SINGLE SERVE CAPSULE HAVING A LIQUID DISTRIBUTOR

Abstract

The invention relates to a single serve capsule having a capsule body, the walls and bottom of which delimit an interior in which a drink or food substance is provided, which is dissolved and/or extracted by means of a liquid, which is introduced into the single serve capsule, wherein a liquid distributor, which distributes a liquid supply at least partially over the cross section of the single serve capsule, is provided in the interior, in particular downstream of the liquid supply.

Description

The present invention relates to a single serve capsule having a capsule body, the wall and base of which delimit an interior space provided with a beverage/food substance which is dissolved and/or extracted by means of a liquid which is introduced into the single serve capsule, wherein the interior space, in particular downstream of a liquid supply, is provided with a liquid distributor which at least partially distributes the liquid supply over the cross section of the single serve capsule.

Single serve capsules are increasingly used nowadays in order to prepare beverages or food. For this purpose, a liquid, in particular hot water, flows through the single serve capsule and, in the process, a beverage/food substance present in the single serve capsule is extracted and/or dissolved. However, the beverage resulting therefrom is often inadequate in terms of taste.

It was therefore the object of the present invention to provide a single serve capsule which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art.

The object is achieved by a single serve capsule having a capsule body, the wall and base of which delimit an interior space provided with a beverage/food substance which is dissolved and/or extracted by means of a liquid which is introduced into the single serve capsule, wherein the interior space, in particular downstream of a liquid supply, is provided with a liquid distributor which at least partially distributes the liquid supply over the cross section of the single serve capsule.

The present invention relates to a single serve capsule having a capsule body which has a wall, for example a cylindrical or conical wall, and a base, which wall and base jointly delimit an interior space. Said interior space contains a beverage/food substance with which, for example, tea, coffee, espresso, but also a food, for example soup, can be produced by a liquid, in particular hot water, being conducted through the single serve capsule, the liquid dissolving and/or extracting the beverage/food substance. The beverage/food substance is, for example, a coffee powder or tea leaves, but also dried milk or cocoa powder.

According to the invention, the interior space, in particular downstream of the liquid supply and upstream of the beverage/food substance, is now provided with a liquid distributor which distributes the liquid supply, which is generally introduced into the single serve capsule in the form of a water jet, at least partially over the cross section of the single serve capsule. Alternatively, liquid is supplied to the brewing chamber upstream of the cover and is introduced into the capsule interior space in predistributed form, by preferably a plurality of openings, in particular puncture openings, which are made in the cover, in particular the cover film, preferably by a puncturing member, and then, in a second stage, is at least partially distributed over the cross section of the single serve capsule by the liquid distributor.

The liquid distributor reduces the speed at which the liquid strikes against the beverage/food substance.

According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid distributor is a plastics component which, for example, may be injection molded and/or thermoformed. The liquid distributor may also be manufactured as a porous component preferably by a single- or multi-bond technique.

The liquid distributor preferably has a base area with recesses through which the liquid flows and is distributed in the process. The base area of the liquid distributor is arranged here at least substantially parallel to the surface of the beverage/food substance.

The base area is provided with a multiplicity of recesses which, with respect to the base area, are preferably arranged at right angles to the base area or obliquely to the base area and/or preferably have different diameters and/or are preferably distributed nonuniformly on the base area and/or preferably have a constant diameter and/or recesses, the center point of which are arranged on a circular ring. In the event that the recesses are provided obliquely, said slopes can be provided at least partially at different angles in the recesses and/or the direction of the slopes may differ. The recesses can have, for example, a round, triangular, rectangular or square cross section.

Furthermore preferably, the base area of the liquid distributor is arranged at a distance from that surface of the beverage/food substance which faces said base area and/or from the cover. This embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that the beverage/food substance can expand without clogging the openings in the liquid distributor and/or without damaging the single serve capsule.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a side wall or one or more side wall portions which preferably runs/run substantially parallel to the wall of the capsule body and/or at a right angle to the base area of the liquid distributor is/are provided on the periphery of the base area of the liquid distributor. Said side wall/side wall portions can protrude from the surface of the base area in the direction of the beverage/food substance and/or in the direction of the cover. The side wall of the liquid distributor is preferably shaped conically or cylindrically. Each side wall portion protrudes at a right angle or obliquely from the surface of the base area.

A form-fitting means and/or a friction-fitting means which interacts in a form-fitting and/or friction-fitting manner with the wall of the capsule body is preferably provided on the side wall or at least on a side wall portion and, particularly preferably here, also acts as a seal for the beverage substance and/or the liquid. Said means is preferably provided in such a manner that it fixes the liquid distributor in a certain position, in particular remote from the beverage/food substance, during the transport of the single serve capsule. However, the pressure of the liquid which is required for producing the beverage and which flows through the liquid distributor, and/or the pressure of a puncturing means is preferably sufficient in order to move, in particular to displace and/or to rotate, the liquid distributor along the wall of the capsule body in the direction of the beverage/food substance.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid distributor and/or the wall of the capsule body and/or the cover has a predetermined breaking means which breaks, preferably when the liquid flows in, and therefore the liquid distributor which is initially positionally fixed in the single serve capsule becomes movable. According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid distributor is initially fixedly connected to the cover and/or to the capsule body of the single serve capsule after production of the single serve capsule and preferably until the flow passes through the latter. However, according to the invention, a predetermined breaking means, for example, a predetermined breaking point, is provided which is damaged or destroyed in particular by the pressure of the liquid flowing into the single serve capsule and/or by the movement of a puncturing means, as a result of which the liquid distributor can be at least partially moved and can be displaced and/or rotated, for example, in the direction of the beverage/food substance.

The liquid distributor is preferably provided in the form of a membrane which is deformed when the liquid flows in and/or by a puncturing means penetrating the single serve capsule. Said membrane is particularly preferably arched, in particular curved, in one direction, in particular in the direction of the cover, such that the beverage/food substance has room to move in the capsule body. Said membrane is preferably moved in the direction of the beverage/food substance by the pressure of the liquid and/or a puncturing means. By means of the curvature, the membrane preferably snaps here in the direction of the beverage/food substance.

The liquid distributor, in particular in the radial direction, preferably has portions composed of different materials and/or different material properties and/or material thicknesses. In the event that the liquid distributor is designed in the form of a membrane, the liquid distributor preferably has a relatively elastic inner region and a relatively stiff outer region, which adjoins the outer periphery of the inner region.

Furthermore preferably, the side wall of the liquid distributor is deformed when the liquid flows in and/or by a puncturing means penetrating the single serve capsule. This embodiment is preferred in particular if the side wall of the liquid distributor is provided in the direction of the beverage/food substance. The side wall can then be bent, folded or compressed, for example under the pressure of the liquid or by the pressure of a puncturing means, and, as a result, can reduce the distance between the base area of the liquid distributor and the surface of the beverage/food substance.

The liquid and/or a puncturing means which opens the single serve capsule, in particular the cover thereof, before or during the production of the beverage/food, preferably moves the liquid distributor at least in sections in the direction of the beverage/food substance. The movement can take place substantially linearly and/or in the form of rotation.

The liquid distributor is preferably provided so as to be compressible at least in one direction of extent such that the liquid is prevented from flowing past the liquid distributor and/or in order at least substantially completely to fill the space between an optionally present cover film and the beverage/food substance.

According to a further novel or preferred embodiment, the liquid distributor is provided from a sintered material or in the form of 3-D printing.

Within the context of the invention, sintered means that individual particles from which the liquid distributor is produced are connected to one another under the influence of pressure or temperature.

Within the context of the invention, 3-D printing means that the liquid distributor is built up layer by layer, for example from a pulverulent or liquid material, wherein the respectively applied layer is connected to the layer located there below.

The height of the liquid distributor is preferably provided in such a manner that said liquid distributor completely fills the space between the beverage/food substance and an optionally present cover film and/or the base.

The liquid distributor is preferably compressed in the single serve capsule. In particular, the liquid distributor is compressed between the cover and the beverage/food substance. As a result, the position of the beverage/food substance is fixed and the latter cannot slip, for example during transport of the single serve capsule.

The liquid distributor preferably has a plurality of bores through which the liquid flows.

A seal is preferably provided on the periphery of the liquid distributor, the seal at least reducing, preferably preventing, passage of the beverage/food substance between the liquid distributor and the cover film and/or at least reducing a bypass flow, i.e. a short circuit, of the liquid around the liquid distributor.

The seal is preferably configured as a flexible sealing lip which is elastically deformed upon insertion into the capsule body and, as a result, is prestressed in the direction of the capsule body.

The seal can be manufactured from the same material as or a different material from the liquid distributor and/or can have a different material thickness than the liquid distributor, in particular than the base area or side wall thereof.

A film hinge can be provided between the side wall and/or base area of the liquid distributor and the seal.

The seal preferably interacts with a projection or offset on the capsule wall.

The seal can preferably be deformed, in particular elastically deformed. By means of this deformation, a form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection with the side wall of the single serve capsule before the production of the beverage is preferably cancelled or reduced when the liquid flows in and/or by movement of an opening means, and the liquid distributor is displaced in the direction of the beverage substance.

The liquid distributor preferably has a multiplicity of recesses which are arranged on one or more reference circles.

The recess are preferably located only in the outer region of the liquid distributor, and, particularly preferably, the diameter of the reference circle on which the recesses are preferably located equidistantly amounts to 80-95%, particularly preferably 85-90%, of the actual diameter of the liquid distributor, i.e. of the diameter of the surface which is approached by the flow of liquid.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the liquid distributor is connected in an integrally bonded manner to the beverage/food substance and/or to the capsule body, in particular by adhesive bonding.

The adhesive is preferably water-soluble. Upon introduction, the adhesive is then dissolved and the liquid distributor can move freely within the single serve capsule.

The liquid distributor is preferably placed onto the beverage/food substance and held in position with the adhesive, for example a hydrocolloid, by an integrally bonded connection.

Alternatively or additionally, the upper layer of the beverage/food substance, which layer is opposite the filter and/or faces the cover film, is mixed, in particular impregnated, with a substance which is in particular neutral in terms of taste and which produces an integrally bonded connection, in particular by means of adhesive bonding, of the particles of the beverage/food substance to one another and/or to the capsule body. After the adhesive has cured, said adhesively bonded layer holds the beverage/food substance in position within the single serve capsule. The substance, the adhesive, then dissolves during the brewing operation under the influence of the hot water and the pressure produced.

Beverage/food substance, in particular the coffee, is preferably pressed within the single serve capsule, for example by a perforated disk, with a force of between 0-15 kg, preferably 12-15 kg.

A further subject matter of the present invention is a system consisting of a brewing chamber into which a single serve capsule according to the invention is inserted, and with a brewing piston which closes the brewing chamber and on which is provided a puncturing means with which the capsule is opened, wherein the puncturing means displaces the liquid distributor within the single serve capsule and, in the process, changes the position of the beverage/food substance.

The statements made with regard to this subject matter of the present invention apply equally to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa. The features of the individual subjects of the present invention can be combined with one another.

To change the position of the beverage/food substance means that the beverage/food substance is compressed and/or that nonuniform distributions of the beverage/food substance, for example due to transport and/or storage, are at least partially compensated for again. For example, the beverage/food substance can slip and/or become loose within the single serve capsule during transport. Said slipping or loosening is at least partially remedied again by the liquid distributor in that the liquid distributor presses onto the beverage/food substance before and/or during the production of the beverage or food.

The puncturing means, for example a puncturing spike, preferably first of all penetrates the cover film and then also presses the liquid distributor in the direction of the beverage substance.

The liquid distributor is designed at least in sections as a rigid or semi-rigid plate.

According to a further novel or preferred embodiment, a punch is provided on the brewing piston, said punch displacing the liquid distributor within the single serve capsule and, in the process, changing the position of the beverage/food substance.

The statements made with regard to this subject matter of the present invention apply equally to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa. The features of the individual subjects of the present invention can be combined with one another.

The punch is preferably fixedly connected to the brewing piston or is provided so as to be movable relative thereto.

For example, the punch can be displaced relative to the brewing piston by the pressure of the liquid with which the beverage or the food is produced.

A further subject matter of the present invention is a method for producing a beverage or food, in which a liquid flows through a single serve capsule and, in the process, dissolves and/or extracts a beverage/food substance, wherein the liquid is distributed over the cross section of the single serve capsule by a liquid distributor which is provided upstream of the beverage/food substance, wherein the liquid distributor is deformed and/or moved while the liquid flows there through and/or by the movement of a puncturing means which opens the single serve capsule, in particular punctures the cover thereof.

The statements made with regard to the single serve capsule according to the invention apply equally to the method according to the invention and vice versa. Features of the method can be combined with features of the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a predetermined breaking means provided between the capsule body and/or the cover and the liquid distributor is damaged or destroyed by the pressure of a puncturing means or by the pressure of the inflowing liquid, and therefore the liquid distributor, which is initially provided in a positionally fixed manner in the single serve capsule, can move in the single serve capsule. For example, the liquid distributor can be displaced and/or rotated in the direction of the beverage/food substance.

A further subject matter of the present invention is a method for producing a beverage or food, in which an integrally bonded connection between the beverage/food substance and/or the capsule body and the liquid distributor is dissolved when a liquid flows through the single serve capsule.

The statements made with regard to the single serve capsule according to the invention apply equally to the method according to the invention and vice versa. Features of the method can be combined with features of the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

For example, the liquid distributor is adhesively bonded to the beverage/food substance and/or to the capsule body, wherein said integrally bonded connection is preferably dissolved again during the production of the beverage or food such that the liquid distributor can move in the single serve capsule.

Preferably, the water pressure moves the liquid distributor.

Yet another subject matter of the present invention is a method for producing a beverage or food, in which a liquid flows through a single serve capsule and, in the process, dissolves and/or extracts a beverage/food substance, and in which the position of the beverage/food substance within the single serve capsule is changed before and/or during production of the beverage.

The statements made with regard to the single serve capsule according to the invention apply equally to the method according to the invention and vice versa. Features of the method can be combined with features of the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

The inventions are explained below with reference to the figures. These explanations are merely by way of example and do not restrict the general inventive concept.

FIGS. 1-4 each show an embodiment of a liquid distributor of a single serve capsule according to the invention.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a single serve capsule according to the invention with a membrane as liquid distributor.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a liquid distributor of a single serve capsule according to the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the single serve capsule according to the invention.

FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment of the single serve capsule according to the invention.

FIG. 9 shows details of the liquid distributor.

FIGS. 10 and 10a show further embodiments of the liquid distributor.

FIG. 11 shows the liquid distributor in a capsule body.

FIGS. 12a and 12b show the arrangement of holes in the liquid distributor.

FIGS. 13-16 each show an embodiment of the system according to the invention or of the methods according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a liquid distributor which is used, for example, in a single serve capsule, as is described with reference to FIG. 7. In the present case, the liquid distributor 6 is a plastics part which, for example, is injection molded or thermoformed. In the present case, the liquid distributor 6 has a base area 16 which is provided with a multiplicity of recesses 14 through which the liquid which is used for producing the beverage and which is illustrated by an arrow flows before said liquid impacts against a beverage/food substance to be dissolved and/or extracted. The periphery of the base area is provided with a side wall or with side wall portions which, in the present case, extends/extend from that surface 23 of the base area 16 which faces away from the beverage/food substance. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the side wall 15 can alternatively or additionally also extend from the opposite surface 22 of the liquid distributor. In the case illustrated, the side wall is arranged between the cover (not illustrated) and the base area 16 of the liquid distributor 6. In the present case, the side wall is preferably provided with a plurality of form-fitting means 17 which interact in a form-fitting manner with the wall of the single serve capsule and thereby fix the liquid distributor in a certain position, in particular before said liquid distributor is used for producing a beverage or food. The form-fitting means can be shaped, for example, in the form of a spherical segment or conically. The wall of the single serve capsule preferably has a corresponding undercut. The liquid distributor 6 is preferably provided at a distance from the surface of the beverage/food substance such that the latter can, for example, expand without clogging the recesses 14 with beverage/food substance and/or damaging the single serve capsule, in particular the cover 2 thereof. For the production of a beverage, the single serve capsule, in particular the cover thereof, is preferably opened, for example the cover is punctured by a puncturing means. In the process or thereafter, a liquid which is required for producing the beverage or the food flows into the single serve capsule and first of all strikes against the liquid distributor 6, which distributes the liquid over the cross section of the single serve capsule. However, it is also possible for the liquid to be introduced upstream of the cover film into a brewing chamber, in which the single serve capsule is located during the production of the beverage or food, and then to be predistributed through a plurality of openings which are located in the cover 2, in particular in a cover film 2. The liquid predistributed in this manner is then once again distributed in a further step by the liquid distributor 6, in particular more extensively, preferably over the entire cross section of the single serve capsule. The form-fitting means is preferably provided in such a manner that the force of the puncturing means which makes contact with the liquid distributor during the puncturing of the single serve capsule and/or the pressure of the liquid suffices in order to overcome the form-fitting connection between the liquid distributor 6 and the wall of the single serve capsule. The liquid distributor can thereby be displaced, for example, in the direction of the beverage/food substance and, in the process, can change the position of the latter and/or can compress the latter. It can be seen with reference to FIG. 1 that the form-fitting means 17 is preferably only provided locally. However, it may also be arranged over the entire area of the side wall.

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a liquid distributor. Reference can substantially be made to the statements according to FIG. 1, with the difference that, in the present case, instead of a form-fitting means 17, a friction-fitting means 18, which interacts frictionally with the inner side of the wall of the capsule body, is provided. Alternatively or additionally, however, a predetermined breaking means 18 which connects the liquid distributor 6 to the wall of the single serve capsule can also be provided. Said predetermined breaking means is dimensioned in such a manner that it is damaged or destroyed by the movement of a puncturing means and/or by the pressure of the inflowing liquid in such a manner that the liquid distributor, which was initially provided in a positionally fixed manner in the interior of the single serve capsule, can move after the destruction of the predetermined breaking means and is pushed or rotated in the direction of the beverage/food substance by the puncturing means and/or the pressure of the liquid. Within the context of the invention, in a positionally fixed manner means that the liquid distributor does not move under normal stress, for example during transport or during insertion of the single serve capsule into a brewing device. This connection is at least partially cancelled only by the liquid pressure and/or the puncturing means.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the single serve capsule according to the invention, in which the liquid distributor 6 has a predetermined breaking means 18 which preferably rests on a support which is provided on the wall of the capsule body. In the present case, the support is configured as an undercut in the wall of the capsule body such that the position of the liquid distributor is fixed. Otherwise, reference is made to the statements made with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the single serve capsule according to the invention. In the present case, the liquid distributor has a side wall or side wall portions which extend from the base area 16 of the liquid distributor in the direction of the beverage/food substance. In the present case, the side wall or the side wall portions 15 are provided so as to be deformable such that they can be deformed or compressed during the penetration of the puncturing means and/or by the water pressure, as a result of which the shape of said side wall or side wall portions changes in such a manner that the liquid distributor can be displaced in the direction of the beverage/food substance. In the process, the side wall or the side wall portions preferably at least temporarily penetrate the beverage/food substance.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 1-4, a conically configured wall of the capsule body has the advantage that the force which is required in order to move the liquid distributor in the direction of the beverage/food substance is increased continuously. Otherwise, reference is made to the statements regarding FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the single serve capsule according to the invention. In the present case, the liquid distributor is a membrane which has a first portion which is provided with recesses 14 and which is preferably arched in the direction of the cover 2 of the single serve capsule. Said portion is preferably manufactured from a comparatively flexible material 21. The periphery of said first region 21 is adjoined by a preferably comparatively rigid region, for example a ring, which can likewise be arched and is connected to the capsule body, in particular the wall thereof. A person skilled in the art understands that the two regions can be manufactured from the same material or different materials. Furthermore, the two regions can differ in terms of the material thicknesses thereof. In position 1, illustrated by the solid line, the membrane is spaced apart from the beverage/food substance. The membrane is brought by the penetrating puncturing means and/or the water pressure from position 1 into position 2, in which the membrane bears against the beverage/food substance and even exerts pressure thereon.

FIG. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of the base area of the liquid distributor. It can clearly be seen that the recesses 14 through which the liquid flows are provided obliquely to the surface of the base area. Furthermore, it can be seen that the degree of the slope for the respective recesses and/or the direction of the slope may be different. In addition, the recesses can be provided with a different cross sectional area. The distribution of the recesses also does not have to be equidistant. The distance from one recess to the next may be different. However, the cross sectional area of the respective recess is preferably constant over the length of said recess.

FIG. 7 shows the single serve capsule 1 according to the invention which has a capsule body 3 with a capsule wall 9 and a capsule base 5. The capsule body is manufactured, for example, from a plastics material, in particular thermoformed from a film web or injection molded. The capsule wall 9 and the capsule base 5 define an interior space 10 which, in the present case, is closed by a cover, in particular a cover film 2, which is connected to the edge of the capsule body, for example, by sealing or adhesive bonding. The interior space contains a beverage/food substance which is used for producing the beverage or the food. For this purpose, a liquid, in particular hot water, flows through the single serve capsule, and, as illustrated by the arrow 7, in the present case the liquid flows through the cover of the single serve capsule into the interior space of the single serve capsule and dissolves and/or extracts the beverage/food substance there. The liquid supply into the brewing chamber preferably takes place upstream of the cover and is introduced in a predistributed manner into the capsule interior space by preferably a plurality of openings, in particular puncture openings, which are preferably provided in the cover, in particular the cover film, by a puncturing member, and then, in a second stage, is at least partially distributed over the cross section of the single serve capsule by the liquid distributor.

The beverage or food produced in this manner leaves the single serve capsule, here at the base, as illustrated by the arrow 8. As a rule, the interior space of the single serve capsules is hermetically sealed prior to use thereof. During the production of a beverage and/or food, the cover and/or the capsule base are/is in each case opened, in particular punctured, by a puncturing means which, as a rule, penetrates the interior space of the single serve capsule. Alternatively, a closure element, for example a film, can be removed from the single serve capsule so as to open the single serve capsule.

A person skilled in the art understands that the flow directions may also be the other way around.

The interior space of the single serve capsule is preferably provided with a filter element 4 which prevents particles of the beverage/food substance from entering the beverage/food to be produced. According to the invention, the interior space of the single serve capsule is provided with a liquid distributor 6 which at least partially distributes the inflowing liquid over the cross section of the single serve capsule and thereby leads to a more uniform extraction or dissolution of the beverage/food substance. Furthermore, the effect achieved by the liquid distributor is that the inflow speed of the liquid is reduced and the latter is distributed uniformly over the cross section of the single serve capsule, as a result of which the quality of the resulting beverage or food increases. In the example according to FIG. 1, the thickness of the liquid distributor is provided in such a manner that there is still a certain distance between the liquid distributor and the cover 2.

FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment of the single serve capsule according to the invention. Reference can essentially be made to the statements according to FIG. 7, but in the present case the thickness D of the liquid distributor is provided in such a manner that the latter completely fills the distance between the upper side of the beverage/food substance and the cover. The liquid distributor is optionally even compressed between the beverage/food substance and the cover. The effect achieved by this is that the liquid distributor at the same time stabilizes the position of the beverage/food substance such that the latter does not slip, for example during transport of the single serve capsule. When the capsule is punctured, such a liquid distributor is preferably likewise punctured.

FIG. 9 shows details of the liquid distributor. In the present case, the liquid distributor is produced from a multiplicity of fibers which are preferably connected to one another, for example by adhesive bonding or by means of a heat treatment. The fibers are preferably arranged in such a manner that the longitudinal orientation thereof corresponds to the through flow direction through the liquid distributor. In the present case, a cladding is furthermore also provided around the fiber material in order to stabilize the shape of the liquid distributor and/or in order to produce and/or to improve the bond between the fibers. Alternatively or additionally, individual fibers are connected to one another, in particular by an integrally bonded connection.

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of the liquid distributor 6 which, in the present case, is illustrated in three different sizes, wherein the sizes at least partially differ in the diameter thereof, i.e. in the surface 31 thereof which the flow approaches, but in particular in the height D thereof, and therefore, with the capsule body remaining identical, different quantities of beverage/food substance can be filled into the capsule and the liquid distributor at least partially restricts the space within the capsule body, within which the beverage/food substance can move, and/or in that, in the case of a conical capsule body, the liquid distributor can be used at different heights and/or in different capsules.

A common feature of all of the liquid distributors illustrated is that they have, in an encircling manner on the outer periphery thereof, a seal/support 24 which at least partially prevents the beverage/food substance from passing between the liquid distributor and the cover film. In the present case, said seal 24 is provided at an angle to a likewise encircling side wall 30 of the liquid distributor. The seal itself and/or the connection thereof to the liquid distributor 6, here to the side wall 30, is preferably provided in such a manner that said seal can be elastically deformed. For example, the connection is configured in the form of a “film hinge”. In particular when the liquid distributor is inserted, the seal, here the sealing lip, is elastically deformed in the direction of the side wall such that the angle between seal 24 and side wall 30 is reduced and the seal is prestressed against the capsule wall 9. The surface 31 which is approached by the flow and in the present case is circular has a plurality of recesses 14, here bores, through which the liquid flows and is thereby introduced in a targeted manner into the beverage/food substance. Furthermore, the liquid distributor surface 31 approached by the flow prevents the liquid which is introduced into the single serve capsule from flowing directly into the beverage/food substance and thereby swirling and/or redistributing the latter.

FIG. 10a shows a further embodiment of the liquid distributor according to the invention. It can in turn be seen that the circular surface 31 which is approached by the flow of liquid and is planar here is surrounded by a side wall 30, provided here perpendicularly to the surface, and that the liquid distributor has recesses 14 through which the liquid flows into the beverage/food substance. In contrast to the liquid distributor illustrated in FIG. 10, the seal 24 in the present case is provided pointing away from the side wall, and therefore, when the liquid distributor is introduced into the single serve capsule, the angle between the side wall 30 and the seal 24 is increased.

Otherwise, however, reference can be made to the statements according to FIG. 10, wherein it is true of the liquid distributor according to FIG. 10 and according to FIG. 10a that the connection between the seal and the side wall is preferably provided in such a manner that, when the liquid distributor is acted upon with a certain force, which can be applied by the inflowing liquid or, for example, by a punch or by a puncturing means which opens the single serve capsule, the latter is deformed and/or the position thereof changes, for example is placed more against the side wall, in such a manner that the liquid distributor can move within the single serve capsule, in particular can be displaced linearly in the direction of the beverage/food substance.

A person skilled in the art furthermore recognizes that the side wall does not necessarily have to be present.

FIG. 11 schematically shows the single serve capsule according to the invention, wherein, in the present case, only the capsule body 3 which is closed by a cover film 4, which is connected to an encircling flange 32, is illustrated. The single serve capsule is of rotationally symmetrical design. The interior space of the single serve capsule contains the liquid distributor 6, the seal 24 of which rests in the present case on a support 19 and is supported thereon and interacts in a sealing manner with said surface and/or with the rest of the capsule body. It can clearly be seen that, upon insertion into the single serve capsule, the seal 24 is elastically deformed by the surface which at this time is still not closed by the cover film 2 and, as soon as the seal has reached the region of the support 19, the seal at least partially deforms into the latter and is therefore prestressed against the capsule wall and/or against the support 19.

The flow of the liquid through the single serve capsule is likewise illustrated schematically in FIG. 11. The liquid flows at one or more points through the cover film and then strikes against the liquid distributor surface 31 approached by the flow. The flow is optionally retarded here and conducted in the direction of the recesses 14 through which the liquid flows into the beverage/food substance (not illustrated). During flow through the beverage/food substance, the latter is dissolved or substances located therein are extracted and the beverage or food produced in this manner then leaves the single serve capsule in the region of the capsule base. In order to avoid particles of the beverage/food substance passing into the finished beverage or food, a filter element 4 composed, for example, of a nonwoven fiber material is provided in the present case in the region of the base. The recesses 14 are arranged only in the edge region of the liquid distributor surface which the flow approaches, and the finished beverage or food is drawn off, preferably as illustrated, centrally in the center of the capsule base 5. Nevertheless, such a good distribution of the liquid is achieved that in particular coffee powder is very readily extracted or instant coffee is readily dissolved. These statements apply to all of the illustrated embodiments of the liquid distributor or of the system.

FIGS. 12a and 12b show details of the liquid distributor according to FIG. 10. It can clearly be seen that recesses 14 are provided in the region of the surface 31 which the flow approaches, the recesses in the present case being arranged equidistantly on a reference circle which is located in the region of the outer diameter of the surface 31 which the flow approaches. The liquid is preferably introduced within said reference circle and then flows, in particular radially, outward in the direction of the recesses 14. In the present case, the reference circle diameter is 28 mm at a diameter of the surface which the flow approaches of 30-33 mm, but these values are merely preferred dimensions. Furthermore, the side wall 30 and the seal 24 can be seen, but they do not necessarily have to be present and they play only a comparatively subordinate role in the actual liquid distribution.

FIG. 13 shows the system according to the invention which has a brewing chamber 25 which, in the present case, is provided, preferably in a positionally fixed manner, within a coffee machine. The single serve capsule is introduced into said brewing chamber and is at least partially accommodated by the latter and bears, in particular in the region of its base and/or in the region of its capsule wall 9, against the brewing chamber. Furthermore, a flange 32 which is preferably provided on that side of the single serve capsule which is opposite the base is preferably likewise supported on the brewing chamber. The finished beverage and/or food runs off through an opening (not illustrated) provided in the brewing chamber. Furthermore, the system according to the invention has a brewing piston 26 which is preferably provided so as to be movable and which closes the brewing chamber before introduction or during introduction of the liquid into the single serve capsule. In the present case, said brewing piston 26 preferably has a seal 27 which, in the present case, is provided in the form of a circular ring and which presses the single serve capsule, in particular the flange thereof, against the brewing chamber and thereby seals off the brewing chamber and the single serve capsule, but also the single serve capsule and the brewing piston in relation to each other, such that inflowing liquid is forced to flow through the interior space of the single serve capsule and not around said interior space. Furthermore, the brewing piston is provided with a puncturing means 28, here a puncturing spike, which punctures the cover film 2 before the liquid flows in, and thus produces an inlet opening for the liquid into the single serve capsule. Furthermore, in the present case, said puncturing means 28 is, however, provided in such a manner that, during the movement thereof, illustrated by the arrow, in the direction of the brewing chamber, said puncturing means also comes into contact with the liquid distributor 6 and thereby presses the latter at least in sections in the direction of the base of the capsule. By means of these movements, it is possible, for example, again to compensate for, in particular to equalize, nonuniform distributions, for example agglomerations, of the beverage/food substance within the single serve capsule that have arisen, for example, during transport or during storage of the single serve capsule. Alternatively or additionally, the beverage/food substance can be compressed by the movement of the liquid distributor 6 before or during the flow of the liquid into the single serve capsule.

FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of the system according to the invention. Reference can essentially be made to the statements according to FIG. 13, but, in the present case, the brewing piston 26 has a punch 29 which, in the present case, interacts with the side wall 30 of the liquid distributor when the brewing piston is moved in the direction of the brewing chamber. In the present case, the puncturing means 28 merely has the task of perforating the cover film 2. The movement of the liquid distributor in the direction of the beverage/food substance is produced by the punch.

It is true both of the embodiment according to figure and of the other illustrated embodiments of the system according to the invention that, preferably during the movement of the liquid distributor, the seal 24 is deformed in such a manner that it releases the movement of the liquid distributor in the direction of the beverage/food substance.

The punch illustrated in FIG. 14 is preferably provided in the shape of a circular ring such that a uniform force can be exerted by the brewing piston on the liquid distributor, here the side wall 30. However, a person skilled in the art recognizes that the punch can also consist of a plurality of local segments, for example pins.

FIG. 15 essentially shows the embodiment according to FIG. 14, but, in the present case, the punch is not supported on the side wall of the liquid distributor, but rather on the surface 31 which is approached by the flow. Consequently, the punch 29 is designed to be somewhat longer in comparison to the embodiment according to FIG. 14. Otherwise, reference is made to the statements according to FIGS. 13 and 14. A comparison between the left hand and the right hand illustration clarifies how the liquid distributor 6 is displaced in the direction of the beverage/food substance 11.

FIG. 16 shows a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein reference can be made essentially to the statements according to FIGS. 13 to 15. In the present case, the punch 29 is provided so as to be movable with respect to the brewing piston 26. As a result, it is possible to at least partially decouple the movement of the punch 29 from the movement of the brewing piston 26. The displacement of the liquid distributor 6 can thereby take place at least partially independently of the puncturing of the cover film 2. For example, the punch 29 can be driven by the pressure of the inflowing liquid which is used to produce the beverage or food. It is thereby possible to configure the force of the punch to be dependent on the flow resistance of the beverage/food substance and/or of the single serve capsule and/or of the system according to the invention. For example: a higher flow resistance of the beverage/food substance results in a greater amount of force with which the punch presses against the liquid distributor and with which ultimately the position of the beverage/food substance is changed, for example the latter is compressed.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• 1 Single serve capsule
• 2 Cover, cover film
• 3 Capsule body
• 4 Filter element
• 5 Capsule base
• 6 Liquid distributor
• 7 Liquid supply, arrow
• 8 Beverage outlet, arrow
• 9 Capsule wall
• 10 Interior space
• 11 Beverage/food substance
• 12 Fiber and/or thread material, fibers, threads
• 13 Cladding
• 14 Recess
• 15 Side wall, side wall portion of the liquid distributor
• 16 Base area of the liquid distributor
• 17 Form-fitting means
• 18 Predetermined breaking means, friction-fitting means
• 19 Support
• 20 First portion, first material
• 21 Second portion, second material
• 22 Side facing the beverage/food substance, surface
• 23 Side facing away from the beverage/food substance, surface
• 24 Seal, sealing lip
• 25 Brewing chamber
• 26 Brewing piston
• 27 Sealing ring on the brewing piston
• 28 Puncturing spike
• 29 Punch, compression ring
• 30 Side wall, force transmission means
• 31 Liquid distributor surface approached by the inflowing liquid
• 32 Flange of the capsule body
• D Height of the liquid distributor

Claims

1. A single serve capsule (1) having a capsule body (3), the wall (9) and base (5) of which delimit an interior space (10) provided with a beverage/food substance (11) which is dissolved and/or extracted by means of a liquid which is introduced into the single serve capsule, characterized in that the interior space, in particular downstream of a liquid supply (7), is provided with a liquid distributor (6) which at least partially distributes the liquid supply over the cross section of the single serve capsule.

2. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the liquid distributor (6) has a base area (16) with recesses (14) through which the liquid flows and is distributed in the process.

3. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base area of the liquid distributor is arranged at a distance from that surface of the beverage/food substance (11) which faces said base area and/or from the cover (2).

4. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a side wall or side wall portions which preferably runs/run substantially parallel to the wall (9) of the capsule body (3) is/are provided on the periphery of the base area (16).

5. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the side wall/the side wall portion faces or faces away from the beverage/food substance.

6. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a form-fitting means (17) and/or a friction-fitting means (18) which interacts in a form-fitting and/or friction-fitting manner with the wall (9) of the capsule body (3) is provided on the side wall/the side wall portion.

7. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid distributor and/or the wall of the capsule body and/or the cover have a predetermined breaking means (17) which breaks, preferably when the liquid flows in, and, as a result, the liquid distributor which is initially positionally fixed in the single serve capsule becomes movable.

8. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid distributor is provided in the form of a membrane which is deformed when the liquid flows in.

9. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid distributor has portions (20, 21) composed of different materials and/or material thicknesses.

10. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 4-9, characterized in that the side wall is deformed when the liquid flows in and/or by a puncturing means penetrating the single serve capsule.

11. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid and/or a puncturing means which opens the single serve capsule moves the liquid distributor at least in sections in the direction of the beverage/food substance (11).

12. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 2-11, characterized in that the recesses (14) are arranged obliquely with respect to the base area and/or have different diameters and/or are distributed nonuniformly on the base area and/or have a constant diameter.

13. A liquid distributor (6) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the liquid distributor is provided from a sintered material or in the form of 3-D printing.

14. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the height (D) thereof is provided in such a manner that said single serve capsule fills the space between the beverage/food substance (11).

15. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of claims 1-14, characterized in that the liquid distributor is compressed.

16. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a seal (24) is provided on the periphery of said single serve capsule.

17. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that the seal (24) interacts with a projection (19) on the capsule wall (9).

18. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid distributor has a multiplicity of recesses (14) which are arranged on one or more reference circles.

19. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the recess are provided in the outer and/or in the inner region of the liquid distributor.

20. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid distributor is connected in an integrally bonded manner to the beverage/food substance (11) and/or to the capsule body (3), in particular by adhesive bonding.

21. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that the adhesive is water-soluble.

22. The single serve capsule (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a layer with a swelling means which swells on contact with the liquid is provided between the cover film and the beverage/food substance (11).

23. A system consisting of a brewing chamber (25) into which a single serve capsule as claimed in one of the preceding claims is inserted, and with a brewing piston (26) which closes the brewing chamber and on which is provided a puncturing means with which the capsule is opened, characterized in that the puncturing means displaces the liquid distributor within the single serve capsule and, in the process, changes the position of the beverage/food substance (11).

24. The system as claimed in claim 23 or the preamble of patent claim 23, characterized in that a punch (29) is provided on the brewing piston (26), said punch displacing the liquid distributor within the single serve capsule and, in the process, changing the position of the beverage/food substance (11).

25. The system as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the punch (29) is fixedly connected to the brewing piston or is provided so as to be movable relative thereto.

26. A method for producing a beverage or food, in which a liquid flows through a single serve capsule (1) and, in the process, dissolves and/or extracts a beverage/food substance (11), wherein the liquid is distributed over the cross section of the single serve capsule by a liquid distributor which is provided upstream of the beverage/food substance, characterized in that the liquid distributor is deformed and/or moved before the liquid flows there through and/or while the liquid flows there through.

27. The method as claimed in the preamble of patent claim 26, characterized in that an integrally bonded connection between the beverage/food substance (11) and/or the capsule body (3) and the liquid distributor is dissolved when a liquid flows through the single serve capsule.

28. The method as claimed in claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the water pressure moves the liquid distributor.

29. A method for producing a beverage or food, in which a liquid flows through a single serve capsule (1) and, in the process, dissolves and/or extracts a beverage/food substance (11), characterized in that a connection between particles of the beverage/food substance, which connection was produced by an adhesive, is dissolved again as the flow passes through the beverage/food substance.

30. A method for producing a beverage or food, in which a liquid flows through a single serve capsule (1) and, in the process, dissolves and/or extracts a beverage/food substance (11), characterized in that the position of the beverage/food substance (11) within the single serve capsule is changed before and/or during production of the beverage.