The invention relates to a capsule for use in a device for preparing beverages. The invention also relates to an assembly of such a capsule and a device for preparing beverages. In addition, the invention relates to a perforation structure evidently intended for use in such a capsule according to the invention. The invention also relates to the use of such a capsule in a device for preparing beverages. The invention further relates to a sealing element for use in a capsule according to the invention.
Diverse capsules for use in a device for preparing beverages are known in the prior art. A known capsule as described for instance in EP 0512468 comprises a housing provided with a perforable supply side for injecting a liquid into the housing and with a discharge side located at a distance from the supply side and provided with an opening for the purpose of discharging liquid injected into the housing, a quantity of substance for extraction received in the housing, such as ground coffee beans, and a pierceable foil connected to the housing and sealing the opening located on the discharge side. This known capsule can be placed in a device for preparing a beverage. The capsule is placed for this purpose in a receiving space of a capsule holder of the device. The capsule is clampingly supported here in the receiving space by a support and a clamp. The supply side of a housing of the capsule is perforated by subsequently moving a liquid injector through the housing of the capsule, and a relatively hot liquid, in particular water, can be introduced into the housing under a relatively high pressure, generally of between 15 and 20 bar. The foil is perforated by moving a perforation plate forming part of the capsule holder and the capsule toward each other and the extracted liquid flows via the perforation plate into a beverage container. Because of the relatively high operating pressure a space between the capsule and capsule holder will generally be filled with a sealing element. In the case the sealing connection does not function in the correct manner and water flows outside the capsule, insufficient pressure will be developed inside the capsule to cause tearing of the foil or the pressure will not tear the foil completely, and this can impede the extraction process considerably. It is possible here to envisage providing the capsule holder with a sealing element in order to realize sealing. It is however generally more advantageous to provide the capsule with a sealing element, whereby the sealing element is used only once, whereby improved operation of the sealing element can be guaranteed. The European patent EP 1654966 describes a capsule which is provided on an outer side with a sealing element manufactured from a rubber-elastic material. Although the material properties of rubber-elastic materials are favourable for sealing engagement on the capsule holder, such rubber-elastic materials are found to be relatively difficult to produce, and it is moreover relatively difficult to attach the rubber-elastic sealing element to the capsule by means of welding. If the sealing element is insufficiently adhered to the capsule during welding, one or more leakages can occur between the sealing element and the capsule, which can result in leakage(s) during the extraction process.
An object of the invention is to provide an improved capsule with which at least one of the above stated drawbacks can be obviated.
A further object of the invention is to provide a capsule with an alternative sealing element.
The invention provides for this purpose a capsule of the type stated in the preamble, comprising: a housing at least partially filled with a substance to be extracted and/or dissolved, such as ground coffee, wherein the housing is provided with a supply side for pressing a liquid such as water into the capsule, and with a discharge side located a distance from the supply side for discharging liquid provided with extract and/or dissolved substance and guided through the capsule, wherein at least a part of the discharge side of the housing is initially sealed by a perforable foil; a laterally protruding engaging edge connected to the housing to enable clamping of the capsule in a device for preparing beverages; and at least one at least partially resilient sealing element for sealing a space between the device and the capsule during clamping of the capsule in the device, the sealing element being at least partially manufactured from a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). The advantage of a TPO is that a TPO is also flexible but, in contrast to a rubber elastomer, comprises relatively few cross-links, whereby a TPO softens considerably more at increased temperature (welding temperature) than a rubber elastomer which is of thermosetting character and does not soften, or hardly so, due to a large number of cross-links. This more intensive softening enables better fusing of the sealing element with another part of the capsule during a (thermal or ultrasonic) welding process, whereby the forming of gaps between the sealing element and another part of the capsule can be prevented, this enhancing the eventual extraction process. It is particularly advantageous here for the capsule part to which the sealing element is connected to be manufactured from plastic, and preferably a polyolefin such as polypropylene, which enhances the mutual fusing during welding, and therefore the mutual adhesion of the two components. Welding is otherwise preferred to adhesion, since no additional adhesive means are required, this being particularly advantageous from an economic and logistic viewpoint and from the viewpoint of environmental-friendliness. A further advantage of applying a TPO is that manufacture of a TPO is quicker and easier than that of a thermosetting elastomer (rubber elastomer) which is manufactured in three lengthy steps (mixing, injection moulding and cross-linking). Other than thermosetting polymers, TPOs can moreover be wholly or partially recycled, this being particularly advantageous from the viewpoint of environmental-friendliness.
The capsule can comprise one or more sealing elements. When the capsule comprises a plurality of sealing elements, it is then possible to envisage the sealing elements engaging each other and optionally being connected to each other, in particular by means of a weld connection. It is however also possible here to envisage the sealing elements being positioned at a distance from each other, wherein for instance one sealing element is connected to and/or forms part of the engaging edge and another sealing element is connected to and/or forms part of the housing, whereby a multiple seal is realized during the extraction process of the capsule placed and clamped in a capsule holder. The one or more sealing elements will generally be positioned on an outer side (i.e. a side facing toward the device) of the housing and/or the engaging edge.
The TPO from which the sealing element is at least partially manufactured preferably comprises polypropylene. Since the housing and/or a part of the foil facing toward the sealing element is generally also manufactured from polypropylene, an excellent welded connection can be realized between the sealing element on the one hand and the housing and/or the foil on the other. The sealing element more preferably comprises a composition of polyolefins, the composition comprising: polypropylene and an elastomeric copolymer comprising units of ethylene and units of an ∀-olefin. The ∀-olefin is more preferably formed here by ethylene, propylene or 1-butene.
In a particular preferred embodiment the TPO is formed by a polyolefin composition, comprising: A) 20-50 parts by weight of a crystalline polypropylene polymer with an isotacticity index higher than 80 which is selected from a polypropylene homopolymer and polypropylene copolymers comprising 0.5 to 15 mol % ethylene and/or an ∀-olefin with 4 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein the polypropylene polymer has a molecular weight distribution (MWD) greater than 3.5; and B) 50-80 parts by weight of an elastomeric ethylene copolymer with olefins CH2═CHR, wherein R is an alkyl with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, which optionally comprises minor quantities of units derived from a polyene, wherein the copolymer comprises 40 to 70% by weight of units derived from ethylene and 30 to 60% by weight of units derived from an ∀-olefin, and has the following characteristics: a) a molecular weight distribution of less than 3.5, b) a crystallinity content, expressed as the enthalpy of fusion, lower than 20 J/g and c) a content of 2-1 regio-inversions of the ∀-olefin units lower than 5%. Further advantageous embodiments are described in EP 0770106, the content of which forms part of this patent specification by way of reference.
In another particular preferred embodiment the TPO is formed by a polyolefin composition, comprising: A) 10-50 parts by weight of a homopolymer of polypropylene with an isotactic index higher than 80 or a copolymer of polypropylene with ethylene, a CH2═CHR ∀-olefin, wherein R is an alkyl group with 2-8 carbon atoms, or a combination thereof, the copolymer comprising more than 85% by weight polypropylene; B) 5-20 parts by weight of a copolymer fraction comprising ethylene, insoluble in xylene at ambient temperature; C) 40-80% by weight of a copolymer fraction of ethylene and polypropylene or another CH2═CHR ∀-olefin, wherein R is an alkyl group with 2-8 carbon atoms, or combination thereof with optionally a small quantity of diene which comprises less than 40% by weight ethylene, which fraction is soluble in xylene at ambient temperature and with an intrinsic viscosity of 1.5-4 dl/g; wherein the percentage by weight of the sum of the (B) and (C) fractions in respect of the overall polyolefin composition is 50-90% and the weight ratio(B)/(C) is lower than 0.4, the polyolefin composition being obtainable by applying a polymerization catalyst comprising the reaction product of a solid component comprising a titanium compound and an electron donor compound supporting on magnesium chloride, with an Al trialkyl compound and an electron donor compound. Further advantageous embodiments are described in EP 0770106, the content of which forms part of this patent specification by way of reference.
Examples of commercially available TPOs are Hifax®, in particular Hifax® 7334 XEP, Adflex®, in particular Adflex® X500F, and Softell® obtainable via LyondellBasell. It is otherwise also possible to envisage further providing an outer surface of the capsule with at least one other type of sealing element for the purpose of sealing the capsule in the device.
The housing can be manufactured from diverse materials, including an aluminium and/or plastic, in particular polypropylene (PP). When a plastic housing is applied, the housing will generally be manufactured from a laminate of a plurality of plastic layers, such as PP and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). When an aluminium housing is applied, it is generally also usual to laminate the aluminium with one or more additional layers, including a protective lacquer coating in order to avoid direct contact of aluminium with the beverage to be prepared, and including for instance a PP layer to enable realization of an (ultrasonic) welded connection to the foil. The foil generally also comprises aluminium which is optionally provided on one or two sides with a PP layer in order to facilitate one or two-sided adhesion of the foil. It is also possible to envisage the foil comprising aluminium oxide (ALOX), optionally laminated with plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), whereby an exceptionally thin foil can be obtained with a thickness in the order of magnitude of several microns. The foil is generally connected by means of welding and/or adhesion to the engaging edge, in particular to a flange forming part of the housing.
In an embodiment of the capsule the at least one sealing element is arranged releasably round the housing and/or is connected releasably to the engaging edge and/or the housing, whereby it is not necessary to modify the production lines for the capsules, this being particularly advantageous from an economic viewpoint. The type, in particular the thickness, of the sealing element to be applied can moreover be adapted to the (most likely) device in which the capsule is going to be used. The arranging of the sealing element can take place by machine during the production process. It is however also possible to envisage this arrangement taking place manually, optionally by the consumer him/herself, whereby he/she can have the type of sealing element to be applied depend on the type of device (coffee machine) the consumer in question is using. A further advantage of the sealing element is that the choice of material and shape can be optimized in relatively simple manner for the purpose of realizing a liquid-tight in particular medium-tight, seal during the preparation process. The sealing element arranged releasably round the housing will generally exert a bias on an outer side of the housing, whereby undesirable removal of the sealing element from the housing can be countered as far as possible. It is also possible to envisage having the sealing element held by the engaging edge and/or the housing, for instance by applying holding elements such as hooks or other locking protrusions.
The sealing element will generally wholly enclose the housing of the capsule and can for instance take the form of an O-shaped or L-shaped ring. It is also possible to envisage the sealing element enclosing the engaging edge multilaterally, whereby a multilateral, particularly two-sided seal can be realized.
In a preferred embodiment the capsule comprises a perforation structure coupled substantially rigidly to the engaging edge and/or the housing and/or the foil and provided with at least one perforation element facing toward the foil for perforating the foil, which perforation structure is positioned substantially on a side of the foil remote from the housing, wherein perforation of the foil is caused by deformation of the foil during pressing of the liquid through the capsule. By providing the capsule with its own perforation structure for perforating the foil a conventional perforation plate forming part of the device is no longer required. The advantage hereof is that the prepared beverage need no longer be pressed through the conventional perforation plate of the device, but can optionally be delivered directly from the capsule to a drinking cup. This can drastically reduce the beverage residue left behind in the device, this being advantageous from a hygiene viewpoint and reducing the required maintenance on the device. It is moreover possible in this way to prevent, or at least counter, beverage pressed out of the capsule mixing with beverage residues coming from one or more already used capsules and already present in the device, whereby the taste of the beverage to be prepared can be guaranteed as fully as possible. The perforation structure will be connected substantially rigidly (non-displaceably) to the housing, whereby the external dimensioning of the capsule must generally be smaller than or the same as a volume enclosed by the capsule holder. The perforation structure will generally be provided with one or more throughflow channels or throughfeed openings extending between a side of the perforation structure facing toward the foil and a side of the perforation structure remote from the foil. The particular advantage here is that the number of throughflow channels to be applied and the dimensioning of these throughflow channels can be wholly adapted to the nature of the beverage to be prepared, wherein the intensity of the aeration, the extent of the pressure buildup and the swirling of the beverage pressed out of the capsule can be regulated, which can considerably enhance the taste sensation during consumption of the beverage. Because the foil will be perforated by the generally pointed perforation elements and will be pressed during use against the perforation structure, a filtering action will be realized, whereby solid constituents such as coffee dregs can be kept in the housing. The supply side will otherwise generally take a closed form initially, wherein the supply side will be perforated in the device during use. It is also possible to envisage the supply side already being pre-perforated during the production process, whereby further perforation in the device can be dispensed with. The drawback hereof is however that the capsule generally has to be packaged in order to enable a sufficiently long shelf-life of the substance, and therefore of the capsule. Initial, substantially hermetic sealing of the capsule is generally recommended, wherein the capsule can optionally be filled with an inert gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, in order to further increase the shelf-life of the substance. The result hereof is that a slight overpressure of several hundred millibar will generally be present in the capsule. This overpressure can possibly increase to some extent if coffee powder, which naturally generates a limited amount of gas, is received in the capsule.
The perforation structure usually takes a plate-like form in order to limit the volume taken up by the capsule. The perforation structure is preferably positioned at least partially in a volume enclosed by the housing. The advantage hereof is that the dimensioning of the housing need not be adapted to the standard dimensioning of a capsule and capsule holder, this being advantageous from an economic point of view. It is advantageous here for the perforation structure to connect substantially seamlessly to the engaging edge, wherein the perforation structure can even form an integral part of or be integrally connected to at least a part of the engaging edge. It is a further advantage that a side of the perforation structure remote from the foil and a side of the engaging edge are located in the same plane, so that a completely flat underside of the capsule can in fact be realized. The housing and the perforation structure are generally positioned initially on either side of a plane defined by (a central part of) the foil. A suitable material for a perforation structure is plastic, such as for instance PP or polyethylene (PE).
The engaging edge generally comprises at least one flange connected integrally to the housing. It is also possible to envisage the flange being chemically and/or mechanically connected to an inner side and/or outer side of the housing. The engaging edge will usually be constructed in laminated manner from at least one flange connected to the housing and a support structure coupled to the flange, the support structure being optionally integrally connected to the perforation structure. An edge periphery of the perforation structure is optionally connected via at least one connecting element to the engaging edge. The support structure will generally take a substantially annular form here, because the flange will usually have the same shape. It is possible here to envisage the support structure at least partially enclosing, and even being able to clamp, the flange. It is also possible to envisage welding and/or adhering the support structure to the flange, usually with interposing of the foil. The support structure can be constructed from a plurality of parts which are mutually connected during the production process, for instance by means of welding or adhesion.
The perforation structure and the support structure are preferably manufactured at least partially from the same material, such as polypropylene, in order to enable realization of a reliable mutual connection. As already stated, it is also possible to envisage the perforation structure and the support structure being integrally connected to each other and being manufactured in the same production step, for instance by means of injection moulding. The support structure can here in fact be deemed as an (integral) extension of the perforation structure. The support structure is preferably constructed here from a lower part initially connected directly to the perforation plate and an upper part connected to the lower part, wherein the lower part and the upper part are at least positioned at least partially on either side of the flange connected to the housing or forming part of the housing, whereby the flange is at least partially covered on an underside and an upper side by the support structure. The upper part of the support structure can be connected integrally to the lower part of the support structure, wherein the support structure is even manufactured from one material, in particular plastic, preferably polypropylene. The lower part of the support structure will however generally be adapted to initially hold (support) the perforation structure and the upper part of the support structure will generally be adapted as the sealing element manufactured at least partially from TPO. The advantage of a TPO is that a reliable sealing of the capsule in the capsule holder can be realized by means of such a material, wherein a reliable connection can moreover be realized between the lower part of the support structure and the upper part of the support structure.
Instead of connecting the perforation structure rigidly to the engaging edge and/or the housing and/or the foil, it is also possible to envisage the capsule comprising a perforation structure coupled to the engaging edge and/or the housing and provided with at least one perforation element facing toward the foil, this perforation structure being positioned substantially on a side of the foil remote from the housing, wherein the perforation structure is displaceable from a first position, in which the foil is substantially intact, to a second position in which the at least one perforation element perforates the foil, whereby discharge of liquid from the capsule is possible. Displacement of the perforation structure is generally realized by having the capsule clamped by a capsule holder of a device for preparing beverages, a conventional perforation plate forming part of the device no longer being required. In an embodiment the perforation structure is initially connected in the first position via at least one breakable connection to the engaging edge, wherein the perforation structure is displaceable to the second position by breaking the connection between the perforation structure and the engaging edge. In this embodiment the perforation structure will generally take a substantially rigid form. A suitable material for manufacturing such a substantially rigid perforation structure is for instance PP. The perforation structure is preferably initially positioned such that the connection between the engaging edge and the perforation structure will be broken during clamping of the capsule in the device. It is optionally also possible to envisage the connection being broken by the user him/herself by pushing the perforation structure in the direction of the foil. Instead of using a breakable connection it is also possible to envisage providing the engaging edge and/or the housing with a guide for co-action with the perforation structure, whereby the perforation structure can in fact be shifted from the first position to the second position.
In an advantageous embodiment the perforation structure is provided with a plurality of throughflow channels for discharge of liquid, the throughflow channels extending from a side of the perforation structure facing toward the foil to a side of the perforation structure remote from the foil. The perforation structure is generally also provided with a plurality of perforation elements. It is possible here to envisage at least a number of throughflow channels being located at a distance from the perforation elements. It is however also possible to envisage, and even advantageous, for at least one perforation element to be provided with one or more throughflow channels. It is found particularly advantageous in practice to apply a conical perforation element through which extend three throughflow channels which debouch in the cone wall, whereby blocking of the throughflow channels by perforated foil parts can be prevented.
For the purpose of being able to prevent blocking of an outer end of a throughflow channel by the device it is advantageous for a side of the perforation structure remote from the foil to be provided with at least one surface groove, the surface groove connecting to at least one outer end of at least one throughflow channel. It is further possible to envisage a side of the perforation structure remote from the foil being provided with a plurality of surface grooves, the surface grooves connecting the outer ends of the throughflow channels to each other. The surface grooves can connect to each other and intersect each other and in this way form a network.
The perforation elements must be sufficiently sharp to be able to perforate the foil. It is therefore advantageous that at least a number of perforation elements take a pointed, in particular pyramid-shaped and/or cone-shaped form. A cone-shaped (conical) shape is generally recommended above a pyramid-shaped embodiment, since the conical embodiment has a periphery varying less pronouncedly as seen in the height of the perforation elements, whereby the foil will tear and/or deform more gradually and therefore more easily.
An edge part of the perforation structure facing toward the foil is generally provided with one or more perforation elements for realizing an edge perforation in the foil. The perforation element can here form a cutting edge which can extend over the whole or partial edge part of the perforation structure. In addition, it is possible to envisage application of more centrally positioned perforation elements. In order to be able to guarantee a reliable perforation, it is generally advantageous that the foil initially engages under bias on at least one perforation element. This is because sufficient pressure buildup in the housing of the capsule will, as a result of the bias, result relatively quickly in perforation of the foil.
In an advantageous embodiment of the capsule a side of the perforation structure remote from the foil is provided with an upright sealing edge which protrudes in a direction away from the foil. This upright sealing edge provides on the one hand for an improved connection of the capsule to the device, and thereby for an improved sealing. The application of the upright sealing edge moreover makes the perforation structure stackable (nestable) with another perforation structure, this being particularly advantageous during the production process.
The invention also relates to an assembly of a capsule according to the invention and a device for preparing beverages, which device comprises a capsule holder for receiving the capsule. The capsule holder here preferably comprises a plurality of holder parts which are mutually displaceable between an opened state, in which the capsule can be placed in the capsule holder, and a closed state in which the engaging edge of the capsule is clamped substantially liquid-tightly by the holder parts.
The invention further relates to the use of a capsule according to the invention in a device for preparing beverages.
In addition, the invention relates to a sealing element evidently intended for use in a capsule according to the invention. The sealing element will generally be connected here to another part of the capsule by means of a welded connection.
The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein:
a and 22b show cross-sections of a second embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;
a-24c show different cut-away views of the operation of the capsule according to
During clamping of the capsule in a capsule holder upper wall 3 of capsule 1 will generally be perforated by one or more cutting elements forming part of the capsule holder, after which, during the preparation process, water—and generally air—will be pressed into the capsule at a pressure of between 1 and 20 bar, whereby foil 8 is pressed against perforation elements 12, whereby foil 8 will be perforated. The assembly of perforated foil 8 and perforation structure 10 will act here as filter, wherein beverage will be allowed through and solid parts, in particular residue, will be held back.
During the clamping particularly engaging edge 11 of capsule 1 is clamped in order to realize a seal between capsule 1 and the capsule holder. It is advantageous here for upper part 9a of support structure 9 to be manufactured from a TPO. A reliable seal of the capsule in the capsule holder is realized by the thermoplastic character of the material of upper part 9a of support structure 9. Other than conventional thermosetting elastomers (rubber elastomers), thermoplastic polymers are manufactured using equipment suitable for processing resins. Thermoplastic polymers are quicker and easier to manufacture than thermosetting elastomers, which are manufactured in three lengthy steps (mixing, injection moulding and cross-linking). Other than thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers can moreover be fully or partially recycled. Since lower part 9b of support structure 9 is generally manufactured at least partially from PP and ultrasonic welding is recommended to mutually connect lower part 9b and upper part 9a, it is advantageous for a thermoplastic polypropylene-based elastomer to be applied, such as Adflex®, in particular Adflex® X500F.
In the shown first embodiment of capsule 1 according to the invention the following product specifications can be applied. In the case a plastic housing 2 is applied, the wall thickness thereof can vary and be adapted to the functionality of the relevant part of housing 2. The thickness of flange 7 can for instance amount to between 0.30 and 0.65 mm, while the thickness of the upper wall amounts to 0.15 mm. A slight overpressure of 200 to 300 mbar is present in capsule 1 so that deformation of capsule 1 can be resisted prior to use, foil 8 can be pressed against perforation structure 10 and as much oxygen as possible driven out of capsule 1 during the production process. A typical height of the central perforation elements 12 amounts to between 1 and 2 mm, wherein the length of throughflow channels 13 preferably lies between 0.3 and 0.45 mm. The (narrowest) diameter of throughflow channels 13 amounts to between 0.7 and 0.9 mm. The width of connecting elements 11 amounts in this example to between 1 and 2 mm. The overall thickness of engaging edge 14 amounts to about 1.0 mm, wherein the thickness of flange 7 preferably lies between 0.3 and 0.4 mm, the thickness of foil 8 amounts to about 0.02 mm, the thickness of upper part 9a of support structure 9 amounts to about 0.3 mm and the thickness of lower part 9b of support structure 9 also amounts to about 0.3 mm. Applying the above stated dimensioning results in a capsule with a relatively large internal volume of about 14 cm3.
Referring to
During clamping of capsule 101 in the capsule holder the breakable connection between support structure 109 and perforation structure 110 will in practice generally be broken and perforation structure 110 will be pushed in the direction of foil 108, whereby the peripheral perforation elements 112 will pre-perforate foil 108 and the central perforation elements 113 will not perforate foil 108, or hardly so, because of the loss of foil tension resulting from the peripheral perforation (phase I). In a subsequent brewing process (preparation process) for preparing the beverage, water—and generally air—will be pressed into the capsule at a pressure of between 1 and 20 bar, whereby the peripherally perforated foil 108 is forced against the central perforation elements 113, whereby foil 108 will be further perforated (phase II). The assembly of perforated foil 108 and perforation structure 110 will act here as filter, wherein beverage will be allowed through and solid parts, in particular residue, will be held back.
During the clamping particularly engaging edge 109 of capsule 101 is clamped in order to realize a seal between capsule 101 and the capsule holder. It is advantageous here for upper part 109a of support structure 109 to be manufactured from a TPO. A reliable seal of the capsule in the capsule holder is realized by the thermoplastic character of the material of upper part 109a of support structure 109. Other than conventional thermosetting elastomers (rubber elastomers), thermoplastic polymers are manufactured using equipment suitable for processing resins. Thermoplastic polymers are quicker and easier to manufacture than thermosetting elastomers, which are manufactured in three lengthy steps (mixing, injection moulding and cross-linking). Other than thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers can moreover be fully or partially recycled. Since lower part 109b of support structure 109 is generally manufactured at least partially from PP and ultrasonic welding is recommended to mutually connect lower part 109b and upper part 109a, it is advantageous for a thermoplastic polypropylene-based elastomer to be applied, such as Adflex®, in particular Adflex® X500F.
In the shown first embodiment of capsule 101 according to the invention the following product specifications can be applied. In the case a plastic housing 102 is applied, the wall thickness thereof can vary and be adapted to the functionality of the relevant part of housing 102. The thickness of flange 107 can for instance amount to between 0.30 and 0.65 mm, while the thickness of the upper wall amounts to 0.15 mm. A slight overpressure of 200 to 300 mbar is present in capsule 101 so that deformation of capsule 101 can be resisted prior to use, foil 108 can be pressed against perforation structure 110 and as much oxygen as possible driven out of capsule 101 during the production process. A typical height of the central perforation elements 113 amounts to between 1 and 2 mm, wherein the length of throughflow channels 115 preferably lies between 0.3 and 0.45 mm. The (narrowest) diameter of throughflow channels 15 amounts to between 0.7 and 0.9 mm. The width of connecting elements 111 amounts in this example to between 1 and 2 mm. The overall thickness of engaging edge 114 amounts to about 1.0 mm, wherein the thickness of flange 107 preferably lies between 0.3 and 0.4 mm, the thickness of foil 108 amounts to about 0.02 mm, the thickness of upper part 109a of support structure 109 amounts to about 0.3 mm and the thickness of lower part 109b of support structure 109 also amounts to about 0.3 mm. Applying the above stated dimensioning results in a capsule with a relatively large internal volume of between 14.2 and 14.6 cm3.
a and 22b show cross-sections of a second embodiment of a capsule 130 according to the invention. Capsule 130 comprises a housing 131 and a skirt 132 optionally connected integrally to housing 131 and provided with a protruding flange 133 adapted to enable clamping of capsule 130 in a capsule holder, and with an internal stop edge 134. An upper side 135 of skirt 132 is provided with a perforable foil (not shown). Capsule 130 also comprises perforation structure 136 which is linearly displaceable relative to skirt 132. The displacement is bounded here by two protruding flanges 137. Perforation structure 136 is provided on a side facing toward the foil with a plurality of pyramid-like perforation elements 138 between which throughflow channels 139 are arranged for discharge of beverage. In a lower position (first position) of perforation structure 136 the foil will completely seal the housing (
It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described here, but that within the scope of the appended claims numerous variants are possible which will be self-evident to the skilled person in the field.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2006338 | Mar 2011 | NL | national |
2006368 | Mar 2011 | NL | national |
2006369 | Mar 2011 | NL | national |
2006772 | May 2011 | NL | national |
PCT/NL2011/050442 | Jun 2011 | NL | national |
PCT/NL2011/050443 | Jun 2011 | NL | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/NL11/50528 | 7/20/2011 | WO | 00 | 2/6/2014 |