CN104302559B - Capsule for beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

A bladder comprising a deformable and/or compressible shell (2) provided with a bottom wall (3) and side walls (4) defining a cavity (5) , said cavity contains a primary product (P) to be combined with a fluid (F) to obtain a final product (B), said bladder comprising: a nozzle (10; 50 ) provided with a plurality of openings through which said fluid passes ; 60; 70; 80; 110; 210; 310), the nozzle engages with the outflow portion (30; 40; 90; 120) of the bottom wall and is arranged to be compressed and/or pressed Exiting from the cavity through the outflow portion when flat, the nozzle comprises a first portion arranged to abut against the outflow portion in a sealing manner and in an interference fit on the outflow portion. The outflow portion slides internally such that the end product exits the cavity at least initially only through at least one further opening of the nozzle.

Description

capsules for drinks

technical field

The present invention relates to a capsule or container for the preparation of beverages in an automatic dispensing machine, and in particular, the present invention relates to a sealed single-dose, disposable capsule containing an initial permeable or Dissolvable or infused or freeze-dried or dehydrated or concentrated product capable of constituting a food end product such as a beverage by interaction with a pressurized fluid, usually water or milk.

Background technique

A known capsule for use in known dispensing machines is a disposable, single-dose container comprising a housing made of plastic material impermeable to liquids or gases and in the shape of a glass or cup . In particular, the shell has a bottom wall and side walls defining an upper opening through which the product for obtaining the drink can be inserted. The upper opening is hermetically closed by a lid, usually an aluminum or plastic film, so as to seal the product inside the container. The bladder is permeable to enable the transfer of pressurized liquid (usually water) and to enable the exit of the resulting beverage. In particular, said lid and the bottom wall of the housing can be pierced by suitable means of a dispensing machine into which the capsule can be inserted, so as to enable the delivery of pressurized fluid from above and the extraction of beverage from below, respectively.

A disadvantage of the known sachets disclosed above is that they can only be used on dispensing machines provided with a suitable dispensing circuit comprising extraction means suitable for dispensing the bottom of the sachet Perforations are made to enable exit of the beverage, the conduit means being suitable for conveying the beverage to a consumption container (eg mug, cup, glass, etc.). This distribution circuit complicates and costs the construction of the machine. Further, since it comes into contact with the dispensed beverage, it should be properly rinsed after each dispense, both for hygienic reasons and in order not to affect the subsequently dispensed beverage (eg herbal tea dispensed after coffee) taste and quality (organoleptic properties). However, flushing devices for flushing the distribution circuit are not always present in known machines due to the complexity and cost of construction.

The dispensing machine further comprises a supply circuit provided with an injection device, usually a needle or a pointed nozzle, which pierces the cap and delivers pressurized fluid from the pump and/or from the boiler. It should be noted that during the operating step of producing a beverage, the injection device may come into contact with said product and/or beverage and may thus become dirty. As with the dispensing circuit, at least the injection device supplying the circuit should be properly flushed after each dispensing, both for hygienic reasons and in order not to affect the organoleptic properties of the subsequently dispensed beverage.

In order to overcome this disadvantage, a capsule for beverages is provided, said capsule being fitted with a first filter element closing the upper opening of the housing, and a second filter element inserted on the bottom wall of the housing. The filter element, which is usually made of plastic material, prevents product from exiting outside the capsule, but allows pressurized liquid to pass and beverage to exit.

With this type of capsule, no extraction means are required in the dispensing machine, since the beverage exiting the capsule can be poured directly into the consumption container. Further, the injection device is not in contact with the product or beverage, and the injection device is separated from the product or beverage by the first filter element.

The capsules described above have the disadvantage of being expensive, since they include a filter element integrated into the housing. Further, due to the aforementioned filter elements, which act as a corresponding hydraulic resistance to the passage of liquid, they require very high liquid supply pressures and thus more complex and expensive dedicated dispensing machines.

Another disadvantage of said capsules is that, because they do not hermetically seal the product due to the filter element, they must be properly enclosed, for example in a sealed bag, preferably under a controlled atmosphere, for hygienic as well as product preservation reasons, with The resulting further increase in production costs.

The known capsules disclosed above make it possible to obtain a beverage (usually coffee) by percolating a liquid through the product or by dissolution of the product (eg tea, herbal tea, etc.). In the latter case, the product must be easily and rapidly soluble so that the formation of clots or lumps is avoided inside the pouch and/or in the consumption container. Due to the speed and manner of dispensing the liquid inside the capsule, difficult or slow dissolving products and/or products containing thickeners, or freeze-dried or dehydrated products are properly dissolved to obtain e.g. beverages in the consumption container A fluid end product (often chocolate) that is dense and rich or viscous is virtually impossible.

As is well known, such products can be obtained manually only from an initial powder product by gradually adding a liquid to said initial powder product and continuously mixing the mixture until the final product is obtained.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to improve known capsules, in particular sealed single-dose, disposable capsules containing initially percolable or dissolvable or soaked or freeze-dried or dehydrated or A concentrated product suitable for interaction with a fluid (usually hot pressurized water) to prepare a corresponding food end product (usually a beverage) in an automatic dispensing machine.

Another object is to obtain a hermetically closed capsule capable of preserving and isolating the product contained therein in an optimal manner, without the need for a dedicated packaging.

Another object is to obtain a capsule capable of dispensing the food end product directly into a consumption container (cup, glass, etc.) without perforation by a dispensing machine.

Yet another object is to produce a capsule which enables the devices or parts of the dispensing machine not to be soiled or contaminated by the original product and/or the final product, in such a way assuring both the hygiene and cleanliness of the dispensing machine and the end product Taste and quality (ie completeness of organoleptic properties).

Yet another object is to produce a capsule that enables the dispensing of the prepared end product in a consumption container in a controlled, homogeneous manner, in particular with a reduced and limited exit pressure and velocity.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a bladder comprising a deformable and/or compressible shell provided with a bottom wall and side walls defining a cavity, wherein Said cavity contains an initial product to be combined with a fluid to obtain a final product, wherein said side wall of said shell is deformable and/or compressible along a predetermined line of compliance so as to be able to compressing and collapsing the shell in a direction substantially normal to the bottom wall, the bladder including a nozzle provided with a plurality of openings for passage of the fluid, the nozzle engaging an outflow portion of the bottom wall and arranged to exit the cavity through the outflow portion when the shell is compressed and/or collapsed, the nozzle comprises a first portion arranged to abut in a sealing manner against the The outlet portion slides on and inside the outlet portion with an interference fit, so that the end product exits the cavity, at least initially, only through at least one further opening of the nozzle.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for obtaining a final product by delivering a fluid to the interior of a pouch according to the first aspect containing a primary product, comprising:

- providing an opening in the nozzle of the capsule and dispensing a defined amount of the fluid through the opening in a first operating step into the cavity of the capsule in which the capsule is located In the initial configuration in which the shell of the capsule is not compressed or flattened;

- compressing and collapsing the shell in a second operating step so that the nozzle is separated from the outflow portion of the bottom wall of the capsule;

- providing at least a first part of the nozzle arranged to bear in a sealing manner against the outflow part and to slide inside the outflow part when the shell is compressed and flattened, to such that the opening in the cavity receives the final product and/or the initial product and the fluid when the nozzle is partly removed from the cavity in the second operating step mixture, while an opening located outside the cavity dispenses the final product and/or the fluid into a consumption container.

Description of drawings

The invention may be better understood and practiced with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of non-limiting examples, certain embodiments of the invention, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bladder in a first operating step according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the bladder of Figure 1 with the cover member partially removed to better illustrate the underlying support member;

Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the capsule of Figure 1 in a subsequent dispensing step of operation;

Fig. 5 shows an enlarged detail of Fig. 3, wherein in particular the bottom wall of the capsule and the end of the nozzle of the capsule are shown;

Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the capsule in Figure 1 in an operating step;

Figure 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a deformation of the bladder of the present invention;

Figures 8 and 9 are enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional views of respective additional variants of the bladder of the present invention;

10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another modification of the bladder of the present invention in the first operation step;

Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bladder in Figure 10 in a second operating step;

12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another deformation of the capsule of the present invention in the first operation step;

Figure 13 shows an enlarged detail of Figure 12, wherein in particular the bottom wall of the capsule and the end of the nozzle of the capsule are shown;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the bladder in FIG. 12 in a second operating step;

Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of another variation of the bladder of the present invention in Figure 10;

16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another deformation of the bladder of the present invention in the first operation step;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the bladder in FIG. 16 in a second operating step;

18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another deformation of the capsule of the present invention in the first operation step;

Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bladder in Figure 18 in a second operating step;

Fig. 20 is an exploded cross-sectional schematic diagram of another deformation of the capsule of the present invention;

Figure 20a is an enlarged plan view of a filter element contained in the capsule of Figure 20;

Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bladder in Figure 20 in a first operational step; and

22 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder of FIG. 20 in a second operative dispensing step.

detailed description

Referring to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown a capsule 1 for beverages according to the invention which can be used in a dispensing machine to generate a food end product by injecting a pressurized fluid into the capsule, such as for example Drinks like coffee, barley, herbal tea, tea, chocolate, etc. The initial product is a percolable, or dissolvable, or soaked, or freeze-dried, or dehydrated, or concentrated food product.

The capsule 1 comprises a substantially glass or cup-shaped housing 2 or container provided with a bottom wall 3 and side walls 4 defining a cavity 5 which The cavity 5 is open and suitable for containing a primary product P from which a final product B is obtained.

The shell 2 is compressible and/or collapsible and/or deformable, is formed by sheet forming of a thermoformable material (in particular a multi-layered plastic material impermeable to liquids and gases) and is suitable for In contact with food.

In order to enable compression and crushing of the shell 2 in a direction A (which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the bladder 1 and substantially orthogonal to the bottom wall 3), the side walls 4 are deformable and/or along a predetermined line of compliance Or compressed, for example having a helical shape, or concertina-like or bellows-like, as in the illustrated embodiment.

Further, the side wall 4 diverges from the bottom wall 3 to a peripheral flange-like edge 7, for example having an almost frusto-conical shape.

The bladder 1 further comprises a support element 6 fixed to the edge 7 of the shell 2 and facing the cavity 5, and to which a nozzle 10 is fixed, said nozzle 10 being arranged to deliver the fluid F into the cavity. In the chamber 5, said fluid is in particular a hot pressurized liquid, such as water or milk, capable of interacting with the initial product P to constitute the final product in a first operational step D1 of preparing the final product B b.

The edge 7 has an annular seat 7a for accommodating the peripheral edge of the support element 6, and the peripheral edge of the support element 6 may be fixed to the annular seat 7a by welding or glue.

The nozzle 10 having an elongated rectilinear shape is provided with a plurality of openings 21 , 22 enabling the passage of the fluid F, in particular being able to be distributed into the cavity 5 in the first operating step D1 . The nozzle 10 engages in the outflow portion 30 of the bottom wall 3 and is arranged to exit said cavity 5 through the outflow portion 30 when the shell 2 is compressed and flattened in the second operating step D2. In particular, the nozzle 10 is constructed and formed such that it pierces the aforementioned outflow portion 30 and exits from the cavity 5 .

The nozzle 10 comprises a rigid tubular (for example cylindrical) element having a respective side wall 10 a provided with a plurality of openings 21 and a sharp end 10 b capable of piercing the outflow portion 30 .

In the initial configuration K of the capsule 1 in which the shell 2 is not compressed or flattened, the nozzle 10 is arranged completely inside the cavity 5 and parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the capsule 1, for example substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis X of the capsule 1, Wherein the end 10b is inserted into the outflow part 30 .

The nozzle 10 comprises a first part 11 arranged to rest against and slide inside the outflow part 30 in a sealed manner so that the end product B only Exit from the cavity 5 through the nozzle 10 . To this end, the outflow portion 30 comprises an annular wall 31 arranged to bear against the corresponding side wall 10 a of the nozzle 10 in a sealing manner. The cross-section of the nozzle 10 at the first portion 11 and the cross-section at the annular wall 31 have complementary shapes. To ensure sealing, the nozzle 10 is inserted into the annular wall 31 and slides inside the annular wall 31 with an interference fit.

In the illustrated embodiment, the annular wall 31 protrudes outwardly relative to the cavity 5 . Alternatively, the annular wall 31 and the entire outflow portion 30 may extend inside the cavity 5 .

The outflow portion 30 further comprises a bottom wall 32 connected to the annular wall 31 such that a space 35 suitable to partially accommodate the end 10 b of the nozzle 10 is formed. The end 10b of the nozzle 10 can easily rupture the bottom wall 32 when the shell 2 is compressed and flattened. To this end, the bottom wall 32 is manufactured with a reduced wall thickness.

Alternatively, the bottom wall 32 may include pre-cut lines or weakened portions which facilitate penetration by the nozzle 10 .

The end 10b of the nozzle 10 is provided with at least one further opening 22 arranged so that, during the first operating step D1, when the shell 2 is in the initial configuration K (ie not compressed or compressed) flat), the fluid F is dispensed inside the cavity 5; or, in a subsequent second operation step D2 (as better explained below in the description), when the shell 2 is compressed and pressed When flat, the fluid F and/or the final product B are dispensed directly into the consumption container 100 .

The openings 21 are distributed along the side wall 10a of the nozzle 10 such that in a first operational step D1, when the shell 2 is in the initial configuration K, they dispense the fluid F into the cavity 5; in a subsequent second operational step D2 ( As explained further in the description), the opening 21 inside the cavity 5 receives and/or sucks the final product B when the shell 2 is compressed and flattened and the nozzle 10 is gradually withdrawn from the cavity 5 and/or the mixture of said initial product P and said fluid F, while the opening 21 located outside the cavity 5 dispenses the final product B and/or fluid F into the consumption container 100 .

The openings 21 are angularly and linearly spaced from each other along the side wall 10 a of the nozzle 10 and are inclined towards the bottom wall 3 , for example at an angle of 45° relative to the longitudinal axis X. In this way, the opening 21 dispenses a plurality of fluid jets F towards the bottom wall 3 or dispenses the final product B inside the consumption container 100 , when said opening 21 is located inside or outside the cavity 5 , respectively.

The nozzle 10 further comprises a second part 12 adjacent to the first part 11 and spaced from the bottom wall 3 (in particular between the first part 11 and the support element 6), said second part 12 being provided with a cross-section, said The cross-section is smaller than that of the first part 11 and in any case enables the end product B to pass through said outflow part 30 and The channel defined by the second portion 12 exits the cavity 5 . In this way, the beverage B contained in the capsule 1 can escape substantially entirely by gravity.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the second part 12 has a generally circular cross-section similar to the cross-section of the first part 11, but with a smaller diameter so as not to interfere with the cross-section of the first part 11. Lean on the annular wall 31. As shown in Fig. 6, the side wall 10a of the nozzle 10 at the second part 12 and the annular wall 31 of the outflow part 30 define or form a channel through which the final product B can exit.

The shape of the cross-section of the second part 12 can also be elliptical or polygonal, so as to form, together with the annular wall 31 of the outflow part 30 , an outlet channel for the final product B.

A cover element 8 is fixed to the first edge 7 and/or to the outer surface 6a of the support element 6 to hermetically close the bladder 1 . The cover element 8 , which typically comprises an aluminum or plastic film, can be perforated by an injection device of a dispensing machine adapted to receive the capsule 1 of the invention.

The support element 6 comprises a body having a generally flat shape (for example a disc) and said body is provided with one or more openings 18 (for example two) for guiding the product P to the capsule 1 during the filling step of the capsule 1 in cavity 5.

The support element 6 comprises an inner surface 6b opposite the outer surface 6a and to which the nozzle 10 is fixed. The outer surface 6a is provided with a supply hole 19 which is in fluid communication with the inner duct 10c of said nozzle 10 and which can be engaged by an injection means of a dispensing machine suitable for dispensing said fluid F.

The support element 6 further comprises at least one vent hole 20 to enable air or inert gas contained in the bladder 1 to escape when the fluid F is introduced into the cavity 5 . Likewise, the vent hole 20 may be engaged by the injection device of the dispensing machine.

The support element 6 and the nozzle 10 may consist of a single body, for example by an injection molding process of plastic.

It should be noted that, due to the support element 6 provided with supply holes 19 and vent holes 20, the injection device of the dispensing machine does not interact with the initial product P and/or with the mixture/final product B during the preparation step and during the subsequent dispensing step. touch. In other words, the supply circuit of the machine comprising the injection device is not soiled or polluted by the primary and/or final product, which ensures the hygiene of the dispensing process and the quality of the final product per dispense, preserving its organoleptic properties.

The operation or use of the capsule 1 of the invention in a dispensing machine enables the delivery of the fluid F inside the cavity 5 through the opening 21 of the nozzle 10 in a first operation step D1 . The nozzle 10 is supplied, for example, by an injection device of the dispensing machine, which is able to penetrate the cap element 8 and engage the supply hole 19 .

During this step, the inert air and/or gas in the cavity 5 can escape through the vent hole 20, which is also opened by the injection means of the dispensing machine.

The fluid F introduced by the multiple jets through the opening 21 can interact with the initial product P to slowly form the final product B (typically a beverage). In this step, the shell 2 of the capsule 1 is in the initial configuration K (that is, it is not compressed or crushed) and the end 10b of the nozzle is engaged, inserted in the outflow portion 30 in a sealing manner, at which point the The outflow section 30 is complete.

Once the final product B has been obtained, after a preset time has elapsed and/or a preset amount of fluid F has been delivered, in a second operational step D2 the cavity 5 is isolated by closing the vent hole 20 and stepwise in direction A The housing 2 is compressed and collapsed in order to enable the nozzle 10 to pierce the outflow portion 30 (in particular, the bottom wall 32 ) and exit from the cavity 5 .

Since the first part 11 of the nozzle 10 bears against and slides inside the annular wall 31 of the outflow part 30 in a sealing manner, the end product B can initially only pass through said further opening 22 from the cavity 5 exits, and then exits from the cavity 5 through the opening 21 which becomes external to the cavity 5 as the nozzle extends stepwise to the outside of the capsule 1 .

Since the cavity 5 is closed (vent 20 is closed), the end product B contained in the cavity 5 is forced by pressure to exit through the opening 21 inside the cavity 5 by collapsing and compressing the shell 2 .

By continuing the compression and flattening of the shell 2, the second part 12 of the nozzle 10 is inserted into the outflow part 30, thereby opening the passage for the complete exit of the end product B from the capsule 1 (Fig. 6).

If the volume of the cavity 5 corresponds to the final volume to be dispensed into the consumption container, the nozzle 10 is not supplied with further fluid F by the injection means of the dispensing machine during the second operating step D2.

On the other hand, if the volume of the capsule 1 is smaller than the final volume to be dispensed into the consumption container, the nozzle 10 is supplied with additional fluid F by means of the injection device during a second operating step D2. The additional fluid F is dispensed directly into the consumption container 100 to dilute the final product B to the desired concentration.

It should also be noted that for initially percolated or infused products (such as, for example, tea, or herbal teas or infusions), the nozzle 10 generally acts as a filter, since the opening 21 dispenses during the second operation as disclosed above. The insoluble particles and bodies of the initial product P, such as tea leaves or coffee grounds, are kept and locked inside the cavity 5 in step D2, while these openings 21 enable the exit of the final product B thus obtained.

The nozzle 10 further enables almost insoluble or slowly dissolving products and/or products containing thickeners and/or stabilizers or freeze-dried or dehydrated products to be completely dehydrated without manual intervention by the user. Dissolving and melting in order to obtain a dense or viscous end product (eg chocolate) which melts completely and is free from lumps and lumps. During the dispensing step (second operating step D2), when the shell 2 is compressed and flattened, initially the mixture of product P and fluid F is in fact forced through the opening 21 of the nozzle 10, and it is mixed in this way , dissolve and dissolve.

The size, shape, inclination, number and arrangement of the openings 21 on the nozzle 10 can be appropriately selected according to the type and composition of the original product P.

The capsule 1 of the invention also has the advantage of dispensing the final product B directly into the consumption container 100 (cup, glass, etc.) without the need for perforations underneath. By compressing and collapsing the capsule 1 (i.e. the shell 2), the nozzle 10 opens the outflow portion 30 of the bottom wall 3 and enables the final product B to exit in a controlled manner through the further opening 22 and subsequently through the opening 21 directly for consumption. in the container.

The capsule 1 of the invention can thus be used on dispensing machines without a dispensing circuit, since the capsule does not require extraction means suitable for piercing its bottom to enable the beverage to exit or for delivering the beverage to a consumption container (such as a Marker). cups, mugs, glasses, etc.) plumbing fixtures.

The absence of a dispensing circuit makes the dispensing machine simpler and cheaper and further ensures the hygiene of the dispensing process and the maintenance of the quality of the dispensed beverage, since contamination between subsequently dispensed beverages is impossible.

Another advantage of the capsule 1 is that it does not require a dedicated hermetic packaging, since the bottom wall 3 and the outflow portion 30 hermetically isolate the cavity 5 from the external environment in order to protect the original product P.

FIG. 7 shows a variant of the capsule 1 of the invention which differs from the previously disclosed embodiments in that it comprises an outflow portion 40 provided with an outlet orifice 42 closed by a closure element 43. Hermetically closed, said closing element 43 is fixed to the outside of the peripheral wall 41 of the above-mentioned outflow portion 40 and together with said peripheral wall forms a space 45 suitable for partially housing the end 10 b of the nozzle 10 . The closure element 43 is, for example, a plastic film or an aluminum film which is piercable or at least partially detachable by the end 10b when the shell 2 is compressed and crushed.

Referring to FIG. 8 , there is provided another variant of the bladder 1 of the invention which differs from the previously disclosed embodiment in that it comprises a different nozzle 50 . The nozzle 50 comprises a first part 51 without openings in the side walls and a second part 52 of varying cross-section, which on the other hand is provided with a plurality of openings 55 . In particular, the second portion 52 comprises a first portion adjacent to the first portion 51 having a reduced cross-section to enable the final product B to exit through the outflow portion 30 (when the shell is substantially fully compressed and when crushed); and a second portion adjacent to the support element 6, which has an expanded cross-section and is provided with an opening 55. The end of the nozzle 50 has one or more additional openings.

In a first operating step D1 , the initial product P on the bottom of the capsule is sprayed from above by the fluid F delivered through the opening 55 .

In a second operational step D2 , the compression and flattening of the shell 2 pushes the final product B through the opening 55 into the spout 50 to exit from the end and into the consumption container 100 .

FIG. 9 shows yet another variant of the bladder 1 according to the invention, which differs from the embodiment in FIG. 1 by a nozzle 60 comprising a second part 62 positioned at Between the first part 61 of the opening 65 and the support element 6, it is provided with a plurality of grooves 63 (for example longitudinal), which together with the annular wall 31 of the outflow part 30 form an outlet for the end product B aisle.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , there is provided yet another variant of the bladder 1 of the invention, which differs from the previously disclosed embodiment by a different nozzle 70 . The nozzle 70 comprises a first portion 71 extending from the end 70b to the support element 6, ie it has no second portion of reduced cross-section. The first portion 71 is provided along its entire length with a plurality of openings 75 formed in the side wall 70a, the openings 75 being angularly and linearly spaced from each other.

In a first operating step D1 , the primary product P located in the cavity 5 is sprayed by the fluid F delivered through the opening 75 . After the soaking step, in a second operational step D2 , the shell 2 is partially compressed and flattened so that the nozzle 70 can open the outflow portion 30 . The vent hole 20 is left open to allow air to escape from the cavity 5 . In this way, the final product B can exit by gravity through the opening 75 and a further opening 76 provided on the end 70b of the nozzle. Dispensing in this example does not require the shell to be completely flattened. The deformation of the capsule is particularly suitable for preparing beverages from the original infused product.

FIGS. 12 to 15 show a further variant of the bladder 1 according to the invention, which differs from the previously disclosed embodiments by a different configuration of the nozzle 80 and of the outflow portion 90 of the bottom wall 3 .

The nozzle 80 is substantially similar to that of the bladder 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4, except that it has a different end 80b of generally trumpet shape. More precisely, the end 80b has a further opening 82 for distributing the fluid F, and a rim or outer flange 80d peripherally surrounding said further opening 82, said further opening 82 having the same internal cross-section as the nozzle. equal cross section.

The outflow portion 90 is open, ie it has an outlet opening 94 which is however closed in a sealing manner by the nozzle 80 . The outflow portion 90 in fact comprises an annular wall 91 extending for example inside the cavity 5 and forming an outlet opening 94 . The annular wall 91 is adapted to engage a corresponding side wall 80a of the nozzle 80 in a sealing manner at the first portion 83 of the nozzle 80 . The cross-section of the nozzle 80 at the first portion 83 and the cross-section of the annular wall 91 have complementary shapes. To ensure sealing, the nozzle 80 is inserted into the annular wall 91 and slides inside the annular wall 91 with an interference fit. In the initial configuration K of the capsule 1 and during the first operating step D1, when the shell 2 is in its original shape (i.e. not compressed or crushed), the end 80b of the nozzle 80 is inserted (through the outlet hole 94) in the In the outflow portion 90 and engaged in the outflow portion 90 in a sealing manner. In particular, the side wall 80 a bears against the annular wall 91 in a sealing manner, while the flange 80 d bears against the outer surface of the bottom wall 3 . A further closure element 93 is provided to hermetically close said further opening 82 of the nozzle 80 and to protect and isolate the product P contained in the pouch from the external environment. Said further closure element 93 further prevents fluid F and/or beverage B from exiting capsule 1 when fluid F is delivered through opening 81 of nozzle 80 into cavity 5 during a first operating step D1 ( FIG. 13 ) .

Said further closure element 93 is removably fixed to the outer surface of the bottom wall 3 and can be easily detached by the user before introducing the capsule 1 into the dispensing machine or by the nozzle 80 in a second operational step D2 . In this operating step, the cavity 5 is isolated by closing the vent holes 20, and the shell 2 is progressively compressed and flattened in the direction A in order to enable the nozzle 80 to inject the additional The closing element 93 of is disassembled and exits from the cavity 5 in order to dispense the beverage B into the consumption container through said further opening 82 . In a second operational step D2, the opening 81 inside the cavity 5 receives the final product B and/or the mixture of said initial product P and said fluid F, while the opening 81 outside the cavity 5 receives the final product B and /or Fluid F is dispensed in a consumption container.

Alternatively, the further closure element 93 may be removably fixed to the outer flange 80d such that the further opening 82 is hermetically closed. In this example, the further closure element 93 has to be detached by the user before the capsule 1 is introduced into the dispensing machine.

Figure 15 shows an embodiment of the bladder in Figure 10 comprising a further nozzle 77 secured to the support element 6'. The support element 6' comprises on the outer surface 6a' a further supply hole 23 which is in fluid communication with the inner duct of said further nozzle 77 and which can be engaged by the injection means of the dispensing machine.

Said further nozzle 77 can be used in the second operating step D2 to inject the fluid F inside the cavity 5, while the nozzle 70 dispenses the beverage B into the consumption container.

Additional nozzles can also be provided for the capsules of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 .

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , another variant of the capsule 1 of the invention is shown, which differs from the previously disclosed embodiment in that it does not have a support element of the nozzle fixed to the edge 7 of the shell 2 . In this example, the nozzle 110 is sealingly engaged by and supported by the outflow portion 120 of the bottom wall 3 - generally held in an upright position. The outflow portion 120 is open and has a corresponding outlet hole 124 , which is however closed in a sealing manner by the nozzle 110 . The outflow portion 120 comprises an annular wall 121 forming an outlet hole 124 and adapted to engage in a sealing manner a corresponding side wall 110a of the nozzle 110 at the first portion 111 of the nozzle 110 and to support the corresponding side wall 110a of the nozzle 110 . The cross-section of the nozzle 110 at the first portion 111 and the cross-section of the annular wall 121 have complementary shapes. To ensure sealing, the nozzle 110 is inserted into the annular wall 121 and slides inside the annular wall 121 with an interference fit. The length of the annular wall 121 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X is such that the nozzle 110 is properly supported and held in a substantially upright position, thus requiring no fixing of the nozzle 110 to a support element.

The outflow portion 120 further comprises a connecting wall 122 connecting the annular wall 121 to the bottom wall 3 .

The nozzle 110 comprises a first portion 111 provided with openings 113 spaced angularly from each other around the side wall 110a and linearly along the side wall 110a to enable a plurality of fluid jets F to be distributed inside the cavity 5 . The nozzle 110 includes an end portion 110b having a generally trumpet shape. More precisely, the end 110b has a further opening 114 for dispensing the fluid F, the cross-section of which is equal to the inner cross-section of the nozzle, and a corresponding edge or outer flange 110d peripherally surrounding said further opening 114 .

The nozzle 110 comprises a further end 110 e opposite said end 110 b and provided with a further inlet and outlet 115 providing access to the inner duct 110 c of the nozzle 110 . Said further end portion 110e is arranged to engage with an injection device of a dispensing machine suitable for dispensing said fluid F.

The capsule 1 is provided with a cover element 8 fixed to the edge 7 of the shell 2 to hermetically close the cavity 5 and to be perforated by an injection device of a dispensing machine. The cover element 8 may further be secured to said further end 110e so as to help support the nozzle 110 .

In the initial configuration K of the capsule 1 and during the first operating step D1, when the shell 2 is in its original shape (ie not compressed or crushed), the end 110b of the nozzle 110 is inserted into the outlet hole 124 and Outflow portion 120 is engaged in a sealing manner. In particular, the side wall 110 a bears against the annular wall 121 in a sealing manner, while the outer flange 110 d bears against the outer surface of the bottom wall 3 .

A further closure element 123 is provided to hermetically close said further opening 114 of the nozzle 110 and to protect and isolate the product P contained in the pouch from the external environment. Said further closure element 123 further prevents the fluid F and/or the beverage B of the capsule 1 from exiting when the fluid F is delivered through the opening 113 of the nozzle 110 into the cavity 5 during the first operating step D1 ( FIG. 16 ) .

Said further closure element 123 is removably fixed to the outer flange 110d of the nozzle and/or the outer surface of the bottom wall 3 and can be easily detached by the user before the capsule 1 is introduced into the dispensing machine or in a second operation. It is easily disassembled by the nozzle 110 in step D2.

In a second operational step D2, at the end of the dispensing of the fluid F into the cavity 5 (and at the end of the possible soaking period of the product P), similarly to what happened for the previously disclosed capsule, compression and The shell 2 is crushed in order to enable the exit of the nozzle 110 from the cavity 5 (possibly detaching the further closure element 123 ) to dispense the beverage B through the further opening 114 into the consumption container.

In a second operating step D2, the opening 113 inside the cavity 5 receives the end product B, while the opening 113 outside the cavity 5 dispenses the end product B and/or the fluid F into the consumption container.

If the shell 2 is partially compressed and flattened to enable the exit of the nozzle 110 from the outflow portion 120 , a vent hole can be formed in the cover element 8 to enable the exit of air from the cavity 5 . In this way, the final product B can exit through said further opening 114 by gravity. In this example, the distribution does not need to completely flatten the shell.

Referring to Figures 18 and 19, there is shown another variant of the bladder 1 of the invention which differs from the embodiment disclosed above and shown in Figures 16 and 17 by a nozzle 210 comprising A first portion 211 without openings and a second portion 212 provided with a plurality of further openings 222 . The second part 212 adjacent to the first part 211 has a shape substantially flared from the first part 211 so as to be locked in the outflow part 120 and not exit from the cavity 5 when the shell 2 is compressed and flattened.

The nozzle 210 is engaged in a sealing manner by the outflow portion 120 of the bottom wall 3 and is supported in an upright position by the outflow portion 120 of the bottom wall 3 . The outflow portion 120 is open and has a corresponding outlet opening 124 which is closed in a sealing manner by the nozzle 210 . The outflow portion 120 comprises an annular wall 121 forming an outlet hole 124 and adapted to engage in a sealing manner a corresponding side wall 210a of the nozzle 210 at a first portion 211 of the nozzle 210 and to support a corresponding side wall 210a of the nozzle 210 . The length of the annular wall 121 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X is such that the nozzle 210 is properly supported and held in a substantially upright position, thus requiring no fixing of the nozzle 210 to a support element.

The outflow portion 120 further comprises a connecting wall 122 connecting the annular wall 121 to the bottom wall 3 .

The nozzle 210 in this embodiment also includes an end portion 210b having a generally trumpet shape and being provided with a further opening 214 for dispensing the fluid F and a corresponding rim or outer projection surrounding the further opening 214. rim 210d, said further opening 214 has a cross-section equal to the inner cross-section of the nozzle.

The nozzle 210 comprises a further end 210e opposite the end 210b (ie at the second portion 212) and provided with a further inlet and outlet 215 providing access to the inner duct 210c of the nozzle 210 . Said further end portion 210e is arranged to engage with an injection device of a dispensing machine suitable for dispensing said fluid F.

A cover element 8 is fixed to the edge 7 of the shell 2 to hermetically close the cavity 5 and can be perforated by an injection device of the dispensing machine. The cover element 8 may further be secured to said further end 210e so as to help support the nozzle 210 .

In the initial configuration K of the bladder 1 , the shell 2 is in the original shape (ie not compressed or crushed) and the end 210b of the nozzle 210 is inserted into the outlet hole 124 and engages the outflow portion 120 in a sealing manner. In particular, the side wall 210 a bears against the annular wall 121 in a sealing manner, while the outer flange 210 d bears against the outer surface of the bottom wall 3 .

A further closure element 123 is provided to hermetically close said further opening 214 of the spout 210 in order to protect the product P contained in the pouch from the external environment and to isolate the product P contained in the pouch from the external environment and to prevent Initially product P leaves.

Said further closure element 123 is detachably fixed to the outer flange 210d of the nozzle and/or the outer surface of the bottom wall 3 and can be easily detached by the user before the capsule 1 is introduced into the dispensing machine or can be removed by the nozzle 210 Easily disassembled.

The capsule is suitable for initial products in liquid form, such as concentrates to be diluted during dispensing.

Using this variant of the capsule 1 provides in a first operational step D1 an operation in which the injection device of the dispensing machine pierces the cap element 8 so as to engage said further end 210e of the nozzle 210 in a sealing manner, without however delivering fluid.

The second operational step D2 is divided into two successive sub-steps. In a first stage (opening sub-step), the shell 2 is compressed and flattened in direction A in order to enable the opening of the bottom of the capsule 1 by the disassembly of said further closure element 123, possibly due to the pressure inside the capsule. The increase and the effect of the nozzle 210 gradually leaving the cavity 5 occur. The air contained inside the cavity 5 can exit through the inner duct 210c of the nozzle 210 from said further opening 222 .

Subsequently (dispensing, dilution sub-steps), the shell 2 is further compressed and flattened in the direction A and the fluid F is delivered in the nozzle 210 by means of the injection device, so that the primary product P is released from the capsule 1 through said additional opening 222 of the nozzle 210. exits and it combines and mixes with fluid F in internal conduit 210c. The final product B suitably diluted from the concentrated initial product P is then dispensed into consumption containers (Figure 19).

The quantity (liquid level) of the primary product P inside the cavity 5 is such that the primary product P can exit the further opening 222 only when the end 210 b of the nozzle 210 is no longer covered by the further cover element 123 .

The dispensing of fluid F can last as long as the crushing of the shell 2 has taken place, or for a longer time. In the latter case, the final product B will be further diluted inside the consumption container.

At the end of the flattening of the shell 2 , the second portion 212 and said further opening 222 remain inside the capsule 1 .

Thanks to the capsule of the invention, it is thus possible to dilute in a diluent fluid in an optimal manner, or to mix or blend the initial product P, usually a concentrated liquid solution. This dilution/mixing, which takes place directly inside the nozzle 210 , makes it possible to dispense the already ready end product into the consumption container.

Referring to FIGS. 20 , 21 and 22 , there is shown another variant of the bladder 1 of the invention which differs from the previously disclosed embodiment in that it comprises a filter element 300 fixed to a nozzle 310 . The nozzle 310 also in this embodiment comprises a first part 311 which ends with an end 310b provided with a further opening 314 for dispensing the fluid F or the final product B and surrounding said further opening 310b. The corresponding edge or outer flange 310d of the opening 314, said further opening 314 having a cross-section equal to the inner cross-section of the nozzle. As in the previously disclosed embodiment of the capsule, also in this variant the nozzle 310 comprises an opening (not shown) through which the fluid F is directed inside the cavity 5 of the capsule 1 to interact with the primary product P. act so that the final product B is gradually formed. These openings act roughly as filters, since they retain and lock insoluble particles and bodies of the initial product P (such as tea leaves or coffee grounds) inside the cavity 5, while they allow the final product B thus obtained to exit freely. .

As more clearly visible in the view in FIG. 20 a , the filter element 300 comprises an outer edge 300 a heat welded to an outer flange 310 d and a filter region 300 b facing the further opening 314 and arranged as Passed by fluid F or by end product B.

Alternatively, the outer edge 300a may be glued to the outer flange 310d by a suitable adhesive of known type.

Fluid F or product B exiting the opening 314 passes through the filter region 300b before reaching the consumption container. The filter area 300b thus makes it possible to keep possible ultra-fines and micro-residues of the primary product P inside the cavity 5 so as to prevent them from dripping inside the consumption container.

Also in this embodiment, the capsule 1 comprises a further closure element 323 to hermetically close said further opening 314 of the nozzle 110 and to protect the product P contained in the capsule from the external environment and to be contained in the capsule. The product P is isolated from the external environment. Said further closure element 323 further prevents fluid F and/or beverage B from exiting the capsule 1 during the first operating step D1 ( FIG. 21 ). The further closure element 323 is arranged such that it covers and protects the filter element 300 , as can be better seen from the exploded view in FIG. 20 .

Said further closure element 323 is removably fixed to the outer surface of the bottom wall 3 and can be easily detached by the nozzle 310 in a second operation step D2 ( FIG. 22 ).

Claims (18)

1. include a capsule for compressible shell (2), described shell be provided with diapire (3) with And sidewall (4), described diapire and sidewall limit cavity (5), described cavity contains and needs to be wanted Combine to obtain the initial product (P) of final products (B) with fluid (F), wherein, described The described sidewall (4) of shell be along preset compliance circuit compressible, enable to along with Described shell (2) is compressed in the substantially orthogonal direction (A) of described diapire (3), it is characterised in that Described capsule includes: be provided with the multiple openings (21 passed through for described fluid (F)；55；65；75； 81；113；222) nozzle (10；50；60；70；80；110；210；310), described nozzle (10； 50；60；70；80；110；210；310) with described diapire (3) go out stream part (30；40；90； 120) engage and go out stream part (30 described in being arranged in when described shell (2) is compressed passing through； 40；90；120) leave from described cavity (5), described nozzle (10；50；60；70；90；110； 210；310) Part I (11 is included；51；61；71；83；111；211；311), described first Part goes out stream part (30 described in being arranged to be resisted against in a sealing fashion；40；90；120) on also Go out to flow partial interior slip described in an interference fit, so that described final products (B) at least initially only by described nozzle (10；50；60；70；80；110；210；310) At least one other opening (22；76；82；114；214；314) from described cavity (5) from Open.

Capsule the most according to claim 1, it is characterised in that described nozzle (10；50；60； 70；80；110) include that the tube element of rigidity, the tube element of described rigidity have accordingly Sidewall (10a；80a；110a；210a) and end (10b；80b；110b；210b), described Corresponding sidewall is provided with the plurality of opening, and the most described shell in described end (2) is not pressed Stream part (30 is gone out described in the initially structure (K) of contracting is engaged in；40；90；120) in.

Capsule the most according to claim 2, it is characterised in that described end (10b；80b； 110b；210b) being provided with at least one other opening described, described at least one is other Opening be arranged in when described shell (2) is compressed by described fluid (F) and/or described finally Product (B) directly distributes to consumer containers (100).

4. according to the capsule described in Claims 2 or 3, it is characterised in that described nozzle (110； 210) include and described end (110b；210b) relative other end (110e；210e), Described other end is provided with corresponding import and export (115；215) and be arranged to engage suitable Injection device together in the dispensation machines distributing described fluid (F).

Capsule the most according to claim 1, it is characterised in that the plurality of opening is along institute State nozzle (10；60；70；80；110) it is scattered in so that the most described shell (2) is uncompressed The first operating procedure (D1) in, the plurality of opening by described fluid (F) distribute to institute State in cavity (5), and compressed when described shell (2) in the second operating procedure (D2) And described nozzle (10；60；70；80；110) when described cavity (5) is moved partly from, In the plurality of opening be positioned at the internal opening of cavity (5) receive final products (B) and/ Or described initial product (P) and the mixture of described fluid (F), and in the plurality of opening Be positioned at the outside opening of cavity (5) by described final products (B) and/or described fluid (F) It is allocated in consumer containers (100).

Capsule the most according to claim 1, it is characterised in that described in go out stream part (30； 40；90；120) annular wall (31 is included；41；91；121), described annular wall is arranged in institute State Part I (11；51；61；71；83；111；211) place is resisted against described spray in a sealing fashion Mouth (10；80；110；210) corresponding sidewall (10a；80a；110a；On 210a).

Capsule the most according to claim 6, it is characterised in that described in go out stream part (30) Including base wall (32), described base wall is connected to described annular wall (31) so that being formed suitable Space (35) together in the end (10b) of accommodating described nozzle (10)；When described shell (2) When being compressed, the end (10b) of described nozzle (10) can make described base wall (32) rupture.

Capsule the most according to claim 6, it is characterised in that described in go out stream part (40) Including the outlet opening (42) closed hermetically by closure elements (43), described closure elements is fixed Go out described in Zhi outside the peripheral wall (41) of stream part and together formed with peripheral wall to be suitable for holding Put the space (45) of the end (10b) of described nozzle (10), described closure elements (43) Can be penetrated by the described end (10b) of described nozzle (10) when described shell (2) compresses Or dismounting.

Capsule the most according to claim 6, it is characterised in that described in go out stream part (90； 120) include by described nozzle (80；110；210) outlet opening (94 closed hermetically；124).

Capsule the most according to claim 9, it is characterised in that include closure elements (93； 123), described closure elements can be fixed to described nozzle (80 with removing；110；210) end (80b；110b；Peripheral edge (80d 210b)；110d；210d) and/or be fixed to the described end The outer surface of wall (3), thus close at least one other opening described hermetically.

11. capsules according to claim 6, it is characterised in that described annular wall (121) It is arranged to support described nozzle (110；210) and by described nozzle (110；210) remain Generally upstanding.

12. capsules according to claim 1, it is characterised in that described nozzle (10；50；60) Including with described Part I (11；51；61) adjacent and with described diapire (3) separately Part II (12；52；62), described Part II (12；52；62) cross section is set to Make described final products (B) can be compressed for making described second in described shell (2) Divide (12；52；62) be in described in when going out stream part (30) place by by described go out stream part (30) With described Part II (12；52；62) passage limited leaves from described cavity (5).

13. capsules according to claim 10, it is characterised in that include being fixed to described shell (2) cap member (8) at edge (7) is to close described capsule (1), described Gai Yuan hermetically Part (8) can be suitable for receiving the injection device of the dispensation machines of described capsule (1) and penetrate.

14. capsules according to claim 13, it is characterised in that described nozzle (110；210) Including with described end (110b；210b) relative other end (110e；210e), institute State other end and be provided with corresponding import and export (115；215) and be arranged to engage be suitable for In the injection device of the dispensation machines distributing described fluid (F), and described cap member (8) It is optionally further secured to described other end (110e；210e).

15. capsules according to claim 1, it is characterised in that include being fixed to described shell (2) edge (7) and the support component (6 in the face of described cavity (5)；6 '), described nozzle (10；50；60；70；90) it is fixed to described support component (6；6’).

16. capsules according to claim 1, it is characterised in that include being fixed to described spray The filter element (300) of mouth (310).

17. capsules according to claim 16, it is characterised in that described filter element (300) Including outward flange (300a) and filtration zone (300b), described outward flange is soldered to described spray The external flange (310d) of the end (310b) of mouth (310), described filtration zone is in the face of institute State at least one other opening and be arranged to by described fluid (F) and/or by described Finished product (B) passes.

18. 1 kinds for by being transferred to be loaded with the root of initial product (P) by fluid (F) The side of final products (B) is obtained according to the inside of the capsule (1) described in arbitrary aforementioned claim Method, including:

-at the nozzle (10 of described capsule (1)；50；60；70；80；110) provide the plurality of in Opening and in the first operating procedure (D1) by the plurality of opening by described in limited amount In the cavity (5) of fluid (F) distribution extremely described capsule (1), at the first operating procedure (D1) Described in capsule (1) be in the un-compressed initial structure of the shell (2) (K) of wherein said capsule (1) In；

-compress described shell (2) in the second operating procedure (D2) so that described nozzle (10； 50；60；70；80；110) stream part (30 is gone out from the diapire (3) of described capsule (1)；40；90； 120) leave；

-described nozzle (10 is provided；50；60；70；80；110) at least Part I (11；51； 61；71；83；111), described Part I be arranged to be resisted against in a sealing fashion described in go out stream Partly (30；40；90；120) upper and when described shell (2) is compressed described go out stream part Internal slide, so that when described nozzle (10 in described second operating procedure (D2)；50； 60；70；80；110) when described cavity (5) is moved partly from, in the plurality of opening The opening being positioned in described cavity (5) receives described final products (B) and/or described primiparity Product (P) and the mixture of described fluid (F), and the plurality of opening is positioned at described sky Described final products (B) and/or described fluid (F) are allocated in by the opening of outside, chamber (5) In consumer containers (100).