Capsule body, capsule, method and system for preparing a liquid food

Abstract

Capsule body (1) for receiving a substance for the preparation of a liquid foodstuff, wherein the capsule body (1) is cup-shaped and preferably rotationally symmetrical. The capsule body (1) is made of a metal and comprises a side wall (3) and a base (4). A penetration area (9) is formed between the base (4) and the side wall (3). The capsule body (1) has reinforcing elements (12). The reinforcing elements (12) extend from the side wall (3) into the penetration area (9).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsule body, a capsule, a method and a system for preparing a liquid food according to the preambles of the independent claims.

[0002] Various capsule bodies, capsules, methods, and systems are already known from the prior art. Typically, for the preparation of a liquid food, the capsule is enclosed in a brewing chamber of a preparation machine, with a capsule receptacle moving relative to a closure plate of the machine and the capsule being penetrated by a corresponding device.

[0003] WO 2014 / 184652 A1 discloses a capsule body made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy with a thickness between 80 and 500 micrometers. The disadvantages of the disclosed capsule body are that the material usage and, accordingly, the CO2 emissions are high, and the production is cost-intensive.

[0004] WO 2012 / 080501 A1 discloses a plastic capsule with a stiffening region arranged around the penetration region. Capsules made of a plastic material must be provided with a barrier layer to ensure aroma-tight containment of the substance used to prepare the liquid food, which complicates production and recycling of the capsule. Furthermore, plastic capsules soften under the influence of heat, so that penetration of the capsule cannot be reliably guaranteed in a brewing chamber that is warm from the previous food preparation, despite the stiffening region.

[0005] The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a capsule body, a capsule, a method, and a system are to be provided that minimize material usage and ensure reliable preparation of a liquid food. The capsule should be simple, cost-effective, and sustainable to manufacture.

[0006] This object is achieved by the capsule bodies, capsules, methods, and systems defined in the independent patent claims. Further embodiments are set forth in the dependent patent claims.

[0007] A capsule body according to the invention for containing a substance for preparing a liquid food is cup-shaped and preferably rotationally symmetrical. The capsule body is made of metal and comprises a side wall and a base. A penetration area is formed between the base and the side wall. The capsule body has reinforcing elements that extend from the side wall into the penetration area.

[0008] The substance for preparing a liquid food, in particular a hot beverage, can be selected from the group comprising coffee powder, tea, cocoa, drinking chocolate, milk powder, instant coffee, cereal powder and dry soup, as well as combinations thereof.

[0009] The penetration area should encompass the diameter of a penetration device of a preparation machine and comprise ±60%, preferably ±30%, of the radius of the penetration device. For known machines, this is a region of the capsule body within a radius of 2.6 to 10.3 mm, preferably 4.5 to 8.4 mm, and particularly preferably 6.0 to 7.0 mm around the central longitudinal axis. The penetration area can also extend to the central longitudinal axis.

[0010] The penetration area can be convex, concave, or flat. The penetration area can have a radius of 6.45 mm and an angle of 55° ± 7°, preferably 55 ± 5°, and particularly preferably 55 ± 3° to the central longitudinal axis.

[0011] The phrase that the reinforcement elements extend into the penetration area means that the reinforcement elements end in the penetration area or even cross it.

[0012] The reinforcement elements can extend in a straight line, follow any curve, or have a circular geometry. The reinforcement elements can be radially aligned, slightly offset from the radial, spiral, or circular.

[0013] This has the advantage that the reinforcement elements can be used as a design element in addition to their functional task.

[0014] The metal can be selected from the group comprising tinplate, chromium steel, titanium, aluminum, tin, copper, brass, or an alloy and / or combinations thereof. In the present invention, the term "metal" also includes laminates with at least one metal layer. The metal preferably has one or more additional coatings, such as lacquer layers.

[0015] The reinforcing elements stabilize the area between the base and side wall of the capsule body. Reliable penetration of the capsule body is thus enabled, even in beverage preparation machines with blunt and / or worn penetration means, without significant deformation of the capsule body. The fact that the reinforcing elements extend into the penetration area further strengthens this area. Thus, the capsule body can be reliably pierced by commercially available beverage preparation devices. A portion capsule with the capsule body according to the invention can be used in conventional beverage preparation machines. The preparation of a liquid food, as described below, is thus ensured.

[0016] Preferably, the capsule body is formed in one piece and can thus be manufactured cost-effectively, for example by means of a deep-drawing process.

[0017] The capsule body can have a circumferential, flange-shaped rim with a sealing surface facing away from the exterior of the capsule. The capsule body can be closed with a lid on the sealing surface and hermetically sealed. The freshness of the enclosed substance can be guaranteed over a storage period of several months without any loss of quality.

[0018] Another object of the present invention relates to a capsule body for containing a substance for preparing a liquid food, preferably as described above. The capsule body is cup-shaped and preferably rotationally symmetrical. The capsule body is formed from a metal and comprises a side wall and a base. A penetration region and at least five reinforcing elements, which preferably extend into the penetration region, are arranged between the base and the side wall. The number of reinforcing elements is odd and not a multiple of three.

[0019] Conventional beverage preparation machines feature a penetration device with three symmetrically arranged piercing blades. The odd number of reinforcing elements, which differs from a multiple of three and is preferably symmetrical, ensures that the capsule body does not collapse upon contact with the penetration device and can be reliably pierced. At least one opening is created outside the reinforcing elements by the penetration of the piercing blades of the penetration device.

[0020] The capsule body can have a wall thickness that is, on average, less than 80 µm. The average wall thickness is preferably between 30 µm and 79 µm, more preferably between 50 µm and 79 µm, and most preferably around 70 µm. It is also conceivable that the average wall thickness is less than 75 µm or even less than 70 µm. The wall thickness is preferably less than 80 µm at every point of the capsule body.

[0021] Capsule bodies with an average wall thickness of less than 80 µm are understood to be any capsule body whose average wall thickness at all points is less than 80 µm.

[0022] When manufacturing the capsule body by deep drawing, the material thickness should be less than 80 µm prior to deep drawing. The material used is of uniform thickness prior to deep drawing, taking manufacturing tolerances into account. Material thickness fluctuations prior to deep drawing are in the range of 8.5%. The material thickness can fluctuate by +3% / -20% across the deep-drawn capsule body.

[0023] The advantages of a capsule body with a wall thickness of less than 80 µm lie in the reduced material usage. This allows the capsule body to be produced with minimal use of resources, saving costs and increasing sustainability. The deep-drawing process requires less force due to the choice of material. This reduces tool wear and saves energy. Furthermore, the lower material weight reduces logistics costs and the associated CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the choice of material thickness allows for a reduction in the force required to create the inlet opening. This has a positive effect on wear on the penetration agent of the preparation machine.

[0024] The capsule body can be formed integrally with the reinforcing elements, wherein the reinforcing elements are formed by deformation.

[0025] The advantage is that the entire capsule body can be formed from a single piece of metal, yet individual areas can be reinforced through the geometry. The wall thickness is thus essentially the same across the entire capsule body. This allows for a stable capsule body to be manufactured cost-effectively and easily.

[0026] The reinforcement elements can be inverted or protruded. The reinforcement elements can thus form a projection and / or recess from a conventional geometric shape of the capsule body.

[0027] The reinforcing elements can be spaced from each other circumferentially, in particular regularly.

[0028] This offers flexibility in the design and configuration of the deep-drawing process. For example, adaptation to the specific requirements of the beverage preparation device is possible.

[0029] The reinforcing elements can extend at least 1%, preferably at least 5%, and particularly preferably at least 10% into the penetration area, with the penetration area of ​​6.0 to 7.0 mm serving as a reference. The reinforcing elements can also completely traverse the penetration area. The reinforcing elements can be formed over the entire length or part of the sidewall.

[0030] The length of the reinforcing elements can be 21.9% to 36.6% of the total height of the capsule body, preferably 25.6% to 31% of the total height, particularly preferably 29.3% to 30.5% of the total height. In capsules for known machines, the reinforcing elements can have a length of 6.0 to 10.0 mm, preferably 7.0 to 8.5 mm, particularly preferably 8.0 to 8.4 mm. The reinforcing elements can also extend over the entire height of the capsule body.

[0031] The length of, for example, a reinforcement element is measured along its central axis. The central axis is understood to be the longitudinal axis.

[0032] The advantage of a reinforcement element extending the entire height of the capsule body is that it provides stabilization across the entire sidewall. Furthermore, there is no weak point at the end of the reinforcement element. Because the reinforcement elements extend into the penetration area, this area can also be reinforced.

[0033] Stiffening elements that are designed differently from the reinforcing elements can be arranged between adjacent reinforcing elements. The stiffening and reinforcing elements can have different lengths.

[0034] By arranging stiffening elements between adjacent reinforcement elements, the penetration zone can be further strengthened. The addition of stiffening elements has the advantage of allowing adaptation to specific stiffness requirements. Furthermore, adaptation is possible depending on the beverage production device and, in particular, its penetration medium.

[0035] The stiffening elements can extend into the penetration area, cross it or only reach to the penetration area.

[0036] The stiffening elements can extend radially to the longitudinal axis toward the floor. One or more circumferential or central stiffening elements are also conceivable.

[0037] This has the advantage that, on the one hand, the stability of the penetration area is strengthened by additional elements, but it is still ensured that the penetration tips of a preparation machine penetrate at least once next to the reinforcing and stiffening elements.

[0038] The stiffening elements of the capsule body can be at least 10% shorter, preferably at least 20% shorter and particularly preferably at least 25% shorter than the reinforcing elements.

[0039] The reinforcing elements and / or stiffening elements can have a width of 0.5 to 7.0 mm, preferably 1.0 to 4.0 mm, particularly preferably 1.5 to 2.5 mm. The individual reinforcing elements and / or stiffening elements can be designed to overlap or not overlap. The width of the reinforcing elements and / or stiffening elements can also taper towards the bottom and / or the side wall.

[0040] The width of the reinforcing and stiffening elements is measured perpendicular to their central axis at the widest point.

[0041] The reinforcing elements and / or stiffening elements can have a depth of 10 to 50%, preferably 15 to 40%, particularly preferably 25 to 35% of their width. The reinforcing elements and / or stiffening elements can have a depth of 0.2 to 2.5 mm, preferably 0.25 to 0.8 mm, particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm. A depth of 0.7 mm is particularly preferred.

[0042] The depth of the reinforcement and / or stiffening elements is measured at the lowest point of the element, starting from the outside of the capsule body, between the elements, with the latter being assumed to be rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. The depth is the difference measured perpendicular to the tangent to the central axis of the reinforcement or stiffening element.

[0043] A further aspect of the invention relates to a capsule comprising a capsule body as described above, as well as a closing lid for forming a closed cavity. The cavity contains a substance for preparing a liquid food.

[0044] The advantage of the cap is that the sealed capsule, filled with a substance, can be used to prepare a liquid food using commercially available preparation machines. The cap can seal the capsule aroma-tight or hermetically, thus preserving the freshness of the substance within.

[0045] As described above, the capsule can have a circumferential flange-shaped rim with a sealing surface that serves to seal the lid to the capsule body. A plastically and / or elastically deformable sealing element can be arranged on a base of the circumferential rim opposite the sealing surface in order to sealingly contact a contact surface of a capsule receptacle of a preparation machine. The sealing element can be formed integrally with the capsule body or arranged as a separate element on the base.

[0046] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for preparing a liquid foodstuff. In a first step of the method, a capsule as described above and a corresponding preparation machine are provided. The capsule is filled with a substance. The capsule is then introduced into the brewing chamber of the preparation machine. Penetration by the preparation machine creates at least one inlet opening in the penetration area and preferably at least one outlet opening in the lid of the capsule. An extraction liquid is introduced into the capsule through the inlet opening. The liquid foodstuff is drained from the capsule through the outlet opening. The order of the individual steps can be varied in some cases.

[0047] The inlet opening is preferably created in the penetration area of ​​the capsule body. The outlet opening can be created by a penetration agent inside or outside the capsule. Opening solely due to the internal pressure within the capsule is also conceivable.

[0048] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system for preparing a liquid foodstuff, comprising a capsule as described above and a corresponding preparation machine. The preparation machine has a penetration means for creating at least one inlet opening in the penetration area of ​​the capsule.

[0049] For a better understanding, the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures that merely represent exemplary embodiments. They show: Figure 1: a cross-section through a capsule body according to the invention schematically shown, Figure 2: a representation of the capsule body according to Figure 1, where additional reinforcement elements and stiffening elements are shown, Figure 3: a detailed representation of the penetration area of ​​the capsule body according to Figure 2 with reinforcing and stiffening elements, Figure 4: an enlarged view of the area of ​​the circumferential, flange-shaped edge of the capsule body according to Figure 1 , wherein a front end of a capsule holder is additionally shown, Figure 5: a section through a schematically illustrated brewing chamber of a preparation machine with a capsule held, Figure 6a: a schematic representation of non-radially extending reinforcing elements in the penetration area, Figure 6b: a schematic representation of jagged reinforcing elements in the penetration area, Figure 6c: a schematic representation of reinforcing elements that follow a curve,

[0050] Figure 1shows a schematically illustrated cross section through a capsule body 1 according to the invention with a central longitudinal axis 7. The capsule body has reinforcing elements 12 (see Figure 2 ), which are not shown in this illustration for the sake of simplicity. The capsule body 1 comprises a side wall 3 and a base 4 and has a filling opening 36 so that a substance 6 can be accommodated. Between the base 4, which has a radius R1, and the side wall 3 lies a penetration region 9.

[0051] The base 4 has a radius R1 of 6.0 mm. The penetration area 9 has an angle W1 of 55°. The capsule body 1 has a total height 34 of 27.4 mm.

[0052] The wall thickness 8 of the capsule body 1 is less than 80 µm at every measured point over the entire capsule body 1.

[0053] The capsule body 1 preferably has a circumferential, flange-shaped edge 31 with a sealing surface 32, to which a lid 5 (see Figure 5 ). On the side opposite the sealing surface 32, a base 33 of the flange-shaped edge 31 is visible, on which a sealing element 30 is integrally formed. Likewise, a sealing element made of a different material than the capsule body 1 could be arranged on the base 33, which sealing element can be plastically and / or elastically deformable.

[0054] Figure 2 shows a capsule body 1 according to Figure 1 with reinforcing elements 12 and stiffening elements 11. Between the bottom 4 and the side wall 3 of the capsule body 1 there is a penetration area 9. The capsule body 1 with a central longitudinal axis 7 is cup-shaped and rotationally symmetrical.

[0055] The width 14 of the reinforcement elements 12 and the stiffening elements 11 is 2.1 mm and 1.9 mm, respectively, in the illustrated embodiment. The width is measured at the widest point of the reinforcement element 12 and the stiffening element 11. In the present example, the length 13 of the reinforcement elements 12 essentially extends over the total height 34, which is 27.4 mm. The stiffening elements 11 have a shorter length 15. The lengths 11, 15 are measured along the center axis of the respective element, along their longitudinal orientation.

[0056] In Figure 3 the penetration area 9 is arranged at an angle W1 with the reinforcing elements 12 and the stiffening elements 11 of a capsule body 1 according to Figure 1Enlarged. The longitudinal axis 7 is shown schematically. The depth 16 of the reinforcement elements 12 and the stiffening elements 11 is 0.7 mm and 0.35 mm, respectively. The reinforcement elements 12 and stiffening elements 11 have a width 14 of 2.1 mm and 1.9 mm, respectively. The width is measured at the widest point of the element. The length 13 of the reinforcement element 12 is 8.3 mm. The length 15 of the stiffening element 11 is 5.6 mm.

[0057] In Figure 4 is the area of ​​the sealing element 30 of the capsule body 1 (cf. Figure 1 ) is shown enlarged. The longitudinal axis 7 is shown schematically. Starting from the side wall 3 of the capsule body with a wall thickness 8 of less than 80 µm, the circumferential, flange-shaped edge 31 extends outwards. The flange-shaped edge 31 forms a sealing surface 32, to which a lid 5 (cf. Figure 5). On the side opposite the sealing surface 32, the base 33 of the flange-shaped edge 31 is visible, on which the sealing element 30 is integrally formed. Likewise, a sealing element made of a different material than the capsule body could be arranged on the base 33, which sealing element could be plastically and / or elastically deformable. Furthermore, a contact surface 21 of a possible capsule receptacle 20 of a preparation machine is shown.

[0058] The Figure 5 shows a section through a schematically illustrated brewing chamber 23 of a preparation machine with a capsule 2 accommodated. The brewing chamber 23 is essentially formed by a capsule receptacle 20 with a contact surface 21 and a closure plate 24. When the brewing chamber 23 is closed, the capsule 2 is completely enclosed.

[0059] The capsule 2 with a central longitudinal axis 7 consists of a capsule body 1, comprising a base 4, a penetration area 9 and a side wall 3, as well as a closing lid 5. The capsule body 1 with a total height 34 of 27.4 mm and the lid 5 define a cavity 35 which accommodates a substance 6. The capsule body 1 has a circumferential, flange-shaped edge 31 with a sealing surface 32 to which the lid 5 is attached. On the side opposite the sealing surface 32 is the base 33, which comes into contact with the contact surface 21 of the capsule receptacle 20.

[0060] The brewing chamber 23 has a penetration means 22, which creates an inlet opening 25 in the penetration area 9 of the capsule 2. The closure plate 24 has a relief structure on the lid side, which generates an outlet opening 26 of the capsule 2 under pressure or already when the brewing chamber 23 is closed.

[0061] In Figure 6aNon-radially extending reinforcing elements 12 are shown schematically, which extend into the penetration area 9 of a capsule body 1 towards the bottom 4.

[0062] The schematically shown Figure 6b shows an alternative embodiment of reinforcing elements 12. The reinforcing elements 12 run in a jagged manner in the penetration area 9 against the bottom 4 of a capsule body 1.

[0063] In Figure 6c Reinforcing elements 12 following a curve are schematically shown, which extend towards the bottom 4 of a capsule body 1.

Claims

1. Capsule body (1) for receiving a substance (6) for the preparation of a liquid food, wherein the capsule body (1) is cup-shaped and preferably rotationally symmetrical, wherein the capsule body (1) is formed from a metal, wherein the capsule body (1) comprises a side wall (3) and a base (4), wherein a penetration area (9) is formed between the base (4) and the side wall (3), wherein the capsule body (1) has reinforcing elements (12), characterized in that the reinforcing elements (12) extend from the side wall (3) into the penetration area (9).

2. Capsule body (1), in particular according to claim 1, for receiving at least one substance (6) for the preparation of a liquid food, wherein the capsule body (1) is cup-shaped and preferably rotationally symmetrical, wherein the capsule body (1) is formed from a metal, wherein the capsule body (1) comprises a side wall (3) and a base (4), wherein between the base (4) and the side wall (3) a penetration area (9) and at least five reinforcing elements (12) are arranged, which are preferably circumferentially spaced from one another, characterized in that the number of reinforcing elements (12) is odd and not a multiple of three.

3. Capsule body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capsule body (1) has a wall thickness (8) on average, preferably each individual point, of less than 80 µm.

4. Capsule body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule body (1) is formed integrally with the reinforcing elements (12), wherein the reinforcing elements (12) are formed by deformation.

5. Capsule body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing elements (12) are inverted or everted.

6. Capsule body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing elements (12) are arranged radially.

7. Capsule body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing elements (12) extend to at least 1%, preferably to at least 5%, particularly preferably to at least 10% into the penetration area.

8. Capsule body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein stiffening elements (11) are arranged between adjacent reinforcing elements (12) which are designed differently.

9. Capsule body (1) according to claim 7, wherein the stiffening elements (11) and the reinforcing elements (12) have a different length (13, 15).

10. Capsule body (1) according to claim 8, wherein the stiffening elements (11) are at least 10% shorter, preferably at least 20% shorter, particularly preferably at least 30% shorter than the reinforcing elements (12).

11. Capsule body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing elements (12) and / or the stiffening elements (11) have a width (14) of 0.5 to 7.0 mm, preferably 1.0 to 4.0 mm, particularly preferably 1.5 to 2.5 mm.

12. Capsule body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing elements (12) and / or the stiffening elements have a depth (16) of 0.2 to 2.5 mm, preferably 0.25 to 1.0 mm, particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm.

13. Capsule (2) comprising a capsule body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and a lid (5) closing the capsule body (1) to form a closed cavity (35) which contains a substance (6) for the preparation of a liquid food.

14. A method for preparing a liquid foodstuff, comprising the steps of: - providing a capsule (2) according to claim 12 and a preparation machine for receiving the capsule (2), - introducing the capsule (2) into the preparation machine, - creating at least one inlet opening (25) in the penetration area (9) of the capsule (2), - creating at least one outlet opening (26) in the lid (5) of the capsule (2), - introducing an extraction liquid through the inlet opening (25) into the capsule (2), - draining the liquid foodstuff through the outlet opening (26) from the capsule (2).

15. System for preparing a liquid food comprising a capsule (2) according to claim 12 and a preparation machine, wherein the preparation machine has penetration means (22) for creating at least one inlet opening (25) in the penetration region (9) of the capsule (2).

Images