A disposable infusion aluminium foil capsule

Abstract

The application provides a disposable brewing aluminum foil capsule, which comprises a cup body, a liquid outlet, a filter assembly, non-woven fabric, a liquid inlet hole, a supporting plate, a filter piece, an elastic vertical plate, a first filter gap, an elastic opening piece and a pressure bearing plate. When the extraction pressure increases, the pressure bearing plate will move and drive the elastic opening piece to move downward. The downward movement of the elastic opening piece will drive the end of the elastic vertical plate away from the supporting plate to open outward, so as to increase the width size of the first filter gap, and then prevent the over-extraction phenomenon such as bitter taste caused by excessive pressure of the extraction liquid due to small aperture when high-pressure extraction occurs. When the extraction pressure is small, the elastic vertical plate will reset under the elastic action of itself, so as to reduce the width size of the first filter gap and prevent the problems of insufficient extraction and poor taste caused by the fact that the coffee powder cannot fully contact the extraction liquid when a large-aperture capsule is used in a low-pressure device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of instant capsule technology, specifically to a disposable instant aluminum foil capsule. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of beverage extraction technology, a large number of fully automatic or semi-automatic capsule coffee machines of various models have appeared on the market. These coffee machines are all equipped with an extraction device for preparing and making beverages, allowing hot water to flow through a capsule containing the beverage to be extracted, thus achieving the purpose of beverage preparation. For example, tea, coffee, and instant drinks can all be made using this type of capsule coffee machine. The special feature of this extraction-type capsule is that all capsules are disposable. These products have the beverage to be extracted pre-filled into plastic capsules, which are then sealed with plastic or aluminum foil caps.

[0003] However, there are currently differences in technical parameters within the coffee capsule equipment industry, such as the core extraction pressure parameter, which varies significantly between different brands and series of equipment. For example, Nespresso's Classic series uses traditional high-pressure extraction, with a stable pressure of 9-11 bar, suitable for medium-roast, fine-grind coffee powder; the Vertuo series uses centrifugal extraction technology for large-volume extraction, with a peak pressure of 19 bar, suitable for coarse-grind coffee powder and large-particle capsules. Besides Nespresso, brands like DolceGusto and Lavazza offer extraction pressures ranging from 6-18 bar, forming a discrete pressure standard system. The fragmented distribution of pressure parameters at the device end places extremely high demands on the adaptability of coffee capsules. Currently, third-party coffee capsule manufacturers generally use traditional fixed-pore-size filter structures, with pore sizes only matched to the pressure of specific brands or series of devices. When such capsules are used in incompatible devices, a mismatch between extraction pressure and pore size is very likely to occur: using small-pore capsules in high-pressure devices will lead to excessive pressure on the extract, resulting in over-extraction and a burnt, bitter taste; using large-pore capsules in low-pressure devices will prevent the coffee grounds from fully contacting the extract, resulting in under-extraction and a weak flavor. Therefore, there is a need for a brewing capsule that can adapt to the extraction pressure of different devices and achieve cross-brand compatibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a disposable aluminum foil capsule that does not have at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a disposable aluminum foil capsule for brewing, comprising a cup body for storing extract, a first filter assembly disposed at the liquid outlet of the cup body, and a non-woven fabric fixed to the interior of the cup body; the non-woven fabric is located between the extract and the first filter assembly, the first filter assembly comprising a support plate fixed to the interior of the cup body and having a plurality of liquid inlet holes, and a plurality of filter elements fixed to the bottom of the support plate and aligned with the liquid inlet holes; the filter elements comprising a plurality of elastic vertical plates fixed to the bottom of the support plate, the plurality of elastic vertical plates being distributed circumferentially along the liquid inlet and having a first filter gap between adjacent elastic vertical plates, the bottom of each elastic vertical plate being connected to an elastic opening member, the end of the elastic opening member passing through the liquid inlet hole being fixed to a pressure plate, the pressure plate abutting against the bottom of the non-woven fabric, and when the elastic opening member moves downward, the ends of the plurality of elastic vertical plates away from the support plate open outward, thereby increasing the width of the first filter gap.

[0006] Furthermore, the diameter of the filter pores in the nonwoven fabric is larger than the maximum width of the first filter gap.

[0007] Furthermore, the elastic opening member includes a movable rod fixedly connected to the pressure plate, a conical plate fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable rod, and a plurality of elastic inclined plates fixedly connected to the bottom of the conical plate and arranged outwardly from top to bottom. There is a deformation gap between two adjacent elastic inclined plates, and the end of the elastic inclined plate away from the conical plate is fixedly connected to the lower end of the elastic vertical plate. When the movable rod moves down, all the elastic inclined plates open, thereby driving the elastic vertical plate to open.

[0008] Furthermore, the width of the deformable gap is smaller than the width of the first filter gap.

[0009] Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the elastic vertical plate is less than that of the elastic inclined plate, and the elastic modulus of the elastic inclined plate is less than that of the tapered plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the pressure plate has several through grooves distributed circumferentially, and there is a gap between the pressure plate and the inner wall of the cup body.

[0011] Furthermore, a second filter assembly is provided between the first filter assembly and the liquid outlet. The second filter assembly includes a plurality of horizontal elastic plates distributed circumferentially and fixed at one end to the inner wall of the cup, a plurality of inclined elastic plates distributed and fixed to the plurality of horizontal elastic plates, and a support member fixed to all the inclined elastic plates. A second filter gap exists between two adjacent horizontal elastic plates and two adjacent inclined elastic plates. The width of the second filter gap is smaller than the width of the first filter gap, and there is a tolerance gap between the end of the support member penetrating the support plate and the pressure plate.

[0012] Furthermore, a liquid equalization plate is fixedly attached to the inner wall of the cup near the liquid outlet. The liquid equalization plate includes a liquid outlet plate and a flow guide cone plate fixed to the edge of the liquid outlet plate. Several flow guide plates are distributed circumferentially inside the flow guide cone plate. Several liquid outlet holes are provided on the liquid outlet plate. The maximum total area of ​​all the first filter gaps is smaller than the total area of ​​all the liquid outlet holes.

[0013] Furthermore, the number of the guide plates is the same as the number of the horizontal elastic plates, and each guide plate is located below the center of one of the horizontal elastic plates.

[0014] Furthermore, the liquid outlet plate includes several liquid outlet grooves distributed in a stepped manner, and each liquid outlet groove has several liquid outlet holes at its bottom. The water storage height of the liquid outlet grooves is the same; and the closer to the center of the liquid outlet plate, the closer the bottom of the liquid outlet groove will be to the liquid outlet.

[0015] Furthermore, each end of the cup body is provided with a sealing film.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: When the extraction pressure increases, the pressure plate will move, causing the elastic opening member to move downward. The downward movement of the elastic opening member will cause the end of the elastic vertical plate away from the support plate to open outward, thereby increasing the width of the first filter gap. This prevents over-extraction, such as burnt bitterness, caused by excessive pressure on the extract due to the small aperture during high-pressure extraction. When the extraction pressure is low, the elastic vertical plate will return to its original position under its own elasticity, thereby reducing the width of the first filter gap. This prevents problems such as insufficient extraction and bland taste caused by using large-aperture capsules in low-pressure equipment, which would result in insufficient contact between the coffee powder and the extract. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the equalization plate.

[0019] The components are as follows: 1. Cup body; 2. Sealing film; 3. Reinforcing rib; 4. Non-woven fabric; 5. Liquid outlet; 6. Elastic opening component; 7. Second filter assembly; 8. First filter assembly; 9. Liquid distribution plate; 10. First filter gap; 11. Elastic vertical plate; 12. Elastic inclined plate; 13. Guide plate; 14. Liquid outlet trough; 15. Pressure plate; 16. Moving rod; 17. Fault tolerance gap; 18. Support component; 19. Inclined elastic plate; 20. Horizontal elastic plate; 21. Second filter gap; 22. Support plate; 23. Liquid outlet hole. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided below.

[0021] Example: Please refer to Figures 1-5 A disposable aluminum foil capsule includes a cup body 1 for storing extract, a first filter assembly 8 located at the liquid outlet 5 of the cup body 1, and a non-woven fabric 4 fixed inside the cup body 1. The non-woven fabric 4 is located between the extract and the first filter assembly 8. The first filter assembly 8 includes a support plate 22 fixed inside the cup body 1 and having a plurality of liquid inlet holes, and a plurality of filter elements fixed to the bottom of the support plate 22 and aligned with the liquid inlet holes. The filter elements include a plurality of elastic vertical plates 11 fixed to the bottom of the support plate 22. The plurality of elastic vertical plates 11 are distributed circumferentially along the liquid inlet, and there is a first filter gap 10 between two adjacent elastic vertical plates 11. The bottom of each elastic vertical plate 11 is connected to an elastic opening member 6. The end of the elastic opening member 6 passing through the liquid inlet hole is fixed to a pressure plate 15. The pressure plate 15 abuts against the bottom of the non-woven fabric 4. The extract is coffee powder, and the non-woven fabric 4 serves two purposes: first, it performs preliminary filtration of the coffee powder during the extraction process, and second, it transmits the extraction pressure to the pressure plate 15. The transmission principle is as follows: when the extraction pressure increases, that is, when the water flow pressure increases, the coffee powder is squeezed, which acts on the non-woven fabric 4, thereby causing the non-woven fabric 4 to deform, that is, the middle of the non-woven fabric 4 will sink, thus acting on the pressure plate 15 to achieve pressure transmission. When the pressure plate 15 is subjected to high pressure, it will move, thereby causing the elastic opening member 6 to move downward. When the elastic opening member 6 moves downward, the end of the elastic vertical plate 11 away from the support plate 22 will open outward, thereby increasing the width of the first filter gap 10. This prevents over-extraction, such as a burnt or bitter taste, caused by excessive pressure on the extract due to the small aperture during high-pressure extraction. When the extraction pressure is low, the elastic vertical plate 11 will return to its original position under its own elasticity, thereby reducing the width of the first filter gap 10. This prevents the coffee powder from not being able to fully contact the extract when using large-aperture capsules in low-pressure equipment, resulting in insufficient extraction and a weak taste. Therefore, the capsule in this invention can adapt to the extraction pressure of different equipment and achieve cross-brand compatibility for brewing.

[0022] In addition to the effects mentioned above, the adaptive change of the first filter gap 10 with the extraction pressure also has the following advantages after experimental comparison: First, it can achieve precise control of extraction efficiency and flavor profile; that is, through negative feedback adjustment of pore size and water pressure, the contact time between water flow and coffee powder can be optimized from the traditional fixed 25 seconds to a dynamic range of 18-32 seconds; when extracting light roast Yirgacheffe, the small gap in the low-pressure stage extends the soaking time to 32 seconds, increasing the extraction rate of fruit acids by 22%; when extracting dark roast Brazil beans, the large gap in the high-pressure stage shortens the contact time to 18 seconds, reducing the amount of bitter substances by 35%. This adaptability makes the flavor profile of a single extraction 3.2 times that of the traditional method, increases the crema thickness by 0.8 mm, and extends the duration by 40 seconds; Secondly, it can reduce equipment maintenance costs. Research shows that coffee machine malfunctions caused by blockage of fixed apertures account for 47%, requiring users to perform ultrasonic cleaning or replace the puncture needle every month. The adaptive change of the first filter gap 10 with the extraction pressure can reduce the amount of residual powder in the pipe, thereby reducing the equipment maintenance cycle and thus reducing maintenance costs. In one embodiment, the diameter of the filter pores of the nonwoven fabric 4 is larger than the maximum width of the first filter gap 10, thereby achieving preliminary filtration and pressure transmission while preventing the nonwoven fabric 4 from breaking due to excessive pressure; thus ensuring the effective transmission of extraction pressure and preventing excessive coffee powder from flowing into the movable gap of the pressure plate 15 after breakage, affecting the movement of the pressure plate 15, and consequently affecting the adaptive change of the first filter gap 10 with the extraction pressure.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elastic opening member 6 includes a movable rod 16 fixedly connected to the pressure plate 15, a conical plate fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable rod 16, and a plurality of elastic inclined plates 12 fixedly connected to the bottom of the conical plate and arranged outwardly from top to bottom. There is a deformation gap between two adjacent elastic inclined plates 12. The end of the elastic inclined plate 12 away from the conical plate is fixedly connected to the lower end of the elastic vertical plate 11. When the movable rod 16 moves down, all the elastic inclined plates 12 open, thereby driving the elastic vertical plate 11 to open. When it opens, the diameter of the circle formed by the lower ends of all the elastic inclined plates 12 increases. Therefore, with the same number of elastic inclined plates 12, the gap at the lower end of the adjacent elastic inclined plates 12, i.e., the size of the lower end of the first filter gap 10, will increase, thereby realizing that the first filter gap 10 increases with the increase of the extraction pressure. In addition, the width of the first filter gap 10 gradually increases from the top to the bottom, thereby greatly improving the filtration quality of coffee powder and avoiding the sudden change in extraction pressure caused by the sudden change of the first filter gap 10, which would affect the life of the equipment. The elastic modulus of the vertical elastic plate 11 is less than that of the inclined plate 12, and the elastic modulus of the inclined plate 12 is less than that of the conical plate. This ensures that the vertical elastic plate 11 can fully open and prevents the inclined plate 12 from deforming itself without causing the vertical elastic plate 11 to deform due to the similar elastic modulus of the inclined plate 12. In addition, the pressure plate 15 has several through grooves distributed circumferentially, and there is a gap between the pressure plate 15 and the inner wall of the cup body 1, so that the coffee liquid flows evenly into each inlet.

[0024] In one embodiment, a second filter assembly 7 is provided between the first filter assembly 8 and the liquid outlet 5. The second filter assembly 7 includes a plurality of horizontal elastic plates 20 distributed circumferentially and fixed at one end to the inner wall of the cup body 1, a plurality of inclined elastic plates 19 distributed and fixed to the plurality of horizontal elastic plates 20, and a support member 18 fixed to all the inclined elastic plates 19. There is a second filter gap 21 between two adjacent horizontal elastic plates 20 and two adjacent inclined elastic plates 19. The width of the second filter gap 21 is smaller than the width of the first filter gap 10. There is a tolerance gap 17 between the end of the support member 18 that penetrates the support plate 22 and the pressure plate 15, thereby forming a stepped filtration and improving the filtration quality of coffee powder. When the extraction pressure reaches the point where the tolerance gap 17 is zero, if the extraction pressure continues to increase, the support 18 will move downward, causing the horizontal elastic plate 20 to rotate. The end of the horizontal elastic plate 20 away from the inner wall of the cup body 1 will rotate downward. At this time, the diameter of the circle formed by the lower ends of all the horizontal elastic plates 20 increases. Therefore, with the same number of horizontal elastic plates 20, the gap between the lower ends of adjacent horizontal elastic plates 20, i.e., the size of the lower end of the second filtration gap 21, will increase, thereby realizing that the second filtration gap 21 increases with the increase of the extraction pressure. At this time, the first filtration gap 10 increases synchronously, so that both filtration gaps in the stepped filtration can adapt to the extraction pressure.

[0025] In one embodiment, a liquid equalization plate 9 is fixedly attached to the inner wall of the cup body 1 near the liquid outlet 5. The liquid equalization plate 9 includes a liquid outlet plate and a flow guide cone plate fixed to the edge of the liquid outlet plate. Several flow guide plates 13 are distributed circumferentially inside the flow guide cone plate. Several liquid outlet holes 23 are provided on the liquid outlet plate, thereby realizing the mixing of the extracted coffee liquid and preventing the phenomenon of uneven concentration of the flowing coffee liquid due to different extraction degrees in different parts of the cup body 1. The maximum total area of ​​all the first filter gaps 10 is smaller than the total area of ​​all the liquid outlet holes 23, preventing the problems caused by the fixed hole diameter in the past.

[0026] In one embodiment, the number of guide plates 13 is the same as the number of horizontal elastic plates 20, and each guide plate 13 is located below the middle of a horizontal elastic plate 20, so that the coffee liquid from the second filter gap 21 flows directly into the backflow gap between the two guide plates 13; the liquid outlet plate includes a number of liquid outlet grooves 14 distributed in a stepped manner, and each liquid outlet groove 14 has a number of liquid outlet holes 23 at the bottom, and the water storage height of the liquid outlet grooves 14 is the same; firstly, it plays a better mixing role, and secondly, the coffee liquid flows from the outside to the inside, which increases the residence time of the coffee liquid on the liquid equalization plate 9, which is convenient for mixing; and the closer to the middle of the liquid outlet plate, the closer the bottom of the liquid outlet groove 14 will be to the liquid outlet 5, which is beneficial to use the gravitational potential energy of the coffee liquid itself to improve the mixing effect.

[0027] In one embodiment, each end of the cup body 1 is provided with a sealing film 2, which can be in the form of sealing aluminum foil. The two sealing films 2 seal the top and bottom of the capsule respectively. The top sealing film 2 is used to isolate air, moisture and impurities, and maintain the flavor of the coffee powder. When in use, it is punctured by the extraction needle of the coffee machine to allow hot water to be injected for extraction. The bottom sealing film 2 prevents the coffee powder from getting damp and oxidized, and keeps the coffee powder fresh. When in use, it is punctured by a part of the coffee machine to allow the extracted coffee liquid to flow out. The outside of the cup body 1 is provided with several steps, and the outer wall of the steps aligned with the elastic vertical plate 11 is provided with several reinforcing ribs 3, thereby improving the strength of the steps and preventing deformation of the steps, which would affect the deformation of the elastic vertical plate 11.

[0028] Working principle: When the extraction pressure increases, the water flow and coffee powder squeeze the non-woven fabric 4, causing it to deform and sink. This deformation acts on the pressure plate 15, causing the pressure plate 15 to move. This, in turn, moves the moving rod 16 downward. As the moving rod 16 moves downward, it pushes the elastic inclined plate 12 and the elastic vertical plate 11 outward, increasing the width of the first filter gap 10. This prevents over-extraction, such as a burnt or bitter taste, caused by excessive pressure on the extract due to small pore size during high-pressure extraction. Conversely, when the extraction pressure is low, the elastic vertical plate 11 returns to its original position due to its elasticity, reducing the width of the first filter gap 10. This prevents insufficient extraction and a weak taste caused by using large-pore capsules in low-pressure equipment. Therefore, the capsule in this invention can adapt to different equipment extraction pressures and achieve cross-brand compatibility for brewing.

[0029] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0030] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A disposable reconstituted aluminum foil capsule, characterized in that, The device includes a cup body (1) for storing the extract, a first filter assembly (8) located at the outlet (5) of the cup body (1), and a non-woven fabric (4) fixed inside the cup body (1). The non-woven fabric (4) is located between the extract and the first filter assembly (8). The first filter assembly (8) includes a support plate (22) fixed inside the cup body (1) and having a plurality of inlet holes, and a plurality of filter elements fixed to the bottom of the support plate (22) and aligned with the inlet holes. The filter elements include a plurality of elastic vertical plates (11) fixed to the bottom of the support plate (22), and a plurality of... The elastic vertical plates (11) are distributed circumferentially along the liquid inlet and there is a first filter gap (10) between two adjacent elastic vertical plates (11). The bottom of each elastic vertical plate (11) is connected to the elastic opening member (6). The end of the elastic opening member (6) that passes through the liquid inlet is fixed to the pressure plate (15). The pressure plate (15) abuts against the bottom of the non-woven fabric (4). When the elastic opening member (6) moves down, the ends of several elastic vertical plates (11) that are away from the support plate (22) open outward, thereby increasing the width of the first filter gap (10). The diameter of the filter pores in the nonwoven fabric (4) is greater than the maximum width of the first filter gap (10); The elastic opening member (6) includes a movable rod (16) fixedly connected to the pressure plate (15), a conical plate fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable rod (16), and a plurality of elastic inclined plates (12) fixedly connected to the bottom of the conical plate and arranged outward from top to bottom. There is a deformation gap between two adjacent elastic inclined plates (12). The end of the elastic inclined plate (12) away from the conical plate is fixedly connected to the lower end of the elastic vertical plate (11). When the movable rod (16) moves down, all the elastic inclined plates (12) open, thereby driving the elastic vertical plate (11) to open. The elastic modulus of the elastic vertical plate (11) is less than that of the elastic inclined plate (12), and the elastic modulus of the elastic inclined plate (12) is less than that of the tapered plate.

2. The disposable reconstituted aluminum foil capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure plate (15) has several through grooves distributed circumferentially, and there is a gap between the pressure plate (15) and the inner wall of the cup body (1).

3. The disposable reconstituted aluminum foil capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second filter assembly (7) is provided between the first filter assembly (8) and the liquid outlet (5). The second filter assembly (7) includes a plurality of horizontal elastic plates (20) distributed circumferentially and fixed at one end to the inner wall of the cup body (1), a plurality of inclined elastic plates (19) distributed and fixed to the plurality of horizontal elastic plates (20), and a support member (18) fixed to all the inclined elastic plates (19). There is a second filter gap (21) between two adjacent horizontal elastic plates (20) and two adjacent inclined elastic plates (19). The width of the second filter gap (21) is smaller than the width of the first filter gap (10), and there is a tolerance gap (17) between the end of the support member (18) that penetrates the support plate (22) and the pressure plate (15).

4. The disposable reconstituted aluminum foil capsule according to claim 3, characterized in that, A liquid equalization plate (9) is fixedly attached to the inner wall of the cup body (1) near the liquid outlet (5). The liquid equalization plate (9) includes a liquid outlet plate and a flow guide cone plate fixed to the edge of the liquid outlet plate. Several flow guide plates (13) are distributed circumferentially inside the flow guide cone plate. Several liquid outlet holes (23) are provided on the liquid outlet plate. The maximum total area of ​​all the first filter gaps (10) is smaller than the total area of ​​all the liquid outlet holes (23).

5. The disposable reconstituted aluminum foil capsule according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of the guide plates (13) is the same as the number of the horizontal elastic plates (20), and each guide plate (13) is located below the center of one of the horizontal elastic plates (20).

6. The disposable reconstituted aluminum foil capsule according to claim 4, characterized in that, The liquid outlet plate includes a plurality of liquid outlet troughs (14) arranged in a stepped manner. Each liquid outlet trough (14) has a plurality of liquid outlet holes (23) at its bottom. The liquid outlet troughs (14) have the same water storage height. The closer to the center of the liquid outlet plate, the closer the bottom of the liquid outlet trough (14) will be to the liquid outlet (5).

7. The disposable reconstituted aluminum foil capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each end of the cup body (1) is provided with a sealing film (2).

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