Capsule coffee brewing system

Abstract

Capsule coffee brewing system, at least comprehensive: - Coffee capsules (2) having an elongated cylindrical shape or a tubular or cigarette-shaped construction, closed at both ends, one end being provided with a tip (3) and a pre-separated break-off closure (17), while the other end is sealed with a foil or closure which can be easily pierced by a cannula or piercing needle (12), - a capsule coffee machine (1) with a multiple, revolver-like rotating capsule receiving magazine (4) with several hollow cylinders designed for the simultaneous receiving of several cigarette-shaped coffee capsules (2) which can be consumed one after the other or simultaneously, which are aligned vertically or almost vertically in the revolver receiving magazine (4) and which consists of at least one hot water supply system which pierces the capsule from above via a piercing needle or cannula (12) and injects hot water into the capsule (2) at high pressure.

Description

[0001] This capsule coffee brewing system includes a capsule coffee machine designed to accept special cigarette-shaped coffee capsules and is equipped with a revolver magazine that allows for multiple coffee brewing cycles in succession.

[0002] Today's capsule coffee machines are only able to hold one capsule and use it for the brewing process.

[0003] This is also due to the shape of the coffee capsules, which are relatively awkwardly shaped.

[0004] There are numerous capsule coffee machines that use capsules to prepare coffee or espresso. Each capsule contains a small amount of ground coffee (approximately 5-6 grams). It also has an integrated filter that filters the coffee as it flows through. During preparation, the capsule is pierced at several points in the machine, and hot water flows in through one side while the coffee flows out the other. However, there are also capsules that already contain the water-coffee mixture. The coffee first flows into a funnel and is then guided through a semi-circular channel to the cup. Unfortunately, this circuitous route cools the coffee to a greater or lesser degree, which is why the first cup is usually slightly cooler than, for example, the next cup if a second capsule is to be prepared immediately afterward.

[0005] From DE 603 ​​06 337 T2, a capsule machine is known with a rotatable capsule revolver magazine, a capsule, and a piercing device. The present invention relates generally to a beverage dispensing device and more specifically to a beverage dispensing device that delivers coffee, espresso, tea, and other brewed beverages in a high-speed and high-quality manner.

[0006] The invention EP 2 745 750 A2 discloses a cylindrical capsule suitable for brewing beverages. Improved capsules are provided for storing a portion of a product within an interior space for preparing a liquid food product, for example, a beverage, in a food preparation device. The capsule includes at least one divider for partitioning the interior space into several separate compartments, comprising at least a first and a second compartment. At a predetermined time during the preparation of the liquid product, a specific component can be dispensed and / or the components from two or more compartments can be mixed. Preferably, the capsule is configured so that it can be emptied by squeezing the capsule. A device may include an actuator for interacting with the capsule.This also provides improvements to methods for preparing food products from capsules.

[0007] US Patent 5,325,765 A discloses a filter cartridge in which the coffee grounds are contained in a filter bag inside the cartridge. The outer casing of the cartridge is made of a waterproof material, while the filter bag is made of a water-permeable material. The filter bag has a downwardly tapered shape, so that a chamber is formed in the lower part of the filter cartridge between the outer casing and the filter bag. To extract the coffee grounds, the cartridge is pierced on both sides by an upper and a lower piercing device.

[0008] EP 1554958 B1 concerns a coffee machine for brewing ground coffee packaged in capsules. These types of coffee machines are primarily used in households. Compared to conventional coffee machines with a grinder for grinding coffee beans, a fundamental advantage of these machines is that the use of capsules allows for the brewing of a high-quality coffee beverage, especially since the coffee powder has an optimal grind and is hermetically sealed in the capsules. Furthermore, these coffee machines are subject to relatively little contamination from coffee grounds.

[0009] EP 2476633 B1 relates to a capsule, a system, and a method for preparing a beverage. Here, the stiffening area is arranged, in particular rotationally symmetrically, around the penetration area, wherein the stiffening area is designed as at least a section-wise depression, essentially in the circumferential direction, in the base, and is thus protected.

[0010] From DE 27 52 733 C2, a cartridge is known which contains a substance for the production of a beverage using a corresponding machine. This cartridge has a sealed housing with an acute-angled truncated cone shape and is usually made of aluminum sheet.

[0011] From WO 2010 / 041179 A2, a capsule for preparing beverages such as coffee is known. The capsule can contain ground coffee and has a top surface with a built-in weakening area.

[0012] From EP 1 944 248 A1, a plastic capsule is known which contains a powder for the production of a beverage using a corresponding machine. A reinforced wall is incorporated in a central area of ​​the base of the capsule to prevent the base from bending immediately before penetration.

[0013] Another disadvantage of these machines is that coffee residue adheres to the machine parts every time it's used, which can lead to mold growth over time. The components that guide the coffee flow from the capsule to the cup are particularly susceptible.

[0014] The invention is based on the objective of creating a capsule coffee machine that can prepare several coffees in succession without having to be manually reloaded each time, that is relatively simple in construction and that directs the coffee almost directly from the coffee capsule into the coffee cup without major detours.

[0015] This problem is solved by a capsule coffee brewing system with the features listed in claims 1 to 21.

[0016] The machine's advantages include: - Quick preparation of multiple coffees is possible, - easy to clean.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 explained. It shows: Fig. 1. A simple variant of the capsule coffee machine with capsules shaped like a tube or cigarette, Fig. 2. The indentations or other features (lines or micro-magnets) on the magazine for detecting the rotation steps and rotation position of the revolver magazine. Fig. 3 a variant with a compact magazine filled with portioned amounts of coffee in several magazine chambers.

[0018] On the Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment. The capsule coffee system described here consists of a special coffee machine 1 and specially shaped coffee capsules 2. Here, the coffee capsules 2 are no longer pot-shaped, as in conventional machines, but are tubular or cigarette-shaped, each with a conical tip 3 at one end. This elongated shape allows several such capsules to be stored in a suitable magazine 4, thus saving space. The machine has a magazine designed like a revolver. The revolver magazine 4 is designed for the simultaneous storage of several capsules 2 and is reloaded with coffee capsules. Depending on the magazine diameter, 5 to 25 capsules can be inserted. The magazine can have a single circular arrangement 5 or several concentric circles 6 containing capsules 2. The magazine is loaded, for example, by...With five capsules, the lid 7 is closed from the top, and the machine 1 is filled with water 8. After the water is heated, a cup of coffee can be prepared at the touch of a button. The coffee 9 flows directly from the capsule 2 through its conical tip 3 into the coffee cup 10. This prevents the coffee from cooling down due to contact with machine parts, and several coffees can be prepared in succession without having to insert a new capsule 2 each time.

[0019] As soon as capsule 2 is emptied, magazine 4 rotates electrically and automatically to the next position, bringing the next capsule into brewing position. If the user wants another coffee, they place another cup 10 under the newly positioned capsule and press the button again. The brewing process starts again, and coffee flows into the cup. Afterward, the revolver magazine 4 rotates briefly, and a new capsule 2 is ready. When all capsules are used, a marker 11 or a counter stops the brewing process, and the magazine must be reloaded. The magazine can be rotated electrically or manually, making the machine even simpler to use.

[0020] The capsules are placed vertically (or almost vertically) into the brewing position. An injection needle / cannula 12, which is additionally equipped with fine holes 13 on the side wall 14, pierces the cigarette-shaped capsule 2 from above. An opening may be present at the needle tip, but this is not strictly necessary. The side openings / holes 13 are usually sufficient and are not clogged by the needle 12's entry into the coffee grounds. As soon as the needle 12 enters the capsule 2, the water pressure is released and the hot water flows into the capsule. As with conventional machines, the injected amount of water can be adjusted, e.g., 15, 25, or 40 ml, depending on the desired beverage (espresso, coffee, lungo, etc.).

[0021] Through indentations or other features, such as lines or micro-magnets 15 on the magazine, the machine recognizes the rotation steps and rotation position of the revolver magazine 4, so that the capsule is always positioned exactly in the brewing position ( Fig. 2) The cigarette shape of the capsules allows for space-saving storage. The brewing process can also develop an intense aroma and flavor because the water has to travel a slightly longer path through the coffee grounds before exiting the capsule. The side holes 13 on the injection needle wall 14, for example, can only be installed in the upper area 16, so that the hot water has to flow completely through the coffee grounds from top to bottom before exiting.

[0022] The hot water dissolves the coffee components, causing a pressure increase inside capsule 2. This causes the predetermined breaking point 17, which could be a foil or silicone seal, at the bottom 18 of the capsule, specifically at its tip 3, to release, opening 19 downwards and allowing the coffee to flow directly into cup 10. The capsules can be bundled together in a magazine or capsule bundle 20 during production. This bundle would then simply need to be inserted into machine 1 in a revolver shaft 21 and the machine switched on. Once all the capsules (e.g., 5-20) have been used, the magazine / bundle 20 is removed and a new one is attached. The magazine or bundle can be made of paper, wood, bamboo, or another sustainably produced material.It is also possible to manufacture a compact magazine 22 instead of individual capsules 2. This magazine would be filled with portioned amounts of coffee in several sealed magazine chambers 23. The magazine could, for example, contain 5 to 20 chambers 23, which would be locked precisely at the brewing position using a rotating process. If the magazine were made entirely of wood, it would also be environmentally friendly. The magazine would not necessarily have to be made of solid wood. It would be perfectly sufficient to install thin-walled, tubular chambers 23, each containing 6-7 grams of ground coffee. Depending on the diameter, such a magazine would then be sufficient for 5 to 20 cups of coffee. Once the magazine is empty, it is removed from the machine and a new one is inserted.

[0023] For automated control, the machine 1 in the system can be equipped with an electronic control unit 28. The insertion of the injection needle or cannula 12 can be performed automatically by an actuator or an electromagnet 26 each time the capsule is positioned for the brewing process. The extension and retraction are synchronized with the positioning of the capsule. The injection needle or cannula is connected to the water reservoir by means of a flexible fluid line 27.

[0024] When changing coffee varieties, the magazine could be removed prematurely and a different one inserted, and the partially used magazine reinserted as needed. When the last portion of coffee is consumed, the machine would "recognize" that the magazine is now empty and needs reloading, indicated by an end mark (24) on a display (25) or a simple LED light. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 coffee machine 2 specially shaped coffee capsules 3 Cone tip 4 revolver magazines 5 circle row 6 concentrically arranged circles 7 lids 8 Water 9 coffees 10 coffee cups 11 Mark 12 injection needles / cannulas 13. Holes / Openings 14 cannula wall 15 lines or micro-magnets 16 Upper area 17 Breakaway point / Breakaway film or silicone seal 18 Lower end of the capsule 19 Opening downwards 20 capsule bundles 21 Turret axis 22 Compact Magazine 23 magazine compartments 24 End marking 25 Display 26 Actuator / electromagnet for the movement of the injection needle / cannula 27 Flexible fluid line

Claims

[1] Capsule coffee brewing system, comprising at least: - Coffee capsules (2) having an elongated cylindrical shape or a tubular or cigarette-shaped construction, closed at both ends, one end being provided with a tip (3) and a pre-separated break-off closure (17), while the other end is sealed with a foil or closure which can be easily pierced by a cannula or piercing needle (12), - a capsule coffee machine (1) with a multiple, revolver-like rotating capsule receiving magazine (4) with several hollow cylinders designed for the simultaneous receiving of several cigarette-shaped coffee capsules (2) which can be consumed one after the other or simultaneously, which are aligned vertically or almost vertically in the revolver receiving magazine (4) and which consists of at least one hot water supply system which pierces the capsule from above via a piercing needle or cannula (12) and injects hot water into the capsule (2) at high pressure. [2] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to claim 1, characterized by , that the coffee capsules (2) are aligned so that the coffee can flow directly into a coffee cup (10) through their coffee capsule tips (3). [3] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the capsule receiving magazine (4) can be rotated manually or electrically by a drive system, as in a revolver, and can be fitted with several cigarette-shaped coffee capsules (2). [4] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the capsule receiving magazine (4) is removable. [5] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the coffee capsules (2) are connected together in a revolver formation (21) during production and this formation serves as a capsule receiving magazine (4) in the capsule coffee machine (1). [6] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the coffee capsule (2) are installed as coffee portions in receiving slots in the form of an interchangeable revolver magazine (4) instead of individually, directly and without additional coverings, which is equipped with corresponding predetermined breaking points at the bottom and easily pierced, airtight seals at the top. [7] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the machine (1) is designed for the use of both individually manufactured cigarette-shaped coffee capsules and coffee portions that are directly installed in an interchangeable revolver magazine (4). [8] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that it is equipped with a counter or counting device or recognition feature on the receiving magazine (4) which enables it to recognize the used capsules (2) and prevents a further brewing process on the already used capsules (2). [9] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the capsule receiving magazine (4) is made of a sustainable material. [10] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the capsule receiving magazine (4) is made of wood, paper, bamboo or another inexpensive and sustainably produced material. [11] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it is equipped with a recognition system that can recognize the contents of each individual coffee capsule (2). [12] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to claim 11, characterized by, that the recognition system consists of an optical or laser scanner and a recognition feature in the form of a barcode or QR code or other recognition variant attached to the capsules (2). [13] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the magazine (4) has several concentrically arranged circular formations or rows of circles for coffee capsule intake. [14] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the position detection of the brewing position of the capsules (2) is carried out by mechanical or optical recognition features on the magazine (4) and a sensor system on the coffee machine (1). [15] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the position detection of the brewing position of the capsules (2) is accomplished by built-in small magnets on the magazine (4) and magnetic field sensors in the coffee machine (1). [16] Capsule coffee brewing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the injection needle or cannula (12) is equipped with water outlet openings (13) only in the upper area (16), which is still in the capsule (2) when pricking. [17] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it is also designed for tea preparation using tea-content-filled capsules (2). [18] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is equipped with an electronic control system that manages the processes and the coffee brewing process. [19] Capsule coffee brewing system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the injection needle or cannula (12) is electrically extendable and retractable and is coupled to a water reservoir by means of a flexible fluid line (27). [20] Capsule coffee brewing system according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by , that the insertion and retraction of the injection needle or cannula (12) and the insertion into the capsule (2) can be automatically controlled by the electronic control. [21] Capsule coffee brewing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is designed to be portable with a built-in power source or battery.

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