RU2804151C2 - Serving capsule for preparing beverage in beverage preparation machine and method for manufacturing serving capsules - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: soft drinks.

SUBSTANCE: serving capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine. Serving capsule (1) for preparing a drink in brew chamber (13) of beverage preparation machine (14) has main element (2) with hollow space (3) for placing the original product for the beverage and cover (4) of the capsule locking hollow space (3). Main element (2) includes capsule bottom (5), circumferential flange (6) and capsule wall (7) extending between capsule bottom (5) and circumferential flange (6). Cap (4) of the capsule is fixed on sealing surface (8) on flange (6), flange (6) having thickening (9) extending around the circumference at its free outer end. A sealing element is provided on flange (6) in the form of sealing bead (10) facing away from cap (4) of the capsule, and on the side of cap (4) of the capsule, between thickening (9) and sealing bead (10), sealing plane (8) extends on flange (6). Sealing bead (10) has inner side wall (11) on the sides of wall (7) of the capsule and outer side wall (12) on the sides of thickening (9), while both outer side wall (12) and inner side wall (11) are directed at an angle (α, β) more than 89 and less than 90 degrees relative to sealing plane (8).

EFFECT: improved sealing action between the flange (of the capsule) and the element of the brew chamber without the need for increased efforts for this when closing the brew chamber or when removing the serving capsule after brewing, or without the need to use separate materials to implement the sealing action.

26 cl, 5 dwg

Description

State of the art

The present invention is based on the representation of a portion capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, wherein the portion capsule (1) has a main element (2) with a hollow space (3) for accommodating the original product for the beverage and a locking hollow space (3) cap (4) of the capsule, wherein the main element (2) includes the bottom of the capsule, a flange extending along the circumference and a capsule wall extending between the bottom of the capsule and the flange extending along the circumference, and the cap (4) of the capsule is fixed to the sealing plane on the flange (6) , wherein the flange at its outer free end has a thickening extending along the circumference, and on the flange (6) there is a sealing element in the form of a sealing collar facing away from the capsule lid, and on the side of the capsule lid, between the thickening and the sealing shoulder on the flange, a sealing plane extends, on which the capsule lid is seated with, and wherein the sealing lip has an inner side wall on the sides of the capsule wall and an outer side wall on the sides of the bulge.

Such portioned capsules are known from the prior art. The essence of such a known portion capsule according to the generic concept is disclosed, for example, in the publication WO 2016/186 488 A1. This portion capsule is designed to be inserted into an infusion chamber in which the bottom of the capsule is perforated to force the infusion liquid in the form of hot water into the hollow space under pressure. As a result, the pressure inside the portion capsule increases, as a result of which the capsule lid is pressed against a relief plate or a plate with pyramidal protrusions in the brewing chamber and, when a predetermined pressure value is reached, is perforated at the contact points. The drink obtained through the interaction of the incoming water with the initial product for the drink, primarily roasted and ground coffee, then leaves the capsule through these perforation points in the plate.

What all such single-serve capsules have in common is that there needs to be a sufficient seal between the brewing chamber and the serving capsule at the capsule flange area so that the water inside the brewing chamber flows through the bed of the original beverage product rather than flowing outside the serving capsule, i.e. between the walls of the brewing chamber and the outside of the capsule wall, past the original drink product.

For this purpose, these types of portion capsules include a sealing element in the area of their flange, which seals in the infusion chamber, adjacent to the infusion chamber element. It is desirable for the sealing element to be composed of the same material as the capsule body (also referred to as the main element) to help keep the cost of manufacturing the portioned capsules low and the recycling or reuse of already used portioned capsules.

Figure 4H in publication WO 2016/186 488 A1 reveals the essence of the pressed sealing collar as a sealing element in the area of the flange of the portion capsule, which (the collar) has a vertical outer side wall and an inclined inner side wall. The purpose of this patent application is to improve the sealing action. The fundamental idea here is to use a sealing collar that is as easily deformable as possible, which, when the infusion chamber is closed, undergoes plastic deformation under pressure from the infusion chamber element and, as a result, fits tightly to the contour of the infusion chamber element to improve the sealing effect. To facilitate this deformation, the inner sidewall (shoulder) should be oriented relative to the plane of the flange at an angle of 20 to 60 degrees, preferably 30 to 50 degrees. Therefore, to ensure easy deformability, the inner side wall runs relatively flat.

A similar portion capsule is known from WO 2016/041 596 A1. Also in this case, the portion capsule has a pressed sealing collar in its flange. Also in this case, the sealing action between the sealing collar and the infusion chamber element must be achieved by simply deforming the sealing collar, whereby the inner side wall of the sealing collar must again be directed at the flattest possible angle, which is most preferably is less than 50 degrees relative to the plane of the flange.

Another portion capsule with a circumferential sealing element is known to those skilled in the art from publication EP 2 872 421 A1. In this technical solution, both side walls of the sealing element must be directed at a (certain) angle, and the inner side wall, again, must be directed relative to the plane of the flange at the most flat angle possible - from 40 to 80 degrees. It is even stated unequivocally that at a direction angle starting from 80 degrees, the side wall should be considered “directed too vertically” in order to still be able to achieve a seal between the brewing chamber element and the flange, since the action of this sealing element is also based on the fact that it is subject to deformation under the influence of the brewing chamber element (by an amount of 20 to 30%).

Similar portion capsules are known from WO 2014/184 653 Al, WO 2018/185 058 A1 and WO 2018/067 009 A1.

What is common to all of the above-mentioned portion capsules is that the sealing effect of their sealing elements is accordingly based on a strong deformation of them as such. For this purpose, internal side walls are used with a direction angle that is as flat as possible, so that the brewing chamber element, when closing the brewing chamber, can act on the side wall and thereby cause an easily achievable deformation of the sealing element.

A disadvantage of a sealing solution that relies on deformation of the sealing element is that it requires a clearly greater force to close the brewing chamber. The ease of maintenance and durability of the beverage preparation machine are therefore significantly increased (decreased? Translator's note).

In addition, the sealing elements known from the prior art are designed asymmetrically. Therefore, when deformed, these sealing elements tip to the side. In this case, although an increased sealing effect is achieved, however, due to the lateral tilting of the sealing elements, there is regularly a problem that the brewing chamber element becomes jammed by the sealing element in such a way that after the brewing process the portion capsule can no longer be detached from the brewing chamber element without excessive cost of effort. This makes it very difficult to remove the used portion capsule from the brewing chamber and the ease of maintenance is significantly reduced.

An alternative could be separately manufactured sealing elements made of a specific sealing material, known from publications EP 1 654 966 A1 and EP 1 839 543 A1. Such sealing elements, however, have the above-mentioned disadvantage that, due to the use of separate materials, on the one hand, the costs of producing portion capsules clearly increase and, on the other hand, recycling or recycling of already used portion capsules is more difficult , since it is necessary to separate different materials from each other.

Disclosure of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portion capsule of the above-mentioned type which does not pose the problems outlined in connection with the discussion of the prior art. First of all, a portion capsule must be provided that provides an improved sealing action between the flange (capsule) and the infusion chamber element without the need for increased force when closing the infusion chamber or when removing the portion capsule after infusion or without the need for the use of separate materials to realize the compacting effect.

The object of the present invention is achieved by using a portion capsule for preparing a beverage in the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine, wherein the portion capsule has a main element with a hollow space for accommodating the initial product for the beverage and a capsule lid that locks the hollow space, wherein the main element includes a bottom of the capsule, a circumferential flange and a capsule wall extending between the bottom of the capsule and a circumferential flange, wherein the capsule cover is secured to a sealing plane on the flange, wherein the flange at its outer free end has a circumferential thickening, and a sealing element in the form of a facing away from capsule cover sealing collar, and on the side of the capsule cover, between the thickening and the sealing shoulder, a sealing plane extends on the flange, and the sealing shoulder has an inner side wall on the sides of the capsule wall and an outer side wall on the sides of the thickening, and both the outer side wall and and the inner side wall are directed relative to the sealing plane at an angle of more than 80 to less than 90 degrees.

The portion capsule according to the invention, compared with the prior art, has the advantage that the direction angle of the inner side wall (shoulder) falls within the range of 80 to 90 degrees. Therefore, the direction angle is distinctly steeper than the angles known from the prior art. This results in less deformation of the sealing collar when closing the brewing chamber or when brewing a beverage in a portion capsule, and that, above all, the sealing collar is sufficiently rigid to produce the desired sealing action as a result of intense contact between the inner side wall of the collar and the element brewing chamber. The specialists were surprised and it was unexpected for them that the abandonment of sealing elements well known from the prior art, which are all based on the principle of the most easily accomplished deformation of the sealing element, in favor of a sealing collar, which, thanks to its steep side walls, is deformed less and is, above all, , more rigid, will provide the desired result in terms of a high degree of compaction. In addition, with this technical solution, large locking forces are not required, since no (strong) deformation should be caused. Moreover, the sealing collar according to the invention is presented in a symmetrical design, since its inner side wall and outer side wall define the same directional angle relative to the sealing plane, so that extreme sideways tilting of the sealing collar is avoided. In this way, it can be ensured that the portion capsule can be removed from the brewing chamber again easily and without undue effort, even despite a certain deformation of the sealing element. According to the invention, the inner side wall and the outer side wall define a direction angle relative to the sealing plane of 81 to 89 degrees, preferably 83 to 87 degrees, particularly preferably 84 to 86 degrees, and most preferably a substantially 85 degree angle. It has been found that in the case of this angle range, on the one hand, the deformation of the sealing collar can be reduced and the rigidity of the sealing collar can be increased, since the direction angle is as steep as possible and therefore the sealing collar provides high resistance to forces acting on the sealing collar perpendicular (also referred to as the vertical Y direction) to the sealing plane and that, on the other hand, simple and cost-effective production of a portion capsule is possible since the direction angle is always less than a right angle. In the case of a right angle direction of both side walls of the sealing collar of the inner side wall and the outer side wall, removing the portion capsule from the molding tool or from the cold stamping press tooling when producing the portion capsule would be obviously more difficult.

Preferred embodiments and improved embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims, as well as in the description below with reference to the drawings. Moreover, these preferred embodiments and improved embodiments of the invention are linked equally to both of the above-described portion capsules according to the invention.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sealing collar is designed in such a way that when closing the brewing chamber it is deformed only by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10%, and most preferably by a maximum of 5%, its total height perpendicular to the sealing plane. First of all, the sealing collar is designed in such a way that when a force of up to 100 N is applied to the sealing collar perpendicular to the sealing plane, it is deformed only by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, especially preferably by a maximum of 10%, and most preferably by a maximum by 5%, its height perpendicular to the sealing plane.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sealing collar is designed in such a way that, when closing the infusion chamber, it is deformed only so much parallel to the sealing plane that the radius of its circumference is displaced relative to the central longitudinal axis of the portion capsule (around which it is located rotationally symmetrically flange) only by a maximum of 10%, preferably by a maximum of 8%, especially preferably by a maximum of 5%, and most preferably by a maximum of 4%, parallel to the sealing plane. Preferably, this prevents the infusion chamber element from being jammed by the sideways-tipping sealing collar, so that the portion capsule can always be removed from the infusion chamber again in a simple manner and without excessive effort.

Thus, in the case of the present invention, the sealing bead is made so rigid and stable that when a force of up to 100 N is applied to the sealing bead in the central direction, perpendicular to the sealing plane, that is, along the vertical direction, which (force) acts primarily exactly on the top of the sealing bead or on a section of the side wall of the sealing bead or on a smooth transition plane within the sealing bead, limited deformation of the sealing bead occurs. In this case, the sealing collar must be able to vary in its height, in particular by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10%, and most preferably by a maximum of 5%. In addition, it is possible that only limited lateral displacement or deformation occurs along a direction parallel to the sealing plane, that is, in the radial direction R, when viewed from the central longitudinal axis of the concentrically configured portion capsule. It is also provided that the top of the sealing collar, that is, the transition section of the sealing collar, is displaced from the central longitudinal axis of the portion capsule or deformed by a maximum of 10%, preferably a maximum of 8%, particularly preferably a maximum of 5%, and most preferably a maximum of 4% the combined radius of its circle. In this case, the summary radius can be considered, for example, the radius from the center of the circle of the sealing collar.

It is preferably provided that the angle between the inner and outer side walls (shoulder) is preferably 5 to 15 degrees, particularly preferably 8 to 12 degrees, and most preferably substantially 10 degrees.

According to the present invention, it is provided that a transition section extends between the inner side wall and the outer side wall, wherein the transition section has a transition plane extending parallel to the sealing plane (flange). The curved design of the transition section has the advantage that the sealing collar benefits in terms of stability, and thereby deformation can be prevented even more effectively. In contrast, a flat design of the transition section has the advantage that the sealing lip is flatter and therefore penetrates less far into the recess of the sealing contour of the infusion chamber receiving element, so that less force is applied to the sealing lip when closing the infusion chamber. In addition, with a flat sealing collar, there is less risk of the brew chamber component jamming.

Preferably, in the radial cross-section of the circumferentially extending sealing collar, both the inner side wall and the outer side wall each have a straight contact portion which extends between the flange and the transition portion. The abstract concept of “in radial cross-section” means that the cross-sectional image of the flange outline is viewed along the circumferential direction of the circumferential flange outline. Accordingly, the plane of the sectional image is drawn through the vertical direction and the radial direction, as illustrated in FIG. 3-5.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the straight contact portion has a length of from 0.1 to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.3 to 1.3 mm, particularly preferably from 0.5 to 1.0 mm, and most preferably from 0.7 to 0.9 mm. During the modeling processes and during the experiments, it was found that with the specified lengths of the straight contact section, an optimal seal can be achieved between the sealing contour of the brewing chamber element and the flange (capsule). In other words, a flat fit of the inner side wall with geometric and forceful closure with the side surface of the sealing protrusion of the sealing contour of the brewing chamber element over a length of 0.1 to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.3 to 1.3 mm, especially preferably 0.5 to 1.0 mm, and most preferably 0.7 to 0.9 mm, is sufficient to provide sufficient sealing action (in the area of the inner side wall) without the need for severe deformation of the sealing lip by the sealing contour.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the portion capsule, in the transition from the straight contact section (shoulder wall) to the transition section on the side facing the capsule cover 4, has a radius of rounding from 0.05 to 0.2 mm, preferably from 0.09 to 0.13 mm, and particularly preferably 0.11 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the portion capsule, in the transition from the outer side wall (shoulder) to the transition section on the side facing the capsule lid, has a radius of curvature of from 0.05 to 0.2 mm, preferably from 0.09 to 0. 13 mm, and particularly preferably 0.11 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the height of the sealing lip perpendicular to the sealing plane is from 0.6 to 1.3 mm, preferably from 0.3 to 0.6 mm, and particularly preferably from 0.9 to 1.0 mm . The above-described preferred sizing of the sealing collar results in the sealing collar being sufficiently stable so that it does not become severely deformed during closing of the brewing chamber and/or brewing of a capsule beverage within the brewing chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sealing lip has an average material thickness of from 0.05 to 0.3 mm, preferably from 0.08 to 1.8 mm, particularly preferably from 0.09 to 1.5 mm, and most preferably substantially 0.11 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that, in the radial cross-section of the circumferentially extending sealing collar, the transition section includes a straight connecting section which has a width of from 0.1 to 0.4 mm, preferably from 0.15 to 0.35 mm , and particularly preferably from 0.2 to 0.3 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the portion capsule, in the transition from the outer side wall of the collar to the flange section running parallel to the sealing plane, has a radius of curvature of from 0.1 to 0.3 mm, preferably from 0.18 to 0.24 mm, and particularly preferably from 0.20 to 0.22 mm. The above-described preferred sizing of the sealing collar results in the sealing collar being sufficiently stable so that no deformation occurs during closing of the brewing chamber and/or brewing of the capsule beverage within the brewing chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portion capsule includes a flange portion extending parallel to the sealing plane and extending between the flange boss and the outer side wall of the bead, wherein the portion capsule includes an intermediate flange portion extending between the inner side wall of the bead and the capsule wall, and wherein the flange portion and the intermediate flange portion lie at the same height along a vertical direction perpendicular to the sealing plane. This has the advantage that when the brewing chamber is closed, the sealing collar does not indirectly displace or deform while the intermediate flange section or flange section deforms or deforms relative to each other. Alternatively, both the intermediate flange portion and the flange portion may abut the infusion chamber seal and thereby provide a suitable counter force to prevent significant deformation of the sealing lip. It is possible that the plate is sealed or glued to the flange, respectively, both in the intermediate flange section and within the flange section.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the portion capsule, in the transition from the inner side wall of the collar to the intermediate flange section extending between the sealing lip and the capsule wall, has a radius of curvature from 0.2 to 0.35 mm, preferably from 0.26 to 0. 30 mm, and particularly preferably substantially 0.28 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that in the radial cross-section of the sealing bead, the outer side wall of the bead has a straight section of the side wall, which has a length of from 0.01 to 0.15 mm, preferably from 0.06 to 0.10 mm, and particularly preferably 0.08 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that in the radial cross section the extent of the sealing plane between the outer side wall of the collar and the flange extension is in length from 0.2 to 0.8 mm, preferably from 0.3 to 0.7 mm, and especially preferably from 0.4 to 0.6 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the bulge projects above the flange over its upper side forming a sealing plane. Preferably, the bulge projects above the flange over its lower side facing away from the sealing plane, wherein the bulge on the lower side is spaced from the flange at a smaller distance than the sealing lip and/or wherein the bulge on the upper side projects above the flange at a smaller distance than on the lower side . The thickening is formed, first of all, by rolling the edge of the flange, and, preferably, the edge of the flange is rolled towards the bottom of the capsule.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the main element is made monolithically from aluminum. Preferably, the main element is produced by cold or hot forming, especially by deep drawing, in which the sealing collar is pressed monolithically into the flange. Preferably, the portion capsule is made in the form of a truncated cone or in the shape of a cylinder. The hollow space defined by the main element serves to accommodate a beverage starting product, such as roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea leaf scraps, milk powder and/or the like.

Preferably, the portion capsule has on its wall one or more, preferably 6, grooves running concentrically around the circumference to reinforce the capsule wall. In this case, the grooves can be made as inward-facing recesses and/or as outward-facing elevations.

Another subject of the present invention is a beverage preparation system including a beverage preparation machine and a portion capsule according to the invention, the beverage preparation machine including a brewing unit with a first brewing chamber portion and a second brewing chamber portion, wherein the first and/or second brewing chamber portion part of the infusion chamber is configured to move relative to the other part of the infusion chamber between an approximate position in which the first and second parts of the infusion chamber form a closed infusion chamber, and an open position in which the first and second parts of the infusion chamber are spaced from each other so that insert or eject a portion capsule, wherein the first part of the infusion chamber includes a receiving element for partially receiving the portion capsule, and the second part of the infusion chamber includes a locking element for the receiving element, wherein in the closed position the flange of the portion capsule forms a positive lock and seals is enclosed between the edge zone of the receiving element and the locking element.

The portion capsule according to the invention is part of the system according to the invention, and therefore all the advantages and improvements explained in the context of the portion capsule are equally valid also in relation to the system according to the invention.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sealing contour is provided in the edge region (receiving element) for sealing engagement with the sealing lip, wherein the sealing contour includes a circumferentially extending recess and a circumferentially extending sealing projection adjacent to the recess, wherein Preferably, the recess is located radially outside the sealing protrusion, and the outer side surface of the sealing protrusion forms the inner wall of the recess. First, in the closed position, the sealing lip engages the intermediate portion of the flange, and the sealing lip engages the recess such that the side surface of the sealing lip, in a radial cross section, makes linear contact with the inner side wall of the collar.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that in the closed position the sealing lip is deformed by the sealing contour only by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10%, and most preferably by a maximum of 5%, of its height perpendicular to the sealing plane .

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing contour includes another circumferentially extending sealing lip, wherein a recess is located radially between the sealing lip and another sealing lip, wherein the sealing lip is longer than the other sealing lip, and wherein In the closed position, the other sealing lip comes into point contact with the outer side wall (shoulder) when viewed in radial cross section.

Other features, features and advantages of the invention appear from the drawings, as well as from the following description of preferred embodiments based on the drawings. However, the drawings illustrate only examples of embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the concept of the invention in essence.

Brief description of drawings

Fig. 1 and 2 are schematic sectional views showing a portion capsule and a beverage preparation system according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 3 and 4: schematic detailed views showing a serving capsule according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 5: A schematic view in detail showing a portion capsule according to an embodiment not in accordance with this invention.

Embodiments of the Invention

In fig. 1 and 2 are a schematic side view of a serving capsule 1 and a sectional view of a system consisting of a serving capsule 1 and a portion of a beverage preparation machine 14 according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

The portion capsule 1 includes, for example, a bowl-shaped or truncated cone-shaped main element 2, which has a capsule bottom 5 on its closed side, and a circumferential flange 6 on its open side. Between the capsule bottom 5 and the flange 6 the wall 7 of the capsule extends, enclosing the hollow space 3. The portion capsule 1 is arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to its central longitudinal axis M, which defines the vertical direction Y. In the radial direction R there is a flange 6, which is given in the shape of a circle and is therefore made passing along the circumference in the circumferential direction, protrudes outward, above the wall 7 of the capsule.

The flange 6 is rigidly connected to the capsule cover 4 in the form of a plate, which closes the hollow space 3 on the open side of the main element 2. For this purpose, the flange 6 has a sealing plane 8 facing the capsule cover 4, which extends approximately at right angles to the vertical Y direction. The capsule 4 in its edge zone is printed, welded or glued to the sealing plane 8.

Preferably, the capsule cap 4 is made of aluminum or a synthetic material. Inside the main element 2 there is a hollow space 3, which is filled with the initial product for the drink, for example, roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea leaf scraps, milk powder and/or the like. (not illustrated for reasons of visibility) and which is closed with a lid of 4 capsules.

Preferably, the bowl-shaped base element 2 is constructed by thermoforming, for example by deep drawing using reduced pressure, high pressure and/or a movable punch. Preferably, the main element 2 is designed as a deep-drawn component made of aluminum. Alternatively, it is also possible for the component to be made of a synthetic material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the portion capsule 1 is produced by an injection molding method, especially a single-component molding, multi-component molding or mold casting method.

During its use in the machine 14 for preparing drinks, the portion capsule 1 is inserted into the brewing unit. The infusion unit includes a first infusion chamber portion and a second infusion chamber portion, the first or second infusion chamber portion being movable relative to the other infusion chamber portion between an approximate position in which the first and second infusion chamber portions form a closed infusion chamber 13, and an open position in which the first and second parts of the brewing chamber are spaced from each other so that the portion capsule 1 can be inserted or ejected.

The first part of the brewing chamber is designed as a cup-shaped receiving element 22, which mainly accommodates the portion capsule 1, especially when the brewing chamber 13 is in a closed position. The second part of the brewing chamber is designed as a locking element 23 for the receiving element 22. As shown in FIG. 2 in the closed position, the flange 6 of the portion capsule 1 with a seal is clamped between the edge zone 24 of the receiving element 22 and the locking element 23.

In this closed position, the capsule cap 4 and the capsule bottom 5 are perforated one after the other or simultaneously. In this case, one or more perforations in the capsule bottom 5 are made, first of all, using one or more pointed perforation heads on the locking element 23 during the closing of the infusion chamber 13, while the perforations in the capsule lid 4 are obtained, preferably, with using perforation devices in the bottom of the receiving element or already during the closing of the brewing chamber 13 or only as a result of creating pressure inside the portion capsule 1 during the process of preparing the drink.

Through one or more perforations in the bottom 5 of the capsule, the extracting liquid is admitted into the hollow space 3 under pressure. As a result of the interaction between the extracting liquid and the starting product for the drink, the desired drink is obtained, which is released from the portion capsule 1 through perforations in the capsule lid 4 and served into the drink container. By means of an additional filter medium, it is possible to filter out any particles of beverage starting material that may be present from the beverage and to retain them in the portion capsule 1. In this case, preferably, the multi-perforated capsule cap 4 functions as a filter element.

In fig. 3 and 4 show in detail a view of those illustrated in FIGS. 2 portion capsules 1 and infusion chamber 13 according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, in FIG. 3 and 4 show an enlarged cross-sectional view of the flange 6 referred to the left side in FIG. 2. (in Fig. 4 - right side). Fig. 3 provides neither a scale-accurate image nor a true representation of angular values. In this case, we are talking only about a simplified circuit diagram, from which it is unlikely that the (actual) ratios of angles or lengths can be determined. Fig. 3 should only explain the basic layout of individual sections/zones, as well as the assignment of reference designations. In fig. 4 shown in FIG. 3 fragment is illustrated in an image more accurate in scale and with a more correct display of the ratios of angles and lengths. Dimensions and angular dimensions of the one shown in Fig. 3 embodiments can thus be understood from FIG. 4.

The illustrated flange 6 extends substantially horizontally, that is, parallel to the radial direction R, extending from the upper end of the capsule wall 7 to its free outer end, at which the flange 6 ends with a boss 9. The boss 9 includes a primarily rolled-in direction of the bottom 5 capsule end flange.

In this case, the thickening 9 protrudes primarily in the vertical direction Y, respectively, both above the upper side of the flange 6 that defines the sealing plane 8, and above the lower side of the flange 6 facing away from the sealing plane 8, and the thickening 9 is spaced less on the lower side than the sealing collar 10 is spaced from the flange 6 and, in addition, protrudes on the upper side from the flange 6 less or the same as on the lower side.

Between the thickening 9 and the end of the wall 7 of the capsule, the flange 6 has a sealing collar 10, which is made in the form of a pressed groove directed in the vertical direction Y from the capsule cover 4 and concentrically passing along the circumference in the circumferential direction around the average longitudinal axis M. The sealing collar 10 in this case includes an inner side wall 11 facing the capsule wall 7 and an outer side wall 12 facing the thickening 9.

Between the inner side wall 11 and the outer side wall 12 extends a smooth transition section 15 in the form of a transition plane 16, which runs primarily flat (i.e. straight) and parallel to the sealing plane 8. Between the outer side wall 12 and the thickening 9, the flange 6 has a flange section 19, the upper side of which defines the sealing plane 8. The outer side wall 12 extends relative to the sealing plane 8, and therefore relative to the plane of the flange section 19, at an angle a equal to approximately 85 degrees.

The outer side wall 12 includes primarily a straight side wall section 21, which preferably has a length of from 0.5 to 0.9 mm. The flange section 19 preferably has a length of from 0.2 to 0.8 mm. The transition between the flange section 19 and the outer side wall 12 has, on the upper (lower) side of the flange 6, preferably a radius of rounding from 0.20 to 0.21 mm, while the transition from the outer side wall 12 to the transition plane 16, and also from the transition plane 16 to the inner side wall 11 on the upper (lower) side of the flange 6, respectively, has a radius of rounding from 0.1 to 0.12 mm.

Between the inner side wall 11 and the upper end of the capsule wall 7, the flange 6 has an intermediate flange section 20. The intermediate section of the flange in this example is designed in a radial cross-section that is at least partially rectilinear. First of all, the straight section has a length of 0.07 to 0.09 mm.

The inner side wall 11 has a straight contact section 17 in a radial cross-section, that is, the straight contact section accounts for the length of a straight line between two turning points in the contour of the inner side wall 11. The length of the contact section 17 in this example is preferably from 0.5 up to 0.9 mm.

According to the invention, the angle p between the inner side wall 11 or straight contact portion 17 and the sealing plane 8 is substantially 85 degrees relative to the sealing plane 8.

Therefore, the angle between the inner and outer side walls 11, 12 is preferably 5 to 15 degrees, particularly preferably 8 to 12 degrees, and most preferably substantially 10 degrees.

The flange section 19 and the straight section of the intermediate flange section 20 lie in the vertical Y direction at the same height. The height 18 of the sealing collar 10 corresponds to the total length of the sealing collar 10 from the lower side of the flange section 19 and the intermediate flange section 20 to the lower side of the flange 6 in the area of the transition plane 16. This height 18 is perpendicular to the sealing plane 8 from 0.9 to 1.0 mm.

The thickness of the material - aluminum - in the area of the flange 6 is preferably from 0.1 to 0.13 mm.

In fig. 3 also shows the edge zone 24 of the receiving element 22, which is in sealing engagement with the flange 6 of the portion capsule 1. The edge zone 24 includes a sealing contour configured for sealing engagement with the sealing collar 10.

For this purpose, the sealing contour has a circumferentially extending recess 25 in the circumferential direction and a sealing lip 26 extending adjacent to the recess 25 in the circumferential direction. Viewed in the radial direction R, the recess 25 is located outside the sealing lip 26 thus that the outer side surface 27 of the sealing lip 26 defines the inner wall of the recess 25.

In the illustrated closed position (of the infuser), the sealing lip 26 engages the intermediate flange portion 20 while the sealing bead 10 engages the recess 25. This establishes contact between the sealing lip side surface 27 and the inner side wall 11 of the bead. 28, (28-other sealing lip - translator's note), when viewed in a radial cross section. Preferably, this contact 28 in the circumferential direction is present in a circumferential manner and thus defines the actual seal between the flange 6 and the receiving element 22, so that the extracting liquid cannot or can hardly flow past the beverage substance on its way to the outlet of the infuser. cameras 13.

Alternatively, the top of the sealing lip 26 contacts the bottom side of the bend of the intermediate flange portion 20, while the bottom side of the transition plane 16 alternatively contacts the bottom of the recess 25.

The above-described design and the specified dimensions of the sealing collar 10 lead to the fact that when closing the brewing chamber 13 and/or when brewing a drink, the sealing collar 10 is slightly deformed. The sealing occurs primarily due to the circumferential contact 28, which, given the rigidity of the sealing collar 10, is subject to a relatively large force load.

In other words, the sealing collar 10 is designed in such a way that when closing the brewing chamber 13 and/or when brewing a drink in the portion capsule 1, it is deformed only by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, especially preferably by a maximum of 10%, and most preferably by a maximum of 5%, its height 18 is perpendicular to the sealing plane 8. First of all, therefore, the sealing bead 10 is designed in such a way that when a force of up to 100 N is applied to the sealing bead 10 perpendicular to the sealing plane 8, it is deformed only by a maximum of 30%, preferably a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably a maximum of 10%, and most preferably a maximum of 5%, its height 18 perpendicular to the sealing plane 8. Only then is sufficient force available to establish contact 28.

It seems possible that the sealing collar 10, when closing the brewing chamber 13 and/or when brewing a drink in the portion capsule 1, changes in its height 18, in particular by a maximum of 0.2 mm, preferably by a maximum of 0.15 mm, especially preferably by a maximum of 0 .1 mm, and most preferably a maximum of 0.05 mm, in the vertical Y direction.

Preferably, the sealing collar 10 is also designed so rigidly that no too strong lateral displacement or deformation in the radial direction R occurs. It is provided that the sealing collar 10 is designed in such a way that when closing the brewing chamber 13 it preferably is so deformed or displaced parallel to the sealing plane 8 that the radius of its circumference, tied to the central middle axis of the portion capsule 1, is displaced only by a maximum of 5% parallel to the sealing plane 8, so that the portion capsule 1 can be easily removed from the brewing chamber again after brewing the drink , and the sealing protrusion 26 was not jammed by the sealing collar 10 tipping sideways.

With regard to the sealing collar 10, when closing the brewing chamber 13 and/or when brewing a drink in the portion capsule 1, it is possible, preferably provided, that the top of the sealing collar 10, that is, the transition section 15 of the sealing collar 10, is displaced or deformed by a maximum of 0.2 mm , preferably a maximum of 0.15 mm, particularly preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm, and most preferably a maximum of 0.05 mm, in the radial direction R.

Other dimensions shown in Figs. 4 in numerical terms may preferably be equally regarded as essential features of the invention.

In fig. 5 shows in detail those illustrated in FIG. 3 and 4 portion capsule 1 and brewing chamber 13 according to an embodiment not in accordance with this invention. Moreover, in FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of the sealing collar 10 (in the same direction as in FIG. 4, that is, on the left is the capsule wall 7 and on the right is the thickening 9) in an enlarged view.

The second design option is essentially similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3 and 4 to the first design option, so that (here) all the above explanations apply similarly.

In this case, in contrast, the transition section 15 is designed as a curved transition section, and not as a straight flattened transition section 15. The straight contact section 17 on the outer side wall 12 of the bead has a length of 0.5 to 0.6 mm, in particular 0.53 mm. The straight contact section 17 on the inner side wall 11 of the flange has a length of 0.4 to 0.55 mm, in particular 0.473 mm.

The angle between the inner and outer side walls 11, 12 is preferably 5 to 15 degrees, particularly preferably 8 to 12 degrees, and most preferably substantially 10 degrees.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1 serving capsule

2 main element

3 hollow space

4 capsule cap

5 capsule bottom

6 flange

7 capsule wall

8 sealing plane

9 thickening

10 sealing collar

11 inner side wall (shoulder)

12 outer side wall (shoulder)

13 brewing chamber

14 Beverage making machine

15 transition section

16 transition plane

17 contact area

18 height of sealing collar

19 flange section

20 intermediate flange section

21 side wall pieces

22 receiving element

23 locking element

24 edge zone

25 recess

26 sealing lip

27 side surface of the sealing protrusion

28 other sealing lip

α angle

β angle

R radial direction

Y vertical direction

M is the average longitudinal axis.

Claims (26)

1. A portion capsule (1) for preparing a drink in the brewing chamber (13) of a machine (14) for preparing drinks, wherein the portion capsule (1) has a main element (2) with a hollow space (3) for accommodating the initial product for the drink and a locking hollow space (3) cap (4) of the capsule, wherein the main element (2) includes the bottom (5) of the capsule, a circumferential flange (6) and a wall extending between the bottom (5) of the capsule and the circumferential flange (6) (7) capsules, wherein the capsule cover (4) is fixed on the sealing plane (8) on the flange (6), and the flange (6) at its outer free end has a thickening (9) running along the circumference, and on the flange (6) there is a a sealing element in the form of a sealing collar (10) facing away from the capsule cover (4), and on the side of the capsule cover (4), between the thickening (9) and the sealing collar (10), a sealing plane (8) extends on the flange (6), wherein the sealing collar (10) has an inner side wall (11) on the sides of the capsule wall (7) and an outer side wall (12) on the sides of the thickening (9), characterized in that both the outer side wall (12) and the inner side the wall (11) is directed at an angle (α, β) from 81 to 89 degrees relative to the sealing plane (8), and between the inner side wall (11) and the outer side wall (12) a transition section (15) extends, and the transition section ( 15) has a transition plane (16) extending parallel to the sealing plane (8). 2. The portion capsule according to claim 1, wherein both the inner side wall (11) and the outer side wall (12) of the collar define an angle (α, β) from 83 to 87 degrees, preferably from 84 to 86 degrees, and particularly preferably essentially an 85 degree angle relative to the sealing plane (8). 3. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the sealing collar (10) is designed in such a way that when closing the brewing chamber (13) it is deformed only by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, especially preferably by a maximum of 10 %, and most preferably a maximum of 5%, of its height (18) perpendicular to the sealing plane (8). 4. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the sealing collar (10) is designed in such a way that when a force of up to 100 N is applied to the sealing collar (10) perpendicular to the sealing plane (8), it is deformed only by a maximum of 30%, preferably a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably a maximum of 10%, and most preferably a maximum of 5%, of its height (18) perpendicular to the sealing plane (8). 5. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the sealing collar (10) is designed in such a way that when closing the brewing chamber (13), it is deformed only so parallel to the sealing plane (8) that the radius of its circumference shifts along relative to the central longitudinal axis of the portion capsule (1) only by a maximum of 10%, preferably by a maximum of 8%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 5%, and most preferably by a maximum of 4%, parallel to the sealing plane (8). 6. Portion capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein in the radial cross section of the circumferentially extending sealing collar (10) both the inner side wall (11) and the outer side wall (12) respectively have a straight contact section (17), which extends between the flange (6) and the transition section (15). 7. Portion capsule (1) according to claim 6, wherein the straight contact section (17) has a length of from 0.1 to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.3 to 1.3 mm, particularly preferably from 0.6 to 1 .0 mm, and most preferably from 0.7 to 0.9 mm. 8. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the portion capsule (1) in the transition from the straight contact section (17) to the transition section (15) on the side facing the capsule cover (4) has a rounding radius of 0.05 up to 0.2 mm, preferably from 0.09 to 0.13 mm, and particularly preferably 0.11 mm. 9. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the portion capsule (1) in the transition from the outer side wall (12) of the collar to the transition section (15) on the side facing the capsule cover (4) has a radius of rounding from 0. 05 to 0.2 mm, preferably from 0.09 to 0.13 mm, and particularly preferably 0.11 mm. 10. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the height (18) of the sealing collar (10) perpendicular to the sealing plane (8) is from 0.6 to 1.3 mm, preferably from 0.3 to 0.6 mm, and particularly preferably from 0.9 to 1.0 mm. 11. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing collar (10) has an average material thickness of from 0.05 to 0.3 mm, preferably from 0.08 to 1.8 mm, particularly preferably from 0.09 up to 1.5 mm, and most preferably substantially 0.11 mm. 12. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein in the radial cross section of the circumferential sealing collar (10), the transition section (15) includes a straight connecting section, which has a width of 0.1 to 0.4 mm , preferably from 0.15 to 0.35 mm, and particularly preferably from 0.2 to 0.3 mm. 13. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, and the portion capsule (1) in the transition from the outer side wall (12) of the collar to the flange section (19) running parallel to the sealing plane (8) on the one facing the capsule cover (4) side has a radius of curvature from 0.1 to 0.3 mm, preferably from 0.18 to 0.24 mm, and particularly preferably from 0.20 to 0.22 mm. 14. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the portion capsule (1) includes a flange section (19) extending parallel to the sealing plane (8) between the flange thickening (9) and the outer side wall (12) of the collar, and the portion capsule (1) includes an intermediate flange section (20) extending between the inner side wall (11) of the bead and the capsule wall (7), and wherein the flange section (19) and the intermediate flange section (20) lie at the same height along the perpendicular to the sealing plane (8) in the vertical direction (Y). 15. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the portion capsule (1) in the transition from the inner side wall (11) of the flange to the intermediate section (20) of the flange extending between the sealing collar (10) and the capsule wall (7) the side facing the capsule cover (4) has a radius of curvature of 0.2 to 0.35 mm, preferably 0.26 to 0.30 mm, and particularly preferably substantially 0.28 mm. 16. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein in the radial cross section the intermediate section (20) of the flange has a straight section, which has a length of from 0.01 to 0.15 mm, preferably from 0.06 to 0.10 mm, and particularly preferably 0.08 mm. 17. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, and in the radial cross section the length of the sealing plane (8) between the outer side wall (12) of the collar and the thickening (9) of the flange is in length from 0.2 to 0.8 mm , preferably from 0.3 to 0.7 mm, and particularly preferably from 0.4 to 0.6 mm. 18. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the thickening (9) protrudes above the flange (6) on top of its upper side forming a sealing plane (8). 19. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the bulge (9) protrudes above the flange (6) on top of its lower side facing away from the sealing plane (8), and the bulge (9) on the lower side is spaced from the flange (6 ) at a smaller distance than the sealing collar (10) and/or wherein the thickening (9) on the upper side projects above the flange (6) at a smaller distance than on the lower side. 20. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the thickening (9) is formed by rolling the edge of the flange, and, preferably, the edge of the flange is rolled in the direction of the bottom (5) of the capsule. 21. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the main element (2) is made monolithically of aluminum. 22. A beverage preparation system, including a beverage preparation machine (14) and a portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage preparation machine (14) includes a brewing unit with a first brewing chamber portion and a second brewing chamber portion brewing chamber, wherein the first and/or second part of the brewing chamber is configured to move relative to the other part of the brewing chamber between an approximate position in which the first and second parts of the brewing chamber form a closed brewing chamber (13), and an open position in which the first and second portions of the infusion chamber are spaced apart from each other to allow insertion or ejection of a portion capsule (1), the first infusion chamber portion including a receiving member (22) for partially receiving the portion capsule (1), and the second infusion chamber portion including itself as a locking element (23) for the receiving element, and in the closed position, the flange (6) of the portion capsule (1) with a positive lock and sealing is enclosed between the edge zone (24) of the receiving element (22) and the locking element (23). 23. The system according to claim 22, wherein in the edge zone (24) a sealing contour is provided for sealing engagement with the sealing collar (10), wherein the sealing contour includes a circumferential recess (25) and is formed adjacent to the recess (25) a circumferentially extending sealing lip (26), wherein preferably the recess (25) is located in a radial direction (R) outside the sealing lip (26), and wherein the outer side surface (27) of the sealing lip forms the inner wall of the recess (25) . 24. The system according to claim 23, wherein in the closed position the sealing lip (26) engages with the intermediate section (20) of the flange, and the sealing collar (10) engages with the recess (25) such that the side surface (27 ) of the sealing protrusion in radial cross section forms a linear contact (28) with the inner side wall (11) of the bead. 25. The system according to claim 24, wherein in the closed position the sealing collar (10) is deformed by the sealing contour only by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, especially preferably by a maximum of 10%, and most preferably by a maximum of 5% of its height ( 18) perpendicular to the sealing plane (8). 26. System according to one of paragraphs. 22-25, wherein the sealing contour includes another circumferentially extending sealing lip (28), wherein the recess (25) is located in the radial direction between the sealing lip (26) and the other sealing lip (28), wherein the sealing lip (26) is longer than the other sealing lip (28), and wherein in the closed position the other sealing lip (28) in a radial cross section forms a point contact with the outer side wall (12) of the bead.

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