Capsule, water distribution wall for the capsule, and method for manufacturing the capsule

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capsule (1) comprising a cup-shaped capsule body (2), a water distribution wall (10) defining a chamber (12) for a substance, and a bottom wall (14). The cup-shaped capsule body (2) includes a cellulose-based body layer (18) and a liner (20) including a liner barrier layer (22). The water distribution wall (10) and / or the bottom wall (14) includes a wall barrier layer (32). The water distribution wall (10) and / or the bottom wall (14) is connected to the body (2) such that the liner barrier layer (22) and the respective wall barrier layer (32) are integrated along the perimeter of the cup-shaped capsule body (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is directed to a capsule for generating a beverage in a beverage generating machine. The present invention is further directed to a water distribution wall which is connected to a cup-shaped capsule body of the capsule and defines a chamber for containing a substance for generating a beverage by injection of a fluid within a cavity defined by the body. The present invention is also directed to a method for manufacturing such a capsule.

Background Art

[0002] European Patent Application Publication No. 1784344 A2, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a capsule comprising: i) a cup-shaped capsule body; ii) a water distribution wall jointly defining with the body a cavity for containing a food substance; and iii) a bottom wall opened by fluid pressure to allow a beverage to flow out of the capsule.

[0003] The cup-shaped capsule body comprises: i) a body layer; ii) a barrier layer fixed to the body layer for preventing gases such as moisture and / or oxygen from entering the cavity and preserving the food substance; and iii) a protective layer for protecting the barrier layer, in particular from scratching or abrasion.

[0004] The barrier layer and the protective layer can be formed into the capsule by thermoforming on the body layer. As a result, the protective layer can also be made very thin. When assembling the capsule, the water distribution wall is sealed to the body, for example by ultrasonic welding, which involves a certain pressure and / or heat that are transmitted onto the protective layer by the edge region of the water distribution wall.

[0005] However, due to this pressure and / or heat, the water distribution wall may locally cause a barrier breakage reaching the protective layer and the barrier layer, thus allowing moisture or gas to enter the capsule and degrading the quality of the food substance.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a capsule with enhanced resistance in its manufacturing method in order to ensure a reliable sealing of the water distribution wall on the cup-shaped capsule body without adversely affecting the gas and / or moisture barrier properties of the capsule.

[0007] According to one aspect, the present invention is directed to a capsule for generating a beverage in a beverage-making machine by injecting a pressurized fluid into the capsule, the capsule comprising a cup-shaped capsule body having a cavity, an upper opening, and a bottom opening, the upper opening and the bottom opening being located on substantially opposite sides of the cup-shaped capsule body with respect to the cavity, a water distribution wall connected to the cup-shaped capsule body and defining a chamber within the cavity, the water distribution wall being configured to allow passage of a fluid, and the chamber being configured to contain a substance for generating a beverage, an upper wall for closing the upper opening, a bottom wall for closing the bottom opening, the bottom wall being configured to open when the pressure inside the capsule increases so that the beverage generated within the chamber can flow out of the capsule, the cup-shaped capsule body comprising a body layer formed from a cellulosic material, a liner applied to the inner surface of the body layer, the liner comprising a liner barrier layer configured to provide a moisture barrier and / or a gas barrier function, the water distribution wall and / or the bottom wall comprising a wall barrier layer configured to provide a moisture barrier and / or a gas barrier function, the water distribution wall and / or the bottom wall being connected to the body such that the liner barrier layer and the respective wall barrier layers are integrated along the perimeter of the cup-shaped capsule body.

[0008] Thus, when the liner barrier layer and the wall barrier layer are integrated, they are melted, forming a sealing zone that can be appropriately airtight against moisture and / or gas, and thus ensuring a reliable sealing of the water distribution wall on the cup-shaped capsule body.

[0009] In the present disclosure, the relative terms "bottom" and "top" may relate to the orientation of the capsule when a food or beverage substance, such as ground coffee, is placed in the cavity and held against the action of gravity by the bottom of the capsule, such as the bottom wall.

[0010] In various embodiments, to allow the passage of fluid, the water distribution wall may have one or more slits or holes, which may be perforated or drilled through the water distribution wall.

[0011] In various embodiments, the substance can be selected from the list of roasted and ground coffee, soluble raw materials such as milk-based, raw materials such as chocolate, soup, infusion tea or herbal tea raw materials, and soluble nutritional compositions, more generally any liquid edible composition for human or livestock consumption, / or mixtures thereof, and the substance may be provided in the chamber as a bed of substance, and / or the substance, preferably the bed of substance, may preferably be held in the chamber in a compressed state by the water distribution wall, preferably between the water distribution wall and the bottom wall.

[0012] In the present disclosure, the term "function of the moisture barrier and / or gas barrier" means less than 5 cm 3 / m 2 / day, preferably less than 1 cm 3 / m 2 / day of OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate) (at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity) and less than 5 g / m 2 / day, preferably less than 1 g / m 2It can be understood as including WVTR (water vapor transmission) rates of less than / day (at 23°C and 85% relative humidity).

[0013] According to one embodiment, the liner may have a multilayer structure, and this multilayer structure, in addition to the liner barrier layer, an outer liner layer covering the liner barrier layer on the side of the body layer, and / or an inner liner layer covering the liner barrier layer on the side of the cavity, and includes.

[0014] Therefore, the liner barrier layer located between the inner liner layer and the outer liner layer can be protected from mechanical, thermal, and / or chemical stresses.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the liner may be only the liner barrier layer, and a coating may be applied to the body layer to enhance the airtightness against external moisture and / or gas.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the outer liner layer may be disposed between the body layer and the liner barrier layer in order to apply the liner to the body layer.

[0017] Therefore, the liner may be applied to the body layer.

[0018] According to one embodiment, an outer bonding layer may be disposed to bond the liner barrier layer and the outer liner layer, and an inner bonding layer may be disposed to bond the liner barrier layer and the inner liner layer.

[0019] Therefore, the liner barrier layer can be reliably bonded or fixed to the outer liner layer on one hand and to the inner liner layer on the other hand.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the water distribution wall and / or the bottom wall may each have a multilayer structure, and this multilayer structure, in addition to the wall barrier layer, a main layer, and / or At least one protective layer covering one surface of the wall barrier layer, and preferably another protective layer covering the surface on the opposite side of the wall barrier layer.

[0021] Therefore, the wall barrier layer covered by the protective layer can be protected from mechanical, thermal, and / or chemical stresses.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the water distribution wall may be only the wall barrier layer, and preferably, the wall barrier layer consists of or contains only polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

[0023] According to one embodiment, the inner liner layer and at least one protective layer may be sealed to each other along the periphery, and the water distribution wall and / or the bottom wall may be connected to the body such that the liner barrier layer and the wall barrier layer are integrated along the periphery.

[0024] In various embodiments, when the water distribution wall has two or more layers, the water distribution wall may be produced by coextrusion of those layers, preferably cast extrusion or blow extrusion.

[0025] Therefore, the peripheral region where the liner barrier layer and the wall barrier layer are integrated can have enhanced airtightness against moisture and / or gas.

[0026] According to one embodiment, one of the protective layers may be disposed between the main layer and the wall barrier layer to connect the wall barrier layer to the main layer.

[0027] Therefore, such a protective layer can firmly connect and protect the wall barrier layer to the main layer.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a wall bonding layer may be disposed to bond the wall barrier layer and one of the protective layers, and / or a main bonding layer may be disposed to bond the wall barrier layer and the main layer, and preferably, may be disposed to bond the wall barrier layer and one of the protective layers.

[0029] Thus, the wall barrier layer can be securely joined to the main layer, preferably via a protective layer.

[0030] In various embodiments, the liner may have a maximum thickness in the range of 30 to 140 microns (μm), and / or the water distribution wall and / or the bottom wall may have a maximum thickness in the range of 10 to 150 microns, preferably 50 to 80 microns, and / or the liner barrier layer and / or the wall barrier layer may each have a maximum thickness in the range of 1 to 10 microns, preferably 4 to 8 microns, and / or the outer liner layer and / or the inner liner layer, if present, may each have a maximum thickness in the range of 10 to 30 microns, preferably 15 to 20 microns, and / or the protective layer, if present, may have a maximum thickness in the range of 10 to 30 microns, preferably 15 to 20 microns, and / or the main layer may have a maximum thickness in the range of 10 to 50 microns, preferably 20 to 30 microns, and / or Preferably, the inner and outer bonding layers, if present, may each have a maximum thickness of about 5 microns, or about 4 microns, or a thickness in the range of 1 to 4 microns, and / or Preferably, the wall and main bonding layers, if present, may each have a maximum thickness of about 5 microns, or about 4 microns, or a thickness in the range of 1 to 4 microns.

[0031] Such thicknesses can enable the various layers to be thermally, mechanically, and / or chemically resistant while achieving a relatively short composting period under household conditions.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the chamber may be defined between a bottom wall and a water distribution wall.

[0033] Thus, the chamber can be made relatively large, the fluid can be easily introduced into the chamber, and the generated beverage can be easily dispensed from the chamber.

[0034] In various embodiments, the liner may be applied to the body layer by thermoforming.

[0035] Thereby, the inner liner can be securely fixed to the body layer.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the water distribution wall may comprise a perforated wall portion configured to block the jet of the injected fluid in order to slow down the fluid injected into the cavity, and the perforated wall portion is preferably configured to distribute the slowed fluid across the chamber, preferably across the entire chamber.

[0037] Thus, the fluid can be smoothly distributed across the entire chamber, and thus the beverage quality can be improved.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the capsule may further comprise a rim portion disposed at the upper opening so as to protrude laterally from the upper opening, the rim portion is preferably integral with the cup-shaped capsule body, the liner extends continuously over the rim portion in the circumferential direction, and preferably, the upper wall may be sealed to the rim portion so as to close the upper opening.

[0039] Thus, the cavity can be securely closed by the upper wall.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the cup-shaped capsule body may comprise a stepped portion facing in the direction of the upper opening, and the bottom wall may be preferably connected to the stepped portion along the periphery of the cup-shaped capsule body.

[0041] Thus, the bottom wall can be fixed by the stepped portion.

[0042] According to one embodiment, a headspace may be defined within a cavity between the water distribution wall and the upper opening, and / or Within the cup-shaped capsule body, a distribution space may be defined on the side opposite the bottom wall with respect to the cavity, and the distribution space encloses an opening device. The opening device and the bottom wall are provided in relation to each other such that, under the influence of an increase in pressure inside the capsule or the chamber, the bottom wall and the opening device engage, the bottom wall opens, and the beverage generated within the chamber can flow out of the capsule.

[0043] Accordingly, the headspace and the distribution enable the beverage generation machine to more easily and reliably generate a beverage.

[0044] In various embodiments, The water distribution wall may be made of a compostable material composition at home, and / or The capsule may be made of a compostable material composition at home, and / or The cellulosic material may be or include a formed pulp material, and / or The main layer may be made of a compostable material at home, and / or The liner barrier layer and the wall barrier layer may be made of the same material and / or may be made of a compostable material at home, and / or The inner liner layer, the outer liner layer, and / or, preferably, the protective layer, if present, may be made of the same material and / or may be made of a compostable material at home, and / or Preferably, the outer bonding layer, the inner bonding layer, the wall bonding layer, and / or, if present, the main bonding layer may be made of the same material and / or may be made of a compostable material at home.

[0045] The term "compostable" can be understood to mean that when a material is composted, it can be substantially decomposed into organic matter within a few weeks or months. This can be achieved in industrial composting facilities and / or domestic composters. Such facilities may have specific conditions related to wind, sunlight, drainage and other factors. At the end of the composting process, when the material is completely decomposed, the soil can be nourished. International standards such as EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400 provide a legal framework for defining the technical requirements and procedures for determining the compostability of materials. For example, one of the tests for compostability requires that at least 90% of the material in question be biologically decomposed within six months under controlled conditions in order to be considered "industrially compostable". Similar tests exist for the certification of home composting. Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned standards, all compostable plastic materials must, in order to be considered compostable, simultaneously have the properties of being biodegradable and disintegrating, i.e., being shredded and invisible in the final compost, and not having an adverse effect on the composting process and quality.

[0046] Preferably, the home-compostable material composition may be selected from the list consisting of polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), starch, polycaprolactone (PCL), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polylactic acid (PLA), their blends and copolymers, but preferably made of cellulose and derivatives, chitin and derivatives, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and / or polyglycolic acid (PGA), and / or blends and / or copolymers of these polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0047] Therefore, such materials can be composted at home by the user himself without any specific conditions for composting.

[0048] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water distribution wall for enhancing the sealing reliability with a cup-shaped capsule body when manufacturing a capsule.

[0049] Accordingly, a further aspect of the present invention is directed to a water distribution wall connected to a cup-shaped capsule body of a capsule and defining a chamber for accommodating a substance for generating a beverage by injection of a fluid within a cavity located within the cup-shaped capsule body. The water distribution wall comprises a perforated wall portion configured to block a jet of the injected fluid and preferably distribute the decelerated fluid across the chamber, preferably across the entire chamber, in order to decelerate the fluid injected into the cavity. The water distribution wall has a single-layer or multi-layer structure including at least one wall barrier layer configured to provide a moisture barrier and / or a gas barrier function.

[0050] Accordingly, such a water distribution wall ensures a reliable seal of the water distribution wall on the cup-shaped capsule body without adversely affecting the gas barrier and / or moisture barrier properties of the capsule.

[0051] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a capsule according to the aspect detailed above.

[0052] Accordingly, a further aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a capsule according to any one of the above-described embodiments and aspects, the method comprising: providing a cup-shaped capsule body, an upper wall, a bottom wall, and a water distribution wall; connecting the bottom wall to the cup-shaped capsule body, preferably by ultrasonic welding or heat sealing, to close the bottom opening; placing a substance for generating a beverage within the cavity; Connect the water distribution wall, preferably by ultrasonic welding or heat sealing, to the cup-shaped capsule body, and together with the cup-shaped capsule body and the bottom wall, define a chamber for containing the substance. Preferably, connect the upper wall, preferably by ultrasonic welding or heat sealing, to the body to close the upper opening. The water distribution wall and / or the bottom wall are connected to the body such that the liner barrier layer and the wall barrier layer are integrated along the perimeter of the body.

[0053] Thus, such a method enables the production of a capsule on a cup-shaped capsule body that ensures a reliable seal of the water distribution wall without adversely affecting the gas barrier and / or moisture barrier properties of the capsule.

[0054] Further features, details, and advantages of the present invention are described below, particularly in relation to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0055]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0056] Figures 1 and 2 show a capsule 1 for generating a beverage within a beverage generating machine (not shown). The beverage generating machine may pressurize a fluid, such as water, and inject it into the capsule 1, and the beverage generated within the capsule 1 may flow out of the capsule towards a drinking cup (not shown).

[0057] The capsule 1 includes a cup-shaped capsule body 2 having a cavity 4, an upper opening 6, and a bottom opening 8. The upper opening 6 and the bottom opening 8 are located on substantially opposite sides of the cup-shaped capsule body 2 with respect to the cavity 4. In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 5, the cup-shaped capsule body 2 may substantially have a frustoconical shape, for example, formed on a circular base.

[0058] The capsule 1 further includes a water distribution wall 10 that is connected to the cup-shaped capsule body 2 and defines or includes a chamber 12 within the cavity 8. The water distribution wall 10 is configured to allow the passage of a fluid. The chamber 12 is configured to contain a substance (not shown) for generating a beverage. The substance may be, for example, roasted and ground coffee. The substance may be provided within the chamber 12 as a substance bed.

[0059] The capsule 1 further includes an upper wall for closing the upper opening 8 and a bottom wall 14 that closes the bottom opening 8. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5, the chamber 12 may be defined between the bottom wall 14 and the water distribution wall 6. Preferably, the substance or the substance bed may be held within the chamber 12 between the water distribution wall 10 and the bottom wall 14, preferably in a compressed state.

[0060] The bottom wall 14 is configured to open when the pressure inside the capsule 1, particularly inside the chamber 12, increases. For example, the opening pressure may be within the range of 1 to 15 bar (gauge pressure), and typically, for roasted and ground coffee, it is within the range of 4 to 15 bar, and for soluble raw materials, it may be a lower opening pressure (1 to 2 bar). When it opens, the bottom wall 14 can allow the beverage produced in the chamber 12 to flow out of the capsule 1 through the bottom opening 8.

[0061] The cup-shaped capsule body 2 has a layer structure including, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, i) a body layer 18 and a liner 20. The body layer 18 may provide rigidity to the body 2. The liner 20 may separate the cavity 4 from the body layer 18. The liner 20 is applied to the inner surface of the body layer 18, for example, with no intermediate layer between them. However, in further embodiments, the liner may be applied to the inner surface of the body layer via at least one intermediate layer. The liner 20 may be applied to the inner surface of the body layer 18, for example, by thermoforming.

[0062] The "inner" part is generally located more internally than the "outer" part with respect to the cavity that forms, for example, the interior of the capsule. However, the "inner" part or layer is not necessarily the innermost part or layer of the capsule, and the "outer" part or layer is not necessarily the outermost part or layer of the capsule. Similarly, the bottom or top does not necessarily have to be the very bottom or top of the capsule, respectively.

[0063] The body layer 18 is formed from a cellulosic material, which may be or include a formed pulp material, and the formed pulp material may be selected from the list consisting of mechanical pulp, recycled paper pulp, bagasse pulp, annual plant pulp, virgin cellulose pulp, purified cellulose pulp, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0064] Capsule 1 may be made of a compostable material composition at home, including, for example, polybutylene succinate (PBS) and / or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, liner 20 includes a liner barrier layer 22 configured to provide the function of a moisture barrier and / or a gas (e.g., oxygen) barrier. Liner 20 may have a multilayer structure, and this multilayer structure, in addition to liner barrier layer 22, includes an outer liner layer 26 that covers liner barrier layer 22 on the side of body layer 18, and an inner liner layer 24 that covers liner barrier layer 22 on the side of cavity 4.

[0065] The outer liner layer 26 may be disposed between the body layer 18 and the liner barrier layer 22 in order to apply the liner 20 to the body layer 18.

[0066] Liner 20 may further include an inner bonding layer 23 and an outer bonding layer 25. The inner bonding layer 23 may be disposed to bond the liner barrier layer 22 and the inner liner layer 24. The outer bonding layer 25 may be disposed to bond the liner barrier layer 22 and the outer liner layer 26. The outer bonding layers 23 and 25 may be formed from an adhesive film or a pressure-sensitive adhesive film.

[0067] Therefore, liner 20 may have a symmetric structure composed of multiple layers. Liner 20 may have a maximum thickness of about 80 microns. Liner barrier layer 22 may have a maximum thickness of about 8 microns. The body bonding layers 23 and 25 may each have a maximum thickness of about 4 microns.

[0068] The water distribution wall 10 includes a wall barrier layer 32, and the wall barrier layer is configured to provide the function of a moisture barrier and / or a gas barrier. The water distribution wall 10 may have a multilayer structure, and this multilayer structure, in addition to the wall barrier layer 32, includes a main layer 30 that can provide rigidity to the water distribution wall 10, and two protective layers 31 and 34 that respectively cover both sides of the wall barrier layer 32, that is, one side and the opposite side.

[0069] One side of the protective layer, here 31, may be disposed between the main layer 30 and the wall barrier layer 32 in order to connect the wall barrier layer 32 to the main layer 30. The other side of the protective layer, here 34, may remain uncovered.

[0070] The water distribution wall 10 may further include a wall bonding layer 33 and a main bonding layer 37. The wall bonding layer 33 may be disposed to bond the wall barrier layer 32 and the protective layer 34. The main bonding layer 37 may be disposed to bond the wall barrier layer 32 and the main layer 30, and preferably may be disposed to bond the wall barrier layer 32 and the protective layer 31.

[0071] The water distribution wall 10 may have a maximum thickness of about 40 microns. The main layer 30 may have a maximum thickness of about 25 microns. The protective layers 31 and 34 may each have a maximum thickness of about 20 microns. The various bonding layers 33 and 37 may each have a maximum thickness of about 4 microns.

[0072] The water distribution wall 10 may include a perforated wall portion 35 configured to block the jet of the injected fluid in order to slow down the fluid injected into the cavity 4. Preferably, the perforated wall portion 35 may be configured to distribute the slowed fluid across the chamber 12, preferably across the entire chamber.

[0073] In one embodiment (not shown), the bottom wall 14 includes a wall barrier layer configured to provide the function of a moisture barrier and / or a gas barrier. Further, the bottom wall 14 may have a multilayer structure, which is similar or identical to that of the water distribution wall 10, i.e., includes a wall barrier layer, a main layer, and preferably one or two protective layers covering one or both sides of the wall barrier layer.

[0074] According to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the water distribution wall 10 is connected to the main body 2 such that the liner barrier layer 22 and the wall barrier layer 32 are integrated along the periphery of the cup-shaped capsule main body 2. In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 5, the inner liner layer 24, the protective layers 34 and 31 may be sealed to each other along the periphery, and the water distribution wall 10 may be connected to the main body 2 such that the liner barrier layer 22 and the wall barrier layer 32 are integrated along the periphery.

[0075] As can be seen in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5, the peripheral portion may be directed inward and extend along the cavity 4. For example, the peripheral portion may have a substantially circular or annular shape. The liner barrier layer 22 and the wall barrier layer 32 may be integrated by either or both of i) physical connection, i.e., simply pressing one against the other, and / or ii) any material connection, i.e., welding or adhesion.

[0076] When the water distribution wall 10 is sealed on the liner 20, the inner liner layer 24 may melt and be pushed away from the sealing zone 38 under the effect of the sealing (i.e., thermal stress and mechanical stress). After the inner liner layer 24 is pushed away, the liner barrier layer 22 remains uncovered.

[0077] The water distribution wall 10 together with the wall barrier layer 32 can be pressed against the uncovered liner 20. As a result, the barrier breakage caused by the removal of the inner liner layer 24 can be filled by the wall barrier layer 32. Thereby, the continuity of the substance is re-formed between the liner barrier layer 22 and the wall barrier layer 32, and the sealing zone 38 becomes airtight against moisture and / or gas.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, according to the present invention, in an embodiment not shown, the bottom wall 14 is connected to the main body 2 such that the liner barrier layer 22 and the wall barrier layer of the bottom wall 14 are integrated along the periphery of the cup-shaped capsule main body 2.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the capsule 1 may further include a rim portion 40, which may be disposed at the upper opening 6 so as to project laterally from the upper opening 6. The rim portion 40 may be integral with the cup-shaped capsule body 2. The liner 20 may extend continuously over the rim portion 40 in the circumferential direction. An upper wall (not shown) may be sealed to the rim portion 40 so as to close the upper opening 6.

[0080] The cup-shaped capsule body 2 may include a step portion 42 facing the upper opening 6. The bottom wall 14 may be connected to the step portion 42, preferably along the periphery of the cup-shaped capsule body 2.

[0081] A headspace 44 may be defined in the cavity 4 between the water distribution wall 10 and the upper opening 6. Similarly, a distribution space 46 may be defined on the side of the cup-shaped capsule body 2 opposite to the bottom wall 14 with respect to the cavity 4.

[0082] An opening device (not shown), such as that described in European Patent Application Publication No. 1784344 A2, may be enclosed in the distribution space 46. The opening device and the bottom wall 14 may be provided in relation to each other such that, under the influence of an increase in pressure inside the capsule 1 or the chamber 12, the bottom wall 14 and the opening device engage, causing the bottom wall 14 to open and allowing the beverage produced in the chamber 12 to flow out of the capsule 1.

[0083] As described above, the capsule 1 may be made of a home-compostable material. Specifically, the water distribution wall 14, the main layer 30, the liner barrier layer 22, the inner liner layer 24, the outer liner layer 26, the inner bonding layer 23, the outer bonding layer 25, the wall barrier layer 32, the protective layers 31 and 34, the wall bonding layer 33, and the main bonding layer 37 may be made of a home-compostable material.

[0084] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the water distribution wall 10 may be provided as a self - contained component connected to the cup - shaped capsule body 2 of the capsule 10 and defining a chamber 12 within the cavity 4. The cavity 4 is located within the cup - shaped capsule body 2. The cavity 4 is configured to contain substances for generating a beverage by injection of a fluid. The water distribution wall 10 has a single - layer or multi - layer structure as described above.

[0085] The water distribution wall 10 comprises a perforated wall portion 35 which obstructs the jet of the injected fluid in order to slow down the fluid injected into the cavity 4 and is preferably configured to distribute the slowed - down fluid across the chamber 12, preferably across the entire chamber.

[0086] According to another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, a method 101 for manufacturing the capsule 1 comprises step 102), that is, preparing a cup - shaped capsule body 2, an upper wall, a bottom wall 14, and a water distribution wall 10; step 104), that is, connecting the bottom wall 14 to the cup - shaped capsule body 2, preferably by ultrasonic welding or heat - sealing, to close the bottom opening 8; step 106), that is, placing a substance for generating a beverage, for example roasted and ground coffee, into the cavity 4; step 108), that is, connecting the water distribution wall 10 to the cup - shaped capsule body 2, preferably by ultrasonic welding or heat - sealing, to define, in conjunction with the cup - shaped capsule body 2 and the bottom wall 14, a chamber 12 for containing the substance; step 110), that is, preferably connecting the upper wall to the cup - shaped capsule body 2, preferably by ultrasonic welding or heat - sealing, to close the upper opening and thus the cavity 4.

[0087] Next, the water distribution wall 10 is connected to the cup-shaped capsule body 2 such that the liner barrier layer 22 and the wall barrier layer 32 of the water distribution wall 10 are integrated along the periphery.

[0088] Similarly, in an embodiment not shown, the bottom wall 14 is connected to the cup-shaped capsule body 2 such that the liner barrier layer 22 and the wall barrier layer of the bottom wall 14 are integrated along the periphery.

[0089] The terms "comprise", "include", "have", and their derivatives are to be construed as inclusive rather than exclusive terms. The term "and / or" as used in the context of "X and / or Y" should be construed as "X" or "Y" or "X and Y".

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the foregoing aspects and embodiments as long as the present invention is encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A capsule (1) for generating a beverage in a beverage production machine by injecting a pressurized fluid into the capsule, wherein the capsule comprises: A cup-shaped capsule body (2) having a cavity (4), an upper opening (6), and a bottom opening (8), wherein the upper opening (6) and the bottom opening (8) are located substantially on opposite sides of the cup-shaped capsule body with respect to the cavity (4), a cup-shaped capsule body (2); A water distribution wall (10) connected to the cup-shaped capsule body (2) and defining a chamber (12) within the cavity (4), the water distribution wall (10) being configured to allow passage of the fluid, and the chamber being configured to contain a substance for generating the beverage, a water distribution wall (10); An upper wall for closing the upper opening (8); A bottom wall (14) for closing the bottom opening (8), the bottom wall (14) being configured to open when the pressure inside the capsule (1) rises so that the beverage generated within the chamber (12) can flow out of the capsule (1), comprising a bottom wall (14); The cup-shaped capsule body (2) comprises: A body layer (18) formed from a cellulosic material; A liner (20) applied to the inner surface of the body layer (18), having a layer structure including a liner barrier layer (22) configured to provide a moisture barrier and / or a gas barrier function; The liner (20) comprises a liner barrier layer (22) configured to provide a moisture barrier and / or a gas barrier function; The water distribution wall (10) and / or the bottom wall (14) each comprise a wall barrier layer (32) configured to provide a moisture barrier and / or a gas barrier function; The water distribution wall (10) and / or the bottom wall (14) are connected to the body (2) such that the liner barrier layer (22) and each of the wall barrier layers (32) are integrated along the perimeter of the cup-shaped capsule body (2); Capsule (1).

2. The liner (20) has a multilayer structure, the multilayer structure comprising, in addition to the liner barrier layer (22), An outer liner layer (26) covering the liner barrier layer (22) on the side of the body layer (18), and / or An inner liner layer (24) covering the liner barrier layer (22) on the side of the cavity (4); The capsule (1) according to claim 1.

3. The capsule (1) according to claim 2, wherein the outer liner layer (26) is disposed between the body layer (18) and the liner barrier layer (22) for applying the liner (20) to the body layer (18).

4. An outer bonding layer (25) is disposed to bond the liner barrier layer (22) and the outer liner layer (26), and an inner bonding layer (23) is disposed to bond the liner barrier layer (22) and the inner liner layer (24). The capsule (1) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The water distribution wall (10) and / or the bottom wall (14) each have a multilayer structure, and the multilayer structure, in addition to the wall barrier layer (32), a main layer (30), and / or at least one protective layer (34, 31) covering one surface of the wall barrier layer (32), preferably another protective layer (31, 34) covering the opposite surface of the wall barrier layer (32). The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The water distribution wall (10) and / or the bottom wall (14) are connected to the body (2) such that the inner liner layer (24) and the at least one protective layer (34, 31) are sealed to each other along the periphery, and the liner barrier layer (22) and the wall barrier layer (32) are integrated along the periphery. The capsule (1) according to claims 2 and 5.

7. The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein one of the protective layers (31) is disposed between the main layer (30) and the wall barrier layer (32) for connecting the wall barrier layer (32) to the main layer (30).

8. A wall bonding layer (33) is disposed to bond one of the wall barrier layer (32) and the protective layer (34), and / or a main bonding layer (37) is disposed to bond the wall barrier layer (32) and the main layer (30), preferably disposed to bond one of the wall barrier layer (32) and the protective layer (31). The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the chamber (12) is defined between the bottom wall (14) and the water distribution wall (10).

10. The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the water distribution wall (10) comprises a perforated wall portion (35) configured to block the jet of the injected fluid in order to decelerate the fluid injected into the cavity, and the perforated wall portion (35) is preferably configured to distribute the decelerated fluid across the chamber (12), preferably across the entire chamber (12).

11. Further comprising a rim portion (40) disposed at the upper opening (6) so as to project laterally therefrom, the rim portion (40) being preferably integral with the cup-shaped capsule body (2), and the liner (20) extending continuously over the rim portion (40) in the circumferential direction, preferably, the upper wall is sealed to the rim portion (40) so as to close the upper opening (6). The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The cup-shaped capsule body (2) comprises a step portion (42) facing in the direction of the upper opening (6), and the bottom wall (14) is preferably connected to the step portion (42) along the periphery of the cup-shaped capsule body (2). The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A headspace (44) is defined in the cavity (4) between the water distribution wall (10) and the upper opening (6), and / or In the cup-shaped capsule body (2), a distribution space (46) is defined on the side opposite to the bottom wall (14) with respect to the cavity (4), and the distribution space (46) contains an opening device, The opening device and the bottom wall (14) are provided in relation to each other such that, under the influence of an increase in pressure inside the capsule (1) or the chamber (12), the bottom wall (14) and the opening device engage with each other, the bottom wall (46) opens, and the beverage generated in the chamber (12) can flow out of the capsule (1). The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A water distribution wall (10) connected to a cup-shaped capsule body (2) of a capsule (1) and defining a chamber (12) for containing a substance for generating a beverage by injection of a fluid within a cavity (4) located within the cup-shaped capsule body (2), wherein the water distribution wall (10) comprises a perforated wall portion (35) configured to obstruct a jet of the injected fluid in order to decelerate the fluid injected into the cavity (4) and, preferably, distribute the decelerated fluid across, preferably over the entirety of, the chamber (12), wherein the water distribution wall (10) has a single-layer or multi-layer structure including at least one wall barrier layer (32) configured to provide a moisture barrier and / or a gas barrier function, the water distribution wall (10).

15. A method (101) for manufacturing a capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising preparing (102) the cup-shaped capsule body (2), the upper wall, the bottom wall (14), and the water distribution wall (10), connecting (104) the bottom wall (14) to the cup-shaped capsule body (2), preferably by ultrasonic welding or heat sealing, to close the bottom opening (8), placing (106) a substance for generating the beverage within the cavity (4), connecting (108) the water distribution wall (10) to the cup-shaped capsule body (2), preferably by ultrasonic welding or heat sealing, to define the chamber (12) for containing the substance in cooperation with the cup-shaped capsule body (2) and the bottom wall (14), and preferably connecting the upper wall to the body (2), preferably by ultrasonic welding or heat sealing, to close the upper opening, wherein the water distribution wall (10) and / or the bottom wall (14) are connected to the body (2) such that the liner barrier layer (22) and the wall barrier layer (32) are integrated along the periphery of the body (2), the method (101).

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