EP4255826A2

EP4255826A2 - Single serve capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, and method for producing a single serve capsule

Info

Publication number: EP4255826A2
Application number: EP21836374.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marc KRÜGER; Günter EMPL
Original assignee: GCS German Capsule Solution GmbH
Current assignee: GCS German Capsule Solution GmbH
Priority date: 2020-12-07
Filing date: 2021-12-07
Publication date: 2023-10-11
Anticipated expiration: 2041-12-07
Also published as: WO2022122718A2; KR20230118157A; WO2022122718A3; US20240101340A1; EP4255826B1; AU2021393893A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a single serve capsule for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine, wherein the single serve capsule has a base element having a hollow space for receiving a beverage raw material, and a capsule cover that closes the hollow space, wherein the base element comprises a capsule bottom, a peripheral flange and a capsule wall that extends between the capsule bottom and the peripheral flange, wherein the flange has a sealing element which is integral with the flange and is in the form of a sealing bead oriented away from the capsule cover, wherein the sealing bead comprises an inner flank and an outer flank, wherein the flange has a first flange region between the capsule wall and the inner flank and a second flange region between the outer free end of the flange and the outer flank, and wherein the capsule cover is fastened along a first peripheral fastening face in the first flange region and along a second peripheral fastening face in the second flange region.

Description

DESCRIPTION

title

Portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage making machine and method for producing a portion capsule

State of the art

The present invention is based on a portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage making machine, the portion capsule having a base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid closing the cavity, the base element having a capsule base, a peripheral flange and a between the capsule base and the peripheral flange, the flange having a sealing element formed in one piece with the flange in the form of a sealing bead pointing away from the capsule lid, the sealing bead comprising an inner flank and an outer flank, the flange between the capsule wall and the inner flank has a first flange area and between the outer free end of the flange and the outer flank a second flange area.

Such portion capsules are known from the prior art. For example, publication WO 2016/186 488 A1 discloses such a generic portion capsule. This portion capsule is intended to be placed in a brewing chamber in which the capsule base is perforated in order to introduce brewing liquid in the form of hot water under pressure into the cavity. As a result, the pressure inside the portion capsule increases, as a result of which the capsule lid is pressed against a relief or pyramid plate in the brewing chamber and is perforated or ruptured at the contact points when a predetermined pressure is reached.

The beverage produced by the interaction between the introduced water and the beverage raw material, in particular roasted and ground coffee, leaves the portion capsule through these perforation points in the capsule lid. In other words, water or beverage flows through these portion capsules through the capsule base in the direction of the capsule lid. This generic portion capsule is therefore fundamentally different from another type of portion capsules, in which the flow in the opposite Direction takes place, ie the water is introduced through the capsule lid into the portion capsule and the beverage leaves the portion capsule through the capsule base.

All portion capsules have in common that an adequate seal between the brewing chamber and the portion capsule in the area of the flange is necessary so that the water flows inside the brewing chamber through the beverage raw material to form the beverage and not outside the portion capsule, i.e. between a wall of the brewing chamber and the Outside of the capsule wall, past which the beverage raw material flows.

For this purpose, these types of portion capsules have a sealing element in the area of their flange, which seals against a brewing chamber element in the brewing chamber. It is desirable here for the sealing element to consist of the same material as the capsule body (also referred to as the base element) in order to keep the production costs for the portion capsule low and to promote the disposal or recycling of portion capsules that have already been used.

Portion capsules with such sealing elements are disclosed, for example, in the publications WO 2016/186 488 A1 and WO 2016/041 596 A1. The portion capsules disclosed there have an embossed sealing bead in their flange. The sealing effect is to be achieved between the sealing bead and the brewing chamber element by a simple deformation of the sealing bead. A person skilled in the art is familiar with another portion capsule with a circumferential sealing element from publication EP 2 872 421 A1.

The aforementioned portion capsules all have in common that the sealing effect of their sealing elements is based on a strong deformation of themselves. For this purpose, inner flanks are used with an angle that is as flat as possible, so that the brewing chamber element can act on the flank when the brewing chamber is closed and thus lead to a slight deformation of the sealing element.

A disadvantage of a sealing solution that is based on a deformation of the sealing element is that significantly increased forces are required to close the brewing chamber as a result. The ease of use and the longevity of the beverage preparation machine are thus significantly increased. In addition, the sealing elements known from the prior art are designed asymmetrically. In the event of a deformation, these sealing elements therefore tilt sideways. This will Although an increased sealing effect is achieved, the lateral tilting of the sealing elements regularly causes the problem that the brewing chamber element is pinched by the sealing element in such a way that the portion capsule can no longer be separated from the brewing chamber element after the brewing process without increased effort. The ejection of the portion capsule used from the brewing chamber is thus made considerably more difficult and significantly impairs the ease of use.

An alternative would be separate sealing elements made of a sealing material, as are known from the publications EP 1 654 966 A1 and EP 1 839 543 A1. However, such sealing elements have the above-mentioned disadvantage that, on the one hand, the production costs for the portion capsules are significantly higher due to the use of separate materials and, on the other hand, the disposal or recycling of portion capsules that have already been used is more difficult because the different materials have to be separated from one another.

Another problem with the known portion capsules is the attachment of the capsule lid to the flange. Capsule lids of this type are generally made at least partially of aluminum and are usually sealed to the flange along a circumferential sealing surface. This is not a problem particularly in the case of portion capsules with a continuous flange, in which case the capsule lid can be attached over the entire surface or at least without any problems using a sufficiently large sealing surface.

The situation is different in the case of portion capsules which, as described above, have a sealing bead formed in one piece with the flange. In this case, the flat surface of the flange available for sealing is limited and it is difficult to achieve reliable sealing. If the capsule lid seal has even a few flaws, liquid can leak through the capsule lid.

Furthermore, when the cover is sealed to a region of the flange radially outside the sealing bead, as for example in the previously mentioned WO 2016/041 596 A1, liquid can flow into the cavity of the sealing bead and remain there as a dead volume. On the one hand, this amount of liquid does not correspond to the desired total volume of the beverage and, on the other hand, the liquid can escape from the sealing bead after the brewing process and thus cause undesired dripping of the portion capsule. Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portion capsule of the type mentioned at the outset which does not have the problems outlined in connection with the prior art. In particular, a portion capsule is to be provided which also ensures that the capsule lid is securely fastened when the portion capsule has a sealing bead. Furthermore, a method for producing such a portion capsule is to be made available, as well as a plant for producing such a portion capsule.

The object of the present invention is achieved with a portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage making machine, the portion capsule having a base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid closing the cavity, the base element having a capsule base, a peripheral flange and a capsule wall extending between the capsule base and the peripheral flange, the flange having a sealing element formed in one piece with the flange in the form of a sealing bead pointing away from the capsule lid, the sealing bead comprising an inner flank and an outer flank, the flange between the Capsule wall and the inner flank has a first flange area and between the outer free end of the flange and the outer flank a second flange area, wherein the capsule lid along a first circumferential fastening surface in d em first flange area and is attached along a second circumferential attachment surface in the second flange area. Preferably, the first and/or second mounting surface is a flat plane. Particularly preferably, the first and/or the second fastening surface is designed in the shape of a circular ring, with the first fastening surface and the second fastening surface in particular having essentially the same radial extension.

The portion capsule according to the invention has the advantage over the prior art that by fastening the capsule lid in at least two mutually disparate areas, the capsule lid is secured in a pressure-resistant and secure manner. In particular, advantageously, no liquid can get into the cavity formed by the sealing bead. It was surprising for the person skilled in the art and not to be expected that a secure attachment is also possible on two different and individually small surfaces. Advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and in the following description with reference to the drawings. These advantageous refinements and developments also relate to the other objects according to the invention and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the base element is made in one piece from aluminum. The person skilled in the art understands that the sealing element, which according to the invention is provided in one piece with the flange, is also made of aluminum in this case. In the context of this invention, aluminum is also intended to include aluminum laminates and other materials which contain at least aluminum. In particular, it should also include materials that also have paint finishes and/or coatings, which can also include plastic materials, for example. Aluminum is the preferred material for the portion capsule according to the invention, but alternatively the base element can also be made of a plastic material and/or a biodegradable material. What is decisive is that the sealing element is designed as a sealing bead in one piece with the flange and that the capsule cover can be securely fastened to the first flange area and the second flange area. The base element is preferably produced by cold or hot forming, in particular deep drawing, in which the sealing bead is integrally stamped into the flange. The portion capsule is preferably designed in the shape of a truncated cone or cylinder.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the capsule lid has an aluminum foil. Here, too, an aluminum foil should also be understood to mean an aluminum laminate foil and/or an aluminum foil with a one- or two-sided coating and/or lacquer finish. The capsule lid can be provided in one or more layers and in particular can also comprise a layered structure.

Preferably, the beverage raw material provided in the cavity formed by the base element and sealed by the capsule lid, in particular airtight, comprises roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blend, milk powder and/or the like. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the outer free end of the flange is rolled up, in particular flanged, in such a way that it forms a circumferential bead, the bead preferably having a vertical extent greater than zero relative to the flange, particularly preferably both sides of the flange, with the vertical extension of the bead on the side of the flange facing away from the capsule cover being particularly preferably less than the vertical extension of the sealing bead and/or the vertical extension of the bead on the side of the flange facing away from the capsule cover being less is than on the side of the flange facing away from the capsule lid. In other words, it is preferably provided that the bead is smaller than the sealing bead, particularly preferably on both sides of the flange. In a very particularly preferred manner, the bead is essentially embodied symmetrically to the flange, in particular with regard to its vertical extension. Alternatively, it is also possible that the vertical extent of the bead on the side of the flange facing away from the capsule lid is greater than the vertical extent of the sealing bead and/or the vertical extent of the bead on the side of the flange facing away from the capsule lid is greater than on the side of the flange facing away from the capsule lid. The bead is very particularly preferably provided in such a way that no sealing effect develops when the beverage is being prepared. Such a bead advantageously protects a user from accidental injuries, particularly when the base member is made of aluminum. However, even in the case of portion capsules made of plastic materials, the outer free end of the flange can be sharp and/or have production-related flaws that result in a risk of injury to the user. By providing a bead, ie effectively a rounded outer free end of the flange, this is avoided in a particularly advantageous manner. The bead is formed in particular by rolling up the flange edge, with the flange edge preferably being rolled up in the direction of the capsule base.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the inner flank and the outer flank are designed symmetrically to one another. In particular, they have the same angles and/or the same material thicknesses. As a result, the effect according to the invention of a stable and reliable seal is advantageously reinforced.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that both the outer flank and the inner flank are at an angle of greater than 80° to smaller 90 degrees, preferably from 81 to 89 degrees, particularly preferably from 83 to 87 degrees, very particularly preferably from 84 to 86 degrees and in particular essentially 85 degrees, to a horizontal plane running through the first flange area or the second flange area, is aligned. The person skilled in the art understands that horizontal in the context of the present invention is to be understood in particular as meaning a typical arrangement of the capsule, in which the central longitudinal axis of the preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule is arranged vertically and the first and/or the second flange area are arranged perpendicular to this capsule axis. Particularly preferably, the horizontal extent of the first and/or second flange area coincides with a horizontal extent of the first and/or second fastening surface. It has been shown that in this angular range, on the one hand, the deformation of the sealing bead can be reduced and the rigidity of the sealing bead can be increased, because the angle is as steep as possible and the sealing bead thus has a high level of stability in relation to perpendicular to the first and/or second fastening surface (also known as Vertical direction referred to and thus in particular parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the portion capsule) ensures forces acting on the sealing bead and on the other hand, a simple and inexpensive production of the portion capsule is made possible because the angle is always smaller than a right angle. With a right angle on both flanks of the sealing bead, the inner flank and the outer flank, demolding the portion capsule from the molding or embossing tool during production of the portion capsule would be significantly more difficult.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sealing bead is designed in such a way that, when the brewing chamber is closed, it only expands by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10% and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 5% Total height is deformed perpendicular to the first and / or second flange or to the first and / or second mounting surface. In particular, the sealing bead is designed in such a way that when a force of up to 100 N is applied to the sealing bead perpendicularly to the first and/or second fastening surface, it is only reduced by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10% and very particularly is preferably deformed by a maximum of 5% of its height perpendicularly to the first and/or second fastening surface.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sealing bead is designed in such a way that, when the brewing chamber is closed, it is only deformed parallel to the first and/or second fastening surface to such an extent that its radius changes to a central longitudinal axis (about which the flange is rotationally symmetrical is arranged) the Portion capsule shifts parallel to the first and/or second attachment surface only by a maximum of 10%, preferably by a maximum of 8%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 5% and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 4%. Advantageously, this prevents the brewing chamber element from being jammed by the laterally tilting sealing bead, so that the brewed portion capsule can always be removed from the brewing chamber easily and without increased effort.

The sealing bead is therefore in particular designed to be so stiff and stable that when a force is applied centrally to the sealing bead, with a force of in particular up to 100 N, perpendicular to the first and/or second fastening surface, i.e. along the vertical direction, parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the portion capsule, which acts in particular flat on the tip of the sealing bead or on the inner and/or outer flank of the sealing bead or on a flat transition plane of the sealing bead, reduced deformation of the sealing bead takes place. The height of the sealing bead should in particular be variable by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10% and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 5%. It is also conceivable that there is only a reduced lateral displacement or deformation along a direction parallel to the first and/or second fastening surface, ie in particular in the radial direction R viewed from the central longitudinal axis of the concentrically formed portion capsule. Here, too, it is provided that the tip of the sealing bead, i.e. the transition area of the sealing bead, extends by a maximum of 10%, preferably by a maximum of 8%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 5% and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 4% of its total radius from the central longitudinal axis of Portion capsule out of shifts or deformed. For example, the radius from the center of the sealing bead can be considered as the overall radius.

It is preferably provided that the angle between the inner and outer flank is preferably 5 to 15 degrees, particularly preferably 8 to 12 degrees and very particularly preferably essentially 10 degrees.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the first fastening surface and the second fastening surface each have a substantially horizontal extension. Particularly preferably, the extent of the first and/or second attachment surface coincides with the extent of the first or second flange area in the area of the respective attachment surface. This means in particular that it is preferable if the first fastening surface faces a, in particular horizontal, corresponds to a surface section of the first flange area on the side of the flange facing the capsule lid and/or when the second fastening surface corresponds to a, in particular horizontal, surface section of the second flange area on the side of the flange facing the capsule lid. A horizontal extension of the fastening surfaces enables conventional fastening by sealing using a flat sonotrode in a particularly advantageous manner.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the base element has a preferably constant, but at least average material thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, preferably between 0.08 mm and 1.8 mm, particularly preferably between 0. 09 mm and 1.5 mm and very particularly preferably of essentially 0.1 1 mm. The base element preferably has the aforementioned material thickness at least in the area of the sealing bead, the capsule wall, the capsule bottom and/or the flange, in particular the first and/or second flange area.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the first fastening surface and the second fastening surface are spaced vertically from one another, with the first fastening surface preferably having a smaller vertical distance from the capsule base than the second fastening surface. This particularly preferably also applies correspondingly to the first and the second flange area. In this way, a portion capsule is provided, the flange of which has two, in particular horizontal, sections at different heights. This is particularly advantageous since a minimal misalignment between the first flange area and the second flange area often cannot be avoided due to the manufacturing process. It was extremely astonishing for the person skilled in the art and not to be expected that the capsule cover could also be securely fastened in two areas which are at different heights relative to the central longitudinal axis. In particular, the available first fastening surface of the first flange area is very small, so that secure fastening was not to be expected. Alternatively, the first flange area and the second flange area are at the same level. This has the advantage that there is no indirect displacement or deformation of the sealing bead when the brewing chamber is closed, in that the first flange area and the second flange area deform or move relative to one another in the vertical direction. Instead, both flange areas can be supported on the closure element of the brewing chamber and thus build up a suitable counterforce to avoid significant deformation of the sealing bead. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the vertical distance between the fastening surfaces and/or the first and second flange area is less than three times the thickness of the flange in the area of the first and/or second fastening surface or the first and/or second flange area is preferably less than 0.035 mm, particularly preferably less than 0.030 mm, in particular at most 0.025 mm. The vertical offset is very particularly preferably less than twice the material thickness and even more preferably less than one material thickness. In this case, the material thickness is in particular the material thickness of the base element in the area of the first and/or second flange area, in particular measured vertically to the extent in the aforementioned area. In this way, it is made possible, in a particularly advantageous manner, that there is a certain tolerance in the heights of the flange regions due to production, and that a secure and tight attachment of the capsule lid is nevertheless ensured.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the first fastening surface and the second fastening surface are provided in such a way that there is no fluid connection between the cavity of the portion capsule and the cavity existing between the capsule lid and the sealing bead. This means that in particular the attachment of the capsule cover in the first flange area is designed to be fluid-tight via the first attachment surface. This advantageously provides a watertight and airtight portion capsule.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that a transition area extends between the inner flank and the outer flank, the transition area preferably being curved or having a transition plane extending parallel to the first flange area and/or to the second flange area. In particular, the transition plane is horizontal. The curved design of the transition area has the advantage that the sealing bead gains stability and deformation can thus be prevented even more effectively. On the other hand, the flat design of the transition area has the advantage that the sealing bead is flatter and thus engages less far into the depression of the sealing contour of the receiving element of the brewing chamber, so that less force is exerted on the sealing bead when the brewing chamber is closed. In addition, the risk of the brewing chamber part getting trapped is lower with the flat sealing bead. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the transition area extends in the radial direction from 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm, preferably from 0.07 mm to 0.17 mm, particularly preferably from 0.10 mm to 0 14 mm, in particular 0.12 mm. This means in particular that in the radial cross section of the circumferential sealing bead the transition area has a straight connection area which has a width of between 0.05 mm and 0.20 mm, preferably of 0.07 mm and 0.17 mm, particularly preferably of 0. 10 mm to 0.14 mm and in particular 0.12 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a radius of 0.03 mm to 0.20 mm, preferably from 0 .06 mm to 0.15 mm and particularly preferably from 0.09 mm to 0.13 mm, in particular from 0.11 mm. The preferred dimensioning of the sealing bead described above means that the sealing bead has sufficient stability so that it is not deformed during the closing of the brewing chamber and/or the brewing of the capsule in the brewing chamber.

Preferably, in the radial cross section of the circumferential sealing bead, both the inner flank and the outer flank each have a straight contact area that extends between the flange and the transition area. The terminology "in the radial cross section" means that one looks at a sectional representation of the flange contour along the circumferential direction of the peripheral flange contour. The plane of the sectional image representation is accordingly spanned by the vertical direction and the radial direction, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the linear contact area has a length of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 1.3 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm and most preferably from 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm. It has been shown in simulations and experiments that an optimal seal between the sealing contour of the brewing chamber element and the flange can be achieved with a straight contact area of the stated lengths. In other words: a positive and non-positive, planar contact of the inner flank with a sealing nose flank of the sealing contour of the brewing chamber element over a length of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 1.3 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm and very particularly preferably from 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm is sufficient to achieve a sufficient sealing effect (im area of the inner flank) without the sealing bead having to be severely deformed by the sealing contour.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a radius of 0.05 mm to 0.35 mm, preferably 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm, in the transition from the straight contact area to the transition area on the side facing the capsule lid and more preferably 0.21 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a radius of 0.05 mm to 0.35 mm, preferably 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm, in the transition from the outer flank to the transition area on the side facing the capsule lid mm and particularly preferably 0.21 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the height of the sealing bead perpendicular to the sealing plane is between 0.6 mm and 1.3 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm and particularly preferably between 0.9 and 1. 0 millimeters included. The preferred dimensioning of the sealing bead described above means that the sealing bead has sufficient stability so that no major deformation of the same occurs during the closing of the brewing chamber and/or the brewing of the capsule in the brewing chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has one or more, preferably two, three, four, five, six, seven or eight concentric circumferential grooves on its capsule wall, in particular on the outside of the capsule wall. The grooves can be in the form of depressions and/or elevations directed inwards or outwards. Advantageously, such grooves serve to stiffen or reinforce the capsule wall, so that the portion capsule withstands the pressures occurring during beverage production.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a filter in the area of the capsule base. The filter particularly preferably comprises a fleece material and/or a felt material. The filter is very particularly preferably configured in one or more layers. The filter is preferably disc-shaped, in particular round. Alternatively, the filter is angular, for example square, hexagonal, octagonal or decagonal. It is preferably provided that the filter is arranged in the area of the floor. Very particularly preferably, the filter is in sections or circumferentially Fixed area of the capsule base on this and / or on the capsule wall and / or in a transition area between capsule base and capsule wall, in particular sealed.

Another subject matter of the present invention is a system for preparing a beverage, comprising a beverage production machine and a portion capsule according to the invention, the beverage production machine having a brewing unit with a first brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part, the first and/or the second brewing chamber part being between an approximated position in which the first and second brewing chamber parts form a closed brewing chamber, and an open position in which the first and second brewing chamber parts are spaced apart for inserting or ejecting a portion capsule, the first brewing chamber part having a receiving element for at least partially receiving the portion capsule and the second brewing chamber part comprises a closure element for the receiving element, wherein in the closed position the flange of the portion capsule between an edge region of the receiving element ents and the closure element is received in a form-fitting and sealing manner.

The portion capsule according to the invention is part of the system according to the invention, which is why all the advantages and developments explained in connection with the portion capsule also apply equally to the system according to the invention—and to the other objects of the present invention—and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that a sealing contour for sealing engagement with the sealing bead is formed in the edge region of the receiving element, the sealing contour comprising a circumferential depression and a circumferential sealing lug formed adjacent to the depression, the depression preferably being in the radial direction is arranged outside of the sealing lug and wherein an outer sealing lug flank forms an inner wall of the recess and/or wherein in the closed position the sealing lug engages in the first flange area and the sealing bead engages in the recess in such a way that the sealing lug flank with the inner flank in a radial cross section Form line contact. Such a design of the brewing chamber part is particularly advantageous since it improves the tightness of the system. In particular, a lengthening of the path for any penetrating water is achieved. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that in the closed position the sealing bead extends through the sealing contour by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10% and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 5% of its height perpendicular to the first and / or second mounting surface is deformed. This advantageously limits the acting forces and thus reduces the risk of damage to the beverage production machine and/or the portion capsule.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sealing contour has a further circumferential sealing lug, the depression being arranged in the radial direction between the sealing lug and the further sealing lug, the sealing lug being longer than the further sealing lug and being in the closed Position forms the further sealing lug with the outer flank in the radial cross section a point contact. As a result, the tightness is further improved in a particularly advantageous manner.

Another object of the present invention is a method for producing a portion capsule according to the invention, wherein in a first step a base element with a capsule base, a peripheral flange and a capsule wall extending between the capsule base and the peripheral flange is produced, wherein in a second step a sealing bead is formed into the flange, with the cavity of the base element being filled with at least one beverage raw material in a third step, with the base element being closed with a capsule lid in a fourth step, with the capsule lid being attached to the flange along a first fastening surface and along a second Attached mounting surface, especially sealed, is. The method according to the invention advantageously provides a portion capsule which offers all the advantages mentioned in connection with the portion capsule according to the invention.

The advantages and developments explained with regard to the method according to the invention also apply equally to the other objects of the present invention and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the fourth step comprises at least a first sub-step and a second sub-step, wherein in the first sub-step a fastening, in particular a sealing, takes place by means of a fastening means, in particular a sealing tool, along the second fastening surface and wherein in the second sub-step an attachment, in particular a Sealing takes place by means of a fastening means, in particular a sealing tool, along the first fastening surface and preferably the second fastening surface. The person skilled in the art understands that the fastening always takes place over the entire, circumferential fastening surface in order to achieve the required tightness. In particular, the first partial step corresponds to a pre-sealing. In this context, pre-sealing means that a first attachment takes place which, for example, is less firm in comparison to the attachment of the second partial step, that is to say, for example, takes place with less force and/or in a shorter time. Preferably, the fastening means of the first and the second partial step are at least partially identical. In this case, partially identical is intended to mean that, for example, individual elements of the fastening means are exchanged, for example in the case of a sealing tool the sonotrode and/or the receiving element is exchanged. Alternatively, a first fastening means, in particular a first sealing tool, is used in the first partial step, and a second fastening means, in particular a second sealing tool, is used in the second partial step.

In the first partial step, the attachment is preferably carried out with a sealing temperature of between 160°C and 260°C, particularly preferably between 190°C and 230°C and in particular 210°C. In the first partial step, the attachment preferably takes place with a sealing time of between 200 ms and 300 ms, particularly preferably between 230 ms and 270 ms and in particular 250 ms. In the first partial step, the attachment is preferably carried out with a sealing force of between 250 N and 350 N, particularly preferably between 280 N and 320 N and in particular 300 N.

In the second partial step, attachment is preferably carried out at a sealing temperature of between 160°C and 260°C, particularly preferably between 190°C and 230°C and in particular 210°C. The fastening in the second partial step preferably takes place with a sealing time of between 300 ms and 600 ms, particularly preferably between 400 ms and 500 ms and in particular 450 ms. In the second partial step, the attachment is preferably carried out with a sealing force of between 700 N and 1100 N, particularly preferably between 850 N and 950 N and in particular 900 N.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention it is provided that in a further partial step of the fourth step before the first partial step the capsule cover is produced from a band material, preferably cut and/or stamped. The person skilled in the art understands that in the case of aluminum foil as the material for the capsule lid, an aluminum foil, in particular a circular capsule lid, is preferably punched out. Included the further partial step is particularly preferably also carried out by the fastening means, in particular in one operation. For example, the capsule lid is punched out of an aluminum foil in one movement and then sealed onto the base element. Alternatively, the capsule lid, in particular as a blank, is supplied to the fastening means. This simplifies the production of the portion capsule and shortens the production time. Any positioning errors are also advantageously avoided.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the first step comprises a first sub-step, a second sub-step and preferably a third sub-step, wherein in the first sub-step a basic form is produced from a strip material, in particular punched, wherein in the second sub-step a preform is produced in such a way that the base element is formed from the basic form, with a bead being formed, in particular rolled and/or flanged, from the outer free end of the flange in the third partial step. The second partial step is preferably carried out by means of a stamp.

In a further partial step, circumferential, concentric grooves are preferably formed in the capsule wall, at least on the outside.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the third step takes place under a modified atmosphere and/or that a layer of nitrogen is applied to the bed of beverage raw material, in particular such that after the fourth step no oxygen is present in the portion capsule.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention it is provided that in a fifth step, which takes place after the first step and before the third step, a filter is introduced into the cavity and preferably attached to the base element, in particular in the area of the capsule bottom. The filter particularly preferably comprises a fleece material and/or a felt material. The filter is very particularly preferably configured in one or more layers. The filter is preferably disc-shaped, in particular round. Alternatively, the filter is angular, for example square, hexagonal, octagonal or decagonal. It is preferably provided that the filter is arranged in the area of the floor. The filter is very particularly preferably in sections or circumferentially in the area of the capsule base on this and/or on the capsule wall and/or in a transition area between see capsule bottom and capsule wall attached, especially sealed. The filter is particularly preferably cut out by a tool in one operation, placed in the cavity and fixed there, in particular sealed.

Another object of the present invention is a sealing station for closing a portion capsule with a capsule lid for producing a portion capsule according to the invention, with at least one first sealing tool, wherein the first sealing tool is configured to seal the capsule lid along the second attachment surface to the flange and wherein the first sealing tool or a second sealing tool is configured to seal the capsule lid to the flange along the first attachment surface and preferably the second attachment surface. The person skilled in the art understands that both the first and the second seal can be carried out with the same sealing tool, i.e. the first sealing tool, or that both sealing processes can be carried out by at least two different sealing tools, i.e. at least the first and the second sealing tool.

The first sealing process corresponds in particular to a pre-sealing and the second sealing process to a post-sealing or main sealing, in which the desired final tightness is achieved. Advantageously, the sealing station according to the invention now also enables the production of a portion capsule according to the invention with the capsule lid being sealed both in the first flange area and in the second flange area. The division into two steps also makes it possible in a particularly advantageous manner to seal the capsule lid along the first and second fastening surfaces in the event that the first flange area and the second flange area are at different heights. In particular, the capsule lid is pre-fixed in the first step.

The advantages and developments explained with regard to the sealing station according to the invention also apply equally to the other objects of the present invention and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the sealing station according to the invention, it is provided that the first sealing tool and/or the second sealing tool each comprise at least one sonotrode and at least one receiving element, the receiving element having an open cavity for receiving the portion capsule, the receiving element also having at least one counter-holding means , wherein the counter-holding means is provided to generate a counter-force on the side of the flange facing away from the capsule lid, in particular in the region of the first fastening surface and/or the second fastening surface to provide the force exerted by the sonotrode. A sonotrode is usually a flat element. In order to achieve reliable sealing even with flange areas of different heights, it is essential that on the underside of the flange, ie on the side facing away from the capsule lid, a counter-holding means provides a counter-force to the force exerted by the sonotrode. The sealing station particularly preferably comprises a first sealing tool and a second sealing tool, the receiving element of the first and second sealing tool having a counter-holding means both in the area of the second fastening surface and in the area of the first fastening surface. Alternatively, the receiving element of the first sealing tool has only one counterholding means in the area of the second fastening surface. The person skilled in the art understands that the receiving element here is different from the receiving element of the beverage production machine of the system according to the invention, but is preferably similar to one another in structure and function. Both preferably have a cavity for at least partially accommodating the portion capsule or the base element. In particular, the receiving elements differ in that the receiving element of the beverage production machine has a sealing contour as described above, while the receiving element of the sealing tool preferably only has counter-holding means in the area of the first and/or second fastening surface, but in particular there is no contact with the sealing bead. A secure and reliable seal in both fastening surfaces is ensured in a particularly advantageous manner by the counter-holding means.

According to a preferred embodiment of the sealing station according to the invention, it is provided that the receiving element has at least one counter-holding means in the area of the first fastening surface, with an upper surface of the counter-holding means being in comparison to an upper surface of the counter-holding means of the first sealing tool and/or second sealing tool in the area of the second fastening surface is arranged higher by at least 0.05 mm, preferably at least 0.10 mm, in particular by at least 0.15 mm. In this context, higher means in particular a greater extension in the vertical direction. The counter-holding means is particularly preferably a ram. The applicant has surprisingly found through tests that the fact that the counter-holding means has different heights in the areas of the two attachment surfaces, and in particular in the area of the first attachment surface has a greater height, a particularly good sealing quality is achieved. The person skilled in the art understands that the aforementioned numerical values should apply in particular for the case in which the first flange area and the second flange area are arranged at the same height relative to the central longitudinal axis. If there is a predetermined offset, the numerical values must be adjusted accordingly. According to a preferred embodiment of the sealing station according to the invention, it is provided that the sonotrode of the first and/or second sealing tool has a diameter of between 34 mm and 36 mm, particularly preferably between 34.4 mm and 35.2 mm and in particular of 34.8 mm . As a result, a reliable and high-quality seal can take place without the bead being contacted by the sonotrode, for example.

According to a preferred embodiment of the sealing station according to the invention, it is provided that the sonotrode of the first and/or second sealing tool has a heat dissipation means, in particular arranged centrally. The heat dissipation means is particularly preferably made at least partially from a ceramic material. In particular with the two-stage sealing provided according to the invention, a considerable amount of heat is transferred to the portion capsule. On the one hand, this can damage the capsule lid and, on the other hand, adversely affect the beverage raw material. By arranging such a heat dissipation means, for example in the form of a ceramic insert, excessive exposure to heat is avoided in a particularly advantageous manner. Very particularly preferably, the heat dissipation means has a diameter of at least 25 mm, even more preferably at least 28 mm or at least 30 mm.

Another object of the present invention is a system for producing a portion capsule according to the invention, in particular according to a method according to the invention, with a molding station for molding a base element, a filling station for filling a cavity of the base element with at least one beverage raw material and a closing station for closing the base element with a Capsule lid, wherein the closing station is a sealing station according to the invention.

The statements applicable to this subject matter of the present invention also apply to the other subjects according to the invention and vice versa.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention result from the drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not restrict the essential idea of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings FIGS. 1 and 2 show schematic sectional views of a portion capsule and a system for preparing a beverage according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show schematic detailed views of the portion capsule according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 to 15 show various schematic views of sealing tools according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic detailed view of the portion capsule according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention in cross section.

Embodiments of the invention

Some illustrations contain dimensions. These illustrations correspond to technical drawings from which dimensions and/or proportions can be taken. In particular, this applies at least to Figures 3 to 5 and 12 to 15.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a schematic side view of a portion capsule 1 and a sectional view of a system consisting of the portion capsule 1 and part of a beverage production machine 13 for preparing a beverage according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

The portion capsule 1 has, for example, a cup-shaped and truncated cone-shaped base element 2 which has a capsule base 5 on its closed side and a peripheral flange 6 on its open side. A capsule wall 7 extends around a cavity 3 between the capsule bottom 5 and the flange 6 . In the radial direction R, the flange 6 , which is circular and thus circumferential in the circumferential direction, protrudes outwards beyond the capsule wall 7 . The flange 6 is firmly connected to a capsule lid 4 in the form of a lid foil, in particular an aluminum foil, which closes the cavity 3 on the open side of the base element 2 . For this purpose, according to the invention, the flange 6 has a first fastening surface 100 facing the capsule lid 4 and a second fastening surface 200 which preferably extend approximately at right angles to the vertical direction Y. The capsule lid 4 is sealed, welded or glued onto the flange 6 in its edge region in the first and second fastening surfaces 100, 200.

The capsule lid 4 is preferably made of an aluminum or plastic material, which can each also include laminates. Within the base element 2, the cavity 3 is formed, which is filled with beverage raw material, for example roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blend, milk powder and/or the like (for reasons of clarity, the beverage raw material is not shown) and which is closed by the capsule lid 4.

The cup-shaped configuration of the base element 2 is preferably produced by thermoforming, for example deep-drawing using negative pressure, positive pressure and/or a movable stamp. The base element 2 is preferably designed as a deep-drawn aluminum part. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the base element 2 to be designed as a plastic part made from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the portion capsule 1 is produced by means of an injection molding process, in particular using the one-component, multi-component or in-mold process. A two-component method is particularly preferred as a multi-component method, in which an aluminum layer, in particular with a layer thickness of 90 μm, is provided with a layer of PP, in particular with a layer thickness of 30 μm. The PP layer is very particularly preferably arranged on one or both sides of the aluminum layer, in particular on the inside of the base element 2 and/or the cavity 3 . This advantageously enables a better connection between the flange 6 and the capsule cover 4, since it is PVC-free.

During use, the portion capsule 1 is introduced into a brewing unit in a beverage production machine 13 . The brewing unit comprises a first brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part, the first or the second brewing chamber part relative to the other brewing chamber part between an approximate position in which the first and second brewing chamber parts form a closed brewing chamber 12 and an open position in which the first and the second brewing chamber part for inserting or ejecting the portion capsule 1 are spaced apart, is movable.

The first brewing chamber part is designed as a cup-shaped receiving element 21, which largely receives the portion capsule 1, in particular when the brewing chamber 12 is in the closed position. The second brewing chamber part is designed as a closure element 22 for the receiving element 21 . In the closed position shown in FIG. 2, the flange 6 of the portion capsule 1 is clamped in a sealing manner between an edge region 23 of the receiving element 21 and the closure element 22 .

In this closed position, the capsule lid 4 and the capsule base 5 are perforated one after the other or simultaneously. The one or more perforation openings in the capsule base 5 are formed in particular by one or more perforation tips on the receiving element 21 during the closing of the brewing chamber 13, while the perforation openings in the capsule lid 4 are preferably formed by perforation structures in the base of the closure element 22 during the closing of the brewing chamber 12 or only after are generated by the pressure build-up inside the portion capsule 1 during the beverage production process.

Extraction liquid is introduced under pressure into the cavity 3 through the one or more perforation openings in the capsule base 5 . The interaction between the extraction liquid and the beverage raw material produces the desired beverage, which leaves the portion capsule 1 through the perforation openings in the capsule lid 4 and is fed into a beverage container. Any particles of the beverage raw material can be filtered out of the beverage and retained in the portion capsule 1 by an optional filter medium. Preferably, however, the multiply perforated capsule lid 4 acts as a filter element.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show detailed views of the portion capsule 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The figures show the sectional view of the flange 6 on the right side of Figure 1 and 2 in an enlarged illustration. Here, FIGS. 3 to 5 are illustrated true to scale and with a more correct representation of the angular and longitudinal relationships.

The flange 6 shown extends essentially horizontally, i.e. parallel to the radial direction R, from the upper end of the capsule wall 7 to its free outer end. at which the flange 6 terminates with a bead 8. The bead 8 includes, in particular, a flanged end that is rolled up in the direction of the capsule base 5 .

In addition, the bead 8 protrudes in the vertical direction Y, in particular on both sides of the flange 6, with the flange 6 protruding less than a sealing bead 9 from the flange 6 on the underside and also protruding less or identically on the top than on the underside over the flange 6.

Between the bead 8 and the end of the capsule wall 7, the flange 6 has the sealing bead 9, which is designed in the form of an embossing pointing away from the capsule lid 4 in the vertical direction Y and running concentrically around the central longitudinal axis M in the circumferential direction. The sealing bead 9 has an inner flank 10 facing the capsule wall 7 and an outer flank 11 facing the bead 8 . The sealing bead 9 is formed in one piece from the flange 6 and, as can be seen in the figures, has essentially the same thickness as the capsule wall 7 and/or a first flange region 18 between the capsule wall 7 and the inner flank 10 and/or a second flange area 19 between the bead 8 and the outer flank 11 .

Between the inner flank 11 and the outer flank 12 there extends a transition region 14 in the form of the transition plane 15 which is particularly flat (i.e. straight) and parallel to the first and/or second flange region 18 , 19 . The outer edge 1 1 runs to the second flange portion 19 at an angle ß of about 85 degrees.

The outer flank 11 has in particular a straight flank section 20 which preferably has a length of between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm. The second flange area 19 preferably has a length of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.

The flange 6 has a first flange region 18 between the inner flank 10 and the upper end of the capsule wall 7 . In the present example, the first flange region 18 is straight and horizontal in radial cross section, at least in sections. In particular, the rectilinear area has a length of 0.07 mm to 0.09 mm.

The inner flank 10 has a straight contact area 16 in the radial cross section, ie the straight contact area 16 is the length of the straight line between the two transitions in the course of the inner flank 10. The length of the contact area 16 is preferably 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm in the present example.

According to the invention, the angle a between the inner flank 10 or the straight contact area 16 and the first flange area 18 is essentially 85 degrees.

The angle between the inner and outer flank 10, 11 is therefore preferably 5 to 15 degrees, particularly preferably 8 to 12 degrees and very particularly preferably essentially 10 degrees.

The first flange area 18 and the second flange area 19 are here in the vertical direction Y at the same height. The height 17 of the sealing bead 9 corresponds to the total extent of the sealing bead 9 from the underside of the first and second flange area 18, 19 to the underside of the flange 6 in the area of the transition plane 15. This height 17 perpendicular to the first or second flange area 18, 19 is between 0 .9mm and 1.0mm.

The material thickness of the aluminum in the area of the flange 6 is preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.13 mm, in particular essentially 0.11 mm or 0.12 mm.

For the sake of clarity, FIGS. The edge region 23 includes a sealing contour for sealing engagement with the sealing bead 9. For this purpose, the sealing contour has a circumferential depression and a sealing nose formed adjacent to the depression and also circumferential in the circumferential direction. Viewed in the radial direction R, the indentation is arranged outside of the sealing lug, so that an outer sealing lug flank of the sealing lug forms an inner wall of the indentation.

In the closed position shown in FIG. 2, the sealing lug engages in the first flange area 18, while the sealing bead 9 engages in the recess. As a result, a contact 16 is formed between the sealing nose flank and the inner flank 10 in a radial cross section. This contact 16 is preferably circumferential in the circumferential direction and thus forms the actual seal between the flange 6 and the receiving element 21 , so that little or no extraction liquid can flow past the beverage raw material to the outlet of the brewing chamber 12 . The apex of the sealing tab optionally touches the underside of the first Flange area 18, while the underside of the transition plane 15 optionally touches the bottom of the recess.

The design and dimensioning of the sealing bead 9 described above means that the sealing bead 9 is not significantly deformed when the brewing chamber 12 is closed and/or when the beverage is brewed. The sealing is mainly effected by the particular peripheral contact 16, which is subjected to a relatively large amount of force due to the rigidity of the sealing bead 9.

In other words: The sealing bead 9 is designed in such a way that, when the brewing chamber 12 is closed and/or the portion capsule 1 is brewed, it only expands by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10% and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 5% % of its height 17 perpendicular to the first and/or second flange area 18, 19 is deformed. In particular, the sealing bead 9 is thus designed in such a way that when a force of up to 100 N is applied perpendicularly to the first and/or second flange region 18, 19 on the sealing bead 9, it is only reduced by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10% and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 5% of its height 17 perpendicular to the first and/or second flange area 18, 19. This is the only way to provide sufficient force for the contact 16.

It is conceivable that the sealing bead 9 when closing the brewing chamber 12 and/or brewing the portion capsule 1 in its height 17 by a maximum of 0.2 mm, preferably by a maximum of 0.15 mm, particularly preferably by a maximum of 0.1 mm and very particularly is preferably changed by a maximum of 0.05 mm in the vertical direction Y. Alternatively, the sealing bead 9 is only shifted in the radial direction R and not in the vertical direction Y.

Preferably, the sealing bead 9 is also designed to be so stiff that there is also no excessive lateral displacement or deformation in the radial direction R. It is provided that the sealing bead 9 is designed in such a way that when the brewing chamber 12 is closed, it is preferably only deformed or displaced parallel to the first and/or second flange area 18, 19 to such an extent that its radius is related to a central central longitudinal axis M of the Portion capsule 1 is only displaced by a maximum of 5% parallel to the first and/or second flange area 18, 19, so that the portion capsule 1 can be easily removed from the brewing chamber 12 after brewing and the sealing lug does not jam with the laterally tilting sealing bead 9. It is conceivable that with the sealing bead 9, when the brewing chamber 12 is closed and/or the portion capsule 1 is brewed, it is preferably provided that the tip of the sealing bead 9, i.e. the transition area 14 of the sealing bead 9, moves by a maximum of 0.2 mm, preferably by a maximum of 0.15 mm, particularly preferably by a maximum of 0.1 mm and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 0.05 mm in the radial direction R or deformed.

The other dimensions shown numerically in FIG. 3 can preferably also be regarded as essential to the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the portion capsule 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an exemplary further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows the sectional representation of the sealing bead 9 (in the same orientation as in FIG. 3, ie the capsule wall 7 on the left and the bead 8 on the right) in an enlarged illustration.

This embodiment is essentially the same as the embodiment illustrated and explained in connection with FIG. 3, so that all of the above explanations apply analogously.

In contrast, however, the transition area 14 is designed as a curved transition area and not as a straight, flattened transition plane 15 . The linear contact area 20 has a length of 0.5 mm to 0.6 mm, in particular 0.53 mm, on the outer flank 11. The linear contact area 16 has a length of 0.4 mm to 0.55 mm, in particular 0.473 mm, on the inner outer flank 10 .

The angle between the inner and outer flank 10, 11 is preferably 5 to 15 degrees, particularly preferably 8 to 12 degrees and very particularly preferably essentially 10 degrees.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of the portion capsule 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an exemplary further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows the sectional view of the sealing bead 9 (in the same orientation as in FIGS. 3 and 4, ie the capsule wall 7 on the left and the bead 8 on the right) in an enlarged illustration.

This embodiment is essentially the same as the embodiments illustrated and explained in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, so that all of the above explanations apply analogously. The previously discussed dimensions differ slightly in this embodiment, these can be found in the drawing. The angles α, ß, however, are the same.

According to the embodiment shown here, the radius in the transition between the capsule wall 7 and the first flange area 18 is between 0.49 mm and 0.51 mm, in particular 0.50 mm.

The first flange area 18 comprises a first fastening surface 100, in which the capsule lid 4 is connected to the flange 6, in particular is sealed to it. In addition, however, the second flange area 19 also includes a second fastening surface 200, in which the capsule lid 4 is connected to the flange 6, in particular is sealed to it. The capsule lid 4 is consequently connected to the flange 6 in at least two fastening surfaces 100, 200 according to the invention. These fastening surfaces 100, 200 are preferably disparate, i.e. different from one another, in particular without an intersection, and are arranged in the first and second flange areas 18, 19, i.e. in flange areas on both sides of the sealing bead 9.

The first and second fastening surfaces 100, 200 are preferably designed essentially in the shape of a circular ring. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the circular rings essentially have the same diameter.

Here the fastening surfaces 100, 200 corresponding to the flange areas 18, 19 are arranged horizontally and essentially at one height. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the first flange area 18 and the second flange area 19 to be at different heights. This is possible, among other things, for production reasons. For example, the first flange area 18 is between 0.020 mm and 0.030 mm, in particular by up to 0.025 mm lower, i.e. arranged at a smaller distance from the capsule base 5, than the second flange area 19.

In this case as well, ie with, in particular, horizontal flange regions 18 , 19 at different heights, the capsule lid 4 is connected to the flange 6 both via the first fastening surface 100 and the second fastening surface 200 . The radius at the transitions between the first flange portion 18 and the inner edge 10 and the second flange portion 19 and the outer edge 1 1 is between 0.10 mm and 0.12 mm, in particular 0.1 1 mm, whereas the radius at the Transitions between the inner flank 10 and the transitional region 14, which is also flat here, and the outer flank 11 are preferably between 0.20 mm and 0.22 mm, in particular 0.21 mm. The radii described above are each measured on the side facing away from the capsule cover 4, as shown in the figure. The difference to the associated radii on the side facing the capsule lid 4 is, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, in the material thickness at this point, ie here in particular 0.11 mm or 0.12 mm.

The transition between the second flange area 19 and the bead 8 is preferably between 0.19 mm and 0.21 mm, in particular 0.20 mm.

According to this embodiment, the height 17 of the sealing bead 9 is between 0.90 mm and 0.98 mm, in particular 0.90 mm, in the area of the first flange area and between 1.00 mm and 0.90 mm, in particular 0 .90mm.

The bead 8 has in particular a vertical extent of between 1.20 mm and 1.40 mm, in particular 1.30 mm.

According to the example shown here, the transition plane 15 has a radial extension of preferably between 0.10 mm and 0.14 mm, in particular 0.12 mm.

FIG. 6 shows a sealing tool, in particular a first sealing tool 24, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Such a sealing tool is used to seal the capsule lid 4 to the flange 6 of the portion capsule 1 .

In order to achieve sealing according to the invention on both sides of the sealing bead 9, a special sealing tool is required.

Such sealing tools 24, 25 are already known in principle, which is why only the differences to known sealing tools, in particular with regard to the portion capsule 1 according to the invention, will be discussed below. The sealing tool 24 includes, among other things, a sonotrode 28 that generates heat in a targeted manner and thus locally heats the material of the capsule cover 4 and the flange 6 and causes a material connection between the two. This creates a fluid-tight connection between the base element 2 and the capsule cover 4 . Since pressure also plays a decisive role in addition to heat, the sealing tool 24 comprises a receiving element 26, which receives the base element 2 and on the underside of the flange 6 applies a counterforce to the through the force exerted by the sonotrode 28, so that there is no deformation of the flange and thus a defective portion capsule 1 and/or an incomplete sealing of the capsule lid 4.

The sealing tool 24 is explained in more detail in connection with the following figures.

What is decisive for the invention is that the sealing process takes place in two stages, with the capsule lid 4 being connected to the flange 6 only in the second flange area 19 along the second fastening surface 200 in a first partial step, and with the capsule lid 4 being connected in a second partial step both in is connected to the flange 6 in the first flange area along the first attachment surface 100 and in the second flange area 19 along the second attachment surface 200 .

The first sub-step corresponds in particular to pre-sealing, i.e. a sealing process that is carried out with at least one parameter that is reduced in terms of absolute value in comparison to the second sub-step, in particular sealing temperature, sealing time and/or sealing force.

In the course of tests, a combination of a sealing temperature of preferably between 200° C. and 220° C., in particular 210° C., a sealing time of preferably between 220 ms and 280 ms, in particular 250 ms, and a sealing pressure of preferably between 100 N and 500 N, in particular 300 N, which corresponds to a sealing pressure of about 2 bar in a preferred sealing tool 24 .

In principle it is possible to carry out both sub-steps with the same sealing tool 24 . It is possible, for example, to choose not to make any changes between the partial steps, ie to work with the same elements but with different parameters and/or to exchange the sonotrode 28 and/or the receiving element 26 . Alternatively, the two sub-steps are performed in different sealing tools, here a first sealing tool 24 and a second sealing tool 25 .

This embodiment is explained purely by way of example with reference to FIGS. The outer diameter of the sonotrode 28 of the first sealing tool 24 is preferably between 34.0 mm and 35.0 mm, in particular 34.5 mm.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic detailed drawing of the first sealing tool 24 in the area relevant here. Compared to known sealing tools, the first sealing tool 24 differs in that the counterholding means 27 has two protruding areas, which lie with upper surfaces below the first flange area 18 and the second flange area 19, respectively.

The counter-holding means 27 can be provided in one piece or in several pieces. In particular, the counter-holding means 27 here comprises two plungers.

Surprisingly, it turned out that the best sealing results are achieved when two tappets with different heights are used for a portion capsule 1, as was described in connection with FIG. In particular, the inner tappet, ie the tappet assigned to the first flange area 18 and the first fastening surface 100, is between 0.05 mm and 0.25 mm, preferably between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm and in particular by 0.15 mm higher than the outer plunger associated with the second flange area 19 and the second fastening surface 200 . For the sake of clarity, this is not shown here in an exaggeratedly true-to-scale manner. Both plungers have upper surfaces which are in contact with the first flange portion 18 and the second flange portion 19 and thus define the first and second mounting surfaces 100,200.

The counter-holding means 27 can be variable in height or fixed.

Furthermore, in the present case, the first sealing tool 24 has an optional heat dissipation means 29 in the middle of the sonotrode 28 . In this case, this is a ceramic insert whose diameter is selected in such a way that it covers the capsule lid 4 in the area of the interior of the portion capsule 1 , ie above the cavity 3 . The heat dissipation means 29 ensures that the increased heat that occurs as a result of the two different sealing processes does not adversely affect the beverage raw material and/or the capsule lid 4 in this area.

Since in the first sub-step only sealing takes place via the second fastening surface 200, the internal plunger for the receiving element 26 of the first sealing tool 24 is optional.

FIG. 8 now shows a second sealing tool 25, which brings about the main sealing process (also referred to as post-sealing). The second sealing tool 25 essentially corresponds to the first sealing tool 24, so that reference is made to the explanations with regard to FIGS. This applies to both Figure 8 and Figure 9.

The sonotrode 28 of the second sealing tool 25 preferably has a larger diameter than the sonotrode 28 of the first sealing tool 24, particularly preferably between 34.3 mm and 35.2 mm and in particular 34.8 mm.

The sealing process of the second sub-step is now carried out with at least one parameter that is higher in terms of amount, with a combination of a sealing temperature of preferably between 200 °C and 220 °C, in particular 210 °C, a sealing time of preferably between 420 ms and 480 ms being particularly successful ms, in particular 450 ms, and a sealing pressure of preferably between 700 N and 1100 N, in particular 900 N, which in the preferred embodiment of the sonotrode 28 of the second sealing tool 25 corresponds to a sealing pressure of about 6 bar.

As already mentioned, in this second partial step, the capsule lid is fastened firmly and in particular in a fluid and pressure-tight manner to the flange 6, both along the first fastening surface 100 and the second fastening surface 200.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective sectional view of the first and/or second sealing tool 24, 25. In this regard, reference is made to the statements made above with regard to FIGS.

In FIG. 10 it can be seen very clearly that the counter-holding means 27 only provides a counter-force in the area of the first and second flange area 18 , 19 . In the area of the sealing bead 9, as well as in the area of the capsule floor 5, the receiving element 26 is clearly spaced from the base element 2.

Furthermore, the structure of the sonotrode 28 can be seen in FIG. 10, in particular with regard to the heat dissipation means 29, according to the embodiment shown here.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic detailed view of a cross section of the sealing tool 24, 25 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, similar to the illustrations in FIGS. In this regard, reference is made to the previous statements. Here, by way of example, grooves, four in the present case, can be seen in the capsule wall 7 of the portion capsule 1 .

FIGS. 12 and 13 show technical drawings of the receiving element 26 and the sonotrode 28 of the first sealing tool 24 according to the previously explained exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The outer diameter of the receiving element 26 is preferably substantially 35 mm and the height is preferably 36 mm.

According to the embodiment shown here, the sonotrode 28 in turn has an outer diameter of in particular 34.5 mm, with the heat dissipation means 29 in the sonotrode 28 having an outer diameter of 29.7 mm.

Figures 14 and 15 show technical drawings of the receiving element 26 and the sonotrode 28 of the second sealing tool 25 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention explained above, as well as a detailed drawing of the counter-holding means 27 inner plunger associated with the first flange area 18 is 0.15 mm higher than the outer plunger.

The outer diameter of the receiving element 26 is preferably substantially 35 mm and the height is preferably 36.15 mm. According to the embodiment shown here, the sonotrode 28 in turn has an outer diameter of in particular 34.8 mm, with the heat dissipation means 29 in the sonotrode 28 having an outer diameter of 29.7 mm. FIG. 16 shows a schematic detailed view of the portion capsule 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention in cross section. The embodiment shown in FIG. 16 essentially corresponds to the embodiments explained in connection with FIGS. 3 to 5 and in particular to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, so that reference is made to the relevant statements.

FIG. 16 differs from FIG. 5 in particular by the dimensions and/or the associated tolerances. From left to right according to the figure, the following dimensions can be found in accordance with the embodiment shown. The transition from the capsule wall 7 to the first flange area 18 has a radius of preferably 0.30 mm to 0.50 mm on the side of the capsule lid 4 . The transition between the first flange area 18 and the inner flank 10 has, in particular on the side facing away from the capsule cover 4, a radius of preferably 0.11 mm to 0.36 mm. The sealing bead 9 preferably has a height of 0.82 mm to 0.90 between the transition region 14, which is also a transition plane 15 here, ie has a flat extension at least in sections, in particular 0.12 mm long, and the first flange region 18 mm up.

The transition from the inner flank 10 to the transition plane 15 preferably has a radius of 0.23 mm to 0.33 mm, in particular on the side facing away from the capsule cover 4 . An angle a of 5° is preferably provided between an imaginary tip of the sealing bead 9 and a perpendicular. This corresponds to an angle between a horizontal section of the first flange area 18 and the inner flank 10 of 85°.

The sealing bead 9 is particularly preferably constructed symmetrically here as well. Thus, the virtual interior angle in an imaginary extension of the tip of the sealing bead 9 is 10°. Furthermore, the transition from the transition plane 15 to the outer flank 11, in particular on the side facing away from the capsule cover 4, preferably has a radius of 0.23 mm to 0.33 mm. The angle between the straight section of the outer flank 11 and a horizontal section of the second flange area 19 is preferably 85°.

The transition between the outer flank 11 and the second flange area 19 has, in particular on the side facing away from the capsule cover 4, a radius of preferably 0.11 mm to 0.36 mm. The sealing bead 9 preferably has a height of 0.90 mm to 1.00 mm between the transition plane 15 and the second flange area 19 . The person skilled in the art understands that within the tolerances, the first flange area 18 and the second flange area 19 are preferably on a horizontal plane, but due to tolerances there can also be a slight horizontal offset of a maximum of 0.18 mm here, i.e. therefore in particular something more than one material thickness .

The transition between the second flange area 19 and the bead 8 preferably has a radius of 0.20 mm to 0.45 mm, the bead 8 according to the illustrated embodiment having a radial extension of about 1 mm and a vertical extension, ie an overall height , preferably from 1.25 mm to 1.45 mm, in particular 1.35 mm.

Reference List

1 serving capsule

2 base element

3 cavity

4 capsule lids

5 capsule bottom

6 flange

7 capsule wall

8 bead

9 sealing bead

10 inner flank

11 outer flank

12 brewing chamber

13 beverage making machine

14 transition area

15 Transition Plane

16 contact area

17 Height of the sealing bead

18 first flange area

19 second flange area

20 flank section

21 receiving element

22 closure element

23 edge area

24 first sealing tool

25 second sealing tool

26 receiving element of the sealing tool

27 countermeasures

28 sonotrode

29 heat dissipation means

100 first mounting surface

200 second mounting surface a angle ß angle

R radial direction

Y vertical direction

M central longitudinal axis

Claims

37 CLAIMS

1 . Portion capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber (12) of a beverage production machine (13), the portion capsule (1) having a base element (2) with a cavity (3) for receiving a beverage raw material and a cavity (3) closing the capsule lid (4), wherein the base element (2) comprises a capsule base (5), a peripheral flange (6) and a capsule wall (7) extending between the capsule base (5) and the peripheral flange (6), the flange ( 6) has a sealing element formed in one piece with the flange (6) in the form of a sealing bead (9) pointing away from the capsule lid (4), the sealing bead (9) comprising an inner flank (10) and an outer flank (11), wherein the flange (6) has a first flange region (18) between the capsule wall (7) and the inner flank (10) and a second flange region (19) between the outer free end of the flange (6) and the outer flank (11). has, thereby identified characterized in that the capsule lid (4) is fastened along a first circumferential fastening surface (100) in the first flange region (18) and along a second circumferential fastening surface (200) in the second flange region (19).

2. Portion capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer free end of the flange (6) is rolled up, in particular crimped, that it forms a circumferential bead (8), the bead (8) preferably being a vertical one Extension relative to the flange (6) is greater than zero, particularly preferably on both sides of the flange (6), the vertical extension of the bead (8) on the side of the flange (6) facing away from the capsule lid (4) being very particularly preferably is less than the vertical extent of the sealing bead (9) and/or the vertical extent of the bead (8) on the side of the flange (6) facing the capsule lid (4) is smaller than on that of the capsule lid (4) opposite side of the flange (6).

3. portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both the inner edge (10) and the outer edge (1 1) at an angle (a, ß) of greater than 80 to less than 90 degrees, preferably from 81 to 89 degrees, particularly preferably from 83 to 87 degrees, very particularly preferably from 84 to 86 degrees and in particular essentially 85 degrees, to a horizontal plane running through the first flange area (18) or the second flange area (19). , is aligned. 38

4. portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first attachment surface (100) and the second attachment surface (200) each have a substantially horizontal extent.

5. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fastening surface (100) and the second fastening surface (200) are vertically spaced from one another, with the first fastening surface (100) preferably having a smaller vertical distance to the capsule base (5 ) as the second mounting surface (200).

6. Portion capsule (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the vertical distance between the fastening surfaces (100, 200) is less than three times the thickness of the flange (6) in the region of the first and/or second fastening surface (100, 200). , preferably less than 0.35 mm, particularly preferably less than 0.30 mm, very preferably less than 0.25 mm, even more preferably less than 0.20 mm, in particular a maximum of 0.018 mm

7. Portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first attachment surface (100) and the second attachment surface (200) are provided such that no fluid connection between the cavity (3) of the portion capsule and between the capsule lid ( 4) and the sealing bead (9) existing cavity.

8. portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner flank (10) and the outer flank (11) are formed symmetrically to each other.

9. Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a transition region (14) extends between the inner flank (10) and the outer flank (11), the transition region (14) preferably being curved or has a transition plane (15) extending parallel to the first flange area (18) and/or to the second flange area (19).

10. portion capsule (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the transition region (14) has an extension in the radial direction of 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm, preferably from 0.07 mm to 0.17 mm, particularly preferably from 0.10 mm to 0.14 mm, in particular 0.12 mm.

11 . Portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (2) is made in one piece from aluminum.

12. Portion capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portion capsule (1) in the region of the capsule base (5) has a filter.

13. System for preparing a beverage, comprising a beverage production machine (13) and a portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage production machine (13) has a brewing unit with a first brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part, the first and/or the second brewing chamber part relative to the other brewing chamber part between an approximated position in which the first and the second brewing chamber part form a closed brewing chamber (12) and an open position in which the first and the second brewing chamber part for inserting or ejecting a portion capsule (1) from each other are spaced apart, is movable, wherein the first brewing chamber part comprises a receiving element (21) for at least partially receiving the portion capsule (1) and the second brewing chamber part comprises a closure element (22) for the receiving element (21), wherein in the closed position the flange (6 ) of the portion capsule (1) between an edge area (23) of the receiving element (21) and the closure element (22) is accommodated in a form-fitting and sealing manner.

14. System according to claim 13, characterized in that a sealing contour for sealing engagement with the sealing bead (9) is formed in the edge region (23) of the receiving element (21), the sealing contour having a peripheral depression and a peripheral sealing lug formed adjacent to the depression preferably wherein the depression is arranged outside of the sealing lug in the radial direction (R) and wherein an outer sealing lug flank forms an inner wall of the depression and/or wherein in the closed position the sealing lug fits into the first flange area (18) and the sealing bead (9 ) engage in the depression in such a way that the sealing nose flank forms a line contact (16) with the inner flank (10) in radial cross section.

15. A method for producing a portion capsule according to any one of claims 1 -12, wherein in a first step a base element (2) with a capsule base (5), a peripheral flange (6) and a capsule wall (7) extending between the capsule base (5) and the peripheral flange (6), a sealing bead (9) being formed in the flange (6) in a second step or in the first step is filled, wherein in a third step the cavity (3) of the base element (2) is filled with at least one beverage raw material, wherein in a fourth step the base element (2) is closed with a capsule lid (4), the capsule lid (4) on is fastened, in particular sealed, to the flange (6) along a first fastening surface (100) and along a second fastening surface (200).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the fourth step comprises at least a first sub-step and a second sub-step, wherein in the first sub-step a fastening, in particular a sealing, by means of a fastening means, in particular a sealing tool (24, 25), along the second fastening surface (200) and wherein in the second partial step a fastening, in particular a sealing, takes place by means of a fastening means, in particular a sealing tool (24, 25) along the first fastening surface (100) and preferably the second fastening surface (200).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein in a further sub-step of the fourth step before the first sub-step the capsule cover (4) is produced from a band material, preferably cut and/or stamped.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein the first step comprises a first sub-step, a second sub-step and preferably a third sub-step, wherein in the first sub-step a basic shape is produced from a strip material, in particular punched, wherein in the second sub-step a preform is produced in such a way that the base element (2) is formed from the basic form, wherein in the third sub-step a bead (8) is formed from the outer free end of the flange (6), in particular rolled and/or flanged, wherein the sealing bead is preferably formed in the second or third partial step.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein in a fifth step, which takes place after the first step and before the third step, a filter is introduced into the cavity (3) and preferably on the base element (2), in particular in the area of the capsule floor (5), is fixed. Sealing station for closing a portion capsule (1) with a capsule lid (4) for producing a portion capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 -12, with at least one first sealing tool (24), wherein the first sealing tool (24) is configured to sealing the capsule lid (4) to the flange (6) along the second attachment surface (200) and wherein the first sealing tool (24) or a second sealing tool (25) is configured to seal the capsule lid (4) along the first attachment surface (100) and preferably to seal the second attachment surface (200) to the flange (6). Sealing station according to Claim 20, characterized in that the first sealing tool (24) and/or the second sealing tool (25) each comprise at least one sonotrode (28) and at least one receiving element (26), the receiving element (26) having an open cavity for Recording of the portion capsule (1), wherein the receiving element (26) also has at least one counter-holding means (27), wherein the counter-holding means (27) is provided to counteract a force on the side of the flange (6) facing away from the capsule lid (4). , in particular in the area of the first fastening surface (100) and/or the second fastening surface (200), to the force exerted by the sonotrode (28). Sealing station according to Claim 21, characterized in that the receiving element (26) has at least one counter-holding means (27) in the region of the first fastening surface (100), an upper surface of the counter-holding means (27) compared to an upper surface of the counter-holding means (27) of the first sealing tool (24) and/or second sealing tool (25) in the area of the second fastening surface (200) is arranged at least 0.05 mm, preferably at least 0.10 mm, in particular at least 0.15 mm higher. Sealing station according to one of Claims 21 or 22, characterized in that the sonotrode (28) of the first and/or second sealing tool (24, 25) has a heat dissipation means (29), in particular arranged centrally one of claims 1 to 12, in particular according to a method according to one of claims 15-19, with a molding station for molding a base element (2), a filling station for filling a cavity (3) of the base element (2) with at least one beverage raw material and a locking station 42 for closing the base element (2) with a capsule lid (4), characterized in that the closing station is a sealing station according to any one of claims 20 to 23.