HK1209397B - Portion capsule having an identification on the inner periphery thereof - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a serving capsule for the manufacture of a beverage with a base element, which has a cavity containing a beverage raw material and is closed by a membrane attached to the base element, which has an identifier that allows the individual serving capsule to be individualised.

Such serving capsules are well known and are available in a wide variety of marketed versions and are used to make coffee, espresso, cappuccino, tea, milk or cocoa drinks, but also other beverages or foodstuffs such as soups. Such serving capsules are known, for example, from WO 2012/010317, EP 2345352, EP 1974638, DE 202010007919 and WO 2005/044067. To be produced in a vending machine, these capsules must all have the same external shape, with a different manufacturing process. For example, the water content and/or temperature used to make each drink may vary widely. The water can be passed through the serving capsule continuously or interchangeably.The machines used for the preparation of the beverage or foodstuff must be cleaned at regular intervals, and cleaning capsules shall be provided, the outer dimensions of which are identical to those of the serving capsules, and which, after being introduced into the machine, shall also be filled with water, which will dissolve the cleaning substance from the capsules and cleanse the brewing chamber of the machine and the power lines with the solution.

The present invention was therefore intended to provide a serving capsule which does not have the disadvantages of the state of the art.

The present invention relates to a serving capsule for the manufacture of a beverage or foodstuff which has a cavity in which a beverage raw material is provided. Such a serving capsule is made, for example, of plastic, a natural substance and/or a biodegradable material and has a base element, in particular a shaped, preferably deep-drawn, or a base element produced by tips, which is preferably cone-shaped or cylindrical in shape and has a soil. In the cavity of the serving capsule, the beverage material is filled, for example, with liquid, and/or extracted from water, and/or extracted on a particular surface.The basic element is closed with a membrane after filling the beverage raw material. The membrane is preferably provided opposite the bottom of the basic element. The membrane may be made of the same or a different material as the basic element and is preferably attached to the basic element by seals and/or adhesives. The membrane may be gas and/or liquid-tight or gas and/or liquid-permeable. Furthermore, the cavity may provide one or more mounting elements, such as a filter, a liquid distributor, a wire, a filter, a separator and/or the like. In the case of a wire, these may be preferably connected and interconnected.The felt and/or nonwoven fabric may be multilayered, the layers may differ in the type of starting material used and/or its processing.

The invention further provides that this serving capsule shall bear a mark which enables the individual serving capsule to be individualised. To individualise within the meaning of the invention preferably means that the serving capsule can be assigned to a group suitable for the manufacture of a beverage or food or for cleaning the machine. It is not necessary that the mark reveals which serving capsule it is specifically, i.e. it contains a serial number or batch number or similar, but merely allows the classification of the serving capsule into a group of serving capsules, such as a beverage/food or cleaning capsule. The preference also allows the identification of the individual beverage/capsule, for example, that it may be made from a single type of tea, tea or milk, or a different type of detergent or cleaning capsule.

Preferably, a sensor/detector fitted to an automatic machine, such as a coffee machine, will detect this identification and compare it with a stored identification. Preferably, the machine, in particular its water supply pressure pump, shall only be started if the identification determined is consistent with the reference identification of a beverage/food serving capsule. Otherwise, the coffee machine shall not be started because there is a risk that it is a cleaning capsule containing, for example, a cleaning product. In this case, the machine may only be started if, for example, a pre-soaked combination of functions has been used on a specific user of the machine to verify that the cleaning capsule is in fact used for cleaning purposes.

The identifier may alternatively or additionally be used to indicate that the coffee machine is running a specific programme, i.e. heating the water to a specific temperature, providing a specific pressure and/or passing a specific amount of water through the serving capsule.

Alternatively or additionally, the identifier shall be used to sort the materials from which the serving capsule is made for a subsequent disposal and/or recycling process.

According to the invention, the label is intended to be placed on the inside of the membrane, i.e. in the cavity, thereby protecting the label from damage and/or tampering. According to the invention, the label is intended to be placed on a film, i.e. a film, in particular a plastic film preferably with a food safety authorisation, which is connected to the membrane on its inside, while the membrane is formed or produced by injection/injection moulding. This allows the label to be placed on the film before it is connected to the membrane. This can then be connected to the portion capsule without damaging the label or its information.

Preferably, the label is on the side facing the serving capsule, so that it is located on the membrane between the membrane and the film, after the film has been laid down, thus protecting the label by the film.

However, the marking may also be provided on the membrane by attaching a film to which the marking is intended to be attached to the membrane, preferably between two layers of film.

Preferably the film shall be multilayered and the identifier shall be located preferably between two film layers.

Preferably, the identification is done by printing on the film or a layer of the film. According to the invention, the identification is of areas with a specific optical property, such as reflective and/or fluorescent and/or phosphorescent properties, which can be detected by a sensor. This area is provided on the film with the identification provided on the membrane. Preferably, the film with the identification has at least two areas that differ in their optical properties, such as reflective and/or fluorescent and/or phosphorescent properties.

The identifier may be, for example, an optically identifiable material, such as a fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance, or a metallic or ferrometallic layer or metallic or ferrometallic strip.

A fluorescent substance within the meaning of the invention consists of at least one molecule, with at least one electron, which is excited by electromagnetic radiation, preferably released from its orbit and elevated to a preferably empty, unoccupied orbit with a higher energy content. This excited state is usually unstable, so that the electron falls back into its original orbit and its energy is at least partially released in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This free electromagnetic radiation is preferably longer wavelength than the exciting electromagnetic radiation. In a characteristic fluorescent on an attached substance, a sensor detects the free radiation and automatically detects a controlled emission that is at least proportional to the intensity and/or the intensity of the emission. For example, a controlled filter or a controlled filter will detect that there is at least one portion of this radiation, and then determine whether or not there is an additional, automatically controlled portion of this emission, and/or a controlled portion of the maximum emission.

A phosphorescent substance as defined in the present invention consists of at least one molecule, with at least one electron, which, when excited by electromagnetic radiation, is preferably ejected from its orbit and elevated to a preferably empty, unoccupied orbit with a higher energy content. This excited state is usually unstable, so that the electron falls back into its original orbit and its energy is at least partially released in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This released electromagnetic radiation is preferably longer wavelength than the exciting radiation.In the case of a label based on a phosphorescent substance, a sensor provided in or on the machine receives the emitted radiation and a control connected to it compares this deflection profile with a stored deflection profile or section of profile. Preferably, the intensity of this radiation, especially at a certain frequency, is compared with a stored deflection profile and/or a certain value. If these are at least partially identical, the connected control knows that it is a serving and not a cleaning capsule and releases the machine. Alternatively or additionally, the control detects which serving capsule it is, for example, coffee, milk or tea, and adjusts accordingly.The sensor or the control connected to it examines the time interval after which the initial intensity of radiation has decreased by a certain percentage and compares the measured value with a stored value. Alternatively or additionally, the intensity of radiation, especially at a certain frequency, is examined after a certain period and compared with a stored value. If the stored value is in agreement with the measured value, the control either releases the machine or selects a specific preparation program for the given beverage or food. If the value is not in agreement, the machine can be started up only under certain conditions,It could be a cleansing capsule.

The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is irradiated with a specific electromagnetic radiation and during and/or after the radiation has been switched off, the fluorescence and/or phosphorescence is measured. The radiation may be of one or several wavelengths. The radiation may include one or more sources used simultaneously or successively.

One or more sensors may analyze the radiation emitted by the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance, preferably in the machine, for example in the brewing chamber or in the injection chamber.

The membrane may also have a decoration print, which may be provided in relation to the side of the serving capsule in front of the substance of the label.

In a preferred embodiment, the identification is achieved by a pigment, such as a colour pigment and/or fluorescent pigment and/or phosphorescent pigment, provided on the film.

Preferably, the identifier is a substance that can be activated or altered, for example, by an energy input.

The serving capsule of the invention makes it possible to prevent a beverage from being produced accidentally with a cleaning capsule and, furthermore, the identifier enables the machine to identify the type of capsule in its brewing chamber and adjust the beverage or food production process, i.e. the amount of water, its pressure and/or its temperature, accordingly.

In a preferred embodiment, the material is weakened in the bottom area by removal, for example by a laser. This weakening is specifically provided in the area of the bottom of the capsule that is pierced by a spike for the preparation of the drink. By weaken the film in the area of the spike, for example by removal of material by a laser, the force required to push the film is reduced. The spike of a suitable coffee machine may have a force limitation, for example in the form of a spring, which limits the force with which the spike can push against the portion capsule floor. This prevents capsules that do not display a corresponding weakened can be used in a suitable coffee machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the serving capsule has a marginal area, preferably at the base element. Preferably, the marginal area is at the base element's area opposite the floor. For example, a membrane may be placed at this marginal area to close the base element after the raw material has been filled into the serving capsule. The marginal area may also be used to guide the capsule into a receptacle so that it falls into a brewing chamber in a very specific position or the brewing chamber is fed into a very specific position. At the same time, the marginal area may serve as a sealing surface.having a basement element which is essentially conical or cylindrical, having a cavity for the reception of beverage raw material, and a membrane which closes the cavity, the basement element having a wall area and the basement element having a floor area on the side opposite the membrane of the portion capsule, the wall area having a number of grooves and the grooves being intended to run between the membrane and the floor area over at least part of the height extension of the wall area, and in particular to run parallel to each other and parallel to the floor area. These grooves are preferably intended to improve the connection between the portion capsule and the film which bears the characteristic.

This portion capsule has the advantage over the portion capsule, according to the state of the art, for example, that the wall area of the base element is stiffened by the majority of grooves. This has the advantage, on the one hand, that the portion capsule has a higher mechanical stability and thus prevents deformation and, in particular, lateral bending of the portion capsule.In particular, it is advantageously possible, according to the invention, that by increasing the mechanical stability by using the majority of grooves, the overall material strength of the base element can be reduced. The production of the portion capsule is thus considerably cheaper and more environmentally friendly. On the other hand, in the brewing chamber, the majority of grooves reduce or avoid adhesion of the wall area to the brewing chamber wall, thus facilitating the ejection or ejection from the portion capsule of the brewing chamber.so that, for example, by shaping the groove structure, a better or stronger vortexing of the extraction fluid in the cavity or a more uniform (laminary) flow of the extraction fluid can be achieved or by simple means. A stronger vortexing of the extraction fluid in the cavity compared to the state of the art has the advantage over the state of the art that no unwanted and random main fluid flows are formed through the bed of the beverage raw material, but instead the beverage raw material is flowed through its entire volume. The extraction process is thus significantly more efficient and can be controlled or reproduced more precisely.

The beverage raw material shall include in particular coffee powder (preferably ground roasted coffee), chocolate powder, milk powder, tea or the like.

Preferably, the base element has a base that is particularly preferably connected to a flange, with the base element having a larger diameter in the base area than in the wall area between the base and the floor area, which provides a particularly simple and robust way to achieve stackability of the serving capsules or stackability of the base element of the serving capsules.

It is also preferable to provide for a filter element within the cavity which divides the cavity into a first area for the arrangement of the beverage raw material and a second area for the reception of a beverage extract, with special preference for the filter element to include a non-woven material and/or a film material. The present invention also relates to the use of a serving capsule of the invention for the preparation of a hot drink.

Both the label and the film are preferably made of a material that has a food authorisation, i.e. may come into contact with food.

Preferably, the serving capsule shall have a border area and/or flange provided at the base element.

A further embodiment provides for a filter element to be placed within the cavity, dividing the cavity into a first area for the distribution of the beverage raw material and a second area for the reception of a beverage extract, with special preference being given to the filter element comprising a nonwoven material and/or a film material, preferably connected to the floor, wall and/or edge, in particular by seals or adhesives.

Preferably the film is sealed or glued to the membrane.

Alternatively or additionally, the film is marked by energy input, especially with a laser. This can change the optical properties of the film. Preferably, the membrane is rotated to provide the mark. Figures 1-5 do not represent the invention. Figures 1 and 2 show a serving capsule with a label on a film.Figure 3 shows the film as a tube.Figure 4 shows a film ring with its ends connected.Figure 5 shows a method for applying the label.

Figures 1 and 2 show a serving capsule 1 with a base element 2 with a wall 2.1 and a floor area 2.2. Wall 2.1 and floor 2.2 define a cavity 3 in which a beverage raw material and, if necessary, a mounting element can be provided. This cavity is preferably closed by a membrane, preferably connected to the base element's peripheral area 2.3 by seals or glue, after filling. This coffee serving capsule is introduced into a brewing chamber, where it is flooded with a liquid, for example water, which extracts or dissolves the beverage raw material, thus producing the desired beverage.This marking 7 is intended for a film 6 and in particular for a plastic film which, after the serving capsule has been formed, as shown by the arrow 5, is inserted into the base capsule and connected to the inner side 2.4 of the base capsule 2.which differ in electrical conductivity and/or magnetic properties from the material of the film and/or the material of the base element of the serving capsule. For example, the label has a different conductivity or magnetic properties than at least one of the two materials and/or the range 8 between two labels. 7 Preferably, the film 6 covers the entire circumference of the base element.The expert is aware that the identification shown in Figure 2 can also be provided by a colour order, as illustrated in Figure 5.

It can be seen from Figures 3 and 4 that the film can be provided as a tube which is drawn to the desired length (Figure 3). The label is applied to the film, for example, or the film is made of two materials, one of which has the label, for example, a different electrical conductivity than the rest. Alternatively, the ends 6.1, 6.2 of the film are connected after its manufacture. This can be done before the film is attached to the base base base, during application or after application.

In Figure 5 an embodiment of the portion capsule of the invention is shown in a side view. In the present case, the label 7 is placed on the inside of the base element. The label is circular and is placed in the present case by a nozzle 9 which rotates during the operation. Alternatively or additionally, the portion capsule may also rotate during the operation of the label.

List of reference marks:

1 serving capsule2 base element2.1 wall 2.2 floor area2.3 edge area, flange2.4 inside base element3 cavity4 membrane4.1 inside of the membrane5 relative motion6 ring, film ring6.1 end of the ring6.2 end of the ring7 identifier, colour crown, barcode8 area next to an identifier9 nozzle

Claims (4)

1. Portion capsule (1) for making a beverage, having a basic element (2) with a cavity (3), in which a raw beverage material is provided and which is closed by a membrane (4), which is fastened on the basic element, wherein it has an identifier (7), which makes it possible to individualize the respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier (7) is provided on the inside (4.1) of the membrane, wherein the identifier is surface-area regions with a specific optical reflection property, characterized in that the identifier is provided on a film (6) which is connected to the membrane.
2. Portion capsule (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it has a peripheral region and/or flange (2.3), which is provided on the basic element (2).
3. Portion capsule (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cavity contains a filter element, which subdivides the cavity into a first region for arranging the raw beverage material and into a second region for accommodating a beverage extract, wherein the filter element (5) comprises a material that is not woven, in particular a felt material or nonwoven material.
4. Use of a portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims for making a hot beverage.