HK1192869A - Capsule including actuation element, method and device for processing said capsule - Google Patents

Description

Capsule comprising an actuating element, method and device for treating said capsule

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of capsules for aromatic substances for the preparation of beverages by extraction through them by means of a flow of pressurized fluid, and in particular to the field of capsules for obtaining espresso coffee.

The invention also relates to a method for treating said container, and to a device for carrying out said treatment method.

Background

There are various known capsule solutions for use in beverage extraction machines, such as espresso coffee, including the pod type provided in a substantially non-airtight material, and the capsule type provided in a substantially airtight material. Such an opening of the container for the passage of the extraction flow presents several technical problems, both in the control of the entry and exit moments (and, therefore, the time in which the flow resides) and in the configuration (form, size, distribution) of the flow passage cross-sections for the inlet and outlet of the pressurized fluid flow. In fact, these parameters have a substantial influence on the final quality of the obtained beverage and in general differ according to the aromatic substance used. Furthermore, it is important to also take into account the forces required by the extraction means, in particular in the respective extraction chambers, to perform the opening of the capsule inlet and outlet, and the eventual variation of the capsule to the different types of substances used.

For opening the capsule, a commonly implemented solution involves some form of rupture of some material used in a structural element in some area of the capsule, usually due to the application of some mechanical force. Furthermore, attempts are often made to use the hydraulic forces generated by the pressurized fluid flow inside the capsule, also at least partially, to actuate the outlet outside thereof.

Document EP 1975087 proposes a capsule comprising a tubular element arranged inside and participating in the distribution of a flow of pressurized fluid from an inlet in the capsule to an outlet thereof. Furthermore, in this case, the opening of the inlet and outlet of the flow is performed by perforating the structural material in the respective areas. Furthermore, in this case, the tubular element is not driven so as not to make any movement. The tubular element provides an auxiliary function to the flow distribution inside the capsule in a passive manner, but does not perform any flow actuation function.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to make available a capsule or capsule-type container that provides better flow conditions at the inlet and outlet, minimizing the associated pressure losses, better flow distribution within the capsule, thus maximizing the efficacy of the extraction process, and, in particular, more effectively controlling and using the forces necessary to carry out the entry and exit of the flow, in such a way as to better control the residence time of the flow in the capsule, and to make it possible to adapt the capsule with minimal structural variations for different types of aromatic substances and beverages.

The above object is achieved by a capsule made of a substantially flexible or rigid, and substantially non-airtight or airtight material containing at least one aromatic substance for producing a beverage by means of a pressurized fluid flow therethrough, whereby the capsule is constructed by: at least one structural element defines at least one capsule zone facing upstream of the flow and a capsule zone facing downstream of the flow, actuating elements, preferably main portions, configured to be opposite one another and arranged extending over a certain portion of the distance between the zones facing upstream and downstream of the flow, and retained in a movable manner in respective element fixing means, which are arranged in the zones facing upstream and downstream of the flow in each case. According to a first aspect of the invention, the actuation element and the corresponding element fixation means are configured in such a way that they comprise and/or define a flow accumulation chamber on the side of the zone facing downstream of the flow, and at least one predefined flow channel outlet for discharging the flow out of the flow accumulation chamber and the capsule. As a result of the accumulation of fluid in the accumulation chamber, the outlet is at least partially deployed under the action of mechanical force.

According to another aspect of the invention, the actuating element performs at least two successive movements, in each case as a result of the application of a certain actuating force, in each case respectively in at least one predefined flow channel for the flow into the capsule and in at least one predefined flow channel for the flow out of the capsule.

According to a further aspect of the invention, at least one previously defined flow channel for the flow into the accumulation chamber is released as a result of the movement of the actuating element.

In this sense, the invention indicates an advantageous configuration of the actuating element and of the corresponding element fixing means, thanks to the corresponding actuating effect and the structural means provided.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuating element and/or the element fixture therefore advantageously provides at least one, preferably a plurality of channels and/or at least one liquid-permeable material and/or a material having a filtering effect, so that preferably a flow channel is obtained at least through the flow accumulation chamber, which flow channel is not blocked or is in substantial fluid communication with one another when the flow channel is provided in each case in the actuating element and/or the element fixture.

According to another aspect of the invention, the portions of the actuating element are configured such that at least temporarily along at least a part of the distance between the upstream-facing flow region and the downstream-facing flow region interact with each other, preferably such that they move independently with respect to each other.

Furthermore, within this scope, according to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is provided as two actuating members, both of which can be held at least initially by at least a joint of respective movements, preferably by a joint of positive locking means. Furthermore, at least a part of the actuating element on the side of the zone facing the downstream flow zone is held, preferably by two unions arranged one after the other in the main flow direction, so that it can be moved in the respective element fixture, whereby at least a first of them is configured as a movable union.

Another object of the present invention is to be able to adapt the capsule to use different types of substances, with different mean sizes of the respective granules, and to produce different qualities of the beverage, ensuring a high extraction efficacy at all times, simply by variation of the configuration and/or of the preset size of the drive element.

According to one aspect of the invention, this object is achieved in such a way that: the total displacement of the actuating element and/or the volume of the accumulation chamber, preferably the respective internal height, is previously defined as a function of at least the type of the different aromatic substances, or of the particle size of said substances, or of the internal volume of the capsule.

According to another aspect of the invention, the configuration of the flow channels to be entered at least into the accumulation chamber and expelled from the capsule, preferably including the form, size and/or distribution of the respective flow channels, is defined beforehand as a function of at least the type of the different aromatic substances, and/or of the particle size of said substances, and/or of the internal volume of the capsule.

According to a preferred embodiment, in order to increase the control options for the residence time of the flow inside the flow capsule, in particular for different aromatic substances, at least two flow channels are provided at least in the outlet chamber of the actuating element and in the outlet chamber, respectively, which result in a large amount of fluid communication with each other due to the movable joint movement.

According to a preferred embodiment, the flow channel is configured in the form of a plurality of channels and/or a liquid-permeable material and/or a material having a filtering effect. Preferred examples of such materials include fiber-based structures, preferably biodegradable materials.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a certain flow pattern within the capsule for extracting the aromatic substances therein with higher efficiency.

For this purpose, according to another aspect of the invention, it is provided with a plurality of flow channels arranged in succession along the main flow direction, whereby the distance between successive flow channels is of a predetermined size and the respective channels are generated radially in a substantially uniform manner, preferably radially in a radially asymmetrical manner, with respect to the central symmetry axis of the capsule.

According to another aspect of the invention, the partial actuating elements are arranged such that at least one can be moved at least partially along the other, or at least one can be moved along a part of the respective element fixture, at least in the main flow direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the extension of the actuation element, preferably at least the part of the actuation element disposed on the area facing the upstream flow, is previously defined as a function of at least the type of the different aromatic substances and/or of the particle size of said substances and/or of the internal volume of the capsule.

According to another preferred embodiment, the capsule is provided with means to identify a certain predefined operating position, in particular a certain relative orientation when the penetration flow should take place in a substantially horizontal direction, such as for example having the identified element facing upwards.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for producing an aromatic beverage from a capsule according to the present invention.

The above object is achieved by a method comprising the steps of: -introducing a capsule into an extraction chamber, in which mechanical fixation means clamp said capsule so as to exert a first actuation force on said actuation element at least on the side thereof facing the area upstream of said flow, -injecting a fluid flow during a pressure and time according to a predefined definition, thus exerting a second actuation force on said actuation element at least on the side thereof facing the area downstream of said flow, in such a way that the first actuation force is sufficient to move said actuation element in such a way as to at least reduce said second actuation force, said second actuation force still being required to provide a flow passage out of said capsule.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least part of the first actuating force applied to the actuating element arranged on the side of the zone facing the flow upstream is transmitted by the actuating element to the actuating element arranged on the side of the zone facing the flow downstream, by mechanically clamping the capsule in the extraction chamber, thereby moving the actuating element out of its initial hold.

According to another preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid stream is introduced inside the capsule through the flow channel immediately after the start of the injection of said pressurized fluid stream.

According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of the actuating elements in the respective flow channel is moved from an initial blocking position to a next open position by mechanical clamping means in the capsule extraction chamber.

According to another preferred embodiment, by passing through the capsule, at least for a certain time, a flow of pressurized fluid accumulates in the accumulation chamber, thus exerting an increasing liquid pressure on the actuating element arranged on the side of the zone facing the flow downstream, until a minimum value is reached that causes the actuating element to move, thus releasing at least one respective flow channel.

According to another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the capsule is introduced inside the extraction chamber along a previously defined direction, preferably with the flow channel out of the capsule facing downstream.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a beverage extraction device, whereby this object is achieved by an apparatus for using the capsule of the present invention, said capsule comprising at least one extraction chamber for performing the method according to the present invention.

Drawings

The invention will now be explained in more detail on the basis of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

The figures show:

FIGS. 1a-1 b: top, side and bottom views of a container of the type of capsule (1) and of the type of pod (1') according to the invention, respectively, comprising an inlet and outlet actuating element (5), while remaining in a zone (2) of said capsule facing downstream of said flow;

FIGS. 2a-2 b: a schematic representation of a first type of embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, sectioned along the plane AA defined in fig. 1, comprises the evolution of the actuation element (5) inside the capsule (1), in particular in an element fixture (7s) having a cavity formed on the zone (3) facing downstream of the flow;

FIG. 3: a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, cut along the plane AA, comprising three successive instants of evolution of said actuation elements (5 e,5 s) in the element fixation means (7);

FIG. 4: schematic representation of the evolution of an embodiment of the treatment method according to the invention at three moments.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1a-1b are external views of two representative embodiments of a container of the capsule (1, 1') type according to the invention, for the purpose of illustrating the invention and without limiting the scope of the invention. In the first case (fig. 1 a), the capsule (1) is configured in the shape of a box and produced in a substantially rigid and airtight material, and in another exemplary case (fig. 1 b), the capsule (1') is configured in the shape of a pod and produced in a substantially flexible and airtight material.

This type of capsule (1, 1') collects aromatic substances inside it and produces aromatic beverages by means of its passage by a flow of pressurized fluid, for example hot water. Generally, the capsule (1) comprises at least one, preferably two structural elements, in particular in this case one element of the container type and one element of the lid type, which define at least one zone (2) facing upstream of the flow and one zone (3) facing downstream of the flow.

In the case of the present invention, the capsule (1, 1') further comprises at least one actuating element (5) arranged inside it so that it is held under pressure in a movable, preferably airtight, manner in a respective element fixture (7), the element fixtures (7) being arranged in each case in a flow upstream region (2) and a flow downstream region (3). The capsules (1, 1 ') are treated by respective devices arranged inside an extraction chamber (10), said extraction chamber (10) having an upstream zone (2) facing a fluid injector (11) and a downstream zone (3) facing an exhaust (12), the injector (11) feeding a pressurized flow into the interior of the capsule (1, 1 '), the exhaust (12) concentrating the fluid coming from the interior of the capsule (1, 1 ') -see fig. 4.

Fig. 2a and 2b correspond to cross-sectional views of two embodiments, respectively, each of which corresponds to one of three successive moments of extraction of a capsule (1, 1') according to the invention. In the case of this group of embodiments, the element fixture (7) is provided in two different parts (7 e, 7s), wherein the element fixture (7s) provided on the outlet side is preferably configured as a cavity in the form of a cylinder and/or a cone.

In a first example (fig. 2 a), the actuating element (5) is therefore provided, for example, in a single piece, initially retained in a movable manner in an element fixture (7 e) provided in the zone (2) facing upstream of the flow, and then in an element fixture (7s) provided in the zone (3) facing downstream of the flow. At the first moment (left figure), there is no flow passage available through the capsule (1). At a second moment (middle figure), the actuating element (5) is moved by applying a certain first actuating force (F), preferably at least mechanically, for example by means of a flow injector (11) arranged in the extraction chamber (10) of the device according to the invention, thus releasing the flow channel (S)₁) Allowing pressurized flow into the interior of the capsule. In the present case, the flow channel (S)₁) Is provided by a plurality of channels (8) provided on the flow injector (11). At a third moment (right drawing), by applying a second actuation force (F), the final magnitude of which is different from the first one, preferably at least hydraulically (i.e. by means of a fluid), the actuation element (5) is moved again, whereupon a second section (S) of the flow passage (S) is obtained₂) Is released, in which case the pressurized flow is allowed to exit the capsule (1).

In a second example (fig. 2 b), the actuating element is provided as two element parts (5 e,5 s), each initially held in a movable manner in a respective element fixture (7 e, 7s), so that these element parts (5 e,5 s) engage each other at least temporarily. At a first moment (drawn on the left), the actuating element (5 e) on the inlet is thus held in a position in which the corresponding channel (8) is blocked by the corresponding element fixture (7 e). At a second moment (drawn in the center), the firstDriving force (F)₁) Is applied to the actuating element (5 e) so as to move the actuating element (5 e) at least by such a length of extension, releasing said channels (8) and/or permeable material (9) and/or filtering-effect areas provided in said opening element (5 e) and, respectively, entering the flow channels (S) inside said capsule₁) And is thus released. Moreover, during its movement, the actuating element (5 e) simultaneously exerts said first driving force (F)₁) Is transferred to the actuating element (5 s) at the outlet. As a result of this combination, the actuating element (5S) is moved from a first retaining position into a next retaining position, in which case, along such a distance, it releases the plurality of channels (8) and/or the liquid-permeable material (9) and/or the regions with a filtering effect provided in the element fixing device (7), thereby releasing the flow channel (S) defined therein into the interior of the flow accumulating chamber (6)₃). At a third moment (drawn on the right), an increased pressure is generated inside the accumulation chamber (6) due to the accumulation of liquid, until a second actuation force (F) is applied hydraulically, at least₂) When applied to the actuating element (5S), moves the actuating element (5S) to the next retaining position, thereby releasing a flow channel (S) from the accumulation chamber (6) to the outside of the capsule (1)₂）。

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the volume of the accumulation chamber (6) is of a predefined size in order to generate a certain hydraulic actuation force (F) in this position_H) Corresponding to the actuation force (F) required to perform the movement of the actuation element (5 s).

Fig. 3 corresponds to a preferred embodiment (also including three figures, each of which corresponds to a successive operating instant), in which the capsule (1) is provided with flow passage sections distributed in an asymmetrical manner, at least radially, to improve the flow pattern produced, in particular when it is crossed by a pressurized flow produced along a substantially horizontal direction. Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, the element fixture (7) is provided as a single piece in cylindrical and/or conical tubular form, preferably produced in a single piece with at least one other capsule (1) structural element.

At a first moment (drawn on the left), the actuating element (5 e,5 s) is held in the element fixture (7) in such a way that there is no flow passage through the capsule (1). At a second moment (drawn in the center), by applying a certain first actuation force (F)₁) The actuating elements (5 e,5 s) are jointly displaced along a distance at which the channel (8) is in turn in fluid communication with a respective permeable material zone (9) provided in each case in the element fixing device (7). As a result of which a flow passage (S) is provided which enters the capsule and defines the accumulation chamber (6) inside the actuating element (5S)₁，S₃). In this connection, it is particularly noted that said channels (8) are provided with different sizes and with a certain distance between them and are radially asymmetrical, so that it results in a more efficient flow distribution through the aromatic substances. In this case, as an example, the opening into the capsule (1) is provided on the peripheral region of the upward-facing actuating element (5 e), while the opening into the accumulation chamber (6) is provided on the peripheral region of the downward-facing actuating element (5 s). At a third moment in time, as a second actuation force (F)₂) As a result of which the actuating element (5S) moves along such an extension that the flow channel (S) from the capsule (1) flows out₂) Is released, in this case, the flow channel (S)₂) Is provided by a plurality of channels (8), said channels (8) being arranged peripherally towards the downstream area, and inside cavities, which are respectively arranged at a portion of the periphery of the element fixation means (7).

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the method and device according to the invention at each of the successive time instants. Thus, one capsule (1) according to the invention is first introduced into the extraction chamber (10) of the device according to the invention in an arbitrary direction, preferably in a previously defined direction. According to a preferred embodiment, introduceThis takes place in order to bring the actuating elements (5 e,5 s) on the upstream side and the downstream side into substantial alignment (drawn on the left) with the flow inlet (11) and the discharge (12), respectively, in each case. In a subsequent step, mechanical clamping of the capsule (1) at each extraction position is performed. According to a preferred embodiment, a first actuation force (F1) (drawn in the center) is simultaneously exerted on the actuation element (5) of the capsule. Thereafter, or substantially simultaneously, the injection of the flow of pressurized fluid (for example hot water) is initiated by mechanical clamping by a flow injection member (11) of the actuating element (5) of the capsule (1). Into the flow channel (S) of the capsule₁) May occur immediately after mechanical clamping, or only after the stream begins to be injected. At the next moment (drawn on the right), a certain second actuation force (F) is applied or generated as a result of the inflow into the capsule₂) Thereby making the flow path (S)₂) Releasing it, which allows said flow to flow out of the capsule (1).

Claims (16)

1. A capsule (1, 1') built from at least one structural element, which defines a flow upstream-facing region (2) and a flow downstream-facing region (3) arranged opposite one another, and is provided with an actuating element (5) along a part, preferably a majority, of the distance between the regions (2, 3) facing flow upstream and flow downstream, and the actuating element (5) is held in a movable manner by two element portions (5 e; 5 s) in respective element fixing means (7; 7e, 7s), which fixing means (7; 7e, 7s) are provided in each case in the regions (2, 3) facing flow upstream and downstream,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the actuating element (5; 5e,5 s) comprises and/or defines, together with the element fixation means (7; 7e, 7s), an accumulation chamber (6), which accumulation chamber (6) is arranged on the side of the zone (3) facing downstream of the flow, and

wherein the actuating element (5; 5e, 5S) comprises and/or defines, together with the element fixation means (7; 7e, 7S), at least one outflow channel (S) for the flow exiting the accumulation chamber (6) and the capsule (1, 1')₂) Said outflow channel (S)₂) At least partly due to the accumulation of fluid in said accumulation chamber (6).

2. Capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (5; 5e,5 s) performs at least two successive movements, in each case as the application of a certain actuating force (F)₁，F₂) In each case, respectively, results in the release of at least one flow channel (S) for the flow into the interior of the capsule (1)₁) And at least one flow channel (S) for said flow to exit the capsule (1) outside₂）。

3. The capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one flow channel (S3) for the flow into the accumulation chamber (6) is released as a result of the movement of the actuating element (5; 5e, 5S).

4. Capsule according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the actuating element (5; 5e,5 s) and/or element fixation means (7; 7e, 7s) are provided with at least one, preferably a plurality of channels (8) and/or with at least one permeable material and/or material (9) having a filtering effect, and wherein the pressure drop in the actuating element (5; 5e,5 s) and/or element fixation means (7; 7e, 7s) is such that the pressure drop in the actuating element (5; 5e,5 s) and/or element fixation means (7; 7e, 7s) is reducedAt least one flow channel (S) is provided through the accumulation chamber (6) when the channels (8) are not blocked or are in fluid communication with each other substantially in each case₂，S₃）。

5. Capsule according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the portions (5 e,5 s) of the actuating element are configured so as to interact with each other at least temporarily, preferably independently moving one with respect to the other, along at least a part of the distance between the upstream region (2) and the downstream region (3) of the flow.

6. Capsule according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the total displacement of the actuating element (5; 5e,5 s) and/or the volume of the accumulation chamber (6), preferably the corresponding internal height, is predefined as a function of the particle size of at least one type of aromatic substance or said substance or the internal volume of the capsule (1, 1').

7. Capsule according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least the flow channel (S) into the accumulation chamber (6)₂) And the configuration of the flow channels (S3) out of the capsule (1, 1 ') predefined as a function of at least the type of aromatic substance or the size of the particles of said substance or the internal volume of the capsule (1, 1'), said configuration comprising the shape, size and distribution of the respective channels (8).

8. Capsule according to any of claims 1-7, characterized in that it is provided with a plurality of flow channels (S) arranged one after the other in the main flow direction₁，S₂，S₃,..) so as to radially produce respective channels in a substantially uniform manner, preferably in an asymmetrical manner, with respect to the central symmetry axis of the capsule (1) (8）。

9. Capsule according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the portions (5 e,5 s) of the actuating element are arranged such that: at least one of the actuating elements may be at least partially movable along the other, or at least one of the actuating elements may be movable along at least a part of the respective element fixture (7), at least in the main flow direction.

10. Capsule according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the extension of the actuation element portion (5; 5e,5 s), preferably at least the extension of the element portion (5 e) on the side facing the region (2) upstream of the flow, is predefined as a function of at least the type of aromatic substance or the particle size of said substance or the internal volume of the capsule (1, 1').

11. Method of producing an aromatic beverage from a capsule according to any of claims 1-10, comprising the steps of:

-introducing the capsule (1, 1') into an extraction chamber (10),

-fixing the capsule (1, 1') in the extraction chamber (10) by mechanical clamping, so that a first actuating force (F) is applied at least on the side facing the zone (2) upstream of the flow₁) Is applied to the actuating element (5; 5e) ,

-injecting a fluid flow at a previously defined pressure and holding for a period of time such that the second actuation force (F) is applied at least on the side facing the area (3) downstream of the flow₂) Is applied to the actuating element (5; 5e) ,

characterized in that said first actuation force (F)₁) Is sufficient to move the actuating element (5; 5e,5 s) such that at least the second actuation force (F) is reduced₂) Still, stillRequiring a second actuation force (F)₂) To provide a flow channel (S) out of the capsule (1, 1')₂）。

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that by mechanically clamping the capsule (1) in the extraction chamber (10), a first actuation force (F) is applied to the actuation element (5; 5 e) on the side facing the zone (2) upstream of the flow₁) Is provided by the actuating element (5; 5e) to the side of the actuating element (5; 5 s) so as to cause said actuation element (5; 5 s) out of its initial holding position.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the actuation element (5; 5e, 5S) is moved from the initial blocking position to the next opening holding position of the at least one respective flow channel (S1, S2, S3) by mechanically clamping the capsule (1, 1') in the extraction chamber (10).

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, by passing through the capsule (1, 1'), the flow of pressurized fluid is initially accumulated in an outlet chamber (6 s), thereby increasing the hydraulic actuation force (F)₂) To the actuating element (5; 5e) until a value is reached which causes the actuation element (5; 5S) of the flow channel, thus releasing at least one corresponding flow channel (S)₃）。

15. Method according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the capsule (1, 1 ') is introduced into the extraction chamber (10) along a previously defined direction, preferably such that the flow channel (S) out of the capsule (1, 1') is such that it flows out₃) Facing downward.

16. A device using a capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one extraction chamber (10) to perform the method according to claims 11 to 15.