Beverage capsule for a beverage substance, system composed of beverage capsule and extraction machine, and method for extraction of a beverage capsule

Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage capsule for a beverage substance (G), in particular with a beverage substance (G), preferably a coffee capsule, comprising a capsule body (1) which has a lateral wall (2) extending about a centre axis (3), wherein the capsule body (1) has, at an inlet side, a first fastening flange (6) extending from the lateral wall (2) in the direction of the centre axis (3), in particular a first fastening flange (6) inclined in the direction of the centre axis (3), which surrounds an inlet opening (4) of the capsule body (1), and the capsule body (1) has, at an outlet side, a second fastening flange (7) extending from the lateral wall (2) in the direction away from the centre axis (3), in particular a radially outwardly directed second fastening flange (7), which surrounds an outlet opening (5) of the capsule body (1), wherein the inlet opening (4) is closed by an inlet closure element (8) fastened to the first fastening flange (6) and the outlet opening (5) of the capsule body (1) is closed by an outlet closure element (9) fastened to the second fastening flange (7) or at least can be closed by an outlet closure element (9) on the second fastening flange (7), wherein the inlet closure element (8) is fastened to the first fastening flange (6) in such a way as to be releasable in at least some regions. The invention also relates to a method for extraction and to a system composed of an extraction machine (10) and of a beverage capsule.

Description

[0001] Beverage capsule for a beverage substance, system comprising a beverage capsule and an extraction machine, and method for extracting a beverage capsule

[0002] The invention relates to a beverage capsule for a beverage substance, in particular with a beverage substance, preferably a coffee capsule, comprising a capsule body having a shell wall extending around a central axis, wherein the capsule body has on an inlet side a first fastening flange extending from the shell wall in the direction of the central axis, in particular a first fastening flange inclined towards the central axis, which surrounds an inlet opening of the capsule body, and the capsule body has on an outlet side a second fastening flange extending from the shell wall away from the central axis, in particular a radially outwardly directed second fastening flange, which surrounds an outlet opening of the capsule body,wherein the inlet opening is closed by an inlet closure element fastened to the first fastening flange and the outlet opening of the capsule body is closed by an outlet closure element fastened to the second fastening flange or is at least closable by an outlet closure element on the second fastening flange.

[0003] The invention thus relates, on the one hand, to a beverage capsule which already has an inlet closure element which closes the inlet opening, but which is not yet closed at the outlet opening with an outlet closure element and is also not yet filled with a beverage substance, such as coffee powder.

[0004] Such a beverage capsule is typically manufactured in the packaging industry and sold to beverage manufacturers, who fill such a beverage capsule with a beverage substance, in particular coffee powder, and seal it at the outlet with the outlet closure element. The invention thus also relates to a beverage capsule already filled with a beverage substance and sealed at both the inlet and outlet openings with a respective closure element.

[0005] The invention further relates to a method for extracting a beverage capsule, in particular a beverage capsule filled with a beverage substance and closed with an inlet closure element and an outlet closure element, in particular of the aforementioned type, in an extraction machine which is designed to receive a beverage capsule, wherein the beverage capsule is placed in a receiving area, in particular in the brewing chamber, of the extraction machine, the receiving area is closed, a first movable opening device of the extraction machine is moved, in particular by closing the receiving area, in the direction of the inlet opening of the beverage capsule closed by the inlet closure element, the receiving area, in particular the brewing chamber, is filled with water, the beverage capsule opened in the area of ​​the inlet opening is filled with water which permeates the beverage substance,by filling the beverage capsule with water, the outlet closure element is pressed by the acting water pressure against a second opening device of the extraction machine, in particular against a stationary plate having projections, whereby the outlet closure element tears open, and the water prepared with the beverage substance leaves the beverage capsule through the opened outlet closure element and through an outlet of the extraction machine.

[0006] The invention also relates to a system comprising an extraction machine and a beverage capsule filled with a beverage substance and closed by an inlet closure element and an outlet closure element, in particular of the aforementioned type, wherein the extraction machine has an openable and closable receiving area, in particular an openable and closable brewing chamber, into which the beverage capsule can be inserted, for receiving the beverage capsule and for extracting the beverage substance contained therein, and a first movable opening device which is movable, in particular by closing the receiving area, in the direction of the inlet opening of the beverage capsule closed by the inlet closure element, and is configured to fill the receiving area, in particular the brewing chamber, with water and to pressurize it, and is configured to fill the beverage capsule opened in the area of ​​the inlet opening with water,whereby the beverage substance can be permeated with water, and is designed to press the outlet closure element against a second opening device of the extraction machine by the acting water pressure when the beverage capsule is filled with water, in particular against a stationary plate having projections, whereby the outlet closure element can be opened, and with which the water prepared with the beverage substance can be guided out of the beverage capsule through the opened outlet closure element and through an outlet.

[0007] Beverage capsules, methods for extraction using an extraction machine, and systems comprising an extraction machine and a beverage capsule of the aforementioned type are generally known in the prior art, e.g., from publication WO 2008 / 037642 A2. However, the extraction is shown here using a capsule that does not have a sealed inlet opening on the input side. Rather, the capsule is formed on the inlet side from the material of the capsule wall and sealed by this. However, the extraction machine shown is also suitable for use with the beverage capsules mentioned above with a sealed inlet opening, in particular also the beverage capsule according to the invention.

[0008] The beverage capsule is preferably provided for extraction machines having a brewing chamber as a receiving area into which the beverage capsule can be inserted, wherein the brewing chamber has a first opening device movable towards the inlet side of the beverage capsule, with which the inlet closure element can usually be pierced at least at one point, preferably at several points, in particular at three points.

[0009] The capsule body of the beverage capsule can be produced from a variety of different materials in the prior art and also in the invention, e.g. by the technique of injection molding from injection-moldable materials or by thermoformable materials, in particular materials that can be deep-drawn under the influence of heat, e.g. thermoplastic materials, in particular plastics.

[0010] In the current state of the art, the inlet closure element and, where applicable, the outlet closure element are made of aluminum foil. This provides a good seal between the beverage capsule and the exterior, protecting the beverage substance from external influences, such as oxygen and / or moisture / steam. It also prevents flavor loss through the aluminum foil, especially when ground coffee is used as a beverage substance. Furthermore, aluminum foil is very easily perforated or destroyed by the opening device.

[0011] The problem with such current beverage capsules, which use aluminum foil as the inlet closure element and, in some cases, also as the outlet closure element, is that the capsule body and the closure elements produce different material fractions that cannot be recycled together. In particular, aluminum has the disadvantage of being environmentally harmful and, furthermore, not biodegradable, especially not compostable.

[0012] Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide alternative materials to aluminum, in particular material compositions and / or composites, which are easier to recycle, in particular can be recycled together with the capsule body without separation therefrom, preferably which are biodegradable, in particular compostable, preferably in the same way as the capsule body.

[0013] Materials are considered biodegradable or compostable if they meet the requirements of DIN EN 13432 and / or NF T51-800 for these properties.

[0014] It has proven problematic in some cases that suitable materials for alternative closure elements, compared to aluminum, are very resistant to the opening device of an extraction machine. Capsules with such alternative closure elements cannot therefore be opened with sufficient reliability on the inlet side by the opening device, which can lead to faulty extractions.

[0015] It is therefore a further preferred object of the invention to provide the beverage capsule for an alternative safe opening method so that it can be used with extraction machines and their opening devices available on the market.

[0016] This task is solved in the beverage capsule in that the inlet closure element, which covers the inlet opening, is at least partially releasably attached to the first fastening flange.

[0017] In the said extraction method, the object is achieved in that the inlet closure element is detached at least partially from the first fastening flange surrounding the inlet opening by the first opening device and / or the water pressure acting in the receiving area, wherein the water pumped into the receiving area, e.g. the brewing chamber, by the extraction machine passes through the detachment area between the inlet closure element and the first fastening flange into the interior of the beverage capsule, preferably wherein the inlet closure element remains undamaged in its surface area covering the inlet opening due to the movement of the first opening device of the extraction machine in the direction of the inlet opening closed by the inlet closure element.

[0018] In the system mentioned, the object is achieved in that the beverage capsule can be opened in a connecting region between the fastening flange and the inlet closure element, in particular radially outward from the covered inlet opening, by a force that can be exerted on the inlet closure element by means of the extraction machine, in particular which can be exerted by the acting water pressure and / or by the first opening device, preferably in that the inlet closure element detaches at least partially from the fastening flange, in particular wherein the inlet closure element is indestructible by the first opening device in its surface region that covers the inlet opening.Preferably, the inlet closure element also remains intact in its annular surface area, which is covered by the first fastening flange and with which it is fastened to the first fastening flange, in particular only the connection between the inlet closure element and the fastening flange is released at least in some areas.An essential aspect of the invention is therefore that the beverage capsule is not designed, as in the prior art, to be opened with the opening device in the surface area that covers the inlet opening, but alternatively provides a possibility for opening that is realized in the area of ​​fastening of the inlet closure element to the first fastening flange, in particular radially outside of the surface area of ​​the inlet closure element that covers the inlet opening, in particular in an annular area of ​​the inlet closure element at its radially outer edge area, which is covered by the first fastening flange, in particular covered in the axial direction.

[0019] According to the invention, the beverage capsule is opened by an action or operating condition occurring during use of the extraction machine, in particular during closing of the receiving area and / or during extraction, which exerts an effect on the beverage capsule, in particular which can be generated by the opening device but does not have to be, and which is preferably independent of the effect of the opening device on the beverage capsule.

[0020] Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to open the beverage capsule during use in the extraction machine, even if the opening device actually intended for this purpose does not allow this. In particular, it is provided that the inlet closure element is designed so that it cannot be destroyed by the first opening device.

[0021] Therefore, with the beverage capsule according to the invention, materials, material compositions or material composites can also be used, at least for the inlet closure element, and preferably also for the outlet closure element, which cannot be destroyed by the action of the first opening device, in particular cannot be destroyed by piercing, but which, compared to aluminum, have clear advantages in terms of their ability to be recycled, in particular in terms of biodegradability or compostability. The inlet closure element and / or the outlet closure element are preferably biodegradable and / or compostable, in particular as is preferably the capsule body. From a structural point of view, the casing wall of the beverage capsule is preferably conical or rounded, at least in part or as a whole.Conical in shape, particularly in the direction of the inlet opening, with a cross-section / diameter that decreases evenly or in a stepped / section-wise manner. The jacket wall can also have at least one axially extending section in which there is no conicity.

[0022] The first fastening flange preferably has an inclination in the direction of the central axis in its axial extension from the casing wall to the inlet opening, in particular an inclination which is directed more strongly towards the central axis than an inclination of the casing wall in an axial region in front of the fastening flange.

[0023] Viewed in cross-section parallel to the central axis, the first mounting flange thus forms a larger angle with the central axis than a region of the casing wall axially in front of the first mounting flange, in particular than any other region of the casing wall. In particular, the capsule body thus has a greater cross-sectional taper per unit length in the direction of the inlet opening in the region of the first mounting flange compared to the casing wall in a region axially in front of the mounting flange.

[0024] Directed radially outward preferably means that the second fastening flange has an outer edge that has a larger diameter than the inner edge of the second fastening flange at its transition to the casing wall. Preferably, the fastening surface of the second fastening flange, to which a closure element is attached, lies in a plane perpendicular to the center axis.

[0025] The outlet opening is preferably larger in cross section than the inlet opening, in particular due to the conicity of the casing wall present at least in some areas.

[0026] The shell wall of the capsule body is understood to be the area of ​​the beverage capsule which, viewed in the axial direction, lies between the two fastening flanges.

[0027] In the invention, the inlet closure element of the inlet opening is preferably fastened to a fastening surface facing into the interior of the capsule body, preferably an annular fastening surface of the first fastening flange, e.g. in a materially bonded manner, in particular by gluing and / or welding.

[0028] The outlet closure element of the outlet opening is attached to a mounting surface of the second mounting flange that faces the exterior of the capsule body, in particular, forming an axial end face of the capsule body at the axial end. Here, too, the attachment is preferably materially bonded, e.g., by gluing or welding.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides that the inlet closure element can be detached from the first fastening flange at least in part by a water pressure acting on the inlet closure element, in particular exclusively by a water pressure, and / or by an opening device of an extraction machine acting on the inlet closure element.

[0030] If the opening is effected by the first opening device, the inlet closure element is not destroyed in the surface area covering the inlet opening, but rather detachment at the mounting flange due to the force exerted on the inlet closure element by the opening device. In this case, the force exerted to detach the inlet closure element from the mounting flange is preferably set smaller than the force exerted by the opening device on the inlet closure element. For example, the required force can be selected by the strength of the bonding and / or welding of the inlet closure element to the first mounting flange.

[0031] Preferably, however, the detachment is only brought about by the water pressure acting on the inlet closure element inside the receiving area of ​​an extraction machine, in particular in its brewing chamber.

[0032] In particular, there may be an additional effect of the opening device, particularly in such a way that the opening device exerts a force on the inlet closure element that is not sufficient in itself to cause detachment from the mounting flange, but does reduce the water pressure required for detachment. In this case, the force exerted to detach the inlet closure element from the mounting flange is preferably set greater than the force exerted by the opening device on the inlet closure element. For example, the required force can be selected by the strength of the bonding and / or welding of the inlet closure element to the first mounting flange.

[0033] Preferably, the connection between the inlet closure element and the first fastening flange is configured in all embodiments, in the event of intended detachment due to water pressure, such that the inlet closure element can be detached from the first fastening flange, at least in part, when the water pressure acting on the inlet closure element is between 0.5 bar and 2.5 bar, preferably between 0.75 bar and 1.25 bar. In particular, the water pressure, possibly in conjunction with the additional force exerted by the first opening device, exerts a force on the connection between the inlet closure element and the fastening flange that is greater than the force exerted by the first opening device alone.

[0034] In the extraction process, it can thus be effected according to the invention that, viewed over time, the water pressure in the closed receiving area, in particular the brewing chamber, rises up to a first limit pressure at which the at least partial detachment of the inlet closure element from the first fastening flange takes place, after which the water pressure in the receiving area temporarily falls or at least temporarily rises with a smaller pressure gradient compared to the pressure gradient before the detachment, and after this the water pressure rises up to a second limit pressure at which the opening of the outlet closure element takes place, in particular in cooperation with a second opening device.

[0035] In a time range between the mentioned limit pressures, the beverage substance is permeated by the water penetrating into the beverage capsule and the beverage substance is extracted to prepare the beverage.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides that the beverage capsule has the property that the inlet closure element cannot be destroyed by an opening device in an extraction machine within the surface area covering the inlet opening.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, this can be realized or at least supported by the inlet closure element and / or the first fastening flange being displaceable in the axial direction relative to the casing wall.

[0038] In particular, it is provided that the beverage capsule is designed so that the displacement takes place when an opening device of an extraction machine acts on the inlet closure element and / or the fastening flange, preferably wherein the inlet closure element is not destroyed by the opening device.

[0039] For example, it can be provided that, due to the action of at least one opening element of an opening device, the inlet closure element can be axially displaced at the point of contact by the opening element, but does not tear.

[0040] In particular, the inlet closure element is attached to the fastening flange in an expandable manner and / or without tension, e.g. attached with an oversize, whereby the axial displacement is achieved by the expandability and / or a material reserve of the inlet closure element is formed in the inlet opening by the oversize, which allows the axial displacement without destruction.

[0041] For example, alternatively or additionally to the aforementioned embodiment, it can also be provided that the beverage capsule is structurally designed such that, when the opening device moves towards the inlet closure element, a region of the opening device, e.g. which is arranged radially outward from the at least one opening element, contacts the fastening flange, in particular at a radially inner region, and the contacted flange region is axially displaced. This has the effect of reducing the force exerted by an opening element on the inlet closure element at the point of contact because the inlet closure element retreats axially relative to the opening element as a result of the flange displacement, in particular thereby avoiding local destruction of the inlet closure element in a region covering the inlet opening.It can be provided that the action of the opening element on the inlet closure element, without causing its destruction, exerts the aforementioned force on the fastening between the inlet closure element and the fastening flange, which facilitates the detachment by the acting water pressure, but in particular is not sufficient on its own to cause the detachment.

[0042] In the extraction method, it is therefore preferably provided that, as a result of the movement of the first opening device, at least one opening element of the first opening device contacts the inlet closure element and, in particular with local expansion of the inlet closure element, is axially displaced, in particular without destroying the inlet closure element in the contact region, and / or a region of the first opening device, in particular a region lying radially outward from the inlet opening, contacts the first fastening flange and is displaced in the axial direction, in particular wherein the inlet closure element fastened to the first fastening flange is also displaced in the same direction.

[0043] A preferred embodiment of the beverage capsule further provides that the inlet closure element is formed by a layer structure consisting of several layers, in particular exactly five layers.

[0044] A layer structure consisting of several layers is preferably understood to mean that the individual layers in the layer sequence are connected to one another, preferably in a material-to-material manner, in particular by gluing and / or by deposition of layer material on another layer.

[0045] Particularly preferably, a layer sequence is provided as follows, viewed from the outside to the inside of the capsule: paper, adhesive, barrier layer, cellophane, barrier layer. Preferably, each layer of the layer sequence is biodegradable and / or compostable.

[0046] The barrier layers made of the same or different materials are preferably physically or chemically deposited on the cellophane layer. One possible material for a barrier layer is, for example, silicon oxide, in particular against the passage of water vapor. Another possible barrier material is, for example, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), in particular against the passage of oxygen. Cellophane in particular is very stable, in particular significantly more stable than aluminum, and its use in the layer sequence can preferably ensure that the inlet closure element cannot be destroyed by the opening element or opening elements of a first opening device. Cellophane can preferably form a carrier layer for at least one barrier layer arranged on one or both sides thereof.

[0047] It is particularly preferred, in particular in combination with the above-mentioned embodiment, that the outlet closure element is formed by a layer structure comprising several layers, in particular exactly eight layers.

[0048] It is preferably provided that the outlet closure element has, in its layer structure, a layer structure in some regions which corresponds to the layer structure of the inlet closure element, in particular the layer structure in the outlet closure element is formed by the layer structure of the inlet closure element and further, in particular at least three further or exactly three further supplementary layers.

[0049] This offers the advantage that the same semi-finished product can be used for both closure elements, in particular a material with the layer sequence of the inlet closure element, to which only further layers are added to form the outlet closure element, e.g. by means of adhesive bonding or welding.

[0050] Particularly preferably, a layer sequence in the outlet closure element of the outlet opening is provided as follows, viewed from the outside to the inside of the capsule: paper, adhesive, barrier layer, cellophane, barrier layer, adhesive, melt layer, mesh layer. Each layer is preferably biodegradable and / or compostable.

[0051] Here, too, the barrier layers made of the same or different materials are preferably physically or chemically deposited on the cellophane layer as the carrier layer. One possible material for a barrier layer is, for example, silicon oxide, particularly against water vapor. Another possible material for a barrier is, for example, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), particularly against oxygen.

[0052] Preferably, in all embodiments, the same material is arranged as a barrier layer on both sides of the cellophane layer, in particular a silicon oxide.

[0053] A mesh layer has local passages, e.g., between web areas, which can be achieved, for example, by a textile mesh layer consisting of a random or ordered interlacing or woven fibers. The mesh layer preferably comprises cellulose fibers.

[0054] The adhesive mentioned is preferably a polyester elastomer for all layer sequences of the inlet and / or outlet closure element. The paper layer preferably comprises cellulose fibers. The cellophane layer is preferably also made of cellulose.

[0055] Preferably, the outlet closure element is oriented so that the mesh layer faces the interior of the beverage capsule.

[0056] The melt layer preferably ensures that the outlet closure element can be attached to the second fastening flange during a heat seal, in particular because the melt layer melts under the influence of heat and penetrates the mesh layer, contacting the fastening surface of the second fastening flange, and thus effects the attachment. The mesh layer also preferably ensures that beverage powder remains in the beverage capsule during extraction.

[0057] The water pressure acting from the interior of the capsule onto the outlet closure element can act through the mesh layer onto the layers of the layer sequence lying behind it and, in conjunction with the second opening device, cause the outlet closure element to open by moving the layer sequence towards the second opening device.

[0058] Preferably, the layer structure of the inlet closure element and / or the outlet closure element is formed exclusively by biodegradable layers, in particular compostable layers, preferably wherein at least one layer in the layer structure, in particular at least one layer covered on both sides in the layer structure forms a barrier layer, in particular against the penetration of water vapor and / or oxygen into the capsule interior.

[0059] Preferably, the layer structure comprises at least two barrier layers made of different materials, one against the passage of oxygen and one against the passage of water vapor, or alternatively two identical barrier layers, in particular a silicon oxide, preferably on both sides of a cellophane layer, which is further protected by these barrier layers or serves as a carrier for the barrier layer.

[0060] Furthermore, the capsule body, in particular at least its shell wall, is preferably formed from at least three layers, in particular wherein a barrier layer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol, is surrounded on both sides by a biodegradable, preferably compostable polymer.

[0061] The barrier layer is preferably polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), e.g., with a proportion in the shell wall of 2.5% to 10%, preferably 5%. The polymer surrounding this barrier layer can preferably be formed from a material mixture, preferably a mixture of polybutylene succinate (PBS), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). This mixture preferably makes up 35% to 46.25%, preferably 45%, on each side of the barrier layer. The bond between the barrier layer and the polymer layers on both sides is preferably achieved by a compostable adhesive, in particular by polybutylene succinate (PBS) with a proportion of 2.5% to 10%, preferably 2.5%.

[0062] A beverage capsule can thus be completely biodegradable in all its components, preferably compostable, and according to the invention is not designed for the usual opening function of an extraction machine, but rather implements an alternative opening construction, which expands the possibility of using a wide variety of, in particular biodegradable or compostable materials / layer sequences in the inlet closure element, in particular also in the outlet closure element.

[0063] Embodiments of the invention are described below. Figures 1, 1A, and 1B initially show an overview of a sectional view, partly in perspective, of a beverage capsule according to the invention comprising a capsule body 1 with a shell wall 2 that is partially conical. The shell wall 2 is formed around the central axis 3 and, in the figure, has an inlet opening 4 at the axially upper end and an outlet opening 5 at the axially lower end.

[0064] At the upper end, the casing wall 2 merges into a first fastening flange 6 which, viewed in section, has a greater inclination to the central axis 3 with a larger included angle between the fastening surface 6a pointing into the interior of the capsule and the central axis 3 than the casing wall 2 axially in front of the fastening flange 6.

[0065] At the lower end, the casing wall 2 merges into a second fastening flange 7, the fastening surface 7a of which lies in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 3.

[0066] An inlet closure element 8 is fastened to the upper first fastening flange 6, which has a surface area extending directly around the central axis 3 and covering the inlet opening 4, and a radially outer annular edge area which is fastened to the fastening surface 6a, e.g. by means of a material fit, in particular by gluing or fusing.

[0067] An outlet closure element 9 is attached to the lower second mounting flange 7.

[0068] The beverage substance G in the beverage capsule is shown only symbolically.

[0069] Figure 2 shows a detail of a symbolically indicated extraction machine 10 with a receiving area 11 designed as a brewing chamber 11, into which the beverage capsule is inserted. The brewing chamber 11 has a brewing chamber base 11a with projections and a brewing chamber hood 11b with an opening device 12 fastened therein, which here comprises several, in particular three, opening means 12a. The opening means 12a are designed as knives or piercing elements, which are actually intended to pierce an upper capsule wall or an aluminum foil. When the brewing chamber 11 is closed, the annular axial end face 11c of the brewing chamber hood 11b presses the second fastening flange 7 with the outlet closure element 9 against the brewing chamber base 11a. The closed brewing chamber 11 is sealed by the second fastening flange 7.For this purpose, a sealing element or a sealing structure can be arranged on the annular edge surface area of ​​the second fastening flange 7, which faces the end face 11c.

[0070] During the closing process, the opening device 12 comes into contact with the inlet closure element 8, but does not destroy it, i.e. the opening device 12 does not perform the actual machine-side opening function with the beverage capsule according to the invention, e.g. because the inlet closure element 8 is only displaced and / or stretched by the respective opening means 12a, but the force exerted by the opening means 12a is not sufficient for local destruction at the point of contact between the opening means 12a and the inlet closure element 8.

[0071] For example, only the pumping of water from a reservoir into the brewing chamber 11 by means of a pump causes such an increase in pressure in the brewing chamber 11 that the force exerted by the pressure on the inlet closure element 8, in particular in cooperation with the force exerted by the opening means 12a, ensures that the inlet closure element 8 is detached from the first fastening flange 7.

[0072] Thereafter, the water flows into the capsule, extracts the beverage substance G and opens the outlet closure element 9 by destroying (tearing open) it through interaction with the base plate, after which the prepared beverage exits the extraction machine.

[0073] Figure 3 shows a first possibility for opening the inlet opening 4. Due to the water pressure acting in the brewing chamber 11, which is not shown in Figure 3, a force is exerted on the inlet closure element 8, which causes the inlet closure element 8 to detach from the first fastening flange 6, or rather its fastening surface 6a facing the interior of the capsule, in a region radially outward from its surface area covering the inlet opening 4. The detachment occurs exclusively due to the water pressure acting.

[0074] Figure 4 visualizes a temporal water pressure curve in the brewing chamber. In the circled pressure range I, particularly after exceeding a first pressure limit, it can be seen that the gradient of the pressure curve initially decreases when or after detachment of the inlet closure element 8 occurs, compared to a curve before detachment, and then increases again until the outlet closure element opens, particularly when or after exceeding a second pressure limit in pressure range II. In the circled pressure range II, the pressure decreases when / after the outlet closure element 9 opens and then increases again for the subsequent extraction of the beverage from the beverage capsule.

[0075] Figures 5A and 5B visualize a further opening variant in which, in addition to the water pressure, the first opening device 12 with its opening means 12a acts on the beverage capsule or the inlet closure element 8 in such a way that a region 12b of the opening device 12 lying radially outward from a respective opening means (blade) 12a, in particular the region 12b protruding radially from the opening means 12a and at an axial distance from the tip of the opening means 12a, contacts the first fastening flange 6 and, during the axial movement of the opening device 12, this flange 6 is axially displaced, whereby the inlet closure element 8 is moved along.

[0076] Here, Figure 5A shows a situation in which the opening device 12 has not yet contacted the beverage capsule or its flange and the inlet closure element, and Figure 5B on the left shows a situation in which there is initially contact between an opening means 12a and the inlet closure element 8.

[0077] Thereafter, according to Figure 5b on the right, the inlet closure element 8 is stretched locally at the location of the opening means 12a by the further movement of the opening device 12, but does not tear, after which the region 12b of the opening device 12, which is positioned radially outward from the opening element 12a and lies above the first fastening flange 6, contacts the fastening flange 6 and is axially displaced.

[0078] On the one hand, this ensures that the force exerted by the opening means 12a on the inlet closure element 8 is insufficient to destroy it, because the inlet closure element 8 evades the force due to the axial displacement and / or expansion. On the other hand, it ensures that a force preload is applied to the inlet closure element 8 before the water pressure takes effect. This allows detachment to occur even at lower water pressures, since the forces acting on the inlet closure element 8, each exerted solely by the opening means 12a and the water pressure, add up.

[0079] The invention shows that materials can also be used to close, in particular the inlet opening 4, in particular layer sequences which cannot be destroyed by the opening device 12, but have other advantages, in particular biodegradability or even compostability.

[0080] Figure 6 visualizes that an inlet closure element 8 can be formed, for example, from the layer sequence S1, e.g., from 5 layers, preferably from the 5 exemplary layers i, ii, iii, iv, of which layer iii preferably occurs twice in the layer sequence S1, namely on both sides of layer iv. All of these layers are preferably compostable.

[0081] Layer i is preferably a compostable paper, in particular with a basis weight of 10-30 g per square meter. Layer ii is an adhesive, preferably with a basis weight of 0.5 to 2 grams per square meter. Layer iii is a barrier layer. Layer iv is made of cellophane, preferably with a basis weight of 10 to 70 grams per square meter. The materials of these layers are selected, for example, according to the general part of the invention description.

[0082] An outlet closure element can preferably be formed according to Figure 7 by the layer sequence S2, which contains the layer sequence S1 and is supplemented by the layers ii, v and vi.

[0083] Here, layer ii is formed as previously indicated for Figure 6, i.e., an adhesive. Layer v is a melt layer, preferably with a basis weight of 5 to 10 grams per square meter. Layer vi is a mesh layer, preferably with a basis weight of 10 to 40 grams per square meter. These layers are also preferably formed with respect to the materials as stated in the general part of the description of the invention.

[0084] For both closure elements 8 and 9, the same semi-finished product with the

[0085] Layer sequence S1 can be used as starting material, which only needs to be supplemented with layers for use as an outlet closure element in order to obtain layer sequence S2.

[0086] Figure 8 shows a layered material S3 with the illustrated exemplary composition for the capsule body, in particular the shell wall and the flanges. This layered material preferably comprises five layers I, II, and III made of three different layered materials, as stated, for example, in the general part of the description of the invention.

[0087] Such a layered material S3 can be formed into the desired capsule structure by thermoforming, e.g., deep-drawing. Layer-preserving injection molding is also possible.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A beverage capsule for a beverage substance (G), in particular with a beverage substance (G), preferably a coffee capsule, comprising a capsule body (1) having a shell wall (2) extending around a central axis (3), wherein the capsule body (1) has, on an inlet side, a first fastening flange (6) extending from the shell wall (2) in the direction of the central axis (3), in particular a first fastening flange (6) inclined in the direction of the central axis (3) and surrounding an inlet opening (4) of the capsule body (1), and the capsule body (1) has, on an outlet side, a second fastening flange (7) extending from the shell wall (2) away from the central axis (3), in particular a radially outwardly directed second fastening flange (7) surrounding an outlet opening (5) of the capsule body (1),wherein the inlet opening (4) is closed by an inlet closure element (8) fastened to the first fastening flange (6), and the outlet opening (5) of the capsule body (1) is closed by an outlet closure element (9) fastened to the second fastening flange (7) or is at least closable by an outlet closure element (9) on the second fastening flange (7), characterized in that the inlet closure element (8) is detachably fastened to the first fastening flange (6) at least in part.

2. Beverage capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet closure element (8) can be detached from the first fastening flange (6) at least in part by a water pressure acting on the inlet closure element (8), in particular exclusively by a water pressure, and / or by an opening device (12) of an extraction machine (10) acting on the inlet closure element (8).

3. Beverage capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has the property that the inlet closure element (8) cannot be destroyed by an opening device (12) in an extraction machine (10) within the surface area covering the inlet opening (4).

4. Beverage capsule according to claim 3, characterized in that the inlet closure element (8) and / or the first fastening flange (6) is displaceable in the axial direction relative to the casing wall (2).

5. Beverage capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet closure element (8) is formed by a layer structure (S1) of several layers (i, ii, iii, iv), in particular exactly five layers.

6. Beverage capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet closure element (9) is formed by a layer structure (S2) of several layers (i, ii, iii, iv, v, vi), in particular exactly eight layers.

7. Beverage capsule according to claim 6, characterized in that the outlet closure element (9) in its layer structure (S2) has in some regions a layer structure which corresponds to the layer structure (S1) of the inlet closure element (8), in particular the layer structure (S2) in the outlet closure element (9) is formed by the layer structure (S1) of the inlet closure element (8) and further, in particular at least three further or exactly three further supplementary layers (ii, v, vi).

8. Beverage capsule according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the layer structure (S1) of the inlet closure element (8) and / or of the outlet closure element (9) is formed exclusively by biodegradable layers, in particular compostable layers, preferably wherein at least one layer (iii) in the layer structure (S1), in particular at least one layer (iii) covered on both sides in the layer structure forms a barrier layer, in particular against the penetration of water vapor and / or oxygen into the capsule interior.

9. Beverage capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capsule body (1), in particular at least its casing wall (2), is preferably formed from at least three layers, preferably at least five layers (I, II, III), in particular wherein a barrier layer (III), preferably polyvinyl alcohol, is surrounded by a biodegradable, preferably compostable polymer.

10. A method for extracting a beverage capsule, in particular a beverage capsule filled with a beverage substance (G) and closed with an inlet closure element (8) and an outlet closure element (9) according to one of the preceding claims, in an extraction machine (10) which is set up to receive a beverage capsule, wherein a. the beverage capsule is placed in a receiving area (11), in particular in the brewing chamber, of the extraction machine (10), b. the receiving area (11) is closed, c. a first movable opening device (12) of the extraction machine (10) is moved, in particular by closing the receiving area (11), in the direction of the inlet opening (4) of the beverage capsule closed by the inlet closure element (8), d. the receiving area (11), in particular the brewing chamber, is filled with water, e.the beverage capsule opened in the region of the inlet opening (4) is filled with water which permeates the beverage substance (G), f. by filling the beverage capsule with water, the outlet closure element (9) is pressed by the acting water pressure against a second opening device (11a) of the extraction machine (10), in particular against a stationary plate having projections, whereby the outlet closure element (9) tears open, and. g. the water prepared with the beverage substance (G) leaves the beverage capsule through the opened outlet closure element (9) and through an outlet of the extraction machine (10), characterized in that h. the inlet closure element (8) is detached at least partially from the first fastening flange (6) surrounding the inlet opening (4) by the first opening device (12) and / or the water pressure acting in the receiving area (11), wherein i. the water pumped into the receiving area (11) by the extraction machine (10) passes through the detachment area between the inlet closure element (8) and the first fastening flange (6) into the interior of the beverage capsule, preferably wherein j.by the movement of the first opening device (12) of the extraction machine (10) in the direction of the inlet opening (4) closed by the inlet closure element (8), the inlet closure element (8) remains intact in its surface area which covers the inlet opening (4).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, viewed over time, the water pressure in the closed receiving area (11) rises up to a first limit pressure (I) at which the inlet closure element (8) is detached from the first fastening flange (6), after which the water pressure in the receiving area (11) temporarily falls or at least temporarily rises with a smaller pressure gradient compared to the pressure gradient before the detached, and after this the water pressure rises up to a second limit pressure (II) at which the outlet closure element (9) is opened.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims 10 or 11, characterized in that by the movement of the first opening device (12) a. at least one opening element (12a) of the first opening device (12) contacts the inlet closure element (8) and, in particular with local expansion of the inlet closure element (8), is axially displaced, in particular without destroying the inlet closure element (8) in the contact region, and / or b. a region (12b) of the first opening device (12), in particular a region (12b) lying radially outward from the inlet opening (4), contacts the first fastening flange (6) and is displaced in the axial direction, in particular wherein the inlet closure element (8) fastened to the first fastening flange (6) is also displaced in the same direction.

13. System comprising an extraction machine (10) and a beverage capsule filled with a beverage substance (G) and closed with an inlet closure element (8) and an outlet closure element (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extraction machine (10) a. has an openable and closable receiving area (11), in particular a brewing chamber, into which the beverage capsule can be inserted, for receiving the beverage capsule and for extracting the beverage substance (G) contained therein, and b. has a first movable opening device (12) which can be moved, in particular by closing the receiving area (11), in the direction of the inlet opening (4) of the beverage capsule closed by the inlet closure element (8), and c. is designed to fill the receiving area (11), in particular the brewing chamber, with water and to pressurize it, and d.is set up to fill the beverage capsule opened in the area of ​​the inlet opening (4) with water, whereby the beverage substance (G) can be permeated with water, and e. is set up to fill the beverage capsule with water and to counteract the outlet closure element (9) by the acting water pressure. to press a second opening device (11a) of the extraction machine (10), in particular against a stationary plate having projections, whereby the outlet closure element (9) can be opened, and f. with which the water prepared with the beverage substance (G) can be guided from the beverage capsule through the opened outlet closure element (9) and through an outlet, characterized in that g. the beverage capsule can be opened in a connection area between the fastening flange (6) and the inlet closure element (8), in particular radially outward from the covered inlet opening (4), by a force that can be exerted on the inlet closure element (8) by means of the extraction machine (10), in particular which can be exerted by the acting water pressure and / or the first opening device (12), h. in particular wherein the inlet closure element (8) is indestructible by the first opening device (12) in its surface area which covers the inlet opening (4).

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