DE102013013598A1 - "Hot beverage system, capsule and preparation device" - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a capsule for storing hot beverage powder, such as coffee powder, cocoa powder or the like for the preparation of hot drinks, such as coffee, espresso, cocoa or the like, in a coffee machine, a coffee machine, a vending machine or the like, the capsule a Contains container for holding the hot beverage powder proposed. In order to be able to improve the quality of the hot beverage, at least one light guide is present for conducting a light signal and for coding.

Description

The invention relates to a capsule for storing hot beverage powder according to the preamble of claim 1, a preparation device according to the preamble of claim 22 and a hot beverage system according to the preamble of claim 32.

Beverage machines, in particular coffee machines for the preparation of hot drinks are known from the prior art, which should allow in particular a quick preparation of the hot drink at the touch of a button. For this purpose, the hot beverage is initially stored in powder form in individual portions in a capsule, which can then be used to brew the hot beverage. Meanwhile, there are numerous manufacturers, both for the corresponding beverage machines or vending machines as well as for the associated capsules. In particular, often capsules and machines are not from the same farm of origin.

The object of the invention is to provide a capsule or a preparation device and a hot beverage system available in which the quality of the prepared hot beverage can be improved.

The object is achieved on the basis of a capsule, a preparation device or a hot beverage system of the type mentioned, by the characterizing features of claims 1, 22 and 32.

The measures mentioned in the dependent claims advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention are possible.

The capsule according to the invention is used for the storage of hot beverage powder such as coffee powder, cocoa powder, tea powder or the like for the preparation of hot drinks such as coffee, espresso, cocoa, tea and so on. The capsule can be used in a beverage machine, a beverage vending machine, in particular a coffee machine or a coffee machine. The insertion itself can be done by the operator, the capsules are used individually per beverage preparation. Such a beverage machine or vending machine may be intended for household use or catering. It is also conceivable a drinks machine in which the capsules are stored in larger quantities and are automatically provided for individual preparation and can be nachgeschoben in a magazine.

The capsule itself comprises a container for holding the hot beverage powder. Accordingly, the capsule according to the invention is characterized in that at least one light guide for guiding a light signal and coding is present. A coding in the sense of the invention means a categorization, that is the provision of information, whether the beverage powder to powder for a coffee, a cocoa, a tea or a special type of coffee or a special type of beverage such as cappuccino, latte macchiato or other mixed drinks. Especially in connection with milk-containing coffees, for example, the beverage powder may be added to a dried milk powder. Since capsules of different types of beverages are usually conveniently placed into the same compartment of the machine without any difference, the machine needs additional information informing you of this categorization, unless the drinks are all to be prepared in the same way. If this is the case, however, the choice of drinks would be severely limited, or at least the quality of the drinks would be reduced, since not only coffee is prepared differently to cocoa or tea, but also different types of coffee need another brewing process. This information can therefore be coded as categorization in the capsule and read out by the machine. Furthermore, such a capsule makes it possible to provide a manufacturer's information as information and thus in particular to grant protection against plagiarism. Often it comes to quality deficiencies, because capsules from other manufacturers do not fit easily into the receptacle of the corresponding beverage machine. It may happen that a sufficient seal can not be guaranteed and leakage of brewing liquid. In the simple case, however, the fact that an unknown beverage powder is stored in the capsule can lead to the brewing process not proceeding according to the optimum parameters, but rather according to a standard program, which, however, does not match the coffee powder in the capsule.

In contrast to capsules, to which a current is applied, an optical fiber has the advantage that no galvanic separation of the voltage must be provided to meet safety standards, which are higher in the present case, especially since the machine is a water-carrying electrical device represents. In addition, a light guide allows a very detailed coding, over which a lot of information can be provided compactly, but also that it is an encoding that can actually be hard to imitate, because the nature of the coding of the light is not so easily found out and imitated can be.

As an optical fiber, an expensive optical fiber cable or planar optical fiber material does not have to be used without difficulty. In many cases, it is sufficient to use plastic films, applied adhesive layers or sealing compounds as light guides, since it is not absolutely necessary in the present case, for example, to achieve particularly high transmission rates. Also, unless this is desired as a coding in a particular case, it is not necessary to select the material accurately in terms of its polarization properties or other optical properties, as it often suffices for the light pipe when a measurable fraction of light passes through the light pipe ,

The capsule can basically be designed in different ways. It is particularly advantageous if the container comprises a pot with an opening, wherein the pot itself initially stores the beverage powder. The pot itself may possibly be stable and robust so that it is difficult to open. So that the opening can be closed for storage, the pot can be advantageously equipped with a collar surrounding the opening, wherein the opening is covered by a lid and the collar is connected to the lid. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the lid may in particular comprise the light guide. Furthermore, since the lid is pierced regularly for the brewing process, the lid can also be used to function as a sensor element with the aid of the light guide, for example if the light guide is (partially) interrupted selectively, and this interruption is bridged in contact with water can. However, the lid is an element of the capsule that comes in contact with the machine during the brewing process, so that this circumstance can be used for light coupling or decoupling.

In particular, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light guide may be formed as a layer. For example, if a sheet of transparent material used, it can be used as a lid or as part of the lid. It is also conceivable that a multilayer lid is formed so that the layers or at least two layers are glued together and this adhesive is applied in layers. In the case of a transparent adhesive, if appropriate, such an adhesive layer is sufficient as a light guide. It is particularly advantageous in such an embodiment of the invention that the optical waveguide layer can be implemented practically automatically without special and production-technically complicated steps.

The coupling or decoupling of the light can advantageously take place in an edge region of the capsule, so that the process can be carried out as far as possible from the brewing process. In particular, a cut surface for the individual layers is present at the edge of the collar, so that one has access to all layers laterally in the edge region of the collar. In such a place is therefore particularly suitable for coupling and decoupling of light. In addition, depending on the embodiment of the machine, the sealing in the region of the collar done so that the edge area falls into the dry area and thus is not affected by contamination, corrosion or the like. By this measure, the reliability of the operation can be increased.

In an advantageous embodiment variant of the invention, the optical waveguide may also comprise sensor properties, for example made of a material which is designed to likewise change its optical properties under pressure loading and / or tensile load or in the event of temperature changes. It is also conceivable, for example, the use of a stress birefringent material. In addition to the coding, a sensor characteristic is thus also made possible, and the functionality of the light guide is once again extended. In addition, this makes it possible to monitor the brewing process itself, for example, to follow the temperature profile, so that it can be optimally adapted to the coffee powder and possibly machine errors can be avoided if, for example, the water due to a defect (eg: calcification and thus low flow together) can no longer be heated hot enough in the machine, a mistake that should be remedied quickly, as it not only affects the quality of the drink, but can also cause dangers in the operation of the machine.

The light guide does not have to be readily applied as an embedded layer, for example as an adhesive layer between two layers, it may also be directly in communication with the interior of the capsule or with its exterior. For example, an inner light guide with direct contact with the inner area of the capsule is first in contact with the beverage powder and with the corresponding gas filling of the capsule in the case of a new, not yet used capsule. At this contact surface thus there is a transition from usually optically dense medium of the light guide to the usually optically thinner medium of the gas filling (the powder, which does not usually transmit the light is excluded in the present case from the consideration). If, for example, the capsule is rinsed with hot water during the brewing process, a visually denser medium enters the capsule. This change of the transition entails that the refractive properties at the interface are changed. This arrangement thus makes it possible to detect whether another medium is present in the interior or exterior. In the outdoor area, for example, it can be detected whether an inadvertent flooding has taken place. It also makes it possible to determine whether the capsule is still in perfect condition.

But also codings can be made. It is also conceivable, for example, to make a printing of the light guide or to apply a layer on the light guide or to rest. In principle, the printing or coating can also be attached to the collar on the side edge. It can be at least partially transparent or represent a pattern that will only partially shine through.

If this printing or coating is designed to be soluble, the interface property between the light guide and the corresponding area which is filled with another medium changes accordingly. The coating may be reflective or absorbing, for example, and in this case changes its property when it is dissolved, for example, by the brewing liquid. If it is a layer that is arranged inside the capsule, it is necessary that the coating or the layer and moreover also the light guide are food-safe and do not affect the beverage in terms of taste, smell and so on. In particular, the material should be chosen so that there is no health impairment while enjoying the hot beverage produced.

This characteristic of the capsule layer or coating or printing can be used as a coding. In special cases, a pattern can be arranged as a print, which is recognized as such, for example, a barcode (one-dimensional or two-dimensional) or other patterns.

It is conceivable in a particular embodiment of the invention also that at least two patterns are arranged in series and are durchschienen. Incidentally, in connection with the machine, it is also conceivable to arrange a pattern within the capsule and a pattern within a light guide in the machine, so that they additionally yield a pattern which can be recognized as such.

In principle, the layers or the printings which rest on the light guide can be formed as mirrors, light absorbers, fluorescent or phosphorescent materials or else as thermochromic materials. Thermochromic materials change their color properties as a function of the temperature, so that such a print or layer can then also act as a sensor element. In particular, the material can be designed to make light-guiding properties in the edge region, for example reflection properties of the light guide, modifiable in the edge region. As a result, numerous coding possibilities of the capsule are created.

The optical waveguide can in principle have special optical properties which can be used as such for the encoding. Even if the optical waveguide is merely a transparent adhesive layer, its special optical property can be read out and used as a coding. In addition, the optical waveguide can also be designed to be polarizing, fluorescent, phosphorescent, frequency-converting, frequency-filtering or multi-frequency-conducting and optionally also of different colors. Even low-cost materials and adhesives can have special properties, such as the aforementioned optical properties, and be used so that the coding is that specifically this adhesive is detectable.

It is also conceivable, as already described above, to define subsections within the light guide by means of series-arranged subsections and to equip them with special optical properties, for example by means of a special edge coating, in particular fluorescent or phosphorescent, so that a detailed coding is possible.

In addition to a light guide, the capsule but also have their own light source. It is not absolutely necessary that light is coupled in only on the machine side. Meanwhile, especially in the field of OLEDs (English: organic light emitting diode) or Luminescent films or LEC and LEEC materials (English: light-emitting electrochemical cell) new opportunities to low-print thin-layer light sources, including polymeric materials for coating can be used if necessary. The light source of the capsule does not generally have to meet the same high optical requirements that light sources in other areas have to meet, especially with regard to brightness, color spectrum and so on. However, these properties can also be utilized, as far as the light source can be produced inexpensively in connection with the capsule. For the present purpose, it is usually sufficient for the light source to emit a measurable light signal, so that, for example, the requirements for the OLED to be printed on are rather low. It is particularly advantageous in such an embodiment that no light has to be coupled into the light guide of the capsule. Particularly preferred is therefore a development in which the light source or the light guide are arranged so that the light source can directly couple light into the light guide. Thus eliminates the problem that in principle when coupling light between two different devices, namely once the capsule and once the machine dirt, water, limescale or other contaminants interfere with the coupling or can hinder. By this measure, so also the reliability in operation is improved.

If a light source is provided, it can be supplied with power in various ways. The voltage source can be supplied by the beverage machine by contacting. It is also conceivable, for example, that a battery is printed on the capsule, which is then connected to the light source, for example via a button, which may also be designed as a pressure sensor. If a battery is provided, this measure has the advantage that even contacting with live parts can be avoided from the outside and their susceptibility to contamination, corrosion and so on is avoided.

It is also conceivable to equip the capsule with a light receiver, for example a printed solar cell, a photodiode or an optocoupler or a phototransistor. Such a component may for example be part of a circuit in connection with a circuit arranged in the beverage machine.

In particular, in one embodiment, the light guide may be configured so that no total reflection occurs at the edges, such that, for example, a characteristic decrease in intensity can be used as coding and measured, or the light can pass out of the light guide and be measured or used for measurement purposes can.

In conventional capsules sealing problems may occur, which are in particular due to manufacturing tolerances in terms of their size. Such deviations are particularly critical in the region of the lid or the collar, where contact with brewing liquid can take place or where the sealing itself also takes place directly. On the one hand, for example, a sealing ring is pushed against the collar on the cover side, which ensures a cover-side seal.

The side of the collar facing away from the lid does not readily act as a seal, so that it is advantageous to be able to provide a ring seal in this region of the collar. This sealing material may be formed in an advantageous embodiment of the invention as a light guide. Thus, this ring seal can also act as a light guide, with all the properties listed. If the ring seal is not present or if another material is provided for it, it may not be possible to guarantee an effective seal. That is, it is made a coding of the manufacturer. Due to the fact that this region of the collar facing away from the cover is in any case more of an insulated and separated area, coupling or uncoupling of light can take place independently of the brewing process without this requiring special structural measures.

In a further development of the invention, a complete circuit or a part of a circuit that includes components such as inductors, light sources such as OLEDs and so on, capacitors or the like can be integrated in the capsule. An inductance can be used to supply the light source with voltage, for example when a magnetic field is transmitted to the capsule on the machine side. This measure also makes it possible to operate the light source without an electrical contact with the machine.

The lid is attached to the collar of the capsule usually by welding. This measure must not damage the optical fiber. The light guide is thus advantageously thermally stable or resistant to sweat than, for example, the lower layer, which comes directly into contact with the collar and is used for welding. In principle, the optical waveguide can be arranged in different ways: it can be formed as a continuous layer, as a container of the coffee powder, as a ring, which at the same time represents a seal, or as a web which runs through defined paths on the capsule.

In principle, therefore, the input / output of light can be done everywhere. It is also conceivable that the capsule is illuminated with light over a large area and thus (although possibly ineffective coupling of light at individual points at which one of the light conductors is exposed.) Such a variant of the invention can also be realized cost-effectively Coupling points available, the probability is increased that at least at one point light is actually coupled, even if it comes to an unwanted pollution of the capsule.

Accordingly, a corresponding preparation device according to the Invention is characterized by, a control device for controlling the coding of the capsule is provided in particular for reading information and / or for measuring data. In one embodiment of the invention, the control device may comprise a light receiver for the detection of flare. Depending on where the light signal comes from, the control device may also include a transmitter for emitting light signals, which then have to be coupled into the capsule. If a light source or, for example, also a circuit within the capsule is to be operated, it may be necessary to provide an electrical connection to the machine so that the control device can have at least two connection electrodes to provide the power supply. However, it is also possible to provide electromagnetic signals, magnetic fields or the like for the capsule from the preparation device.

The preparation device can in particular advantageously seal the capsule in the collar region, so that this edge region is isolated from the actual brewing process. This can optionally be reinforced by a ring seal on the side facing away from the lid of the collar. This drying area is thus particularly well suited for coupling in and out of light, since it is kept away from contamination and corrosion as well as other influences caused by water and humidity whenever possible. Such a dry area therefore allows a long trouble-free operation and a particularly reliable operation of the machine.

Also, electrical connections such as the machine-side connection electrodes can be arranged in the dry area. If the capsule is inserted into the receiving device of the preparation device, it is held or brought into the brewing position by means of a slide.

Incidentally, this slide may also comprise a wiping unit or cleaning unit which is movably mounted with the slide and simultaneously cleans a light guide, the light source or another transmitter or optionally the receiver when the slide is actuated. It is also conceivable that this wiper unit is integrated directly into the slide. Thus, even if dirt should actually occur, an always reliable operation can be ensured, since every new brewing process, a cleaning takes place.

An advantageous development of the invention is that the machine control records or stores the recognized coding or the result of the detection of the coding. If, for example, a capsule from a third party is used several times, an error message can be issued or the operation of the machine can be completely adjusted. It is also conceivable that the machine control system provides in this case to adapt the brewing process. This measure serves on the one hand as plagiarism protection, since an operation with products of third parties can even be prevented, on the other hand, however, an adaptation of the brewing process is made.

In addition, a hot beverage system according to the invention is characterized in that the preparation device according to the invention or one of its embodiments as well as a capsule according to the invention or a corresponding embodiment of the invention is used. As a result, the corresponding advantages, as described above, can be used.

EXAMPLES

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail below, giving further details and advantages. In detail show:

1 : a schematic representation of a coffee machine according to the invention,

2 : a schematic representation of a general capsule

3 FIG. 2: a schematic section through a receiving device, for a capsule according to the invention, FIG.

4 FIG. 2: a schematic section through a receiving device with a capsule in the test situation according to the invention, FIG.

5 : a schematic representation of a lid according to the invention,

6 : a schematic representation of a stylus contact in a lid according to the invention,

7 FIG. 2: a schematic representation of an actuated pushbutton contact according to the invention, FIG.

8a : a schematic representation of an electrical contacting of a cover contact according to the invention (with 2 connecting electrode pairs),

8b a schematic contacting of a cover contact according to the invention in a different angular position than 8a .

8c FIG. 2: a schematic representation of an electrical contacting of a cover contact according to the invention (with 3 connection electrodes), FIG.

8d a schematic contacting of a cover contact according to the invention in a different angular position than 8c .

9 FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram for a current-compensated reactor according to the invention; FIG.

10 : a schematic circuit diagram of a button contact, analogous to the 6 and 7 according to the invention,

11 and 12 : schematic representations of a pressure-sensitive push-button potentiometer according to the invention,

13 to 16 : schematic representations of the operation of the pressure-sensitive potentiometer according to the 11 and 12 .

17 : A schematic representation of the pressure-dependent resistor in a pressure pot according to the 11 to 16 .

18 : a schematic representation of a cover operable with a button resonant circuit,

19 FIG. 2: a schematic section through a capsule with optical waveguide and transmitter and receiver in the receiving device according to the invention, FIG.

20 FIG. 2: a schematic section through a capsule with optical waveguide and light-emitting diode, and receiving device with receiver according to the invention, FIG.

21 : Schematic representation of an actuatable by a button circuit with light emitting diode in the lid according to the invention,

22 : schematic representation of a lid with light emitting diode and push button,

23 : schematic representation of a circuit analogous to 22 with resistance tap between the contact electrodes,

24 : a schematic representation of a sensor element in the lid of a coffee capsule according to the invention,

25 : schematic representation of a lid with sensor element,

26 : schematic representation of a lid with cut-in / opening areas,

27 : schematic representation of the stamp surface of a slider, as well

28 - 32 : schematic representations of the conductor arrangements and the prohibition zones on a cover for a first conductor layer in different angular positions acc. the invention,

33 - 34 : schematic representations of the conductor arrangements and the prohibition zones on a cover for a second, parallel to the first conductor layer according to 28 - 32 arranged conductor layer gem. the invention, and

35 - 36 schematic representations of the two conductor layers of the 28 - 34 one above the other,

37 a memory matrix,

38 a schematic representation of a lid with electroluminescent material (inside),

39 a schematic representation of a lid with electroluminescent material (at the edge of the lid / on the collar).

1 shows a coffee machine 1 in a schematic representation with a coffee capsule 2 in brewing position in a cradle 3 is held. The coffee machine 1 is used to prepare a hot drink, namely in the present case in particular of coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, etc. Similar machines can in principle be used for the preparation of cocoa, tea or other hot drinks.

The coffee machine 1 further includes a water tank 4 , which is also shown here only schematically. For example, water tanks for vending machines can be equipped with filter cartridges that can effect descaling or other purification of the water. From the water tank 4 The water is taken over a pipe 5 by means of a brewing device 6 heated and finally passes over the line 7 in the capsule 2 , The capsule 2 is pierced, for example, in the lid area.

In general, the capsule has 2 a container that is hermetically sealed and stores the hot beverage powder. Depending on the embodiment, the hot beverage powder, for example, the coffee powder is filled under a Schutzbegasung in the production of the capsule in the container. By this measure, the aroma of the already ground coffee or other beverage powder can be maintained for a long time, and the powder is usually still fresh even after prolonged storage. The brewing process can at such a device can be done directly in the capsule itself. The brewed beverage then passes through a pipe 8th in a coffee cup 9 used by the user in the coffee machine 1 is placed in it. In other types of beverage vending machines of a higher automation level, the coffee cups made of plastic, composite material, cardboard or the like are sometimes automatically placed under the spout of the hot beverage and dispensed after filling to the user.

Overall, the machine is powered by a machine control 10 controlled. The capsule 2 in turn, by a control device or sensor device 11 controlled or read / measured. This access to the capsule is indicated by the dashed line 12 shown schematically. The control device 11 is designed according to an embodiment of the invention to detect a coding of the capsule.

On the one hand, the coding can serve the purpose of providing a categorization of the capsule as information, for example the information as to whether it is coffee, tea, cocoa, decaffeinated coffee, a cappuccino mixture or any other special type of beverage. On the other hand, the coding can also be used to protect against plagiarism or manufacturer identification.

The connection 13 for machine control 10 then allows the machine to be on the control device 11 obtained information can react. Advantageously, different types of beverages are prepared in different ways. The preparation differs, for example, in terms of the water temperature of the brewing water, in terms of the amount of water, in terms of the duration of the brewing process and possibly even by what type of brewing liquid is used. It is conceivable, for example, that in addition to water, milk or the addition of milk powder, the addition of sugar or the like is desired. Accordingly, the machine control 10 for example, the brewing device 6 interact and control them.

In the case of manufacturer identification or protection against plagiarism, various possibilities are conceivable, such as the machine control 10 If a wrong or unknown manufacturer is detected, the machine control can 10 For example, immediately interrupt the preparation or brewing process or not even begin with the preparation when the control device 11 is designed to check this manufacturer information immediately before the start of the preparation process. It is also conceivable that the machine control causes the brewing process to continue in a particular way, for example at a different temperature, using a special amount of brewing liquid, during a particular brewing period, etc. It is also conceivable that the machine control 10 includes a kind of counter that counts how many times a particular manufacturer, in particular a third-party manufacturer, has been used. If, for example, the recommended capsule manufacturer has not been used several times (previously defined number), the machine, for example, can stop its operation or issue an error message.

Instead of or in addition to a control device 11 This unit can also be designed as a sensor device. A corresponding sensor device 11 can capture various measurement data of the capsule before, during or after the brewing process. For example, the sensor device 11 about an access 12 on a sensor element detect the temperature during the brewing process. This option provides additional control as to whether the required brewing temperature within the capsule is actually achieved. Especially in the preparation of coffee, it is advisable to choose a temperature within a certain temperature interval, the temperature depends on the type of coffee beverage or powder. Depending on how high the temperature is chosen, the coffee can become stronger or more bitter. In addition, concentration measurements on such a sensor element are conceivable.

In addition, by an appropriate sensor device 11 also be measured, in which state the capsule or the coffee powder is before the brewing process. If a capsule is stored for too long, there is always the risk that, despite the capsule being closed, oxygen will penetrate and reduce the quality of the beverage powder due to oxidation. This degree of oxidation can be measured by conductance measurements made via the sensor system 11 . 12 be ascertained. After passing on the information about the line 13 to the machine control 10 For example, a warning signal can then be output to the user.

A control or sensor device 11 In addition, it can also read out information or make measurements on the optical path or via other electromagnetic signals.

2 shows a typical capsule 20 for a vending machine, such as the coffee machine 1 out 1 , The container 21 the capsule 20 includes a pot-like structure 22 with a collar 23 , In the upper part of the pot 22 is an opening 24 that from the collar 23 is surrounded. The opening 24 is from a lid 25 locked. This lid 25 is for example on the collar 23 welded. For sealing there is a sealing edge 26 on the cover 25 opposite side, namely at the bottom of the collar 23 , This sealing edge 26 is optional and does not necessarily exist on all capsules. In particular, it serves to better compensate structural inaccuracies from the capsule / machine production and to ensure better sealing. In the pot 22 is coffee powder 27 (dashed line) hinted that from the capsule 20 or the container 21 is stored. The capsule 20 is symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation D (the stockpiling powder is any bulk which is mixed as the capsule moves and comes to rest differently).

3 shows a recording device 31 as part of a coffee machine with a receiving hopper 32 , which is shaped so that the container 21 or in particular the pot 22 out 2 can be stably absorbed therein. At the bottom is a center point 33 provided, which can pierce the male capsule in the lower area. On the lid side, the capsule is then replaced by a slide 34 held or brought into the final Brühposition and fixed there. The slider 34 includes the seals in the edge area 35 as well as centrically stored a pestle 36 , which in the present case serves to serve a centrally arranged on the capsule button. Outside the seal 35 is a cutting contact 37 arranged, which a lid facing the cutting edge 37 ' as well as an outward reaching contact 37 '' has. The cutting edge 37 ' serves to at least partially pierce the lid and to touch a contact electrode in the lid so that an electrical contact can be made. The contact bridge 37 '' finally leads to a contact lug 38 with which it only comes in contact when the slider 34 has reached its final position in which he holds the capsule in brewing position. Furthermore, the slider includes 34 several knives 39 with which the capsule lid is later cut open / opened. The cutting contact 37 is located according to an embodiment of the invention advantageously outside the seal 35 : Because this area facing away from the center behind the seal 35 then forms a drying area in the brewing position. In this dry area, an electrical contact, possibly also an optical device (eg for the coupling or decoupling of light), is largely protected from contact with water and associated contamination and can be operated without the corrosive action of the water.

4 shows the same recording device 31 , but with a capsule taken in brewing position 40 , Accordingly, the slider was also 34 against the capsule 40 moved so that it is centered by the center point 33 in the cradle 31 or the funnel 32 is held. The capsule 40 has a lid 41 , which is constructed in two layers in the present case, namely with a lower layer 42 and an upper layer 43 , The lower layer 42 is formed as a conductor layer, that is, it has an electrical conductor, which can be applied or formed basically flat or as a web. In the edge area of the capsule 40 Again, there is the collar 44 on which the lid 41 is welded. The cutting contact 37 is just designed so that the cutting tip 37 ' the layer 43 , ie the top layer, completely penetrates and thus through the layer 43 through the conductor layer 42 contacted. About the connection 37 '' There is an electrical connection in the outer region of the slide 34 where the connection 37 '' an electrode on the edge of the slider 34 provides. This electrode 37 '' is therefore in this position of the slide 34 with the contact tab 38 in conjunction and forms an electrical connection between contact tab 38 and conductor layer 42 , The area 45 is thus outside the actual brewing area, as a seal in the region of the collar 44 takes place and also the corresponding sealing elements 35 make sure that the cutting contact 37 (or 37 ' . 37 '' ) does not get in contact with the brewing liquid.

On the lid 41 opposite side of the collar 44 may also be a seal or a circumferential sealing ring, which also completely seals the collar to this side. This ring seal is particularly advantageous when material inaccuracies in the area of the machine or the capsule must be expected.

5 shows a lid 50 that made three layers 51 . 52 . 53 is trained. In the present case, the layers are 51 and 53 around conductor layers. A conductor layer may consist entirely of an electrical conductor, for example as a rolled or vapor-deposited aluminum layer. It is also conceivable that it is a layer on which, for example, printed conductors are printed. The layer 52 In the present case, it can serve as a spacer, ie as an insulating intermediate layer between the layers 51 and 53 ,

The 6 and 7 show a lid 60 , which in the middle area a key 61 having. In the present case, the lower layer exists 62 from a ladder, for example aluminum. Arranged above is an insulating spacer layer 63 , which centrally in the middle of a kind of recess 65 having. This recess or this area 65 So also put in first 6 represents an isolation. It is also conceivable that in the field 65 a soft mass, filled for example an insulating gel. Furthermore, there is a cover layer 64 , which is likewise designed as a conductor layer. In the area 61 , the button area, own the layers 62 and 64 electrically conductive pushbutton contacts. In the picture after 6 However, these are not related, that is the button 61 is not pressed, and there is no electrical connection between the layers 62 and 64 , In 7 again lies the same button cover 60 before, whereby by pressure or train the layer 64 in the button area is bent and a contact 64 ' manufactures. Also the intermediate area 65 has now been deformed to an intermediate area 65 ' so that an electrical contact between the layers 62 and 64 was produced. Unless in the area 65 respectively 65 ' Gel is stored, this is designed to be displaceable. The pressure can be generated by underpressure or overpressure, which is built up during the brewing process by introducing the brewing liquid. If necessary, the force on the area 65 For example, be exercised by a mechanical plunger. The button according to 6 and 7 So can make an electrical connection.

The 8a and 8b each show a schematic representation of a lid 80 , the two contact electrodes 81 and 82 includes. The contact electrodes 81 and 82 may be formed, for example, as a printed conductor. They can be covered by another cover layer as a whole. The contact electrodes 81 and 82 are circular arc-shaped at the edge (with respect to the capsule: in the collar area), wherein the "ring" (consisting of the contact electrodes 81 . 82 ) However, in the areas 83 is interrupted. The contact electrodes 81 and 82 are thus initially not electrically connected to each other (apart from circuits not shown here on the lid). On the machine side, the capsule 80 be contacted via connection electrodes, namely in the present case by the connection electrode pair 84 and the connection electrode pair 85 , Each pair of electrodes is capable of performing appropriate measurements.

The electrode pairs 84 respectively. 85 can be designed as a mandrel or cutting contact. If in one embodiment, the contact electrodes 81 and 82 are arranged at the top of the lid, it is sufficient in principle, the connecting electrode pairs 84 . 85 form as contact tabs to make contact at all an electrical connection can. The electrodes 82 . 83 . 84 and 85 are arranged so that constantly at least one electrode pair is contactable. This particular arrangement is particularly important because often the coffee capsule is rotationally symmetrical and therefore not fixed, in which angular position about the rotation axis D it is inserted. Rather, it depends on the chance in which position around the rotation axis D around the capsule is held in the receiving device. In 8b the situation is that the connection electrode pair 84 the lid exactly in the area 83 in which none of the contact electrodes 81 . 82 is intended, touched. The electrode pair 84 can therefore produce no electrical connection to the capsule. However, it is sufficient that the connection electrode pair 85 each above the contact electrodes 81 . 82 is located, so a connection to the contact electrodes 81 and 82 can produce.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the machine control can control the occupation of the connecting electrode pairs 84 and 85 control or change. Especially with more complicated geometries, for example, the function or the assignment of the contact electrodes 84 and 85 be replaced. It is also conceivable that within a pair (ie within the pair 84 or within the couple 85 ) the connections are reversed. It is also conceivable for an electrode to be one of the connecting electrode pairs, for example one electrode of the pair 84 opposite to an electrode of the pair 85 is reversed. In the present case, this ensures that an electrical connection from the machine to the capsule is always achieved because on the machine side there is more than one electrode pair on the capsule side (only one electrode pair on the capsule side, two electrode pairs on the machine side).

Basically, however, it suffices to provide a single electrode on the machine side. In such a case, however, would have to be reversed if necessary machine side between the individual poles.

8c shows that on the machine side a single electrode more than capsule side meets, show the 8c and 8d , Shown is initially the same capsule 80 with the electrodes 81 and 82 as well as the separation area 83 between electrodes 81 and 82 so the capsule 80 exactly the capsule according to the 8a . 8b equivalent. However, star-shaped electrodes 86 . 87 and 88 arranged. Now, if the capsule is rotated, it may, for example, to a situation according to 8c come in which all the connection electrodes 86 . 87 and 88 Machine side contact, namely the connection electrode 86 contacts the capsule-side electrode 81 and the machine-side connection electrodes 87 and 88 both contact the electrode 82 , Meanwhile shows 8b a situation in which the electrode 86 exactly in the separation area 83 is positioned so can not make electrical connection. However, the connection electrode contacts 87 the capsule-side electrode 81 and the machine side electrode 88 the capsule-side electrode 82 , The connection electrodes 86 . 87 and 88 are arranged in a star shape in the present case and each form an angle of 120 ° between adjacent electrodes.

In the case of 8a and 8b each pair of electrodes is arranged so that opposite to the axis D these are opposite, that is rotated by 180 ° to each other. Adjacent electrodes of the other pair 84 . 85 form correspondingly with respect to the axis D an angle of 90 °. In addition, in the present cases, the prerequisite is that the areas 83 no too large or too small angle segment with respect to the respective contacts 84 . 85 . 86 . 87 . 88 form. Would be the angle segment that the area 83 forms too small, a short circuit across the contacts could be generated across. Would the segment 83 For example, if formed too large, two electrodes could be placed therein so that two electrodes would not be available to make an electrical connection.

9 shows a circuit diagram of a current-compensated throttle 90 in the form of a isolating transformer, which allows galvanic isolation from the power grid. On the machine side, the electronics are typically not galvanically isolated for cost reasons, so the electronics 81 the coffee machine on the coils 92 ' and 92 '' a voltage of about 230 V can be applied. These coils 92 ' and 92 '' each form parts of a isolation transformer 93 ' and 93 '' , The respective magnetic fields of the coil 92 ' or the coil 92 '' individually connect to the inductors 94 ' and 94 '' , The separating transformers formed in this way 93 ' and 93 '' additionally have a voltage conversion by the corresponding coils, namely the coil 94 ' opposite the coil 92 ' and the coil 94 '' opposite the coil 92 '' are not the same (in terms of number of turns), so that the voltage can be reduced. Such a choke combined with a isolating transformer has two advantages: First, the mains voltage of 230 V can be reduced (throttled) so that even if a person came in contact with the electrodes, no significant or even life-threatening electric shock would have to suffer. Rather, the voltage can be reduced to a safe low voltage. In addition, such a separation transformer allows 93 ' or 93 '' in that even if contact were made inadvertently to the earth (eg via contact with water), no short circuit or bypass current would be caused across the earth. Furthermore, the people who could basically touch the contacts, protected from the mains voltage. The already from the 8a and 8b Known contact electrodes of the capsule are in the present case also with the reference numerals 81 and 82 characterized; connected to them are the connecting electrode pairs 84 and 85 ,

10 shows a button analogous to a button according to 6 , The lid of the capsule 100 is three layers analogous to 6 formed, wherein the contact electrode 101 for example, in the layer 62 is formed or printed, the contact electrode 102 in the layer 64 and between the layers 62 and 64 a spacer layer 63 lies. In the present case, however, is a separation area 103 provided so that in the lid itself once again ensures that the contact electrodes 101 and 102 although these are arranged in different layers and once again by a spacer 63 are separated, are also separated in projection on a layer plane. When contacting with cutting electrodes, in this case, it is not necessary to pay attention to how deep the individual cutting contact cuts into the cover material, and there is no unwanted short-circuit across the cutting contact. In 10 is a button symbol 104 watching. In this area, therefore, leads both from the contact electrode 101 as well as from the contact electrode 102 in the respective layers 64 respectively 62 a track towards the center of the lid 100 , Both contact electrodes, each connected to the electrodes 101 and 102 lie in this area on top of each other and are separated from an intermediate layer 65 ,

In a further embodiment, the contact electrodes 101 and 102 and the ladder 101 ' and 102 ' printed on the same layer. In this case, there is only a short conductive connector on the layer below the spacer, which is the conductor 101 ' and 102 ' combines. This connector could also be inserted in production or glued in its own manufacturing step.

For example, pressing the button as shown in 7 is shown, actuated, so the layer bends 64 in the area 64 ' down, over the area 65 ' and gets in touch with the layer 62 , In this way, meet the superposed conductor track sections 101 ' and 102 ' , in 10 only shown schematically, each other and are electrically contacted: Thus, the button 104 (see. 7 ), ie there was an electrical contact between the electrodes 101 and 102 produced. Were the electrodes 101 and 102 , For example, by cutting contacts, contacts and is applied to them a voltage, so can now via the button 104 a current is flowing.

A development of such a button is in 11 shown. The lid 110 first shows an analogous training similar to a pushbutton, as in 10 combined with 6 is shown. The lid 100 is constructed in three layers, wherein, for example, the upper cover layer, the electrical contact electrode 111 with a connection towards the center 111 ' and the lowest layer the contact electrode 112 with the conductor track directed to the center 112 ' includes. In the center are the tracks 111 ' and 112 ' on top of each other, but can not touch without pressure or traction. Between these two layers, a spacer is attached, which has an empty intermediate area (recess) in the center in the middle.

In contrast to the embodiment according to 10 combined with 6 is on the lower stratum (see layer 62 according to 6 ) applied a resistor paste. The structure according to 11 Therefore, it corresponds more to that of a potentiometer or an ohmic resistance than that of a pure probe. So if a pressure is exerted on the uppermost layer, the conductor does not become immediately 112 ' but contacted the resistor paste applied thereto. The arranged in the center resistance (shown with the symbol of a potentiometer) is denoted by the reference numeral 114 marked, which in the 12 such as 13 to 16 the resistor paste cover 114 equivalent. The intermediate area, which is in 6 the intermediate area 65 corresponds, but has a special feature: namely, the intermediate area is trapezoidal cut out in relation to the layer plane (see area 115 ). First, apply even pressure to this area 115 exercised, so may in the subarea 115 ' , which is wider, allows a greater deflection than in the area 115 '' , In the present case, according to 12 the trapeze is formed as an isosceles trapeze. This means that with a continuous increase in pressure in the range 115 ' the resistance layer 114 first contacted. As the pressure increases, the contact area becomes more and more in the direction of the (narrower) area 115 '' expand. In 13 exists between the layers 116 and 118 by spacer 117 are disconnected, no connection. Only in 14 , touches the layer 116 in the area 116 ' the resistance layer 114 so between the layers 116 and 118 over the resistance layer 114 a contact is made. In 15 is the contact area 116 '' already much larger than in 16 ' , The larger the contact area, the smaller the resistance (analogous to a parallel connection of resistors). If the pressure continues to increase, it increases as in 16 the contact area shown even more (reference numeral 116 ''' ). In 16 the ohmic resistance is the smallest. The ohmic resistance between the layers 116 and 118 thus falls with increasing pressure.

This ratio between the resistance R and the prevailing pressure P is in 17 shown: The resistance R between the layers 116 and 118 falls with increasing pressure P (hyperbolic).

18 shows a schematic representation of a lid 180 in which no electrical contact (for example via a mandrel, a cutting contact or via a contact tab) must be made directly. In the center of the lid is in the present example, a resonant circuit 118 imprinted, which is interrupted and via the tactile contact 182 can be closed. On the machine side, for example, a sensor device is provided, which provides a transmitting element for emitting electromagnetic radiation. By this electromagnetic radiation, an alternating voltage can be inductively generated in the coil, and the resonant circuit begins to oscillate. The present example according to 18 is merely a schematic representation. It is for example possible to introduce an additional OLED (English: organic light-emitting diode) in the resonant circuit and decouple their signal. The contact via the button can also be designed in different ways. For example, it is possible to print the resonant circuit with the inductance in a layer, wherein the capacitor of the resonant circuit is formed by the top and bottom conductor layer separated from the spacer. The capacitor value can also be used as a categorization element. In principle, it is also conceivable to provide several individual buttons in a lid.

19 shows a capsule 190 with a lid that acts as a light guide 191 is formed or contains such at least. The light guide 191 is continuously formed from one edge of the capsule 190 on the other hand. The capsule 190 is located in a cradle 192 at the sides of a transmitter 193 and a receiver 194 are provided. In brewing position can thus be tested, whether by the transmitter 193 emitted light through the optical fiber 191 propagate and to the recipient 194 can get. Basically, the received light intensity can be checked to see if a capsule is inserted at all or not.

The optical waveguide can be formed, for example, as an adhesive layer, provided that the adhesive allows only a small amount of fiber optic cable. The light guide 191 must advantageously have only a low level of photoconductivity, as it is usually sufficient for the purpose the coding is to detect small amounts of light.

The 20 shows a capsule 200 which is similar to the capsule 190 out 19 also a light guide 201 having. In addition, the cover comprises a conductor layer in the lower area 202 on which a light source, namely an OLED 203 has been printed. The lower conductor layer 202 is about cutting contacts 204 ' and 204 '' contacted and connected. These provide the power supply to the OLED 203 , In the brewing position is so on the cutting contacts 204 ' and 204 '' a voltage to the OLED 203 created so that it emits a light signal. The OLED 203 is directly to the light guide 201 coupled, that is, the light signal can be in the light guide 201 be coupled and through the light guide 201 propagate. The capsule 200 is in the brewing position in the cradle 205 taken, which in turn at the lateral edge of a receiver 206 has. So it's the electrodes 204 ' and 204 '' When a voltage is applied in the brewing position, a signal is expected from the OLED 203 should come. This signal can be received by the receiver 206 be detected.

In the 19 and 20 is the input or output device for coupling / decoupling of light between the capsule and machine in the edge region of the collar, which may therefore be designed as a dry area arranged. This arrangement has the advantage that the optics of such a device does not unnecessarily come into contact with water and deposits, in particular calcium deposits, form precisely at the points at which light is to be coupled in or out. Otherwise, the functionality could be severely impaired by contamination or corrosion.

21 shows a lid 210 for a capsule with a circuit 211 with an inductance or antenna and a series-connected OLED and a push-button. The probe can be arranged in an advantageous manner in the center of the capsule, since in the center usually no piercing of the capsule lid takes place with a knife. However, from the 3 . 4 known pestles 36 be located in the center to operate the button.

22 shows a lid 220 , which is also formed in three layers, wherein the middle layer is a spacer. In the upper layer is a conductor track or a contact electrode 221 , in the lower one contact electrode or conductor track 222 , The two electrodes 221 and 222 can over the button 223 get connected. In one of the two layers, an OLED is also printed with the corresponding conductor 221 or 222 , depending on the layer in which it is attached, is connected. To make another contact, an embodiment is possible in which, for example, a cutting contact simultaneously cuts into the layers and establishes a connection between a part of the lower and the upper layer. This allows a connection to the OLED across the spacer, for example in the form of the line 224 getting produced.

23 shows a lid 230 , which is similar to the lid 220 out 22 but with a resistance 233 between the contact electrodes 231 and 232 is arranged. By way of example, this resistor can be designed such that a gap formed in the spacer is filled up with resistance paste.

24 shows a capsule 240 , with the central area in the lid 241 is shown enlarged. The interior of the capsule is denoted by the reference numeral 242 characterized. The lid itself has two layers and covers the layers 243 and 245 , wherein between both layers conductor tracks 244 are arranged. On the bottom of the layer 243 that means to the interior 242 the capsule, there is a sensor element 246 that with the tracks 244 comes into contact. For example, it may be in the sensor element 246 act to a water-soluble resistance, so that if no brewing liquid has entered the interior of the capsule, a voltage that is applied to the tracks 244 (right and left in 24 ) about the resistance 246 falls off and can be measured. The corresponding conductor tracks can be contacted, for example via cutting contacts from the outside. If, however, brewing liquid or hot water in the interior of the capsule, so the resistance 246 dissolved and the line is either interrupted, or it flows a current of other strength, which can thus be detected.

It is also conceivable, the sensor element 246 from a material which changes its resistance by oxidation. If the capsule is stored for a long time, oxygen can usually penetrate. The oxygen then oxidizes the sensor element 246 , which is noticeable by a change in resistance. Thus, therefore, the age of the capsule or the quality of the beverage powder therein can be determined. If the machine detects such a change, it can, for example, issue a warning signal via the controller.

25 shows a capsule 250 with a collar 251 and a light guide 252 as an embedded layer. On the machine side is a slide 253 provided a seal 254 has to seal in the region of the collar. The slider 253 movably guides a mounted wiper unit 255 with, which is designed to cover 256 a transmission LED 257 wipe and thus keep clean so that the light to be transmitted can be transmitted undisturbed. The wiping unit 255 is about a storage 258 stored. In the area between LED 257 and collar 251 then arises in conjunction with the slide 253 and the seal 257 a dry area as soon as the slider 253 put the capsule in the brewing position and hold in the brewing position. The optics are therefore not affected by moisture, and the light of the LED 257 can in the light guide 252 be easily coupled. For coupling are parts such as the slider 253 or optionally the wiper unit 255 equipped with a breakthrough at the appropriate point so that the light can pass through.

In all embodiments of the invention, a coding of the capsule is possible in a particularly advantageous manner, which on the one hand allows categorization (type of preparing drink, type of coffee, coffee or cocoa, etc.). It also makes it possible to find out the manufacturer of the capsule and to protect against plagiarism. In one embodiment, as in 24 is shown, in addition to the coding in the sense of categorization or protection against plagiarism also given the possibility of a sensor, the temperature profile, the aging state of the capsule, any damage to the capsule or other data that affect the brewing process or the quality of the coffee or the hot beverage could capture.

26 shows a lid 260 in plan view. If the associated capsule is inserted in the receiving device, it is opened to open the brewing process of individual knives. The knife positions are in relation to the lid 260 illustrated by drawings. The knives penetrate the lid at the positions 261 . 262 . 263 and 264 ,

27 shows the punch side of the slider 270 , seen from the position of a capsule, which is located in the receiving device of a coffee machine. The single knife 261 . 262 . 263 and 264 are on a knife body 271 appropriate; the individual knives 261 . 262 . 263 . 264 and the knife body 271 are metallic, so they are electrically connected to each other. The knife body 271 is about a screw 273 on the stamp 270 attached. The water inlet for the introduction of the brewing water in the capsule via a line 272 , The sealing of the capsule with respect to the outside area therefore takes place via the annular seal 274 , so when brewing in the area 275 (ie outside the seal 274 ) a dry area and in the area 276 a wet area is formed.

The 28 to 32 show various plan views of a lid with two conductor layers, wherein the arrangement of the tracks and the prohibition zones are marked.

28 shows a course of the tracks on the lid 260 , namely a circular arc-shaped contact electrode 280 and redundant tracks 281 and 282 , The tracks 281 . 283 extend radially outward, from the central area 283 to the contact electrode 280 , Both tracks 281 . 282 each connect the same areas 283 and 280 so that both essentially differ only in terms of their angularly staggered positions, but otherwise assume exactly the same function in the circuit (redundancy).

The capsule is just inserted into the machine so that the knife 263 The administration 281 intersect. The electrical connection between the contact electrode 280 and the central area 283 , in which, for example, a button can be arranged, therefore assumes the line 282 , Due to the geometric arrangement of the knife body 271 (see. 27 ) cut the knives 261 . 262 . 264 the lid 260 in the in 28 marked positions. The knife 261 . 262 . 263 . 264 are above the knife body 271 conductively connected with each other; ie they are therefore also on the track 281 electrically with the contact electrode 280 , the conductor track 282 and the central area 283 connected. So that no short circuit to the rest of the circuit is caused, are prohibited zones 265 . 266 . 267 located. According to 28 cuts the knife 261 into the prohibition zone 266 while the knives 262 and 264 both in the zone 265 to cut.

The prohibited zones 265 . 266 . 267 are circular arc in 28 shown. Namely, the capsule or the lid 260 turned, so the knives wander 261 . 262 and 264 in the prohibited zones 265 . 266 , Will the lid 260 in 28 Turned clockwise, the knife becomes 263 the wires 281 . 282 no longer cut through and lie exactly between the two, as the distance between the lines 281 . 282 to the length of the knife 263 is adjusted. Upon further rotation (see 29 ) of the lid 260 clockwise becomes the line 282 cut through, with the knives 261 . 262 . 264 still in the same prohibited zones 265 . 266 lie like in 28 , angularly offset only with the rotation. In 29 gets from the knife 263 no line 281 or 282 severed; the other knives 261 . 262 . 264 are in prohibition zones, so that no short-circuiting and no severance of an important line is to be feared.

Upon further rotation, the line becomes 282 severed ( 30 ), so the situation is analogous to that in 28 is.

Will the lid 260 rotated again ( 31 ), so the knife gets 263 outside the range of the lines 281 . 282 and enters the prohibition zone 263 a, in which there is no trace on the lid more. At the same time the knives kick 261 . 262 from the prohibition zones 265 . 266 out. Upon further rotation through the blades cut 261 . 262 at the most at the same time at the same time one of the lines 281 . 282 ,

32 shows the lid 260 gem. 28 , but without prohibited zones.

The 28 to 32 show a conductor layer in the lid 260 , The 33 and 34 show the second conductor layer in the lid 260 , Both conductor layers according to 28 and 33 lie parallel, but are separated by an insulating spacer.

33 shows a contact electrode 330 and a conductor ring 331 who is around the prohibition zone 265 is arranged around. 34 shows a representation analogous to 33 without prohibited zones.

35 shows both conductor layers gem. 28 and 33 arranged one above the other (separated from the spacer), as well 36 , but without prohibited zones.

• I. das Vorsehen redundanter Leitungen, insbesondere zu Kontakten mit der Maschine und
• II. die Vermeidung von Kurzschlüssen durch entsprechende Anordnung der Leitungen, zwischen denen ein Kurzschluss auftreten könnte, damit diese nicht durch ein gemeinsames Messer durchtrennt werden können und
• III. die Vermeidung von Kurzschlüssen zwischen zwei Leitungen, die gleichzeitig von verschiedenen Messern durchtrennt werden, sodass kein Kurzschluss über den die Messer halternden Messerkörper erfolgen kann.

So that no contact electrode or important lines can be cut and insulated and no short-circuit occurs, the following three criteria must be observed regularly:

• I. the provision of redundant lines, in particular to contacts with the machine and
• II. The avoidance of short circuits by appropriate arrangement of the lines between which a short circuit could occur, so that they can not be severed by a common knife and
• III. Avoidance of short circuits between two lines, which are cut by different knives at the same time, so that no short circuit can occur over the knives holding the knives.

These three criteria enable the capsule to be inserted into the receiving device at any angle.

The same basically applies to light guides that are used in connection with such a capsule.

37 shows a schematic representation of a memory matrix 370 , which is housed in the capsule, in particular in the lid. The matrix 370 includes electrodes 371 and 372 holding a memory box 373 limit. The memory field 373 In turn, a ferroelectric organic ink, namely a ferroelectric polymer, comprises. This polymer is polarizable, ie in an electric field, the dipoles in the polymer are aligned accordingly. If the electric field is switched off, the polarization of the polymer, here: the corresponding memory field, is maintained. By applying an electric field in the reverse direction as before, however, the polarization can be canceled, so that consequently information can be stored, for. B. the binary information "0" or "1". The ink can basically be printed as a contiguous area, while the electrodes are above or below and thus form the individual memory fields for storing the information "0" or "1". The individual memory cells can form a matrix. It is particularly advantageous in this memory cell that they are very thin and thus part of one or more conductor layers, for. B. in the lid of the capsule may be. In addition, it enables a particularly high storage density and at the same time reliable storage of information. The production can be done industrially inexpensively.

In a particularly advantageous manner, in one embodiment, a luminescent layer is provided, which can also conduct light itself, for example of electroluminescent material. The 38 and 39 each show an example with an electroluminescent region, once as an interior region (cf. 38 ) and once as an outdoor area (cf. 39 ).

38 shows one in the middle of the lid 380 arranged electroluminescent layer 381 between two tracks 382 . 383 is embedded. The conductor track 382 is over an isolation layer 384 from the material 381 isolated. In the outer area of the lid is a light guide ring 385 , the (eg made of plastic) printed on both sides or present with a reflective layer 386 is provided for reflection of light. About that of the tracks 382 . 383 generated electric field can be the electroluminescent material 381 be lit up and light 387 send out, which through the ring 385 can propagate and optionally on the reflective layers 386 is reflected.

39 shows a variant in which the electroluminescent material as a ring 390 in the area of a collar 391 a capsule is arranged. The ring 90 is part of a lid of the capsule and is two-sided by plastic films 392 . 393 limited. In the middle of the lid, above the opening of the pot is located between the plastic sheets 392 . 393 a thick plastic film (instead of the electroluminescent material 394 ). The electric field to excite the electroluminescent material 394 can be generated not only by a leader of the capsule, but optionally also by the preparation device. The generated light 395 can then go directly to the outside. It is also conceivable that an electroluminescent material is selected as a sealing material, for example also below the collar (as a sealing ring).

Incidentally, it should be noted that individual measures of these embodiments can also be combined with each other in an advantageous manner. For example, it is conceivable to combine electrical sensor elements, electrical parts of a circuit and optical fibers with each other, especially as can be controlled via the electrical circuit, for example, a light emitting diode. Their light can be used for coupling in a light guide, for example, to perform several functions. For example, the detection of the light alone is sufficient to provide information about a particular manufacturer while, for example, the color of the light can be used to categorize and provide information as to whether the capsule contains coffee or cocoa. Furthermore, an embodiment has been described, which includes a sensor element, with the aging condition of the capsule can be determined by the resistance is measured or detected, which changes by oxidation with oxygen. This resistance can for example be integrated in a circuit whose behavior also changes with the resistance changed. For example, the resistor can be switched in conjunction with a light-emitting diode and thus influence its brightness. So there are a variety of combinations possible in detail, which can combine categorizations, information about manufacturers and sensory functions with each other in an advantageous manner.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Coffeemaker

2

capsule

3

cradle

4

water tank

5

water pipe

6

brewing

7

water pipe

8th

beverage line

9

coffee pot

10

machine control

11

Control / sensor device

12

connection

13

control line

20

capsule

21

container

22

pot

23

collar

24

opening

25

cover

26

ring seal

27

coffee powder

31

cradle

32

receiving hopper

33

centering

34

pusher

35

poetry

36

tappet

37

cutting Contact

37 '

cutting tip

37 ''

Implementing Contact

38

Contact tab

39

knife

40

capsule

41

cover

42

conductor layer

43

topcoat

44

collar

45

dry areas

50

cover

51

conductor layer

52

Spacer layer

53

conductor layer

60

cover

61

button

62

conductor layer

63

spacer

64

conductor layer

64 '

bent layer

65

Button-intermediate area

65 '

deformed intermediate area

70

pressed button area

80

capsule

81

contact electrode

82

contact electrode

83

separating region

84

Connection electrode pair

85

Connection electrode pair

86

connecting electrode

87

connecting electrode

88

connecting electrode

90

current-compensated choke

91

electronics

92 '

Coil (machine side)

92 ''

Coil (machine side)

93 '

Ballast isolation transformer

93 ''

Ballast isolation transformer

94 '

Coil (capsule side)

94 ''

Coil (capsule side)

100

cover

101

contact electrode

101 '

probe electrode

102

contact electrode

102 '

probe electrode

103

separating region

104

central button area

110

cover

111

contact electrode

111 '

probe electrode

112

contact electrode

112 '

probe electrode

113

separating region

114

resistance layer

115

trapezoidal intermediate area

115 '

wide range

115 ''

narrow area

116

conductor layer

116 '

narrow contact area

116 ''

common contact area

116 '' '

maximum contact area

117

spacer

118

conductor layer

180

cover

181

resonant circuit

182

button

190

capsule

191

optical fiber

192

cradle

193

transmitter

194

receiver

200

capsule

201

optical fiber

202

conductor layer

203

printed OLED

204 '

cutting Contact

204 ''

cutting Contact

205

cradle

206

receiver

210

cover

211

Circuit with OLED

220

cover

221

contact electrode

222

contact electrode

223

button

224

electrical connection

230

cover

231

contact electrode

232

contact electrode

233

resistance

240

capsule

241

central lid area

242

interior

243

topcoat

244

conductor tracks

245

Lower class

246

sensor element

250

capsule

251

collar

252

optical fiber

253

pusher

254

poetry

255

wiping unit

256

window

257

led

258

storage

260

cover

261

knife

262

knife

263

knife

264

knife

265

Line areas closed

266

Line areas closed

267

Line areas closed

270

Stamp side of the slider

271

knife body

272

water inlet

273

screw

274

sealing ring

275

dry areas

276

wet areas

280

contact electrode

281

redundant trace

282

redundant trace

283

central area

330

contact electrode

331

Head ring

370

memory array

371

electrode

372

electrode

373

Ferroelectric polymer

380

cover

381

electroluminescent material

382

conductor path

383

conductor path

384

insulator

385

optical fiber

386

reflective layer

387

emitted light

390

electroluminescent material

391

collar

392

Plastic film

393

Plastic film

394

Plastic film

395

emitted light

D

axis of rotation

P

print

R

resistance

Claims (32)

Capsule for storing hot beverage powder, such as coffee powder, cocoa powder or the like for the preparation of hot drinks, such as coffee, espresso, cocoa or the like, in a coffee machine, a coffee machine, a vending machine or the like, wherein the capsule a container for receiving of the hot beverage powder, characterized in that at least one light guide for guiding a light signal and for encoding is present. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container has a pot with an opening and with a collar, wherein the opening is covered by the lid and the collar is connected to the lid, wherein in particular the container, preferably the lid, comprises the light guide. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide is formed as a layer. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide is arranged so that light in the edge region of the collar can be coupled and / or decoupled. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide is made of a material which is adapted to change its optical properties under pressure load and / or tensile load and / or temperature change, in particular from a stress birefringent material. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide rests at least partially directly on the inside of the capsule stored medium and / or on the outside of the capsule, so that with changing the filling of the capsule in the interior or with change of the surrounding medium surrounding the capsule a change in the optical density of the medium on which the light guide is directly adjacent, may accompany. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide rests on at least one side of a layer and / or has a printing, wherein in particular the light guide is embedded between two layers. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pattern, preferably at least one bar code is attached to and / or in the light guide, wherein in particular at least two of the patterns are arranged in series. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the layers and / or printing is formed as follows: as a mirror and / or as a thermochromic material and / or as a light absorber and / or as a fluorescent and / or as a phosphorescent material, so preferably the light-guiding properties, in particular the reflection properties of the light guide in the edge region are modifiable. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the layers and / or imprints is arranged so that it can come into contact with brewing liquid during a brewing process and is formed as a brewing liquid soluble, in particular as a water-soluble layer. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide is formed so that it has at least one of the following properties: polarizing and / or fluorescent and / or phosphorescent and / or frequency-converting and / or frequency-filtering and / or multi-frequency-conducting and / or different colors. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arranged in series patterns are positioned so that they define sections in the light guide and at least one of the sections has a special optical property, in particular fluorescent and / or phosphorescent areas is formed. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a light source for emitting a light signal is present, in particular an OLED, a luminescent film or a LEC / LEEC. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source is preferably arranged so that their light signals can be coupled into the light guide, wherein preferably the light source is printed on the surface of the light guide. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a light receiver is provided for the detection of flares, in particular a solar cell and / or a photodiode and / or a phototransistor and / or an optocoupler. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide is designed so that no total reflection occurs at the edges. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an annular seal for sealing the capsule on the side facing away from the lid of the collar is provided, which is in particular sprayed. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide is designed as a ring, in particular that the ring seal is designed as a light guide. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a circuit is integrated, which has an inductance and a Light source, in particular an LED, preferably an imprinted LED such as an OLED comprises, wherein the circuit is adapted to supply the light source via the inductance with voltage and the light source is arranged and / or formed so that they light in can couple the light guide. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the side facing the pot of the light guide, an underlayer is mounted and the light guide is formed temperature stable and / or more stable to welding than the lower layer. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electroluminescent layer is provided for emitting and / or transmitting light, which is designed in particular as a ring. Preparation device for preparing hot drinks, such as coffee, espresso, cocoa or the like, in particular coffee machine, coffee machine, vending machine or the like with a receiving device for exchangeably receiving a capsule for storing hot beverage powder, wherein the capsule to be accommodated comprises a container for holding the hot beverage powder, wherein the preparation device comprises a brewing device for the preparation of hot water for the brewing of the hot beverage, characterized in that a control device for controlling the coding of the capsule, in particular for reading information and / or for measuring data comprises. Preparation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device comprises a light receiver for the detection of light signals. Preparation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device comprises a transmitter for emitting light signals, which is in particular designed and arranged such that the light signals can be coupled into the light guide of the capsule. Preparation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device has at least two connecting electrodes and is adapted to provide an electrical signal for powering a light source of the capsule. Preparation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device is adapted to emit an electromagnetic signal in order to excite a light source of the capsule for emitting a light signal. Preparation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving device is adapted to receive capsules having a container with a pot having an opening and a collar, wherein the opening is covered by the lid and the collar is connected to the lid , and the receiving device has a seal for separating a drying area, wherein the seal is arranged so that it seals the lid of the capsule in the region of the collar, so that the outer edge of the collar lies in the dry area. Preparation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitter and / or receiver and / or the connection electrodes in the dry area in relation to the capsule is / are arranged. Preparation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a movable slide for holding and / or connection of the capsule is provided with the preparation device. Preparation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slide comprises a wiper unit and / or that a wiper unit is provided, which is movably mounted by the slider, wherein the wiper unit for cleaning the light guide and / or a light source and / or a transmitter and / or recipient. Preparation device according to one of the proposed claims, characterized in that a machine control is provided for controlling the brewing device, wherein the machine control is adapted to output control signals to the brewing device based on the detected via the sensor device coding. Hot beverage system for the preparation of hot drinks, comprising a preparation device according to one of the preceding claims and a capsule accommodated therein according to one of the preceding claims.

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