Variable shape capsule, method for making a beverage using it and beverage making system comprising it

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capsule for manufacturing a beverage, which is deformable to a predetermined shape by external pressure shape, and a beverage manufacturing apparatus including a shape deformation member for deforming the shape of the capsule. According to the present invention, the problem of the increase in the internal volume of the capsule due to the generation of gas in the capsule for manufacturing a beverage, and the uneven distribution of the substance for manufacturing a beverage are solved, and the capsule is characterized in that the shape of the capsule is deformed before the beverage is manufactured, thereby removing the void inside the capsule and enabling the uniform distribution of the substance for manufacturing a beverage and having a predetermined height. Thus, not only can a beverage of uniform quality be always provided by a more predetermined extraction time and extraction concentration, but even if the same amount of beverage is extracted, more coffee solids can be extracted, and even if the same concentration is extracted, it can be extracted in a shorter time, and thus a beverage of more excellent sensory can be provided. In addition, even if a large capacity capsule is used, the effect of being able to manufacture a beverage of uniform extraction quality and excellent sensory can be obtained.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage manufacturing apparatus including a shape deformation member and a method of manufacturing a beverage using the same, and more particularly, to a capsule for manufacturing a beverage, which is deformable into a predetermined shape by an external pressure, and a beverage manufacturing system including a beverage manufacturing apparatus having a shape deformation member for deforming the shape of the capsule. BACKGROUND

[0002] Capsule coffee is designed to extract coffee by putting coffee powder contained in a 1-cup-sized dedicated capsule into a dedicated capsule coffee extractor, and is a coffee that solves the problem of oxidation that can occur during the storage process after grinding by sealing ground coffee beans in a capsule to prevent oxidation.

[0003] Capsule coffee has steadily gained popularity among consumers since its first introduction in the European market in the 1980s, and various capsules have been developed due to their convenience, with products other than coffee, such as iced tea, hot chocolate, lemon tea, powdered milk, soda, and fruit juice beverages, being sealed in capsules.

[0004] These capsules are stored and circulated in a sealed state, so that contact between the internal material and oxygen can be blocked to maintain the flavor of the material and extend the shelf life. For example, as disclosed in International Patent Publication No. WO1986 / 002537, a coffee capsule can be hermetically sealed under vacuum.

[0005] However, some beverages, such as roasted coffee, release gas in a state where they are stored in a capsule, which can cause the seal to be damaged during the storage process of the capsule. Therefore, in order to avoid this, a degassing step is performed to release gas for a predetermined time before the roasted coffee is loaded into the capsule.

[0006] International Patent Publication No. WO2014 / 005873 discloses a process of performing degassing while packaging coffee in a capsule; and a coffee capsule manufactured thereby. According to this patent, a process of performing degassing as an additional step outside the capsule can be omitted, so that the process can be simplified.

[0007] However, even if the capsule is sealed after sufficient release of gas from the material used to manufacture a beverage such as coffee, a small amount of gas is released during the storage and circulation of the capsule, and since the material of the capsule body and / or the lid has a certain flexibility, the capsule is not damaged by the release of gas and the internal volume increases.

[0008] Since the capsule material is flexible, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that the seal of the capsule is damaged during storage and flow, but the increase of the internal space of the capsule results in the change of the density and uniform distribution of the internal substance intended at the time of manufacturing. The non-uniform distribution of the internal substance of the capsule not only changes the physical properties and yield of the beverage intended at the time of manufacturing the capsule, but also results in the non-uniform quality of the manufactured beverage or the problem that more time is required to extract the target concentration.

[0009] In view of this, the present inventors found that, in the extraction of a beverage using a capsule, the void inside the capsule can be removed and the internal substance of the capsule can be changed to be uniformly distributed as at the time of manufacturing by changing the shape of the capsule, thereby completing the present invention. SUMMARY

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a capsule that deforms the shape of the capsule by pressing.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a beverage using the capsule.

[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage manufacturing apparatus including a member for deforming the shape of a capsule.

[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a beverage using the beverage manufacturing apparatus.

[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system of manufacturing a beverage using the capsule and the beverage manufacturing apparatus.

[0015] To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a capsule including: a capsule body 10 configured of a bottom 11, a side wall 12, and a flange 13, which accommodates a substance for manufacturing a beverage in the inside; and a lid 20 attached to the flange 13 for sealing an open portion of the capsule body 10, which extracts a beverage after deforming the capsule body 10 by pressing.

[0016] In the present invention, preferably, the deformation of the shape is deformation in the direction in which the internal volume of the capsule is reduced.

[0017] In the present invention, preferably, the internal volume of the capsule is reduced by 1 to 20% due to the deformation of the shape of the capsule body 10.

[0018] In the present invention, preferably, the deformation of the shape is deformation of only the shape of the bottom 11 while maintaining the shape of the side wall 12.

[0019] In the present invention, preferably, the deformation of the shape is lowering of the height a of the bottom 11.

[0020] In the present application, preferably, the deformation of the shape occurs when a load of 0.3 to 3.0 kgf is applied.

[0021] In the present application, preferably, the angle β of the side wall portion 12 with respect to the face connecting the lower end of the side wall portion 12 is 75 to 90°, and the angle α of the face of the bottom portion 11 contacting the side wall portion 12 with respect to the face connecting the upper end of the side wall portion 12 is 45° or less.

[0022] In the present application, preferably, the bottom portion 11 includes a guide 14 having a thin thickness, or being configured to have a low strength, or having a shape folded toward the inside or outside of the capsule, in order to deform the bottom portion into a predetermined shape.

[0023] The present application also provides a beverage manufacturing method, which is a method of manufacturing a beverage using a capsule including a capsule main body 10 configured of a bottom portion 11, a side wall portion 12, and a flange 13, and internally accommodating a substance for manufacturing a beverage, and a lid 20 attached to the flange 13 for sealing an open portion of the capsule main body 10, the method including a step of perforating the bottom portion 11 of the capsule to form a hole, a step of pressing the capsule main body 10 to deform the shape, a step of injecting a liquid into the hole and interacting with the substance to form a beverage, the liquid being injected until the lid 20 is pierced by the pressure of the liquid inside the capsule, and a step of extracting the beverage from the capsule through the pierced lid 20.

[0024] The present application also provides a beverage manufacturing apparatus, which is a beverage manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a beverage from a capsule, including a chamber 110 having an accommodation space such that the capsule can be inserted inside, configured to move a capsule insertion position and a capsule extraction position, and an extraction member 120 sealing an opening of the chamber 110 when the chamber 110 is in the capsule extraction position, and piercing a lid 20 of the capsule by the pressure of a liquid injected into the inside of the capsule to extract a beverage, the chamber 110 including a liquid injection pipe 113 for injecting a liquid into the inside of the chamber 110, and a perforating member 114 for forming a hole in the capsule, the chamber 110 including a shape deformation member 115 for deforming the shape of the capsule by pressing the capsule, and extracting the beverage after the shape of the capsule is deformed by the shape deformation member 115.

[0025] In the present application, at least a portion of the perforating member 114 can be located on at least one side of the shape deformation member 115.

[0026] In the present application, the perforating member 114 can be configured to be formed on the inner face of the chamber 110 and to pass through the shape deformation member 115.

[0027] In the present application, the shape deformation member 115 can be configured to be detachable.

[0028] In the present application, the perforation member 114 moves to the outside of the capsule after the capsule is perforated before the shape deformation member 115 presses the capsule.

[0029] In the present application, preferably, the shape deformation member 115 contains an elastic material.

[0030] In the present application, preferably, the shape deformation member 115 has a convex portion or a concave portion.

[0031] In the present application, preferably, the shape deformation member 115 applies a load of 0.3 to 3.0 kgf to the capsule.

[0032] The present application also provides a method of manufacturing a beverage using the beverage manufacturing apparatus, comprising the steps of: inserting a capsule into the chamber 110 of the beverage manufacturing apparatus; moving the chamber 110 to a capsule extraction position, perforating the capsule with the perforation member 114 after the capsule is perforated, and deforming the capsule by pressing the capsule with the shape deformation member 115; injecting a liquid into the chamber 110 through the liquid injection tube 113, and allowing the liquid to interact with the substance for manufacturing a beverage in the capsule to form a beverage; and piercing the lid of the capsule with the extraction member 120, and extracting the beverage.

[0033] In the present application, preferably, the piercing of the lid of the capsule occurs when the pressure of the liquid inside the capsule reaches a predetermined pressure range.

[0034] The present application also provides a system for manufacturing a beverage from a capsule, the system comprising a capsule and a beverage manufacturing apparatus, the capsule having: a capsule body 10 configured by a bottom 11, a side wall portion 12, and a flange 13, and containing a substance for manufacturing a beverage in the inside; and a lid 20 attached to the flange 13 for sealing an open portion of the capsule body 10, and for extracting a beverage by deforming the capsule body 10 by pressing, the beverage manufacturing apparatus comprising: a chamber 110 having a containing space so that the capsule can be inserted into the inside, and configured to be movable between a capsule insertion position and a capsule extraction position; and an extraction member 120 for sealing an opening of the chamber 110 when the chamber 110 is located at the capsule extraction position, and for piercing the lid 20 of the capsule by the pressure of a liquid injected into the inside of the capsule to extract the beverage, the chamber 110 comprising: a liquid injection tube 113 for injecting a liquid into the inside of the chamber 110, and a perforation member 114 for perforating the capsule, the chamber 110 comprising a shape deformation member 115 for deforming the shape of the capsule by pressing the capsule, and for extracting the beverage after the shape of the capsule is deformed by the shape deformation member 115.

[0035] Inventive Effects

[0036] According to the present invention, the following features are provided; the problem of the increase in the internal volume of a capsule due to the generation of gas in the capsule for manufacturing a beverage, and the uneven distribution of a substance for manufacturing a beverage, which have been problems in the past, are solved by deforming the shape of the capsule before manufacturing a beverage, thereby removing the void inside the capsule and enabling the uniform distribution of a substance for manufacturing a beverage and a prescribed height. Thus, not only can a beverage of uniform quality be provided at all times by a more prescribed extraction time and extraction concentration, but even if the same amount of beverage is extracted, more coffee solids can be extracted, and even if the same concentration is extracted, it can be extracted in a shorter time, and thus a beverage of more excellent sensory properties can be provided. In addition, even if a large-capacity capsule is used, the effect of being able to manufacture a beverage of uniform extraction quality and excellent sensory properties is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 A perspective view of a capsule according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a capsule according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 3 A state in which a capsule is positioned in a chamber before the chamber is closed in a beverage manufacturing apparatus according to the related art is shown.

[0040] Figure 4 A state in which the chamber is completely closed and sealed in a beverage manufacturing apparatus according to the related art is shown.

[0041] Figure 5 A change in the state inside a capsule during the storage and transportation of the capsule is shown.

[0042] Figure 6 A state inside a capsule after the capsule is deformed according to the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 7 A perspective view of a capsule including a guide for shape deformation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a capsule after shape deformation. Figure 7

[0045] Figure 9 A perspective view of a capsule including a guide for shape deformation according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a capsule after shape deformation. Figure 9 ​a perspective view of the capsule after the shape deformation.

[0047] Figure 11 A state before a capsule is mounted to a beverage extraction portion of a beverage manufacturing apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present application.

[0048] Figure 12 A state after a capsule is completely mounted to a beverage extraction portion of a beverage manufacturing apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present application.

[0049] Figure 13 A state before a chamber is closed with a capsule located in the chamber according to an example embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Figure 14 A state after a chamber is completely closed and sealed according to an example embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Figure 15 A view of a capsule before shape deformation according to an example embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Figure 16 A view of a capsule after shape deformation according to an example embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Figure 17 A view after a shape of a commercially available capsule is forcibly deformed.

[0054] Figure 18 A view comparing a view of a capsule after shape deformation (left) according to an example embodiment of the present application and a view of a commercially available capsule after a shape is forcibly deformed (right).

[0055] In the figures:

[0056] 10: capsule body, 11: bottom, 12: side wall portion, 13: flange, 14: guide, 20: lid, 110: chamber, 111: chamber body, 112: sealing member, 113: liquid injection tube, 114: perforating member, 115: shape deformation member, 120: extraction member, 121: protrusion, 130: lever, 140: fixed shaft, 150: lever arm, 160: beverage outlet DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of the present application will be described in more detail. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the present specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. Generally, the nomenclature used in the present specification is well known and commonly used in the art.

[0058] The present application relates to a capsule for manufacturing a beverage and a beverage manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a beverage using the same.

[0059] In the present invention, the term "capsule" refers to a container that stores a substance for making a beverage inside, and is inserted into a beverage making device to make a beverage, and can be used interchangeably with the terms "pod", "cartridge", "packet", etc.

[0060] To make a beverage, the capsule of the present invention is inserted into a beverage making device, and when the beverage making device is activated, a liquid is introduced into the inside of the capsule, and interacts with the substance stored in the capsule to make a beverage, and then the made beverage is extracted out of the capsule to be consumed by a consumer.

[0061] The substance stored in the inside of the capsule is not particularly limited as long as it is a substance that can interact with a liquid to make a beverage, and can be a powder or a liquid, but is more preferably a powder. The substance can be, for example, coffee, milk powder, cocoa, tea, soup, porridge, soda, juice beverage, or any combination thereof.

[0062] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view and a sectional view of a capsule according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0064] The capsule of the present invention includes a capsule body 10 that is a bell-shaped container that stores a substance for making a beverage inside, and a lid 20 that seals an open portion of the capsule body 10.

[0065] The capsule body 10 is formed in a container shape that can store a substance inside by a bottom portion 11 and a sidewall portion 12, and includes a flange 13 that extends to the outside of the capsule at the lower end of the sidewall portion 12.

[0066] The shape of the bottom portion 11 is not particularly limited, and can be a truncated cone shape or a semi-spherical shape, and some protrusions or recesses can be additionally provided in the truncated cone shape or the semi-spherical shape. For example, the bottom portion 11 can have a flat portion so that the capsule can be easily placed when the bottom portion of the capsule is placed downward.

[0067] The height a of the bottom portion 11 can be freely set according to the capacity of the capsule, and for example, can be set to 2 to 8 mm, preferably 4 to 6 mm, and more preferably 4.5 to 5.0 mm.

[0068] When a beverage is made using the capsule of the present invention, an aperture or a hole is formed in the bottom portion 11 to inject a liquid. To this end, the bottom portion 11 can be provided with a perforation guide (not shown) formed of a relatively thin thickness or made of another material so that a hole can be easily formed by a perforation member of a beverage making device.

[0069] In addition, a screen (not shown) can be provided on the inner side of the bottom 11 to prevent solid substances in the capsule from being discharged when the perforating member is withdrawn. The screen can be made of a material that is permeable to water but not to particles, for example, paper, woven fabric, or nonwoven fabric, etc.

[0070] The side wall portion 12 forms the wall surface of the capsule, and the overall shape of the capsule body 10 depends on the side wall portion 12, and is generally cylindrical or truncated conical with the center of the capsule body 10 as the axis, but can also have a polygonal shape such as quadrangular or pentagonal, or an asymmetric shape within the scope of the technical idea of the present application.

[0071] The height b of the side wall portion 12 can be set differently depending on the capacity of the capsule, for example, can be set to 10 to 40 mm, preferably 20 to 26 mm, and more preferably 22 to 25 mm.

[0072] The side wall portion 12 is connected to the bottom 11 at the upper end and to the flange 13 at the lower end. The diameter (c) of the upper end of the side wall portion 12, i.e., the size of the bottom, can be set differently depending on the capacity of the capsule, for example, can be 20 to 50 mm, and preferably 30 to 35 mm. In addition, the diameter (d) of the lower end of the side wall portion 12 can be, for example, 20 to 50 mm, and preferably 35 to 40 mm.

[0073] The flange 13 extending outwardly is provided at the lower end of the side wall portion 12. When the capsule is mounted in the beverage manufacturing device, the flange 13 is inserted between the sealing member and the extraction member of the chamber, so that the capsule is securely fixed in the beverage manufacturing device. The flange 13 can be formed so that its tip is fixed in the chamber in a rolled circular shape, so that it does not fall off, and the user can be prevented from being injured by the tip of the flange 13.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, a sealing member (not shown) can be additionally provided on the flange 13. The sealing member can be used to seal the chamber so that when liquid is injected at high pressure in the beverage manufacturing device, the liquid is prevented from leaking from the chamber, resulting in a decrease in pressure.

[0075] The sealing member is preferably made of an elastic material. For example, the sealing member can use rubber, elastomer, silicone, plastic, latex, etc., but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the sealing member can be applied to the upper portion of the flange 13 in a fluid or adhesive state, and then used after curing or polymerization.

[0076] The flange 13 can be flat, but in other exemplary embodiments, the flange 13 can be curved. When the flange 13 is curved, the sealing member of the chamber of the beverage manufacturing device also has the same curvature, so that the capsule can be more firmly fixed while being sealed.

[0077] The length of the flange 13, i.e. the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the flange 13, can be 2 to 8 mm, preferably 3 to 5 mm.

[0078] The capsule body 10 can be made of a flexible material that is impermeable to oxygen, selected from a metal, a plastic, a paper, and a composite material of two or more of these. As the metal, aluminum is most preferred. Furthermore, the material can be composed of multiple layers to provide various physical properties.

[0079] The thickness of the capsule body 10, depending on the material, can be set differently in the range of 10 to 500 μm, preferably 50 to 150 μm, more preferably 80 to 120 μm. In addition, the capsule body 10 can have different thicknesses depending on the location. For example, a portion of the bottom 11 can be provided with a relatively thin thickness to be more easily pierced by the piercing member.

[0080] A lid 20 for sealing the open portion of the capsule body 10 is installed under the flange 13. The lid 20 seals the capsule so that the substance for manufacturing a beverage is contained in the capsule body 10, and when a liquid is injected into the inside of the capsule, the lid 20 is only pierced when the pressure is higher than a predetermined pressure, thereby providing a path for the manufactured beverage to flow outside the capsule.

[0081] The lid 20 can be made of a flexible material that is impermeable to oxygen, selected from a metal, a plastic, a paper, and a composite material of two or more of these. For example, materials such as aluminum, ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), paper, woven fabric, and nonwoven fabric, etc. can be used. Furthermore, the material can be composed of multiple layers to provide various physical properties.

[0082] The thickness of the lid 20, depending on the material, can be set differently in the range of 1 to 100 μm, preferably to a thickness that is only pierced at a predetermined pressure when a liquid is injected into the capsule. The pressure is preferably in the range of 1 to 20 bar, more preferably in the range of 5 to 15 bar.

[0083] Alternatively, the lid 20 can include a relatively thin portion so that piercing occurs at a desired portion to extract a beverage in a desired form.

[0084] A filter can be provided between the lid 20 and the capsule body 10 to prevent solid substances of the capsule from flowing out through the piercing portion of the lid 20. The filter can use paper, woven fabric, or nonwoven fabric fibers, etc.

[0085] The capacity of the capsule of the present application can be selected within 3 to 20 g, and can exert excellent effects on any capacity of capsule, but is preferably applied to a large capacity capsule having a capacity of 8 to 12 g to provide extraction quality that cannot be provided in the conventional large capacity capsule.

[0086] The capsule of the present application can be applied to a beverage manufacturing apparatus to manufacture a beverage.

[0087] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A state diagram of a chamber in which a beverage is extracted in a beverage manufacturing apparatus according to the prior art is shown. Figure 3 A state in which, although the capsule is located in the chamber, the chamber is not yet completely closed and sealed, Figure 4 A state after the chamber is completely closed and sealed.

[0088] In a beverage manufacturing apparatus of the prior art, Figure 3 In the beverage manufacturing apparatus, the capsule is located between a chamber 110 having an inner space having a shape and size similar to the outer shape of the capsule body 10 and an extraction member 120 adjacent to the capsule lid 20. The chamber 110 is configured to move a capsule insertion position for inserting the capsule into the inner space of the chamber and a capsule extraction position for completely sealing the inner space of the chamber by pressing the extraction member 120 in a state in which the capsule is accommodated in the inner space.

[0089] The chamber 110 includes a chamber body 111 that accommodates the capsule in the inside and is formed with an inner space to surround the bottom 11 and the side wall 12 of the capsule, a sealing member 112 that is a terminal portion of the chamber body 111 and contacts the extraction member 120 to completely seal the inside of the chamber, a liquid injection pipe 113 for injecting a liquid into the inside of the chamber, and a perforating member 114 for forming an opening or a hole in the capsule.

[0090] As shown in Figure 4 When the chamber 110 is closed by the user's operation to become the capsule extraction position, the chamber body 111 moves downward so that the sealing member 112 and the extraction member 120 contact each other in a state in which the flange 13 of the capsule is interposed therebetween, so that the capsule can be fixed while the inside of the chamber is sealed.

[0091] The sealing member 112 is a terminal portion of the chamber body 111 and can be a simple terminal portion extended with the same material as the chamber body, but according to an embodiment, in order to more firmly seal, a sealing member made of an elastic material (omitted from the drawing) can be further included.

[0092] The perforating member 114 is moved downward to pierce the bottom 11 of the capsule to form an opening or hole while the chamber 110 is moved to the capsule extraction position.

[0093] Then, when the user presses the operation button (or automatically), the liquid flows into the inside of the chamber 110 through the liquid injection tube 113. Since the inside of the chamber 110 is sealed, the liquid filled in the inside of the chamber 110 is injected into the inside of the capsule through the opening or hole of the capsule formed by the perforating member 114.

[0094] By the operation as described above, the pressure is generated in the inside of the capsule due to the liquid, and when the pressure reaches a predetermined pressure, the lid is pierced by the protrusion 121 formed at the portion of the extraction member 120 which contacts the lid 20 of the capsule, so that the beverage prepared by the interaction of the liquid with the substance for preparing the beverage in the inside of the capsule can be extracted outside the capsule. The pressure is preferably in the range of 1 to 20 bars, more preferably in the range of 5 to 15 bars.

[0095] The piercing (or tearing) of the lid 20 occurs once the pressure in the inside of the capsule exceeds a threshold value, and the piercing includes not only a typical tearing due to the material of the lid 20 being stretched beyond its tensile strength, but also a breaking, a cutting, or a perforation, etc.

[0096] The protrusion 121 formed on the extraction member 120 can have any protruding shape capable of piercing the lid 20 (partially). For example, the protrusion 121 can have a shape such as a pyramid, a needle, a blade, a bump, a cylinder, or a long rib, etc.

[0097] The extraction member 120 can include a plurality of extraction holes (omitted from the drawing) so that the beverage flowing out of the lid 20 of the capsule can be provided to the user. The extraction holes are preferably formed between the protrusions 121, and the beverage passing through the extraction member 120 is delivered to the consumer through one tube.

[0098] This prior art beverage preparation apparatus is configured in a manner that the beverage is extracted without changing the outer shape of the capsule except for forming a perforation in the capsule. However, the manner has a problem that the extraction yield of the beverage is reduced or the quality of the beverage is not uniform, the flavor is deteriorated, etc. due to the problems such as the reconfiguration of the gas and the beverage powder which can occur during the storage and the transportation of the capsule.

[0099] Specifically, Figure 5 The change in the state in the inside of the capsule during the storage and the transportation of the capsule is shown. As Figure 5As shown in (a), the initially manufactured capsules were seamlessly filled with the substance used to make the beverage. However, when the beverage-making substance is included, especially roasted coffee beans, gases such as carbon dioxide are emitted from the substance, thus... Figure 5 As shown in (b), the capsule cap 20 is inflated to create a void. Thus, during transport or by the consumer while the capsule 20 is in an inflated state, as... Figure 5 As shown in (c), the material inside the capsule moves into the voids, resulting in a density and uneven distribution that differs from the initial intended density and distribution during manufacturing. This unevenness and density variation within the capsule negatively impacts the quality, flow rate, concentration, and extraction time of the produced beverage. This phenomenon occurs not only due to gas generated inside the capsule but also due to voids that may intentionally or unintentionally form during the capsule filling process.

[0100] To solve this problem, the present invention is configured such that the beverage is extracted after the capsule body 10 is compressed and deformed, thereby removing the voids inside the capsule and extracting the beverage in a state where the substances inside the capsule are evenly distributed.

[0101] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown in (c), when the internal space of the capsule increases and the material distribution becomes uneven, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the bottom 11 of the capsule is pressed and deformed inward, the internal space of the capsule decreases while eliminating gaps. Due to the pressing of the internal material, the unevenly distributed material is reconfigured into a high-density, uniform distribution. Furthermore, the material used to manufacture the beverage is configured to a predetermined height through pressing. In embodiments of the present invention, it has been confirmed that by reconfiguring the internal material after deforming the capsule in this way, when extracting the beverage, a relatively large amount of solid components with uniform mass can be extracted, and the time required to extract the desired beverage concentration can be shortened. Specifically, while the material inside the capsule is uniformly compacted, channeling phenomena that may occur when water flows through the capsule can be minimized, and an appropriate extraction pressure is formed inside the capsule to improve extraction force. Furthermore, since the material used to manufacture the beverage is densely reconfigured, portions that were previously impossible to extract can be extracted, resulting in a stronger flavor and aroma than before. This allows for the production of a beverage with a flavor more suitable for achieving the original taste expected during the development phase and improved sensory characteristics.

[0102] From this perspective, the shape deformation of the capsule body 10 is preferably directed towards the direction of liquid injection. When the capsule shape deforms towards the direction of liquid injection, it is easier to naturally press the capsule structure during the process of covering the capsule for beverage extraction. That is, the required chamber pressure must be used to change the shape of the capsule when extracting the beverage.

[0103] In the present invention, the shape deformation of the capsule body 10 is preferably deformed in a direction in which the internal volume of the capsule decreases. Through the shape deformation, the internal volume of the capsule can decrease by 1 to 20%, preferably by 3 to 18.5%, and most preferably by 8 to 14%. When the shape of the capsule body 10 is deformed within the above range, the substance for making a beverage can be uniformly distributed in a state in which the internal void of the capsule is completely removed.

[0104] To achieve the object of the present invention, the height a of the bottom 11 can be set to 10 to 30%, preferably 15 to 25%, and more preferably 18 to 22% of the height b of the sidewall portion 12.

[0105] Especially, the existing capsule for making a beverage, since the amount of extractable at one time is small, the consumer feels insufficient, or drinks after extracting a plurality of capsules, so it is very inconvenient. In order to solve this problem, a large capacity capsule capable of containing about 10 g of beverage making substance is proposed, but since the size of the capsule is large, the amount of gas discharged is large, and more voids are generated, and since the internal substance is not uniformly distributed, the yield is decreased, and the phenomenon of the sensory being worse is more obvious.

[0106] Furthermore, in the case of the existing large capacity capsule, if the diameter of the capsule is increased, when a liquid is injected into the capsule and passes through the internal substance, a channeling phenomenon occurs, so there is a problem that it is difficult to uniformly pass through the entire diameter. Therefore, the existing large capacity capsule selects a strategy of increasing the height of the capsule while maintaining the small diameter of the capsule, but when the height of the capsule is large, there is a possibility that the internal pressure is excessively increased, and therefore, in order to prevent this phenomenon, the particle size of the internal substance is increased in most cases to reduce the pressure. However, when the particle size of the internal substance is large, there are still problems such as a beverage that is not brewed deeply or a long extraction time. In addition, the large capacity capsule is in a situation where it is difficult to use due to limitations in manufacturing and sales.

[0107] According to the present invention, regardless of the size of the capsule, since the beverage is extracted in a state in which the internal substance is uniformly reconfigured without voids, not only the yield is improved, but also a beverage having the taste and aroma expected at the time of first manufacturing can be extracted. Therefore, even if the diameter of the large capacity capsule is made larger, the liquid can uniformly pass through the internal substance, and since the height of the capsule is low, the particle size of the internal substance can be reduced, and thus a large capacity capsule that is deep in beverage taste, short in extraction time, excellent not only in yield and sensory, and uniform in extraction quality can be provided.

[0108] From this point of view, the capsule of the present application is preferably a flat capsule in which the ratio of the diameter c of the upper end of the side wall portion 12 to the height b of the side wall portion 12 is 1 : 1 to 1 : 2, more preferably 1 : 1.2 to 1 : 1.6, and most preferably 1 : 1.3 to 1 : 1.5.

[0109] In the present application, the deformation of the shape of the capsule can occur when a load within a certain range is applied. Specifically, the load is applied by pressurizing the capsule body 10 from the outside, but the shape of the capsule does not deform until a predetermined load is reached. At this time, the load is preferably greater than the load received during the storage and flow of the capsule. When the load applied to the capsule reaches a predetermined range, the capsule deforms into a predetermined shape. The predetermined shape can refer to, for example, a case where although the bottom portion 11 of the capsule deforms, the shape of the side wall portion 12 and the flange 13 do not deform.

[0110] In the present application, the "deformation of the shape" refers to a case where a portion to be deformed by external pressure is determined in advance during the manufacture of the capsule, and the corresponding portion is deformed, and even if pressure is repeatedly applied, the deformation occurs in the same manner. Here, the same manner means that the capsule deforms through a predetermined portion, and does not mean that the shape of the deformed capsule must be exactly the same each time. In addition, it does not only refer to a state where the predetermined deformed portion is completely deformed until it reaches the maximum deformation, but also includes a process of deforming as much as possible to the shape that can be deformed the most. That is, it refers to a state where the gap inside the capsule is completely removed, and is filled with a substance for making a beverage, and cannot be deformed any more.

[0111] Specifically, the capsule can be deformed into a predetermined shape when the load applied to the capsule is 0.3 to 3.0 kgf, more preferably 0.3 to 1.5 kgf, and most preferably 0.3 to 0.6 kgf. When the capsule deforms at a load of less than 0.3 kgf, the piercing is not smooth because the shape is already deformed before a hole is formed by a piercing device, and is not good, and when a load is applied too much, the capsule cannot be pierced in the intended shape. It is preferable to design the structure of the capsule to be deformed in the intended shape within the above range, rather than deforming in an unintended portion.

[0112] In the present application, since the shape of the capsule is deformed in the direction of the injection of the liquid by pressurization, the shape of the injection portion of the liquid is deformed. That is, the liquid injection portion of the capsule is deformed in the direction in which the volume of the inside of the capsule decreases.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the predetermined shape can refer to a case where the bottom portion 11 is folded toward the inside of the capsule, so that the height a of the bottom portion 11 is lowered. At this time, the shape and the height b of the side wall portion 11 are preferably maintained as they are. In the present application, since the shape of the capsule is deformed, the height a of the bottom portion 11 can be 0 or less than 0.

[0114] In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the shape of the sidewall portion 12 can be modified so that the bottom 11 remains unchanged, while the bottom 11 is flattened, so that the capsule body 10 has a uniform height. In this case, the flattening of the bottom 11 does not mean that it is completely flat without any wrinkles, but rather that it has an overall flat shape considering the overlapping or curved parts of the capsule material.

[0115] The capsule of this invention can undergo shape deformation through various mechanisms.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, by controlling the shape of the capsule body 10, deformation can be induced only in a predetermined portion.

[0117] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, by controlling the angle α between the surface of the bottom 11 that contacts the sidewall portion 12 and the surface connecting the upper end of the sidewall portion 12 to be smaller than the angle β between the surface connecting the lower end of the sidewall portion 12, only the shape of the bottom 11 is deformed by external pressure, while the shape of the sidewall portion 12 remains unchanged. More specifically, the angle β of the sidewall portion 12 is preferably 75 to 90°, more preferably 80 to 87°, and most preferably 82 to 85°. By controlling the angle β of the sidewall portion 12 in this way, the sidewall portion 12 can easily withstand the pressure of pressing the bottom 11 and maintain its shape.

[0118] Furthermore, the angle α of the bottom 11 is preferably 45° or less, more preferably 15 to 35°, and most preferably 22 to 27°. Within the above range, it is easily deformed by external pressure, thereby allowing the substance inside the capsule to be pressed. When the angle α of the bottom 11 is greater than the above range, greater force is required for shape deformation. Due to the increased pressing force, the shape deformation cannot be uniformly controlled, resulting in excessive deformation or irregular shape. Moreover, as the shape deforms, the area that needs to be folded becomes wider, and there is a problem that the shape deformation is difficult to achieve the desired predetermined shape.

[0119] In other preferred embodiments of the invention, the shape can be adjusted by controlling the thickness of the bottom 11 and the sidewall portion 12. When an external pressure as described above is applied, the thickness preferably has a thickness such that the bottom 11 can be deformed by the pressure, while the sidewall portion 12 withstands the pressure without deformation. Alternatively, by adjusting the thickness of the connecting portion between the bottom 11 and the sidewall portion 12 to be relatively thin, the bottom 11 can be easily deformed. The thickness can be appropriately adjusted within a pressure range designed to deform the capsule.

[0120] Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 6As shown, the bottom 11 can include a guide 14 for shape deformation. The guide 14 refers to a portion that is relatively easy to fold, so that the bottom 11 can be deformed into a desired shape. For example, it can be configured to be relatively thin in thickness, or to be weakened in strength for easy folding, or to be folded inwardly or outwardly in advance.

[0121] The shape of the guide 14 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Figure 7 , it can include two or more guides formed in a straight line shape outwardly from the center portion of the bottom 11. For Figure 7 a capsule to which a load in a predetermined range is applied, the shape of the bottom 11 can be deformed into a shape as shown in Figure 8 .

[0122] In addition, as shown in Figure 9 , a triangular guide 14 can be formed in the bottom 11. For Figure 9 a capsule to which a load in a predetermined range is applied, the shape of the bottom 11 can be deformed into a shape as shown in Figure 10 .

[0123] Figure 7 The guide 14 shown in Figure 9 is exemplary and is not intended to limit the present application, and can be freely deformed within the scope of the technical spirit of the present application. For example, the guide 14 can be formed in a circular shape concentric with the center portion of the capsule bottom 11.

[0124] In addition to the shape deformation method as described above, a portion to be deformed in shape can be configured of a different material or can be provided with an additional member for shape deformation, all of which belong to the scope of the present application.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the shape-deformable capsule can be applied to a beverage manufacturing apparatus.

[0126] Figure 11 The beverage manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of a beverage extraction portion of a beverage manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0127] Figure 11 A state before a capsule is inserted and installed in a beverage manufacturing apparatus is shown. In Figure 11 , the capsule is accommodated in a chamber 110 having a space in which the capsule can be accommodated inside, and the lid 20 of the capsule is adjacent to an extraction member 120.

[0128] As shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, by the user's action of lifting and lowering the lever 130, as the lever 130 moves, the fixed shaft 140 rotates, and the rotation of the fixed shaft 140 is transmitted to the lever arm 150 to cause the chamber 110 to move linearly forward and backward. Thus, the chamber 110 can move between the capsule insertion position and the capsule extraction position.

[0129] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The operation method using the lever 130 shown is an example for explaining the action of the beverage manufacturing apparatus of the present application, but is not limited thereto. For example, the beverage manufacturing apparatus can be configured to move the chamber 110 electrically by pressing a button.

[0130] In Figure 12 When the capsule is completely installed in the apparatus, the shape of the capsule is deformed, whereby the beverage can be extracted. The beverage extracted from the capsule can be moved to the beverage outlet 160 by the extraction member 120 and provided to the user.

[0131] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The state of the exemplary chamber of the present application is shown. Figure 13 The state before the chamber is completely closed and sealed while the capsule is located in the chamber is shown, Figure 14 The state after the chamber is completely closed and sealed is shown.

[0132] In Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the beverage manufacturing apparatus, the capsule is located between the chamber 110 having an internal space similar in shape and size to the outer shape of the capsule body 10 and the extraction member 120 adjacent to the capsule cover 20.

[0133] The chamber 110 includes a chamber body 111 forming an internal space to surround the bottom 11 and the sidewall 12 of the capsule while accommodating the capsule inside, a sealing member 112 being a terminal portion of the chamber body 111, contacting the extraction member 120 to completely seal the inside of the chamber, a liquid injection pipe 113 for injecting liquid into the inside of the chamber, and a perforating member 114 for perforating the capsule.

[0134] In addition, in the preferred embodiment of the present application, the chamber 110 includes a shape deformation member 115 for achieving shape deformation by pressing the capsule body 10.

[0135] The shape deformation member 115 is located at the inner upper end of the chamber 110, and presses the bottom 11 of the capsule to change its shape when the chamber is closed by the user's operation, but this is only an example, and can be applied to various positions according to the deformed shape of the capsule. For example, the shape deformation member 115 can be formed of another material combined with the chamber 110, or can be formed of a part of the chamber 110 of the same material as the chamber 110. Alternatively, the shape deformation member 115 can be formed to be detachable, and can be detached from the chamber 110, and the beverage can be extracted without changing the shape of the capsule.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 1, when the chamber 110 is closed by the user's operation, the chamber body 111 moves downward, the perforating member 114 forms a hole in the bottom 11 of the capsule, and the shape deformation member 115 presses the bottom 11 to deform its shape before, after, or simultaneously with the formation of the hole in the bottom 11. At this time, the gas such as carbon dioxide formed in the inside of the capsule can be discharged through the hole formed by the perforating member 114. Figure 14 The shape deformation member 115 can be formed in various sizes and shapes according to the deformed shape of the capsule. For example, the surface of the shape deformation member 115 which contacts the capsule can be formed as a flat surface to make the distribution of the contents in the capsule more uniform and to have a predetermined height. Alternatively, the shape deformation member 115 can include a protrusion or a recessed portion to deform the bottom 11 of the capsule into a specific shape. The protrusion can be formed in various shapes, for example, a circular shape, a polygonal shape, a plurality of straight lines extending from the center, etc.

[0137] Preferably, the shape deformation member 115 is designed to apply a load which changes only the shape of the bottom 11 of the capsule, and other portions such as the side wall 12 are not deformed.

[0138] For example, the shape deformation member 115 can be formed to apply a load of 0.3 to 3.0 kgf to the capsule, preferably a load of 0.3 to 1.5 kgf, and more preferably a load of 0.3 to 0.6 kgf. If the shape of the capsule is deformed at a load of less than 0.3 kgf, the perforation is not smoothly performed because the shape is already deformed before the hole is formed by the perforating member, and thus it is not preferable. When an excessive load is applied, the capsule is damaged from the intended shape. Therefore, when a load greater than a predetermined load is applied, the shape of the shape deformation member 115 can be prevented from being deformed to further apply a load to the capsule.

[0139]

[0140] ​To this end, the shape deformation member 115 can be configured to have a size that does not directly press the side wall portion 12 of the capsule after the chamber is completely closed. By being thus configured, even if excessive force is applied when the user manually closes the lever, the capsule can be deformed into a desired shape without damaging the side wall portion 12 of the capsule.

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the shape deformation member 115 can be an elastic body or partially include an elastic material. By being formed as an elastic body or partially including an elastic material, the shape deformation member 115 can prevent excessive force from being applied to the capsule, thereby deforming into a desired shape.

[0142] Alternatively, the shape deformation member 115 can be connected to the chamber 110 by an elastic material. In this case, even if the shape deformation member 115 is not made of an elastic material, adjustment to apply a predetermined load to the capsule by the elastic connecting means can be performed.

[0143] The elastic body or elastic material can be any material having elasticity, and for example, a spring, rubber, or the like can be used.

[0144] At least a portion of the perforating member 114 can be located at least one side of the shape deformation member 115. For example, the perforating member 114 can be formed in one body with the shape deformation member 115 at a side adjacent to the capsule of the shape deformation member 115. Alternatively, the perforating member 114 can be formed at an inner surface of the chamber 110 and perforate the shape deformation member 115. By being thus configured, when the shape deformation member 115 is detachable, even if the shape deformation member 115 is detached, the capsule can be used to extract a beverage.

[0145] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the perforating member 114 can be moved to the outside of the capsule after forming a hole in the capsule before the shape deformation member 115 presses the capsule. Specifically, the following operations are performed: when the user presses down (or automatically operates) the lever to move the chamber 110 to a capsule extraction position, the perforating member 114 is moved in the direction of the capsule to perforate the capsule and is again moved in the opposite direction of the capsule, and the shape deformation member 115 can be further configured to move in the direction of the capsule to deform the shape of the capsule during or after the perforating member 114 is moved in the opposite direction of the capsule. This can be configured by connecting a gear connected to the lever differently to the perforating member 114 and the shape deformation member 115. By being thus configured, when the shape deformation member 115 presses the capsule, the perforating member 114 is located inside the capsule to not interfere with the arrangement of the contents inside the capsule, and thus, the contents can be more uniformly rearranged.

[0146] The shape of the perforating member 114 can have a shape of a perforating member commonly used in the art, and one or more can be provided.

[0147] When the chamber 110 is closed, the shape deformation member 115 presses the capsule to deform it, the sealing member 112 and the extraction member 120 come into contact in a state in which the flange 13 of the capsule is sandwiched therebetween, and the inside of the chamber is sealed. At this time, the sealing member 112 can further include a sealing member (not shown) made of an elastic material to more firmly seal.

[0148] Then, when the user presses the operation button (or automatically), the liquid flows into the inside of the chamber 110 through the liquid injection pipe 113. Since the inside of the chamber 110 is sealed, the liquid filled in the inside of the chamber 110 is injected into the inside of the capsule through the hole of the capsule formed by the perforating member 114.

[0149] Through this operation, when the inside of the capsule generates pressure due to the liquid, the lid 20 is punctured by the protrusion 121 formed at the portion of the extraction member 120 which comes into contact with the lid 20 of the capsule, and thus the beverage formed by the interaction of the substance for making the beverage in the inside of the capsule with the liquid is extracted outside the capsule.

[0150] The puncture (or tear) of the lid 20 occurs once the pressure in the inside of the capsule exceeds a threshold value, and the puncture includes not only a typical tear due to the material of the lid 20 being stretched beyond its tensile strength, but also an action of breaking, cutting, or perforation, etc. The protrusion 121 formed on the extraction member 120 can have any protruding shape capable of (partially) tearing the lid 20. For example, the protrusion 121 can have a shape such as a pyramid shape, a needle shape, a blade shape, a bump shape, a cylindrical shape, or a long rib shape, etc.

[0151] The extraction member 120 can include a plurality of extraction holes so that the beverage flowing out of the lid 20 of the capsule can be provided to the user. The extraction holes are preferably formed between the protrusions 121 for allowing the beverage passing through the extraction member 120 to be provided to the consumer through the beverage outlet 160.

[0152] Embodiment

[0153] Hereinafter, the present application will be described in more detail by embodiments. These embodiments are only for illustrating the present application, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the scope of the present application should not be construed as being limited to these embodiments.

[0154] Experimental Example 1: Confirmation of physical properties of coffee extraction according to shape deformation of coffee capsule

[0155] A coffee extraction experiment was performed using an aluminum coffee capsule having a capacity of 9.5 g, which was produced by Toyo Suisan Co., Ltd., and had a shape as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 15 A coffee extraction experiment was performed using an aluminum coffee capsule having a capacity of 9.5 g, which was produced by Toyo Suisan Co., Ltd., and had a shape as shown in FIG. 1.

[0156] First, the roasted coffee bean powder was filled into the capsule, and the open portion was heat-extrusion sealed with aluminum foil. The manufactured coffee capsule was put into a capsule coffee machine manufactured by East Foods, Inc., and then coffee was extracted (Comparative Example 1).

[0157] Further, as shown in Figure 16 , after the bottom of the capsule was deformed to be flat by pressurization, it was put into the same coffee machine, and espresso was extracted (Example 1).

[0158] The experiment was performed 10 times, respectively, and the extracted coffee was analyzed and shown in Table 1 below.

[0159] [Table 1]

[0160]

[0161] It was confirmed through the experiment that when both capsules extracted the same level of extraction amount, although the espresso extracted using the capsule of the example in which the shape of the capsule was changed required about 0.4 seconds more, the extraction concentration was improved by 0.2%, and the extraction yield was greatly improved by about 1.4%.

[0162] Therefore, the concentration of coffee extractable from one capsule was higher, and when a consumer adjusts the concentration of coffee according to his or her taste to manufacture coffee suitable for his or her taste, more coffee was manufactured than in the case of the same capsule. Also, since the strength of the taste and aroma was relatively stronger, a beverage having excellent sensory properties could be provided.

[0163] It was confirmed that this was because the internal void was eliminated by changing the shape of the capsule, and coffee was extracted in a state in which coffee powder was uniformly distributed.

[0164] Further, it was analyzed that the extraction time, concentration, and yield of the capsules of the example and the comparative example were all prescribed, and the deviation was also low.

[0165] Experimental Example 2: Confirmation of deformation of shape of commercially available capsule product

[0166] An experiment was performed to confirm the uncertainty and unevenness of deformation of the shape of a commercially available capsule product.

[0167] A commercially available capsule product of N Company was purchased, and the bottom of the capsule was pressed to forcibly deform the shape in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1. Figure 17 The state of the shape after deformation is shown.

[0168] As shown in Figure 16 , the capsule of the present application, in which the bottom is deformed to be flat to form a flat bed having a prescribed height of the internal substance, but the commercially available capsule, as shown in Figure 17 , does not have a flat shape in the bottom, and the shape is not prescribed, which is a difference from the present application.

[0169] In addition, in order to confirm the uniformity of the shape deformation, the appearance of the deformed shape of 30 capsules of the present application and 30 capsules of the market were observed, respectively, and compared. Figure 18

[0170] As can be confirmed from the left image of FIG. 1, the capsules of the present application were all uniformly deformed in the same shape, but, as can be confirmed from the right image of FIG. 1, the deformed shape of the capsules of the market was not uniform. Figure 18 Figure 18

[0171] Experimental Example 3: Confirmation of the extraction quality of the capsules of the market

[0172] An experiment was performed to confirm the effect of the appearance of the deformed shape and the uniformity of the deformation on the quality of the extract.

[0173] Using the capsules of the market used in Experimental Example 2, the quality of the coffee extract before and after the shape deformation was confirmed. The experiment was performed 10 times, respectively, and the results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0174] [Table 2]

[0175]

[0176] As a result of the experiment, it was confirmed that, in the case of the capsules of the market, although a little improvement in the concentration and the yield was obtained by the shape deformation, the deformed shape was not uniform, the extraction time was greatly increased, and the quality of the extracted product was greatly deviated.

[0177] The results of the experiment of the capsules of the market were compared with those of the capsules of the present application, and are shown in Table 3 below.

[0178] [Table 3]

[0179]

[0180] As can be confirmed from the above table, in the case of the capsules of the present application, the concentration and the yield of the extraction were greatly improved before and after the shape deformation, and the quality deviation was almost not increased but decreased, whereas, in the case of the capsules of the market, the concentration and the yield of the extraction were a little increased, the quality deviation was greatly increased, and the extraction time was greatly increased.

[0181] This is because, although the capsules of the market can be forcibly deformed in shape by pressing, since the shape deformation is not planned from the time of the manufacture of the product, the internal material is not uniformly pressed or the deformed shape is not uniform, and thus the physical properties of the extract are greatly deviated, and the extraction time is greatly increased.

[0182] ​​​Those skilled in the art can understand that the present application can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present application based on the above description. In this regard, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and not restrictive of the present application. It should be construed that the scope of the present application should be defined by the meaning and scope of the claims appended hereto, and all modifications or variations derived from the equivalent concept thereof should be construed to fall within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A capsule comprising: A capsule main body (10) composed of a bottom (11), a side wall portion (12), and a flange (13) that internally houses a substance for making a beverage, and a lid (20) attached to the flange (13) for sealing an open portion of the capsule main body (10), characterized in that the capsule main body (10) is deformed in shape by pressing, and beverage is extracted after the deformation, wherein the deformation in shape of the capsule main body (10) is deformation in the direction of injection of the liquid, wherein the deformation in shape of the capsule main body (10) is such that the shape of the bottom (11) is flattened while maintaining the shape of the side wall portion (12), so that the capsule main body (10) has a uniform height, wherein the capacity of the capsule is 8 to 12 g, and wherein the ratio of the diameter (c) of the upper end of the side wall portion (12) to the height (b) of the side wall portion (12) is 1:1.2 to 1:1.

6.

2. Capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that The deformation in shape is deformation in the direction of reduction of the internal volume of the capsule.

3. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal volume of the capsule is reduced by 1 to 20% due to the deformation in shape of the capsule main body (10).

4. The capsule of claim 1, wherein The deformation in shape is reduction in the height (a) of the bottom (11).

5. The capsule of claim 1, wherein The deformation in shape occurs when a load of 0.3 to 3.0 kgf is applied.

6. The capsule of claim 1, wherein The angle (α) formed by the surface of the bottom (11) that contacts the side wall portion (12) and the surface that connects the upper end of the side wall portion (12) is 45° or less, and the angle (β) formed by the side wall portion (12) and the surface that connects the lower end of the side wall portion (12) is 75 to 90°.

7. The capsule of claim 1, wherein The bottom (11) includes a guide (14) that has a thin thickness, or is configured to have low strength, or has a shape that is folded toward the inside or outside of the capsule, in order to deform the bottom into a predetermined shape.

8. A beverage production method, which is a method of producing a beverage using a capsule, the capsule comprising: A capsule main body (10) composed of a bottom (11), a side wall portion (12), and a flange (13) that internally houses a substance for making a beverage, and a lid (20) attached to the flange (13) for sealing an open portion of the capsule main body (10), characterized in that the method, comprising: a step of perforating the bottom (11) of the capsule to form a hole; a step of deforming the capsule main body (10) in shape by pressing; a step of injecting a liquid into the hole and interacting with the substance to form a beverage, the liquid being injected until the lid (20) is pierced by the pressure of the liquid inside the capsule; and a step of extracting the beverage from the capsule through the pierced lid (20), wherein the deformation in shape of the capsule main body (10) is deformation in the direction of injection of the liquid, wherein the deformation in shape of the capsule main body (10) is such that the shape of the bottom (11) is flattened while maintaining the shape of the side wall portion (12), so that the capsule main body (10) has a uniform height, wherein the capacity of the capsule is 8 to 12 g, and wherein the ratio of the diameter (c) of the upper end of the side wall portion (12) to the height (b) of the side wall portion (12) is 1:1.2 to 1:1.

6.

9. A system for manufacturing a beverage from a capsule, characterized in that, The system includes a capsule and a beverage making device, The capsule includes a capsule body (10) configured of a bottom (11), a sidewall portion (12), and a flange (13) to internally accommodate a substance for making a beverage, and a lid (20) attached to the flange (13) to seal an open portion of the capsule body (10), and a beverage is extracted by deforming the capsule body (10) by pressing, The beverage making apparatus includes a chamber (110) having an accommodation space into which the capsule can be inserted inside, and configured to move a capsule insertion position and a capsule extraction position, and an extraction member (120) to seal an opening of the chamber (110) when the chamber (110) is positioned at the capsule extraction position, and to pierce the lid (20) of the capsule by the pressure of a liquid injected into the inside of the capsule to extract a beverage, The chamber (110) includes a liquid injection pipe (113) to inject a liquid into the inside of the chamber (110), and a perforating member (114) to form a hole in the capsule, The chamber (110) includes a shape deformation member (115) to deform the shape of the capsule by pressing the capsule, A beverage is extracted after the shape of the capsule is deformed by the shape deformation member (115), wherein the shape deformation of the capsule body (10) is deformation in the direction of the injected liquid, wherein the shape deformation of the capsule body (10) is such that the shape of the bottom (11) is flattened while maintaining the shape of the sidewall portion (12), so that the capsule body (10) has a uniform height, wherein the capacity of the capsule is 8g to 12g, wherein the ratio of the diameter (c) of the upper end of the sidewall portion (12) to the height (b) of the sidewall portion (12) is 1:1.2 to 1:1.6, wherein the size of the shape deformation member (115) corresponds to the size of the bottom (11) of the capsule, and wherein the perforating member (114) is configured to be formed on the inner face of the chamber (110) and to penetrate the shape deformation member (115).

10. The system of claim 9, wherein, At least a portion of the perforating member (114) can be positioned on at least one face of the shape deformation member (115).

11. The system of claim 9, wherein, The shape deformation member (115) can be configured to be detachable.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein, The perforating member (114) is moved to the outside of the capsule after forming a hole in the capsule before the shape deformation member (115) presses the capsule.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein, The shape deformation member (115) includes an elastic material.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein, The shape deformation member (115) has a convex portion or a concave portion.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein, The shape deformation member (115) applies a load of 0.3 to 3.0 kgf to the capsule.

Images