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WO2025177192A1 - Capsule et système pour la préparation d'une boisson - Google Patents

Capsule et système pour la préparation d'une boisson

Info

Publication number
WO2025177192A1
WO2025177192A1 PCT/IB2025/051818 IB2025051818W WO2025177192A1 WO 2025177192 A1 WO2025177192 A1 WO 2025177192A1 IB 2025051818 W IB2025051818 W IB 2025051818W WO 2025177192 A1 WO2025177192 A1 WO 2025177192A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
capsule
intermediate film
pocket
film
top film
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/IB2025/051818
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alberto Rolla
Cristiano Castelli
Stefano Tonelli
Maurizio DIAMANTI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Caffita System SpA
Original Assignee
Caffita System SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Caffita System SpA filed Critical Caffita System SpA
Publication of WO2025177192A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025177192A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
    • B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents

Definitions

  • This invention relates in general to the sector for making beverages and specifically to a capsule for making a beverage and a system for making a beverage which comprises that capsule.
  • this invention relates to a capsule containing a powdered food substance inside it, which enables the beverage to be made by passing a flow of water through the food substance.
  • This invention may be applied both if the food substance enables the beverage to be made by extraction or infusion in the water which passes through it (for example roast and ground coffee), and if the food substance enables the beverage to be made as a result of dissolving, full or partial, of the food substance in the water which passes through it (for example milk, chocolate, powdered tea, etc.).
  • the capsule comprises a main body and a top film which closes the top of the main body.
  • the main body is usually substantially cup-shaped and has a side wall, a base wall, and an inner cavity which contains the food substance.
  • the side wall typically has a shape that is roughly frustoconical or cylindrical.
  • the capsule is inserted into an openable and closable infusion chamber, defined by the apparatus for making the beverage.
  • the water hot and more or less pressurised depending on each case
  • the beverage is made to come out of the capsule and the apparatus through a dispensing path.
  • This invention is intended for a type of capsule into which water is injected through the top film, with the beverage coming out of the capsule through the base wall.
  • the top film is initially closed and is pierced by a perforator which is included in the apparatus for making the beverage.
  • the outflow of the beverage through the base wall is through an opening which may already be present in the base wall, or which may be made in the base wall by the apparatus for making the beverage.
  • the prior art capsules are also usually provided with a barrier to the passage of oxygen, with the aim of guaranteeing optimum preservation of the food substance contained in them.
  • this invention is intended for a type of capsule which is optically recognisable, that is to say, which is intended to be used in an apparatus for making a beverage provided with an optical recognition device whose function is to check the identity of the capsule inserted into the apparatus so as to enable operation of the apparatus to be managed based on that recognition.
  • an optical recognition device whose function is to check the identity of the capsule inserted into the apparatus so as to enable operation of the apparatus to be managed based on that recognition.
  • various prior art apparatuses capable of optical recognition of the capsule present inside them are various prior art apparatuses capable of optical recognition of the capsule present inside them.
  • Optical recognition of the capsule may for example enable the apparatus to adopt the optimum dispensing parameters for the food substance contained in the capsule, therefore dispensing a high quality beverage.
  • apparatuses which enable different types of beverages to be obtained (for example espresso coffee, regular coffee, milk, chocolate and soluble tea).
  • These apparatuses automatically set the parameters of the water to be injected into the capsule for making the desired beverage, for example the quantity, the pressure and the temperature of the water. In this way, as well as noticeably improving the quality of the beverage, the risk of an error due to user interaction with the apparatus is reduced.
  • Operation of the apparatus after having performed the optical recognition both in the case in which the capsule is recognised, and in the case in which the capsule is not recognised, depends on the type of apparatus, and may vary according to the design specifications.
  • This invention is intended for capsules which comprise a recognition element that is positioned inside the capsule itself, that is to say, below the top film.
  • This type of capsule usually enables the recognition element to be protected from external agents (such as for example from a possible deterioration of the material of which the capsule is made) and/or from the actions of the user (such as for example any tampering).
  • the recognition element is an element permeable for the flow of water, in whose material a recognition substance with known optical properties is inserted. That permeable element is positioned inside the capsule and may be looked at by the apparatus only after the top film has been perforated.
  • the recognition device comprises a reading head, for example formed by an optical fibre fixed to the perforator.
  • One possible disadvantage of that embodiment is that, since the permeable element is directly in contact with the powdered food substance, if the capsule is greatly agitated for example during transport or before use, a part of the powdered substance may pass through the permeable element, taking up position on it, and thereby disturb the reading by the recognition device.
  • the recognition element consists of a membrane which is positioned at the inner face of the top film, to which it is permanently joined along the peripheral edge and to which it is not joined in an inner portion, in such a way as to allow the inner portion to be moved away from the top film by a perforator.
  • the inventors of this invention noticed that in said other example embodiment malfunctions may occur.
  • the perforator will also perforate the recognition membrane and therefore compromise reading of it by the recognition device, in particular if the latter comprises a reading head joined to the perforator and which together with the perforator would go beyond the perforated membrane.
  • the perforator has a small stroke and does not perforate the recognition membrane, the water injected through the opening made by the perforator in the top film would not be able to pass toward the food substance, since the membrane is joined along the peripheral edge to the top film, and therefore the beverage would not be made.
  • the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to make a capsule - and a system for making a beverage comprising that capsule - which at least partly overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages or which at least offers an alternative solution to those of the prior art.
  • the capsule comprises an intermediate film that is distinct from the top film, is positioned between the top film and the food substance, and at least in a central region defines with the top film a pocket having an optical reading area; initially (that is to say, before use of the capsule) the intermediate film is not permeable and does not allow a passage of water from the pocket to the remaining portion of the inner cavity of the capsule where the food substance is located; the intermediate film has at least one weakened region that is configured to form a through-opening between the pocket and the remaining portion of the inner cavity of the capsule due to an action of a force which, in use, pushes the intermediate film toward the base wall.
  • the optical reading area in the pocket is read by the optical recognition device and water dispensed into the pocket by the water dispenser flows toward the food substance through said through-opening formed after the action of said force.
  • said force is exerted by the perforator of the apparatus, whilst in another embodiment said force is exerted by pressurised water dispensed into the pocket.
  • the weakened region for example comprising a non- through incision or a sealed pre-cut
  • the intermediate film itself breaks or opens in the weakened region before the perforator can succeed in perforating the central region.
  • the perforator has a limited stroke or in any case a stroke not sufficient to break or open the intermediate film in the weakened region, the latter subsequently breaks or opens when water is injected, since the weakened region is appropriately made so that it breaks after a threshold value for the water pressure in the pocket has been exceeded.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the capsule of Figure 1 , in which the top film and the intermediate film are partly sectioned;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the capsule of Figure 1 , without the top film and the intermediate film;
  • FIG. 4 is a side view vertical section of the capsule of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a side view vertical section of the capsule of Figure 1 , with the intermediate film partly moved away from the top film;
  • FIG. 6 to 15 show, in simplified plan views, different embodiments of this invention as regards the join between the top film and the intermediate film;
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a variant of a capsule made in accordance with this invention, in which the top film is partly sectioned;
  • FIG. 17 is a side view vertical section of the capsule of Figure 16, in which the intermediate film is partly moved away from the top film;
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another variant of a capsule made in accordance with this invention, in which the top film is partly sectioned;
  • FIG. 20 is a side view vertical section of an apparatus for making a beverage, said apparatus being part of a system for making a beverage in accordance with this invention
  • FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a detail of the apparatus of Figure 20;
  • FIG. 22 is a simplified side view vertical section of the capsule of Figure 1 as a result of an interaction with the apparatus of Figure 20;
  • FIG. 24 is a simplified side view vertical section of the capsule of Figure 18 as a result of an interaction with the apparatus of Figure 20.
  • the capsule 1 comprises a food substance 15 which enables the beverage to be made by passing a flow of water through the food substance 15 itself.
  • the capsule 1 comprises a main body 2, that is substantially cup-shaped, which in turn has a side wall 21 , a base wall 22, and an inner cavity 20 (which is delimited by the side wall 21 and by the base wall 22).
  • the food substance 15 is in the inner cavity 20, that is to say, the capsule 1 contains the food substance 15 inside it.
  • the side wall 21 of the main body 2 extends between a first edge 25, which defines an access opening 26 to the inner cavity 20, and a second edge 27, to which the base wall 22 is connected; the base wall 22 also closes the main body 2 at said second edge 27.
  • the passage from the side wall 21 to the base wall 22 is without interruption, so that the second edge 27 coincides with a perimetric edge of the base wall 22.
  • the side wall 21 of the capsule 1 comprises a flange 28 which defines the first edge 25 and which extends radially outwards from the capsule 1 .
  • the flange 28 therefore forms a substantially flat circular collar and has an internal diameter equal to the diameter of the access opening 26.
  • substantially cup-shaped means that the main body 2 of the capsule 1 has a shape which resembles that of a cup, as is the case of most prior art capsules for making a beverage.
  • top and lower are understood to refer to a positioning of the main body 2 of the capsule 1 similar to that of a cup, that is to say, with the base wall 22 resting on a horizontal resting plane; therefore, these terms do not refer to a way of using the capsule 1 , in fact the capsule 1 may be suitable for being used both in apparatuses with so-called horizontal infusion units, and in apparatuses with so-called vertical infusion units.
  • the capsule 1 comprises a top film 3 that is attached to the main body 2 at the first edge 25 and closes the access opening 26 (therefore also closing the top of the inner cavity 20). If the capsule 1 has the flange 28, the top film 3 is attached to the main body 2 at the flange 28. Preferably, the top film 3 is attached to the main body 2, and in particular to the flange 28, by sealing or by gluing.
  • the top film 3 seals the main body 2 of the capsule 1 , which is as a whole made in such a way as to form a barrier to oxygen for the food substance 15 contained inside it.
  • the main body 2 and the top film 3 are made with a respective material capable of creating a barrier to oxygen so as to guarantee improved preservation of what is contained in the capsule 1.
  • the distribution member 6 is permeable for the flow of water which, in use, is injected into the capsule 1 through the inlet wall.
  • the distribution member 6 comprises a micro-perforated membrane, which is flexible and permeable for the water, or comprises a rigid or semi-rigid body made by moulding and in which there are holes for the passage of the water.
  • the holes in the micro-perforated membrane or in the rigid or semi-rigid body have a size such that they allow the water to pass but not the food substance 15, at least not the grains of food substance with a particle size close to the nominal one.
  • the use of a distribution member 6 having substantially evenly distributed holes is useful above all for capsules 1 which contain food substances that enable the beverage to be obtained by extraction or infusion, since it enables homogeneous distribution of the flow of water in the entirety of the food substance.
  • the distribution member 6 may have a lower number of holes and/or holes distributed in an uneven way.
  • the water flow distribution member may be made differently or may even not be present.
  • the capsule 1 also comprises a lower filtering member which is positioned inside the main body 2 between the food substance 15 and the outlet wall (that is to say, the base wall 22).
  • the lower filtering member is configured to filter, in use, the beverage that is formed as a result of the passage of the flow of water through the food substance 15.
  • the term “filter” means that the lower filtering member is configured to allow the beverage to pass, whilst it retains at least most of the powdered food substance contained between the water flow distribution member 6 and the lower filtering member itself; only a minimal part of food substance will be able to come out as powder with the beverage dispensed (usually these are granules with a particle size significantly lower than the nominal particle size for the food substance). What was described in detail up to now for the capsule 1 can be made in accordance with the prior art, even in terms of the materials usable.
  • the capsule 1 is intended to be used in an apparatus 8 for making beverages that is provided with an optical recognition device 9, by means of which the apparatus 8 is capable of recognising a recognition substance placed inside the capsule 1 and of adjusting its operation based on what the optical recognition device 9 detects.
  • the capsule 1 is optically recognisable by the optical recognition device 9, thanks to the presence of an optical reading area 5.
  • the optical reading area 5 is provided with an optical recognition substance which, when stimulated by a first predetermined optical signal, emits a second optical signal with known and recognisable characteristics.
  • the optical recognition substance has fluorescent properties: using a first optical signal with a frequency band included in the ultraviolet range of frequencies, the optical recognition substance emits a second optical signal with a frequency band included in the visible range of frequencies; therefore, in this embodiment, the first predetermined optical signal is in the ultraviolet band and the second optical signal is in the visible band.
  • the intermediate film 4 is positioned between the top film 3 and the distribution member 6, in other words the distribution member 6 is positioned in the remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20 between the intermediate film 4 and the food substance 15 (that is to say, in the portion of inner cavity 20 not included between the top film 3 and the intermediate film 4).
  • the intermediate film 4 is joined to the top film 3, specifically it is attached to the top film 3 along a peripheral attachment area 48.
  • the intermediate film 4 is attached to the main body 2 of the capsule 1 along the peripheral attachment area 48.
  • the intermediate film 4 is not joined or attached to the top film 3, but it is attached to the side wall 21 of the main body 2 of the capsule 1 along the peripheral attachment area 48.
  • peripheral attachment area 48 is an outer perimetric edge of the intermediate film 4; in possible alternatives the peripheral attachment area 48 may extend further radially and/or may be further in relative to the outer perimetric edge.
  • the intermediate film 4 comprises the optical reading area 5 in a central region 40.
  • the optical reading area 5 is facing the top film 3, that is to say, toward the lower face of the top film 3 (which is the face facing the inner cavity 20). Therefore, the optical reading area 5 can be read upon perforation of the top film 3, or through the top film 3 if the latter is made of transparent material.
  • the intermediate film 4 is also a flexible film and may be made mainly with a plastic material, or with a compostable or biodegradable material.
  • top film means that the intermediate film 4 is not completely independent of the top film 3 and in contrast is attached or joined to the top film 3 in particular as described below, although remaining an element distinguishable from the top film 3. That also applies if the top film 3 and the intermediate film 4 are adjacent to each other, as shown in Figure 4: the fact that they are not attached to each other over the entirety of their surface but only in some regions means that they remain distinguishable elements. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 the top film 3 and the intermediate film 4 have approximately the same dimensions and even the intermediate film 4 closes the access opening 26, being attached to the flange 28 (in particular by sealing or by gluing). Specifically, the intermediate film 4 is at the lower face of the top film 3.
  • the optical reading area 5 is in the pocket 47.
  • the intermediate film 4 separates the pocket 47 from the remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20; the food substance 15 is in the remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20, not in the pocket 47. Initially (that is to say, before use of the capsule 1 or in any case when the intermediate film 4 is still whole) the intermediate film 4 is not permeable and does not allow a passage of water from the pocket 47 to the remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20.
  • the perimeter of the pocket 47 may be defined - entirely or partly - by the peripheral attachment area 48 or by a perimeter line 45 which surrounds the central region 40 and which is interposed between the peripheral attachment area
  • the pocket 47 is defined in particular between a central region of the top film 3 and the central region 40 of the intermediate film 4, as shown in the dot and dash line in Figure 1 (which corresponds to the specific embodiment of Figure 6).
  • the through-opening 44 is formed by applying a much lower level of force: for example the force applied by the perforator 81 or the pressure of the water dispensed into the pocket 47 are sufficient.
  • the weakened region 410 is in the peripheral attachment area 48, therefore the opening 44 is created in the peripheral area 48.
  • the through-opening 44 is formed by a local detachment of the intermediate film 4 from the top film 3.
  • the central region 40 of the intermediate film 4 it shall be understood that it is centred relative to the side wall 21 of the main body 2, that is to say, it is central relative to a central longitudinal axis 10 of the capsule 1 and is located at the perforator 81 of the apparatus 8 when the capsule 1 is used in the apparatus 8. It should be noticed that the through-opening 44 is not formed where the perforator 81 acts on the intermediate film 4, that is to say, it is not a perforation made by the perforator 81 , but it is formed in a region different from that which makes contact with the perforator 81 .
  • the intermediate film 4 is coupled to the top film 3 and has a mechanical perforation resistance that is greater than the top film 3; the weakened region 410 is configured to form the through-opening 44 after the perforation of the top film 3 and before the action of said force (exerted by the perforator 81 ) can perforate the intermediate film 4 in the central region 40.
  • the weakened region 410 is positioned laterally relative to the optical reading area 5, that is to say, is off-centre, being part of an annular region 49 surrounding the central region 40. Therefore, the through-opening 44 formed does not interfere with the reading by the optical recognition device 9.
  • the at least one weakened region 410 comprises at least one weakened section 41 that is formed by a non-through incision in the intermediate film 4. That incision may be made for example with a pressing blade, by appropriately adjusting the force applied so that the material of the intermediate film 4 is not completely lacerated, or with a laser, by appropriately adjusting its power.
  • the non-through incision is an area for preferential breakage of the intermediate film 4, that is to say, an area with reduced mechanical strength compared with the other parts subjected to tensile stresses and which therefore breaks first (thereby forming the through-opening 44) when the force acts, pushing the intermediate film 4 (in particular its central region 40) toward the base wall 22.
  • the intermediate film 4 has a first flap 431 , which in particular is on the central region 40 side, and a second flap 432, which is opposite the first flap 431 and in particular is opposite the central region 40; see for example Figure 5.
  • the at least one weakened region 410 comprises at least one pre-cut section 41 that is formed by a through-cut in the intermediate film 4.
  • the through-cut is initially sealed and opens upon the action of said force, thereby forming the through-opening 44. Therefore, the seal is weak, since it breaks before the perforator 81 can succeed in perforating the intermediate film 4.
  • the through-cut defines a first flap 431 , which in particular is on the central region 40 side, and a second flap 432, which in particular is opposite the central region 40 (as well as opposite the first flap 431 ); see for example Figure 6.
  • the first flap 431 is attached to the top film 3 and has a mechanical attachment strength that is less than a mechanical attachment strength of the peripheral attachment area 48.
  • the first flap 431 is an area for preferential detachment of the intermediate film 4 from the top film 3.
  • the intermediate film 4 is attached to the top film at the precut section 41 , where the intermediate film 4 is cut but the first flap 431 is not free to open because it is attached to the top film 3. If the first flap 431 is attached to the top film 3 for the entire length of the cut, there is no through-opening between the pocket 47 and the rest of the inner cavity 20.
  • the attachment of the pre-cut section 41 (that is to say, of the first flap 431 ) has a reduced mechanical strength, when the central region 40 of the intermediate film 4 is pushed toward the base wall 22 the tensile stress that starts breaks the attachment of the section 41 before the attachment in the peripheral attachment area 48 succeeds in breaking or the intermediate film 4 tears elsewhere: the first flap 431 detaches from the top film 3 and the cut opens, similarly to what is shown in Figure 5.
  • the first flap 431 is attached to the top film 3 by means of an edible glue.
  • an edible glue is a glue formed by organic substances of natural origin and is already used for example to apply labels directly onto foods.
  • a further advantage of this type of glue is that its strength of adhesion is greatly reduced in contact with hot water, such as that dispensed into the pocket 47 of the capsule 1 for making the beverage, therefore if necessary the detachment can occur with the subsequent entry of water into the capsule 1 .
  • the pre-cut section 41 may be attached for example by electrostatic adhesion or by other adhesion properties of the respective surfaces.
  • the second flap 432 may also be attached to the top film 3 (for example using the same glue), however the tensile stress coming from the central region
  • the attachment along the at least one weakened and/or pre-cut section 41 is weak and easily removable, whilst the attachment along the peripheral attachment area 48 is substantially permanent.
  • the at least one weakened and/or precut section 41 is part of a perimeter line 45 which surrounds the central region 40 and which is interposed between the peripheral attachment area 48 and the central region 40.
  • the perimeter line 45 is substantially circular ( Figures 6 to 8) or substantially rectangular ( Figures 9 to 11 and 14) or substantially triangular ( Figures 12 and 13).
  • the weakened and/or pre-cut section 41 extends between opposite sides of the peripheral attachment area 48.
  • the perimeter line 45 comprises at least one first section which is the weakened and/or pre-cut section 41 , and at least one second section 42 where the intermediate film 4 is attached to the top film 3 for example in a substantially permanent way as in the peripheral attachment area 48.
  • the sections 41 , 42 of which the perimeter line 45 is composed are consecutive and, specifically, they form a perimeter line 45 that is closed. If there is a plurality of first sections 41 , one more of them may be weakened and one or more of them may be precut. It should be noticed that in the figures the second section 42 with permanent attachment is shown by a continuous line and the first weakened and/or pre-cut section
  • Figure 6 shows a circular perimeter line 45 with a single semi-circular second section 42 and a single semi-circular first section 41.
  • Figure 7 shows a circular perimeter line 45 with two second sections 42 and two first sections 41 , alternating and each with a length that is one quarter of a circle, so that two through-openings 44 can be formed on opposite sides.
  • Figure 9 shows a rectangular perimeter line 45 with two parallel second sections 42 and two parallel first sections 41 , alternating, so that two through-openings 44 can be formed on opposite sides.
  • Figure 10 shows a rectangular perimeter line 45, with three consecutive first sections 41 and a single second section 42 on one side.
  • Figure 12 shows a triangular perimeter line 45, with two consecutive first sections 41 and a single second section 42 on one side. Obviously other shapes are possible.
  • the intermediate film 4 is attached to the top film 3 along the entire perimeter line 45 surrounding the central region 40, with a removable attachment along the at least one weakened and/or pre-cut section 41.
  • Aclosed attachment line is useful for significantly limiting the mobility of the central region 40 relative to the top film 3 in the new capsule 1 , the consequence being that a limited insertion of the perforator 81 in the pocket 47 may be sufficient to generate a tensile stress such that it opens the intermediate film 4 at the first section 41 .
  • the advisability of adopting this solution depends on the properties of the intermediate film 4 and in particular on its deformability by stretching, even relative to the deformability of the top film 3. Approximately, the more deformable the intermediate film 4 is, the more useful it may be to make the attachment line nearer toward the central region 40.
  • a minimum diameter of the attachment line (or a minimum diameter of a central circle which inscribes the attachment line) to be at least double a penetration height of the perforator 81 in the capsule 1 , with the aim of preventing the perforator 81 from being able to also perforate the intermediate film 4 or being able to slide into the through-opening 44 (which would render the optical reading area 5 no longer readable). That minimum diameter may also be considered as a minimum diameter of the central region 40.
  • Figure 14 is a variant of Figure 10, in which the mobility of the central region 40 relative to the top film 3 in the new capsule 1 is further limited thanks to a closed attachment line formed entirely by sections with permanent attachment (three second sections 42 on the perimeter line 45, one additional section 425).
  • the weakened or pre-cut first section 41 is located inside the region surrounded by the attachment line.
  • the perimeter line 45 comprises the at least one weakened and/or pre-cut section 41 or a plurality of consecutive weakened and/or pre-cut sections 41 .
  • the through-opening 44 formed by the breaking or by the opening of the one or more sections 41 delimits a tab 50 which comprises the optical reading area 5 and which is flexible relative to a remaining portion of the intermediate film 4, as shown for example in Figures 4 and 22.
  • the tab 50 remains connected to the remaining portion of the intermediate film 4 by a portion of perimeter line 45 which does not break (in particular by a second section 42 with permanent attachment, if present) and, although bending inwards into the capsule 1 under the thrust of the perforator 81 , the tab 50 remains facing the head 91 of the optical recognition device 9.
  • the perimeter line 45 has a length at least half of which is formed by a single weakened and/or pre-cut section 41 (as in Figures 6 and 8) or by a plurality of consecutive weakened and/or pre-cut sections 41 (as in Figures 10 to 13).
  • the intermediate film 4 is attached to the top film 3 along the peripheral attachment area 48, which is outside the perimeter line 45 which surrounds the central region 40. Therefore, the annular region 49 is interposed between the peripheral attachment area 48 and the central region 40.
  • the attachment in the peripheral area 48 is in particular a permanent attachment, similar to that of the second section 42 of the perimeter line 45.
  • the intermediate film 4 has a diameter similar to (or slightly less than) the top film 3.
  • the two films may also be attached to each other at or near their perimetric edges (which therefore for the intermediate film 4 means the peripheral attachment area 48).
  • the top film 3 is attached to the intermediate film 4 along their perimetric edges and the intermediate film 4 is attached to the main body 2, and in particular to the flange 28, by sealing or by gluing.
  • the top film 3 is attached to the main body 2 with the intermediate film 4 interposed between them.
  • the top film 3 is attached directly to the main body 2 and the intermediate film 4 has a diameter less than that of the top film 3 and the diameter of the access opening 26, so that the intermediate film 4 - even if it has a peripheral attachment area 48 attached to the top film 3 - does not close the access opening 26 to the inner cavity 20.
  • the intermediate film 4 rather than being attached to the top film 3, is spaced apart from the top film 3 (therefore is not joined to it) and is attached to the side wall 21 of the main body 2 along the peripheral attachment area 48.
  • the pocket 47 is defined between the top film 3, the intermediate film 4 and a section of side wall 21 . Unlike the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the pocket 47 occupies a significant non-null space even in the capsule 1 before use.
  • the intermediate film 4 (initially not permeable and with at least one weakened region) is in place of the distribution member 6 of Figures 1 to 5 and in particular is in contact with the food substance 15.
  • the distribution member may be present and in that case the intermediate film 4 is attached to the side wall 21 in a position interposed between the top film 3 and the distribution member.
  • the intermediate film 4 is similar to what is shown in Figure 8: there is a single weakened region 410, which in particular has a weakened section 41 (formed by a non-through incision, or a pre-cut and sealed section) which forms an open line around the central region 40 in which the optical reading area 5 is located.
  • a weakened section 41 formed by a non-through incision, or a pre-cut and sealed section
  • Other embodiments of the weakened region 410 are possible, for example those shown in Figures 11 , 13, or 15.
  • the intermediate film 4 may not interact (or not sufficiently interact) with the perforator 81 and therefore forming of the through-opening 44 along the weakened section 41 occurs thanks to the pressure of the water injected into the pocket 47. Therefore, the through- opening 44 (see Figure 17) is formed after the optical reading has been performed on the still whole intermediate film 4.
  • Figures 18 and 19 differs from that of Figures 16 and 17 in that the intermediate film 4 comprises a plurality of weakened regions 410 (each comprising at least one weakened or pre-cut and sealed section 41 ) and therefore a plurality of through-openings 44 are formed in it, as shown in a qualitative way in Figure 19.
  • the weakened regions 410 are arranged in a substantially even way, this embodiment is useful for obtaining a more even distribution of the water over the food substance 15.
  • the through-openings 44 may be formed thanks to the pressure of the water injected into the pocket 47, not thanks to the interaction with the perforator 81 , and therefore the through-openings 44 are formed after the optical reading has been performed on the still whole intermediate film 4.
  • the weakened region 410 may if necessary be in the central region 40 where the optical reading area 5 is located.
  • the weakened region is in the peripheral attachment area 48 and the opening 44 is formed by a local detachment of the intermediate film 4 from the side wall 21 .
  • that weakened region is obtained using a weak glue to attach a portion of the peripheral attachment area 48 to the side wall 21.
  • the system for making a beverage comprises the capsule 1 described above (in its different embodiments) and the apparatus 8 for making beverages which uses that capsule 1 .
  • the apparatus 8 comprises an infusion unit 85 that defines an infusion chamber 86 configured to house the capsule 1 .
  • the infusion unit 85 may extend vertically or may extend horizontally; in other, less common embodiments the infusion unit 85 may extend in a way that is different both from the vertical and horizontal.
  • the infusion unit 85 usually comprises a first part 87 and a second part 88.
  • the first part 87 and the second part 88 are movable relative to each other between an operating position, in which they are coupled to each other forming the infusion chamber 86, and a non-operating position, in which they are spaced apart from each other and allow insertion or removal of the capsule 1 in the infusion chamber 86.
  • the apparatus 8 may further comprise a movement mechanism 89 which enables control of the shifting of the first part 87 and of the second part 88 relative to each other.
  • the movement mechanism 89 may be operated directly by the user of the apparatus 8, for example through a lever in the case of manual operation, or by pressing a button in the case of motor-driven operation, or may be fully automatic in accordance with ways of making it which are known and therefore not described in detail.
  • the infusion unit 85 is switchable between a non-operating mode, in which the infusion chamber 86 is open and the capsule 1 can be inserted into the infusion chamber or removed from the infusion chamber, and an operating mode, in which the infusion chamber 86 is closed and the apparatus 8 can proceed to make the beverage by dispensing water into the capsule 1 housed in the infusion chamber 86.
  • the apparatus 8 further comprises a perforator 81 , capable of perforating the top film 3 of the capsule 1 when the latter is housed inside the infusion chamber 86, and a water dispenser to dispense water into the capsule 1 through the top film 3 perforated by the perforator 81 .
  • the water dispenser comprises a nozzle 82 which is configured to inject water into the capsule 1 .
  • the nozzle 82 may be defined by the perforator 81 or may be joined to the perforator 81 in such a way that it is movable with the latter and enters the capsule 1 through the perforated top film 3.
  • the water dispenser is part of water feeding means (not shown further in the figures) which comprise for example: a tank configured to contain the water to be run into the capsule 1 ; a pump which enables the desired pressure to be achieved for injecting the water, and a heater which enables the water to be brought to the temperature necessary for making the beverage.
  • the apparatus 8 comprises a lower perforating system 83 configured to create at least one hole in the base wall 22 of the capsule 1 , in such a way as to allow the beverage to come out of the capsule 1 .
  • the lower perforating system 83 may be fixed or movable. In the latter case, in some embodiments it may be activated by means of the movement mechanism 89 previously described, in such a way that the capsule 1 can be pierced at the base wall 22 as a result of reaching the operating position starting from the non-operating position or during the shifting between the two positions.
  • the apparatus 8 may comprise an ejector which is configured to expel the capsule 1 from the infusion chamber 86 after the beverage has been dispensed.
  • the ejector may if necessary be activated by means of the movement mechanism 89 previously described, in such a way that the capsule 1 is ejected as a result of reaching the nonoperating position starting from the operating position.
  • the ejector is not present, whilst a disengaging element 84, with elastic operation, is present, configured to disengage the capsule 1 from the perforator 81 when the first part 87 and the second part 88 return to the non-operating position.
  • the apparatus 8 further comprises the optical recognition device 9, which has a head 91 that is joined to the perforator 81 .
  • the optical recognition device 9 is configured to generate the first optical signal and to send it (by means of the head 91 ) onto the optical reading area 5 when the capsule 1 is inserted into the infusion chamber 86, and to detect a response optical signal generated in this way.
  • the head 91 is configured to receive the second optical signal emitted by the optical recognition substance in response to the stimulation caused by the first optical signal.
  • the optical recognition device 9 is further configured to inspect the response optical signal and to control operation of the apparatus 8 depending on the result of that inspection.
  • the inspection is intended to ascertain if the response optical signal has the characteristics of the emission spectrum which are known and recognisable as being those of the second optical signal described above (which and how many characteristics must be inspected may be decided on each occasion at the design stage). If the result of the inspection is positive (that is to say, there is a match) the optical recognition device 9 considers the capsule 1 recognised and controls operation of the apparatus 8 accordingly, in the known ways. If the result of the inspection is negative (that is to say, there is no match), the optical recognition device 9 considers the capsule 1 not recognised; at that point operation of the apparatus 8 may be allowed or not depending on design choices made.
  • the optical recognition device 9 is operatively joined to the perforator 81 and comprises an emitter 92 for generating the first signal, for example an LED, an optical fibre 93 configured to direct the first signal toward the reading area 5 of the capsule 1 inserted in the infusion chamber 86, and a mirror 94, which is semi-transparent or dichroic and is positioned in such a way as to reflect at least part of the light radiation it receives from the LED, into the optical fibre 93.
  • the optical fibre 93 is mounted inside the perforator 81 and is directly facing the reading area 5 to irradiate it with the first optical signal.
  • the system is configured in such a way that: when switching from the non-operating mode to the operating mode (with the capsule 1 in the infusion chamber 86), the perforator 81 perforates the top film 3 at the pocket 47; in the operating mode, the head 91 of the optical recognition device 9 is housed in the pocket 47 and faces the optical reading area 5, such that the head 91 is positioned to send the first optical signal onto the optical reading area 5 and to receive the second optical signal; during the making of the beverage, the water is dispensed into the pocket 47 (in particular, the water is injected by the nozzle 82 into the pocket 47 through the perforation in the top film 3) and flows toward the food substance 15 through the through-opening 44 formed between the pocket 47 and the remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20 at the weakened region 410. After having passed through the distribution member 6 (if present), the water interacts with the food substance 15 to make the beverage, which then comes out of the hole created in the base wall 22.
  • the force required to form the through-opening 44 is exerted by the perforator 81. It can be seen how, thanks to the through-opening 44 formed laterally allowing expansion of the pocket 47, the perforator 81 did not pass through the intermediate film 4 and the bent central region 40 (specifically, the tab 50) remained in front of the head 91 , leaving the optical reading area 5 facing the latter in the reading position. Upon recognition of the capsule 1 , the dispensing of water is started to make the beverage.
  • the force required to form the through-opening 44 is therefore caused by the water pressure in the pocket 47.
  • the threshold value for the pressure is between 2 bar and 5 bar.
  • the perforator 81 has not passed through the intermediate film 4 and the central region 40 remains in front of the head 91 , leaving the optical reading area 5 facing the latter in the reading position. Therefore, the head 91 is facing the optical reading area 5 and is positioned to send the first optical signal onto the optical reading area 5 and to receive the second optical signal.
  • the two embodiments of the system of Figures 23 and 24 differ from the embodiment of Figure 21 substantially only in terms of the moment when the through-opening 44 is created (during an initial step of the dispensing of water, rather than when switching from the non-operating mode to the operating mode) and what exerts the force which breaks the weakened region 410 of the intermediate film 4 (the pressurised water injected into the pocket 47, rather than the perforator 81 ).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une capsule à reconnaissance optique (1) pour préparer une boisson comprenant un corps principal (2) qui est en forme de coupelle et a une cavité interne (20) contenant une substance alimentaire (15). Un film supérieur (3) fixé au corps principal ferme la cavité interne et forme une paroi d'entrée pour l'eau dans la capsule. Un film intermédiaire (4), positionné entre le film supérieur et la substance alimentaire, est fixé au film supérieur et/ou au corps principal le long d'une zone de fixation périphérique (48) et comprend dans une région centrale (40) une zone de lecture optique (5) pourvue d'une substance de reconnaissance optique. La région centrale n'est pas fixée au film supérieur, de sorte qu'une poche (47) est définie entre le film supérieur et au moins la région centrale du film intermédiaire. Le film intermédiaire, qui n'est initialement pas perméable et ne permet pas un passage d'eau de la poche à une partie restante (201) de la cavité interne, présente une région affaiblie (410) qui est conçue pour former une ouverture traversante (44) entre la poche et la partie restante de la cavité interne en raison de l'action d'une force qui, lors de l'utilisation, pousse le film intermédiaire vers une base du corps principal. Lors de l'utilisation, la zone de lecture optique dans la poche est lue par un dispositif de reconnaissance optique et l'eau distribuée dans la poche s'écoule vers la substance alimentaire à travers l'ouverture traversante.
PCT/IB2025/051818 2024-02-21 2025-02-20 Capsule et système pour la préparation d'une boisson Pending WO2025177192A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102024000003718 2024-02-21
IT202400003718 2024-02-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025177192A1 true WO2025177192A1 (fr) 2025-08-28

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2025177192A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130014648A1 (en) * 2010-01-19 2013-01-17 Nestec S.A. Capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprising an identification code
US20150158666A1 (en) * 2012-06-29 2015-06-11 K-Fee System Gmbh Portion capsule having an identification on the inner periphery thereof
US20160185518A1 (en) * 2013-06-19 2016-06-30 K-Fee System Gmbh Single servie capsule having a fluorescent and/or phosphorescent identifier

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130014648A1 (en) * 2010-01-19 2013-01-17 Nestec S.A. Capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprising an identification code
US20150158666A1 (en) * 2012-06-29 2015-06-11 K-Fee System Gmbh Portion capsule having an identification on the inner periphery thereof
US20160185518A1 (en) * 2013-06-19 2016-06-30 K-Fee System Gmbh Single servie capsule having a fluorescent and/or phosphorescent identifier

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