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 beverage suitable for consumption, using an extraction product, according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a system is for example known from WO-A-03/059778, [0002] The invention furthermore relates to a capsule of the system shown above. In particular, according to one aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a substantially sealed capsule according to the preamble of claim 20.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for preparing a predetermined quantity of a consumable beverage using an extraction product in a system according to the preamble of claim 23.

[0004] The invention further relates to a method for producing a disposable capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of consumable beverage using an extraction product according to the preamble of claim 24.

Background Art [0005] 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.

[0006] It has been found that in the arrangement shown above, the preferred 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 [0007] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an alternative system, capsule and method.

[0008] To this end, the invention provides a system according to claim 1. The disposable capsule comprises a movable body, designed to interact with the barrier material to form at least the outlet area of ​​the capsule in it, to allow at least part of the beverage to flow from the capsule.

[0009] By placing a movable body in the capsule, it is possible to create one or more outlet openings with a predetermined spatial distribution on the surface of the capsule and predetermined dimensions. It will be appreciated that the movable body is preferably located in the inner space of the capsule, i.e. in the internal volume containing the extraction product.

[0010] The term "barrier" should be understood as a material that prevents the entry of undesirable particles present or potentially present in the ambient environment into the inner space of the capsule. Preferably, the barrier is shaped to prevent gases and vapors from entering the interior space. This measure may be referred to as a seal. As a result, the selected selected properties of the extraction product placed in the capsule 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.

[0011] 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 drink. 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.

[0012] 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, which may not be visible to the naked eye. This may be when the capsules are shaped in such a way that only one way of placing the capsule in the seat is possible. 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] It should further be noted that the term "extraction article" includes substances that are soluble or are used to form suitable colloids, for example instant coffee and puree soup.

[0015] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the capsule is substantially cylindrical, the barrier comprises a peripheral wall, a bottom and a lid.

[0016] It may 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 can be minimized, which can reduce the chances of the 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.

[0017] Furthermore, the combinations of the above capsule shaping capabilities together with the opening function by means of a movable internal 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. [0018] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, an outlet area can be provided in the cap of the capsule, the inlet area can be provided in the capsule bottom. This arrangement may have an advantage due to the ease of capsule production. For example, when the capsule is in the shape of a bucket, the bottom of the bucket may be used to deliver 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 the bucket-shaped walls. This arrangement can also be advantageous when the capsule is designed to be laterally gripped during use.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, the movable body is at least partially soluble in fluid and / or beverage. For example, the movable body may be at least partially formed of a taste modifier and / or a taste enhancer.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention, the barrier material q of the disposable capsule comprises moving parts.

[0024] It has been found to be advantageous to make the movable body in a cork-like form, thereby forming part of the barrier material. The movable body protruding into the inner space of the used capsule can therefore break the outlet area material and during the same operation can also make one or more respective holes in the inlet surface of the capsule. This embodiment will be discussed in more detail with reference to figure 2.

[0025] In another embodiment of the system of the invention, the barrier is the outer surface of the disposable capsule.

[0026] For example, the barrier may be made in the form of a suitable number of peel-off films covering the pre-formed holes on the outer surface of the capsule. During use, these peel-off films must be removed before using the capsule. In this way, the barrier is a composite structure containing the body of the capsule, cooperating with a distal element (i.e. peeled off foil or the like) to prevent the extraction product from interacting with undesirable ambient species. However, the barrier may refer to a chamber, compartment and the like, separated from the environment by a further material, layer or body.

[0027] In one embodiment, the movable body may be adapted to form a moving area in the outer barrier material. In this case, the barrier is also a composite structure containing a part of the movable body at rest, i.e. before use. For example, the movable body may comprise a working element, i.e. a protrusion or the like, for breaking the barrier material. The working element of the movable body can be made in the shape of a crown or the like, whereby the crown can be connected to a suitable projection, e.g. a rod, which by means of its outer end portion can serve as a cork in the surface of the capsule in or near the entrance zone. When moving the body, a crown or similar element may make outlet openings for draining the liquid, and the distal section of the movable body (i.e. cork) may expose the inlet openings for supplying fluid.

[0028] In another embodiment of the system according to the invention, the dispenser is moved during use to engage the capsule, the movable body is placed in the capsule to allow the transfer of mechanical momentum from the dispenser to the outlet area to interrupt it.

[0029] It may be advantageous to use mechanical shoots generated in the device during use to allow controlled and predetermined opening of the capsule. In accordance with the present embodiment, the device dispenser is designed to be shifted accordingly to engage the disposable capsule, at least in the exit area. Such movement displacement can be used to push or otherwise activate the movable body, causing it to penetrate further into the inner space of the capsule towards the outlet area, interrupting its material. This embodiment allows the capsule to be gripped and pierced simultaneously, in a controlled and reproducible manner, which improves the quality of the drink, e.g. due to the fact that the residence time of the fluid inside the capsule can be predetermined. [0030] In yet a further embodiment of the system according to the invention the movable body comprises at least one working element for breaking the outlet material.

[0031] For example, the movable body may contain one or more protrusions, micro-pins or other suitable unevenness to break the barrier material. It should be understood that the term "break" refers to one of the following - cutting, pinching, tearing, piercing or the like.

[0032] The movable body can be made as a substantially flat or three-dimensional object, for example in the shape of a clip or a fork or rod-shaped structure with a crown. A movable body structure can be provided such that the working element is displaced substantially perpendicular to the surface outlet area. Alternatively, a movable body structure can be provided such that the operating element is displaced substantially obliquely with respect to the surface of the outlet area. In the latter case, provided that the working element is finished with a sharpened structure, it can be possible to break the barrier material relatively faster.

[0033] In yet another embodiment of the system of the invention, the inner body comprises a connector provided with side holes for distributing a portion of fluid in the inner space of the capsule.

[0034] It has been found to be advantageous to take advantage of the fact that the movable body comprises a projection for pressing the working element against the outlet area. Because such a protrusion, e.g. a rod or the like, can be designed in a form extending substantially between the inlet area and the outlet area through the inner space, it may be advantageous to use the projection to supply at least partially fluid into the interior extraction product. In this way, the fluid can substantially immediately surround the extraction product, which further improves the quality of the drink.

[0035] It has been found beneficial to filter the beverage before it is drained from the capsule. 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.

[0036] It is possible to arrange the outlet filter in a substantially coplanar position with respect to the outlet area, the filter surface opposite the outlet area being provided with suitable protrusions for breaking the material in the outlet area. In this case, the filter can be moved through the element provided in the inner space of the capsule, which in turn can be actuated by the fluid from the dispenser. Also in this embodiment, the movable element can be made, at least in part, of a soluble substance as described above. Additionally or alternatively, the element may be provided with an internal passage and side holes for supplying at least part of the fluid deep into the extraction product. This configuration has the advantage that the movable body is structurally simplified. [0037] In yet another embodiment of the system of the invention, the outlet area of ​​the mechanical barrier comprises a material that is mechanically weaker than other areas of the mechanical barrier.

[0038] It has been found to be advantageous to make the outlet area from a weak material, so that its break during use is simplified. [0039] The capsule of the present invention relates to a disposable capsule from the system described above.

[0040] Preferably, the capsule according to the invention is made of a biodegradable material, which is an advantage for environmental protection. [0041] The invention further relates to the use of the capsule as described above in the system described herein.

[0042] 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 [0043] Figures 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 a further embodiment of the disposable capsule according to the invention; Fig. 4 schematically shows a still further embodiment of a disposable capsule not according to the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0044] Figs. 1a-1c show a system 101 according to the prior art 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 1 02 to a container, such as a cup.

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).

[0046] 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, 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.

[0047] System 101 shown in Figures 1a-1c is used to prepare a cup of coffee, the product for extraction being roasted and ground coffee.

[0048] 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 form a coffee drink.

[0049] When the pressurized water is fed into the interior space 120, the pressure inside the capsule 102 increases. This increase in pressure causes the lid 116 to deform and press against the lid piercing means 128. Once the pressure has reached a certain level, the tear strength of the lid 116 will be exceeded and the lid will tear at the lid piercing means 128, resulting in outlet 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).

[0050] When preparing the beverage in the arrangement 101 shown in the figures. 1a-1c, privileged flow paths may exist in the extraction product within 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 path is indicated by the line PP in Fig. 1c.

[0051] Fig. 2 schematically shows an embodiment of a disposable capsule according to an aspect of the present invention; View A schematically shows a cross section of an embodiment of a disposable capsule 1 together with an embodiment of a portion of the dispenser before use. The disposable capsule 1 contains an internal space designed to contain the right amount of extraction or soluble product, e.g. ground coffee, instant coffee, chocolate, cocoa, tea, soup powder etc. It should be noted that the disposable capsule 1 is also suitable for placing powder in it, intended to form a colloid as a result of interaction with fluid F, supplied by the dispenser 1a. The capsule 1 may contain a certain amount of extraction product, soluble or colloidal product, suitable for preparing a single portion of beverage, preferably one cup of beverage, e.g. 30 to 200 ml of prepared beverage. A single-use capsule can mean a single-dose package. [0052] The disposable capsule 1 is constructed so as to protect at least the internal space from interaction with undesirable chemical compounds, for example gases, moisture etc. For this purpose, the disposable capsule 1 contains a barrier, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, surrounding at least the space inside. For example, the barrier may be formed from one piece of suitable material, as a film or thin layer by means of welding, gluing, or the like. In this case, the barrier may be substantially homogeneous. The barrier may also consist of parts made of different materials, in particular when the capsule has been given a certain shape. For example, the capsule 1 can be shaped to have a wall, lid and bottom, the bottom can be used to allow fluid F to enter the inner space, and the lid can be used to allow the beverage to leave the inner space. The lid and bottom may be fixed relative to the wall, i.e. they generally do not change their position relative to the wall during use. The wall can be substantially rigid. The wall may e.g. contain a plastic material and may be formed, for example, by injection molding, vacuum molding, thermoforming or the like. The barrier may also contain moving parts which, during use, change significantly in relation to each other due to their functions, for example to allow the introduction of fluid into the internal space I.

[0053] View A schematically shows an embodiment of a disposable capsule in which the barrier material comprises moving parts. The barrier portion 5d may be formed by the end portion of the plug 6 that has been designed to be displaced after appropriate coupling with the dispenser 1a. For example, the plug 6 may be pushed through the protrusions 4 of the dispenser 1a, thereby opening the holes 8a,

8b, allowing fluid F to flow from the feed line 3 of the dispenser to internal space I.

[0054] The disposable capsule 1 according to the invention comprises a movable body 6 to break part of the barrier in the outlet area 5b. Although in the present embodiment, the movable body is moved to interact with the outlet area 5b by means of a dispenser, it should be noted that other ways of deliberately moving the body 6 are also possible. For example, the pressurized movable device is schematically shown in Fig. 4.

[0055] To break the outlet area 5b, the movable body 6 may consist of one or more working elements 7 designed to destroy the outlet area. The working elements 7 can form pins, knives, irregularities, sharp crystals, e.g. sugar and the like. [0056] View B schematically shows a disposable capsule 1 in use, e.g. coupled to the dispenser 1a. The dispenser 1a can be mechanically moved to engage the capsule 1a, using a manual or automatic drive. The protrusions 4 can therefore transfer the mechanical moment transmitted by the dispenser through the body 6 towards the outlet area 5b causing it to break accordingly. The drink that arises in the inner space can be drained from the capsule through the opening thus formed.

The present invention provides a system enabling controlled opening of the capsule 1, especially in its outlet area 5b. As a result, it prevents the creation of unwanted privileged fluid paths in the inner space. Thus, at least the number, size and location of the outlet openings are first determined, which can improve the quality of the drink. It should be noted that the system according to the invention, with a controlled discharge of the drink, can also be advantageous because the force exerted by the movable body 6 on the outlet area 5b can be controlled with respect to the duration of action and the absolute value. As a result, the wetting time of the produced beverage in the disposable capsule can be controlled, thereby increasing the degree of extraction of the corresponding extraction product contained in the capsule.

[0058] View C schematically shows a disposable capsule in a vertical view. The barrier 5 can be provided with a rim with holes 8a enabling the introduction of fluid into the interior space, as shown in view B, the movable body 6 can be used as a sealing plug, substantially closely adjacent to the opening O in the barrier 5. The plug 6 can be equipped with corresponding mating groove and reinforcing element 9. The movable body 6 may further comprise one or more operating elements 7, which, for example, may be made in the form of a crown or a suitable one or two-dimensional matrix. The operating element may also be continuous, for example, the operating element may have the shape of a ring for cutting a circular area from the outlet area 5b to simplify the drainage of the drink.

[0059] Fluid under pressure can be supplied to the inner space of the disposable capsule 1. Due to the fact that an opening element, i.e. a movable body, is provided, it is possible to reduce the minimum necessary pressure, which leads to a reduction in energy consumption by the system according to the invention. However, the system dispenser 1a may be adapted to supply fluid to the replaceable capsule 1 under approximately 4-20 bar, preferably 5-18 bar, and more preferably 6-15 bar. In an embodiment, a fluid at 6 bar pressure is supplied to the capsule. In this case, the accumulated internal pressure may have an additional effect contributing to increasing the breaking capacity of the outlet area 5b.

[0060] Fig. 3 schematically shows a further embodiment of a disposable capsule according to the invention. In the present embodiment of the disposable capsule 30, the movable body 6 is provided with an internal conduit (not shown) and holes in the side 6a for supplying at least part of the fluid F deep into the product present in the interior space I. As a result, the penetrating fluid F can be effectively distributed in the inner space, its inflow to it is not limited by the capacity of the inlet area.

[0061] In this embodiment, the movable body 6 can be moved by means of a dispenser (not shown), which causes the body to break part of the barrier 31, 32, 33, 34 of the capsule 30, in the outlet area 34, [0062] A disposable capsule according to the invention it is equipped with an outlet filter 35. It should be noted that, according to the invention, the outlet filter is positioned behind the barrier (as shown). The working part of the movable body 6 can be made as a filter having corresponding projections on the surface facing the outlet area 34. In this case, the filter can act as part of the movable body. Preferably, the filter is made as suitable membranes that can be laterally attached to the perimeter wall in the immediate vicinity of the outlet area 34.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the invention, the outlet filter can be arranged to have a sufficiently high tear strength so that it cannot be damaged under pressure inside the capsule 30. Alternatively, or in addition, the outlet filter 35 can create a sufficiently low hydraulic resistance for the beverage leaving the capsule 1. preferably the outlet filter is formed of a porous sheet, such as filter paper. It should be noted that the pore size of the outlet filter can be adapted to the expected grain size in the extraction product placed in the interior space.

[0064] Fig. 4 schematically shows a still further embodiment of a disposable capsule not according to the invention; View A schematically depicts a disposable capsule at rest, i.e. prior to use, view B schematically shows a disposable capsule during use, i.e., for example, when the appropriate fluid dispensing device is connected to the capsule to provide fluid flow F. View C is a schematic elevational view of the disposable capsule shown in view A for clarity.

[0065] As can be seen in view A, the disposable capsule has an internal space I intended to contain a suitable amount of extractable product. The inner space is closed by a barrier 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d. Part 41d is designed to allow flow of incoming fluid during use, while part 41b is designed to be interrupted by movable body 46. The movable body 46 may include one or more operating elements 46a, such as, for example, pins, knives, or other surface irregularities capable of breaking the outlet area 41b. In the present embodiment, the movable body 46 is positioned so that it can be moved by an internal force caused, for example, by the internal pressure of the fluid accumulated in the internal space I. As a result, the force exerted on the carrier foil 46b will move the body towards the inlet area 41a and press the working elements 46a against the outlet area accordingly, causing it to break properly, see view B.

[0066] The movable body, however, may also not include any significant projection for breaking the outlet area 41b. For example, the movable body may comprise a working membrane 48 and a corresponding number of holes 49 passing through it. When the inner space of the capsule is filled with fluid, in particular fluid under pressure, the membrane is quickly pressed towards the outlet area, for example as a result of pneumatic force causing it to break. The membrane 48 can be attached around the perimeter to the capsule wall. It should be noted that the membrane can be made, at least in part, of filter material. The through holes 49 may for example contain filter material. Alternatively or additionally, the surface of the membrane 48 may be made as an outlet filter.

[0067] The inlet area 41c can also be moved by fluid pressure. For example, suitable inlet openings (see item 47 in view C) may be covered by a sheet, e.g. of 46c, which may deform under the influence of pressure and / or elevated temperature of the inflow fluid F. As a result, the sheet 46c may be deformed (see view b) allow fluid Fin to enter the inner space of the capsule.