A system, a method and a capsule for preparing a pre-determined quantity of beverage

[0001] The invention relates to a system for preparing a predetermined quantity of consumable drink using an extraction product comprising • at least one disposable capsule;

A device comprising a fluid dispensing device for supplying a certain amount of fluid, such as water, to at least one disposable capsule, a receptacle for receiving at least one disposable capsule, and an outlet system for delivering the beverage to a container, such as a cup, • at least one disposable capsule comprises a chamber for receiving an internal space containing an extractable product, the chamber containing:

i. an inlet area allowing fluid to flow towards the interior space to interact with the extraction product to make a drink;

ii. an outlet area for draining at least a portion of the beverage from the capsule; where • the system is also adapted to:

i. fluid connection of the dispensing device to the inlet area to supply fluid;

ii. enabling flow connection of the outlet area to the outlet system.

[0002] The invention further relates to a capsule of the system shown above. In particular, in accordance with one aspect, the invention relates to a substantially sealed capsule that comprises a chamber containing an inner space containing an extractable product, the chamber comprising:

i. an inlet area allowing fluid to flow towards the interior space to interact with the extraction product to make a drink;

ii. an outlet area for draining at least part of the beverage from the capsule.

[0003] The invention further relates to the use of the capsule in the system as set out above.

[0004] The invention further relates to a method for preparing a predetermined quantity of consumable beverage using an extraction product in a system comprising, at least one disposable capsule;

A device comprising a fluid dispensing device for supplying a certain amount of fluid, such as water, to at least one disposable capsule, a receptacle for receiving at least one disposable capsule, and an outlet system for delivering the beverage to a container, such as a cup, • at least one disposable capsule comprises a chamber comprising an inner space containing an extractable product, the chamber comprising:

i. an inlet area allowing fluid to flow towards the interior space to interact with the extraction product to make a drink;

ii. an outlet area for draining at least a portion of the beverage from the capsule; where • the system is also adapted to:

iii. a fluid connection of the dispensing device to the inlet area to supply fluid;

iv. enabling flow connection of the outlet area to the outlet system.

[0005] The invention further relates to a method for producing a disposable capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of consumable beverage using an extraction product, the method comprising • forming a disposable capsule comprising a chamber comprising an internal space containing the extraction product, the chamber comprising:

i. an inlet area allowing fluid to flow towards the interior space to interact with the extraction product to make a drink;

ii. an outlet area for draining at least part of the beverage from the capsule.

Background Art [0006] Hermetically sealed capsules containing, for example, ground coffee, for placing in a coffee dispensing device are known in the art. When making coffee, the inlet area of ​​such a sealed capsule is pierced so that inlet openings are created for supplying pressurized fluid to the ground coffee in the inner space of the capsule. This in turn causes the pressure in the inner space of the capsule to increase, such that the outlet area of ​​the capsule is pressed against the lid piercing elements that are present in the device. When sufficient pressure is exerted, the outlet area will be broken by the lid piercing means forming the outlet openings through which the coffee beverage from the capsule can be drained through the outlet present in the device. In use, the outlet is in fluid communication with the outlet area of ​​the socket so that the coffee beverage can flow through the outlet. It will be appreciated that known capsules contain a single chamber whose walls form the outer surface of the capsule.

[0007] It has been found that in the arrangement shown above, the privileged fluid flow paths can run through the extraction product inside the capsule, e.g. from at least one inlet to the at least one outlet, which can lead to undesirable power of the prepared drink and / or changes in the strength of the prepared drink, between successive capsules. In addition, because the outlet openings are created by fluid pressure, the number, position and / or size of the outlet openings are created by accident.

Summary of the Invention [0008] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an alternative system, capsule and method.

[0009] To this end, the system according to the invention has the features defined according to claim 1. The capsule comprises a movable body designed to interact with the inlet area and the outlet area to disconnect the inlet area and the outlet area, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the chamber. It should be understood that the term "body" can be understood as an appropriate actuator comprising one, two or more parts, constructed to interact appropriately during use. It should further be noted that the capsule of the invention is hermetically sealed. This feature is to be understood as a housing that allows the extraction or soluble product to remain substantially intact, the housing being impermeable to fluid and / or air. This feature may allow taste or extraction ability to be retained during a relatively long shelf life before use.

[0010] This technical feature is based on the observation that by equipping the capsule with a movable body, it is possible to properly form a predefined one or more exit holes, wherein time, spatial distribution along the surface of the capsule and the size of the holes can be optimized. It will be appreciated that the movable body is preferably located at least partially inside the chamber in which the product is placed.

[0011] It is to be understood that the term "chamber" should be understood as a barrier material preventing the entry of undesirable particles present or potentially present in the ambient environment into the inner space of the capsule. Preferably, the barrier material is shaped to prevent gases and vapors from entering the interior space. As a result, the selected selected properties of the extraction product placed in the chamber do not deteriorate and / or are preserved by preventing undesirable chemical reactions with chemical compounds from the environment. In particular, this can prevent the oxidation of coffee, which in principle retains its original taste, which can lead to a better quality of the drink.

[0012] It should further be noted that the extraction product is not limited to coffee, any type of solid, liquid or powder can be used to prepare the beverage. For example, the capsule may contain the concentrate in liquid, solid or powdered form. Alternatively or additionally, the capsule may contain milk powder, chocolate powder, powdered soups, etc. It is also possible that the capsule contains the right number of compartments housing the right amount of beverage ingredients that are mixed with each other as a result of interaction with the liquid.

[0013] It should further be noted that the terms "outlet area" and "inlet area" mean respective functional regions, for example on the surface of the capsule or in its internal volume, which may be visible to the naked eye. This is possible if the capsule has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the socket in one way. Alternatively, the "outlet area" and / or "inlet area" may conveniently be marked on the capsule to allow for their proper insertion into the system. Particularly preferably the capsule has a shape allowing free orientation in the socket, e.g. when the capsule has rotational freedom, e.g. when the capsule is spherical, cylindrical or the like. It should be noted that the disposable capsule can be sold in a package containing a plurality of disposable capsules, whereby the optimization of the packaging arrangement can lead to the desired three-dimensional shape of the capsule, which allows freedom of arrangement in the socket. Particularly for such capsules, it will be preferable to designate the "inlet" and "inlet" area.

[0014] It should further be noted that the outlet system may comprise a suitable collector and a conduit for guiding the beverage into the container.

However, it is also possible that the exhaust system is integrated into the socket and has no particular collector or conduit.

[0015] It should further be noted that the term "extraction article" also includes substances that are soluble or are used to form suitable colloids, for example instant coffee and puree soup. [0016] It should be noted that WO2008 / 132571 discloses a device in which the capsule comprises an outlet area and an inlet area and a chamber surrounding the inner space which contains the extraction product. The capsule further comprises a movable body designed to interact with the outlet area to interrupt the outlet area, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the chamber.

[0017] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the capsule is substantially cylindrical shaped, comprising a peripheral wall, a bottom and a lid.

[0018] It should be noted that the chamber does not have to be accessible from the outside. It is possible, for example, that the chamber is sandwiched between one or more further functional layers of the capsule, which may be, for example, cylindrical or cone-shaped.

[0019] It can be advantageous to maximize the surface area of ​​the outlet area by forming a disposable capsule, for example in the shape of a pellet or, alternatively, a truncated cone or pyramid. In such embodiments, the surface area of ​​the base portion of the resulting three-dimensional object is increased, improving emptying of the capsule. When the disposable capsule is shaped as a pellet, the fluid flow path between the inlet area and the outlet area is minimal, which may reduce the chance of privileged fluid paths in the capsule. When the disposable capsule is formed in the form of a truncated cone or pyramid, the fluid flowing into the capsule essentially at the top of the cone or pyramid can have a spraying effect, significantly reducing the chance of privileged fluid paths in the capsule.

[0020] Furthermore, the combinations of the above capsule shaping capabilities together with the function of opening by means of a movable body can minimize the necessary fluid pressure sufficient to prepare the beverage. This has the effect of reducing the energy consumption of the system according to the invention with respect to the system known in the art.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, the outlet area may be provided in or near the lid of the chamber, the inlet area may be provided in or near the bottom of the chamber. This arrangement may have an advantage due to the ease of capsule production. For example, when the chamber is in the shape of a bucket, the bottom of the bucket may be used to supply fluid, the top of the bucket may be covered by a lid, the lid material having a different internal mechanical strength than the material used on at least the bucket-shaped walls . This arrangement can also be advantageous when the capsule is designed to be laterally gripped during use.

[0022] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the movable body comprises an external drive designed to cooperate with the internal body, the internal body is placed in the chamber, preferably in contact with the inlet and / or outlet area.

[0023] It has been found to be advantageous to provide a recessed system, wherein the internal body placed in the chamber is ready for appropriate displacement to provide a number of predetermined openings in the inlet area. It should be understood that such an internal body can be essentially solid or hollow. It may, for example, comprise an end portion having a macroscopic cross-section. Alternatively, the inner body may include one or more protrusions having a microscopic cross section, for example, about or less than 1mm².

[0024] It is possible that the protrusions on the inner body are directed towards the outlet area and the inlet area. As a result, both the outlet area and the inlet area will be provided with holes when the inner body is hooked. Preferably, the inner body is actuated by means of an external actuator which can be transferred between the extended and reduced states. For example, the capsule may contain an inner chamber that may contain an outlet area and / or an inlet area made of a material that is mechanically weaker than the overall material or materials of the capsule. Preferably, the chamber is protected from the surrounding environment, for example, the chamber may be sandwiched between two or more layers of material. It should be understood that material layers can be provided for functional purposes. For example, such material layers can act as input or output filters.

[0025] It has been found to be advantageous to filter the liquid and / or the beverage before it enters and drains from the capsule, respectively. For example, it may be desirable to provide a beverage with substantially no extractable product particles. By placing an appropriate filter cooperating with the outlet area one can achieve the desired filtering effect. It should be understood that the choice of the type and properties of the filter material is within the average skill in this field. Preferably, the filter is adapted to separate coarse and fine particles of the extraction product, whereby it is possible to use a mixture of multiple grain sizes in a capsule, which can reduce the associated costs of producing disposable capsules containing such mixtures.

[0026] For example, the external actuator may be supported by deformable film strips and the like which may be bistable. As a result, an accidental connection between the external actuator and the capsule is prevented. In addition, due to the dual stability, the actuator is designed to last in a reduced state when interacting with a moving body. This solution has the advantage that the actuator will not detach from the capsule, leading to spillage of the product after opening the capsule.

[0027] In yet another embodiment of the system of the invention, the external actuator comprises projections to break the inlet area or outlet area.

[0028] It may be advantageous to provide the internal body without protrusions or with protrusions directly only towards the outlet area. This feature is based on the observation that the capsule chamber can be completely filled with a suitable product which is subjected to mechanical stress in both the outlet and the inlet area. In order to reduce the chance of unwanted damage to the chamber during its transfer, the inner body is preferably positioned near the outlet area and the inlet area at a distance from them. It is even possible to place the inner body in contact with the outlet area and the inlet area, however, controlled opening of the outlet area and the inlet area is only possible when the inner body is moved by an external actuator.

[0029] The external cylinder is adapted to cooperate with the outlet area to provide controlled openings in the capsule for draining the brewed drink. When the outer actuator includes protrusions, they can be arranged in a controlled manner to interrupt the material of the outlet area, in such a way as to cause the inner body to protrude further into the chamber to break the inlet area. It should be understood that the external actuator can be designed either to make holes for supplying fluid from the dispensing device towards the chamber, or to make holes for emptying the chamber. This embodiment will be discussed in more detail with reference to figure 2.

[0030] In yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention, the seat of the dispensing device is dimensioned so that it cannot accommodate the capsule with the outer cylinder extended.

[0031] It has been found to be advantageous to provide a system in which only capsules with pre-opened chambers are accepted, thus avoiding sharp elements in the device. This can be advantageous, for example, for the elderly or for patients with motor disorders. Preferably, the external actuator is manually depressed before direct use of the capsule. This manual operation can be beneficial for providing an independent source of chamber tightness control, because as a result of the chamber opening a characteristic sound can be generated to signal that the chamber has been intact. This feature has the advantage of avoiding the use of a damaged capsule for making beverages.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the system of the invention comprises an internal body provided with a channel with side holes to distribute fluid in the chamber.

[0033] It has been found beneficial to use the internal body as an additional conduit and fluid distributor in the chamber. As a result, it additionally prevents the formation of undesirable privileged fluid paths in the chamber.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, the movable body is chemically inert towards the product to be extracted and / or the fluid and / or the drink.

[0035] It has been found to be advantageous to make the movable body from a material that is substantially chemically inert to the substance from the extraction article. It should be understood that the term "chemically inert" should be understood as the inability to undergo a chemical reaction with the extractable product and / or fluid and / or drink to produce a chemical product. It should be understood that the beverage may have different chemical properties than the liquid or extractable product. In particular, the moving body material is chemically inert at elevated temperatures, for example in the range of 90-100 ° C. This feature may be of particular importance for public security.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, the movable body is at least partly soluble in the liquid and / or the drink. For example, the movable body may be at least partially formed of a taste modifier and / or a taste enhancer.

[0037] It may be beneficial to use the fact that the movable body is present in the immediate vicinity of the extraction article. For example, a movable body can be made from a food substance such as sugar or a flavor enhancer or taste modifiers. In addition, a movable body can be made of a solidified concentrated solution or the like. As a result, the movable body after dissolution of the barrier material can dissolve, providing the desired additional taste, aroma or other property to the drink. It is also possible to make a moving body out of a substance designed to change the pH of a liquid, for example water. This can be particularly advantageous in areas where tap water has inferior properties with respect to the production of the drink.

[0038] The capsule of the present invention relates to a capsule from a system as mentioned above. In particular, the capsule according to the invention comprises a movable body designed to interact with the inlet area and the outlet area to break the inlet area and the outlet area, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the chamber, the capsule comprising an external actuator designed to interact with the area outlet to create controlled holes in the capsule for draining the beverage. Preferably, the capsule is made of biodegradable material.

[0039] The method of preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extraction product in a system according to the invention comprises:

• activating the external capsule actuator to interact with the outlet area to allow fluid to pass through the chamber.

[0040] The method of making the disposable capsule of the present invention includes:

• providing at least a portion of the movable body to the capsule to cause it to interact with the chamber during use to break the outlet area and the inlet area to allow fluid to pass through the chamber;

• filling the inner space of the disposable capsule with an extraction product • providing the capsule with an external actuator adapted to interact with the outlet area to provide controlled openings in the capsule for draining the brewed beverage.

[0041] These and other aspects of the invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to drawings in which similar reference numbers refer to similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes and may not be used to limit the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0042] Figs. La-c schematically show a prior art beverage production system in cross section;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a disposable capsule in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

figure 3 schematically shows the disposable capsule of figure 2 placed in the seat of the system according to the invention.

Detailed description of the drawings [0043] Figures. 1a-1c show a prior art system 101 for preparing a predetermined quantity of consumable drink using an extraction product. System 101 includes a replaceable capsule 102 and device 104. Device 104 includes a seat 106 for holding the replaceable capsule 102. In Figs. 1a-1c, a gap is drawn between the capsule 102 and the seat 106 for clarity. It will be appreciated that in use, the capsule 102 may be in contact with the seat 106. Typically, the seat 106 is complementary to the shape of the capsule 102. The device 104 further includes a fluid dispensing device 108 for delivering some fluid, such as water, underneath. pressure, e.g., 9 bar, into the replaceable capsule 102. In addition, an outlet device 109 may be provided to deliver fluid from the capsule 102 to a container, such as a cup.

[0044] In the system 101 shown in figures 1a-1c, the replaceable capsule 102 comprises a circumferential wall 110, a bottom 112 closing the circumferential wall 110 at the first end 114, and a lid 116 closing the circumferential wall 110 at the second end 118 opposite the bottom 112. The circumferential wall 110, bottom 112 and lid 116 surround the interior space 120 containing the extraction product 20 (not shown).

[0045] System 101 shown in Figures 1a-1c includes a bottom piercing member 122 for piercing the capsule 102. Fig. 1a shows the bottom piercing member 122 in a retracted position. Fig. 1b shows the members 122 piercing the bottom in the extended position to form an inlet 124 in the bottom 112 for feeding fluid to the extraction product 20 through the inlet 124. In Fig. 1a-1c, the piercing elements 122 include an opening 126 through which fluid for the extraction product 20 contained in the inner space 120 can be fed. The arrangement 101 shown in Figures 1a-1c further includes lid piercing elements 128, here made in the form of projections, intended for for piercing the lid 116 of the capsule 102. In the embodiment shown, the piercing means of the lid 128 may form part of the outlet system 109.

[0046] System 101 shown in the figures. 1a-1c is used to prepare a cup of coffee, the extract being roasted and ground coffee.

[0047] The capsule 102 is placed in the seat 106 (see Fig. 1a). The bottom piercing elements are actuated to pierce the bottom 112 of the capsule 102 (see Fig. 1b) to form the inlet opening 124. The fluid, here hot water under pressure, is fed to the extraction product in the internal space 120 through the inlet opening 124. Water moistens ground coffee and extracts the desired substances to prepare a coffee drink.

[0048] When supplying pressurized water to the interior space 120, the pressure in the capsule 102 increases. This increase in pressure causes the lid 116 to deform, causing it to be pressed against the lid piercing elements 128. When the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear strength of the lid 116 will be exceeded and the lid will break in place opposite the lid piercing elements 128, forming exit holes 130 (see Fig. 1c). The brewed coffee will be drained from the capsule 102 through the outlet openings 130 and the outlet 132 of the outlet system 109 and may be fed into a container such as a cup (not shown).

[0049] When preparing the beverage in the system 101 shown in Figures 1a-1c, the privileged flow paths may be present in the extraction product inside the inner space 120 of the capsule 102. These privileged paths may extend from the inlet opening 124 to the outlet openings 130. One such privileged paths are marked = line PP in Fig. 1c.

[0050] Fig. 2 schematically shows an embodiment of a disposable capsule according to an aspect of the present invention; Section A schematically shows the cross section of the disposable capsule 20 and the corresponding isometric view, section B schematically showing the cross section and the corresponding isometric view of the capsule 20a, immediately before use.

[0051] With reference to section A, the disposable capsule 20 consists of a chamber 22 designed to adapt a suitable product (not shown) for producing a beverage. The chamber 22 is delimited by the structures 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d, some of which may refer to the outer surfaces of the capsule, while others may refer to the inner surfaces of the capsule. For example, the boundaries 22a, 22c may refer to the outer wall of the capsule, and the boundaries 22b, 22d may refer to additional films, membranes, tissues or the like. For example, structures 22b, 22d may refer to an outlet and inlet filter, respectively. The capsule may contain further external structures 24, 23, which may be associated with appropriate protective layers, which may be made of a stiffer and mechanically stronger material than the material used for structures 22b, 22d.

[0052] According to the invention, the chamber is provided with a movable body 25, 26 designed to provide inlet and outlet openings in a controlled manner. The movable body according to one aspect of the present invention comprises two cooperating parts - an outer actuator 25 and an inner body 26 located in the chamber 22. Preferably, the inner body is dimensioned to substantially correspond to the chamber size in the direction of fluid flow.

[0053] Various methods of providing inlet and outlet openings may be used according to the invention. First, the inner body 26 may be constructed as an object with a significant external cross-section, i.e., a significant outer surface 26a of the inner body 26. The outer surface 26a may be substantially flat. This can be advantageous for preventing accidental damage to the chamber 22 during normal handling of the capsule that is not connected to the intentional rupture of the layer 22b. When part of the inner body 26a is flat and occupies a substantial surface that is comparable, for example , to the surface of the outlet area, the outer actuator 25 may have protrusions 28 that are designed to mate with the surface 26a to pierce the outlet area 22b. In this case, surface 26a acts as a support for actuator 25 to allow controlled piercing.

[0054] Secondly, the outer surface 26a of the inner body may include protrusions 27. It will be appreciated that the protrusions may be made as self-acting elements a considerable distance from the base 26a. Alternatively, the protrusions may be microscopic protrusions protruding from the large base, see Fig. 3. When the inner body 26 is pushed by the outer actuator 25, it is moved towards the inlet area 22d interrupting it in a controlled manner.

[0055] Thirdly, it is possible that the inner body 26 includes protrusions or bulges on both of its outer surfaces facing the outlet area 22b and the inlet area 22d. In this case, the external actuator 25 may also be provided with projections, or may be substantially flat, because the controlled rupture of the outlet area 22b is implemented by the projections of the internal body. In the case where the outer cylinder 25 is provided with projections 28, the projections 28 are preferably offset relative to the respective projections of the internal body 26.

[0056] It may be advantageous for the inner body 26 to have one of its outer flat surfaces. For example, the inner body 26 may rest with its flat outer surface on the outlet area 22b during storage. Provided that the inner body is light and provided that the surface of the inner body is substantially large, such a system can provide a secure "parking" system with minimal risk of accidental damage to the chamber during storage.

[0057] Section B schematically shows a cross section of the disposable capsule 20a after the outer actuator has been pressed against the inner body 26. As a result, the protrusions of the inner body 27 interrupt the inlet area 22d ', the outlet area 22b is interrupted by the protrusions of the external actuator.

[0058] Preferably, the outer cylinder is movably attached to the capsule, the attachment element, e.g. bridges 29a, 29b are made as a bistable structure, with a first stable position in the extended state (shown in Section A) and a second stable position in the shortened state (see section B). As a result, a suitable fluid can flow through the internal volume of the chamber 22, as schematically shown as F1, F2. It should be understood that the term fluid may refer to at least the fluid used to make the beverage as well as the beverage itself.

[0059] It should be understood that the inner body 26 can be dimensioned so as to break only the walls of the inner chamber, as schematically shown in the right section of section B. This can be advantageous if it is desired that one or more outlet area structures remain intact. . For example, the outer surface of the capsule 30 may be formed as a filter surface 30a, which should not be broken or otherwise deformed when the chamber is opened. In the case where the filter 30a corresponds to the outer surface of the capsule, the filter surface may be protected by a peel-off foil (not shown).

[0060] It should further be noted that the external actuator 31 may be provided with a sufficient number of holes 32 to allow fluid to flow in or out of the chamber. In the case where the chamber is adapted to be filled with fluid under pressure, it may be advantageous to arrange a seat of the device of the system according to the invention to hold the capsule with the retracted cylinder. For example, the seat may be shaped to be substantially closely fitted to a capsule equipped with an withdrawn actuator.

[0061] Fig. 3 schematically shows the disposable capsule of Fig. 2 disposed in the socket of the system according to the invention. The disposable capsule 40 may have similar elements as discussed in relation to figure 2. However, in this embodiment, the inner body 46, located in the chamber 22, is provided with a channel 45 with side holes 47. The fluid stream F1 entering the capsule 40 can be distributed in the inner space of the chamber 22 by means of transverse flows F3 coming out of the body 46. According to this feature, the formation of privileged paths in the inner space is neutralized.

[0062] The inner body 46 may include flat outer parts 41, 42, in which case it is possible to form macroscopic inlet openings. Alternatively, one or both of the outer parts 41, 42 may be provided with appropriate projections to make the desired network of holes.

[0063] It should be noted that although specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention may be implemented in a different manner than described. In addition, the individual features discussed in relation to the different forms can be combined.