Capsule, system and method for the preparation of a beverage and a method for manufacturing such a capsule

[0001] The invention relates to a capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of consumable drink using an extractable or soluble product, for example roasted and ground coffee, comprising a first circumferential wall, a second wall closing the first circumferential wall at the first end , perforated and / or porous third wall closing the first circumferential wall at the second, open end opposite the second wall, constructed for draining the prepared drink from the capsule, the first, second and third walls surrounding an inner space containing an extractable product.

[0002] Such capsules are known per se and can be used in a beverage production device. They provide convenience in use, as well as repeatable extraction conditions, which results in easy preparation of a cup of coffee of consistent quality. This known capsule can be an open capsule, comprising a circumferential wall and an exit area adapted to drain the prepared beverage from the capsule. There is a certain amount of extractable product in the inner space of the capsule, such as roasted and ground coffee, for example by placing a volume of coffee with a smaller volume than the volume of this inner space. Such a capsule can be used in a beverage production device in which liquid under pressure flows into the capsule to interact with the extractable product in the capsule and to drain the beverage from the capsule outside the device into a container, such as a coffee cup.

[0003] When using a known capsule with an open exit area and placed in a loose state of roasted and ground coffee, the water fed into the capsule can quickly

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Flow through the capsule, which results in a less than desirable increase in pressure within the capsule, thereby resulting in the extraction of coffee by means of a relatively low extraction pressure. This can result in an uncontrolled process of making a drink, which can negatively affect the prepared drink. In particular, the quality of the coffee may deteriorate, for example, because due to the lower extraction pressure, the coffee may be watery or the foam layer may be worse due to the lower CO2 content in the coffee beverage, which occurs when extracted at a lower extraction pressure while CO2 is important for foam production.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an improved capsule equipped with an extractable or soluble beverage preparation product, and more particularly to at least reduce the above problem. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved capsule containing roasted and ground coffee, which results in an improvement in the taste of coffee prepared using such a capsule.

[0005] To this end, according to the first aspect of the invention, a capsule of the type described above is provided, in which the extractable product in the inner space of the capsule has particles falling within a predetermined mass distribution range in which the 10th percentile of the particle size is 20 - 60 pm, preferably less than 40 pm, in which the 50th percentile of the particle size is 400 - 600 μη, preferably 450-550 μm and in which the 90th percentile of the particle size is 700 - 1000 pm, preferably 825-950 pm.

[0006] Preferably, the capsule is provided with holes in its outlet area which can be substantially evenly distributed around the cross-section of the area

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EP 2 367 741 B1. It should be understood that the capsule collar cannot be considered as a suitable outlet area.

[0007] It has been found that when such a capsule is used for making coffee, the smaller sized particles in a given mass distribution are essentially not inside these holes, thus improving the coffee making process due to improved flow patterns. In addition, it has been found that the amount of unwanted sediment in the cup decreases when using a capsule provided with outlets compared to the capsule to be broken in use. In particular, it has been found that in an open capsule according to one aspect of the invention provided with openings in the outlet area, the particles can be sized to fit these openings, thereby improving the flow patterns of liquid flowing out of the capsule. In addition, it has been found that this adjustment can lead to improved oil concentration in the finished beverage as well as to improved dry mass accumulation (DMA) while maintaining the setting time essentially at the same level as in the prior art capsule. More specifically, such a particle size distribution of roast and ground coffee within the capsule prevents the coffee bed from collapsing when the water pressure is exerted on the coffee.

[0008] Preferably the coffee is pressed inside the capsule. For example, a suitable coffee starting material may be squeezed inside the capsule.

[0009] It should be noted that the particles of coffee starting material introduced into the capsule (and thus not compressed) may have slightly smaller dimensions than the particles of the final product set out in claim 1.

[0010] For example, particles of starting material for coffee

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EP 2 367 741 B1 may have the following mass distribution:

The 10th percentile of particle sizes may be 25-55 pm, preferably less than 40 μη,

The 50th percentile of particle sizes may be 450 - 550 pm, and

The 90th percentile of particle sizes can be 600 - 800 pm.

[0011] It should be understood that due to the thickening step, for example by compressing the starting material onto coffee, the size of the particles may increase due to clumping of the particles with each other.

[0012] In the capsule, as a result, due to the coffee pressing, relatively small particles can be surrounded by relatively large particles such that relatively small particles cannot get into the outlet filter before preparing the beverage. When supplying water to the inner space of the capsule, relatively small particles can flow with water towards the outlet filter to form a flow restriction together with said outlet filter. At the same time, such a particle size distribution ensures high-quality coffee with good taste. If the total particle size is too small, the coffee bed may collapse such that the prepared beverage cannot easily flow through it, resulting in an undesirably long preparation time of the beverage. If, on the other hand, the total particle size is too large, the supplied liquid quickly flows through the coffee, resulting in a watery coffee drink containing a low concentration of solute dry substance in which there is no foam layer.

[0013] It should be noted that the above-mentioned preferred particle size distribution according to the invention is determined using a well-known Sympatec analyzer which is

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EP 2 367 741 B1 suitable for determining the distribution and size of particles in dry products. Sympatec Central Unit "Helos" used together with the Rodos device can be such an analyzer

T4.1 for dry dispersion. The used measuring range R7 is 0.5 / 18.0 - 3500 μη. The sample is placed in a measuring device. The particle size distribution in said sample is determined by means of a laser diffraction technique. The light emitted by the laser is bent by the sample particles. The size of this diffraction depends on the particle size of the roasted and ground coffee samples. The scattered light is detected by the detector after passing through the lens, said lens being an R7 lens.

[0014] It should be noted that coffee can be properly compacted before being inserted into the capsule and / or inside the capsule. Compressing prior to insertion into the capsule can be obtained using a suitable tamper. It should be noted that this operation may be preceded by a thickening step in which the stream of extractable product is forced through a narrow membrane under pressure. Capsule compression can be achieved by properly compressing the coffee input material into the capsule. As a result of pressing coffee output into the capsule, the roasted and ground coffee particles are pressed against the walls of the inner space of the replaceable capsule, which prevents the occurrence of privileged fluid flow paths along the respective walls of the capsule. This can also be advantageous if the capsule has to be inserted into the device in such a way that the outlet filter is directed sideways, for example extending in a substantially vertical plane. By providing the capsule with the compressed coffee inside, also in the rotated position of the capsule, the coffee remains positioned next to the entire outlet filter, thereby preventing privileged paths

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Liquid flow. Accordingly, the supplied fluid, such as water, is directed from the entry area through the coffee bed to the outlet area of ​​the capsule regardless of the position of the capsule, ensuring controlled beverage preparation. Thus, by pressing the coffee, the fluid flow rate can be adjusted between the inlet area and the outlet area of ​​the replaceable capsule. In addition, such a pressed coffee bed, together with the coffee outlet area, provides a desirable restriction on the flow inside the capsule during the preparation of the beverage. This enables a higher extraction pressure to build up in the inner space of the capsule, thus ensuring a higher extraction pressure build-up in the capsule. For example, such that a coffee beverage with the desired concentration and a higher CO2 content can be provided, resulting in a high-quality coffee beverage with a foam layer.

[0015] Preferably, the capsule according to the invention contains an amount of coffee suitable for preparing a single portion of the drink, preferably one cup of the drink, for example from

thirty up to 200 ml of prepared drink. The capsule may therefore contain 4.0 - 8 grams, preferably 4.9 - 5.7 grams, preferably approximately 5.3 ± 0.2 grams of roast and ground coffee. For example, a capsule containing about 5.3 grams can be used to make a cup of espresso coffee.

Thus, the replaceable capsule is a single-portion packaging. Thus, the capsule is adapted to make a predetermined amount of coffee by supplying the predetermined quantity of hot water to the capsule under high pressure. The capsule containing said amount of coffee provides a coffee drink with a preferred amount of foam, the desired amount of soluble dry matter extracted from the coffee starting material. Note that the preferred amount of foam is preferably at least about 5 ml of foam, or more, e.g. 9 ml of foam, on top done

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A drink containing about 40 ml. In addition, this capsule contains a distribution of particles loose enough to prevent the formation of a flow restriction throughout the entire coffee bed, preventing undesirable long preparation times of the beverage and a large amount of coffee oil contained in the beverage.

[0016] In a further development of the invention, the inner space of the capsule has preferably a volume of about 10-14 ml, preferably 11.5-12.5 ml, more preferably approximately 11.8 ml.

[0017] It is advantageous if the entire interior space is occupied by an extractable product, for example roasted and ground coffee. Thus, the internal volume of the capsule can be optimally utilized when matching densities of ground coffee are used. This also has the advantage that the extractable product cannot be moved completely inside the interior space when the fluid flows through the capsule so that no privileged flow paths can be created. In addition, since the entire internal space is occupied by coffee, after the beverage has been prepared, no water will remain between the coffee and the respective side walls within the capsule. Therefore, the capsule can be removed from the device with a minimal risk of the device becoming dirty due to water leaking from the capsule.

[0018] The Applicant has found that it is preferred according to a further development of the invention if roasted and ground coffee is compressed in such a way that the compressed coffee in the inner space of the capsule has a substantially uniform density. In use, particles of such homogeneous coffee within the capsule can be spread, resulting in a relatively loose coffee bed layer in the vicinity of the second wall, and thus in the inlet area of ​​the capsule, and a relatively compact coffee bed layer in the vicinity of the third

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Wall and thus in the outlet area of ​​the capsule. Such a compact layer of coffee bed together with the outlet filter ensures filtering efficiency of the capsule with the desired pressure drop. Thus, the compact coffee bed layer and outlet filter together provide delayed flow of the prepared coffee beverage from the capsule.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the third wall comprises an outlet filter for draining the prepared drink from the capsule, the outlet filter, for example, being formed of a porous or perforated sheet. The outlet filter may be formed of a fibrous woven or non-woven sheet, such as filter paper, or a film, such as a polymer film, provided with a plurality of outlet openings. In use, such an exhaust filter, together with a dense layer of coffee bed in the vicinity of the filter, provides the desired flow restriction that can result in a good quality coffee drink with good taste. By using filter paper as an outlet filter, a cheap third wall is provided. In addition, this third wall made of filter paper can filter the oil of a drink, i.e. coffee, before the coffee is delivered to a container, such as a cup. Reducing the amount of oils in coffee that can adversely affect its taste and / or quality can be an advantage. It is particularly advantageous to filter out cafestol from coffee. In addition, the third wall, being porous, can provide the advantage that the beverage can be drained from the capsule through substantially the entire cross-section of the interior space. Thus, the beverage may flow out of the inner space in a very uniform manner. This may prevent the existence of preferential fluid paths within the inner space. It is known that preferential fluid flow paths reduce the repeatability of the beverage preparation process.

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[0020] It is preferred that the outlet filter, for example from a polymer film, has 80-140 outlet holes, with the hole diameter being between 0.20 mm ± 0.05 mm and 0.40 mm ± 0.05 mm, preferably approximately approximately 0.3 mm ±

0.05 mm. Such outlet openings together with relatively small coffee particles that are distributed during the water supply and are adjacent to the openings can provide the desired flow restriction and thus pressure drop. Due to the said openings, the prepared drink will leave the capsule at the desired speed, so that the preparation time will not be too long, for example not longer than 40 seconds, and preferably not longer than 30 seconds. In addition, the holes are small enough to prevent coffee particles from leaving the capsule and entering a cup with the prepared coffee beverage.

The preferred number of openings in the outlet filter allows the outlet filter together with the dense layer of coffee bed adjacent the filter to create the desired flow restriction so that a coffee beverage is obtained with an acceptable oil balance, desired brewing power, and acceptable preparation time. Such a coffee drink will have good quality and good taste.

[0021] In a further development, the first circumferential wall is substantially rigid. Generally, the first circumferential wall may have any shape, such as cylindrical, hemispherical, truncated cone or polygon, such as a hexagon or octagon.

[0022] Preferably, the capsule comprises an inlet filter, wherein the inlet filter has a flow resistance that is less than the flow resistance of the compacted extractable product in combination with the outlet filter, avoiding excessive pressure increase prior to the inlet filter. This is advantageous because such an increase in pressure before the filter does not contribute to brewing the beverage.

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[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, the extractable product is compressed into a tablet from the coffee starting material. This has the advantage that the risk of privileged fluid flow paths in a tablet-compressed extractable product is reduced. It will be appreciated that when using a compressed tablet, the second wall may be omitted in the capsule, since the risk of spilling the extractable product is significantly reduced.

[0024] In a further development of the invention, this tablet may comprise at least one opening extending from that side of the tablet that faces the second wall towards the third wall. Thus, this opening provides infusion means for wetting the tablet in an even manner.

[0025] It is also possible that the extractable product is compressed into a plurality of tablets, preferably with mutually different compaction densities. There is, for example, the possibility that the extractable product is provided as a single stack of tablets with different degrees of compression. There is, for example, the possibility that the degree of compression increases in each tablet from the second wall to the third wall. In this way, the effort needed to completely wet the tablet from the second wall to the third wall is also increased, ensuring that each tablet at the inlet is properly wetted when wetting the exit tablet, and thus ensures very even wetting of the entire extractable volume product.

[0026] The invention further relates to a method for producing the above-described capsule, comprising:

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EP 2 367 741 B1

- providing a coffee receiving cup comprising a first circumferential wall and one of the second and third walls defining an interior space constructed for receiving roasted and ground coffee;

- providing a certain amount of roasted and ground coffee in the inner space of the coffee receiving cup having a pre-selected mass distribution in which the 10th percentile of particle sizes is 20-60 pm, preferably less than 40 pm in which the 50th percentile of sizes particle size is 400 - 600 μη, preferably 450 550 pm and in which the 90th percentile of the particles size is 700 - 1000 pm, preferably 825-950 pm.

[0027] It will be appreciated that the delivery step may include the step of compressing a certain amount of roasted and ground coffee starting material into a coffee such that the capsule contains compressed coffee having such a distribution of particles as defined in claim 1. For example, particles of material output for coffee can have the following mass distribution:

The 10th percentile of the particle size may be 25-55 pm, preferably less than 40 pm, the 50th percentile of the particle size may be 450-550 pm, and the 90th percentile of the particle size may be 600-800 pm.

[0028] This total amount of coffee may be in the inner space of the capsule and then it may be compacted to thicken said amount of coffee.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment of the method of the invention, the method may include:

- providing a first portion of the amount of roasted and ground coffee output in the interior space;

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EP 2 367 741 B1

- pressing said first part so that the first part is compacted;

- then providing the next portion of the amount of ground and roasted coffee starting material on top of this compressed first portion in the inner space of the capsule;

- pressing the next part so that the next part is compacted. By alternately supplying and pressing part of the amount of coffee, the coffee can be more easily inserted into the capsule and at the same time the risk of spoilage of the coffee starting material can be reduced.

[0030] It will be appreciated that the tablet or tablets may have a predetermined particle size distribution as described in relation to claim 1. The coffee starting material may have such a particle distribution as defined above.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, it is also possible that the coffee starting material that is introduced into the inner space of the capsule is compacted by vibration before pressing said coffee starting material.

[0032] Preferably, the concentrated volume of roasted and ground coffee is substantially similar to the volume of the interior space of the coffee receiving cup.

[0033] This method provides the advantage that the distribution of the coffee particles within the coffee receiving cup of the replaceable capsule can be determined during the manufacturing process. Thus, the distribution of coffee particles can be homogeneous, relatively small particles can be surrounded by relatively large particles. Due to the concentration of coffee, this distribution does not change significantly, for example during

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Transportable interchangeable capsules. Consequently, this predetermined distribution of particles within the capsule can remain intact. By making a drink with such a capsule, the method of making coffee making can be controlled and reproducible.

[0034] Furthermore, by compacting the coffee in the inner space of the capsule, a flat surface is obtained on this side of the replaceable capsule with which the outlet filter must be connected. Such a flat surface increases the tightness of the outlet filter relative to the first circumferential wall of the replaceable capsule, thereby preventing the occurrence of holes between, for example, the outlet filter foil and the first wall. The latter may result in a capsule of inferior quality, which may produce inferior quality of the drink due to such openings through which coffee and liquid may leak without flowing through the outlet filter.

[0035] The coffee thickening further increases the seal quality of the output filter relative to the first circumferential wall, since the risk of coffee particles being on the peripheral surface of the first wall is reduced. Thus, the seal quality of the outlet filter along the entire first circumferential wall may not decrease due to particles between the filter and this wall.

[0036] In a further development of the method according to the invention, roasted and ground coffee is pressed by means of a pressing pressure of generally 50-300 N, preferably 50-500 N, preferably generally 400-600 N. Good results have been achieved at a pressing pressure of about 500 N.

[0037] In order to provide a predetermined quantity of roasted and ground coffee starting material in the interior space of the coffee receiving cup with a volume of approximately 10-14 ml, preferably 11.5-12.5 ml, more

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Preferably, approximately 11.8 ml, it is preferred that the pour volume of the roasted and ground coffee starting material (not yet concentrated) is preferably in the range of 600-680 ml per 250 grams of coffee starting material. With such a loading volume, roasted and ground coffee after pressing may have a weight of 4.0-8 grams, preferably 4.9-5.7 grams, preferably approximately 5.3 grams ± 0.2 grams. It should be understood that the term "starting material" refers to the state of the coffee before it is introduced into the capsule.

[0038] The applicant has found that if the replaceable capsule according to the invention contains coffee with a pour volume of less than 600 ml per 250 grams of coffee starting material, a cup of coffee made with said capsule results in watery coffee without a pleasant foam layer. It should be understood that the pour volume in this aspect relates to the state of the coffee before the capsule pressing step. In addition, if the pour volume is less than 600 ml per 250 grams, the coffee beverage may contain a relatively large amount of coffee oil, which negatively affects the quality of the prepared drink. A high bulk volume, higher than the preferred volume, as mentioned above, is also undesirable because it can result in too long a beverage preparation time.

[0039] It should be noted that the input volume of the coffee starting material is determined by measuring the volume of 250 g of coffee after grinding after compaction. In order to determine this volume, a certain amount of roasted and ground coffee output is poured into the coffee funnel into a container under it, which container has a volume of 250 ml. The tray has a slide that closes so that the volume of ground coffee of 250 ml remains in the tray. Then the mass of ground coffee in the container is determined and converted into volume

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The amount expressed in ml / 250g.

[0040] In addition, it is desirable that, according to a further aspect of the invention, the roasted and ground coffee starting material have a moisture content of 1.0 - 4.0%, preferably 1.5 2.2%, more preferably approximately 1, 5% before concentrating roasted and ground coffee starting material in the inner space of the capsule. The moisture content of the coffee starting material is produced in such a way that the coffee starting material is cooled by means of moisture prior to grinding the coffee starting material. The moisture content is determined by measuring the degree of weight loss of 5 g of coffee starting material as a result of drying the coffee starting material in an oven for 3 hours at 103 ° C.

[0041] Preferably, according to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the coffee beans intended for roasted and ground coffee output are roasted for approximately 250-1000 seconds, preferably for 450-700 seconds, the degree of roasted and ground roasting the starting material for coffee is preferably in the range of 30-60. A replaceable capsule containing such roasted and ground coffee provides a cup of coffee with a pleasant aroma containing an acceptable amount of coffee oil. This degree of roasting further gives roasted and ground coffee starting material, which can be compressed in the desired manner with the desired pressure, as mentioned earlier. This degree of roasting coffee starting material is determined by measuring the light reflection on a leveled amount of ground coffee output. This can be done using, for example, the LK100 color analyzer, type LMG163 from Dr. Bruno Lange GmbH. A certain amount of light is directed, for example at a wavelength of 640 nm, onto a sample containing said leveled amount of ground

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EP 2 367 741 B1 material. Depending on the degree of darkness of the ground material, the amount of light is reflected and measured. This value indicates the degree of smoking. Said color analyzer is calibrated every day with the next use of two calibration plates. Then said calibration plates are measured and then the sample is measured. If desired, roasted grains are ground to a 3/4 particle size having an average particle size of approximately 0.39 mm. Leveling the coffee should be done in such a way that the ruler is held vertically, forming a 90-degree angle with the surface of the coffee. Coffee is leveled by three smooth movements (back and forth) on the edge of the sample cup. If obvious irregularities are found on the coffee surface, the leveling must be carried out again.

[0042] In a further development of the invention, the coffee beans are ground to provide roasted and ground starting material with a particle size distribution in which

The 10th percentile of particle sizes is 25-55 pm in which

The 50th percentile of the particle size is 400-550 μη, and in which the 90th percentile of the particle size is 600-800 pm. When compressing such burned and milled starting material in the inner space of the capsule, a predetermined uniform particle distribution as described previously having a particle distribution as defined in claim 1 can be provided.

[0043] The invention also relates to a system for preparing a predetermined quantity of edible drink according to claim 26 and to a method for preparing a predetermined amount of edible drink according to claim 28.

[0044] Further preferred embodiments of the capsule, method of making such capsule, system and method

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The preparation of a drink according to the invention is set out in the dependent claims.

The invention will now be further explained by means of non-limiting examples referring to the drawing in which

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a beverage preparation system according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows the capsule of Fig. 2 when preparing a drink;

<td></td><td>Fig. 4</td><td>presents the second</td><td>example</td><td>execution</td><td>capsules</td>

<td></td><td>according</td><td>invention;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>Fig. 5</td><td>presents the third</td><td>example</td><td>execution</td><td>capsules</td>

<td> 15</td><td>according</td><td>invention; and</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>Fig. 6</td><td>presents the fourth</td><td>example</td><td>execution</td><td>capsules</td>

<td></td><td>according</td><td>invention;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

[0046] It should be noted that identical or corresponding elements in the various drawings are marked with identical or corresponding identification numbers.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows an example of a first embodiment of a system 1 for preparing a predetermined quantity of consumable drink using the extractable product of the invention. The system 1 comprises a replaceable open capsule 2 and the device 4. The device 4 includes a seat 6 for holding the replaceable capsule 2. In Fig. 1, for clarity, the distance between the capsule 2 and the seat 6 is drawn. It will be appreciated that during use, the capsule 2 may come into contact with the seat 6. In this example, the seat 6 has a complementary shape to the shape of the capsule 2. In this example, the seat 6 has an upper part 8 and a surface ę

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Support 10.

[0048] The device 4 further comprises a fluid dispensing device 12 intended to supply a certain amount of fluid, such as hot water, under high pressure, e.g. greater than approximately six bars (absolute pressure), into the replaceable capsule 2.

[0049] In the system 1 shown in Fig. 1, the replaceable capsule 2 comprises a substantially rigid first circumferential wall 14, a second wall 16 closing the first circumferential wall 14 at the first end 18, and a third wall 20 closing the first circumferential wall 14 at the second , open end 22 opposite to the second wall 16. The peripheral first wall 14, second wall 16 and third wall 20 surround the inner space 24 containing the extractable product, in this example roasted and ground coffee. In this example, the replaceable capsule 2 contains an amount of extractable product, e.g. in ground coffee, ± 0.2 grams, a beverage portion, approximately 4.9-5.7 grams roasted and preferably approximately 5.3 grams of suitable for making one preferably one cup of beverage, e.g. 30-200 ml of finished beverage.

[0050] The capsule 2 according to the invention contains roasted and ground coffee, the particles of which fall within a pre-selected mass distribution, in which the 10th percentile of the particle size is 20-60 pm, preferably less than 40 μη, in which the 50th the particle size percentile is 400 - 600 μη, preferably 450-550 pm and in which the 90th percentile particle size is 700 - 1000 pm, preferably 825-950 pm.

[0051] This distribution of particles has been found to have a beneficial effect on shortening the brewing time and the amount of deposits in the cup. However, it should be noted that there is mutual

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EP 2 367 741 B1 relationship between the following parameters:

the amount of ground material, the amount of coffee, the number and size of holes in the outlet area of ​​the third wall and the brewing time and sediment accumulated in the cup.

[0052] For example, by increasing the size of the ground material, it is possible to advantageously reduce the brewing time and reduce the amount of sediment in the cup. It has been found that the particle size distribution in the open capsule of the invention can reduce the amount of coffee needed to make a tasty coffee drink, which is economically advantageous.

[0053] Depending on the desired strength of the prepared beverage, the amount of extractable product may vary. For example, for making a cup of espresso coffee, the capsule 2 may contain approximately 5.3 grams, and for making a cup of Longo coffee, the capsule 2 may contain approximately 6.0 grams. In another embodiment of the invention, the capsule may also contain other amounts between 4.0-8 grams, preferably between 4.9-5.7 grams of coffee. The inner space 24 may have a volume of approximately 10-14 ml, preferably 11.5-12.5 ml, more preferably approximately 11.8 ml.

Thus, the replaceable capsule is a single-portion packaging. According to a further aspect of the invention, the extractable product in the inner space 24 of the capsule 2 is compacted.

[0054] In the example of Fig. 1, the first circumferential wall 14 is substantially rigid. The peripheral first wall 14 may, for example, comprise plastic material and may be formed, for example, by injection molding, vacuum forming, thermoforming or the like.

[0055] In this example, the second wall 16 is integral with

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The first peripheral wall 14. In this example, the second wall 16 is substantially rigid and includes a plurality of inlet openings 26 to allow fluid to flow into the capsule 2. The second wall 16 provides the inlet filter of the capsule 2.

[0056] In this example, the third wall 20 is flexible and has the shape of a sheet. In addition, in this example the third wall is porous. The third wall 20 is in this example made of filter paper. In this example, the filter paper contains polyethylene (PE) fibers. In this example, the third wall 20 is connected to the first circumferential wall 14 by thermal welding. In this example, the third wall 20 forms the outer periphery of the capsule 2 in its axial direction. It can be seen in Fig. 1 that the third wall 20 abuts against the supporting surface 10 of the seat 6.

[0057] The system 1 shown in Fig. 1 works as follows to make a cup of coffee.

[0058] The capsule 2 is placed in the seat 6. The third wall 20 is brought to abut against the supporting surface 10. The fluid, here hot water under pressure, is fed from the fluid dispensing device 12 to the extractable product in the interior space 24 through the inlets 26. The fluid dispensing device 12 may be adapted to supply water to the replaceable capsule 2, at a pressure of approximately 4-20 bar, for example 9-15 bar, preferably about 6 bar. Good results were obtained with a pressure of about 6 bar, which increased in the fluid dispensing device. Water moistens the ground coffee and extracts the desired substances to produce a coffee drink. The prepared coffee will flow from the capsule 2 through the porous third wall 20. The coffee beverage is further drained from the nest 6 through a plurality

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Outlets 28, and can be fed into a container 30, such as a cup. When feeding water to the compressed coffee in the inner space of the capsule 2, coffee particles are distributed in the inner space 24 of the capsule 2, so that a relatively loose layer L of the coffee bed is formed adjacent the second wall 16 and a relatively compact layer C of the coffee bed adjacent the third wall 20 (see Fig. 3). Relatively small particles S are displaced together with water towards the outlet filter forming the third wall 20 and will be placed adjacent to the openings 38 of the outlet filter 20. Said small particles S, together with the outlet filter 36, will form a restriction on the flow of the capsule 2 (see Fig. 3), ensuring the desired pressure drop and thus the desired extraction pressure inside the capsule 2, so that it is possible to extract soluble dry matter from the compressed coffee and obtain a cup of beverage with the desired brewing power and quality.

[0059] In the example of Fig. 1, a plurality of inlet openings 26 are distributed over substantially the entire second wall 16. Thus, fluid is fed to the extractable product through the plurality of inlet openings 26, which causes the extractable product to wet the substantially cross-section of the capsule 2. Thus, a very uniform fluid feed to the extractable product is obtained. Thus, the risk of privileged paths through which fluid flows through the extractable product is significantly reduced.

[0060] In another (not shown) embodiment of the capsule 2 according to the invention, the third wall 20 forming the outlet filter 20 of the capsule 2, through which the beverage, in this case coffee, can be drained from the capsule 2, is formed of a porous sheet, such as paper

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Filtration. The entire third wall 20 can then be formed as a porous sheet. For example, the third wall 20 may form a substantially continuous, liquid-permeable sheet, extending substantially over the entire second, open end 22 of the capsule 2. Thus, fluid may drip from the capsule 2 over a large area. Thereby a very even drainage of the beverage from the extractable product is obtained. Thus, the risk of privileged paths through which fluid flows through the extractable product is significantly reduced.

[0061] It will be appreciated that in other, not shown embodiments of this system, the device may be different from the device which was described in the first embodiment of the system. For example, the device may be provided with a void space between the third wall 20 of the capsule 2 and the outlet openings 28 of the device 4. In another example, the device may comprise piercing means for piercing the lid of a hermetically sealed known capsule. Therefore, it should be noted that the capsule of the invention can be used in any suitable device for making a drink using high pressure.

[0062] Figures 2-5 show embodiments of capsules according to the invention. In Fig. 2, the second wall 16 is integral with the first circumferential wall 14, as in Fig. 1. The second wall 16 includes a plurality of inlet openings 26 in the second wall 16. The third wall 20 is formed of a flexible film 36, e.g. a polymer film , provided with a plurality of outlet openings 38. In Fig. 2 the capsule 2 comprises an outwardly extending rim 40 at the second end 22 of the first peripheral wall 14. The third wall 20 is attached to the outwardly extending rim 40, for example by means of gluing, welding, thermal welding, or the like. this

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Thus, the third wall 20 may be permanently attached to the rim 40. It should be understood that it is possible that the outwardly extending rim 40 extends between the upper part 8 of the socket 6 and the supporting surface 10 of the socket 6 , so that the rim 40 is clamped between the upper part 8 and the supporting surface 10. Thus, the third wall 20 is clamped on the rim 40 in use, i.e. when fluid pressure is applied, thereby reducing the risk of the third wall 20 separating from the rim 40.

[0063] In Fig. 4, the third wall 20 is formed of a flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper. In Fig. 4, the second wall 16 is also formed of a flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this example, the second wall 16 is attached to the inwardly extending flange 42. In this example, the second wall 16 is attached to the inside of the inwardly extending flange 42.

[0064] It will be appreciated that in other, not shown embodiments, the third wall 20 may be formed by means of a porous sheet, such as filter paper, or by means of a polymer film provided with a plurality of outlets 30, as in Fig. 1 and 2. It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 may include any second wall 16 according to any one of the shown embodiments in combination with any third wall 20 according to any one of the shown embodiments. Preferably, the first circumferential wall 14 is substantially rigid. Thus, the capsule will not be susceptible to deformation due to displacement and / or manipulation such that the capsule 2 will always fit into the seat 6. In addition, the first circumferential wall 14 is

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Preferably, it is resilient so that any possible deformation of the first circumferential wall 14 is retracted as soon as the force causing this deformation is removed. However, it is possible that the first circumferential wall 14 is formed by a flexible sheet, preferably integral with the second wall 16. Thus, essentially the entire capsule 2 can be made of a flexible sheet, which reduces the amount of material needed to produce the capsule 2.

[0065] In these examples, the first circumferential wall 14 is substantially cylindrical. It will be appreciated that the capsule of the invention is not limited to this shape. The first circumferential wall 14 may be, for example, frustoconical, hemispherical or polygonal, such as hexagonal, octagonal, and the like.

[0066] The capsule 2 according to the invention is preferably made by making a coffee receiving cup 32 comprising a first circumferential wall 14 and a second wall

16. The first wall 14 and the second wall 16 define an internal space 24. Roasted and ground coffee output, e.g. Arabica coffee containing a maximum of 30% Robusta coffee, with the desired particle distribution, desired moisture content, desired degree of roasting, and desired inlet volume, is supplied to the interior space 24 of the coffee receiving cup 32. The coffee output is then pressed by means of suitable pressing means, e.g. by means of a pressing force of approximately 500 N. After the coffee has been compressed in the interior space of the 24 cups, the surface of the compressed coffee facing away from the second wall 16 may be essentially flat. Furthermore, at most a limited amount of coffee particles can be placed on the upper surface of the first wall

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Peripheral 14 facing away from the second wall 14. In this example, the capsule 2 according to the invention, at most a limited number of coffee particles, preferably no particles at all, can be on the protruding rim 40. Consequently, it is easy to provide an outlet filter, e.g. a layer 36 of polymer film, and seal it tightly on the protruding rim 40 of the first perimeter wall 14 with a minimal risk of unsealed areas between the first perimeter wall 14 and the outlet filter 20. The result is a capsule 2 having a substantially flat third wall 20, in other words, the third wall 20 will not substantially extend from the first circumferential wall 14 in a direction parallel to the central axis A of the capsule 2 (see Fig. 3).

Thus, when using such a capsule in a beverage preparation device 4, the capsule 2 can easily be placed in the socket 6 without jamming due to the protruding third wall 20. In an alternative embodiment of the invention it is possible that the first portion of the coffee starting material is introduced into the inner space of 24 capsules 2. This first portion of the coffee starting material may be pressed by means of suitable pressing means, e.g. by means of a pressing force of approximately 500 N. It is to be understood that the pressing means may rotate during ironing or between ironing intervals. . This has the advantage that on the one hand the amount of oils can be significantly reduced, and on the other hand it can be increased or stopped at the same DMA level. Then, in the inner space 24 of the capsule 2, on top of the compacted first portion of coffee output material, the next portion of the amount of roasted and ground coffee output material (as described above) can be placed. Then, iron this one

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The next part of the amount of coffee stock is made by means of suitable pressing means, for example by means of a pressing force of approximately 500 N, so that the next part is compacted. This is a simple way of introducing and compressing the coffee starting material into the capsule 2. It is also possible that the method of producing the capsule involves alternating feeding and pressing more than two parts of the amount of coffee starting material inside the capsule 2.

[0067] Fig. 5 shows an example of a capsule 2 according to the invention in which the extractable product is pressed into a plurality, in this case four, tablets 58, 60,

62, 64. In Fig. 5, these tablets 58, 60, 62, 64 are stacked inside the inner space 24. In Fig. 5, each tablet 58, 60, 62, 64 is spread over substantially the entire cross-section of the inner space 24 capsules

2. In this example, the density, i.e. the degree of compression, of 58, 60, 62, 64 tablets is different for each tablet. The density of tablets 58, 60, 62, 64 increases in the direction from the second wall 16 to the third wall 20. This has the advantage that the fluid will more easily wet a lower density tablet than a higher density tablet so that each inlet tablet is properly wetted while the water moistens the next tablet facing the outlet. Thus, a very uniform wetting of the extractable product is obtained. Although this example shows four stacked tablets, it should be understood that any number of tablets can be used.

[0068] Fig. 6 shows an example of a capsule 2 containing a single tablet 66 of a compacted extractable product. In the example of Fig. 6, the tablet 66 has holes 68 that enter into the tablet 66 on this side of the tablet 66 that faces the second wall

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12, towards the third wall 20. The length of the holes 66 is smaller than the thickness of the tablet 66 in the direction along the opening 68. Thus, the holes 68 do not form short fluid channels through the tablet 66, but provide a fluid channel to the center of the tablet 66. These holes 68 allow predetermined penetration of fluid into the tablet. Thus, advantageous wetting of the compacted extractable product can be achieved.

[0069] It will be appreciated that a tablet 66 or multiple tablets 58, 60, 62, 64 can be used in combination with any capsule 2 referred to above.

It will also be appreciated that if the extractable product is compressed into a tablet (tablets), the second wall 16 of the capsule is not necessarily needed, since it is unlikely that the extractable product will spill out of the capsule 2 before use.

[0070] In the above description, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, it is obvious that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broad nature and scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

[0071] It is possible, for example, that the open capsule is in an airtight wrap before use to improve shelf life.

[0072] There is, for example, the possibility that the capsule 2 is made of biodegradable materials.

[0073] There is, for example, the possibility that the capsule 2 has different dimensions or other shapes.

[0074] It is also possible that the coffee is thickened on the inside of the capsule with the help of others

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EP 2 367 741 B1 suitable compaction devices.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coffee may be concentrated before being delivered to the interior space in the capsule. For example, by first compressing the coffee starting material into a tablet with dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of the interior space of the coffee receiving cup of the capsule.

[0076] However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. Descriptions, drawings and examples should, accordingly, be treated in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

[0077] In the claims, all citing characters placed in parentheses should not be regarded as limiting the claim. The word "containing" does not exclude the presence of other features or stages than those mentioned in the claim. Furthermore, the words used in the singular should not be considered as limiting to "only one" but instead are used in the sense of "at least one" and do not exclude the plural. The mere fact that certain agents are cited in mutually different claims does not indicate that the combination of these agents cannot be used to obtain any benefit.

Koninklijke Douwe

Egberts BV

Proxy:

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EP 2 367 741 B1