EP1555219A1 - Single portion cartridge for the preparation of a beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

It is proposed a portion capsule with ground coffee (KP) for producing a coffee beverage. In this case, the capsule bottom (7) is provided with a passage (22) which is closed by means of a gas-tight film (21). This film (21) is manually removed before inserting the portion capsule into the coffee maker. Between the passage (22) and the coffee (KP), a filter element (2) is arranged, which prevents the escape of coffee. The passage (22) is to prevent that when brewing a coffee beverage, a hydraulic pressure build-up takes place in the capsule, which would lead to foaming.

Description

The invention relates to a portion capsule with ground coffee for the production a coffee beverage according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such portion capsules are known in many variants, in particular Portion capsules for the production of espresso coffee are known. The fundamental Advantage of such capsules is that they are gas-tight and the coffee powder under Exclusion of oxygen is absorbed in the capsule. This keeps that in the Capsule received coffee powder over a long period of fresh. For brewing of the coffee powder absorbed in the capsule are both manual, semi-automatic as well as fully automatic espresso coffee machines used. at In manual coffee makers, the capsule usually becomes a capsule holder used, which is then manually attached to the coffee machine. Both Semi-automatic coffee machines, the capsule in a capsule carrier or directly inserted into the brewing chamber, which latter then by means of a central by hand to be actuated lever is closed. For fully automatic coffee machines however, the capsule is removed from a magazine, then automatically the Brühkammer fed and after brewing or extracting without action of the User ejected into a container. All three types of Coffee machines generally have one with radial outlet openings Brühdorn provided for the introduction of brewing water, the puncture of the Bottom and lid of the capsule is formed. Also known in particular manual coffee machines in which the capsule holder with a variety of on a drain grate arranged surveys is provided which the lid of the Capsule break up as soon as brewing water from the elevations opposite Side introduced into the capsule and the latter by the hydraulic pressure against these surveys is pressed. During the subsequent brewing process is the Brewing water is introduced via the brooder into the capsule, leaving it in it Cushioned coffee powder flow under overpressure and through the openings in the Lid or bottom can escape. Regardless of whether it is a manual too operated coffee machine or a semi or fully automatic coffee machine In any case, this is designed and matched to the capsule that the finished coffee is provided on the surface with a foam layer, which u.a. when Quality characteristic for a high quality coffee is considered.

Although great efforts have been made, the finished coffee at the To provide surface with a durable foam layer comes in some countries Increases the desire on, with generic portion capsules too To be able to produce conventional coffee in the sense of a filter coffee.

From US2003 / 172813 a generic portion capsule is known in the a water-extractable substance for making a beverage, preferably an espresso coffee, is added. It is between the Capsule bottom and the substance and / or between the capsule lid and the Substance a sieve-like organ arranged, which with a variety of axial Openings is provided. The respective organ is with against the capsule bottom or the Capsule lid directed embossments provided so that between the respective Organ and the capsule bottom or the capsule lid fluid channels formed become. In these fluid channels, the brewing water on the Distribute the capsule cross section or collect the brewed coffee beverage. In order to prevent the respective organ from being pierced when the capsule is pierced is, the respective organ has a central, directed against the capsule interior Deepening in which the piercing means after piercing the soil or the lid can extend. Although such a portion capsule is very good For the production of espresso coffee, it is not for the production of filter coffee predestined, since the capsule a high flow through the brewing water Resistance, which practically inevitably leads to foaming.

EP 0 326 685 discloses a brewing chamber designed as a disposable article Container known which is collapsible and at the bottom of a filter bag with Tea or ground coffee is stuck. The container is preferably made of paper, Cardboard or the like made. The bottom of the container is below the Filter bag provided with a drain opening, over which the liquid coffee can drain. In a preferred embodiment of the container is the Drain opening on the outside closed by means of a peelable film. One such container is suitable for use in a conventional Filter coffee machine, however, he can not together with a Espresso coffee machine can be used.

The invention aims to develop a portion capsule such that these in A conventional espresso coffee machine can be used to connect with it Conventional coffee beverage to produce, which on the surface no has appreciable foam layer and the taste of a conventional filter coffee equivalent.

For this purpose, according to the invention, a portion capsule according to claim 1 provided.

By at least the capsule bottom with a formed by a recess Passage is provided, the hydraulic pressure build-up during brewing and Extracting the coffee contained in the capsule is intended to prevent the basic requirement created to deal with such a portion capsule to make a coffee in a conventional espresso coffee machine in the Appearance and taste corresponds to a standard filter coffee. The passage makes sure that the brewing water fed forcibly does not generate significant pressure build-up in the capsule. Thus, the brewing water without much resistance through the capsule including the absorbed therein Coffee powder flow, whereby a foaming successfully prevented can. To prevent the coffee powder absorbed in the capsule from over the Passage out of the capsule or together with the extraction medium - Brühwasser- to be flushed out, is between the passage and in the Capsule received coffee powder arranged a filter element. In spite of the Passage a good shelf life of the absorbed in the capsule coffee powder ensure the passage is closed by means of a gas-tight film. The latter is either manually removable or designed so that they are from a piercing can be easily punctured.

Preferred developments of the portion capsule are in the dependent claims. 2 defined to 23.

Fig. 1

die Einzelteile einer Portionenkapsel in einer Explosionsdarstellung;

Fig. 2

einen Längsschnitt durch ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Portionenkapsel;

Fig. 3

einen Längsschnitt durch ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Portionenkapsel, und

Fig. 4

einen vergrösserten Ausschnitt der Kapsel gemäss Fig.3.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. In these drawings shows:

Fig. 1

the items of a portion capsule in an exploded view;

Fig. 2

a longitudinal section through a first embodiment of a portion capsule;

Fig. 3

a longitudinal section through a second embodiment of a portion capsule, and

Fig. 4

an enlarged section of the capsule according to Fig.3.

The portion capsule according to FIG. 1 consists of a cup-shaped lower part 1, a lower filter element 2, an upper distributor 3 and a lid 4. The between the filter element 2 and the distributor 3 in the lower part 1 to be absorbed Coffee powder is not apparent from this illustration. The filter element 2 and the Distributor 3 are dimensionally stable and formed substantially plate-shaped and preferably produced by deep drawing.

The upwardly conically slightly widening lower part 1 is in the upper area with a circumferential shoulder 5 provided on the inside an annular Shoulder 5a forms, which serves to support the upper distributor element 3. On the Top side, the cup has a peripheral edge 6, on which the lid. 4 fastened-preferably welded-on. As indicated schematically, is the Bottom of the cup with a round recess 20 to form a passage 22nd provided, which is covered by a film 21. The foil 21 has a tab L, which projects beyond the cup 1 side and a manual peeling off the film 21st allows. The cup 1, the lid 4 as well as the film 21 consist of a gas-tight multi-layer composite material, wherein the lower part 1 compared to Cover 4 and the film 21 is relatively stiff, dimensionally stable, elastic and tough. After this Closing the recess 20 with the film 21 and the welding of the Cover 4 with the lower part 1 is the capsule and thus their contents airtight locked. All of these films preferably have at least one gas-tight layer and a layer of a thermoplastic polymer. Layers from one thermoplastic polymer can be easily welded together, for example by means of heat or ultrasound.

The substantially plate-shaped filter element 2 is provided with a circumferential Provided edge 11 and has a variety circular ring segment shaped Embossments 9, which rise above the underside of the filter element 2. If the filter element 2 is inserted into the cup 1, the coins 9 are the side of the Recess 20 at the bottom of the cup 1, so that between the embossments 9 and the cup base collecting channels 17 are formed, which proceeding from the Symmetry axis radially outward and circular around the axis of symmetry around extend. Outside the embossments 9 in the region of the liquid channels 17 is the Filter element 2 is provided with a plurality of openings 8. In the center of the Filter element 2 is a central, directed against the capsule interior recess 10th arranged, which is formed cone-shaped.

The upper distribution element 3 also has a plurality of circular ring segment-shaped designed embossments 13, which are called elevations over the top of the Lift distribution element 3. The distribution element 3 is with one on the outside circumferential, downwardly directed web 16 provided. By these coins 13 3 liquid channels 18 are formed on the top of the distribution element, which is starting from the symmetry axis radially outwards and circularly around the Extending symmetry axis around. Outside the imprints 13, in the area of Liquid channels 18, in turn, a plurality of openings 14 is provided. in the Center of the distribution element 3 is in turn a central, against the capsule interior directed recess 15 is arranged, which is formed cone-shaped. On the Outside the distribution element 3 is provided with an annular surface 19, opposite the liquid channels 18 is increased and with the top of the embossments 13 in substantially aligned.

When inserting the upper distribution element 3, this is supported by the web 16 on the circumferential shoulder 5a of paragraph 5 of the cup 1 from. When initiating Brewing water for preparing a coffee beverage is the upper distribution element. 3 in particular the uniform distribution of the brewing water over the entire Capsule cross-section, while the lower filter element 2 in particular the escape of To prevent coffee powder from the capsule. In addition, the upper distribution element 3 acts but also as a filter, while the lower filter element 2 also collecting and central diverting the brewed coffee beverage is used.

In order with respect to the capsule cross section as uniform as possible distribution of the Brühwassers and a uniform flow in the capsule To reach absorbed coffee powder, both in the distribution element. 3 as well as the recessed into the filter element 2 openings 14, 8 evenly over distributed the respective surface. The total cross section of the distribution in the second recessed openings 14 is at least 3%, preferably at least 5% of average capsule cross-section. This ratio also applies to the filter element 2. By this configuration, it can be ensured that the brewing water without significant resistance through the distributor element 3 into the capsule inflow and the brewed coffee beverage on the filter element 2 again can escape without significant resistance from the capsule. The recess 20 in the bottom 7 of the capsule also ensures that neither at the beginning nor during the Aufbrühvorgangs a hydraulic pressure build-up takes place in the capsule. Through this Embodiment may be the formation of a foam layer on the finished coffee beverage reliably prevented.

Nevertheless, the openings in the distribution or filter element 2, 3 should not be so large be that the ground coffee can escape from the capsule. This is the mean diameter of a single opening 8, 14 chosen smaller than the statistical Average of the diameter of a single particle of ground coffee. Around the brewing water on the part of the coffee powder not too big To counter flow resistance is the coffee taken up in the capsule relatively coarsely ground. The arithmetic mean of the diameter of a particle is in the present case between 400 and 600 microns.

Preferably, the film 21 has a different color than the capsule. The color of the For example, film can be chosen differently depending on the contents of the capsule. When changeable parameters are, for example, the amount, the mixture, the roasting and the degree of grinding of the coffee mentioned.

Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section through the capsule according to FIG. 1, wherein the Portion capsule filled with coffee powder KP. The coffee powder KP is between the enclosed lower filter element 2 and the upper distribution element 3 in the capsule. As can be seen from this illustration, by the bottom 7 of the cup. 1 upstanding embossments 9 of the filter element 2 fluid channels 17 formed in which the brewed coffee beverage via the embedded in the filter element 2 Openings 8 can flow. Likewise, by the embossments 13 in the distributor 3 fluid channels 18 formed between the distributor 3 and the cover 4, via which can distribute the brewing water, then through the openings 14 in the To infuse the inside of the capsule and to extract the coffee powder KP. By both the distribution element 3 as well as the filter element 2 are formed dimensionally stable, remain the channels 17, 18 obtained and even if outside forces on the Cover 4 or bottom 7 of the capsule act. Before inserting the capsule in the Coffee maker, the film 21 is pulled down, as interrupted by shown lines is indicated.

After the film 21 is removed, the capsule of a brewing chamber (not shown) be supplied. To puncture the portion capsule is then from the top Poking means in the form of a Aufstechdorns 23 pushed through the lid 4. Of the Aufstechdorn 23 is thereby guided in the region of the recess 15 through the lid 4, that the upper distribution element 3 is not pierced by Aufstechdorn 23. To the Feeding of the suggestively drawn brewing water 24 is the piercing spike 23 preferably provided with a central bore, in radial Outlets opens. In the present case, it is assumed that the Brewing water 24 is passed from top to bottom through the capsule. By the Liquid channels 18, the introduced brewing water evenly over the distributed throughout the capsule cross-section. About the openings 14 in the upper distributor member. 3 the brewing water enters the capsule interior, where it flows through the coffee powder KP. About the openings 8 in the lower filter element 2 reaches the brewed beverage the bottom of the filter element 2 and flows through the through the recess 20th formed passage 22 from the capsule, from where it is not shown in detail Means will be forwarded to a beverage outlet. By providing such designed distribution or filter elements 2, 3 ensures that in the capsule absorbed beverage particles are flowed through homogeneously by brewing water and a uniform extraction of the entire coffee powder is achieved. The In any case, embossments 9, 13 are arranged distributed in such a way that the respective one Element 2, 3 flat on the capsule bottom 7 and capsule cover 4 is supported. Because of this planar supports ensures that the liquid channels 17, 18 forming Free spaces between the capsule cover 4 and the distributor 3 even when from the outside maintained on the capsule pressure applied.

The diameter of the in the distribution or filter element 2, 3 openings 8, 14 is preferably smaller than the statistical diameter of a single Particles (coffee grain) for making a beverage, preferably smaller than x-σ, where under x the arithmetic mean of the diameter and under σ the Standard deviation is to be understood. This will ensure that virtually no Particles escape from the capsule or flushed out independently how big the piercing opening is.

FIG. 3 shows in a longitudinal section a second embodiment of a Portion capsule with incorporated therein coffee powder KP, wherein the reference numerals with corresponding parts with respect to the preceding figures additionally with an "a" are provided. The main difference to the previously shown Embodiment is that the formed by the recess 20a Passage 22a is not closed by means of a manually peelable film, but that on the recess 20a on the inside of the capsule, a film 21a is arranged, which is pierced by means of a piercing member 30. Of the Cup-like lower part 1a is with a slightly outwardly curved bottom 7a provided on the outside of an annular peripheral edge 26th is surrounded. The diameter of the recessed into the bottom 7a recess 20a is smaller in comparison with the previous embodiment. The to Closing the recess 20a provided film 21a is on the inside of the Capsule between the filter element 2a and the capsule bottom 7a arranged.

While the cup-like capsule part 1a is relatively stiff, dimensionally stable, elastic and tough is, the film 21a in comparison thinner and also has a lower Elasticity, extensibility and tear resistance. This will ensure that the Foil 21a ruptures rapidly under the force of a piercing and breaks up.

So that the film 21 can be kept relatively thin, it is constructed in two layers. The Combining a layer of a thermoplastic polymer with a layer of Aluminum has proven to be particularly advantageous. As a thermoplastic polymer polypropylene or polyethylene are particularly suitable. By providing a Aluminum layer is on the one hand achieved a substantial gas tightness, while the thermoplastic polymer welding the film to the capsule bottom allows. In this embodiment, the cup-like base is on the Inside is also provided with a circumferential groove 27, while the Capsule inside directed edge 11a of the filter element 2a on the outside with an annular circumferential projection 28 is provided, by means of which the Filter element 2a clamped in the groove 27 is fixed.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged detail of the capsule according to FIG. 3, namely a part of the capsule bottom 7a together with the recessed recess therein 20a and the attached film 21a. From this illustration is particular It can be seen that the capsule base as well as the film are constructed in a multilayered manner. While the capsule bottom and thus also the capsule bottom 7a from a three-layer composite material, the film has 21a two layers. At the Capsule bottom 1a forming film consist of the two outer layers 29, 31 a thermoplastic polymer, while the intermediate layer 30 of a gas-tight Foil; For example, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) exists. The lower, the Capsule bottom 7a facing layer 32 of the film 21a also consists of a thermoplastic polymer, while the upper, the capsule interior facing Layer 33 is made of aluminum. Since the two mutually facing layers 31, 32nd of the capsule bottom 7a and the film 21a each made of a thermoplastic polymer can exist, these two layers 31, 32 are welded together. The Film 21a has in relation to the composite material of the cup-like capsule lower part 1a a relatively low extensibility, elasticity and tear strength. The outside Foil 21a visible via the recess 20a preferably has a different color on as the capsule. After both the attached over the recess 20a film 21a as well as the cover 4 are welded to the capsule part 1a is the capsule and thus their contents again hermetically sealed.

By the film 21 a is relatively thin and no high stretch, elasticity and Tear strength, it can easily be pierced by the piercing. This can be achieved with a fully automatic espresso coffee machine both conventional portion capsules, which are used to make one with foam provided coffees -Espresso- are suitable, as well as the here at issue Portion capsules, which are intended for the production of a filter coffee, can be extracted. In any case, the film is designed so that it is from a Aufstechorgen is broken even at relatively low force, while a conventional, one-piece capsule bottom is designed such that He first yields elastically, only to be affected by the effect of the brewing medium on the to be punctured according to the appropriate piercing. By the elastic Resiliency of a conventional capsule soil is first a so-called Brewing phase take place. This is done via the lid in the outlet still closed capsule brewing introduced, which in the capsule an overpressure builds and wet the coffee powder and possibly swell before the capsule then on the outlet side is broken and the liquid coffee extract with the formation of Foam can escape from the capsule.

If previously spoken by an espresso coffee machine, so is including a coffee machine generally understood that with a brewing chamber for Recording the portion capsule is provided, and in which the extracting the in the capsule received coffee powder serving brewing water by means of a pump is supplied forcibly, regardless of whether with the Espresso coffee machine a volume rather "small" espresso or something "bigger" coffee is produced. Anyway, they have so far with one Espresso coffee maker made coffee drinks excellent in that they were provided on the surface with a foam layer. With the invention However, it is possible to use a proposed portion capsule, using a conventional espresso coffee machine, with which until now only espresso capsules could be extracted to produce a coffee beverage, which is on the surface has no appreciable foam layer and the taste of a conventional Filter coffee comes close.

Claims (23)

Portion capsule for an espresso coffee machine, containing a portion of ground coffee (KP), wherein between the capsule bottom (7, 7a) and the coffee (KP) and / or between the capsule lid (4, 4a) and the coffee (KP) a filter element is arranged / are, characterized in that at least the capsule bottom (7, 7a) is provided with a passage (22, 22a), which latter is intended to prevent a hydraulic pressure build-up during brewing of the coffee (KP) received in the capsule, between the Passage (22, 22a) and the coffee (KP) a filter element (2, 2a) is arranged, and wherein the passage (22, 22a) of a gas-tight film (21, 21a) is closed. Portion capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the film (21a) on the inside of the capsule between the filter element (2a) and the capsule bottom (7a) is arranged. Portion capsule according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the capsule consists of a cup-like lower part (1, 1a) with a lid (4, 4a) tightly attached thereto, wherein the foil (21, 21a) closing the passage (22, 22a) ) is thinner than the cup-like capsule base (1, 1a). Portion capsule according to claim 3, characterized in that the cup-like lower part (1, 1a) of the capsule is dimensionally stable. Portion capsule according to claim 4, characterized in that the film (21, 21a) has a lower extensibility and / or a lower tensile strength than the cup-shaped lower part (1, 1a) of the capsule. Portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film (21a) is a composite film consisting of at least two layers (32, 33). Portion capsule according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one layer (33) consists of metal, in particular of aluminum. Portion capsule according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that at least one layer (32) of the film (21a) consists of a thermoplastic polymer, in particular of polypropylene or polyethylene. Portion capsule according to claim 8, characterized in that the layer (32) of the thermoplastic polymer rests on the capsule bottom (7a) and is welded thereto. Portion capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the film (21) is arranged on the outside of the capsule and manually removable. Portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (4, 4a) and the film (21, 21a) are made of the same material. Portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film (21, 21a) has a different color than the capsule. Portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element (2, 2a) is dimensionally stable and provided with a plurality of openings (8, 8a). Portion capsule according to claim 13, characterized in that the total cross section of the filter element (2, 2a) recessed openings (8, 8a) is at least 3%, in particular at least 5%, of the average capsule cross-section, so that the brewed coffee beverage without appreciable resistance the filter element (2, 2a) flow through and can escape via the passage (22, 22a) from the capsule. Portion capsule according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the filter element (2) is provided with a plurality of channels (17) for collecting and discharging the coffee beverage leaving the portion capsule. Portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the lid (4) of the capsule and the coffee (KP) received in the capsule a dimensionally stable distribution element (3) is arranged, which is provided with a multiplicity of openings (14) and channels ( 18) for uniformly distributing the inflowing into the portion capsule brewing water (24) is provided. Portion capsule according to claim 16, characterized in that the total cross section of the distribution element (3) recessed openings (14) is at least 3%, in particular at least 5%, of the average capsule cross-section. Portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both the distributor element (3) and the filter element (2) against the capsule interior directed recesses (9, 13) for forming the distribution or collecting channels (17, 18), and in that the openings (8, 14) are arranged in these collecting channels (17, 18). Portion capsule according to Claim 18, characterized in that the distribution or collecting channels (17, 18) extend radially outward and circularly around the axis of symmetry, starting from the axis of symmetry. Portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the distributing member (3) is arranged or formed in such a way that one or more piercing means (23) can be guided through the capsule cover (4), without causing the distributing member (3). is punctured. Portion capsule according to claim 20, characterized in that the distributing member (3) is provided with at least one recess (15) directed towards the capsule interior, into which the piercing means (23) may extend after piercing the lid (4). Portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the statistical mean value of the diameter of a single particle of the coffee to be extracted is between 400 and 600 microns, and that the diameter of a single, in the filter element (2) or distribution member (3) embedded Opening (8, 14) is smaller than the statistical average of the diameter of a single particle. Portion capsule according to one of claims 3 to 22, characterized in that the cup-like lower part (1a) is provided on the inside with a circumferential groove (27), and that between the passage (22a) and the coffee (KP) arranged filter element ( 2a) is provided with a side facing the capsule inside edge (27) which is provided on the outside with an annular peripheral projection (28), by means of which the filter element (2a) in the groove (27) is fixed by clamping.

Images