Seal of a portion capsule

Abstract

The invention relates to a single serve capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, said single serve capsule (1) having a liquid-tight base element (2) having a cavity (3) for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule cover (4) sealing the cavity (3).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, wherein the portion capsule has a liquid-tight base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid closing the cavity.

[0002] Such portion capsules are known from the prior art. For example, the publications WO 2007 137974 A1, DE 10 2012 223 291 A1, DE 10 2013 215 274 A1, DE 10 2012 109 186 A1 and

[0003] DE 10 2012 105 282 A1 Portion capsules for portion capsule machines, each comprising a rigid or semi-rigid base element that encloses a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material, such as coffee roasting granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blend, milk powder, or the like, wherein the cavity is sealed with a capsule lid after the portion capsule has been filled. To prevent the beverage raw material from losing its aroma during storage and transport of the portion capsule, the base element is gas- and liquid-tight. Furthermore, the base element must withstand comparatively high mechanical forces during beverage production, as the extraction liquid is introduced into the cavity under high pressure and at high temperature to produce the beverage by interacting with the beverage raw material.

[0004] Typically, portion capsules known from the prior art therefore use deep-drawn or thermoformed base elements made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and / or metal, especially aluminum, since such base elements are inexpensive to produce, mechanically stable, and gas- and liquid-tight. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a portion capsule of the type mentioned at the outset which can be disposed of more easily, in a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner after the beverage has been prepared and / or which is easier to manufacture.

[0006] The problem is solved with a portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, wherein the portion capsule has a base element with a flange and a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid closing the cavity, wherein the capsule lid is attached to the flange and a seal is provided on the surface opposite the capsule lid, which contains gelatin and is provided in a partially plastic state.

[0007] The problem is further solved with a portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, wherein the portion capsule has a base element with a flange and a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid closing the cavity, wherein the capsule lid is attached to the flange and a seal is provided on the surface opposite the capsule lid, which contains gelatin and is partially elastic.

[0008] The statements made regarding this aspect of the present invention apply equally to the other aspects of the present invention and vice versa. Features made in connection with this embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention.

[0009] The following statements apply equally to both aspects of the present invention.

[0010] The present invention relates to a portion capsule used, for example, for beverage production. For instance, coffee, espresso, or tea is prepared using the portion capsule. The portion capsule comprises a base element with a bottom and side walls that create a cavity into which the beverage ingredients are placed. The cavity is then sealed with a capsule lid. To prepare the beverage, the portion capsule is, for example, filled with hot water. Preferably, the materials used for the seal and the base element differ. Preferably, the base element is made of a metallic material, in particular aluminum.

[0011] Preferably, the portion capsule has a side wall and a base. The side wall is preferably conical or cylindrical and, in particular, integrally connected to the base. At the end of the side wall opposite the base, it has a flange, in particular annular, which is preferably integrally connected to the side wall and is formed at an angle, in particular an obtuse angle, to it.

[0012] A capsule lid, usually sealed, is typically located on one side of the flange, sealing a cavity in the base element containing a beverage raw material. A gasket is provided on the opposite side of the flange from the capsule lid.

[0013] According to the invention, the seal is designed to be partially plastic and / or partially elastic. Once deformed, the seal does not remain in the deformed shape and / or does not return to its original shape. For example, the seal deforms partially plastically when the brewing chamber closes. This achieves a good sealing effect, and the sealing effect is maintained at least partially even when the closing pressure of the chamber parts decreases. Partially plastic, as used in the invention, means that the impression made by the brewing chamber in the seal only partially returns to its original shape. Preferably, the return to its original shape is 10–40% of the maximum impression produced by the brewing chamber. Preferably, the deviation of the seal's cross-section after deformation and return to its original shape is between 10 and 40% relative to the cross-section of the seal before deformation. The seal is therefore partially elastic and partially returns to its original shape after the pressure from the brewing chamber has decreased.This seal therefore differs from a rubber-elastic seal, which will fully return to its original shape when the pressure in the brewing chamber decreases. It also differs from a plastically deformable seal, in which the maximum deformation of the seal is at least substantially retained.

[0014] Biopolymers according to the present invention are polymers obtained from renewable raw materials and / or are biodegradable, in particular completely biodegradable. The production of these biopolymers may include comprehensive purification and / or modification steps. According to the invention, mixtures of two or more biopolymers can also be used, including mixtures of two or more biopolymers from different classes, such as gelatin and polysaccharides. These materials have the further advantage that the resulting base elements can be produced in a vegan and / or kosher and / or halal manner.

[0015] According to the invention, at least a portion of the seal consists at least partially of gelatin, polysaccharides, polylactides, celluloses, or mixtures of two or more of these biopolymers. Preferably, the biopolymer content in the material from which the seal is made is > 30 wt.%, more preferably > 40 wt.%, even more preferably > 50 wt.%, and most preferably > 55 wt.%. Preferably, the material contains glycerin and water. Preferably, this mixture contains a crosslinking agent.

[0016] A tannin, for example, is suitable as a crosslinking agent.

[0017] In particular, the seal can also consist entirely of biopolymer, especially gelatin.

[0018] According to the invention, at least a portion of the seal consists at least partially of gelatin. Preferably, the gelatin and / or polysaccharide and / or cellulose content of the material from which at least a portion of the seal is manufactured is > 70 wt.%, preferably > 80 wt.%, even more preferably > 90 wt.%, and most preferably > 95 wt.%. In particular, the seal can also consist entirely of biopolymer.

[0019] According to the invention, at least a portion of the seal consists of gelatin. Preferably, the gelatin and / or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and / or pullulan content of the material from which at least a portion of the seal is manufactured is > 70 wt.%, preferably > 80 wt.%, even more preferably > 90 wt.%, and most preferably > 95 wt.%. In particular, the seal can also consist entirely of biopolymer.

[0020] Gelatin is preferably an animal protein, preferably a mixture of substances. Its main component is preferably denatured or hydrolyzed collagen, which can be produced from the connective tissue of various animal species, especially pigs and cattle, but also fish and poultry. However, the gelatin can also be of plant origin, which is usually a polysaccharide.

[0021] Preferably, the gelatin used is of the type employed in pharmaceutical technology for the production of hard or soft gelatin capsules. The gelatin may be foamed. This foaming can be achieved with a gas, particularly air.

[0022] Preferably, the gelatin in the seal has a water content of 1-50 wt%, preferably 6-20 wt%, even more preferably 9-18 wt%, much more preferably 9-16 wt%.

[0023] Preferably, the gelatin used to manufacture the seal can have a Bloom value of 10-350, preferably 50-300, particularly preferably 150-280 Bloom or 180-280.

[0024] Preferably, the gelatin is hardened and / or rendered water-insoluble. Alternatively, the gelatin is hardened and / or temporarily water-insoluble or temporarily moisture-resistant. Temporarily water-insoluble or temporarily moisture-resistant gelatin is understood to mean, for example, gelatin that, after use of the capsule and / or exposure to environmental influences such as moisture, sunlight, and / or microorganisms, shows signs of decomposition after a certain period of time, for example, after 1-28 days, particularly 1-14 days, preferably 1-7 days, and most preferably 1-5 days.

[0025] This can be achieved, for example, by cross-linking the product with one or more chemicals, in particular a process that effectively increases the molecular weight of the protein. Suitable examples include alginic acid alkylene glycol derivatives, alginic acid oxidized with sodium peroxide, amylopectin dialdehyde octenyl succinate, bisacryloylurea, bis(azidine ethyl)sulfone, bis(bromoacetyl)ethylenediamine, bis(chloromethyl)adipate, bis(chloromethyl)diethyl malonate, bis(chloroacetyl)dimethylenediamine, benzene disulfonyl fluoride, bromoacetic acid, carbodiimides, carboxylbenzyl bromide, bis(chloroethyl)urea, chromium acetate and alaunes, cyanuric chloride, dialdehyde starch treated with caustic soda, dichlorohydroxy-s-triazine sodium salt, dichloroquinoxoline carbonyl chloride, diethyleneurea, diformyldihydroxytrioxanonan, ditrioxynaphthalene, difluorodinitrobenzene, dihydroxydioxane, diglycidyl mono(propylene chlorohydrin) ether of glycerol, and dihydroxymaleic acid. Di(maleimido)benzene, di(maleimido)hexane, dimaleimide,Dimethylaminophosphoryl, Bis(dimethylamino)phosphoryl chloride, Dimethylbis(vinylsulfonyl)benzene disodium salt, Tris(sulfatetyl)sulfonium inner ether salts, Ethylene glycol, Ethoxymethyl isocyanate, Formalin (formaldehyde), Fluorosulfonylacetophenone, Glycerol, Gum arabic, for example oxidized with periodic acid, Glutaraldehyde, Hydroxytetramethylhydrooxazonium chloride, Lactic acid, Methotoluenesulfonate, Mono-IO-bromomethyl maleate, Methylenediethanesulfonamide, Methanesulfonic acid halaldehyde esters, Mercaptoethylaziridine, Methylglucanopyranoside, Naphthalene disulfuryl fluoride, Pectic acid, Peroxydisulfate, Phenolformaldehyde resins, Phenyltriazinidinylsilane, Phloroformalin, Phosphonitrile chloride, Phloroglucinol, Polyurethane, Polyformal(s), Polyacrolein, Polyvinyl maleate, Potassium permanganate Potassium ferrocyanide, pyromellithanhydride, resorcinol diglycidyl ether, resorcinol, saccharide(s), sulfanilinodichloro-s-triazine, sodium hypochlorite, sodium salt of dichlorohydroxytriazine, stearylaminobenzoyl acetic acid, sucrose,oxidized with periodate, tannin, tetrahydroxyphenol, trimellithane hydride, trimethylenebis(isomaleimide), tris(chloroacetyl)hexahydrotriazine, tetraisopropyl titanate and / or a mixture of at least two of the above-mentioned substances.

[0026] Polysaccharide is the main component of plant cell walls. Preferably, the polysaccharide is provided in the form of cellulose, for example, methylcellulose and / or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and / or cellulose acetate. Other cellulose-based compounds are also conceivable. Alternatively, the polysaccharide can be provided in the form of pullulan. The polysaccharide can be provided as a mixture of several substances. Furthermore, at least a portion of the base element and / or the capsule lid can consist wholly or partially of cellulose, for example, methylcellulose and / or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and / or cellulose acetate. Other cellulose-based compounds are also conceivable.

[0027] According to the invention, the term cellulose also includes its derivatives, in particular cellulose ethers, which are formed by partial or complete substitution of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxy groups in the cellulose. These cellulose ethers can preferably be selected from the group consisting of carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylethylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, and carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose. According to the invention, mixtures of two or more of these cellulose ethers can also be used.

[0028] Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose is particularly preferred. A suitable hydroxypropylmethylcellulose is also used, for example, in the production of vegan hard capsules in the pharmaceutical technology sector.

[0029] Preferably, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the seal has a water content of 1-23 wt.%, more preferably 1.5-20 wt.%, much more preferably 2.0-15 wt.% and most preferably 2.5-10 wt.%.

[0030] Preferably, the term ‘plastic’ is understood below to mean plastic based on gelatin and / or polysaccharide and / or cellulose, in particular plastic based on gelatin and / or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and / or pullulan.

[0031] Preferably, the biopolymer, in particular the plastic based on gelatin and / or polysaccharide and / or cellulose, is provided as a film / sheet, which is then shaped, in particular deep-drawn, to obtain the seal. However, it is also possible to liquefy the biopolymer, in particular the plastic, and cast and / or injection mold it to obtain the desired shape of the seal. After casting, the biopolymer is cured, in particular by exposure to cold. The seal thus obtained can be arranged on the base element, in particular on its flange.

[0032] Alternatively, preferably, a form of the seal to be produced is immersed once or several times in a liquid biopolymer, in particular a liquid plastic mass, until the desired material thickness is achieved.

[0033] Even more preferably, the biopolymer is filled into a groove that forms a crimp at the outer edge of the flange and the capsule body, for example using a nozzle, preferably while the portion capsule is rotating. Most preferably, at least a portion of the base element, in particular the flange, is cooled before, during, and / or after the application of the biopolymer, especially the gelatin.

[0034] The biopolymer can be applied after the portion capsule has been sealed with a lid film. Alternatively, the base element can be fitted with the seal, then filled and sealed.

[0035] The biopolymer is cured, for example, by drying, heat and / or cold treatment and / or cross-linking, for example by IV or UV radiation, until the biopolymer, in particular the plastic, has solidified to such an extent that it allows its use as a base element together with the seal, especially in further production.

[0036] A multi-layered seal can be created by repeatedly dipping the mold. The mold can be successively immersed in different liquid biopolymers. The layers produced by immersion in these different liquid biopolymers can differ in their optical properties, UV resistance, hardness, deformability, and / or impermeability to liquids.

[0037] Preferably, a layer, in particular a layer comprising gelatin, is foamed. The foaming can be achieved, for example, with a blowing gas. Preferably, this layer is combined with an adhesion promoter layer, which particularly preferably comprises gelatin. This adhesion promoter layer particularly preferably improves the adhesion between the foamed layer and a metal base element, in particular a base element comprising aluminum. A further layer can be a protective layer, which, for example, prevents a bipolymer layer, in particular a gelatin layer, from softening and / or swelling.

[0038] The seal most preferably comprises a foamed gelatin layer and an adhesion promoter layer that improves adhesion to an aluminum base element, and a protective layer that at least reduces, and preferably prevents, softening and / or swelling, particularly of the foamed layer. Preferably, the foamed layer has a greater thickness than at least one other layer, preferably one of the other two layers.

[0039] Preferably, at least the portion of the surface of the base element, in particular the collar / flange, that comes into contact with the biopolymer, especially the gelatin, is pretreated to improve the adhesion between the biopolymer and the base element, in particular an aluminum base element. Such pretreatment can, for example, be plasma treatment and / or acid treatment.

[0040] In this context, it has proven advantageous for the mold to be a dipping mold for the seal, wherein the dipping mold has a contour with a dipping area that is immersed in the liquid biopolymer. The dipping area preferably corresponds to a negative of the contour of the seal to be produced. In the manufacturing process, the dipping area of ​​the contour is coated with a layer of the biopolymer. In a further step, the mold can be removed from the liquid biopolymer. The layer of biopolymer covering the contour of the mold can solidify and be dried. A corresponding process is known, for example, in the pharmaceutical industry as the Colton process for the production of pharmaceutical capsules. In particular, the coated mold can be controlled in one or more dimensions during solidification and / or drying in order to selectively adjust the design of the base element, especially its shape and / or thickness.Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing the portion capsule according to the invention, in which a mold is immersed in a biopolymer bath, forming a film on the surface of the mold, which is then cooled and / or dried. Finally, the portion capsule is removed from the mold and optionally trimmed.

[0041] According to the invention, the biopolymer bath contains gelatin.

[0042] Preferably, the outer edge of the flange is crimped.

[0043] Preferably, the base element is made of metal, in particular aluminum.

[0044] Another object of the present invention is a method for producing the seal of a portion capsule, in which a mold is immersed in a biopolymer bath and a film forms on the surface of the mold, which is then cooled and / or dried.

[0045] The statements made regarding this aspect of the present invention apply equally to the other aspects of the present invention and vice versa. Features made in connection with this embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention.

[0046] The present invention relates to a method for producing a seal for a portioned capsule, in which a mold is immersed in a biopolymer bath, onto which a biopolymer film adheres, solidifies there, and can then be further used. Optionally, the film is removed from the mold.

[0047] Preferably, the mold is the negative mold of the seal to be manufactured.

[0048] Another object of the present invention is a method for producing a portion capsule in which the gelatin is applied in liquid or paste form to the flange of the base element and hardens there.

[0049] The statements made regarding this aspect of the present invention apply equally to the other aspects of the present invention and vice versa. Features made in connection with this embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention.

[0050] Preferably, the base element of the portion capsule has a shape or surface to which a biopolymer film adheres and solidifies, forming the seal for the portion capsule. Preferably, the side of the flange on which the film is applied is oriented such that gravity presses the film against the flange, where it solidifies. Preferably, at least the flange is cooled before, during, and / or after the film is applied. The film can be applied by moving, in particular rotating, an application agent and the base element relative to each other. Multiple layers can be applied.

[0051] Another item is a method for producing the seal of a portion capsule, in which gelatin is provided as a film / sheet, which is then shaped, in particular deep-drawn, and in which the shaped sheet is used as a seal for the portion capsule.

[0052] The statements made regarding this aspect of the present invention apply equally to the other aspects of the present invention and vice versa. Features made in connection with this embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention.

[0053] The seal can be connected to the base element, for example by gluing or sealing.

[0054] Another object of the present invention is a method for producing the seal of a portion capsule, in which the biopolymer, namely the plastic based on gelatin, is liquefied in order to then be cast and / or injected in order to obtain the desired shape of the seal.

[0055] The statements made regarding this aspect of the present invention apply equally to the other aspects of the present invention and vice versa. Features made in connection with this embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention.

[0056] According to the subject matter of the present invention, the liquid biopolymer comprising gelatin is liquefied or already provided in liquid form and then poured and / or injected into a mold and thus brought into the shape of the seal.

[0057] Preferably, the biopolymer is applied to the flange of the portion capsule and hardens there.

[0058] Preferably, at least a portion of a base element of the portion capsule is cooled before, during and / or after the application of the biopolymer.

[0059] Another object of the present invention is a method for producing a beverage with a portion capsule according to the invention, in which the portion capsule, in particular its flange, is clamped between two closing brewing chamber elements and the seal is deformed in the process, and the deformation is only partially restored when the brewing chamber elements are opened again.

[0060] The descriptions given regarding this aspect of the present invention apply equally to the other aspects of the present invention, and vice versa. Features described in connection with this embodiment of the present invention can be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. According to this aspect of the present invention, the seal is deformed when the brewing chamber elements are closed. The yield strength of the biopolymer is exceeded to such an extent that the deformation is semi-plastic. This results in a very good sealing effect and facilitates the ejection of the portion capsule from the beverage dispensing apparatus.

[0061] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not restrict the essential concept of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0062] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion capsule according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0063] In Figure 1 Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a portion capsule 1 for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage production machine (not shown) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The portion capsule 1 has a cup-shaped base element 2 and a capsule lid 4 attached to a circumferential flange 7 of the base element 2. The capsule lid 4 is preferably welded or bonded to the flange 7. The base element 2 consists of a bottom section 6 and a wall section 8, which are preferably formed in one piece. A cavity 3 is formed within the base element 2, which is filled with beverage raw material (not illustrated for clarity) and which is closed by the capsule lid 4. A seal is arranged on the side of the flange opposite the capsule lid 4, which deforms when the brewing chamber is closed. Preferably, the seal is made at least partially of gelatin. Preferably, the seal material is applied to the flange in liquid form and hardens there, particularly by cooling.The base element of the portion capsule is preferably rotated by 180° so that gravity presses the liquid sealing material against the flange. Preferably, the base element, especially the flange, is cooled before the sealing material is applied. When the brewing chamber is opened, the deformation only partially returns. Consequently, some deformation remains in the seal after the brewing chamber is opened. The seal partially returns to its original elastic shape but does not fully regain its original form.

[0065] The portion capsule 1 is inserted into a brewing chamber in a beverage production machine. The brewing chamber is then closed, for example, by moving two brewing chamber elements relative to each other. During this process, the capsule lid 4 and the base section 6 are perforated sequentially or simultaneously, and extraction fluid is introduced under pressure into the cavity 3 through the perforations in the capsule lid 4. The interaction between the extraction fluid and the beverage raw material produces the desired beverage, which exits the portion capsule 1 through the perforations in the base section 6 and is dispensed into a beverage container. Any particles of the beverage raw material are filtered out of the beverage by the filter medium 9 and retained in the portion capsule 1. When the brewing chamber elements are closed, the seal 11 is deformed.After brewing, traces of the brewing chamber remain visible in the sealing material, but these are less pronounced than the deformation of the seal when the brewing chamber is closed. Reference symbol list

[0066] 1 Portion capsule 2 Base element 3 Cavity 4 Capsule lid 5 Partial area 6 Bottom area 7 Flange 8 Wall area 9 Filter medium 10 Crimp 11 Coating

Claims

1. Portion capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, the portion capsule (1) having a base element (2) with a flange (7) and with a cavity (3) for accommodating a beverage raw material and a capsule lid (4) closing the cavity (3), wherein the capsule lid (4) is fastened to the flange and a seal (11) is provided on the surface opposite the capsule lid, wherein the seal (11) being provided in a partially plastic manner, characterized in that the seal comprises gelatine.

2. Portion capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, in particular according to claim 1, wherein the portion capsule (1) comprises a base element (2) with a flange (7) and with a cavity (3) for receiving a raw beverage material and a capsule lid (4) closing the cavity (3), the capsule lid (4) being fastened to the flange and a seal (11) being provided on the surface opposite the capsule lid, the seal (11) being provided in a partially elastic manner, characterized in that the seal has gelatine.

3. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer edge of the flange is flanged.

4. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element is made of metal, in particular aluminium.

5. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal has a foamed gelatin layer.

6. Portion capsule according to claim 5, characterized in that the foamed layer has on one surface a protective layer, in particular against swelling and / or softening, and / or on one surface, in particular another surface, preferably the opposite surface, an adhesion promoter layer for improving the adhesion of the foamed layer to the base element, in particular an aluminium base element.

7. The method for producing the seal of a portion capsule according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein a mold of the seal is immersed in a biopolymer bath, thereby forming a film on the surface of the mold, which is subsequently cooled and / or dried.

8. Method for producing the seal of a portion capsule, characterized in that gelatine is provided as a film / foil which is then formed, in particular deep-drawn, and in which the formed film is provided as a seal on the portion capsule.

9. Method for producing the seal of a portion capsule, in which a plastic is liquefied onto gelatine in order to then be molded and / or tipped.

10. Method for producing a portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the gelatine is applied in liquid or paste form to the flange (7) of the base element (2) and hardens there.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the gelatine is cooled.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the base element is cooled before, during and / or after the application of the gelatine.

13. Method for producing a beverage with a portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portion capsule, in particular its flange (7), is clamped between two closing brewing chamber elements and the seal (11) is deformed in the process and the deformation then only partially returns when the brewing chamber elements are opened again.

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