readable on a side of the lid facing the base element. Preferably, the identifier is located on the overhanging area of ​​the portion capsule, with this area projecting radially outwards beyond the base element and thus being particularly easy to read. In the case of a completely transparent lid, the identifier can be located on either the side of the lid facing the base element or the side facing away from it.In the case of a partially transparent lid, the identifier is arranged in such a way that the identifier is recognizable or readable on the side facing the base element, in particular between the first and the second layer.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the identifier is applied to or incorporated into the overhang area by printing, gluing, embossing, punching, or sealing. The identifier can be arranged on the sealing film, the sealing film being positioned such that the identifier is readable on the side facing the base element. The identifier is preferably incorporated into the overhang area by means of stamping, engraving, laser marking (laser engraving, laser marking, color-changing laser marking), or branding.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the identifier is a 1-dimensional barcode or a 2-dimensional code, in particular a QR code. A barcode can be designed as a linear barcode, bar code, or strip code.

[0022] Preferably, the identifier conforms to the GS1 code standard.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the identifier is arranged on an outer surface of the lid, and in particular of the overhanging area, facing away from the base element along the longitudinal axis. The identifier can be arranged on the outer surface of the lid, with the outer surface being the side of the lid facing away from the base element. Alternatively or additionally, the identifier is arranged on the side of the lid facing the base element. Preferably, the identifier is arranged on the area of ​​the lid that extends beyond the base element along a radial direction extending radially to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the identifier can be arranged on the outer surface of the overhanging area.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the underside of the lid, facing longitudinally towards the base element, is freely accessible and, in particular, not concealed by the base element. This freely accessible underside of the lid, and especially not concealed by the base element, can be designed as a projection area of ​​the portion capsule. The marking is preferably arranged on the underside facing longitudinally towards the base element.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base element is designed without a flange. Preferably, the base element has no flange. Advantageously, this allows for a simple shape of the base element, particularly to enable a cost-effective manufacturing process. The base element preferably does not require a flange, since the lid, in particular, can accommodate an overhang of the portion capsule. Preferably, the base element is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the portion capsule.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the edge region facing the lid has a widened or thickened connection area. A thickened or widened connection area can, on the one hand, increase the stiffness of the base element and thus also the stiffness of the portion capsule, and on the other hand, facilitate a simpler connection to the base element. The facing edge region can have one or more widened or thickened connection areas, either partially or completely, along the circumferential direction of the base element. The multiple widened or thickened connection areas can represent enlarged local connection points between the lid and the base element, while simultaneously saving material due to the incompletely thickened or widened edge region. This allows for good adhesion between the lid and the base element.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the widened or thickened connection area is created by at least partially rolling or folding the wall material of the base element. The at least partially rolled or folded wall material can represent an additional manufacturing step, but at the same time provides a flatter edge area for connection with the lid. This has a particularly positive effect on the tightness and adhesion between the lid and the base element. The rolling or folding of the wall material of the base element preferably occurs in the direction of the cavity of the base element, i.e., inwards. Accordingly, the folded or rolled wall material of the base element is arranged within the base element and / or in the cavity of the base element. Alternatively, the rolling or folding of the wall material of the base element occurs radially outside the cavity of the base element, i.e., outwards.The connection between the lid and the base element is particularly preferably made longitudinally, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the portion capsule, above the wall area and / or on the side of the connection area facing into the cavity. Especially when the base element is made of aluminum, such a rolled or folded end section of the base element is particularly advantageous, as this eliminates the risk of injury from sharp edges of the base element.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover is designed to follow the shape of the connection area in sections. Preferably, the cover has a first principal extent plane radially within the connection area and / or a second principal extent plane radially outside the connection area, particularly at least in the overhang area.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the widened or thickened connection area is created by a wall material that has a greater thickness at the edge than in the rest of the wall. The varying thickness of the wall material of the base element in the connection area relative to the rest of the base element is particularly easy to adjust by selecting a different material thickness.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base element is made of aluminum, preferably an aluminum alloy, particularly preferably from the 3XXX series or the 8XXX series. Aluminum can preferably be reused so that the base element can be recycled. Alternatively, the base element can be made of cardboard or paper, preferably coated on the surface facing the cavity. Advantageously, the base element is biodegradable, allowing the beverage raw material to be disposed of together with the base element. The thickness of the base element, particularly of the wall and / or bottom area, is particularly preferably essentially constant. Most preferably, the thickness of the base element, particularly of the wall and / or bottom area, is approximately 70-120 µm, even more preferably 90-110 µm, and particularly approximately 100 µm.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lid is made of a plastic, in particular a polymer film, preferably comprising polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Preferably, the lid can be completely separated from the base element and disposed of separately.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the portion capsule comprises a reinforcing element configured to reinforce the lid in certain areas, particularly in the overhanging region. Preferably, the reinforcing element is provided circumferentially. Particularly preferably, the reinforcing element is provided in an annular shape. Most preferably, the reinforcing element is connected to the lid, particularly in the overhanging region, by a form-fit, force-fit, and / or material-fit connection, for example, by adhesive bonding. Even more preferably, the reinforcing element has a substantially constant thickness and / or a greater thickness than the lid. The reinforcing element is preferably made of a plastic material and / or a fibrous material, particularly paper and / or cardboard. Particularly preferably, the reinforcing element is made of a biodegradable and / or recyclable material.The reinforcing element is particularly preferably arranged on an outer surface of the cover, and especially of the overhang area, facing away from the base element along the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the reinforcing element enables reliable reading of an identifier provided in the overhang area, since the reinforcing element provides the cover with greater stability, at least in the area of ​​the identifier, which in particular ensures horizontal extension and / or prevents the overhang area from buckling and / or bearing against the wall area, especially the connection area.

[0033] A further object of the present invention is a method for producing a portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a. in a first process step, the pot-shaped base element is produced, in particular by deep drawing, and the cavity is filled with a beverage raw material; b. in a second process step following the first process step, the lid is provided; and c. in a third process step following the second process step, the lid is connected to the edge region of the wall region of the base element facing the lid.

[0034] The method according to the invention can achieve the same technical effects and advantages as the portion capsule according to the invention.

[0035] The preferred designs and features described in connection with the portion capsule can also be applied individually or in combination to the process for manufacturing a portion capsule.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first method step comprises a sub-step in which a widened or thickened connection area is produced by at least partially rolling or folding the wall material of the base element.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second method step comprises a sub-step in which an identifier, in particular by printing, gluing, embossing, punching or sealing, is applied to the lid, in particular to a protruding area, or is introduced into the lid, in particular into a protruding area.

[0038] Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Herein: Fig. 1 shows a schematic first exemplary embodiment of a portion capsule according to the invention;

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a schematic second embodiment of a portion capsule according to the invention;

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a schematic third embodiment of a portion capsule according to the invention; and

[0041] Fig. 4 shows a schematic fourth embodiment of a portion capsule according to the invention.

[0042] Fig. 5 shows a schematic fifth embodiment of a portion capsule according to the invention.

[0043] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sixth embodiment of a portion capsule according to the invention.

[0044] Fig. 7 shows a schematic seventh embodiment of a portion capsule according to the invention.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the portion capsule 1 according to the invention. The portion capsule 1 is used for preparing a beverage and can, in particular, be inserted into a portion capsule machine. Fig. 1 shows that the portion capsule 1 has a pot-shaped base element 2 and a lid 3. According to the invention, the base element 2 has a cavity 7 that can be filled with a beverage base material, and this cavity 7 can be closed by means of the lid 3. Furthermore, the base element 2 has a bottom section 4, which is formed on a side opposite the lid 3 along a longitudinal axis L of the portion capsule 1 that runs centrally through the cavity 7. A wall section 5 of the base element 2 extends from the bottom section 4 towards the lid 3. The wall section 5 has an edge section 6, to which the lid 3 is attached.The edge region 6 is a region of the wall region 5 facing the lid 3. The edge region 6 can be understood as the end face of the base element 2. Furthermore, it is clear from Fig. 1 that the lid 3 extends beyond the base element 2 along a radial direction extending radially to the longitudinal axis L. The advantage of the invention lies particularly in the simplified manufacturing of the portion capsule 1 and the possible separability of the lid 3 and the base element 2. The base element 2 has a simple geometry, which can be manufactured cost-effectively and efficiently, particularly by deep drawing. The portion capsule 1 is preferably a rotationally symmetrical component, the rotational symmetry being, in particular, about the longitudinal axis L of the portion capsule 1, which runs centrally through the cavity 7.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the portion capsule 1 according to the invention. Here, the portion capsule 1 is again shown, with the lid 3 connected to the base element 2 in the edge region 6 of the wall region 5. It is further evident from Fig. 2 that the lid 3 projects beyond the base element 2 along the radial direction extending to the longitudinal axis. This area can be understood as the overhang region 8, which preferably extends completely around the entire circumference. The base element 2 is particularly flange-free, with a flange of the portion capsule 1 being provided by the lid 3. In the second embodiment, the base element 2 has a widened or thickened connection region 9 in the edge region 6 of the base element 2, this connection region 9 being produced at least partially by rolling or folding the wall material of the base element 2.The wall material of the base element 2 is preferably oriented inwards, i.e., towards the cavity 7. Folding or rolling advantageously provides a flat edge region 6 of the base element 2 to create the tightest and strongest possible connection between the base element 2 and the cover 3. Furthermore, an edge region of the cover 3 can be rolled or folded, particularly to avoid sharp edges. The cover 3 preferably consists of a plastic, in particular a polymer film, which most preferably comprises polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The cover 3 preferably has a sandwich construction with several layers, wherein a first layer faces the base element 2 and a second layer is arranged on the side facing away from the base element 2. The cover 3 may have an additional layer between the first and second layers.Preferably, the individual layers comprise different materials and can selectively adjust the properties of the lid 3. The base element 2, on the other hand, is preferably made of aluminum, preferably an aluminum alloy, particularly preferably from the 3XXX series or the 8XXX series. Alternatively, the base element 2 can consist of a fibrous material, in particular paper or cardboard, and is advantageously biodegradable. Furthermore, the base element 2 can have a coating that is particularly waterproof. Advantageously, the portion capsule 1 according to the invention allows for easy separation of the lid 3 and the base element 2 after beverage production, so that the respective elements can be disposed of separately. Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the portion capsule 1 according to the invention.The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the connection area 9 is folded inwards and the lid 3 has an identifier 10. The identifier 10 enables a portion capsule machine to reliably identify the portion capsule 1 and consequently initiate a targeted beverage production process. The identifier 10 is located in the protruding area 8 and can advantageously be read by a reading unit of a portion capsule machine. The identifier 10 is preferably applied to or incorporated into the protruding area 8 by printing, gluing, embossing, punching, or sealing.

[0047] In Fig. 3, the identifier 10 is arranged on the side of the cover 3 facing away from the base element 2. To ensure that the identifier 10 is legible, particularly from the side facing the base element 2, the cover 3 is preferably completely transparent, especially only in the overhang area 8. Alternatively, the cover 3 can have a sandwich construction, with only a portion of the multiple layers being transparent. In this case, the identifier 10 is preferably arranged between the layers so that it is visible from the side of the cover 3 facing the base element 2. Such a cover 3 would be only partially transparent. The cover 3 can include a sealing film, with the sealing film being arranged between a first and a second layer.The sealing film is particularly printable, and the first layer is preferably transparent. The first layer is arranged on the side of the lid 3 facing the base element 2, and the second layer is arranged on the side of the lid 3 facing away from the base element 2. The lid 3 can have an annular cross-sectional area and an opening in its center. This opening can be sealed with a sealing film. Thus, the lid 3 can have high rigidity while remaining easily punctured, particularly by the sealing film.

[0048] As an alternative to the arrangement shown in Fig. 3, the identifier 10 can be arranged on an outer surface of the lid 3, and in particular on the overhanging area 8, facing away from the base element 2 along the longitudinal axis L. Preferably, an underside of the lid 3 facing longitudinally towards the base element 2 remains freely accessible and, in particular, uncovered by the base element 2. Thus, the identifier 10, which is preferably arranged on this surface, can be read freely and without obstruction. The identifier 10 is designed as a 1-dimensional barcode or a 2-dimensional code, in particular a QR code. Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the portion capsule 1 according to the invention. This fourth embodiment of the portion capsule 1 shows a thickened or widened connection area 9 of the edge area 6 facing the lid 3. It is conceivable that this increases the connectable area between the lid 3 and the base element 2.The connection area 9 is preferably created by a wall material that has a greater material thickness in the edge area 6 than in the rest of the wall area 5.

[0049] Fig. 5 shows a schematic fifth embodiment of a portion capsule 1 according to the invention. The edge region 6 of the base element 2, which is in particular substantially hemispherical and faces the lid 3, is here designed as a rolled edge produced by rolling. This rolled edge is provided here such that it is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L approximately in extension of the wall region 5, i.e., in particular, it is neither completely radially inside the cavity 7 nor completely radially outside of it, in each case relative to the wall region 5. The rolled edge is in particular arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L between the wall region 5 and the lid 3.

[0050] According to the embodiment shown here, the portion capsule 1 also includes a reinforcing element 11. The reinforcing element 11 is, for example, annular and / or disc-shaped. Preferably, its outer diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the lid 3, and particularly preferably, its inner diameter corresponds essentially to the diameter of the wall region 5. The reinforcing element 11 is thus arranged in the overhanging region 8 of the lid 3 and firmly connected to it, for example, by gluing. The reinforcing element 11 is preferably made of a biodegradable material such as a biodegradable plastic and / or paper and / or cardboard. It reinforces or stiffens the lid 3 in the overhanging region 8. In this embodiment, a marking 10 is arranged on the underside, i.e., the side of the lid 3 facing the base element 2, which is only symbolically indicated in the drawing.The reinforcement element 11 now ensures an essentially horizontal alignment of the protruding area 8, so that the identifier can be read reliably and reproducibly by a reading unit of a portion capsule machine.

[0051] The cover 3 is connected to the edge region 6 in a connection area 9, in particular sealed to it. The connection area 9 is arranged approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis in a straight line above the wall region 5 adjacent to the edge region 6. The connection area 9 is preferably circumferential, in particular annular.

[0052] After the portion capsule 1 has been used to prepare a beverage, the reinforcing element 11, together with the lid 3, can be detached from the base element 2 and disposed of separately for more sustainable disposal. The remaining beverage raw material can also be easily disposed of separately in this way. Preferably, the connection between the lid 3 and the base element 2 is detachable, for example, by peeling it off. Particularly preferably, the connection between the lid 3 and the base element 2 is easier to detach than the connection between the reinforcing element 11 and the lid 3.

[0053] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sixth embodiment of a portion capsule 1 according to the invention. The embodiment shown here corresponds essentially to the embodiment explained in connection with Fig. 5. Here, too, the edge region 6 of the base element 2, which is in particular essentially hemispherical and faces the lid 3, is designed as a rolled edge produced by rolling. This rolled edge is provided here such that it is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L approximately in extension of the wall region 5, i.e., in particular, it is neither completely radially inside the cavity 7 nor completely radially outside of it, in each case relative to the wall region 5. The rolled edge is arranged in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis L between the wall region 5 and the lid 3.

[0054] The portion capsule 1 according to Fig. 6 also includes a reinforcing element 11. The reinforcing element 11 is, for example, annular and / or disc-shaped. Preferably, its outer diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the lid 3, and particularly preferably, its inner diameter corresponds essentially to the diameter of the wall region 5. The reinforcing element 11 is thus arranged in the overhanging region 8 of the lid 3 and firmly connected to it, for example, by gluing. The reinforcing element 11 is preferably made of a biodegradable material such as a biodegradable plastic and / or paper and / or cardboard. It reinforces or stiffens the lid 3 in the overhanging region 8. In this case, a marking 10 is arranged on the underside, i.e., the side of the lid 3 facing the base element 2, which is only symbolically indicated in the drawing.The reinforcement element 11 now ensures an essentially horizontal alignment of the protruding area 8, so that the identifier can be read reliably and reproducibly by a reading unit of a portion capsule machine.

[0055] The lid 3 is connected to the edge region 6 in a connection area 9, in particular sealed to it. The connection area 9 is located radially inside a side wall of the rolled edge. The lid 3 essentially follows the shape of the rolled edge, particularly in sections. In this way, a central main extension plane of the lid 3 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L in the direction of the bottom region 4, offset from the overhanging area 8. While the overhanging area 8 of the lid 3 is essentially annular and, in particular, essentially horizontally oriented, the central area of ​​the lid 3 is disk-shaped and is located approximately at the level of the transition between the wall region 5 and the edge region 6. The lid 3 is preferably formed in one piece. The connection area 9 is preferably circumferential, in particular annular.However, it is also conceivable that two connection areas 9 are provided, one of which is arranged as described here and the other as explained in connection with Fig. 5 on the top side of the edge area 6.

[0056] Fig. 7 shows a schematic seventh embodiment of a portion capsule 1 according to the invention. The rim region 6 of the embodiment shown here essentially corresponds to the embodiments of the rim region 6 explained in connection with Figs. 5 and 6. The rim region 6 of the base element 2, which is in particular essentially hemispherical and faces the lid 3, is designed as a rolled rim produced by rolling. This rolled rim is provided here such that it is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L approximately in extension of the wall region 5, i.e., in particular, it is neither completely radially inside the cavity 7 nor completely radially outside of it, in each case relative to the wall region 5. The rolled rim is arranged in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis L between the wall region 5 and the lid 3.

[0057] In this embodiment, the identifier 10, for example in the form of a barcode that circumferentially wraps at least partially, is arranged on the top surface of the lid 3, i.e., the side of the lid 3 facing away from the base element 2. To ensure that the identifier 10 can still be read by a reading unit of a portion capsule machine, the lid 3 is transparent, particularly at least in the area of ​​the identifier 10 and / or in the overhang area 8. "Transparent" here means, in particular, transparent in the wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation used by the reading unit. If the reading unit is optical, such as a camera, "transparent" means, in particular, optically transparent. The identifier 10 can therefore be detected through the overhang area 8 of the lid 3.

[0058] The cover 3 is connected to the edge region 6 in a connection area 9, in particular sealed to it. The connection area 9 is arranged, as explained in connection with Fig. 5, approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis and in a straight line above the wall region 5 adjacent to the edge region 6. In other words, the connection area 9 is thus provided here on the upper side of the edge region 6.

[0059] Connection area 9 is preferably provided in a circumferential, in particular annular, shape.

[0060] Reference symbol list

[0061] 1 serving capsule

[0062] 2 Basic element

[0063] 3 Lid 4 Base area

[0064] 5 wall area

[0065] 6 Edge area

[0066] 7 Cavity

[0067] 8 Overhang area 9 Connection area

[0068] 10 identifier

[0069] 11 Reinforcing element

[0070] L Longitudinal axis of the portion capsule

Claims

Patent claims 1. Portion capsule (1) for preparing a beverage, wherein the portion capsule (1) has a pot-shaped base element (2) which has a cavity (7) filled with beverage raw material, wherein the portion capsule (1) further has a lid (3) which closes the cavity (7), wherein the base element (2) has a bottom area (4) which is formed along a longitudinal axis of the portion capsule (1) extending centrally through the cavity (7) on a side opposite the lid (3), wherein the base element (2) has a wall area (5) extending from the bottom area (4) to the lid (3), wherein the lid (3) is attached to an edge area (6) of the wall area (5) facing the lid (3), characterized in that the lid (3) projects beyond the base element (2) along a radial direction extending radially to the longitudinal axis.

2. Portion capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lid (3) has a projection area (8) extending beyond the base element (2) in a radial direction, wherein the projection area (8) is in particular formed completely circumferentially.

3. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (3) is completely or partially transparent and in particular optically transparent, wherein preferably only the protruding area (8) is transparent and in particular optically transparent.

4. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (3) is provided with an identifier (10), wherein the identifier (10) is arranged in the protrusion area (8).

5. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier (10) is applied to or incorporated into the protruding area (8) by printing, gluing, embossing, punching or sealing.

6. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier (10) is a 1-dimensional barcode or a 2-dimensional code, in particular a QR code.

7. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier (10) is arranged on an outer side of the lid (3) and in particular of the protrusion area (8) facing away from the base element (2) along the longitudinal axis.

8. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an underside of the lid (3) facing the base element (2) in the longitudinal direction is freely accessible and in particular is formed without being covered by the base element (2).

9. Portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (2) is designed without flanges.

10. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (3) facing edge area (6) has a widened or thickened attachment area (9).

11. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the widened or thickened attachment area (9) is produced by at least partially rolling or folding the wall material of the base element (2).

12. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the widened or thickened connection area (9) is produced by a wall material that has a greater material thickness in the edge area (6) than in the remaining wall area (5).

13. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (2) is made of aluminium, preferably with an aluminium alloy, particularly preferably from the 3XXX series or the 8XXX series.

14. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (3) is made of a plastic, in particular a polymer film, which preferably comprises polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

15. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion capsule (1) comprises a reinforcing element (11) configured to reinforce the lid (3) in certain areas, in particular in the overhang area (8).

16. A method for producing a portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises at least the following steps: a. in a first process step, the pot-shaped base element (2) is produced, in particular by deep drawing, and the cavity (7) is filled with a beverage raw material; b. in a second process step following the first process step, the lid (3) is provided; and c. in a third process step following the second process step, the lid (3) is connected to the edge region (6) of the wall region (5) of the base element (2) facing the lid (3).

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the first method step comprises a sub-step in which a widened or thickened connection area (9) is produced by at least partially rolling or folding the wall material of the base element (2).

18. Method according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the second method step comprises a sub-step in which an identifier (10) is applied to the lid (3), in particular to a protruding area (8), or introduced into the lid (3), in particular into a protruding area (8), in particular by printing, gluing, embossing, punching or sealing.

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