Capsule and use of a capsule

[0001] The invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage having a capsule body with a capsule bottom and a filling side, with a hollow space for placing a powder or liquid beverage substrate between the bottom of the capsule and the filling side, between the beverage substrate and the bottom the filter element is placed in the capsule. Such portion capsules are generally known in the art. For example, EP 1792850 B1, EP 1344722 A1, GB 938617 and US 2003/0172813 A1 disclose portion capsules of this type for preparing coffee and espresso. Such portion capsules for producing a beverage preferably have a truncated conical or cylindrical shape and are produced, for example, from molded plastic film or a plastic injection molding method. They usually have an open filling side with a flange edge on which the lid foil is sealed or glued and the bottom of the capsule closed, with a particle strainer supported on the bottom of the capsule placed between the beverage substrate and the bottom of the capsule. These sieves are extruded from thermoplastic plastic, or deep drawn or extruded from plastic film. For making a coffee drink, the portion capsule is introduced into the brewing chamber of the preparation apparatus. After or during the closing process of the brew chamber, the capsule is preferably opened on its closed side with the aid of an opening pin located in the brew chamber and after sealing the brew chamber, the filling side closed with the foil is punctured with puncture means. Thereafter, a cooking liquid, preferably hot water, is fed into the portion capsule under pressure. The preparation liquid flows through the beverage substrate and extracts and / or dissolves the substances needed to make the beverage from the beverage substrate. For the preparation of espresso for extracting essential oils, coffee powder, for example, is influenced by brewing water pressure up to 20 bar. In addition, this pressure also affects the particle screen located between the coffee powder and the bottom of the capsule and in front of the punctured capsule outlet.

[0002] However, in the sieves produced by plastic injection molding or the deep drawing or extrusion method, it is disadvantageous that for the retention of coffee particles, the sieve holes must be smaller than the smallest coffee particles. Because the coffee grinding process naturally also creates some dust, when the sieve holes are too large, the coffee particles pass, or when the sieve holes are too small, especially at high pressures, the sieves become clogged. In addition, suitable capsules supporting the bottom of the capsules are needed under the strainers to receive brewing water pressures up to 20 bar and to prevent strainers deforming due to the high brewing water pressure (together with the high brewing water temperature). Unfortunately, these support elements require, in particular, fabricated sieves

- 2 method of injection molding additional material input, which increases production costs.

[0003] Sieve systems are therefore known in the art to eliminate these drawbacks. US 2778739, EP 1710173 A1 and US 5352765 disclose sieve systems made of a sieve carrier with relatively large through holes, the holes being covered by filter material. The disadvantage of these systems is that additional costs for material and production arise to produce such sieve systems because they are made of a stable sieve carrier and filter material placed on the sieve carrier. Both in the case of sieves with openings, as well as sieve systems with additional filtering material, it must be possible to flow through the sieve system of the finished drink to the outlet of the capsule, i.e. there must be free space between the bottom of the capsule and the sieve arrangement for the drink to drain. In addition, such sieve systems require a portion of space in the portion capsule, which leads to an increase in the volume of the capsule and, consequently, to additional material input. Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a portion capsule with a filter arrangement that is more cost-effective in production compared to the state of the art and avoids the disadvantages indicated in the context of the state of the art.

[0004] The solution to this goal is a portion capsule according to claim 1. The preamble of claim 1 is known from document GB 938617.

[0005] Compared to the prior art, the portion capsule according to the invention has the advantage that it can be used with a simple and cheap filter felt as a filter screen. In this way, the use of expensive plastic injection or deep drawing or extrusion used to produce the screen can be avoided. Manufacturing costs are thus significantly reduced. Furthermore, no support structure is required because the felt rests directly on the bottom of the capsule. Compared to prior art plastic filters, the felt filter has the advantage of revealing a much larger fluid inlet surface. In addition, lateral fluid flow is possible (parallel to the main filter plane), so that a better degree of mixing and drainage can be achieved. In addition, it has been found that when a felt filter is used, the risk of screen clogging is significantly reduced or almost completely excluded. Surprisingly, the felt filter proves to be resistant to clogging both in the preparation of beverages, as well as in the preparation of beverages using a preparation liquid at relatively high pressure. Furthermore, the flow of fluid in the felt filter and the outflow of fluid entering the felt filter into the drain opening are reliably maintained. Despite this, so-called "creams" are formed, i.e. foam on the drink, especially espresso. The portion capsule of the invention is preferably a hermetically sealed portion capsule. This means that the beverage powder or food powder in the portion capsule, e.g. coffee, soup or tea powder, is isolated from the external environment prior to the extraction process essentially preserving the aroma. The portion capsule need not be hermetically sealed, but it can be

- 3 also store in hermetically sealed packaging, which can then be opened, for example, by hand.

[0006] The felt according to the invention is a secondary, non-woven structure of fibers, especially plastic fibers. The felt according to the invention preferably does not contain paper or paper-like substances.

[0007] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the felt consists of a material containing fine plastic fibers, for example fine polyester fibers, which in particular consist of dispersed fibers and / or fiber felt. The felt is preferably characterized by a mass (also called basis weight or surface weight) between 40 and 100 gram per square meter, especially preferably between 60 and 80 gram per square meter and especially preferably substantially 70 gram per square meter. The filter element or felt preferably has a thickness between 0.2 and 0.8 millimeters, particularly preferably between 0.3 and 0.35 millimeters and particularly preferably essentially 0.32 millimeters. The felt is made in such a way that the felt's air throughput at 100 Pascal is preferably between 1000 and 3000 (l / m²s), particularly preferably between 1500 and 2500 (l / m²s) and particularly preferably substantially around 2000 l / (m²s). It has proved unexpectedly and unpredictably that with this type of felt materials optimal results can be achieved in terms of extract yield, mixing and drainage and clogging resistance, and a "cream" is nevertheless formed. Preferably, the felt is at the bottom of the capsule so that it adheres as much as possible over the entire surface.

[0008] If the capsule is opened with a perforation agent, it is advantageous if the agent moves the felt away from the capsule and at the same time tensions it or stresses it additionally. In this way, the perforating agent can get into the felt and / or penetrate it. Preferably the felt has a larger size than the bottom of the capsule on which it rests, so that the felt slightly protrudes upwards at the edge.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the capsule not according to the invention, the filter element has a felt structure. This applies especially to the structure of needle felt. Preferably, the filter element consists of at least a felt structure and a support structure, especially a fabric structure, particularly preferably the felt structure has at least one partial section, a support structure. Preferably, the felt structure extends throughout the entire cross section of the support structure, but particularly preferably only through a partial height area. Preferably, the felt structure is connected to the support structure in a positive, closed and / or inseparable direct connection. Preferably, the filter element has two or more felt structures, preferably separated from each other by a support layer. The thickness of both felt structures can be the same or different. Preferably, the felt structure facing the powder or tea is thinner than the felt structure facing the bottom of the capsule or vice versa. Preferably, the surface of the felt structure is treated, e.g. heat treated, to, for example, fix loose fibers. Preferably, the filter element having the felt structure is only inserted into the capsule, especially at its bottom. However, the filter element can also be connected to the capsule, especially its bottom, in a direct inseparable connection. When using perforation, the perforating agent

- 4 can penetrate this filter element. Preferably, several filter elements having one or several felt structures and a support structure are placed or joined together in the capsule above each other.

[0010] The filter element with the felt structure has the advantage that no "cream" is formed on coffee, espresso or the like, or bubbles do not form on tea.

[0011] A filter element having a supporting structure, in particular a fabric structure, and a felt structure is produced, for example, by providing a fabric structure composed of longitudinal and transverse threads. Preferably, fiber units of 0.8 - 7 dtex are chosen for the construction of felt, especially needle felt. The joining of individual fibers together in felt and / or its anchoring in the support structure preferably takes place through a needle-bonding production process. At the same time, the needles are punctured at a high speed with inverted barbs into the prepared fiber packet and drawn out again. Through burrs, the fibers are braided with a large number of loops formed with each other and / or with a support fabric.

[0012] The carrier, having one or several felt structures, preferably has a mass covering (also referred to as basis weight or surface weight) from 100 to 800 grams per square meter, particularly preferably from 200 to 650 grams per square meter, and particularly preferably substantially 150 - 250 grams per square meter for making tea and 600 700 grams per square meter for making coffee, espresso and the like. The filter element or nonwoven fabric preferably has a thickness of 0.8 to 3.3 millimeters, particularly preferably of 1.1 to 3.0 millimeters and particularly preferably of 1.2 - 1.4 millimeters for making tea and 2.6 - 3.0 for making coffee.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the capsule not according to the invention, it is provided that the filter element is made of an open-pore sponge and / or open-pore foam which is in the region of the bottom of the capsule. It has proved unexpectedly and unforeseen that the above advantages over the prior art, such as low manufacturing costs, resistance to clogging, transverse fluid flow and a better degree of mixing and drainage can be achieved in the same way by using a filter element made of sponge open pores or foam with open pores. In particular, felt, open-pore sponge and open-pore foam exhibit microporosity in each case that allows fluid transverse flow and increases clogging resistance. The sponge is made of, for example, reticulated polyurethane foam.

[0014] Filter element, i.e. the felt according to the invention is simply inserted into the capsule body and then lies loosely on the bottom of the capsule before filling the capsule body with the beverage substrate. The capsule body is preferably frusto-conical or cylindrical and is produced, for example, from plastic, natural material and / or biodegradable material from deep-drawn plastic film or by a plastic extrusion method. The capsule body preferably has a flange edge on the filling side on which the lid foil is welded or glued. Alternatively, it is conceivable to connect the capsule body and capsule lid with one another mechanically. The bottom of the portion capsule is preferably closed and preferably perforated only in the brew chamber by means of a perforating agent acting from the outside on the bottom of the portion capsule to produce

- 5 outlet. Alternatively, however, it would also be possible to factory-provide the bottom of the portion capsule with an outlet opening preferably closed with sealing foil. Then the sealing foil can for example be perforated by means of a perforating agent or removed from the bottom of the capsule by hand. The filter felt is preferably tear resistant. The sealing film is preferably a plastic film having at least one barrier layer, e.g. a metal layer, especially an aluminum layer. The plastic film preferably has a "peel layer" on the side facing the capsule, so that the plastic film can be relatively easily detached from the bottom of the capsule. The outlet opening is preferably provided so large that it can accommodate any existing perforation without contact. Particularly preferably, the outlet opening is provided so large that no loss of pressure arises on the outflow of the finished beverage, in particular that no swirling of the finished beverage is worthy of mention, which could lead to the introduction of gas into the beverage and thus the formation of foam.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filter element is flexible and is positioned and / or fixed at least in its edge region in the bottom area of ​​the capsule. When the bottom of the capsule is pierced by the outer perforating means, the filter element, in contact with the perforating means, may, due to its elasticity, give in or be elongated to prevent perforation of the filter element. In this way, the danger of perforating the filter element by the perforating means and rinsing the unfiltered beverage substance from the portion capsule is avoided. The constant distance between the filter element and the capsule bottom, known in the prior art, is not needed, because this distance is created automatically by the perforating means. In addition, in this way, below the filter element, a collecting pool is formed for the beverage liquid that has passed through the filter element.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filter element is strained, punctured and / or pierced by the perforation means.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filter element is placed in the hollow space of the portion capsule and lies on the filling side facing the bottom of the capsule. Advantageously, the cost of making a portion capsule is significantly reduced, since the filter element is only loosely inserted into the portion capsule. The filter element is preferably positioned with a beverage substance, which is placed on the portion capsule on the filter element and thus presses the filter element.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the diameter of the filter element is greater than the diameter of the bottom of the capsule. Preferably, when filling the portion capsule with the beverage substance, the filter element is pressed against the bottom area, the protruding edge area necessarily adheres to the side wall area of ​​the portion capsule and sticks out towards the filling side or is bent towards the filling side. This has the advantage that when the central area of ​​the filter element is lifted from the bottom following mechanical contact with the perforating agent entering from the outside into the bottom area, the edge area moves towards the bottom of the capsule and towards the central area, so that no substance of the drink flows around the unfiltered filter element on

- 6 edges of the filter element towards the outlet opening. This makes it possible, in particular, to lift the filter element from the bottom of the capsule also in the case of a non-flexible filter element, without adversely affecting the filter function. With a flexible filter element, raising the central area without adversely affecting the filter performance is at least supported by the advancing edge region of the filter element, since a combination of expansion and advance of the filter element in case of perforation of the bottom of the capsule is also conceivable.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filter element has an edge area extending substantially towards the filling side and / or bent towards the filling side. In this way, the advantages described above can be obtained, according to which the edge area moves towards the bottom of the capsule or towards the central area as soon as the filter element is lifted in the central area.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the edge area extends at least partially along the side wall area of ​​the capsule body, the side wall area extending between the filling side and the bottom of the capsule. Preferably, the edge area is pressed against the side wall area when the portion capsule is filled with the beverage substance, thereby achieving a better sealing effect between the side wall area and the filter element. Especially with the above-described advancement of the filter element, it is thus prevented that the filter element will flow unhindered by the brewing water.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filter element covers the bottom of the capsule completely or only partially. In particular, it is sufficient to position the filter element only in the perforation area or in the area of ​​the outlet opening in the bottom of the capsule.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filter element is attached to the bottom of the capsule, the filter element being attached to the bottom of the capsule, preferably in a direct coupling, in particular by welding. Advantageously, the filter element is prevented from moving. This attachment preferably takes place by ultrasonic welding.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filter element is attached to the bottom of the capsule in the region of the edge of the capsule bottom and / or the filter element is mounted in the side wall area in the region of the edge of the filter element. Advantageously, the filter element is prevented from shifting and the sealing effect between the capsule body and the filter element is increased, while at the same time it is still possible to lift the filter element in its central region. Preferably, the filter element is made flexible.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the bottom of the capsule has a bulge in the opposite direction to the filling side. Preferably, the bulge is for placing the perforating agent such that when piercing the perforating agent into the bottom of the capsule, the bottom of the capsule is perforated in the bulging area, but then the perforating agent remains in the hollow space of the bulge. Thus it is prevented

- 7 perforating the filter element. In this embodiment, it is not particularly necessary to lift the filter element by the perforating means. However, the filter element can still be made to be lifted by the perforating means to exclude in any case erroneous perforation.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filter element is made such that when the capsule bottom is perforated by the outer perforating means, at least a partial detachment of the filter element from the bottom of the capsule occurs. In this way, the perforating means is effectively prevented from perforating the filter element. According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filter element only lifts in the central area from the bottom of the capsule and adheres further in the edge area to the bottom of the capsule or is attached to the bottom of the capsule. Advantageously, the filter element is prevented from sliding and the sealing effect between the capsule body and the filter element is increased, but at the same time it is still possible to lift the filter element in its central region. The filter element is preferably made flexible.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filter element is made in such a way that when the capsule bottom is perforated by the outer perforating means, the filter element is detached from the bottom of the capsule in its central region and the edge region of the filter element protruding earlier towards the filling side moves at least partially towards the bottom of the capsule. In this way, the advantages described above can be obtained, whereby the edge area moves towards the bottom of the capsule or towards the central area, as soon as the nonwoven filter is lifted in the central area by the perforating means, so that no beverage substance flows around the unfiltered filter element on the edge of the filter element towards the outlet opening.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the filter element has a material container. Preferably, the material container allows the filter element in its central region to separate from the bottom of the capsule, although the filter element in its edge area is permanently connected to the capsule bottom (especially in a direct inseparable connection) and is made essentially inelastic. The material container has, in particular, a wavy or corrugated area in the filter element, partially smoothing when separating its central area from the bottom of the capsule by a perforating means. In this way, the perforation of the capsule bottom is separated by the outer perforating means of the filter element in its central region from the bottom of the capsule and the material of the filter element moves from the material container towards the central region, so that the surface of the filter element which increases as a result of separation compensated by material from the material tank. According to a further embodiment of the invention, a point of the required piercing is provided in the bottom of the capsule, intended to break as a result of mechanical contact with the external perforating means, the given breakthrough site preferably having several lines of weakness, star-shaped around the central point of the bottom of the capsule. The bottom of the capsule has a preferably reduced material thickness along the weakening line and / or is perforated along the weakening line. Preferably by realizing the place

- 8 set breakthrough perforation of the capsule bottom is supported. This also has the advantage that a less sharp perforating end can be used to perforate the bottom of the capsule, so that the risk of damaging the filter element when the filter element is lifted by the perforating end is reduced. In particular, a blunt perforating agent is now sufficient for perforating the bottom of the capsule.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the bottom of the capsule has a fixed outlet opening, preferably sealed with foil, the foil particularly preferably having a cap for removing the foil by hand. The perforation of the capsule bottom by means of an external perforating agent is preferably not needed. Before inserting the portion capsule into the brew chamber, the film is simply pulled off with a cap to remove from the bottom of the capsule and the brewing process can be started. The combination of a prefabricated and thus relatively large outlet with a non-woven filter element, felt, especially needle, foam or sponge felt material has the advantage that the beverage liquid does not flow out of the outlet under high pressure and thereby prevents foam formation ( "Cream"), especially when making American coffee or tea. Another object of the invention is a method for producing a capsule according to the invention, which is characterized by the fact that the filter element is cut from the material strip and inserted into the capsule. Preferably, the cut-out filter element is transported at least some distance from the knife, especially the picking knife. Preferably, the cut filter element is tranpsorted by a sonotrode, which is required for ultrasonic welding and / or pressed against the capsule, especially its bottom.

[0029] Another object of the invention is the use of a portion capsule for making a drink, preferably for making coffee, cocoa, tea and / or a milk drink. Interviews made on one subject of the invention apply equally to his other subjects and vice versa.

[0030] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and explained in more detail in the following description. The figures are described by way of example only and do not limit the general idea of ​​the invention. The description applies equally to all objects of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section of a portion capsule according to a first embodiment of the invention adapted for preparing an espresso.

Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section of a portion capsule in a closed brewing chamber according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section of the portion capsule in a closed brewing chamber according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figures 4a, 4b show schematic cross-sections of a portion capsule according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figures 5a, 5b are schematic cross-sections of a portion capsule according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

Figures 6a, 6b show schematic cross-sections of a portion capsule according to the fifth embodiment of the invention.

Figures 7a, 7b are schematic cross-sections of a portion capsule according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

Figures 8a, 8b are schematic top views of the bottom of a portion capsule according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a cross section of a portion capsule according to an eighth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10 shows a perforating means squeezing into the filter element.

Fig. 11 shows a perforating means permeating the filter element.

Figs 12a-c show different embodiments of a felt filter element, especially needle felt.

In the various figures, the same parts always have the same markings and are therefore, in principle, determined or replaced only once only.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a portion capsule 1 according to the invention. The portion capsule 1 has a truncated cone body 2 with a closed bottom 3 of the capsule and a flange edge 5 on its filling side 5 on which the lid foil 6 is welded or glued. Between the bottom 3 of the capsule and the foil, the lid 6 is so constructed, preferably impermeable to air and flavor, of a closed empty space 100 filled with the beverage substance 101 in powder and granular form. The beverage substance 101 contains coffee, cocoa, tea and / or milk powder (or granules). On the inside 3a of the closed bottom of the body 3 of the capsule, i.e. inside the voids 100, a filter element 7, made of a nonwoven filter, is arranged. The filter element 7 lies loosely on the inside 3a of the bottom 3 of the capsule. The felt is preferably a nonwoven made of thin polyester fibers. The fibers are thermally bonded to each other particularly preferably by means of a calender, e.g. many extruded polyester fibers are stacked on top of each other and next to each other and then solidified (flat calendered) by means of heated rollers. The nonwoven is a nonwoven of staple fibers and / or oriented fibers. The nonwoven fabric preferably has a weight covering (also referred to as basis weight or surface weight) from 40 to 100 grams per square meter, particularly preferably from 60 to 80 grams per square meter, and particularly preferably substantially 70 grams per square meter. The filter element or non-woven fabric preferably has a thickness of 0.20 to 0.8 millimeters, particularly preferably 0.25 to 0.39 millimeters and particularly preferably substantially 0.32 millimeters. The nonwoven is made in such a way that the air permeability of the nonwoven at 100 pascals is preferably from 1000 to 3000 l / (m²s), particularly preferably from 1500 to 2500 l / (m²s) and particularly preferably substantially 2000 l / (m²s). In addition, the nonwoven fabric is preferably made such that the maximum tensile force is in the longitudinal direction substantially 110 newtons per 5 centimeters and in the transverse direction essentially 67 newtons per 5 centimeters, wherein the elongation by the maximum tensile force is generally 30 percent in the longitudinal direction and transversely 38 percent.

- 10 fig. 2 shows a portion capsule 1 according to the one in Fig. 1 of a first embodiment of the invention, the portion capsule 1 being positioned in fig. 2 in a closed brewing chamber 8. The brew chamber 8 consists of the first brew chamber element 9 and the second brew chamber element 10, the first brew chamber element 9 being provided for inserting the portion capsule 1 movably relative to the second brew chamber element 10 or vice versa. A seal 11 is placed between the two elements 9, 10 of the brew chamber. The first brewing chamber element 9 consists essentially of a closing piston 12 with piercing elements 13a, 13b for opening the lid foil 6 of the serving capsule 1, supplying the preparation liquid 14 and the seal 11. The second brewing chamber element 10 consists essentially of a brewing chamber capsule 1 which partially encloses the portion 1 of the brewing chamber bell 15 with an opening rod 16 at the bottom of the brewing chamber bell 15 equipped with drainage grooves 17, and a beverage outlet 18. For placing the portion capsule 1, the brew chamber 8 is in an not represented open state, in which the first and second elements 9, 10 of the brew chamber are spaced apart to ensure feeding of the portion capsule 1 and the closed state shown, in which the preparation process for making the beverage is carried out using a serving capsule 1. In the closed state, the brew chamber 8 is sealed. When the brew chamber 8 is moved from the open state to the closed state shown, the lid foil 6 is pierced with piercing elements 13a, 13b, so that the preparation liquid, especially hot brewing water, enters by supplying the preparation liquid 14 under pressure to the empty space of the capsule 100 of portion 1. In addition, when closing the brewing chamber 8, the bottom 3 of the capsule is perforated by a perforating means arranged as an opening mandrel 16, so that in the portion capsule 1 an outlet opening 107 is formed through which the produced beverage liquid can escape from the portion capsule 1 towards the beverage outlet 18 . To support the drainage of the beverage liquid, the opening pin 16 has drainage grooves 17 on the surface of the jacket. In the representation, the bottom 3 of the brewing capsule 9, 10 of the serving capsule 1 is pierced by the opening mandrel 16 of the second brew chamber element, but the filter element 7 located above the puncture site is slightly raised by the puncturing end 19 of the opening mandrel 16, but not the piercing. This is achieved in particular by the fact that the central area 7 '' is not connected to the bottom 3 of the capsule by a direct permanent attachment, but the filter element 7 is connected to the bottom 3 of the capsule by a direct permanent attachment only in the area of ​​the edge 3 'of the bottom 3 of the capsule, so that as a consequence of the mechanical contact with the end of the opening mandrel 16, it is only lifted from the bottom 3 of the capsule and thus remains unperforated (i.e. is not perforated by the opening pin 16). In the area of ​​the edge 3 'of the bottom 3 of the capsule or in the area of ​​the edge 7' of the filter element 7 the bottom 3 of the capsule and filter element 7 are in contact with each other and in particular connected with each other by a direct inseparable connection, so that around the filter element 7 the beverage outlet 18 does not get no drink substance 101. The bottom of the 3 capsule has an optional at its center point 106 in which the bottom of the 3 capsule is perforated by the opening mandrel 16, the site of the fracture 104, so that a relatively blunt opening mandrel 16 is sufficient to perforate the bottom of the 3 capsule 16 and the risk of accidental perforation by the opening mandrel is avoided 16 also the filter element 7.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows a portion capsule 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the second embodiment substantially corresponds to that of FIG. 2 the first embodiment and the portion capsule 1 is also shown in a closed brewing chamber 8. However, unlike the first embodiment, the bottom of the portion capsule 3 has, in the puncture region of the opening mandrel 16, a bulge 21 arranged relative to the recess 20 in the bottom of the brew chamber 3a (the bulge 21 is thus directed in the opposite direction to the filling side 4), which the puncture of the opening mandrel 16, without piercing the filter element 7. So, in particular, moving the filter element 7 away from the bottom 3 of the capsule is not necessary. For the production of a beverage, after the portion capsule 1 has been introduced into the brew chamber 8, the brew chamber 8 is closed again. During the closing process, the lid foil 6 of the serving capsule 1 is perforated by means of lancing means 13a, 13b and after joining and sealing the first and second brew chamber elements 9, 10 (using seal 11), brewing water is made available through the liquid inlet 6. During the closing process of the brew chamber, the opening pin 16 also punctures the hole in the bottom 3 of the serving capsule 1. Located above the puncture site, the filter element 7 is adapted in thickness and tear resistance to the depth of penetration of the puncturing end 19 of the opening pin 16, so that the filter element 7 is not punctured. Alternatively, the filter element 7 is located above the bulge 21 of the bottom 3 of the capsule, located in the recess of the bottom 23 of the brewing bell, and the opening pin 16 only punctures the bulge 21 of the bottom 3 of the capsule without reaching the filter element 7. Thus, in the production of coffee, for example, hot water flows into the capsule 1. In the capsule, this liquid flows through the beverage substrate 101 and extracts and / or releases the substances needed to make the beverage from the beverage substrate 101. The liquid flow in the beverage substrate 101 is shown by reference number 22. The beverage drink then flows through the filter element 7 arranged between the beverage substrate 101 and the bottom 3 of the capsule, preventing the beverage substrate components 101 in the form of particles from the beverage drink and through punctures through the opening spindle 16 in the bottom 3 of the capsule and through the drainage grooves 17 of the opening spindle 16 further to a receiving vessel, e.g. a cup or jug.

[0032] Fig. 4a and 4b are schematic cross-sections of the portion capsule 1 according to the third embodiment of the invention, and the third embodiment essentially corresponds to that shown in fig. 1 and 2, a first embodiment, wherein the filter element 7 is made flexible. In fig. 4a, the portion capsule 1 is shown in its original form, while in Fig. 4b is shown perforated by the perforating means 16 (in fig. 4b, the portion capsule 1 is placed in a brew chamber 8 not shown. Due to the flexible design of the filter element 7, the filter element 7 is elongated in its central region 7 '' in mechanical contact with the perforating means 16 towards the inlet side 4, without being perforated or torn by the perforating means 16. In the region of the edge of the bottom 3 of the capsule ', the filter element 7 remains permanently connected or in a permanent inseparable connection with the bottom 3 of the capsule, so that the beverage substance 101 from the empty space 100 on the filter element 7 does not get past in the direction of the outlet hole 16 produced by the perforating means 107 .

[0033] Fig. 5a and 5b are schematic cross-sections of the portion capsule 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention, the fourth embodiment being substantially identical to that shown in fig. 4a and 4b, a third embodiment. However, the filter element 7 is made inelastic and is almost completely lifted by the perforating element 16 from the bottom 3 of the capsule. Since the base surface of the filter element 7 does not change here, the edge areas 7 'of the filter element move inwards, i.e. towards the central point 106 of the bottom of 3 capsules'.

[0034] Fig. 6a and 6b are schematic cross-sections of a portion capsule 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention, the fifth embodiment essentially corresponding to that shown in fig. 5a and 5b, a fourth embodiment. The filter element 7 is preferably made flexible and has a base surface larger than the base surface of the bottom 3 of the capsule. This leads to the fact that the edge area 7 'of the filter element 7 adheres in the one shown in Fig. 6a, the initial position of the portion capsule 1 to the bottom of the side wall region 102 of the body 2 of the capsule, extending from the edge of the collar 5 to the bottom 3 of the capsule. When now the bottom 3 of the capsule is perforated by the perforating element 16 and the filter element 7 is separated in its central region 7 '' from the bottom 3 of the capsule, the edge region 7 'of the filter element 7 moves towards the bottom 3 of the capsule. In this way, it is ensured that the edge area 3 'of the capsule bottom 3 is permanently covered by the filter element 7 and thus no beverage substance 101 gets past the filter element 7 unfiltered towards the outlet 18.

[0035] In Fig. 7a and 7b are schematic cross-sections of a portion capsule 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the invention. The sixth embodiment essentially corresponds to that of Fig. 5a and b, a fourth embodiment, wherein the filter element 7 has a material container 103. The material container 103 has an 103 'wavy area, i.e. the area in which the excess material of the filter element 7 is collected. When the central area 7 '' is now lifted by the perforating means 16 from the bottom 3 of the capsule, tensile forces act on the material container 103, whereby the wavy area 103 'is smoothed at least partially and thus sufficient material is available for the central area 7 '' could have been sufficiently lifted and prevented from tearing or perforating the filter element 7.

[0036] In Fig. 8a and 8b are a bottom view of the capsule of the portion capsule 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the invention, and the seventh embodiment essentially corresponds to that of FIG. 1 and 2, a first embodiment, wherein the portion capsule 1 is shown in Fig. 8 "from the bottom". In this view you can see the optional site of target fracture 104, having three lines of weakness 105, stellarly and radially positioned around center point 106 at the bottom of 3 capsules. Along the weakening line 105, the bottom 3 of the capsule has a reduced material thickness and / or the bottom 3 of the capsule is pre-perforated to facilitate perforation in the brew chamber 8. To retain the aroma of the beverage substance 101 also at the pre-perforated bottom of 3 capsules for longer storage periods, the bottom of 3 capsules is preferably at least in the region of the fracture point 104 closed by a perforable or manually drawn film 108. For this foil 108

For example, 13 is glued on the outside of the bottom 3 of the capsule and is equipped with a pull-off cap 109, which does not stick to the bottom 3 of the capsule and behind which the foil 108 can be pulled off manually.

A demonstrative embodiment with weakness lines 105 in the form of perforations at the bottom of the 3 capsules and with foil 108 is shown in Figure 8b.

[0037] Fig. 9 shows a portion capsule 1 according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. The eighth embodiment corresponds substantially to that of Fig. 1 and 2, a first embodiment, wherein the portion capsule 1 of the eighth embodiment is provided with a fixed outlet opening 107 in the bottom 3 of the capsule, which in its initial position is sealed with foil 108. Therefore, the 1 capsule has no breakthrough sites. In this case, the film 108 also has a pull-back 109 for manually pulling the film 108. Perforation of the bottom 3 of the capsule by means of an external perforating means 16 is not provided. In contrast, when inserting the portion capsule 1 into the brew chamber 8, the film 108 is simply pulled away from the bottom 3 of the capsule by means of the pulling cap 109 and then the brewing process can be started directly and without perforating the bottom 3 of the capsule.

[0038] Figs. 10 and 11 show another embodiment of the invention. In this case, the filter element 7 is designed in such a way that the perforating means 16 when penetrating into the capsule stretches the filter element, punctures (Fig. 10) and / or pierces, i.e. the filter element is e.g. which it adheres to as large a surface as possible and / or (on which) it is attached.

[0039] Fig. 12 ac represents various embodiments of a filter element 7 with a felt structure 7.1, in particular a needle felt structure. This filter element 7 preferably has a supporting structure 7.2, e.g. a fabric structure. On this and / or this fabric structure 7.2 there is a felt structure 7.1 placed on the entire surface facing the coffee or tea powder and connected to it, for example with needle felt, as shown in Fig. 12a. The embodiment according to fig. 12b has two felt structures 7.1 and 7.3, positioned respectively on and / or in the support structure. Both structures preferably extend throughout the entire cross section, i.e. here the entire round surface of the filter element. Felt structures 7.1 and 7.3 may have the same or different thickness. Preferably, the felt structure 7.1 is made thinner than layer 7.3 or vice versa. Then the support layer is foreseen as displaced relative to the center of the filter element, with respect to thickness. Structures 7.1 and 7.3 can be made of different materials or the same material. This applies not only to the substance from which they are made, but also to the diameter of the threads and / or the length of the threads from which the felt structures are made. A support structure 7.2 is provided between the two structures 7.1 and 7.3, in which there is little or no felt structure and which preferably allows transverse flows. FIG. 12c illustrates another embodiment of a felt structure filter element. In this case, two filter elements 7 with a felt structure, described for example according to Fig. 12a and b are above each other. The filter elements 7 can only lie on top of each other or be connected to each other. However, the filter elements 7 can also only have felt without a supporting structure.

[0040] All felt filter elements have the advantage that there is a small pressure loss or pressure drop along the filter element with a small gradient. In this way, it is possible to make coffee without "cream", i.e. foam, or tea without foam. Filter elements with a felt structure

Preferably only inserted into the capsule. Preferably, the felt-shaped filter element has a larger diameter than the bottom of the capsule, so that it is pressed against the walls of the capsule in the edge area.

[0041] Preferably, the felt structure filter element is made, in particular entirely, of PET.

List of markings [0042] portion capsule capsule body capsule bottom

3a inside of the capsule bottom

3 'edge area of ​​the capsule bottom filling side flange edge lid foil filter element

7 'edge area of ​​the filter element

7 '' central area of ​​the filter element

7.1 felt structure, needle felt structure

7.2 supporting structure

7.3 felt structure, needle felt structure brew chamber first brew chamber element second brew chamber element seal closing piston

13a lancing element

13b lancing element supply of liquid for preparation brewing bell opening mandrel drain outlets drain

- 15 end puncturing recess bulge liquid stream for preparing the bottom of the brewing bell empty space beverage substrate sidewall area material tank corrugated or corrugated area set point breakthrough lines weakness point central point outlet opening foil for extraction