Apparatus for deforming shape of capsule and method for deforming shape of capsule using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for deforming the shape of a capsule and a method for deforming the shape of a capsule using the same, which can produce a high-quality beverage by deforming the shape of the capsule before the capsule for beverage production is put into a beverage production device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for deforming the shape of capsules and a method for deforming the shape of capsules using the same, and more specifically, to an apparatus for deforming the shape of capsules to produce high-quality beverages before they are fed into a beverage manufacturing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The research on capsule coffee aims to extract coffee by placing ground coffee beans, each in a specially designed capsule, into a dedicated extraction machine. This means that the ground coffee beans inside the sealed capsule are sealed to prevent oxidation, thus solving the problem of oxidation that may occur during storage after grinding.

[0003] Since its initial launch in the European market in the 1980s, capsule coffee has been popular with consumers. Due to its convenience, capsules have been developed not only for coffee but also for a variety of non-coffee products such as sealed iced tea, hot chocolate, lemon tea, milk powder, carbonated drinks, and fruit drinks.

[0004] These capsules are stored and circulated in a sealed state to prevent contact with the internal substances and oxygen, thereby preserving the aroma of the material and extending its shelf life. For example, as disclosed in International Patent Publication No. WO1986 / 002537, coffee capsules can be hermetically sealed under vacuum.

[0005] However, some beverages, such as roasted coffee, can release gas while stored in capsules, which can damage the seal during storage. Therefore, to avoid this, after roasting coffee and before packaging it into capsules, a degassing step is performed to release the gas for a specified time.

[0006] However, even after the gas used in the production of beverages such as coffee is fully released and sealed, a small amount of gas is released during the storage and distribution of the capsule. The raw materials of the capsule body and / or cap have a certain degree of flexibility, so this gas release does not damage the capsule and increases the internal volume.

[0007] Because the capsule raw materials are flexible, the seal of the capsule can be prevented from being damaged during storage and distribution. However, the increased internal space of the capsule results in changes to the density and uniform distribution of the substances inside the capsule, which are desired during manufacturing. This uneven distribution of substances inside the capsule ultimately alters the desired physical properties and yield of the beverage during capsule manufacturing, and also causes problems such as uneven beverage quality or requiring more time to extract the target concentration.

[0008] To solve this problem, the inventors of this invention have developed, based on existing research, a capsule and device that extracts beverages by deforming the capsule under pressure to remove voids inside the capsule, and that extracts beverages in a state where the substances inside the capsule are evenly distributed (Korean Patent Nos. 10-2353311 and 10-2353312, etc.).

[0009] However, while this method has the advantage of extracting high-quality beverages, it is limited by the requirement for beverage manufacturing equipment that can deform the capsules. Therefore, consumers who already own conventional beverage manufacturing equipment face the burden of needing to purchase new equipment. Even if a beverage manufacturing equipment that can deform the capsules is purchased, there are limitations in applying this technology to various types of capsules when such equipment is not compatible with the capsules.

[0010] Furthermore, there is a problem that when capsules are bent or damaged during distribution, even if they cannot be inserted into the beverage manufacturing device, the beverage cannot be extracted normally, resulting in the capsules being discarded because they are unusable and do not damage the contents.

[0011] The inventors of this invention continued their research on the shape deformation of capsules and finally discovered that by pre-deforming the shape of the capsules before inserting them into the beverage manufacturing device, not only can high-quality beverages be obtained in beverage manufacturing devices that do not have shape deformation functions, but also deformed capsules can be repaired, thus completing this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The technical problem to be solved The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for deforming the shape of a capsule.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a capsule shape deformation device kit including a capsule shape deformation device and a support.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for deforming the shape of a capsule using the capsule shape deformation device described above.

[0015] Technical solutions to solve technical problems To achieve the objectives described above, the present invention provides a capsule shape deformation device, comprising: a body having an interior space capable of receiving a chamber and having an opening; a chamber that, through the opening of the body, is movable in an axial direction when partially inserted, having a capsule insertion port capable of receiving at least a portion of the capsule inserted therein, including an insertion hole into which a support member can be inserted; a support member protruding from the interior of the body and extending into the interior of the chamber; and a shape deformation member formed at the end of the support member for deforming the shape of the capsule by pressurizing the capsule.

[0016] The capsule shape deformation device of the present invention can be used to pre-deform the shape of a capsule before it is fed into a beverage manufacturing apparatus.

[0017] In this invention, the aforementioned body may include a pressurizing part that can be pressurized by the user, and the capsule is pressurized by the force of the user pressurizing the body.

[0018] In this invention, the inner surface of the aforementioned chamber may include a capsule support portion with a gradually decreasing inner diameter.

[0019] In this invention, the aforementioned shape-deforming component may include a protrusion or a recess.

[0020] In this invention, the aforementioned shape-deforming component may include a perforating component for forming a hole in the capsule.

[0021] In this invention, the aforementioned shape-deforming component may include an elastic material.

[0022] The device of the present invention may further include an elastic component between the body and the chamber.

[0023] In this invention, preferably, the elastic force of the elastic member acts in the direction that moves the body away from the cavity.

[0024] In this invention, preferably, the deformation of the above-mentioned shape is carried out in the direction of reducing the internal volume of the capsule.

[0025] In this invention, the deformation of the above-mentioned shape can reduce the volume inside the capsule by 1 to 20%.

[0026] In this invention, preferably, the deformation of the shape described above deforms only the shape of the bottom while maintaining the shape of the sidewall portion of the capsule.

[0027] The capsule shape deformation device of the present invention may further include a groove having a size corresponding to the capsule insertion opening, and a support in which the capsule shape deformation device can be placed.

[0028] In this invention, the interior of the body 100 may have a groove-shaped guide, and the outer surface of the chamber 200 may have a protrusion that can move with the guide.

[0029] Alternatively, in this invention, the body 100 may have a protrusion inside, and the outer surface of the chamber 200 may have a groove-shaped guide to facilitate the insertion and movement of the protrusion.

[0030] The present invention also provides a method for deforming the shape of a capsule, comprising: providing a capsule; inserting a capsule into the capsule insertion port of the capsule shape deforming device; and compressing the capsule by pressurizing the body of the capsule shape deforming device to deform the shape of the capsule.

[0031] The present invention also provides a capsule shape deformation device kit, comprising: a capsule shape deformation device for pre-deforming the shape of a capsule before it is fed into a beverage manufacturing apparatus; and a support for holding the capsule shape deformation device.

[0032] In this invention, the support may include a groove capable of holding the capsule-shaped deformation device.

[0033] In this invention, the aforementioned support may further include a capsule slot for storing capsules.

[0034] Invention Effects According to the present invention, the problem of uneven distribution of substances in beverages caused by gas generation due to increased internal volume of conventional beverage capsules is solved by deforming the capsule before it is placed in the beverage manufacturing apparatus to remove internal voids, thus ensuring a uniform distribution of substances for beverage production at a predetermined height. Therefore, by using more precise extraction times and concentrations, beverages of uniform quality can always be provided. Even when extracting the same amount of beverage, more coffee solids can be extracted, and even at the same concentration, extraction can be completed in a shorter time, resulting in a beverage with superior sensory qualities. Furthermore, it achieves the effect of producing beverages with uniform extraction quality and excellent sensory qualities even when using large-capacity capsules.

[0035] Furthermore, it has the advantage that even without a beverage manufacturing device that can deform the shape of the capsule, the beverage can be extracted after the capsule is deformed, eliminating the hassle of needing to purchase a separate beverage manufacturing device to obtain a high-quality beverage.

[0036] Furthermore, when using the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention, the capsule shape that is difficult to use due to bending or damage during circulation can be restored to a usable level. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 The morphology of the capsule is shown as an example.

[0038] Figure 2 This indicates the changes in the internal state of the capsule during storage and transportation.

[0039] Figure 3 This indicates the internal state of the capsule after its shape has been deformed.

[0040] Figure 4 A perspective view of a capsule-shaped deformation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 The method of deforming the shape of a capsule using the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention is presented in a time series manner.

[0042] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view showing the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 This is an anatomical view showing the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the capsule after it has been inserted into the chamber and before its shape has been deformed.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the capsule after it has been inserted into the chamber and its shape has been deformed by applying pressure to the body.

[0046] Figure 10 To capture images of the capsule's state before and after shape deformation using the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 11 To capture images of the process of repairing the shape of a damaged capsule using the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 12 The image shows a capsule-shaped deformation device and a support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 13 The image shows a capsule-shaped deformation device and a support according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10: Capsule body 11: Bottom 12: Side wall portion 13: Flange 100: Main body; 110: Pressurization section 120: Caliper section; 200: Chamber 210: Capsule insertion port; 220: Capsule support section 230: Insertion port 240: Bottom of chamber 300: Support component; 400: Shape deformation component 410: Protrusion 420: Perforated component 500: Elastic component C: Capsule Detailed Implementation The following describes specific implementations of the present invention in more detail. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Generally, the nomenclature used in this specification is well-known and commonly used in the art.

[0051] This invention relates to an apparatus for deforming the shape of capsules, specifically a capsule shape-deforming apparatus for producing high-quality beverages by deforming the shape of capsules before they are fed into a beverage manufacturing apparatus, and a method for deforming the shape of capsules using the same apparatus.

[0052] In this invention, the term "capsule" means a container that holds substances used to make beverages inside and can be put into a beverage making device to make beverages. Terms such as "pod", "cartridge", and "packet" may be used interchangeably.

[0053] In order to manufacture a beverage, when a capsule is inserted into a beverage manufacturing device and the device is started, liquid is introduced into the inside of the capsule and interacts with the substances stored inside the capsule to manufacture a beverage. The beverage can be extracted to the outside of the capsule for consumers to drink.

[0054] The substance contained within the capsule can contain various substances that interact with the liquid to produce a beverage. It can be a powder or a liquid, but more preferably a powder, for use in the device of the present invention. Examples of such substances include coffee, milk powder, cocoa powder, tea, soup, porridge, carbonated beverages, fruit beverages, or any combination thereof.

[0055] Figure 1 The morphology of the capsule is shown as an example.

[0056] Typically, a capsule includes: a capsule body 10, which is a bell-shaped container for containing a substance used to make a beverage; and a cap for sealing the opening of the capsule body 10. The capsule body 10 is formed into a container shape for containing the substance by a bottom 11 and a side wall portion 12, including a flange 13 extending from the lower end of the side wall portion 12 toward the outside of the capsule.

[0057] The bottom 11 can be formed in various shapes, but most are composed of a truncated cone or hemisphere, and may also have a portion of protrusion or engraving. For example, the bottom 11 may also have a flat portion so that the capsule can be easily erected when the bottom is facing down.

[0058] To manufacture beverages using capsules, liquid needs to be injected into the capsules. This is done by making an aperture or hole in the capsule to inject the liquid. The location of the hole in the capsule is mainly divided into two parts: the bottom 11 or the cap. In this invention, a capsule that injects liquid by making an aperture or hole in the bottom 11 can be used.

[0059] However, during storage and distribution, these capsules may experience problems such as decreased beverage extraction yield, uneven beverage quality, and reduced flavor due to issues like internal gas generation or reconfiguration of beverage powder.

[0060] Specifically, Figure 2 This indicates the changes in the internal state of the capsule during storage and transportation. For example... Figure 2 As shown in section (a), in the capsule in its initial manufacturing state, the substance for making the beverage is seamlessly filled inside the capsule. However, when the substance for making the beverage is included, especially roasted coffee beans, gases such as carbon dioxide are released from the substance, thus... Figure 2 As shown in section (b), the capsule cap 20 expands to create a void. This allows the capsule to be transported or moved by the consumer while the cap is in the expanded state, as... Figure 2 As shown in section (c), the material inside the capsule moves into the voids, resulting in a density and uneven distribution that differs from the density and distribution initially desired during manufacturing. This unevenness and density variation within the capsule adversely affects the quality, flow rate, concentration, extraction time, and other properties of the manufactured beverage. This phenomenon not only generates gas inside the capsule but also results from voids that are intentionally or unintentionally created during the capsule filling process.

[0061] To solve this problem, the inventors of this invention, through existing research, extracted the beverage by deforming the capsule body 10 under pressure, removing the voids inside the capsule, and extracting the beverage in a state where the substances inside the capsule are evenly distributed.

[0062] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown in section (c), when the internal space of the capsule increases and the material distribution becomes uneven, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the bottom 11 of the pressurized capsule is deformed inwards, the internal space of the capsule decreases, eliminating voids. Pressurizing the internal substances allows the unevenly distributed substances to be reconfigured into a high-density, uniform distribution. Furthermore, the substances used to manufacture the beverage are configured to a predetermined height under pressure. In the inventors' prior research, it has been confirmed that when the capsule is deformed in this way to reconfigure the internal substances before extracting the beverage, the beverage quality is uniform, a relatively large amount of solid components can be extracted, and the time required to extract the target beverage concentration can be shortened.

[0063] Specifically, by uniformly compacting the contents of the capsule, channeling that may occur during the flow of water through the capsule is minimized, creating appropriate extraction pressure and increasing extraction power. Furthermore, due to the density-reconfigured composition of the beverage-making materials, previously inaccessible portions can be extracted, resulting in a more intense expression of flavor and aroma. This makes it more suitable for achieving the desired original beverage flavor during the development phase, leading to beverages with enhanced sensory characteristics.

[0064] However, while this method has the advantage of extracting high-quality beverages, it has the limitation of requiring a beverage manufacturing device that can deform the shape of the capsules. For consumers with existing conventional beverage manufacturing devices, there is a burden of needing to purchase new beverage manufacturing devices. Even if a beverage manufacturing device that can deform the shape of the capsules is purchased, the applicability of this technology is limited to a variety of capsules when such a beverage manufacturing device is not compatible with the capsules.

[0065] Furthermore, there is a problem that when capsules are bent or damaged during distribution, even if they cannot be inserted into the beverage manufacturing device, the beverage cannot be extracted normally, and capsules with undamaged contents cannot be used and must be discarded.

[0066] In response, the inventors of this invention continued their research on the shape deformation of capsules and finally developed a device that pre-deforms the shape of capsules before they are inserted into a beverage manufacturing apparatus. This device can not only produce high-quality beverages in beverage manufacturing apparatuses that do not have shape deformation functions, but can also be used to repair capsules that have been deformed.

[0067] In this respect, the present invention relates to a device for pre-deforming the shape of a capsule before it is fed into a beverage manufacturing apparatus.

[0068] The capsule shape-deforming device according to the present invention includes: a body having an interior space for receiving a chamber and having an opening; a chamber that is movable in the axial direction through the opening of the body, in a partially inserted state, having a capsule insertion port for receiving at least a portion of a capsule inserted therein, including an insertion hole into which a support member can be inserted; a support member protruding from the interior of the body and extending into the interior of the chamber; and a shape-deforming member formed at the end of the support member for pressurizing the capsule.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a capsule shape-deforming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The capsule shape-deforming device of the present invention is characterized by its small size, portability, simple structure, ease of manufacture, and requirement for no special technology; anyone can easily and quickly deform the shape of a capsule.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention includes a device body 100 and a chamber 200 partially inserted into the body 100. The chamber 200, when partially inserted into the body 100, is movable in the axial direction and has a capsule insertion port 210 at one end for inserting a capsule.

[0071] Figure 5 This describes an exemplary method for deforming the shape of a capsule using a capsule shape deformation device according to one implementation of the present invention.

[0072] First, after positioning the capsule so that its cap faces the bottom, the capsule shape-deforming device of the present invention is placed on top of the capsule, causing the capsule to be inserted into the capsule insertion port 210 of the chamber 200. Then, when the pressurizing part 110 of the pressurizing device body 100 is pressed, as the chamber 200 is inserted deeper into the body 100, the shape-deforming member located in the chamber 200 presses the bottom of the capsule, causing the capsule to deform.

[0073] The following describes in more detail the various structures of the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view showing the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention. Figure 7 This is an anatomical view showing the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention.

[0075] First, the body 100 has an internal space for accommodating the chamber 200, and an opening is formed at one end to facilitate insertion into the chamber 200. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body 100 may have a cylindrical shape with one end blocked.

[0076] The body 100 has a pressure section 110 at its reverse end where the opening is formed, so that the user can pressurize the body 100. The shape of the pressure section 110 is not particularly limited as long as it can be easily pressurized by the consumer, and preferably, it can have a planar shape. The pressure section 110 can be formed by a separate structure or by a part of a connected body 100.

[0077] The interior of the aforementioned body 100 may have a groove-shaped guide (not shown) to allow the chamber 200 to move along a predetermined path. The outer surface of the chamber 200 may also have a protrusion to allow it to move along the guide. Alternatively, the outer surface of the chamber 200 may have a groove-shaped guide, and the interior of the chamber 200 may also have a protrusion.

[0078] Furthermore, there is one or more locking parts 120 at the bottom inside the body 100, which can prevent the chamber 200 from moving too inward when it moves inside the body 100.

[0079] In this invention, the chamber 200 is partially inserted into the body 100 through the opening of the body 100, and can move in the axial direction inside the body 100 at this time.

[0080] In this invention, "axial movement" means that when the body 100 and the chamber 200 are shaped like a cylinder with a central axis and share their axis, the chamber moves along the axial direction toward the inside or outside of the body.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the chamber 200 may have a cylindrical shape with one end blocked.

[0082] The chamber 200 has a capsule insertion port 210 at one end, whereby at least a portion of the capsule can be inserted into the chamber 200 and housed therein. The size of the capsule insertion port 210 can correspond to or be larger than the size of the flange of the capsule primarily used.

[0083] In the preferred usage method, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the size of the capsule insertion port 210 corresponds to the size of the capsule flange, the capsule shape can be stably deformed while the capsule insertion port 210 is fixed by applying pressure to the flange.

[0084] However, even if the size of the capsule insertion port 210 is larger than the size of the capsule flange, the capsule can still be fully inserted into the chamber 200 while placed on the bottom surface, thereby deforming the shape of the capsule. This is also one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] The inner surface adjacent to the capsule insertion port 210 of the chamber 200 may have a capsule support portion 220 with a gradually decreasing inner diameter. The shape of the capsule support portion 220 corresponds to the side wall of the capsule, and during pressurization, it can prevent the capsule from moving inside the chamber 200 and failing to be properly pressurized, thus preventing the force from being dispersed. In particular, when the size of the capsule flange is smaller than the size of the capsule insertion port 210, and the capsule cannot be pressurized by the capsule insertion port 210 and inserted into the chamber 200, it can serve to fix such a small capsule and prevent it from shaking during pressurization.

[0086] On the reverse side of the capsule insertion port 210 where the chamber 200 is not formed, there is an insertion hole 230 for inserting the support member 300 (described later) into the chamber 200. The insertion hole 230 can be freely configured according to the shape of the support member 300 and is formed in the middle of the bottom 240 of the chamber 200 so that the pressure applied by the user can be well transmitted to the capsule, which is preferred.

[0087] On the other hand, the capsule-shaped deformation device of the present invention includes a support member 300, which protrudes from the interior of the body 100 and extends into the interior of the chamber 200 through the insertion hole 230 of the chamber 200.

[0088] The connection position and shape of the aforementioned support member 300 can be freely configured as needed to directly transmit the user's applied pressure to the capsule. In this regard, it is preferable that it protrudes from the center of the body 100 and extends in the axial direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned support member 300 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0089] At this time, the support component 300 can be connected to the body 100 in various ways, such as by connecting one raw material or by connecting another connecting component.

[0090] In this invention, the support member 300 extends into the interior of the chamber 200, and its end has a shape-deforming member 400. The shape-deforming member 400 is located inside the chamber 200, but is not directly connected to the chamber 200. It is connected to the body 100 only through the support member 300, and thus can have a fixed position regardless of the movement of the chamber 200.

[0091] Specifically, when the chamber 200 moves axially within the body 100, the shape-deformation component 400, connected to the body 100 via the support component 300, does not move with the chamber 200 but maintains a fixed position. Therefore, when the chamber 200 is inserted into the body 100, the shape-deformation component 400 can be activated to protrude away from the bottom 240 of the chamber, thereby pressurizing the bottom of the capsule and deforming its shape.

[0092] At this time, by controlling the length of the aforementioned support member 300, the moving distance of the shape-deforming member 400 can be controlled.

[0093] The shape-deforming component 400 described above can have various sizes and shapes to conform to the deformable shape of the capsule. For example, the shape-deforming component 400 can make the surface in contact with the capsule flat, so that the contents inside the capsule have a more uniform distribution and a fixed height. Alternatively, the shape-deforming component 400 can include a protrusion 410 or a recess (not shown) to allow the bottom of the capsule to be deformed into a specific shape. The protrusion 410 can be composed of various shapes, such as circles, triangles, polygons, or multiple straight lines extending from the center outward. In particular, compared to the protrusion 410 being triangular, the shape of the capsule bottom can be deformed more stably.

[0094] Furthermore, the shape-deforming component 400 may include a perforating component 420 for forming a hole in the bottom of the capsule. When a hole is formed in the bottom of the capsule using the perforating component 420, gases such as carbon dioxide formed inside are expelled, and by pressurization, substances usable for manufacturing beverages can be uniformly and densely distributed at a predetermined height.

[0095] When perforation cannot be achieved using the perforation component 420, the shape of the capsule is deformed due to the gas inside not being expelled. As a result, the reconfiguration of the substances used to manufacture the beverage may not be smooth. When the deformed capsule is put into the beverage manufacturing device, the perforation component installed in the beverage manufacturing device may not be able to perforate the capsule normally due to the deformation of the capsule.

[0096] The perforated component 420 described above can have the shape of a conventional perforated component in this technical field, and can be composed of one or more components. For example, it can be composed of 1 to 5 components, with 3 components being the most preferred.

[0097] In a more preferred embodiment, the capsule-shaped deformation device of the present invention may further include an elastic member 500 between the body 100 and the chamber 200. In this case, the elastic member 500 is preferably an elastic member 500 in which the force acts in a direction that moves the body 100 and the chamber 200 away from each other, and most preferably a spring.

[0098] Specifically, the aforementioned elastic member preferably has one end located at the inner bottom of the body 100 and the other end located at the bottom 240 of the chamber. In particular, as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the elastic member 500 is configured to surround the support member 300 and can be stably fixed within the body 100.

[0099] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the capsule shape deformation member before and after deforming the capsule shape using an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] refer to Figure 8 The chamber 200 is located at the position furthest from the inner bottom surface of the body 100 due to the thrust of the elastic member 500. At this time, since the shape deformation member 400 is fixed at the end of the support member 300, it is possible to prevent the support member 300 from being unable to completely detach from the insertion hole 230 of the chamber 200 and thus prevent the chamber 200 from separating from the body 100.

[0101] The capsule is fixed by pressure applied to the flange portion by the capsule insertion port 210, and additionally, it is fixed by a structure that uses the capsule support portion 220 to prevent shaking.

[0102] When the consumer applies pressure to the pressurizing part 110, the elastic member 500 is compressed, and the chamber 200 is inserted into the inside of the body 100. At this time, the positions of the supporting member 300 and the shape-deforming member 400 move towards the capsule along with the body 100, so the shape-deforming member 400 presses the bottom of the capsule, causing the capsule to deform.

[0103] The body 100 has one or more locking parts 120 inside, which can prevent the chamber 200 from being inserted too deeply into the body 100, so that the capsule is only pressurized as needed and deformed into the desired shape.

[0104] In this invention, by controlling the length of the support member 300, the distance between the locking part 120 of the body 100 and the bottom of the chamber 240, or the maximum compression thickness of the elastic member 500, the distance the shape deformation member 400 can be moved can be adjusted, thereby allowing the capsule to be deformed into the desired shape.

[0105] When pressure is applied to the capsule using the shape-deforming component 400, the capsule deforms into a predetermined shape. The predetermined shape may mean, for example, that the bottom 11 of the capsule deforms while the shapes of the sidewall portion 12 and the flange 13 remain unchanged.

[0106] In this invention, "shape deformation" means that the desired portion is pre-deformed into a desired shape using the capsule shape deformation device of this invention, and the deformation is achieved in the same manner even with repeated pressure. Here, "in the same manner" means that the capsule is deformed from the desired portion, not that the capsule's deformed shape must be exactly the same each time. Furthermore, it not only means complete deformation to the state where the desired deformation portion can be deformed to its maximum extent, but also includes the process of deforming towards the shape that can be deformed to its maximum extent. That is, it means that the voids inside the capsule are completely removed, it is completely filled with the substance used to manufacture the beverage, and it is in a state where it cannot be deformed further.

[0107] In this invention, the capsule's shape is deformed in a direction that reduces the volume inside the capsule. Through this shape deformation, the internal volume of the capsule can be reduced by 1% to 20%, preferably by 3% to 18.5%, and most preferably by 8% to 14%. When the capsule body's shape is deformed within the above range, the substances used for manufacturing the beverage can be evenly distributed while completely eliminating voids inside the capsule.

[0108] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the predetermined shape described above may mean that the bottom is folded inward toward the capsule, resulting in a lower bottom height. In this case, it is preferable to maintain the shape and height of the sidewall portion unchanged. In the invention, by deforming the shape of the capsule, the height of the bottom can be 0 or less.

[0109] In this respect, the thickness of the pressure capsule of the shape-deforming component 400 of the capsule shape-deforming device of the present invention is 2 to 8 mm, preferably 4 to 6 mm, and more preferably 4.5 to 5.0 mm.

[0110] Furthermore, the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention is preferably designed to change only the shape of the bottom of the capsule without deforming other parts such as the sidewall.

[0111] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the shape-deforming component 400 may be an elastomer or may include a portion of an elastic material. By making the shape-deforming component 400 an elastomer or including a portion of an elastic material, excessive force can be prevented from being transmitted to the capsule, and the capsule can be deformed into the desired shape.

[0112] The capsules used in this invention are not subject to significant limitations in terms of capacity, but can be selected from 3 to 20g, or are applicable to capsules of any capacity. Preferably, they can be used in large-capacity capsules of 8 to 12g, providing extraction quality that was previously unavailable in large-capacity capsules.

[0113] In particular, existing beverage-making capsules yield a small amount of material per extraction, leaving consumers feeling unsatisfied or requiring the extraction of multiple capsules for their beverages, thus causing inconvenience. To address this issue, large-capacity capsules capable of holding approximately 10g of beverage-making material have been proposed. However, due to the larger capsule size and greater gas expulsion, more voids are created, resulting in uneven distribution of the internal material, leading to reduced yield and greater sensory degradation.

[0114] Furthermore, with traditional large-capsule capsules, increasing the capsule diameter leads to difficulties in evenly distributing liquid throughout the entire diameter as it passes through the internal material due to channeling and other phenomena. Therefore, the strategy for traditional large-capsule capsules was to increase the capsule height while maintaining a small diameter. However, a large capsule height raises concerns about excessive internal pressure. To prevent this, most methods involve increasing the particle size of the internal material to reduce pressure. However, large particle sizes still result in issues such as insufficient penetration of the beverage or prolonged extraction times. Consequently, the manufacture and sale of large-capsule capsules are limited, making them difficult to utilize.

[0115] According to the present invention, beverages can be extracted in a state where the internal substances are uniformly rearranged without gaps, regardless of the size of the capsule. This not only increases the yield of the beverage but also preserves the flavor and aroma desired during initial manufacturing. Therefore, even when manufacturing large-capacity capsules with large diameters, when the capsule shape-deforming device of the present invention is used to pre-deform the capsule shape for beverage extraction, the liquid can pass through the internal substances uniformly. The low capsule height allows for smaller particle sizes of the internal substances, resulting in deep beverage penetration and a short extraction time. This leads to excellent yield and sensory qualities, and the extraction of a beverage of uniform quality.

[0116] Figure 10 To capture images of the capsule before and after its shape is deformed using the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention, it can be confirmed that the bottom of the capsule is deformed into a flat shape and perforated by the shape deformation member 400 having a triangular protrusion 410, and the shape of the capsule's sidewalls and other parts remains unchanged.

[0117] Furthermore, conventional beverage manufacturing devices typically have an insertion port that resembles the shape of the capsule. When the capsule's shape is deformed, it becomes difficult to insert it into the insertion port or into the internal chamber of the device. Therefore, during the distribution process, if the capsule's flange is bent or its overall shape is damaged, it may become difficult to insert into the beverage manufacturing device or, once inserted, fail to extract properly.

[0118] When using the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention, during the process of deforming the shape of the capsule, the capsule flange is pressurized by the capsule insertion port 210, thereby repairing the bent portion of the flange. Furthermore, the capsule support portion 220 is shaped to correspond to the side wall portion of the capsule, thereby repairing the deformation of the side wall portion of the capsule.

[0119] Figure 11 Images show the process of repairing capsules that are difficult to insert into conventional beverage manufacturing equipment due to flange bending using the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention. It can be confirmed that the capsule shape deformation device of the present invention repairs the portion of the flange that is bent during the process of deforming the bottom of the capsule into a flat shape.

[0120] The capsule-shaped deformation device of the present invention may further include a support for holding the device.

[0121] In this respect, the present invention also relates to a capsule shape deformation device kit, comprising: a capsule shape deformation device for pre-deforming the shape of a capsule before it is fed into a beverage manufacturing apparatus; and a support for holding the capsule shape deformation device.

[0122] The aforementioned bracket has a groove of a size corresponding to the capsule insertion port 210 of the capsule shape deformation device. When the capsule shape deformation device is not in use, a portion of the capsule insertion port 210 can be inserted into the aforementioned groove to stably place it and store it, preventing the perforated component 420 from injuring the user.

[0123] Furthermore, when the capsule is deformed, it can be positioned behind the aforementioned groove. The capsule shape deformation device can deform the capsule shape more stably, preventing contamination of the capsule cap and other parts, which is also preferred from a hygiene perspective.

[0124] The aforementioned support may also include a capsule holder for storing the capsule. When configured in this way, the capsule shape-deforming device and the capsule can be stored together, making it convenient to use. With the capsule placed in the capsule holder, the capsule shape-deforming device can be used directly to deform the shape of the capsule, which is very convenient.

[0125] The size and shape of the aforementioned brackets are not particularly restricted as long as they can perform the functions described above, and can be freely chosen taking into account design factors.

[0126] Figure 12 An image of a capsule-shaped deformable component and its support according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 The support has grooves that correspond to the sizes of the capsule-shaped deformable parts and the capsule flange, respectively, and is shaped to easily place them.

[0127] Figure 13 An image of a capsule-shaped deformable component and its support according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 The support does not have slots for holding capsules, and can simply hold capsule-shaped deformable parts, emphasizing design and bringing aesthetic satisfaction to consumers.

[0128] From the above description, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific ways without changing its technical concept or essential features. Accordingly, it must be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not limiting. The scope of the invention should be interpreted as including within the scope of the appended claims and all modifications or variations derived therefrom, compared to the detailed description above.

Claims

1. A capsule-shaped deformation device, characterized in that, include: The main body has an internal space capable of accommodating chambers, and has an opening; The chamber, through the opening of the aforementioned body, is movable in the axial direction when a portion is inserted, forming a capsule insertion port into which at least a portion of the capsule is inserted and can be accommodated, including an insertion hole into which a support member can be inserted. A support component protrudes from the interior of the aforementioned body and extends into the interior of the aforementioned chamber; as well as A shape-deforming component is formed at the end of the aforementioned support component and is used to deform the shape of the capsule by pressurizing the capsule.

2. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capsule shape deformation device described above is used to pre-deform the shape of the capsule before it is fed into the beverage manufacturing apparatus.

3. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned body includes a pressurization unit that allows the user to apply pressure. The capsule is pressurized by the force of the user pressurizing the capsule.

4. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the aforementioned chamber includes a capsule support portion with a gradually decreasing inner diameter.

5. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned deformable parts include protrusions or recesses.

6. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned shape-deforming components include perforation components for forming holes in the capsule.

7. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned shape-deforming components include elastic materials.

8. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An elastic component is also included between the aforementioned body and the chamber.

9. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic force of the aforementioned elastic component acts in the direction that moves the body away from the cavity.

10. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deformation of the aforementioned shape proceeds in the direction of reducing the internal volume of the capsule.

11. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned shape deformation reduces the internal volume of the capsule by 1 to 20%.

12. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned shape deformation maintains the shape of the sidewall portion of the capsule while only deforming the shape of the bottom portion.

13. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a slot with a size corresponding to the capsule insertion opening, and a bracket in which the capsule shape deformation device can be placed.

14. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned body (100) contains a groove-shaped guide. The outer surface of the aforementioned chamber (200) has a protrusion that can move with the aforementioned guide.

15. The capsule shape deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body (100) has a protrusion inside. The outer surface of the aforementioned chamber (200) has a groove-shaped guide to facilitate the insertion and movement of the aforementioned protrusion.

16. A method for deforming the shape of a capsule, characterized in that, include: Steps for providing capsules; The step of inserting a capsule into the capsule insertion port of the capsule shape deformation device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; as well as The step of deforming the capsule shape by applying pressure to the main body of the capsule shape deformation device to compress the capsule shape by the shape deformation component.

17. A capsule-shaped deformation device kit, comprising: A capsule shape-deforming device is used to pre-deform the shape of a capsule before it is fed into a beverage-making apparatus; And a support structure capable of holding the aforementioned capsule-shaped deformation device. Its features are, The capsule shape deformation device mentioned above includes: The main body has an internal space capable of accommodating chambers, and has an opening; The chamber, through the opening of the aforementioned body, is movable in the axial direction when a portion is inserted, forming a capsule insertion port into which at least a portion of the capsule is inserted and can be accommodated, including an insertion hole into which a support member can be inserted. Supporting components protrude from the interior of the aforementioned body and extend into the interior of the aforementioned chamber; and A shape-deforming component, formed at the end of the aforementioned support component, is used to deform the capsule shape by pressurizing the capsule. The aforementioned support includes a groove capable of holding the aforementioned capsule-shaped deformation device.

18. The capsule shape deformation device kit according to claim 17, characterized in that, The aforementioned support also includes a capsule holder for storing the capsules.

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