Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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Portion Capsule Having an Identifier
The present invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage
comprising a
basic element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in
which a raw
beverage material is provided and having a periphery region provided on the
basic element
and the cavity being closed by a membrane fastened to the periphery region of
the basic
element, having an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the
respective portion
capsule, wherein the identifier is a barcode which is provided on the side of
the periphery
region of the basic element facing away from the membrane, and wherein
indentations
and/or protrusions are provided which extend at least in sections between the
periphery and
the bottom area in the wall region, wherein the indentations and/or
protrusions are
grooves/notches.
Such portion capsules are well known and are being launched on the market in a
variety of
embodiments, however they still show potential for improvement in terms of
stiffness and/or
liquid flow in the capsule.
It was therefore the object of the present invention to provide a portion
capsule which does
not have the disadvantages of the prior art.
The object is accomplished with a portion capsule for producing a beverage,
comprising a
basic element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in
which a raw
beverage material is provided, and having a periphery region provided on the
basic element
and the cavity being preferably closed by a membrane which is fastened to the
periphery
region of the basic element, the portion capsule having an identifier which
makes it possible
to individualize the respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a
code, in particular a
barcode, which is provided on the side of the periphery region of the basic
element facing
away from the membrane, and wherein indentations and/or protrusions are
provided, which
extend at least in sections between the periphery and the bottom area, in the
wall region,
wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are grooves/notches, wherein their
longitudinal
extent is provided at an angle (a) > 0 and < 180 relative to a central
axis/rotation axis.
Explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention
apply equally
to the other subject matter, and vice versa. Features disclosed with respect
to this subject
matter of the present invention may be combined with features of other subject
matter, and
vice versa.
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The present invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage or
foodstuff,
which has a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided. Such a
portion capsule is
made, for example, of plastic, a metallic material, in particular aluminum, a
natural material
and/or a biodegradable material and has a basic element, in particular a deep-
drawn basic
element, which is preferably frustoconical, cylindrical or cup-shaped. The raw
beverage
material, which is extracted and/or dissolved by a liquid, in particular
water, for example, is
filled into the cavity of the portion capsule. Preferably, the raw beverage
material is ground
coffee, tea, milk powder and/or cocoa powder. The basic element is preferably
closed after
the raw beverage material has been filled in, in particular with a membrane.
The membrane
is preferably provided opposite the bottom of the basic element. The membrane
may be
made of the same or a different material than the basic element and is
preferably fastened to
the basic element by sealing and/or bonding. For example, the membrane is a
film with at
least one layer, such as a plastic or metal layer. Preferably, the membrane
has a sealing
layer. Preferably, the portion capsule is substantially rotationally
symmetric. The portion
capsule may rotate during the beverage production process. In this case, the
liquid is
preferably provided at a very low overpressure, for example 0.5 ¨ 3 bar
overpressure.
However, it is also possible for the liquid to be provided at a pressure of up
to 30 bar,
especially if the portion capsule is not moved during the beverage production
process.
According to the invention, it is provided that this portion capsule has an
identifier which
makes it possible to individualize the respective portion capsule. In the
context of the
invention, individualizing preferably means that the respective portion
capsule can be
associated with a group that is suitable for the respective coffee machine. It
is not necessary
for the coffee machine to recognize which portion capsule in particular is
involved, but merely
to recognize that the respective portion capsule belongs to a group of portion
capsules which
is suitable for the respective coffee machine. In particular, individualizing
means that portion
capsules that are not suitable for the respective coffee machine cannot be
inserted into it
and/or fall out again directly and/or that the coffee machine is only to be
operated with the
correct capsules. Preferably, a sensor/detection means provided on the coffee
machine
detects this identifier and compares it preferably with a stored identifier.
Preferably, the
coffee machine, in particular the water-providing pressure pump will only be
activated, if the
detected identifier matches the reference identifier. Otherwise, the coffee
machine will not
start operating.
The identifier is preferably a barcode provided on the side of the periphery
region of the basic
element facing away from the membrane. The identifier can be printed or
realized by means
of embossing, for example. The barcode has alternating stripes with different
optical
properties. These stripes can each have a different width, wherein the width
in each case
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stands for a number between 0 and 9. The barcode can also be a bit code, i.e.
a combination
of 0 and 1. Several stripes with the same value can also be arranged next to
each other. In
this case, the width of the stripe corresponds to a multiple of "0" or "1".
However, the identifier can also be another code, for example a OR code or a
code
consisting of an optically detectable pattern.
According to the invention, indentations and/or protrusions are provided in
the wall region,
which extend at least in sections between the periphery and the bottom region.
In this subject
matter of the present invention, the indentations and/or protrusions are
configured as
grooves/notches.
These grooves/notches can be of any cross-section, for example round, oval or
polygonal.
The grooves may extend over the entire surface of the wall region or the
grooves may be
present only in sections so that a region below the periphery region and/or
above the bottom
is not provided with grooves. Preferably, the grooves extend around the entire
circumference
of the wall region. However, it is also conceivable for the grooves to extend
over only part of
the circumference. The grooves can be provided equidistantly or have a
different spacing.
The grooves may extend from the wall in the direction of the interior or vice
versa. Preferably,
the grooves are produced by deep drawing or embossing, in particular during
deep
drawing/embossing of the basic element.
According to the invention, the longitudinal extension of the grooves is
provided at an angle >
0 and < 1800 relative to a central axis/rotation axis. The grooves extend
along the wall
region, however, they are provided at an angle to the central axis/rotation
axis.
In the event that the portion capsule is rotated during the beverage
production process, the
grooves can rise with the direction of rotation from the bottom to the
periphery of the basic
element or vice versa.
In the event that the wall region has several grooves, these can be provided
parallel to each
other or have a different angle to the central axis/rotation axis.
The grooves can all have the same or a different length in the longitudinal
extension
direction. The cross-section of the individual grooves can be the same or
different.
The grooves provided at an angle of inclination have the advantage of
increasing stability in
the longitudinal direction and/or in the circumferential direction.
Furthermore, the extraction of
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the raw beverage material and/or its dissolution can be positively influenced
by the inclined
grooves.
A further or preferred subject matter of the present invention is a portion
capsule in which the
cross-section of the grooves/notches varies with their longitudinal extension
This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the object set forth at
the outset.
Explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention
apply equally
to the other subject matter, and vice versa. Features disclosed with respect
to this subject
matter of the present invention may be combined with features of other subject
matter, and
vice versa.
According to this subject matter of the present invention, the cross-section
of the grooves
changes along their longitudinal extension. This change may be continuous or
discontinuous.
The change may only affect the size of the cross-section while maintaining the
same shape.
However, it is also possible that the cross-sectional shape changes
alternatively or
additionally. When the cross-section is increased, the size of the cross-
section can increase
from the periphery of the basic element in the direction of the bottom of the
basic element, or
vice versa. The change in cross-section may extend over the entire length of
the groove or
only over a partial region.
The grooves can have different cross-sections and/or cross-sectional profiles.
A further or preferred subject matter of the present invention is a portion
capsule in which
grooves/notches are provided at least partially crossing each other.
This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the object set forth at
the outset.
The explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the present
invention apply
equally to other subject matter, and vice versa Features disclosed with
respect to this
subject matter of the present invention may be combined with features of other
subject
matter, and vice versa.
Crossing grooves create a particularly good swirling of the liquid in the
portion capsule and/or
give the portion capsule a particular stability.
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At least two grooves provided on the circumference of the basic element cross.
However,
there can also be more. The angle at which the two grooves cross can be the
same or
different. The distance of the crossing point of two grooves may differ in its
spacing from the
periphery region and/or from the bottom of the basic element. A groove may
have more than
one crossing point.
Yet another subject matter of the present invention is a portion capsule for
producing a
beverage, comprising a basic element having a wall region and a bottom area
spanning a
cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided and having a periphery
region provided
on the basic element and the cavity being closed by a membrane fastened to the
periphery
region of the basic element, having an identifier which makes it possible to
individualize the
respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a barcode which is
provided on the side
of the periphery region of the basic element facing away from the membrane,
and wherein
indentations and/or protrusions are provided which extend at least in sections
between the
periphery and the bottom area in the wall region, wherein the indentations
and/or protrusions
are provided as a golf ball structure.
This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the object set forth at
the outset.
The explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the present
invention apply
equally to other subject matter, and vice versa. Features disclosed with
respect to this
subject matter of the present invention may be combined with features of other
subject
matter, and vice versa.
According to the invention, the portion capsule has a golf ball structure in
the region of the
wall. This golf ball structure has a plurality of indentations and/or
protrusions in which the
length and the width are preferably at least substantially the same. For
example, the cross-
section of each indentation and/or protrusion is circular, oval or polygonal,
in particular
quadrangular or polygonal. The indentations and/or protrusions may be provided
equidistantly and/or according to a pattern. The indentations and/or
protrusions can extend
around the entire circumference of the basic element, in particular its wall
region, or be
provided only in sections. The individual indentations and/or protrusions may
differ in their
cross-sectional shape and/or depth. An indentation preferably extends in the
direction of the
interior of the portion capsule and a protrusion preferably extends in the
opposite direction.
Another subject matter of the present invention is a portion capsule for
producing a
beverage, comprising a basic element having a wall region and a bottom area
spanning a
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cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided, and having a periphery
region provided
on the basic element and the cavity being closed by a membrane fastened to the
periphery
region of the basic element, having an identifier which makes it possible to
individualize the
respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a barcode which is
provided on the side
of the periphery region of the basic element facing away from the membrane,
and wherein
indentations and/or protrusions are provided which extend at least in sections
between the
periphery and the bottom area in the wall region, wherein the indentations
and/or protrusions
are grooves/notches and/or the indentations and/or protrusions are provided as
a golf ball
structure, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are applied.
This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the object set forth at
the outset.
The explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the present
invention apply
equally to other subject matter, and vice versa. Features disclosed with
respect to this
subject matter of the present invention may be combined with features of other
subject
matter, and vice versa.
In this subject matter of the present invention, the indentations and/or
protrusions are applied
to the basic element from the same or a different material as the basic
element. The
indentations and/or protrusions may be prefabricated and, for example, bonded
to the basic
element or applied to the basic element and dried there.
In the following, the inventions are explained with reference to the Figures.
These
explanations are merely exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the
invention. The
explanations apply equally to all subject matter of the present invention.
Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the portion capsule according
to the
invention.
Figure 2 shows details of the cross-section of a groove.
Figures 3 und 4 each show embodiments of the portion capsule according to
the
invention.
Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the portion capsule 1 according to the
invention. This
comprises a basic element 14, which in the present case is cup-shaped and has
a wall
region 4 and a bottom area 7. At the end of the bottom area opposite the basic
element, a
circumferential periphery 3 is provided, the circumference/outer diameter of
which is larger
than the circumference/outer diameter of the wall region of the basic element
so that a
flange-like element 3 is obtained. A cover film 2 is provided on this
periphery, for example by
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means of sealing or bonding, which hermetically seals the portion capsule
after a raw
beverage material, for example ground coffee, has been filled into the portion
capsule.
Preferably, the portion capsule is provided rotationally symmetrical about a
central axis 8.
According to a preferred embodiment, the portion capsule is rotated during the
beverage
manufacturing process, for example during extraction, as shown by the arrow
16. Preferably,
the portion capsule is pierced in the region of its cover film/ membrane, in
particular in the
central region, and the beverage to be produced is also discharged via the
cover film,
preferably via perforations in the membrane, which are provided in particular
in a circular
manner in the vicinity of the upper end of the wall region. Furthermore,
according to the
invention, the portion capsule has an identifier 15 which allows the portion
capsule to be
individualized so that, for example, the amount of liquid and/or the
temperature of the liquid
can be controlled individually for each portion capsule. This identifier is
provided on the rear
side of the flange as symbolized by the arrow 15, i.e. on the side of the
flange opposite the
membrane.
Furthermore, according to the invention, the portion capsule according to
Figure 1 has
indentations and/or protrusions 5, which in the present case are configured as
grooves. in
the present case, several grooves 5 are preferably provided equidistantly.
These grooves
can extend over the entire circumference of the wall region or only over a
partial region of the
circumference. The grooves each have a longitudinal extent, the length of
which is
symbolized by the reference sign 11. Preferably, the indentations and/or
protrusions are
provided spaced apart from the flange, which is symbolized by the reference
sign 6. The
indentations and/or protrusions can extend into the bottom area 7 or be spaced
apart from it,
the spacing being symbolized by the reference sign 9. The spacing between the
indentations
and/or protrusions may be the same or different, which is symbolized by the
reference sign
10. As mentioned above, in the present case the indentations and/or
protrusions are
represented as grooves provided relative to the alignment of the central axis
8 at an angle a
thereto, this angle a being greater than 0 and less than 180 degrees so that
the indentations
and/or protrusions do not extend parallel to the central axis. This embodiment
of the present
invention has the advantage of achieving an increased stiffness of the wall
region of the
basic element and of enhancing the extraction process for coffee. In the
present case, the
angle a is such that the indentations and/or protrusions are aligned in the
direction of rotation
16 of the portion capsule, as seen from the bottom in the direction of the
flange, which in
particular enhances the drainage of the extraction liquid from the portion
capsule, but also
results in a particularly intimate extraction liquid/coffee powder contact.
The grooves can
function here as a liquid collection channel which drains the liquid in the
direction of the holes
in the cover film.
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Figure 2 shows four different cross-sections 17 of the indentations and/or
protrusions 5, in
particular of the grooves. It can be clearly seen that this cross-section is
triangular in
embodiment a), rectangular or square in embodiment b), round or oval in
embodiment c) and
polygonal in embodiment d). By the reference signs 12, 13 and 13, 12,
respectively, it is
symbolized that the indentations and/or protrusions can be provided both in
the direction of
the interior and away therefrom, wherein indentations embossed in the
direction of the
interior of the basic element are preferred
The indentations and/or protrusions can be produced by deep drawing or
embossing, for
example.
The basic element of the portion capsule is preferably made of a metallic
material, in
particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The same applies to the cover
film/membrane,
wherein this preferably has an additional sealing layer. The material
thickness of the basic
element is preferably greater as the material thickness of the cover film. The
indentations
and/or protrusions can be produced by embossing and/or deep drawing.
Figures 3 and 4 each show a further embodiment of the portion capsule
according to the
invention.
In the embodiment according to Figure 3, crossing indentations and/or
protrusions, in
particular grooves, are provided as indentations and/or protrusions. These
grooves may be
provided in a single row or, as shown in the present case, in multiple rows
and may extend
over the entire or only a partial region of the circumference or height of the
basic element.
Figure 4 shows a portion capsule in which a golf ball structure is provided in
the wall region
of the basic element, in this case in the form of indentations, i.e.
indentations extending in the
direction of the cavity. In the present case, the indentations are provided
equidistantly and/or
according to a repeating pattern. In the present one, the golf ball structure
has been
produced with elements having a circular cross-section. The skilled person
will recognize,
however, that the cross-section may also be triangular or polygonal, for
example. Diamond-
shaped structures and/or a diamondgrid are also feasible. The golf ball
structure does not
have to extend over the entire wall region, but can be provided spaced apart
from both the
flange and/or the bottom. The golf ball-like structure imparts increased
stiffness to the basic
element of the portion capsule while maintaining the same material thickness.
The golf ball
structure can also improve extraction by improving liquid/solid contact.
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In all embodiments, it is preferred that the indentations and/or protrusions
are provided such
that the formed basic element can be removed from the thermoforming or
embossing mold.
Preferably, the indentation and/or protrusion does not have an undercut.
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List of Reference Signs:
1 portion capsule
2 cover film, membrane
3 periphery, circumferential periphery, flange
4 wall region
5 indentation, protrusion, groove
6 spacing between indentation surface and periphery
7 bottom area
8 central axis rotation axis
9 spacing between indentation surface and periphery
10 spacing between two indentations and /or protrusions
11 length of an indentation and/or protrusion
12 interior of the portion capsule
13 outer region of the portion capsule
14 basic element
identifier, barcode
16 rotation direction of the portion capsule
17 cross-section
18 golf ball structure
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