EP3240740B1 - Unit of a closure cap and a discharging element in the form of a capsule for discharging additives into a liquid and related method - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a unit comprising a cap and a dispensing body for dispensing substances to a liquid, which unit has the features of the preamble of claim 1. These features are from the document US 2008/223485 A1 known.

In principle, the dispensing body can be used to deliver a wide variety of substances to a liquid, such as for dispensing flavors to a beverage or dispensing fertilizer to the liquid in a watering can or in a garden hose.

Such a dispensing body according to the invention is used to form the unit in a cap of a liquid container to deliver the substances contained in it to that liquid which passes from the liquid container through the cap into the mouth of the drinker.

Such a closure cap, preferably a screw cap, can be designed for attachment to a liquid container, preferably to a bottle, more preferably to a PET bottle, wherein the closure cap comprises a pouring spout, preferably recloseable spout opening, and a receiving element which engages with the closure cap common receiving volume forms for receiving the at least one dispensing body. The cap can be opened in the sense, that an access to the recording volume is formed to to be able to bring the at least one dispensing body in the receiving volume or to be able to remove from the receiving volume, wherein the receiving element is permeable to a liquid to allow a contacting of the at least one dispensing body with the liquid. Such caps are for example in the WO 2015/039700 A1 , in the WO 2015/039702 A1 , in the WO 2015/039709 A1 or in the WO 2015/188893 A1 shown.

Likewise, the invention comprises a method for dispensing substances from a dispensing body.

STATE OF THE ART

For the preparation of drinks are approximately from the US 2010/0154647 A1 Capsules are known, which are filled with substances to be dispensed, wherein a first opening and a second opening are provided opposite to each other and the substances to be dispensed by a machine-pressurized liquid which flows through the capsule at least partially, are conveyed out of the capsule. For the preparation of coffee is from the WO 2010/118543 A1 a cuboid or cube-shaped capsule is known, which is perforated before brewing on two sides, so that the brewing liquid flows under pressure through the capsule. The US 2010/0025282 A1 shows a cube-shaped capsule for aromatic substances, with internals, which extend the communication path between the two opposite openings, wherein by means of the openings liquid is passed through the capsule to produce an aromatized beverage. The US 2006/0065127 A1 shows a coffee capsule with curved walls inside. The generic mentioned at the beginning US 2008/0223485 A1 relates to a capsule in a cap, wherein the capsule has only a single opening at the bottom, which results from piercing and wherein the capsule can be lapped by liquid.

In order to be able to take liquid on the way or during sport, drinking bottles, in particular drinking bottles with a cap, are known. Since drinking bottles usually have no facilities that can produce hot or pressurized water, capsules are where liquid through the

Capsule must be routed, not applicable for drinking bottles. The bottles usually have threads on which the caps are screwed. The threads are standardized and the number of differently standardized thread of these bottles is low. On the one hand, these bottles can be prefilled, for example with mineral water, which may also be mixed with flavorings, or with an isotonic beverage. On the other hand, they can be bottles which are intended to hold a liquid mixed by the user as desired. In this case, in addition to fruit juice syrups are mainly showerheads in powder or tablet form available.

A disadvantage in both cases is that the user is fixed on the concrete beverage mixture for the entire consumption period of the beverage, ie between the beginning and the end of the beverage consumption. That he can no longer change the flavor during beverage consumption, since the liquid still present in the bottle has only the flavor once selected.

But not only the taste desire can change between the beginning and end of beverage consumption. For example, if the user has opted for a non-isotonic beverage, and after a certain period of time in which he wishes to drink e.g. Sport has an isotonic drink, so this is also no longer possible with the liquid still present in the bottle.

In the case of beverage preparation by effervescent tablets, the use of chemicals to dissolve the effervescent tablet is also required. That the use of purely natural substances for beverage preparation is not possible here, which is to be regarded as disadvantageous.

An incomplete dissolution of the tablet can be achieved with a not optimally selected dosage, in particular with a too high Concentration of the powder or the tablet related. As a rule, it is not always easy to maintain the correct dosage since, strictly speaking, when mixing the powder or the tablet with the liquid (normally water), the actual amount of liquid must be taken into account.

These disadvantages can be at least partially remedied by keeping a tablet containing the substances to be dispensed in the closure cap and therefore coming in contact with the liquid from the liquid container only when drinking, as is the case in the PCT applications mentioned above , Also the US 2010/0012193 A1 describes a liquid container with cap, which is made in three parts and having a tablet container, a container lid and a cap closure. The disadvantage, however, is that not all substances to be dispensed are produced in the form of a solid, for example as a tablet. If so, there may still be the problem that, nevertheless, there is no adequate solution of the substances present in a solid body merely by flushing with drinking liquid.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a unit having an alternative dispensing body which does not rely on the dissolution of a solid. Nevertheless, the addition of flavoring agents and / or nutrients and / or dietary supplements and / or medicinal substances to the liquid to be dispensed is to be provided by the dispensing body. In particular, a simple change of the flavorings and / or nutrients and / or dietary supplements should be possible. Furthermore, should Dosage problems, especially too high concentrations of flavors and / or nutrients and / or dietary supplements are avoided in the liquid.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

To solve these problems, the unit is provided with the features of claim 1. It is provided that the first opening and the second opening are arranged so that when flowing around the capsule with liquid at a first opening a greater flow velocity than at a second opening and that the liquid draws a liquid substance from the capsule by utilizing the dynamic pressure and mixed with this.

It can be provided that either the capsule shell comprises a plurality of surfaces which are separated from each other by edges at least on the outside of the capsule shell, wherein the first opening and second opening are located on an outer surface, - or that the surface normal of the capsule shell at the location of the first opening encloses an angle with the surface normal of the capsule shell at the location of the second opening, the fillable volume containing substances to be dispensed in the form of a liquid.

The first embodiment provides that an outer surface, the by edges of the capsule shell at the Outside is formed, at least one, but also several, in particular all, having first openings. The same outer surface has at least one second opening, but may also have a plurality, in particular also all, second openings. This outer surface may be flat, but also curved.

The second embodiment provides - regardless of a subdivision of the outside of the capsule shell into a plurality of outer surfaces - that the surface normal (s) of the first opening (s) forms an angle with the surface normal (s) of the second opening (s). This is not the case when the first and second openings (s) lie on the same flat surface. This is not the case even if the first and second openings (s) face each other, because then coincide the surface normal, as in the US 2010/0154647 A1 or in the US 2010/0025282 A1 is present. Opposing openings are only advantageous if liquid enters the capsule from the outside through an opening, flows through the capsule, absorbs the substances to be dispensed and leaves through the other opening. This is just not desirable in the subject invention. In any case, in the second embodiment, the capsule contains a substance to be dispensed in the form of a liquid. In the first embodiment, where there are at least a first and a second opening on the same outer surface, the capsule is also filled in the ready state also usually with a liquid.

The capsule uses the pressure difference of a fluid flow or a fluid jet to produce a pumping action, similar to a jet pump. In this case, the liquid, for example water, which flows past the capsule or flows around the capsule, under the exclusive use of dynamic pressure draws out a liquid substance the capsule and mixes with this. Because the substance is already liquid, the step of dissolution of the substance in the washing liquid can be dispensed with. A change in the substance to be dispensed into the liquid can be done by replacing the capsule.

The dose of the delivered substance depends, in addition to the effective transverse surface and the shape of the openings, almost exclusively on the flow rate of the liquid. Since the capsule is usually used in a cap having a fixed cross-sectional area, no large variations in the flow rate of the liquid are possible and thus no overdosing of the discharged substance.

The capsule is based on a similar principle as the Venturi injectors, but with Venturi injectors, both liquids are fed continuously, but the capsule can always provide only a limited amount of substances to be dispensed. When using the capsule in conjunction with the closure cap for a liquid container but also only a limited amount of circulating liquid is available: the amount of liquid which surrounds the capsule is limited by the volume of the container on which the capsule by means of Cap, is attached. In other non-inventive uses of the capsule, such as in conjunction with a garden hose, the amount of the liquid to be washed is not limited.

With the capsule evenly one liquid, which is located in the capsule, can be dosed into another, moving liquid. The at least one first opening and the at least one second opening are flowed around at different speeds due to their shape and / or their position. The shape of the opening can therefore the flow velocity influence, as the area around the opening can be constructed to promote flow by having approximately a kind of flow channel, for example in the form of depressions in the surface or walls on the surface of the capsule. In principle, each constriction leads to faster flow and lower pressure, according to the known operation of a diffuser.

Due to the different flow velocities at the first and second openings, there is a pressure difference between the two openings: The faster-flushed opening discharges liquid from the interior of the capsule to the liquid to be washed, while the slower-circulated opening absorbs flushing liquid. As a result, the liquid contained in the capsule is continuously discharged and replaced by the liquid flowing around.

In order for a pressure difference between the first and second openings to form, the first and second openings must communicate with one another via the fillable volume. There may therefore be no walls in the fillable volume, which separate the first and second openings liquid-tight from each other. As a rule, first and second openings will also be connected via the medium flowing around. But the pressure difference would also form if the pressure equalization port would be connected to the outside air, which would then correspond to the principle of a conventional jet pump.

First and second opening (s) of the capsule are prefabricated. You will not, as in the WO 2010/118543 A1 , only when used by perforating the capsule. The perforation would also not be possible with the capsule belonging to the unit according to the invention because the capsule or capsule shell is generally rigid in order to have a defined shape and thus defined flow conditions for the functioning according to the invention sure. A correspondingly rigid or thick wall of the capsule shell can not be easily pierced.

The openings may have different sizes, and indeed the first openings may have a different size than the second openings. In the case of a plurality of openings, additionally or alternatively, differences in size may exist within the plurality of first openings or within the plurality of second openings. By the size and / or the shape of the openings can be adjusted how fast or how long liquid is discharged from the capsule to the liquid flowing around. Typical diameters of first and second openings for water are in a range of 0.001-3 mm or greater, in particular 0.01-2 mm, more preferably 0.3-1 mm. The diameters are generally dependent on the viscosity of the liquids. The openings can in principle be provided at any point of the capsule. First and second openings may be the same shape and size.

In a possible embodiment, exactly one first and exactly one second opening are provided. Depending on the viscosity of the liquid to be dispensed, however, it may be expedient to provide a plurality of smaller first (and / or second) openings instead of a larger first (and / or second) opening. For example, then could be provided instead of a larger opening, a smaller opening, if a larger opening would leak.

Due to the internal structure of the capsule, a thorough mixing of the liquid to be dispensed with the already sucked into the capsule flushing liquid can be increased or decreased. In order to reduce mixing, it can be provided that the capsule in the fillable volume has fittings for extending the connection path, in particular also an angling, between the first and second openings. Around to enhance mixing, one would dispense with such internals in the capsule, or one would use internals with a different shape, which promote the mixing, such as a swirler.

Since first and second opening are usually not large enough to fill the capsule quickly, it can be provided that the capsule is made in two parts. Then one part of the capsule can be filled, while another part of the capsule then closes it. In this respect, a part of the capsule may have the concave shape of a container, while the other part forms a more level lid. In particular, the two parts can be connected to each other by positive locking, for example, by one part is inserted into the other.

The capsule can be made of plastic, for example by injection molding.

The shape of the capsule may be any, but it is to be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the cap in which it is to be included according to the invention. Likewise, fittings of the cap, such as valves or mouthpieces, must be taken into account. The capsule may be approximately round, crescent-shaped, crescent-shaped (for insertion around a valve or around a mouthpiece) or angular. Crescent-shaped means that the capsule has either the ideal shape of a semicircle or a shape ajar to the semicircle, such as a large "D" where the tips of the semicircle are normal to the straight side of the semicircle. Crescent-shaped means that either the ideal shape of a sickle exists, where from a circular area a part is removed by a second circular area, or a shape ajar to the crescent shape, where the outer circular area is partially straightened.

In order to ensure different flow velocities between the first and second openings, it can be provided that that the surface normal of the capsule shell at the location of the first opening forms an angle with the surface normal of the capsule shell at the location of the second opening. This is usually already given by a certain distance between the first and second opening, such as when the capsule shell is curved on the outside.

It can be provided that the capsule shell comprises a plurality of surfaces, which are separated from each other at least on the outside of the capsule shell by edges, wherein the first opening is arranged on a different outer surface than the second opening. The outer surfaces can be flat or curved. But it is quite possible that both openings are located on an outer surface or side, so the first (s) opening (s) is (are) arranged on the same outer surface as the second (s) opening (s). In addition, it can be provided that all first and second openings are located on only one outer surface.

For example, the capsule shell may have a largely flat base surface, a plane surface that is largely parallel to the base surface, and a largely flat top surface, as well as a lateral surface that connects the base and top surfaces. The capsule shell would therefore essentially have the shape of a straight prism. Base and top surface could be congruent, the shell surface could be normal on the ground and top surface. The base and top surfaces could be in the shape of a circle, a semicircle, a sickle, etc.

In the case of a capsule shell with a largely flat base surface, a plane surface that is largely flat relative to the base surface and a lateral surface that connects the base and top surface, it may be provided that the first opening in the shell surface and the second opening in the top surface are provided. In this case, a higher flow velocity would be present on the lateral surface than on the top surface, so that liquid flows through the first opening is sucked out of the capsule, while a part of the liquid flow around is sucked into the capsule through the second opening in the top surface.

In order for the greatest possible distance between the first and second openings to be present, it can be provided in this case that the first opening is arranged closer to the base surface than to the cover surface.

However, it is also possible for the first opening (that is to say at least one or even several, in particular all) and the second opening (that is to say again at least one, or even several, in particular all) to be provided in the cover surface.

For example, it can be provided that a second opening, the second opening, in particular centrally with respect to the top surface, is arranged between two first openings. For example, the two first openings and the second opening may lie on a straight line.

If the second opening is provided near the edge of the top surface, this has the advantage that reflux is less likely to form as the opening faces upwards.

Base and top surface may at least approximately have the shape of a semicircle or a sickle. This means that the base and top surfaces have either the ideal shape of a semicircle or a shape ajar to the semicircle, such as a large "D" where the tips of the semicircle are normal to the straight side of the semicircle. Almost crescent-shaped means that either the ideal shape of a sickle is present, where a part of a circle is removed by a second circular surface, or a shape resembling the sickle shape, where the outer circular surface is partially straightened.

In order to reduce mixing of a liquid circulating the capsule with the liquid with which the capsule was originally filled, internals for lengthening the connection path between the first and second openings can be provided in the fillable volume of the capsule in such a way that a labyrinthine connection path is formed between the first and second opening results. However, the labyrinth-like internals can also easily separate first and / or second openings from other fillable volume areas in the capsule volume, in order to reduce mixing of a liquid circulating the capsule with the liquid with which the capsule was originally filled, or to fast dispensing of substances from the capsule to the washing liquid.

Thus, the internals may include planar walls, which - especially in the case of a capsule with mutually parallel cover and base - normal to the top and bottom surface. For example, the planar walls may form a labyrinth or a meandering connection path, in particular between the first and second openings.

The capsules belonging to the unit according to the invention are usually filled already delivered to an end user, so that the unit according to the invention also includes a dispensing body, where the fillable volume contains substances to be dispensed in the form of a liquid. In this case, the viscosity of the liquid can be adjusted so that given a capsule or given openings a desired release rate or delivery time is achieved. These liquids may - for the use of the capsule for the preparation of a drink - basically all food-grade substances in liquid form and in particular contain the following substances or consist of the following substances: fruit syrups, flavored sugar solutions, food supplements, medicinal agents, concentrated isotonic beverage preparations, flavoring substances, flavorings. For other uses of the capsule, such as for the delivery of fertilizer, non-food grade liquids can be used.

In order to be able to deliver any active substance which is contained in the liquid of the capsule at variable speed, it can be provided that the liquid contains an active ingredient gradient. By this is meant that the active ingredient is not evenly distributed in the filling liquid of the capsule, but that there are partial volumes with higher and partial volumes with lower active ingredient density. For example, near the first opening there could be a high density of active substance in the filling liquid in order to release more active substance at the beginning of the drinking process than later. Or it could be the other way around, that at the beginning less active ingredient is given off than later. If several active ingredients are contained in the filling liquid, they could have different drug gradients. A first active ingredient could e.g. in one sub-volume of the capsule have a higher concentration than a second, while the second active ingredient in a different sub-volume has a higher concentration than the first.

The dispensing body is designed for use in a closure cap for a liquid container, in particular having the necessary external dimensions, and / or already having the necessary openings, because closure caps usually have no piercing mechanisms, and / or having no openings, which are so large and / or arranged so that a flow through the capsule takes place with liquid, as would be the case with pressurized coffee capsules.

It is also conceivable that filled capsules are already delivered together with a cap to the end user.

The end user then only has to screw the cap onto a liquid container and can immediately take the liquid out of the liquid container, enriched with the substances from the capsule.

In particular, in the case of a capsule with a largely flat base surface, a flat surface which is parallel to the base surface, and a lateral surface which connects the base and top surface, the top surface of the capsule can be aligned with the spout opening of the closure cap. If the cap has - in particular also flat - has provided boundary surfaces in its interior, on which the base of the capsule can be placed and / or abut the top surface (or only a small distance from the top surface), it ensures that the capsule Position in the cap in all positions of the cap reserves and thus always approximately the same flow conditions in that liquid are present, the Liquid container flows through the cap and around the capsule to the mouthpiece (or spout) of the cap.

The present invention further includes a method for dispensing substances from a dispensing body which belongs to a unit according to the invention, according to claim 14. Substances or substances, in particular flavorings and / or nutrients and / or dietary supplements and / or medicinal agents, are referred to release the liquid flowing around. Nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins. If a large number of carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins are released, the production of an isotonic beverage is possible. That it comes to a mixture with the liquid immediately before the user actually drinks the mixture. An excessive concentration of the desired substances in the liquid can thus be avoided in principle.

In the embodiment of the method, the capsule is arranged in the closure cap, which closes a liquid-filled container, and the capsule is flowed around by a tilting of the container, such as in the drinking position, of liquid from the container. The flow around the capsule with liquid is supported by the drinker when drinking at least. That is, by the suction of the liquid by the drinker, the flow around the capsule is at least increased or even generated. The cap is preferably a screw cap that fits all standard water bottles, or you can use a few different caps the few different standardized bottle thread types. The cap is usually provided with a mouthpiece which closes the spout opening of the cap and of a Closing position in a release position, preferably by moving the mouthpiece, can be converted. In the closed position, no liquid can pass through the mouthpiece through the cap. In the operating position thus the safe storage of the liquid in the liquid container with cap is made possible, even if it is transported or carried along during sports by the user. In the release position, liquid can pass through the cap through the mouthpiece and the user is allowed to drink.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. The drawings are exemplary and are intended to illustrate the inventive idea, but in no way restrict it or even reproduce it.

Fig. 1

eine axonometrische Ansicht einer zur erfindungsgemäßen Einheit gehörenden Kapsel

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht der Kapsel aus Fig. 1

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf eine Kapsel aus Fig. 1

Fig. 4

eine Vorderansicht einer ersten Variante einer Kapsel aus Fig. 1

Fig. 5

eine Schnittansicht der Kapsel aus Fig. 4 gemäß Schnittlinie A-A in Fig. 3

Fig. 6

eine axonometrische Ansicht einer geöffneten Kapsel aus Fig. 4, ohne Einbauten

Fig. 7

eine Rückansicht eines Unterteils einer zweiten Variante (mit Einbauten) einer Kapsel aus Fig. 1

Fig. 8

eine Vorderansicht eines Unterteils einer Kapsel aus Fig. 7

Fig. 9

eine Schnittansicht der Kapsel aus Fig. 7 gemäß Schnittlinie A-A in Fig. 3

Fig. 10

eine axonometrische Ansicht einer geöffneten Kapsel aus Fig. 7

Fig. 11

eine axonometrische Ansicht einer zweiten Kapsel

Fig. 12

eine Seitenansicht der Kapsel aus Fig. 11

Fig. 13

eine Draufsicht auf eine Kapsel und eine Schnittansicht der Kapsel aus Fig. 11 gemäß Schnittlinie B-B, mit Einbauten

Fig. 14

eine Vorderansicht der Kapsel aus Fig. 11

Fig. 15

eine axonometrische Ansicht einer geöffneten Kapsel aus Fig. 11, ohne Einbauten

Fig. 16

eine axonometrische Ansicht einer geöffneten Kapsel aus Fig. 11, mit Einbauten

Fig. 17

eine Rückansicht eines Unterteils einer Kapsel aus Fig. 16

Fig. 18

eine Vorderansicht eines Unterteils einer Kapsel aus Fig. 16

Fig. 19

eine axonometrische Ansicht einer dritten Kapsel

Fig. 20

eine Seitenansicht der Kapsel aus Fig. 19

Fig. 21

eine Draufsicht auf eine Kapsel und eine Schnittansicht der Kapsel aus Fig. 19 gemäß Schnittlinie B-B, mit Einbauten

Fig. 22

eine Vorderansicht der Kapsel aus Fig. 19

Fig. 23

eine axonometrische Ansicht einer geöffneten Kapsel aus Fig. 19, ohne Einbauten

Fig. 24

eine axonometrische Ansicht einer geöffneten Kapsel aus Fig. 19, mit Einbauten

Fig. 25

eine Rückansicht eines Unterteils einer Kapsel aus Fig. 24

Fig. 26

eine Vorderansicht eines Unterteils einer Kapsel aus Fig. 24.

Showing:

Fig. 1

an axonometric view of a unit belonging to the capsule according to the invention

Fig. 2

a side view of the capsule Fig. 1

Fig. 3

a plan view of a capsule Fig. 1

Fig. 4

a front view of a first variant of a capsule Fig. 1

Fig. 5

a sectional view of the capsule Fig. 4 according to section line AA in Fig. 3

Fig. 6

an axonometric view of an opened capsule Fig. 4 , without fittings

Fig. 7

a rear view of a lower part of a second variant (with internals) of a capsule Fig. 1

Fig. 8

a front view of a lower part of a capsule Fig. 7

Fig. 9

a sectional view of the capsule Fig. 7 according to section line AA in Fig. 3

Fig. 10

an axonometric view of an opened capsule Fig. 7

Fig. 11

an axonometric view of a second capsule

Fig. 12

a side view of the capsule Fig. 11

Fig. 13

a plan view of a capsule and a sectional view of the capsule Fig. 11 according to section line BB, with internals

Fig. 14

a front view of the capsule Fig. 11

Fig. 15

an axonometric view of an opened capsule Fig. 11 , without fittings

Fig. 16

an axonometric view of an opened capsule Fig. 11 , with fixtures

Fig. 17

a rear view of a lower part of a capsule Fig. 16

Fig. 18

a front view of a lower part of a capsule Fig. 16

Fig. 19

an axonometric view of a third capsule

Fig. 20

a side view of the capsule Fig. 19

Fig. 21

a plan view of a capsule and a sectional view of the capsule Fig. 19 according to section line BB, with internals

Fig. 22

a front view of the capsule Fig. 19

Fig. 23

an axonometric view of an opened capsule Fig. 19 , without fittings

Fig. 24

an axonometric view of an opened capsule Fig. 19 , with fixtures

Fig. 25

a rear view of a lower part of a capsule Fig. 24

Fig. 26

a front view of a lower part of a capsule Fig. 24 ,

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 shows a capsule, the capsule shell is formed substantially as a straight prism and a base 1, a top surface 2 and a lateral surface 3 connecting them. Base 1 and top surface 2 are congruent, aligned parallel to each other and each have the shape of a rectangle, at the one longer side of a circular sector connects. The curved region of the capsule could be supported on a correspondingly shaped inner wall of the closure cap. Likewise, the longer straight side could be supported on a correspondingly shaped inner wall or on correspondingly shaped internals of a closure cap.

The lateral surface 3 is normal to the base and top surface 1, 2 and consists of a long rectangle 4, two short rectangles 5 and a portion 6 of a cylinder jacket. In the visible short rectangle 5, a first opening 7 is provided near the base area 1 (approximately two to three diameters of the opening 7 removed) and the portion 6 (approximately two to three diameters of the opening 7 away from the base area 1). There is no opening in the invisible short rectangle. In the top surface 2, a second opening 8 is provided approximately centrally in the circular sector, with a distance of about two to three diameters of the opening 8 to the edge of the top surface 2 with the section 6. The circular sector of the base or top surface 1, 2 has approximately half the width of the rectangle of the base or top surface 1, 2. This width is in the Fig. 1-3 measured from left to right. The two openings 7, 8 are the same size and circular.

In Fig. 2 It can be seen that the base 1 has within its outer edge a depression to the outside in the form of a base 9, which extends rectangular to the rest of the base area 1. This base 9 serves to insert the capsule in a socket 9 corresponding recess in a cap.

The top view of the capsule in Fig. 3 lets recognize the shape of the top surface 2 and the arrangement of the second opening 8 on the top surface. The capsule shell consisting of base 1, top surface 2 and lateral surface 3 is (except for the opening 7) symmetrical to a plane which extends normal to the plane through the dotted line.

The Fig. 4-6 show a first embodiment of the Fig. 1-3 in which no internals are provided in the capsule.

Fig. 4 shows the front view of the capsule Fig. 1 on which the section 6 of the lateral surface 3 and the base 9 of the base 1 are shown.

Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of the capsule according to section line AA in Fig. 3 , The capsule is in two parts, the base 1 with its base 9 forms the first part and the top surface 2 with the lateral surface 3, so with the long rectangle 4, the two short rectangles 5 and the portion 6 of the cylinder jacket, the second part, see this too Fig. 6 which shows the capsule open.

The base 1 has at its, directed into the interior of the capsule side a circumferential ridge 10 which is located within the outer edge of the base 1. The distance of the web 10 to the outer edge of the base 1 is dimensioned so that the lateral surface 3 of the second part of the capsule is flush with the outer edge of the base 1. In the area of the circular outer edge of the base 1, the web 10 forms the continuation of the wall of the base 9.

The fillable volume of the capsule results from the sum of the volumes of the upper part, which consists of top surface 2 and lateral surface 3, and the lower part, which consists of the base 1 and the base 9. In Fig. 5 lies within said elements the cross-section of the fillable volume.

The Fig. 7-10 show a second embodiment of the Fig. 1-3 , are provided in the internals in the capsule. The Fig. 7-10 correspond to the Fig. 4-6 However, internals are provided on the base 1, ie on the first part of the capsule. The second part of the capsule, comprising the top surface 2 and the lateral surface 3, is the same as in FIGS Fig. 4-6 ,

In Fig. 7 is the base 1 seen from the back, so from the left in Fig. 10 , in Fig. 8 is the base 1 seen from the front, so from the right in Fig. 10, Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the capsule according to section line AA in Fig. 3 and Fig. 10 shows the opened capsule.

The internals consist of three flat walls 11-13. Two walls 11, 12 are parallel to the long edge of the base 1. A wall 13 is normal to the other two walls 11, 12 and connects at right angles to the wall 11 at.

The wall 11 is arranged at a distance x parallel to the long straight edge of the base, it is shorter than the long straight edge of the base 1, namely on both sides by about the distance x, and is centered with respect to the long straight edge of the base 1 arranged. The wall 11 here forms a straight continuation of the wall of the base 9. The wall 11 is so high that it extends in the closed state of the capsule to the top surface 2.

The wall 12 is arranged approximately at a distance x parallel to the wall 11 within the wall 11, it is the same width as the wall 11, but parallel to the long straight edge of the base 1 completely shifted to the edge of the base 1, so that the wall 12th in the closed state of the capsule up to the lateral surface 3, namely to - in Fig. 10 invisible - short rectangle 5 ranges. The wall 12 is so high that in the closed state of the capsule of the Base 1, more precisely the base of the base 9, to the top surface 2 extends.

The wall 13 is arranged approximately at a distance x normal to the wall 12 and connects at a right angle to the wall 11 at. The wall 13 is so wide that the wall 13 extends in the closed state of the capsule to the lateral surface 3, namely to the curved portion 6. The wall 13 is so high that it extends in the closed state of the capsule from the base 1 and the base of the base 9, to the top surface 2.

The three walls 11-13 thus form a channel with a width which corresponds approximately to the distance x. The channel is closed at the top by the top surface 2 and bottom by the base 1 and its base 9. This channel has the shape of a labyrinth or two meanders, and runs with the capsule closed from the first opening 7 starting first outside the wall 13 parallel to the wall 13 (between wall 13 and short rectangle 5), then, after a change in direction of 90 °, outside the wall 11 along the wall 11 (between wall 11 and long rectangle 4), then, after a change of direction of 180 °, between wall 11 and wall 12, then another change of direction of 180 ° along the wall 13, so that the channel finally ends between wall 12 and section 6. In this way, the communication path that a fluid can take between the first 7 and second ports 8 is substantially prolonged relative to the direct connection (air path) between the first 7 and second ports 8. about 2 to 4 times.

Fig. 11 shows a second capsule, which except for the openings 7, 8 same as those in the Fig. 1-10 is executed. All versions to the Fig. 1-10 , which do not relate to the openings 7, 8, therefore also apply to the Fig. 11-18 , While in the first capsule according to the Fig. 1-10 a total of only two openings are provided, are in the second capsule after Fig. 11 a total of three openings provided, all of which lie in an outer surface, namely in the top surface 2. In Fig. 11 is in the visible short rectangle 5 no opening provided, not in the non-visible short rectangle, in the long rectangle 4 or 6 in the section of the cylinder jacket, not in the base 1. Base 1 and top surface 2 are again congruent, aligned parallel to each other and have in each case the shape of a rectangle, on whose one longer side a circular sector connects. In the top surface 2 is approximately in the middle of the rectangle (measured along the rectangle 4), near the long rectangle 4 of the lateral surface 3 (at least closer to the edge of the top surface 2 to the long rectangle 4 as the circular sector of the top surface 2), a second Opening 8 is provided. The second opening 8 is about two to three of its diameter from the edge of the top surface 2 to the long rectangle 4. The circular sector of the base or top surface 1, 2 has about half the width of the rectangle of the base or top surface 1, 2. This width is in the Fig. 11-13 measured from left to right. The second opening 8 is here in the left third of the imaginary rectangle of the top surface 2, see Fig. 13 below. Two so-called first openings 7 are located on both sides of the so-called second opening 8, at the same distance from the second opening 8. All three openings 7, 8 lie on a straight line which runs parallel to the long edge of the imaginary rectangle of the cover surface 2 they are parallel to the edge of the top surface 2 with the long rectangle 4 of the shell 3 or lie normal to the plane of symmetry of the capsule shell, along the dash-dotted line in Fig. 13 runs. The first openings 7 are respectively closer to the edge formed by the top surface 2 and the short rectangle 5 than in the second opening 8. A first opening 7 is equidistant from the edge of the top surface 2 by the long one Rectangle 4 and from the edge of the top surface 2 with the short rectangle 5, here about two to three diameters of the openings 7, 8. The openings 7, 8 here all have the same diameter of about 1-1.5 mm.

The upper part of the Fig. 13 contains a sectional view of a variant of the second capsule with internals 11, 12, analogous to those from Fig. 9 are. Likewise, the refer Fig. 16-18 to this variant with internals, the variant of the first capsule with internals according to the FIGS. 7, 8 and 10 like. The lower part of the Fig. 13 represents a plan view of the second capsule, which is the same with and without internals of the capsule.

Fig. 14 concerning the second capsule corresponds to Fig. 4 the first capsule and applies both to the variant with and for the variant without internals. Fig. 15 shows the variant of the second capsule without internals, Fig. 15 equals to Fig. 6 for the first capsule.

Fig. 19 shows a third capsule, which - as the second capsule in the Fig. 11-18 - Has a total of three openings, which are all in the top surface 2. In the third capsule after the Fig. 19-26 are neither in the lateral surface 3 in the base 1 openings 7, 8 are provided.

Also, the capsule shell of the third capsule is substantially (again except for the base 9) formed as a straight prism, with a base 1, a top surface 2 and a lateral surface connecting them 3. Base 1 and top surface 2 are congruent, aligned parallel to each other and have each approximately the shape of a sickle. The lateral surface 3 is normal to the base and top surface 1, 2 and consists of an outwardly curved portion 6 of a cylinder jacket, two short rectangles 5, an inwardly curved portion 14 of a second cylinder shell and from two further sections 15 of a third cylinder jacket. The outwardly curved portion 6 has a larger radius than the inwardly curved portion 14, these two portions are essentially in the sickle shape. The radius of the two sections 15 is in this case even greater than that of the section 6, but the radius could of course be the same, that would then correspond to the ideal sickle shape, or even smaller. The midpoint of the radius of section 6 lies within the capsule. The length of the section 6 in the circumferential direction of the lateral surface 3 corresponds to about 110 ° of the circular arc length of the section 6. At the section 6, a short rectangle 5 connects to both sides. The two rectangles 5 are parallel to each other and are normal to the straight line on which the openings 7, 8 lie. The two rectangles 5 each cut an equal sector from the imaginary ideal sickle. Each rectangle 5 is followed by a section 15, which merges into the section 14 via a rounded corner. Section 14 has here in the circumferential direction of the lateral surface 3, the length of a semicircle (see Fig. 21 ).

The outwardly curved portion 6 of the capsule could be supported on a correspondingly shaped inner wall of the closure cap. Likewise, the sections 15 and / or the section 14 could be supported on a correspondingly shaped inner wall or on correspondingly shaped internals of a closure cap. In particular, portion 14 is shaped to wrap around or surround a valve or mouthpiece of the closure cap.

The capsule shell of the third capsule is symmetrical to the dot-dash line in Fig. 21 , If you measure the length of the capsule in Fig. 21 from left to right, parallel to the dot-dash line, from a rounded top to the top of section 6, this length is about the same size like the width, in Fig. 21 measured as the distance between the two rectangles 5 to each other.

The openings 7, 8 in the Fig. 19-26 are the same size and circular, with a diameter of about 1-1.5 mm. In the top surface 2, a single second opening 8 is approximately centrally, ie on the dot-dash line, which represents the plane of symmetry of the capsule. This is located near the section 14, here about two to three diameters of the opening 8 of this. On a straight line normal to the dot-dash line lies on both sides of the second opening 8 in each case a so-called first opening 7, at the same distance from the second opening 8 and near the rectangles 5, so here again two to three diameters of the opening 7 from the edge removed to the rectangle 5.

The variant of the third capsule with internals 11, 12, 13 is in the Fig. 21 . 22 and 24-26 shown. The internals 11, 12, 13 correspond to the internals in the Fig. 7-10 the first capsule, but also the capsule shell of the third capsule with the sections 6 and the short rectangles 5 is substantially identical to the corresponding elements of the first capsule. In Fig. 25 is the base 1 seen from the rear, so from the right in Fig. 24 , in Fig. 26 is the base 1 seen from the front, so from the left in Fig. 26 . Fig. 21 above is a sectional view of the capsule according to section line BB in Fig. 13 below, Fig. 24 shows the opened capsule.

The internals consist of three flat walls 11-13. Two walls 11, 12 are normal to the dot-dashed plane of symmetry of the capsule shell in the plan view in Fig. 21 below. A wall 13 is normal to the other two walls 11, 12 and connects at right angles to the wall 11 at. The wall 11 is arranged at a smallest distance x from the section 14, it is shorter than the connection between the two rectangles 5, namely on both sides also to approximately the distance x, and is arranged centrally with respect to the plane of symmetry. The wall 11 here forms a straight continuation of the wall of the base 9. The wall 11 is so high that it extends in the closed state of the capsule to the top surface 2.

The wall 12 is arranged approximately at a distance x parallel to the wall 11 within the wall 11, it is the same width as the wall 11, but normal to the plane of symmetry of the capsule shell completely moved to the edge of the base 1, so that the wall 12 in the closed state the capsule extends to the lateral surface 3, namely to the short rectangle 5. The wall 12 is so high that it extends in the closed state of the capsule from the base 1, more precisely the base of the base 9, to the top surface 2.

The wall 13 is arranged approximately at a distance x normal to the wall 12 and connects at a right angle to the wall 11 at. The wall 13 is so wide that the wall 13 extends in the closed state of the capsule to the lateral surface 3, namely to the curved portion 6. The wall 13 is so high that it extends in the closed state of the capsule from the base 1 and the base of the base 9, to the top surface 2.

The three walls 11-13 thus form a channel with a width which corresponds approximately to the distance x. The channel is closed at the top by the top surface 2 and bottom by the base 1 and its base 9. This channel has the shape of a labyrinth or two meanders, and runs with the capsule closed, first outside the wall 13 parallel to the wall 13 (between wall 13 and short rectangle 5), then, after a change in direction of 90 °, outside the wall 11 along the wall 11 (between wall 11 and section 14), then, after a change of direction of 180 °, between the wall 11 and wall 12, then a renewed change in direction of 180 ° along the wall 13, so that the channel finally ends between wall 12 and section 6.

The three openings 7, 8 are in that region of the channel, which extends outside along the wall 11, namely between the wall 11 and portion 14. In this way, the communication path between filling liquid in the remaining filling volume and the openings 7, 8 is extended, so not too much filling liquid can be sucked out of the capsule all at once or mixing liquid and filling liquid of the capsule do not mix too much.

Even with the third capsule after the Fig. 19-26 the base 1 within its outer edge on a lowering to the outside in the form of a base 9, which extends rectangular to the rest of the base area 1, to insert the capsule in a socket 9 corresponding recess in a cap.

The capsule is in the Fig. 1-10 shown to scale. The length of the capsule, about the length of the long rectangle 4, is 15-45 mm, in particular 20-35 mm. The height of the capsule, measured from the outside of the base 9 to the top surface 2, is 7-30 mm, in particular 10-25 mm. Accordingly, the openings 7, 8 have a diameter of about 1 mm, usually 1-1.5 mm.

Also the representation in the Fig. 11-26 is to scale, the second capsule in the Fig. 11-18 has the same dimensions as the first capsule in the Fig. 1-10 , The third capsule according to the Fig. 19-26 in principle also has the same dimension between the short rectangles 5 of 15-45 mm, in particular 20-35 mm and a height from the base 9 to the top surface 2 of 7-30 mm, in particular 10-25 mm.

Basically, the outer shape and size of the capsule depends on the receiving volume of the cap. The volume of Dispensing body may not be greater than the receiving volume of the cap.

On the shape of the openings 7, 8, the size of the openings 7, 8, the shape and the material of the capsule and the viscosity of the liquid with which the capsule is filled, the delivery rate and duration of the filling liquid to a Regulate capsule fluid.

The base 1, the base 9, the lateral surface 3 and the top surface 2 have the same wall thickness in the embodiments shown. The wall thickness is about 0.5 to 1.5 mm, in particular 0.7 to 1.2 mm.

For the delivery of the filled capsules to the end user for hygiene reasons appropriate means must be provided to prevent the ingress of dirt into the capsule or the leakage of filling liquid from the capsule. For example, the capsule could be surrounded by a film, and / or the openings 7, 8 could be closed by means of adhesive strips.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Floor space

2

cover surface

3

lateral surface

4

long rectangle

5

short rectangle

6

Section of a cylinder jacket

7

first opening

8th

second opening

9

base

10

web

11

Wall (fixtures)

12

Wall (fixtures)

13

Wall (fixtures)

14

Section of a second cylinder jacket

15

Section of a third cylinder jacket

x

Distance from wall 11

Claims (14)

1. Unit consisting of a closure cap, which closes a liquid-filled container, and a discharging element arranged in the closure cap for discharging substances into the liquid that flows through the closure cap in a defined throughflow crosssection when the container is tilted, it being possible for a flow to pass around the discharging element,

   - wherein the discharging element is in the form of a capsule having a capsule casing (1-3),

   - wherein the capsule casing (1-3) encloses a fillable volume for substances to be discharged and is made of a liquid-tight material, characterized in that the capsule casing has at least one first opening (7) and at least one second opening (8) which are arranged in such a way that, when the liquid flows around the capsule to an outlet opening of the closure cap, a greater flow velocity is present at the first opening (7) than at the second opening (8), and

   - wherein the first and second opening are connected to one another via the fillable volume.
2. Unit according to claim 1, characterized in that a top surface (2) of the capsule is directed toward the outlet opening of the closure cap.
3. Unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized

   - in that the first opening (7) and the second opening (8) are arranged in such a way that the liquid can draw a liquid substance out of the capsule by utilizing the dynamic pressure, and

   - in that either the capsule casing comprises a plurality of surfaces which at least on the outer side of the capsule casing are separated from one another by edges, wherein the first opening (7) and the second opening (8) are located on one outer surface,

   - or in that the surface normal of the capsule casing (1-3) at the location of the first opening (7) encloses an angle with the surface normal of the capsule casing at the location of the second opening (8), wherein the fillable volume contains substances to be discharged which are in the form of a liquid.
4. Unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the capsule is formed in two parts.
5. Unit according to any of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the capsule is half-moon-shaped or crescent-shaped.
6. Unit according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the capsule casing (1-3) comprises a plurality of surfaces (1, 2, 4, 5, 6) which at least on the outer side of the capsule casing are separated from one another by edges, wherein the first opening (7) is arranged on the same outer surface as the second opening (8).
7. Unit according to any of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the capsule casing (1-3) has a largely flat bottom surface (1), a largely flat top surface (2) parallel to the bottom surface, and a lateral surface (3) joining the bottom surface and top surface, wherein the first opening (7) and the second opening (8) are provided in the top surface (2).
8. Unit according to claim 7, characterized in that a second opening (8) is arranged between two first openings (7), the second opening (8) being arranged in particular centrally in relation to the top surface (2).
9. Unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the two first openings (7) and the one second opening (8) are located on a straight line.
10. Unit according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the second opening (8) is provided close to the boundary of the top surface (2).
11. Unit according to any of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the bottom surface (1) and the top surface (2) have at least approximately the shape of a semicircle or crescent.
12. Unit according to any of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the fillable volume contains substances to be discharged which are in the form of a liquid.
13. Unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the liquid contains an active ingredient gradient.
14. Method for discharging substances from a discharging element in the form of a capsule by means of a unit according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that liquid from the container flows around the capsule as a result of tilting of the container, for instance in the drinking position.

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