Single-serve capsule for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage preparation machine, and use of a single-serve capsule

Abstract

A single-serve capsule (10) for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage preparation machine is proposed, wherein the single-serve capsule (10) has a base element (12) with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and has a capsule lid (33) which closes the cavity, wherein the base element (12) comprises an encircling flange (26) and a capsule wall (14) which extends from a bottom region (22) of the single-serve capsule (10) to the encircling flange (26), wherein the flange (26) extends over a flange width (FB) in a radial direction (R) with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the single-serve capsule (10), wherein the capsule lid (33) is fastened on the flange (26), and wherein the single-serve capsule (10) has an identification code (34) which is optically detectable in particular by a detector of the beverage preparation machine and which is arranged or visible on a side of the flange (26) facing away from the capsule lid (33) along the longitudinal axis (L), and wherein the identification code (34) extends in the radial direction (R) only over a partial region (TB) of the flange width (FB).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] title

[0003] Portion capsule for preparing a beverage using a beverage making machine and using a portion capsule

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The present invention is based on a portion capsule for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage production machine, wherein the portion capsule has a base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid closing the cavity, wherein the base element comprises a base region, a circumferential flange and a capsule wall extending from the base region to the circumferential flange, wherein the capsule lid is fastened to the flange, wherein the portion capsule has a feature that is optically detectable in particular by a detector of the beverage production machine.

[0006] Such portion capsules are known from the prior art. For example, WO 2016 / 186 488 A1 discloses such a portion capsule of this type. This portion capsule is designed to be inserted into a brewing chamber, in which the portion capsule is perforated to introduce brewing liquid in the form of hot water under pressure into the cavity. The interaction between the introduced water and the beverage raw material, in particular roasted and ground coffee, creates a beverage that leaves the portion capsule through further perforations and enters a container.

[0007] For each portion capsule, there is usually a suitable beverage production machine, which is optimized for preparing beverages based on the corresponding portion capsules. To avoid malfunctions, it has proven useful to provide such portion capsules with machine- and optically readable, detectable features so that, before the brewing process begins, a check can be carried out to determine whether the inserted portion capsule is compatible with the machine. In addition, a suitable brewing program can be started for the beverage raw material contained in the portion capsule, if necessary. From the documents EP 3 023 362 B1, WO 2020 / 201 487 A1 and US 10,800,600 B2, it is known to print such optically detectable features in the form of barcodes or binary codes on the flange of the capsule.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a portion capsule with an identification code that represents an improvement over the solutions known from the cited prior art. In particular, the identification code should be easier and more cost-effective to apply to the portion capsule during its production. Furthermore, it is desirable to further develop the known portion capsules in such a way that the reading of the identification code in the beverage preparation machine is more reliable.

[0010] The object of the present invention is achieved with portion capsules according to claims 1 and 13.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the following description with reference to the drawings.

[0012] A portion capsule for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage production machine is proposed, wherein the portion capsule has a base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid closing the cavity, wherein the base element comprises a circumferential flange and a capsule wall extending from the base region to the circumferential flange, wherein the flange extends in the radial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the portion capsule over a flange width, wherein the capsule lid is fastened to the flange and wherein the portion capsule has an identification code that is optically detectable, in particular by a detector of the beverage production machine, which identification code is arranged or visible on a side of the flange facing away from the capsule lid along the longitudinal axis, wherein the identification code extends in the radial direction only over a partial area of ​​the flange width.

[0013] The portion capsule according to the invention has the advantage over portion capsules known from the prior art that the identification code extends only over a portion of the flange width. The identification code is thus spaced from an outer edge region of the flange and / or from a capsule wall of the portion capsule. This advantageously means that the outer edge of the flange or the capsule wall cannot impair the reading of the identification code. The readability is thus improved. In addition, the portion capsule according to the invention has the advantage that applying the identification code, for example by printing or gluing the identification code, in particular to the underside of the flange (the side of the flange facing away from the capsule lid), is facilitated because the identification code does not extend to the outer edge of the flange or to the capsule wall.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the partial area comprises less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40%, or less than 30% of the flange width in the radial direction. Preferably, the smaller the partial area is relative to the flange width, the simpler, easier, and more reliable the application of the identification code during production of the portion capsule or the reading of the identification code during beverage preparation.

[0015] It is conceivable that the partial area, on its inner side facing the capsule wall in the radial direction, has a distance from the capsule wall along the radial direction which comprises at least 10% or at least 20% of the flange width.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the partial region, on its outer side facing away from the capsule wall in the radial direction, has a further distance along the radial direction from a flange outer edge of the flange, which comprises at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40% or at least 50% of the flange width.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the flange outer edge has a bead and in particular a rolled edge.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification code comprises a barcode, in particular a bit and / or barcode, whose coding lines extend in particular in a radial direction. The coding lines preferably comprise white and / or black bars of equal or unequal thickness along a circumferential direction (concentrically around the longitudinal axis L).

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the coding lines in the radial direction comprises less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40%, or less than 30% of the flange width. It is conceivable that the coding lines have a distance from the capsule wall in the radial direction that comprises at least 10% or at least 20% of the flange width. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the coding lines have a further distance from the outer flange edge in the radial direction that comprises at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50% of the flange width.

[0020] It is conceivable that the identification code is constructed from a plurality of circular, elliptical, angular, or rectangular code elements, with at least two circles having a different diameter or extension in the radial and / or circumferential directions. It is also conceivable that the elliptical, angular, or rectangular code elements each have different dimensions in the radial and / or circumferential directions to represent different code symbols.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification code is constructed from one or more helical, meandering, or stepped code elements. For example, it is conceivable that a line extends circumferentially across the flange in a helical, meandering, or stepped manner, with the shape being intended for encoding information. The code elements extend over the partial area of ​​the flange and not over the entire flange width in the radial direction.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification code is constructed from series of numbers, in particular Arabic zeros and Arabic ones, and / or series of letters. For example, it is conceivable for the identification code to be a bit code consisting of "0" and "1" printed circumferentially on the flange. The use of numbers and letters, such as an ASCII or hexadecimal code, is also conceivable. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification code is printed or applied to a side of the flange facing away from the capsule lid along the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the identification code is protected from external damage and is therefore arranged in particular between a rolled edge on the flange and a capsule wall of the portion capsule.For example, if the portion capsule is placed on a flat surface, the identification code is protected from scratches, thus improving readability.

[0023] According to a preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the identification code is printed or applied to a side of the capsule lid facing the flange along the longitudinal axis, and wherein at least the flange or the entire base element is optically transparent.

[0024] Advantageously, the identification code is thus arranged on a side of the lidding film facing away from the base element, which makes it particularly easy to print on it. At the same time, however, the optically detectable feature can be read from the opposite side of the capsule, i.e., through the flange and the lidding film, since the flange and the capsule lid are optically transparent, at least in the area of ​​the optically detectable feature. For example, if the identification code is backlit from the lidding film side, it can be read by a detector arranged on the side of the base element.In the context of the present invention, the term "optically transparent" means, in particular, that the material is at least sufficiently translucent (also referred to as translucent or partially transparent) to allow optical readout of the feature by a detector. Therefore, 100% transparency does not necessarily have to be present for all wavelengths of the optical spectrum.

[0025] Preferably, only an edge region of the capsule lid or the entire capsule lid is optically transparent. It is conceivable that a central region of the capsule lid, which does not cover the flange, can be printed in a visually appealing manner with a logo, inscription or the like, while only the edge region of the capsule lid, in which the feature is arranged and which covers the flange, is optically transparent. Alternatively, the entire capsule lid is transparent. Preferably, an adhesive layer is arranged between the edge region of the capsule lid and the flange, by means of which adhesive layer the edge region and the flange are materially connected to one another, wherein the adhesive layer is optically transparent. Advantageously, the feature can thus be optically read by the detector through the flange, the adhesive layer and the lid film.

[0026] The optically detectable feature is preferably arranged in an edge region of the capsule lid relative to a main extension plane of the capsule lid. This means that the feature is arranged, particularly in the radial direction, in an outer edge region of the preferably round capsule lid.

[0027] Preferably, the portion capsule comprises a ring, wherein the optically detectable feature is arranged, in particular printed, on the ring, wherein the ring is arranged on the capsule lid and in particular glued onto the capsule lid.

[0028] Preferably, the base element is designed to be completely optically transparent.

[0029] Preferably, the base element is constructed in two parts from a base part and a flange part, wherein only the flange part is optically transparent, wherein the base part and the flange part are connected to one another.

[0030] A further subject matter of the present invention is a portion capsule according to claim 1 or according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the identification code has a plurality of code sequences, wherein at least one code sequence has an input part and a data part, wherein the input part is provided in particular for finding the start of the code sequence by a detector of the beverage preparation machine and wherein the data part is provided in particular for providing coded identification and / or brewing parameters for controlling the beverage preparation, wherein at least one further code sequence has only an input part and no data part.

[0031] To achieve high readability when reading the identification code by the detector of the beverage production machine, it is advantageous to use input parts in the code sequences, based on which the detector can recognize the beginning of a code sequence. This is particularly important because the orientation of the portion capsule when inserted into the beverage production machine is not fixed, but can always vary. Without the detection of a preceding input part, the readout algorithm cannot do anything with a data part and, in particular, cannot assign it to specific brewing parameters. Compared to portion capsules with code sequences known from the prior art, readout reliability can therefore be increased if more input parts are used as the data part.

[0032] It is conceivable that the input part of the code sequence, which has both an input part and a data part, differs from the input part of the further code sequence, which has only an input part and no data part.

[0033] Furthermore, it is conceivable that those code sequences which all have an input part and a data part have an identical input part and in particular identical or different data parts.

[0034] A further subject matter of the present invention is a portion capsule according to claim 1 or according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the capsule wall is at least partially optically reflective.

[0035] Advantageously, the identification code is therefore not detected directly, but indirectly via its reflection on the capsule wall. This has the advantage that the detector does not have to be arranged directly below the flange of a portion capsule located in the holder. This opens up more options for the construction and design of the portion capsule machine. Furthermore, the detector does not have to be arranged in the area of ​​any sealing arrangement, which is typically provided in the area of ​​the flange. Preferably, the capsule wall has a shiny and / or flat surface area, in particular a circumferential one. It is conceivable that the surface area is designed as a mirror surface. In order to achieve high reflectivity, in particular no grooves, depressions, bulges, structures or the like are introduced into the surface area.

[0036] Preferably, the surface region extends along the longitudinal direction over a maximum of 90%, a maximum of 70%, a maximum of 50%, or a maximum of 30% of the total extension of the capsule wall in the longitudinal direction, and in particular over at least 10% of the total extension of the capsule wall in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or additionally, the surface region along the longitudinal direction has a distance from the flange and / or the base region that is less than 80%, 60%, 40%, or 20% of the total extension of the capsule wall in the longitudinal direction. Advantageously, this enables comparatively cost-effective production of the portion capsule, since the entire capsule wall does not need to have high reflectivity.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface region has a reflectance of more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, and preferably more than 90% in the visible spectrum. This advantageously results in comparatively high readout reliability, even though the identification code is not read directly by the detector, but only indirectly. Furthermore, with a high reflectance, advantageously only minimal or no illumination of the identification code and / or the surface region by an additional light source of the detector is required. Preferably, the surface region is covered by a coating element that is applied to the side wall and, in particular, is glued thereto.

[0038] For example, it's conceivable that a sticker with a metallic and / or reflective surface is affixed to the sidewall. Alternatively, it's also conceivable that a reflective metal layer is applied to the sidewall, for example, by vapor deposition or lamination.

[0039] A further subject matter of the present invention is a system for preparing a beverage comprising the portion capsule according to the invention and a beverage production machine, wherein the beverage production machine has a receptacle for the portion capsule, wherein the beverage production machine has a detector for reading the identification code, wherein a field of view of the detector is directed onto the capsule wall of a portion capsule located in the receptacle.

[0040] Advantageously, the detector's field of view or detection field does not need to be aligned directly with the flange, but can instead be directed at the capsule wall. This advantageously opens up more options for positioning the detector in a compact beverage production machine. Furthermore, the available area near the capsule wall is typically larger than on the flange, allowing for improved readout accuracy. It is conceivable that the reflection from the capsule wall could also be used to enlarge the image of the identification code visible to the detector.Preferably, the detector is arranged relative to the receptacle such that a detection line between the detector and the surface area forms an angle with the capsule wall that essentially corresponds to the angle between an imaginary connecting line between the identification code and the surface area and the capsule wall. In particular, a line is assumed that begins centrally at the identification code in the radial direction and also arrives or originates centrally at the surface area in the axial direction.

[0041] It is conceivable that the detector comprises an optical CCD camera or a laser scanner.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the detector comprises a light source for illuminating the identification code, wherein a light cone of the light source is directed onto the capsule wall of the portion capsule located in the receptacle.

[0043] A further object of the present invention is the use of the portion capsule according to the invention for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage production machine.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base element is made of plastic. The base element is preferably produced by cold or hot forming, in particular deep drawing. The hollow design of the base element is preferably created by thermoforming, for example, deep drawing using negative pressure, positive pressure, and / or a movable die. Alternatively, the portion capsule is produced by injection molding, in particular using a single-component, multi-component, or in-mold process.

[0045] The base element is preferably made of aluminum (AI), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene ether (PPG) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0046] The lidding film is preferably made of aluminum (AI), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene ether (PPO), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the base element and / or the lidding film are made entirely or partially of a compostable or biodegradable material, which preferably comprises cellulose, PLA (polylactic acid), corn, or the like. The base element is preferably made of paper. It is conceivable that the material comprises cellulose fibers embedded in a resin matrix.

[0047] It is conceivable that the cover film and the base element are made of the same material.

[0048] The base element is preferably truncated cone-shaped, conical, cylindrical, spherical, hemispherical, elliptical, or partially elliptical. The base element is preferably rigid or semi-rigid. The cavity formed by the base element serves to accommodate raw beverage material, for example roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blends, milk powder, and / or the like. The lidding film is, in particular, flat or nearly flat, at least immediately after the filled portion capsule has been closed by the lidding film. Any bulging of the lidding film over time due to outgassing of coffee powder does not result in the lidding film being non-flat within the meaning of the present invention, since this bulging typically only occurs some time after the portion capsule has been filled.

[0049] The lidding film preferably comprises a plastic-aluminum composite film or a plastic film or a multi-layer plastic film. It is conceivable for the portion capsule to be rotationally symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis thus forms a central axis of rotational symmetry, which runs centrally through the portion capsule and in particular substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the lidding film. The flange of the base element preferably runs at an angle of between 70 and 110 degrees, particularly preferably 80 to 100 degrees and most particularly preferably substantially 90 degrees to the rotational symmetry axis. The flange is in particular closed and circumferential. The free, outer end of the flange preferably has a bead, a flange or a so-called rolled edge to prevent injury to the user from the sharp-edged end.

[0050] The single-serve capsule may contain one or more beverage substances. The one or more beverage substances may be a liquid, a syrup, a solid, a powder, coffee or cocoa grounds, tea leaves, or a combination thereof. The one or more beverage substances may be diluted or extracted in a beverage manufacturing machine and / or beverage system to produce a beverage.

[0051] Further details, features, and advantages of the portion capsule will become apparent from the drawings, as well as from the following description of preferred embodiments based on the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the portion capsule, which do not limit the essential concept of the invention.

[0052] Short description of the drawings

[0053] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a portion capsule according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view “from below” of the portion capsule according to the exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view “from below” of a portion capsule according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view “from below” of a portion capsule according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 5 shows a schematic plan view “from below” of a portion capsule according to an exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figures 6a and 6b show schematic views of two identification codes on portion capsules according to exemplary fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7 shows a schematic plan view "from below" of a portion capsule according to an exemplary fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figures 8a to 8f show schematic partial views of an identification code of the portion capsule illustrated in Figure 7 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 9 shows a schematic sectional view of a portion capsule and a system according to an exemplary sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 10 shows a side view of a portion capsule according to an exemplary seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Embodiments of the invention

[0063] Figure 1 discloses a schematic side view of a portion capsule 10 for preparing a beverage.

[0064] The portion capsule 10 has a base element 12. The base element 12 comprises a capsule wall 14 (also referred to as a side wall, side wall, or capsule wall), and the capsule wall 14 extends from a bottom region 22 (also referred to as the capsule bottom or the like) to a circumferential flange 26, which projects laterally and is particularly circumferential. The bottom region 22

[0065] The base element 12 defines a cavity intended for receiving beverage raw material. On the side facing away from the base region 22, the base element has a filling opening through which the cavity can be filled with the beverage raw material.

[0066] The portion capsule 10 has, for example, a spherical (or hemispherical) base element 12, which has a bottom region 22 on its closed side (which can be curved and does not have to be flat) and a circumferential flange 26 on its open side. The capsule wall 14 extends around the cavity between the bottom region 22 and the flange 26. The portion capsule 10 is constructed rotationally symmetrically about its central longitudinal axis around a longitudinal axis L. In the radial direction R, which extends at right angles to the longitudinal axis L, the flange 26, which is circular and thus circumferential in the circumferential direction U, protrudes outwards beyond the capsule wall 14.

[0067] The flange 26 is firmly connected to a capsule lid 33 (also referred to as a lid or membrane), in the form of a particularly circular lid film, which closes the cavity on the open side of the base element 12. For this purpose, the flange 26 preferably has a sealing plane facing the capsule lid 33, which extends approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotational symmetry. The capsule lid 33 is sealed, welded, or glued in its edge region to the flange 26 and, in particular, to the sealing plane.

[0068] Within the base element 12, the cavity is formed, which is filled with the beverage raw material, for example coffee roast granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blend, milk powder and / or the like (not illustrated for reasons of clarity) and which is closed by the capsule lid 33.

[0069] The portion capsule 10 is intended to be inserted into a brewing unit of a beverage production machine to produce a beverage. The brewing unit comprises a first brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part, wherein the first or the second brewing chamber part is movable, in particular pivotable or displaceable, relative to the other brewing chamber part between an approximate position in which the first and the second brewing chamber parts form a closed brewing chamber, and an open position in which the first and the second brewing chamber parts are spaced apart from one another for inserting or ejecting the portion capsule 10.

[0070] In the closed position, the capsule lid 33 and / or the base region 22 are perforated to create perforation openings for introducing brewing liquid or for discharging the produced beverage. The brewing liquid is introduced into the cavity under pressure. The interaction between the brewing liquid and the beverage raw material creates the desired beverage, which leaves the portion capsule 10 through the other perforation openings and is fed into a beverage container. An optional filter medium can be used to filter any particles of the beverage raw material from the beverage and retain them in the portion capsule 10. Preferably, however, the multi-perforated capsule lid 33 functions as the filter element.It is conceivable that the portion capsule 10 is set in rotation in the beverage preparation machine in order to support the flow of the beverage through perforation openings formed in the edge region of the lid film with the aid of centrifugal forces.

[0071] The portion capsule 10 now has an identification code 34, which is optically detectable, in particular, by a detector of the beverage production machine. This identification code 34 preferably serves to identify the portion capsule 10 in the beverage production machine or to control brewing parameters. Thus, the beverage production machine can, for example, verify whether the portion capsule 10 located in the brewing chamber is a system-compatible portion capsule 10, and / or automatically select and start a suitable brewing program for the beverage raw material located in the portion capsule 10. It is also conceivable that specific brewing parameters to be used, such as the water temperature or the water quantity or the water pressure or the rotation speed of the portion capsule 10 during brewing, are embedded in the optically detectable identification code 34 and read out by the detector.

[0072] The optically detectable identification code 34 is, in particular, a machine-readable code in the form of a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional bit or barcode. The bit or barcode is designed to encircle completely or partially as a circle or partial circle around the rotational symmetry axis L of the portion capsule 10. The individual adjacent lines from which the particularly two- or multi-colored bit or barcode is constructed then preferably extend in the radial direction R relative to the rotational symmetry axis L and are arranged next to one another in the circumferential direction U. The identification code is arranged, in particular, on a side (also referred to as the underside) of the flange 26 that faces away from the capsule lid 33.

[0073] The code is either printed directly on the flange 26 or applied to a ring (not shown) which is glued to the flange 26.

[0074] Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the identification code 34 to be arranged on the lidding film 33, specifically on a side of the lidding film 33 facing the flange 26. In this case, the flange 26 is optically transparent, so that the identification code 34 is nevertheless visible on a side of the flange 26 facing away from the capsule lid 33. The code is located in particular in a circumferential edge region of the lidding film 33, with the part of the lidding film 33 which is attached to the flange 26 and / or is in direct contact with the flange 26 being referred to as the edge region. The wording optically transparent means that the materials are at least sufficiently translucent (also referred to as translucent or partially transparent) for the detector to be able to optically read the code. For this purpose, the code can be backlit in the beverage preparation machine.It is conceivable that the entire cover film 33 is also transparent, or only in the edge area, so that in a central area located radially within the edge area, the cover film can be printed with a logo, product names, labels, and the like. Likewise, either the entire base element 12 or just the flange 26 of the base element 12 can be transparent.

[0075] The base element 12 and the lidding film 33 are preferably made of aluminum (AI), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene ether (PPO), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The cup-shaped or spherical configuration of the base element 12 is preferably produced by thermoforming, for example, deep drawing using negative pressure, positive pressure, and / or a movable die. Alternatively, the portion capsule 10 is produced by injection molding, in particular using a single-component, multi-component, or in-mold process. As a further alternative, it would be conceivable for the base element 12 and / or the lidding film 33 to be made entirely or partially from a biodegradable material, in particular from cellulose fibers, which can be embedded in a resin matrix.

[0076] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic plan view "from below" of the portion capsule 10 according to the exemplary first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1. Thus, Figure 2 shows the plan view of the base region 22 along the longitudinal axis L in a direction oriented from the base region 22 toward the lidding film 33.

[0077] Figure 2 therefore also shows a plan view of the side of the circumferential flange 26 facing away from the lidding film 33. The identification code 34 is arranged or at least visible on this flange 26. In the radial direction R, the flange 26 extends over a flange width FB. The coding lines of the identification code 34 are shorter than the flange width FB and therefore only extend over a partial area TB of the flange width FB. In the present example, the partial area TB comprises less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40% and in particular less than 30% of the flange width FB in the radial direction R. Advantageously, the identification code 34 is thus significantly spaced both from the capsule wall 14 of the portion capsule 10 and from an outer flange edge 15 of the flange 26. This improves readability and makes the production of the portion capsule 10 simpler and cheaper.

[0078] This is all the more true since the portion capsule 10 according to the invention preferably has a flange, in particular a rolled edge, on the flange 26. The flange is formed on the outermost edge of the flange 26, i.e., on the outer flange edge 15, and serves to prevent a sharp-edged flange 26, which could otherwise lead to cuts to the user.

[0079] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic bottom view of a portion capsule 10 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is essentially similar to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, with the identification code 34 being designed differently.

[0080] The identification code 34 extends over a partial area TB, which only partially covers the flange width FB of the flange 26 in the radial direction R. In the present example, however, the identification code 34 directly borders the outer flange edge 15 of the flange 26.

[0081] In the present example, an inner side IS of the partial region TB facing the capsule wall 14 in the radial direction R (more precisely: in the opposite direction) has a distance X from the attachment of the capsule wall 14 to the flange 26 which comprises at least 10% and in particular at least 20% of the flange width (FB).

[0082] Advantageously, the identification code 34 is thus spaced radially from the capsule wall 14. This alone leads to improved readability and more cost-effective and easier production of the portion capsule 10. Figure 4 illustrates a schematic plan view "from below" of a portion capsule 10 according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is again essentially similar to the first embodiment presented with reference to Figures 1 and 2, with the identification code 34 again being designed differently.

[0083] In the present example, the inner side IS of the partial area TB facing the capsule wall 14 directly borders the capsule wall 14. Therefore, a spacing of the identification code 34 from the attachment of the capsule wall 14 to the flange 26 is not provided.

[0084] In this example, the partial area TB is spaced from the flange outer edge 15 by a further distance Y on its outer side AS facing away from the capsule wall 14 in the radial direction R. The outer side AS has a distance Y from the flange outer edge 15 which comprises at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40% and in particular at least 50% of the flange width FB.

[0085] This also results in an improvement in the readout reliability as well as a cheaper and easier production of the portion capsule 10.

[0086] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic bottom view of a portion capsule 10 according to an exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment is essentially similar to the first embodiment presented with reference to Figures 1 and 2, with only the identification code 34 being designed differently.

[0087] In the above-described portion capsules 10 according to the first, second, and third embodiments, the identification code 34 comprises, in particular, a plurality of coding lines arranged adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction U and concentrically around the longitudinal axis L. In contrast, the identification code 34 according to the fourth embodiment has a plurality of circles 17 that represent the code instead of the coding lines. The circles 17 have different diameters to represent different coding values.

[0088] It is conceivable that the circles 17 are located within a partial area TB in the radial direction R, which extends only partially over the entire flange width FB of the flange 26. The circles 17 can, for example, extend over the partial areas TB described with reference to the first, second, and third embodiments.

[0089] Figures 6a and 6b show schematic views of two identification codes 34 on portion capsules 10 according to an exemplary fifth and sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] The illustrated identification codes 34 are shown as straight horizontal stripes for the sake of simplicity, since Figures 6a and 6b are intended only to explain the structure of the identification codes 34. In practice, the two identification codes 34 are naturally arranged or visible on the flange 26 as codes curved concentrically around the longitudinal axis L in the circumferential direction U, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. The identification codes 34 are therefore essentially circular. Preferably, the identification codes 34 illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b are the same identification codes 34 shown in Figures 1 and 2, or in Figure 3, or in Figure 4, or in Figure 5.

[0091] Figure 6a shows that the identification code 34 has a plurality of code sequences 40. Almost each code sequence 40 comprises an input part 41 and a data part 42 following the input part 41 in the reading direction.

[0092] The input part 41 is intended to enable the detector of the beverage production machine to locate the beginning of the code sequence 40 and comprises a specific data pattern known to the readout algorithm. It is thus recognized that the subsequent code component comprises a data part 42.

[0093] The data section 42 is intended to provide coded identification and / or brewing parameters for controlling the beverage production or the beverage production machine. This can be used, for example, to verify the system affiliation of the respective portion capsule 10 to the beverage production machine. Furthermore, it is conceivable that specific parameters for the beverage production machine are embedded in the data section 42, which, for example, directly control the water temperature, water pressure, brewing time, or water quantity.

[0094] The identification code 34 according to the invention has at least one further code sequence 40', which has only an input part 41 and no data part 42'. Advantageously, the identification code 34 thus comprises more input parts 41 than data parts 42, thereby increasing the readout reliability.

[0095] In the present case, all input parts 41 are designed identically, while the further input part 41 ', which is not followed by a data part 42, is designed differently than the input parts 41.

[0096] Figure 6b shows a similar identification code 34 to that shown in Figure 6a. In contrast to the identification code 34 illustrated in Figure 6A, in the identification code 34 shown in Figure 6b, all input parts 41, 41', 41", 41 and / or all data parts 42, 42', 42", 42'" are designed differently, with the data part 42'" being missing, empty, or containing no data (all of which is used synonymously with the term "having no data part" within the meaning of the present invention). The different data parts 42, 42', 42'" here represent, in particular, different brewing parameters, such as water pressure, water quantity, water temperature, or brewing time.

[0097] Figure 7 shows a schematic plan view “from below” of a portion capsule 10 according to an exemplary fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The fifth embodiment is essentially similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, with only the identification code 34 being designed differently.

[0099] The identification code 34 is in turn formed circumferentially in a partial area TB of the flange width FB.

[0100] Figure 7 illustrates a detailed view DA depicting a detail of the circulating identification code 34. The identification code 34 is configured as illustrated in Figures 8a to 8f.

[0101] The identification code 34 can be designed, for example, as a step-shaped code (Figure 8a), as a helical or DNA code (Figure 8b), as a meander-shaped or loop-shaped code (Figures 8c or 8e), as a double meander-shaped code (Figure 8d), or as a rectangular or diamond-shaped code (Figure 8f). The code is provided, in particular, circumferentially along the circumferential direction U on the flange 26. Figure 9 illustrates a schematic view of a system 100 with a portion capsule 10 according to an exemplary sixth embodiment of the present invention. The portion capsule 10 according to the sixth embodiment is, in particular, identical to a portion capsule 10 according to the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth embodiment.

[0102] The system 100 comprises a beverage production machine with a receptacle 101 in which the portion capsule 10 can be received. The receptacle 101 is cup-shaped and supports the capsule wall 14 and, optionally, the flange 26.

[0103] In a closure element 104 of the beverage production machine, which closure element is opposite the receptacle 101 in the longitudinal direction L and is provided for enclosing the portion capsule 10 in the cup-shaped receptacle 101, piercing elements 103 are formed, which are provided for perforating the capsule lid 33.

[0104] It is conceivable that a centrally arranged first piercing element 103' forms an inlet opening in the capsule lid 33, through which water can enter the cavity of the portion capsule 10 to interact with the beverage raw material located there. For this purpose, the first piercing element 103' can be designed with a channel or be tubular.

[0105] It is conceivable that a plurality of second piercing elements 103" are provided distributed in the circumferential direction U, which pierce the capsule lid 33 in a region radially offset in the direction of the flange 26 near the capsule wall 14, in order to provide outlet openings in the capsule lid 33 for the beverage formed in the cavity by interaction between the water and the beverage raw material.

[0106] The outflow of the beverage is preferably promoted by causing the receptacle 101 and thus also the portion capsule 10 to rotate about the longitudinal axis L. It is conceivable that the second piercing elements 103" are pulled out of the capsule lid 33 again before or during the introduction of the water into the portion capsule 10 in order to release the outlet openings. In the present example, the receptacle 101 has a recess 102 in an angular range along the circumferential direction U in the region of the capsule wall 14 and in the region of a side of the flange 26 facing away from the capsule lid 33.

[0107] The portion capsule 10 has a surface region 18 in the region of the capsule wall 14, which is optically reflective. It is conceivable that the surface region 18 has a reflectance of more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, and preferably more than 90% in the visible spectrum. This is preferably achieved by making the surface region 18 shiny, reflective, and smooth, i.e., without any structures such as grooves or the like.

[0108] The surface area 18 comprises in particular either the entire capsule wall 14, which for this purpose is made of metal, for example, or is provided with a metallic coating over its entire surface, or an application in a partial area of ​​the capsule wall 14, which is a metallic coating or a metallic sticker.

[0109] The example shown in Figure 9 comprises in particular a capsule wall 14 which is made of aluminum, the reflective metallic surface of which has not been painted over and thus has the desired reflectivity.

[0110] On the side of the flange 26 facing away from the capsule lid 33, the portion capsule 10 has the identification code 34.

[0111] The beverage production machine now has a detector 51 for reading the identification code 34. According to the invention, the field of view or detection of the detector 51 is not directed directly at the identification code 34 on the flange 26, but rather is directed through the recess 102 onto the surface area 18. Due to the reflective surface area 18, the identification code 34 is at least partially reflected in the surface area 18, so that the detector 51 can detect and read the identification code 34 reflected on the surface area 18.

[0112] For this purpose, the detector 51 is arranged relative to the recording as follows: An imaginary connecting line VL, which starts in the radial direction R centrally at the identification code 34 and extends from there to a point located centrally in the surface area 18, runs at an angle a to the capsule wall 14 in the area of ​​this point.

[0113] Furthermore, an imaginary detection line DL, which starts centrally at the detection field of the detector R and extends from there to the point located centrally in the surface area 18, has an angle ß to the capsule wall 14 in the area of ​​this point.

[0114] Preferably, the detector 51 is now arranged relative to the receptacle 51 or the portion capsule 10 such that the angle α substantially corresponds to the angle β. The deviation between the two angles α and β is preferably less than 5 degrees, less than 3 degrees, less than 2 degrees, and particularly preferably less than 1 degree.

[0115] The detector 51 is, in particular, an optical CCD camera or a laser scanner. It is conceivable that the detector 51 comprises a light source, in particular one or more LEDs, which is provided for illuminating the identification code 34. The light cone of the light source is also directed onto the surface area 18 and is reflected from there onto the identification code 34.

[0116] Figure 10 shows a side view of a portion capsule 10 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The portion capsule 10 according to the seventh embodiment is essentially similar to the portion capsule 10 according to the sixth embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, with the difference that the surface region 18 does not extend over the entire outer surface of the base element 12.

[0117] In the seventh embodiment, the capsule wall 14 has a dedicated surface area 18 that extends only over a portion of the outer surface of the base element 12. Preferably, the portion capsule 10 has the required reflectivity only in this area.

[0118] The surface area 18 extends in the circumferential direction U either only over a partial area of ​​the capsule wall 14 or - as shown in Figure 10 - over the entire circumference of the capsule wall 14. List of reference symbols

[0119] 10 portion capsules

[0120] 12 Basic element

[0121] 14 Capsule wall

[0122] 15 Flange outer edge

[0123] 17 districts

[0124] 18 Surface area

[0125] 22 Floor area

[0126] 26 Flange

[0127] 33 capsule lids

[0128] 34 Identification code

[0129] 40 code sequence

[0130] 41 Entrance part

[0131] 42 Data part

[0132] 51 Detector

[0133] 100 systems

[0134] 101 Recording

[0135] 102 locking element

[0136] 103 piercing elements

[0137] L Longitudinal axis

[0138] R Radial direction

[0139] U circumferential direction

[0140] FB flange width

[0141] TB sub-area

[0142] IS inside

[0143] X distance

[0144] AS outside

[0145] Y Further distance

[0146] DL detection line

[0147] VL connecting line a angle ß angle

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Portion capsule (10) for preparing a beverage using a beverage production machine, wherein the portion capsule (10) has a base element (12) with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid (33) closing the cavity, wherein the base element (12) comprises a circumferential flange (26) and a capsule wall (14) extending from a bottom region (22) of the portion capsule (10) to the circumferential flange (26), wherein the flange (26) extends in a radial direction (R) with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the portion capsule (10) over a flange width (FB), wherein the capsule lid (33) is attached to the flange (26), and wherein the portion capsule (10) has an identification code (34) that is optically detectable, in particular by a detector of the beverage production machine, and which is arranged or visible on a side of the flange (26) facing away from the capsule lid (33) along the longitudinal axis (L), thereby characterizedthat the identification code (34) extends in the radial direction (R) only over a partial area (TB) of the flange width (FB).

2. Portion capsule (10) according to claim 1, wherein the partial area (TB) comprises less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40% or less than 30% of the flange width (FB) in the radial direction (R).

3. Portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the partial area (TB) has on its inner side (IS) facing the capsule wall (14) in the radial direction (R) a distance (X) to the capsule wall (14) along the radial direction (R) which comprises at least 10% or at least 20% of the flange width (FB).

4. Portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the partial area (TB) has on its outer side (AS) facing away from the capsule wall (14) in the radial direction (R) a further distance (Y) along the radial direction (R) to a flange outer edge (15) of the flange (26) which comprises at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40% or at least 50% of the flange width (FB).

5. Portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer flange edge (15) has a crimp and in particular a rolled edge.

6. Portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification code (34) comprises a barcode, in particular a bit and / or barcode, the coding lines (16) of which extend in particular in a radial direction (R).

7. Portion capsule (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the coding lines (16) in radial direction (R) comprises less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40% or less than 30% of the flange width (FB).

8. Portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coding lines (16) have a distance (X) in radial direction (R) to the capsule wall (14) which comprises at least 10% or at least 20% of the flange width (FB).

9. Portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coding lines (16) have a further distance (Y) in radial direction (R) to the outer flange edge (15) which comprises at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40% or at least 50% of the flange width (FB).

10. Portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification code (34) is composed of a plurality of circular, elliptical, angular or rectangular code elements, wherein at least two circles (17) have different diameters or extents in the radial direction (R) and / or in the circumferential direction (U).

11. Portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification code (34) is composed of one or more helical, meandering or step-shaped code elements.

12. Portion capsule (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification code (34) is composed of number sequences, in particular Arabic zeros and Arabic ones, and / or letter sequences.

13. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification code (34) is printed or applied to a side of the flange (26) facing away from the capsule lid (33) along the longitudinal axis (L). Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification code (34) is printed or applied to a side of the capsule lid (33) facing the flange (26) along the longitudinal axis (L) and wherein at least the flange (26) or the entire base element (12) is optically transparent.Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the identification code (34) comprises a plurality of code sequences (40), wherein at least one code sequence (40) comprises an input part (41) and a data part (42), wherein the input part (41) is provided in particular for locating the beginning of the code sequence (40) by a detector of the beverage production machine and wherein the data part (42) is provided in particular for providing coded identification and / or brewing parameters for controlling the beverage production, wherein at least one further code sequence (40') comprises only an input part (41') and no data part (42').Portion capsule (1) according to claim 15, wherein the input part (41) of the code sequence (40) comprising both an input part (41) and a data part (42) differs from the input part (41') of the further code sequence (40') comprising only an input part (41') and no data part (42'). Portion capsule (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein those code sequences (40) comprising all an input part (41) and a data part (42) have an identical input part (41, 41", 41'') and, in particular, identical or different data parts (42, 42", 42'). Portion capsule (10) according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the capsule wall (14) is at least partially optically reflective. Portion capsule (10) according to claim 18, wherein the capsule wall (14) has a, in particular circumferential, glossy, smooth and / or flat surface area (18).Portion capsule (10) according to claim 19, wherein the surface area (18) extends along the longitudinal direction (L) over a maximum of 90%, a maximum of 70%, a maximum of 50% or a maximum of 30%. the total extent of the capsule wall (14) in the longitudinal direction (L) and in particular extends over at least 10% of the total extent of the capsule wall (14) in the longitudinal direction (L).

21. Portion capsule (10) according to one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the surface area (18) has a distance (Z) along the longitudinal direction (L) to the flange (26) and / or to the bottom area (22) which is less than 80%, 60%, 40% or 20% of the total extent of the capsule wall (14) in the longitudinal direction (L).

22. Portion capsule (10) according to one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the surface area (18) has a reflectance in the visible spectrum of more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70% and preferably more than 90%.

23. Portion capsule (10) according to one of claims 19 to 22, wherein a coating element has the surface area (18) which is applied to the side wall (14) and in particular is glued on.

24. System (100) for preparing a beverage comprising a portion capsule (10) according to one of claims 18 to 23 and a beverage production machine, wherein the beverage production machine has a receptacle (101) for the portion capsule (10), wherein the beverage production machine has a detector (51) for reading the identification code (34), wherein a field of view (52) of the detector (51) is directed towards the capsule wall (14) of a portion capsule (10) located in the receptacle (101).

25. System (100) according to claim 24, wherein the detector (51) is arranged relative to the receiver (101) such that a detection line (DL) between the detector and the surface area forms an angle (β) to the capsule wall (14) which is substantially equal to an angle (α) between an imaginary connecting line (VL) between the identification code (34) and the surface area (18) to the capsule wall (14).

26. System (100) according to claim 25, wherein the detector (51) comprises an optical CCD camera or a laser scanner. System (100) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the detector (51) comprises a light source for illuminating the identification code (34), wherein a light cone of the light source is directed onto the surface area (18) of the portion capsule (10) located in the holder. Use of a portion capsule (10) according to any one of the preceding claims for preparing a beverage using a beverage preparation machine.

Images