KR20230118157A - Serving capsules for preparing beverages in a beverage preparation machine and methods for preparing serving capsules - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a serving size capsule for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine, wherein the serving size capsule has a base element having a hollow space for accommodating beverage ingredients, and a capsule cover closing the hollow space. , the base element comprises a capsule bottom, a peripheral flange, and a capsule wall extending between the capsule bottom and the peripheral flange, the flange having a sealing element in the form of a sealing bead integral with the flange and facing away from the capsule cover, sealing The bead includes an inner flank and an outer flank, the flange having a first flange area between the capsule wall and the inner flank, and a second flange area between the outer free end of the flange and the outer flank, the capsule cover having a first peripheral fastening. A serving size capsule fastened along a face to a first flanged area and coupled to a second flanged area along a second peripheral fastened surface.

Description

Serving capsules for preparing beverages in a beverage preparation machine and method for preparing serving capsules

The present invention is a single serve capsule for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine, the single serve capsule comprising: a base element having a cavity for receiving a beverage ingredient; The base element includes a capsule base, a surrounding flange, and a capsule wall extending between the capsule base and the surrounding flange, the flange having a sealing crimp facing away from the capsule lid. A sealing element integrally formed with a flange in the form of a sealing crimp comprising an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder, the flange having a first flange area between the capsule wall and the inner shoulder, an outer free end of the flange and an outer shoulder. It comes from a serving size capsule, with a second flanged area between the shoulders.

Such single serving capsules are known in the art. Publication WO 2016/186 488 A1, for example, discloses such a single serving capsule of the generic type. The serving size capsule is provided for insertion into a brewing chamber having a perforated capsule base to channel pressurized brewing liquid in the form of hot water into the cavity. As a result, as a result of the increased pressure within the serving capsule, the capsule lid is pressed into the relief or pyramidal plate of the brewing chamber and, when a predetermined pressure is reached, is pierced or burst open at the point of contact. The beverage produced by the interaction between the incoming water and the beverage ingredients, in particular roast and ground coffee, exits the serving size capsule through this perforated location in the capsule lid. In other words, the serving size capsule is passed by a stream of water or beverage flowing through the capsule base and towards the capsule lid. Thus, this single serving capsule of the general type is any other type where the flow is in the opposite direction, i.e. water enters the serving capsule through the capsule lid and beverage exits the serving capsule through the capsule base. It should be fundamentally distinguished from serving size capsules.

1 area of the brewing chamber and the flange to ensure that water in the brewing chamber flows through the beverage ingredients to form the beverage and bypasses the beverage ingredients outside the serving size capsule and does not flow between the walls of the brewing chamber and the outside of the capsule walls. The need for sufficient sealing between serving capsules is common to all single serving capsules.

To this end, a serving capsule of this type in the flange area has a sealing element which seals against the brewing chamber element in the brewing chamber. The sealing element here preferably consists of the same material as the capsule body (also referred to as the base element) to keep the cost of producing the serving capsule low and to facilitate disposal or recycling of the used serving capsule.

Serving capsules with sealing elements of this type are disclosed, for example, in publications WO 2016/186 488 A1 and WO 2016/041 596 A1. The serving size capsules disclosed herein have a sealing crimp embossed in the flange. The sealing effect between the sealing crimp and the brewing chamber element is achieved by simple modification of the sealing crimp. Other serving size capsules with a surrounding sealing element are known to the person skilled in the art from publication EP 2 872 421 A1.

It is common to all the aforementioned serving size capsules that the sealing effect of the sealing element is in each case based on a severe deformation of this sealing element itself. For this purpose, ideally an inner shoulder with a flat angle is used, whereby the brewing chamber element can act on the shoulder when the brewing chamber is closed, which can thus lead to slight deformation of the sealing element.

Sealing solutions based on deformation of the sealing element have the disadvantage that as a result a fairly high force is required to close the brewing chamber. In this way, the ease of operation and durability of the beverage preparation machine are greatly improved. Furthermore, sealing elements known in the prior art are of asymmetrical design. Thus, these sealing elements are inclined laterally during deformation. As a result, the sealing effect is actually increased, but brewing in such a way that the serving capsule can no longer be separated from the brewing chamber element without increasing force, usually after the brewing procedure, due to the sideways tilt of the sealing element. The problem arises that the chamber element is jammed by the sealing element. Thus, the ejection of used serving capsules from the brewing chamber is significantly delayed, severely compromising ease of operation.

An alternative may be a separate sealing element made of a sealing material known from publications EP 1 654 966 A1 and EP 1 839 543 A1. However, the production cost of the serving capsules is quite high due to the use of separate materials for these sealing elements on the one hand and, on the other hand, the need to separate the different materials from each other, resulting in the disposal or recycling of already used serving capsules. It has the disadvantage already mentioned above that it makes it more difficult to do.

Another problem with known single serving capsules is the fastening of the capsule lid to the flange. Capsule lids of this type are generally composed at least partially of aluminum and are generally sealed to a flange along an enclosing sealing surface. This is not a problem, especially for serving size capsules with continuous flanges in which the capsule lid can be fastened over the entire area or at least without problems via a sufficiently large sealing surface.

This is a different issue for serving size capsules which have sealing crimps integrally with the flanges as described above. In this case, it is difficult to achieve a reliable seal because the flat surface of the flange available for sealing is limited. Even a few imperfections in the seal of the capsule lid can allow liquid to escape through the capsule lid.

Furthermore, when sealing the lid to the flange area radially outside the sealing crimp, as is the case for example in the previously mentioned WO 2016/041 596 A1, the liquid flows into the cavity of the sealing crimp and into the dead volume within the cavity. may remain This amount of liquid, on the one hand, is not included in the desired total amount of the beverage, and on the other hand, liquid may also leak from the sealing crimp after the brewing procedure and drip undesirably from the serving capsule.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a serving capsule of the type mentioned at the outset which does not have the problems outlined in the context of the prior art. In particular, it is to provide a single serving capsule that ensures a reliable fastening of the capsule lid even when the serving capsule has a sealing crimp. A further object is to provide methods for making such single serving capsules and equipment for making such single serving capsules.

An object of the present invention is a serving size capsule for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine, the serving size capsule having a base element having a cavity for receiving a beverage ingredient, and a capsule lid closing the cavity. , the base element comprises a capsule base, an enclosing flange, and a capsule wall extending between the capsule base and the enclosing flange, the flange comprising a sealing element integral with the flange in the form of a sealing crimp facing away from the capsule lid. wherein the sealing crimp comprises an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder, the flange having a first flange area between the capsule wall and the inner shoulder, and a second flange area between the outer free end of the flange and the outer shoulder, and the capsule lid comprising: This is achieved by a serving size capsule fastened to a first flange area along a first surrounding fastening surface and to a second flange area along a second surrounding fastening surface. The first and/or second fastening face is preferably a flat plane. The first and/or second engagement face is particularly preferably configured annularly, the first engagement face and the second engagement face in particular having substantially the same radial extent.

Compared to the prior art, the serving size capsule according to the present invention has the advantage of pressure resistance and reliable fastening of the capsule lid by fastening the capsule lid to at least two mutually disparate areas. Particularly advantageously, no liquid can enter the cavity formed by the sealing crimp. It was surprising and unexpected to the person skilled in the art that a reliable fastening to two different faces, individually viewed in each case small faces, is also possible.

Advantageous design embodiments and improvements of the present invention can be derived from the dependent claims and the following description with reference to the drawings. These advantageous design embodiments and refinements also relate to a further subject matter according to the invention and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the base element is integrally made of aluminum. A person skilled in the art will understand that the sealing element provided according to the invention to be integral with the flange is in this case likewise made of aluminum. In the context of the present invention, aluminum also includes aluminum laminates and other materials containing at least aluminum. In addition also materials with varnishes and/or coatings should in particular be included, which materials may also comprise plastics materials, for example. Aluminum is a preferred material for serving capsules according to the present invention, but the base element may alternatively be made of a plastic material and/or a biodegradable material. It is important that the sealing element as sealing crimp is constructed integrally with the flange, and that it is possible to reliably fasten the capsule lid to the first flange area and the second flange area. The base element is preferably produced by cold forming or hot forming, in particular by deep drawing, by integrally embossing a sealing crimp onto the flange. Serving capsules are preferably embodied in frustoconical or cylindrical shapes.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the capsule lid is provided with an aluminum foil. Here again aluminum foil is also to be understood as an aluminum foil and/or a foil of an aluminum laminate having a coating and/or varnish on one or both sides. The capsule lid may be provided with one or two tiers, and in particular may also include a layered structure.

The beverage ingredient provided to the cavity formed by the base element and closed in particular by the capsule lid in an airtight manner preferably includes roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, blended tea, powdered milk and/or the like.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer free end of the flange is wound, in particular flared, in such a way that this outer free end forms a surrounding bead, the bead relative to the flange, particularly preferably the flange. has a vertical extent preferably greater than zero on both sides of the capsule lid, and the vertical extent of the bead on the side of the flange facing away from the capsule lid is very particularly preferably smaller than the vertical extent of the sealing crimp and/or the flange facing the capsule lid. It is provided that the vertical extent of the bead on the side is smaller than on the side of the flange facing away from the capsule lid. In other words, preferably the beads are particularly preferably provided with smaller sealing crimps on both sides of the flange. Most particularly preferably the bead is configured to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the flange, and in particular in terms of its vertical extent. Alternatively also, 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 crimp, and/or the vertical extent of the bead on the side of the flange facing the capsule lid is the vertical extent of the flange facing away from the capsule lid. It may be larger than the one on the side. The beads are most particularly preferably provided in such a way that no sealing effect is created during preparation of the beverage. A bead of this type advantageously protects the user against unintentional injury, especially if the base element is made of aluminum. However, the outer free end of the flange may also have a sharp configuration and/or production-related defect points resulting in a risk of injury to the user in serving capsules made of plastic materials. This is particularly advantageously avoided by providing the outer free end of the flange with a bead having an effective radius. The bead is formed in particular by winding around a flange, wherein the flange periphery is preferably wound inward towards the capsule base.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder are configured to be mutually symmetrical. In particular, these shoulders have the same angle and/or the same material thickness. As a result, the effect according to the invention of having a stable and reliable seal is advantageously reinforced.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer shoulder and the inner shoulder are greater than 80 degrees and less than 90 degrees, preferably 81 degrees to 89 degrees, particularly preferably 81 degrees to 89 degrees, with respect to the horizontal plane extending through the first flange region and the second flange region. is provided to be aligned at an angle between 83 degrees and 87 degrees, most particularly preferably between 84 degrees and 86 degrees, in particular substantially 85 degrees. A person skilled in the art will understand that horizontal in the context of the present invention is the conventional meaning of a capsule in which the central longitudinal axis of the capsule, which is preferably of a rotationally symmetrical configuration, is arranged perpendicularly and the first and/or second flange regions are arranged perpendicular to this capsule axis. It will be appreciated that it should be understood as related to an arrangement. The horizontal extent of the first and/or second flange area particularly preferably coincides with the horizontal extent of the first and/or second fastening surface. In this angular range, the deformation of the sealing crimp can firstly be reduced, and since this angle is ideally steep, the stiffness of the sealing crimp increases, and in this way the sealing crimp is perpendicular to the first and/or second fastening face ( Also known as the vertical direction, thus ensuring a high degree of stability in relation to the forces acting on the sealing crimp (especially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the serving size capsule) and, on the other hand, because this angle is always more acute than right angle. It has been demonstrated that simple and cost effective production of serving size capsules is possible. If both shoulders of the sealing crimp are perpendicular, i.e. the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder, it will be much more difficult to individually demold the serving capsules from the mold or embossing tool during the production of the serving capsules.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, when closing the brewing chamber, this sealing crimp extends vertically to the first and/or second flange area or to the first and/or second fastening surface, respectively, at most 30% of the total height; It is provided that the sealing crimp is configured in such a way that it deforms preferably only by at most 20%, particularly preferably by at most 10% and most particularly preferably by at most 5%. at most 30% of the height perpendicular to the first and/or second fastening face, in particular when this sealing crimp is subjected to a force of up to 100 N acting on the sealing crimp perpendicular to the first and/or second fastening face, preferably The sealing crimp is configured in such a way that is only deformed by at most 20%, particularly preferably by at most 10% and most particularly preferably by at most 5%.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, when closing the brewing chamber, the radius of this sealing crimp with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the serving capsule (the axis on which the flange is arranged to be rotationally symmetrical) is first and/or second. 2 This sealing crimp is only displaced parallel to the fastening surface by at most 10%, preferably at most 8%, particularly preferably at most 5% and most particularly preferably at most 4%. It is provided that the sealing crimp is constructed in such a way that it deforms parallel to As a result, clogging of the brewing chamber elements by the laterally inclined sealing crimps is advantageously prevented so that the brewed serving capsules are always removed from the brewing chamber again in a simple manner and without increased effort in terms of force. can

The sealing crimp thus seals in particular when subjected to a force of up to 100 N acting on the center of the sealing crimp perpendicularly to the first and/or second fastening face along a vertical direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the serving size capsule. It is designed to be rigid and stable in such a way that deformation of the crimp is reduced, and this force acts in a planar manner, in particular on the tip of the sealing crimp or the inner and/or outer shoulder of the sealing crimp, or the planar transition plane of the sealing crimp. In this process, the sealing crimp should vary in height in particular by at most 30%, preferably by at most 20%, particularly preferably by at most 10% and most particularly by at most 5%. Furthermore, only reduced lateral displacements or deformations occur along the direction parallel to the first and/or second fastening surfaces when viewed in the radial direction R from the central longitudinal axis of the serving size capsule, in particular concentrically configured. can think of Here too the tip of the sealing crimp, and thus the transition area of the sealing crimp, is at most 10%, preferably at most 8%, particularly preferably at most 5% of the total radius of this sealing crimp from the central longitudinal axis of the serving size capsule, Most particularly preferably, displacements or strains of up to 4% are provided. The radius proceeding from the center of the sealing crimp can for example be considered here as the full radius.

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

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface each have a substantially horizontal extent. The extent of the first and/or second fastening face particularly preferably coincides with the extent of the first or second flange region, respectively, in the region of the respective fastening face. This corresponds in particular to a particularly horizontal surface portion of a first flange area on the flange side where the first fastening surface faces the capsule lid and/or of a second flange area on the flange side where the second fastening surface faces the capsule lid. In particular, it means that it is preferable to correspond to a horizontal surface part. As a result of the horizontal extent of the fastening face, a conventional fastening by means of sealing by means of a flat sonotrode is possible in a particularly advantageous manner.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the base element is preferably constant, but at least 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.08 mm to 1.8 mm, particularly preferably 0.09 mm to 1.5 mm, most particularly preferably substantially. It is provided that it has an average material thickness of 0.11 mm. The base element preferably has the aforementioned material thickness at least in the region of the sealing crimp, capsule wall, capsule base and/or flange, in particular in the area of the first and/or second flange.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first fastening surface and the second fastening surface are vertically spaced apart from each other, the first fastening surface preferably having a smaller vertical distance from the capsule base than the second fastening surface. . Particularly preferably, this also applies accordingly to the first and second flange regions. In this way a serving capsule is provided in which the flange has two parts of different heights, in particular a horizontal part. This is particularly advantageous since a minimum offset between the first flange area and the second flange area is often unavoidable for manufacturing reasons. It was very surprising and unexpected to the person skilled in the art that a reliable fastening of the capsule lid is also possible in two zones at different heights relative to the central longitudinal axis. In particular, since the usable first fastening surface of the first flange area is very insignificant, it is difficult to expect reliable fastening. Alternatively, the first flange area and the second flange area are at the same height. This has the advantage that no indirect rearrangement or deformation of the sealing crimp occurs when closing the brewing chamber, in that the first flange region and the second flange region are deformed or rearranged relative to each other in the vertical direction. Instead, both flange areas can be supported on the closing element of the brewing chamber and thus form an adequate counterforce to avoid any significant deformation of the sealing crimp.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the vertical distance between the fastening surface and/or the first and second flange areas is less than three times the thickness of the flange in the area of the first and/or second fastening surface, or and/or the second flange area is each preferably less than 0.035 mm, particularly preferably less than 0.030 mm and in particular at most 0.025 mm. The vertical offset is most particularly preferably less than twice the material thickness and even more preferably less than one material thickness. The material thickness is in this case the material thickness of the base element, in particular in the region of the first and/or the second flange region, in particular the thickness measured perpendicularly to the extent of the aforementioned region. As a result, it is possible in an advantageous way, in particular for manufacturing reasons, that there are certain tolerances in terms of the height of the flange area and that a reliable and airtight fastening of the capsule lid is nonetheless 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 serving size capsule and the cavity present between the capsule lid and the sealing crimp. This means that the fastening of the capsule lid in the first flange area, in particular via the first fastening surface, is configured in a fluid-tight manner. As a result, water-tight and air-tight serving capsules are advantageously provided.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transition region extends between the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder, the transition region preferably being configured to be curved, or extending parallel to the first flange region and/or the second flange region. It is provided that it has a flat surface. The transition plane is configured in particular to be horizontal. The curved configuration of the transition region has the advantage that the sealing crimp gains stability and in this way resists deformation even more effectively. In contrast, the flat configuration of the transition region means that the sealing crimp is flatter and consequently engages to a lesser degree with the depressions of the sealing contour of the receptacle element of the brewing chamber so that less force is applied to the sealing crimp when closing the brewing chamber. have an advantage Furthermore, in the case of a flat sealing crimp, there is less risk of clogging of parts of the brewing chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the transition area in the radial direction ranges 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 and in particular from 0.12 mm. This is especially true for the transition area in the radial cross-section of the enclosing sealing crimp to have a straight connection area with a width of 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm, preferably 0.07 mm to 0.17 mm, particularly preferably 0.10 mm to 0.14 mm, in particular 0.12 mm. means to have

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the serving size capsule at the transition from the outer shoulder to the second flange area and/or the transition from the inner shoulder to the first flange area is between 0.03 mm and 0.20 mm, preferably 0.06 mm. to 0.15 mm and particularly preferably 0.09 to 0.13 mm, in particular 0.11 mm. The aforementioned preferred dimensions of the sealing crimp result in a sealing crimp with sufficient stability so that deformation of the sealing crimp does not occur during closing of the brewing chamber and/or brewing of capsules in the brewing chamber.

In the radial cross-section of the enclosing sealing crimp, the outer shoulder as well as the inner shoulder preferably each have a straight contact area extending between the flange and the transition area. The phrase "in radial section" means viewing a flange contour in a cross section along the circumference of the enclosing flange contour. Accordingly, the plane of the sectional view is formed in the vertical direction and the radial direction as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 .

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the straight contact area has a length of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, in particular 0.3 mm to 1.3 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, most particularly preferably 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm. Provided. It has been demonstrated in simulations and experiments that an optimum seal between the flange and the sealing contour of the brewing chamber element can be achieved for a straight contact area of the stated length. In other words, the inner shoulder is between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.3 mm, particularly preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.3 mm, in order to achieve a sufficient sealing effect (in the area of the inner shoulder) without significant deformation of the sealing crimp by the required sealing contour. It is sufficient that the brewing chamber element is supported in a planar manner with form-fitting and press-fitting on the sealing projection shoulder of the sealing contour over a length of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, most particularly preferably 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at the transition from the straight contact area to the transition area on the side facing the capsule lid, the size of the serving size capsule is between 0.05 mm and 0.35 mm, preferably between 0.10 mm and 0.30 mm, particularly preferably between 0.10 mm and 0.30 mm. One with a radius of 0.21 mm is provided. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the serving size capsule at the transition from the outer shoulder to the transition area on the side facing the capsule lid is between 0.05 mm and 0.35 mm, preferably between 0.10 mm and 0.30 mm, particularly preferably between 0.21 mm and 0.21 mm. It is provided that it has a radius of mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the height of the sealing crimp perpendicular to the sealing plane comprises between 0.6 mm and 1.3 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm, particularly preferably between 0.9 mm and 1.0 mm. The aforementioned preferred dimensions of the sealing crimp result in a sealing crimp with sufficient stability to avoid significant deformation of the sealing crimp during closing of the brewing chamber and/or brewing of capsules in the brewing chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the capsule wall, in particular the serving size capsule on the outside of the capsule wall, has one or a plurality of, preferably 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 concentric surrounding grooves. What you have is provided. The groove here may consist of inwardly or outwardly directed depressions and/or elevations. Grooves of this type are advantageously used to strengthen and/or reinforce the capsule wall so that the serving size capsule can withstand the pressures encountered during beverage preparation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a serving capsule is provided having a filter in the region of the capsule base. The filter particularly preferably comprises a non-woven material and/or a felt material. The filter is very particularly preferably composed of one or a plurality of plies. The filter is preferably designed to be disc-shaped, in particular circular. Alternatively, the filter is configured to be angular, for example rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal or decagonal. It is preferably provided that the filter is arranged in the region of the base. Most particularly preferably, in the region of the capsule base, the filter is fastened, in particular sealed, in a partially or encircling manner to the capsule base and/or to the capsule wall and/or to the transition region between the capsule base and the capsule wall.

Another subject of the present invention is a beverage preparation machine and a beverage preparation system having a serving size capsule according to the present invention, the beverage preparation machine having a brewing unit having a first brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part , the first and/or second brewing chamber portions have a convergent position where the first and second brewing chamber portions form a closed brewing chamber, and wherein the first and second brewing chamber portions contain serving capsules. movable relative to another brewing chamber portion between mutually spaced open positions for insertion or ejection, the first brewing chamber portion comprising a receptacle element for at least partially receiving a serving capsule; 2 The brewing chamber part is a system comprising a closing element for the receptacle element, wherein in the closed position the flange of the serving capsule is received in a form-fitting and sealing manner between the closing element and the surrounding area of the receptacle element.

The serving capsule according to the present invention is part of the system according to the present invention, which is why all the advantages and improvements discussed in relation to the serving capsule are also analogous to the system according to the present invention and further subject matter of the present invention. , and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a sealing contour for engagement in a sealing manner with the sealing crimp is constructed in the peripheral region of the receptacle element, the sealing contour comprising a surrounding depression and a surrounding sealing protrusion constructed adjacent to the depression. wherein the depression is arranged radially, preferably outside the sealing projection, the outer sealing projection shoulder forms an inner wall of the depression, and/or the sealing projection engages the first flange region in the closed position, and the sealing crimp It is provided that the sealing protrusion shoulder together with the inner shoulder in the radial cross-section engages the depression in such a way that it constitutes a linear contact area. This type of construction of the brewing chamber part is particularly advantageous since in this way an improvement in terms of the tightness of the system is achieved. In particular, it has been achieved that the path of permeable water is lengthened.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in the closed position, the sealing crimp is at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 20% of the height of the sealing crimp perpendicular to the first and/or second fastening face by means of the sealing contour. Preferably it is provided that it only deforms by at most 10%, most particularly preferably by at most 5%. The forces acting as a result are advantageously limited, and in this way the risk of damage to the beverage preparation machine and/or the serving capsule is minimized.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing contour further has a surrounding sealing protrusion, wherein the depression is arranged radially between the sealing protrusion and the further sealing protrusion, wherein the sealing protrusion is configured to be longer than the further sealing protrusion. provided that, in the closed position, the additional sealing protrusion together with the outer shoulder constitutes point-like contact in the radial cross-section. As a result, the tightness is particularly advantageously further improved.

A further subject of the invention is a method for manufacturing a serving capsule according to the invention, wherein in a first step a base element having a capsule base, a surrounding flange and a capsule wall extending between the capsule base and the surrounding flange is provided. In a second step, a sealing crimp is molded into the flange, in a third step, the cavity of the base element is filled with at least a beverage ingredient, and in a fourth step, the base element is closed with a capsule lid, and the capsule lid is first fastened. A method in which the flange is fastened, in particular sealed, along the face and the second fastening face. A serving capsule providing all the advantages mentioned in relation to the serving capsule according to the present invention is advantageously provided by the method according to the present invention.

The advantages and improvements discussed in relation to the method according to the invention also apply in a similar way to other subjects of the invention and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the fourth step comprises at least one first sub-step and one second sub-step, in the first sub-step fastening by fastening means, in particular heat sealing tools, In particular, it is provided that the sealing is effected along the second fastening surface, and in a second sub-step fastening by means of a fastening means, in particular a heat sealing tool, in particular that the sealing is effected along the first fastening surface and preferably along the second fastening surface. A person skilled in the art will understand that fastening always takes place over the entire surrounding fastening face in order to achieve the required tightness. The first sub-step corresponds in particular to pre-sealing. Pre-sealing in this context means that the first fastening takes place, which is eg not as strong as the fastening of the second sub-step, and thus takes place eg using a lower force and/or in a shorter time. . The fastening means of the first and second sub-steps are preferably at least partially identical. Partially identical here is understood to mean that the individual elements of the fastening means are replaced, for example in the case of heat sealing tools, for example the sonotrode and/or the receptacle element are replaced. do. Alternatively, a first fastening means, in particular a first heat sealing tool, is used in a first sub-step and a second fastening means, in particular a second heat-sealing tool, is used in a second sub-step.

Fastening in the first sub-step takes place at a sealing temperature preferably between 160°C and 260°C, particularly preferably between 190°C and 230°C, in particular between 210°C. The fastening in the first sub-step preferably takes place at a sealing time of 200 ms to 300 ms, particularly preferably 230 ms to 270 ms, in particular 250 ms. The fastening in the first sub-step takes place at a sealing force of preferably from 250 N to 350 N, particularly preferably from 280 N to 320 N, in particular 300 N.

Fastening in the second sub-step takes place at a sealing temperature preferably between 160°C and 260°C, particularly preferably between 190°C and 230°C, in particular between 210°C. The fastening in the second sub-step preferably takes place at a sealing time of 300 ms to 600 ms, particularly preferably 400 ms to 500 ms, in particular 450 ms. The fastening in the second sub-step takes place at a sealing force of preferably from 700 N to 1100 N, particularly preferably from 850 N to 950 N, in particular 900 N.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that before the first sub-step, in a further sub-step of the fourth step, capsule caps are produced from strip stock, preferably cut and/or punched. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that especially circular capsule lids are preferably punched out of aluminum foil when aluminum foil is the material of the capsule lid. The further substep here is particularly preferably carried out in particular in one pass by the fastening means as well. For example, capsule lids are perforated from aluminum foil and then sealed to the base element in one motion. Alternatively, a capsule lid, in particular a round blank, is supplied to the fastening means. The production of serving size capsules is simplified and as a result production time is reduced. Potential position errors are also advantageously avoided.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention the first step comprises a first sub-step, a second sub-step and preferably a third sub-step, in which the basic shape is created from the strip stock and , in particular a preform is produced in such a way that it is punched out, in a second sub-step a base element is formed from the basic shape, and in a third sub-step a bead is formed from the outer free end of the flange, in particular wound and/or unfolded. is provided. The second sub-step preferably takes place by means of a die.

In a further substep, the enclosing concentric groove is preferably molded into the capsule wall at least from the outside.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention the third step takes place in a modified atmosphere and/or in particular after the fourth step a layer of nitrogen is applied to the bed from the beverage ingredients in such a way that no oxygen is present in the serving size capsules. Provided.

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, the filter is included in the cavity and is preferably fastened to the base element, particularly in the region of the capsule base. The filter particularly preferably comprises a non-woven material and/or a felt material. The filter most particularly preferably consists of one or a plurality of plies. The filter is preferably designed to be disc-shaped, in particular circular. Alternatively, the filter is configured to be angular, for example rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal or decagonal. It is preferably provided that the filter is disposed in the base region. The filter is most particularly preferably fastened and particularly sealed to the capsule base and/or the capsule wall and/or to the transition region between the capsule base and the capsule wall in a partially or encircling manner in the region of the capsule base. Particularly preferably, the filter is cut by means of a tool, moved into the cavity and then fastened to the cavity in one pass, in particular sealed.

Another subject of the present invention is a heat sealing station for closing a serving capsule with a capsule lid for preparing serving capsules according to the present invention, comprising at least one first heat sealing tool, comprising a first heat sealing tool. The sealing tool is configured to seal the capsule lid to the flange along the second fastening surface, the first heat sealing tool or the second heat sealing tool to seal the capsule lid to the flange along the first fastening surface and preferably the second fastening surface. It is a heat sealing station configured to seal. Those skilled in the art can understand that the first and second sealing can take place using the same heat sealing tool, i.e., a first heat sealing tool, or the two sealing procedures can be performed using at least two different heat sealing tools, i.e., at least first and second heat sealing tools. You will understand that it can happen by The first sealing procedure corresponds here in particular to the pre-sealing, and the second sealing procedure to the post-sealing or primary sealing in which the desired final tightness is achieved. As a result of the heat sealing station according to the invention, it is now also advantageously possible to produce a serving capsule according to the invention which seals the capsule lid not only in the first flange area but also in the second flange area. By subdividing into two steps, sealing of the capsule lid along the first and second fastening surfaces is made possible particularly advantageously even if the first and second flange areas are at different heights. In this way the capsule lid is pre-fixed, in particular in a first step.

The advantages and improvements discussed in connection with the heat sealing station according to the present invention also apply in a similar manner to other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the heat sealing station according to the present invention, the first heat sealing tool and/or the second heat sealing tool each comprise at least one sonotrode and at least one receptacle element, wherein the receptacle element is 1 having an open cavity for accommodating the serving size capsules, the receptacle element additionally having at least one counter holding means, in particular in the region of the first fastening surface and/or the second fastening surface, on the side of the flange facing away from the capsule lid. The counter holding means in is configured to provide a counterforce to the force exerted by the sonotrode. Sonotrodes are generally flat elements. In order to achieve reliable sealing even in the flange areas of different heights, it is essential that the counter holding means on the side under the flange, i.e. on the opposite side of the capsule lid, provide a counterforce to the force exerted by the sonotrode. . The heat sealing station particularly preferably comprises a first heat sealing tool and a second heat sealing tool, wherein the receptacle elements of the first and second heat sealing tools are located in the region of the first fastening surface as well as the second fastening surface. The area of also has a counter holding means. Alternatively, the receptacle element of the first heat sealing tool has only one counter holding means in the region of the second fastening surface. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that although the receptacle element here differs from the receptacle element of the beverage preparation machine of the system according to the invention, the two receptacle elements are preferably similar in construction and function. Both preferably have a cavity for at least partially receiving the serving size capsule or base element. The receptacle element of the beverage preparation machine has a sealing contour as described above, whereas the receptacle element of the heat-seal tool preferably has counter-holding means only in the region of the first and/or second fastening face, but in particular with a sealing crimp. Receptacle elements are particularly different in that they do not come into contact with. A safe and reliable sealing of the two fastening surfaces is ensured with particular advantage by means of the counterholding means.

According to a preferred embodiment of the heat sealing station according to the invention, the receptacle element has at least one counter-holding means in the region of the first fastening surface, the upper surface of the counter-holding means in the region of the second fastening surface. It is provided that it is arranged so as to be at least 0.05 mm, preferably at least 0.10 mm, in particular at least 0.15 mm higher than the upper surface of the counter holding means of the first heat sealing tool and/or the second heat sealing tool. In this context, higher means greater range, especially in the vertical direction. The counter holding means is particularly preferably a plunger. The Applicant has surprisingly demonstrated through experimentation that a particularly positive heat-sealing quality is achieved in that the counter-holding means has a different height in the region of the two fastening faces and in particular a greater height in the region of the first fastening face. . A person skilled in the art will understand that the numerical values given above apply in particular to the case where the first flange area and the second flange area are arranged at the same height with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The numerical value should be adjusted accordingly in case of a predetermined offset.

According to a preferred embodiment of the heat sealing station according to the invention the sonotrodes of the first and/or second heat sealing tools have a diameter of 34 mm to 36 mm, particularly preferably 34.4 mm to 35.2 mm, in particular 34.8 mm. Provided. As a result, a high-quality and reliable seal can be achieved without the bead coming into contact with, for example, the sonotrode.

According to a preferred embodiment of the heat sealing station according to the present invention, it is provided that the sonotrodes of the first and/or second heat sealing tools have a heat dissipation means arranged in particular at the center. The heat dissipation means is particularly preferably at least partly made of a ceramic material. A significant amount of heat is transferred to the serving size capsule, especially in the two-step sealing provided according to the present invention. This can damage the capsule lid on the one hand and the beverage ingredient on the other hand. The effects of excessive heat are particularly advantageously prevented by arranging such heat dissipation means, for example in the form of ceramic inserts. The heat dissipation means most particularly preferably has a diameter of at least 25 mm, even more preferably at least 28 mm, or at least 30 mm.

A further subject of the invention is an installation for producing the serving size capsules according to the invention, in particular by the method according to the invention, comprising a forming station for forming a base element, filling the cavity of the base element with at least one beverage ingredient. A filling station for closing, and a closing station for closing the base element with the capsule lid, the closing station being a heat seal station according to the invention.

Descriptions that apply to this subject matter of the invention also apply to other subject matter according to the invention and vice versa.

Further details, features and advantages of the present invention are derived from the drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments through the drawings. The drawings are only for illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and do not limit the practical concept of the present invention.

1 and 2 show schematic cross-sectional views of a system for preparing serving capsules and beverages according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
3-5 show schematic details of a serving capsule according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
6 to 15 show other schematic views of a heat sealing tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
16 depicts a schematic detailed cross-sectional view of a serving capsule according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

References to dimensions are included in some images. These images correspond to technical drawings from which dimensions and/or size ratios can be derived. This applies in particular to at least FIGS. 3 to 5 and 12 to 15 .

1 and 2 show a schematic side view of a serving capsule 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention and as part of a beverage preparation machine 13 with the serving size capsule 1 for preparing a beverage. A cross-sectional view of the constructed system is shown.

The serving size capsule 1 has a base element 2, which base element is eg frustoconical and configured in the shape of a cup, with a capsule base 5 on the closed side and a surrounding flange 6 on the open side. have The capsule wall 7 extends around the cavity 3 between the capsule base 5 and the flange 6 . The serving size capsule 1 is configured to be rotationally symmetric about a central longitudinal axis M defining a vertical direction Y. A flange 6 , which is circular and configured to encircle in the circumferential direction, protrudes outwardly beyond the capsule wall 7 in the radial direction R.

The flange 6 is fixedly connected on the open side of the base element 2 to a capsule lid 4 in the form of a lid foil, in particular an aluminum foil, which closes the cavity 3 . For this purpose, the flange 6 has, according to the invention, a first fastening surface 100 facing the capsule lid 4 and a second fastening surface 200, which fastening surface 100, 200 is preferably vertical. It extends approximately perpendicular to the direction (Y). The capsule lid 4 is sealed, welded or adhesively bonded to the flange 6 at the first and second fastening faces 100, 200 in its peripheral region.

The capsule lid 4 is preferably implemented in an aluminum material or a plastic material, which material may also in each case comprise a laminate. A cavity 3 filled with beverage ingredients, e.g. roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, blended tea, milk powder and/or the like, is constituted in the base element 2 (for clarity the beverage ingredients are illustrated not), this cavity (3) is closed by the capsule lid (4).

The cup-shaped design embodiment of the base element 2 is preferably produced by thermoforming, for example by vacuum, positive pressure and/or deep drawing with a movable die. The base element 2 preferably consists of a deep-drawn aluminum part. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the base element 2 consists of plastic parts of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the serving capsule 1 is produced by injection molding, in particular single-component, multi-component or in-mold methods. Especially preferred as a multi-component process is a two-component process in which an aluminum layer with a layer thickness of 90 µm in particular is provided with a PP layer with a layer thickness of 30 µm in particular. The PP layer is most 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 . As a result, a better connection between the flange 6 and the capsule lid 4 is advantageously achieved due to the absence of PVC.

The serving size capsules 1 are introduced into the brewing unit upon use in the beverage preparation machine 13 . The brewing unit includes a first brewing chamber portion and a second brewing chamber portion, the first or second brewing chamber portion comprising a brewing chamber 12 in which the first and second brewing chamber portions are closed. It is movable relative to the other brewing chamber parts between forming a converged position and an open position where the first and second brewing chamber parts are spaced apart from each other for inserting or ejecting the serving size capsule 1 .

The first brewing chamber part is configured as a cup-shaped receptacle element 21 which in particular fully accommodates the serving size capsule 1 when the brewing chamber 12 is in the closed position. The second brewing chamber part is configured as a closing element 22 for the receptacle element 21 . In the closed position shown in FIG. 2 , the flange 6 of the serving size capsule 1 is sealed in a sealing manner between the peripheral region 23 of the receptacle element 21 and the closing element 22 .

In this closed position, the capsule lid 4 and the capsule base 5 are continuously or simultaneously pierced. One or more piercing openings of the capsule base 5 here are formed in the receptacle element 21 by one or more piercing tips, in particular during the closing of the brewing chamber 13, whereas the capsule lid 4 The piercing opening of is preferably already created by means of a piercing structure in the base of the closing element 22 during closing of the brewing chamber 12, or when pressure is applied to the inside of the serving size capsule 1 during the beverage preparation process. It is created only as a result of augmentation.

The pressurized extraction liquid is directed into the cavity (3) through one or more perforated openings in the capsule base (5). The desired beverage is produced as a result of the interaction between the extraction liquid and the beverage ingredients, which beverage exits the serving size capsule 1 through a perforated opening in the capsule lid 4 and is supplied to the beverage container. Potential particles of beverage ingredients may be filtered from the beverage and retained in the serving size capsule 1 by an optional filter media. However, the capsule lid 4 having multiple perforations preferably functions as a filter element.

3-5 show detailed views of the serving size capsule 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, this figure shows an enlarged sectional view of the flange 6 on the right side of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 , respectively. Here, FIGS. 3 to 5 are exemplified in a way that is true to the actual scale and more accurately reproduces angles and length ratios.

The flange 6 shown runs parallel to the radial direction R from the upper end of the capsule wall 7 to the free outer end of this flange 6 (the end where the flange 6 terminates with the bead 8). It extends substantially horizontally. The bead 8 has a flanged end, in particular wrapped in the direction of the capsule base 5 .

Moreover, in particular the beads 8 on both sides of the flange 6 protrude in the vertical direction Y, where the flange 6 protrudes from the flange 6 on the lower side by less than one sealing crimp 9 and , and further protrudes beyond the flange 6 on the upper side by an amount less than or equal to that on the lower side.

The flange 6 between the bead 8 and the end of the capsule wall 7 has a sealing crimp 9, which faces away from the capsule lid 4 in the vertical direction Y and in the circumferential direction. It is composed of an embossed shape concentrically surrounding the central longitudinal axis (M). The sealing crimp 9 here has an inner shoulder 10 facing the capsule wall 7 and an outer shoulder 11 facing the bead 8 . The sealing crimp 9 here is integrally formed from the flange 6 and, as can be seen in the figure, the capsule wall 7 and/or the first flange between the capsule wall 7 and the inner shoulder 10 It has substantially the same thickness as the region 18 and/or the second flange region 19 between the bead 8 and the outer shoulder 11 .

A transition area 14 in the form of a transition plane 15 , in particular flat (and therefore straight) and running parallel to the first and/or second flange areas 18 , 19 , is provided between the inner shoulder 11 and the outer shoulder 12 . is extended from To the second flange area 19 the outer shoulder 11 runs at an angle β of about 85 degrees.

The outer shoulder 11 particularly preferably has a straight shoulder part 20 comprising a length of 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm. The second flange area 19 preferably has a length of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.

The flange 6 between the inner shoulder 10 and the upper end of the capsule wall 7 has a first flange area 18 . Viewed in radial cross-section, in this example the first flange area 18 is configured to be at least partially straight and horizontal. The straight region especially has a length of 0.07 mm to 0.09 mm.

In radial section, the inner shoulder 10 has a straight contact area 16 , ie the straight contact area 16 is the length of a straight line between two transitions in the profile of the inner shoulder 10 . The length of the contact area 16 in this example is preferably 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm.

According to the present invention, the angle α between the inner shoulder 10 or straight contact area 16 and the first flange area 18 is each substantially 85 degrees.

Accordingly, the angle between the inner shoulder 10 and the outer shoulder 11 is preferably between 5 degrees and 15 degrees, particularly preferably between 8 degrees and 12 degrees, most particularly preferably substantially 10 degrees.

The first flange area 18 and the second flange area 19 are here at the same height in the vertical direction Y. The height 17 of the sealing crimp 9 is the length of the sealing crimp 9 from the lower side of the first and second flange areas 18 , 19 to the lower side of the flange 6 in the region of the transition plane 15 . Covers the entire range. This height 17 perpendicular to the first or second flange areas 18, 19 is each 0.9 mm to 1.0 mm.

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

For the sake of clarity, the peripheral region 23 of the receptacle element 21 , which engages in a sealing manner with the flange 6 of the serving size capsule 1 , is not shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 . The peripheral region 23 comprises a sealing contour for engagement in a sealing manner with the sealing crimp 9 . For this purpose, the sealing contour has a circumferentially surrounding recess and a sealing protrusion configured adjacent to the recess and also circumferentially surrounding it. Viewed in the radial direction R, the depression is disposed outside the sealing projection such that the outer sealing projection shoulder of the sealing projection forms an inner wall of the depression.

In the closed position shown in FIG. 2 the sealing protrusion engages the first flange area 18 while the sealing crimp 9 engages the depression. As a result, a contact 16 is formed in the radial section between the sealing protrusion shoulder and the inner shoulder 10 . This contact 16 is preferably present in a circumferentially circumferential manner and in this way forms an actual seal between the flange 6 and the receiver element 21, passing the beverage material to the brewing chamber 12. ) may have little or no extraction liquid flowing into the outlet. The apex of the sealing protrusion selectively contacts the lower side of the first flange area 18 , while the lower side of the transition plane 15 selectively contacts the base of the depression.

The aforementioned construction and size of the sealing crimp 9 ensures that the sealing crimp 9 is not significantly deformed when closing the brewing chamber 12 and/or when brewing a beverage. Sealing mainly takes place by relatively strong force of the enclosing contact 16 , in particular due to the rigidity of the sealing crimp 9 .

In other words, the sealing crimp 9 is applied when closing the brewing chamber 12 and/or when brewing the serving size capsule 1 . It is configured in such a way that it deforms only by at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10% and most particularly preferably at most 5% of the height 17 perpendicular to (18, 19). In particular, in this way the sealing crimp 9 is subjected to a force of up to 100 N acting on the sealing crimp 9 perpendicularly to the first and/or second flange areas 18 , 19 . deformed only by at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10%, most particularly preferably at most 5% of the height 17 perpendicular to the first and/or second flange area 18. composed in a way Sufficient force required for contact 16 may only be available in this way.

When closing the brewing chamber 12 and/or when brewing the serving size capsules 1, the sealing crimp 9 is preferably at most 0.2 mm in the vertical direction Y in terms of its height 17, preferably Preferably it is conceivable to vary up to 0.15 mm, particularly preferably up to 0.1 mm and most particularly preferably up to 0.05 mm. Alternatively, however, the sealing crimp 9 is displaced only in the radial direction R and not in the vertical direction Y.

As a result, the sealing crimp 9 is preferably likewise configured to be rigid in such a way that there is no excessive lateral displacement or deformation in the respective radial direction R. When closing the brewing chamber 12, preferably the radius of this sealing crimp 9 relative to the central longitudinal axis M of the serving size capsule 1 is the first and/or second flange area 18. . It is provided that the sealing crimp 9 is configured in such a way that it can be easily retrieved back from the brewing chamber 12 after this brewing and that the sealing protrusion is not blocked by the laterally inclined sealing crimp 9 .

When closing the brewing chamber 12 and/or when brewing the serving size capsule 1, preferably the tip of the sealing crimp 9, and thus the transition area 14 of the sealing crimp 9, is It is conceivable that a sealing crimp 9 is provided which is displaced or deformed in the radial direction R by at most 0.2 mm, preferably by at most 0.15 mm, particularly preferably by at most 0.1 mm and most particularly preferably by at most 0.05 mm. there is.

The other dimensions indicated by numbers in FIG. 3 can preferably be regarded as essential to the present invention as well.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the serving size capsule 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here FIG. 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sealing crimp 9 (same alignment as in FIG. 3 , so capsule wall 7 on the left and bead 8 on the right).

As this embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 3 , all of the foregoing descriptions apply in a similar manner.

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

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

FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of the serving size capsule 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sealing crimp 9 (same arrangement as in FIGS. 3 and 4 , thus capsule wall 7 on the left and bead 8 on the right).

As this embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 , all of the foregoing descriptions apply in a similar manner.

The previously discussed dimensions are slightly different in this embodiment and can be derived from the drawings. However, the angle (α, ) is the same.

According to the embodiment illustrated here, the radius of 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 to which the capsule lid 4 is connected to the flange 6 and in particular to which it is sealed. In addition, however, the second flange area 19 also comprises a second fastening surface 200 to which the capsule lid 4 is connected to the flange 6 and in particular to which it is sealed. As a result, the capsule lid 4 is connected according to the invention to the flange 6 at at least two fastening faces 100 , 200 . These fastening faces 100 , 200 are preferably heterogeneous, that is to say they differ from each other, in particular without intersecting, in the first and second flange regions 18 , 19 , and thus in the flange regions on either side of the sealing crimp 9 . are placed

Here, the first and second fastening faces 100, 200 are preferably configured to be substantially annular. According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated herein, the annulus here has substantially the same diameter.

The fastening faces 100 , 200 here are arranged horizontally and substantially at a height corresponding to the flange regions 18 , 19 . Alternatively, however, it is also possible that the first flange area 18 and the second flange area 19 are at different heights. This is particularly possible for manufacturing reasons. In this way, the first flange area 18 is arranged 0.020 to 0.030 mm, in particular at most 0.025 mm lower than the second flange area 19 from the capsule base 5, ie at a smaller distance.

Also in this case, the capsule lid 4 is thus flanged via the first fastening surface 100 as well as the second fastening surface 200, in particular if the horizontal flange regions 18, 19 are of different heights. 6) is connected to

The radius at the transition between the first flange area 18 and the inner shoulder 10 and between the second flange area 19 and the outer shoulder 11 is between 0.10 mm and 0.12 mm, in particular 0.11 mm, while the inner shoulder The radius at the transition between 10 and the transition area 14 (also flat here) and the outer shoulder 11 is preferably between 0.20 mm and 0.22 mm, in particular 0.21 mm. Here, the radius described above is measured on the oppositely facing side of the capsule lid 4 corresponding to the image in each case. As will be understood by the person skilled in the art, the difference in terms of the relevant radius on the side facing the capsule lid 4 is in the material thickness at this location, therefore 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.

The height 17 of the sealing crimp 9 according to this embodiment is between 0.90 mm and 0.98 mm, in particular between 0.90 mm in the area of the first flange area and between 1.00 mm and 0.90 mm, in particular between 0.90 mm in the area of the second flange area. am.

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

According to the example illustrated here, the transition plane 15 preferably has a radial extent of 0.10 mm to 0.14 mm, in particular 0.12 mm.

6 shows a heat sealing tool, in particular a first heat sealing tool 24, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This heat seal tool serves to seal the capsule lid 4 to the flange 6 of the serving size capsule 1 .

A special heat sealing tool is here an essential requirement to achieve sealing according to the invention on both sides of the sealing crimp 9 .

Heat-sealing tools 24 , 25 of this type are already known in principle here, and for this reason only the differences of the serving capsule 1 according to the invention in particular compared to known heat-sealing tools are discussed below.

Here, the heat sealing tool 24 is a sonotrode 28 which generates heat in a particularly targeted manner to locally heat the material of the capsule lid 4 and the flange 6 resulting in a material-integrated connection between the two. include As a result, a fluid-tight connection between the base element 2 and the capsule lid 4 is created. Since pressure also plays a decisive role along with heat, the heat seal tool 24 includes a receptacle element 26, which in the area of the first and/or second mating face 100, 200 has an appropriate counter pressure. The base element 2 and the lower side of the flange 6 are accommodated by means of holding means 27, deformation of the flange and consequent defects of the serving size capsule 1 and/or incomplete sealing of the capsule lid 4. To prevent this from occurring, a counterforce is provided to the force applied by the sonotrode 28.

The heat seal tool 24 will be described in more detail with respect to images later.

In the context of the present invention the sealing procedure now consists of two steps, in a first sub-step the capsule lid 4 is initially attached to the flange 6 along the second fastening surface 200 only in the second flange area 19 . connected, and in a second sub-step, the capsule lid 4 is flanged 6 along the first fastening surface 100 in the first flange area and along the second fastening surface 200 in the second flange area 19. ) is crucial.

The first sub-step here corresponds in particular to pre-sealing, ie to a sealing procedure in which at least one parameter, in particular sealing temperature, sealing time and/or sealing force, is carried out with reduced values compared to the second sub-step.

A sealing temperature preferably of 200° C. to 220° C. in particular 210° C., a sealing time of preferably 220 ms to 280 ms, in particular 250 ms, and preferably 100 N to 500 N, especially 300 N (which is approximately 2 A combination of sealing pressures of 100 bar) has proven particularly successful in the context of experiments.

In principle, it is possible to carry out the two sub-steps with the same heat sealing tool 24 . It is possible here, for example, to optionally carry out no changes between the sub-steps, ie to operate the same element but with changed parameters, and/or to replace the sonotrode 28 and/or the receptacle element 26.

Alternatively, the two sub-steps are carried out in different heat sealing tools, here the first heat sealing tool 24 and the second heat sealing tool 25 .

This embodiment will be explained in a purely illustrative manner by means of FIGS. 6 to 15 . Therefore, the outer diameter of the sonotrode 28 of the first heat sealing tool 24 here is preferably 34.0 mm to 35.0 mm, particularly 34.5 mm.

7 shows a schematic detail of the first heat sealing tool 24 in the region here relevant. Compared to known heat sealing tools, the first heat sealing tool 24 has two protruding areas through which the counter holding means 27 lie under the first flange area 18 and the second flange area 19 respectively through the upper surface. It is different in that it has

The counter holding means 27 can here be provided in one piece or in multiple pieces. The counter holding means 27 here comprises in particular two plungers.

It has been surprisingly demonstrated that the best sealing results are achieved when two plungers of different heights are used in the serving size capsule 1 as described herein with respect to FIG. 5 . The inner plunger, and thus the plunger assigned to the first flange area 18 and the first fastening surface 100, in particular here, is 0.05 mm larger than the outer plunger allocated to the second flange area 19 and the second fastening surface 200. to 0.25 mm, preferably 0.10 mm to 0.20 mm, in particular as high as 0.15 mm. For clarity, this is clearly illustrated here in an exaggerated way not to scale. Both plungers have upper surfaces that contact the first flange area 18 and the second flange area 19 to form first and second fastening surfaces 100 , 200 .

The counter holding means 27 can here be arranged with a variable or fixed height.

Furthermore, in this case, the first heat sealing tool 24 has an optional heat dissipation means 29 at the center of the sonotrode 28. This is an insert here made of ceramic, the diameter of the insert being selected in such a way that this heat dissipation means 29 is above the cavity 3 by covering the capsule lid 4 in the inner region of the serving size capsule 1 .

The heat dissipation means 29 ensure that the heat does not damage the beverage ingredient and/or the capsule lid 4 in this area, which heat is generated to a greater extent by two different sealing procedures.

An internal plunger for the receptacle element 26 of the first heat sealing tool 24 is optional, since the sealing is effected only by the second fastening surface 200 in the first sub-step.

Now shown in FIG. 8 is a second heat seal tool 25 performing a primary sealing procedure (also referred to as post sealing). Here, since the second heat sealing tool 25 substantially corresponds to the first heat sealing tool 24, reference is made to the descriptions related to FIGS. 6 and 7 . This applies to FIG. 8 as well as FIG. 9 .

Here, the sonotrode 28 of the second heat-seal tool 25 preferably has a larger diameter than the sonotrode 28 of the first heat-seal tool 24, particularly preferably 34.3 mm to 35.2 mm, In particular, it has 34.8 mm.

Now the sealing procedure of the second sub-step is carried out at at least one parameter of a higher value, wherein a sealing temperature is preferably between 200° C. and 220° C. in particular 210° C., a sealing time preferably between 420 ms and 480 ms, in particular 450 ms, and a sealing pressure preferably of 700 N to 1100 N, in particular 900 N (which corresponds to a sealing pressure of about 6 bar in the preferred embodiment of the sonotrode 28 of the second heat sealing tool 25) has been found to be particularly successful. Proven.

As already mentioned, in this second sub-step the capsule lid is fixed in particular to the flange 6 along the first fastening surface 100 as well as the second fastening surface 200 and in particular in a fluid-tight and pressure-tight manner. is concluded with

10 shows a perspective sectional view of the first and/or second heat sealing tools 24 and 25 . Reference is made here to the above description in relation to FIGS. 6 to 9 .

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

Furthermore, in FIG. 10 one can see the configuration of the sonotrode 28 for the heat dissipation means 29 in particular according to the embodiment illustrated here.

11 shows a schematic detailed cross-sectional view of a heat sealing tool 24, 25 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention similar to the illustration of FIGS. 7 and 9 . See the previous explanation on this. As an example, grooves, currently four grooves, can be seen here in the capsule wall 7 of the serving size capsule 1.

12 and 13 each show a technical drawing of a receptacle element 26 or a sonotrode 28 of a first heat sealing tool 24 according to a previously described exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The outer diameter of the receptacle element 26 is preferably substantially 35 mm and the height is preferably 36 mm.

The sonotrode 28 according to the embodiment illustrated here in particular has an outer diameter of 34.5 mm, wherein the heat dissipation means 29 of the sonotrode 28 has an outer diameter of 29.7 mm.

14 and 15 are technical drawings of the sonotrode 28 of the receptacle element 26 or second heat sealing tool 25 and the counter holding means 27 according to the previously described exemplary embodiment of the present invention. shows a detailed view of The detailed view shows the difference in height between the plungers, where the inner plunger assigned to the first flange area 18 is positioned 0.15 mm higher than the outer plunger.

The outer diameter of the receptacle element 26 is preferably substantially 35 mm and the height is preferably 36.15 mm. The sonotrode 28 according to the embodiment illustrated here in particular has an outer diameter of 34.8 mm, wherein the heat dissipation means 29 of the sonotrode 28 has an outer diameter of 29.7 mm.

16 shows a schematic detailed cross-sectional view of a serving capsule 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 corresponds here substantially to the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 3 to 5 , particularly the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 , reference is made to the respective descriptions.

Fig. 16 differs from Fig. 5, particularly in terms of dimensions and/or related tolerances. Subsequent dimensions according to the illustrated embodiment can be derived here from the image from left to right. The transition from the capsule wall 7 to the first flange area 18 on the side of the capsule lid 4 preferably has a radius between 0.30 mm and 0.50 mm. The transition between the first flange area 18 and the inner shoulder 10 , especially on the opposite side of the capsule lid 4 , preferably has a radius between 0.11 mm and 0.36 mm. Thus, the sealing crimp 9 between the transition regions 14, here also the transition plane 15, at least partially has a flat range, in particular with a length of 0.12 mm, and the first flange region 18 is preferably between 0.82 mm and 0.82 mm. It has a height of 0.90 mm.

The transition from the inner shoulder 10 to the transition plane 15, especially on the opposite side of the capsule lid 4, preferably has a radius between 0.23 mm and 0.33 mm. An angle α of 5° is preferably provided between the imaginary tip of the sealing crimp 9 and the plumb line. This corresponds to an angle of 85° between the horizontal part of the first flange area 18 and the inner shoulder 10 .

Here too, the sealing crimp 9 is particularly preferably symmetrical. In this way, the imaginary internal angle at the imaginary extension of the tip of the sealing crimp 9 is 10°. Furthermore, the transition from the transition plane 15 to the outer shoulder 11, in particular on the opposite side of the capsule lid 4, preferably has a radius between 0.23 mm and 0.33 mm. The angle between the straight part of the outer shoulder 11 and the horizontal part of the second flange area 19 is preferably 85°. The transition between the outer shoulder 11 and the second flange area 19 in particular on the opposite side of the capsule lid 4 preferably has a radius between 0.11 mm and 0.36 mm. The sealing crimp 9 between the transition plane 15 and the second flange area 19 preferably has a height of 0.90 mm to 1.00 mm.

Within tolerances the first flange section 18 and the second flange section 19 thus lie preferably in a horizontal plane, but due to the tolerances there may also be slight horizontal offsets, currently up to 0.18 mm, ie, It will be appreciated that the result may be slightly greater than the material thickness in particular.

The transition between the second flange area 19 and the bead 8 preferably has a radius of 0.20 mm to 0.45 mm, wherein the bead 8 according to the illustrated embodiment has a radial range of approximately 1 mm, and preferably Preferably it has a vertical range of total height from 1.25 mm to 1.45 mm, in particular 1.35 mm.

1: Serving Capsules
2: base element
3: joint
4: capsule lid
5: capsule base
6: Flange
7: capsule wall
8: bead
9: sealing crimp
10: inner shoulder
11: outer shoulder
12: brewing chamber
13: beverage making machine
14: transition area
15: transition plane
16: contact area
17: height of sealing crimp
18: first flange area
19: second flange area
20: shoulder portion
21: receptacle element
22: closing element
23: peripheral area
24: first heat sealing tool
25: second heat sealing tool
26 Receptacle element of heat sealing tool
27: counter holding means
28: Sonotrode
29 heat dissipation means
100: first fastening surface
200: second fastening surface
α: angle
β: angle
R: radial direction
Y: vertical direction
M: central longitudinal axis

Claims (24)

A single serve capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber (12) of a beverage preparation machine (13), wherein the single serve capsule (1) accommodates the beverage ingredients. a base element (2) having a cavity (3) for a capsule base (2) and a capsule lid (4) closing the cavity (3), the base element (2) having a capsule base (5) and a surrounding flange (6) , and a capsule wall (7) extending between the capsule base (5) and the surrounding flange (6), the flange (6) having a sealing crimp facing away from the capsule lid (4). ) (9), the sealing crimp (9) comprises an inner shoulder (10) and an outer shoulder (11), the flange (6) a first flange area 18 between the capsule wall 7 and the inner shoulder 10 and a second flange area 19 between the outer free end of the flange 6 and the outer shoulder 11 The capsule lid 4 is fastened to the first flange region 18 along the first surrounding fastening surface 100, and the second flange region along the second surrounding fastening surface 200 ( 19) A serving size capsule, characterized in that fastened to. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the outer free end of the flange (6) is wound, in particular flared, in such a way as to form a bead (8) around which the outer free end is surrounded, relative to the flange (6). The bead 8 particularly preferably has a vertical extent, preferably greater than zero, on both sides of the flange 6 and is on the side of the flange 6 facing away from the capsule lid 4 . ) is very particularly preferably smaller than the vertical extent of the sealing crimp 9 and/or the vertical extent of the bead 8 on the side of the flange 6 facing the capsule lid 4 is Serving size capsules, characterized in that they are smaller on the side of the flange (6) facing away from the capsule lid (4). 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner shoulder (10) and the outer shoulder (11) are at an angle greater than 80 degrees to a horizontal plane running through the first flange area (18) and the second flange area (19). to less than 90 degrees, preferably between 81 degrees and 89 degrees, particularly preferably between 83 degrees and 87 degrees, most particularly preferably between 84 degrees and 86 degrees, especially substantially 85 degrees. Characterized by the serving size capsule (1). 4. Serving capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first engaging surface (100) and the second engaging surface (200) each have a substantially horizontal extent. . 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first fastening surface (100) and the second fastening surface (200) are vertically spaced apart from each other, and the first fastening surface (100) is preferably A serving size capsule (1), characterized in that it has a smaller vertical distance from the capsule base (5) than the second fastening surface (200). 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the vertical spacing between the fastening surfaces (100, 200) is less than three times the thickness of the flange (6) in the area of the first and/or second fastening surfaces (100, 200). , preferably less than 0.35 mm, particularly preferably less than 0.30 mm, most preferably less than 0.25 mm, even more preferably less than 0.20 mm, in particular at most 0.018 mm. . 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first fastening surface (100) and the second fastening surface (200) are connected to the cavity (3) of the serving size capsule and to the capsule lid (4). A single serving capsule (1), characterized in that it is provided in such a way that there is no fluid connection between the cavity existing between the capsule and the sealing crimp (9). 8. Serving capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the inner shoulder (10) and the outer shoulder (11) are configured to be symmetrical to each other. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein a transition region (14) extends between the inner shoulder (10) and the outer shoulder (11), such that the transition region (14) is preferably curved. Serving capsule (1), characterized in that it comprises or has a transitional plane (15) extending parallel to said first flange area (18) and/or said second flange area (19). 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the transition area (14) has a radial range 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 from 0.12 mm. Serving Size Capsule (1). 11. Serving capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the base element (2) is integrally made of aluminium. 12 . Serving capsule ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the serving capsule ( 1 ) has a filter in the region of the capsule base ( 5 ). 13. A beverage preparation system having a beverage preparation machine (13) and a serving size capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, said beverage preparation machine (13) comprising a first brewing chamber part and 2 brewing chamber portions, wherein the first and/or second brewing chamber portions form a brewing chamber (12) in which the first and second brewing chamber portions are closed. is movable relative to the other brewing chamber parts between a converged position and an open position in which the first and second brewing chamber parts are spaced apart from each other for inserting or ejecting the serving size capsule (1); One brewing chamber part comprises a receptacle element (21) for at least partially receiving the serving size capsule (1), and the second brewing chamber part comprises a closing element for the receptacle element (21). (22), wherein in the closed position the flange (6) of the serving size capsule (1) forms a form fit between the peripheral area (23) of the receptacle element (21) and the closing element (22) and A system that is housed in a sealed manner. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein a sealing contour for engagement in a sealing manner with the sealing crimp (9) is configured in the peripheral region (23) of the receptacle element (21), the sealing contour comprising a surrounding depression, and the an enclosing sealing protrusion configured adjacent to the depression, the depression being arranged in a radial direction R, preferably outside the sealing protrusion, the outer sealing protrusion shoulder forming an inner wall of the depression; In the closed position the sealing lug engages the first flange area 18 and the sealing crimp 9 makes a linear contact 16 of the sealing lug shoulder with the inner shoulder 10 in radial cross section. The system, characterized in that engaged with the recessed portion in such a way. 13. Method for producing a serving size capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that in a first step a capsule base (5), a surrounding flange (6) and the capsule base (5) and the surrounding A base element 2 with a capsule wall 7 extending between the flanges 6 is created, in a second step or in the first step a sealing crimp 9 is molded to said flanges 6, In step 3, the cavity 3 of the base element 2 is filled with at least a beverage ingredient, and in a fourth step, the base element 2 is closed with a capsule lid 4, which is The method is fastened to the flange (6) along a first fastening surface (100) and a second fastening surface (200), in particular sealed. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said fourth step comprises at least one first sub-step and one second sub-step, fastening in said first sub-step by fastening means, in particular heat sealing tools (24, 25). , in particular the sealing is carried out along the second fastening surface 200 and in the second sub-step the fastening, in particular the sealing by the fastening means, in particular the heat sealing tool 24 , 25 , is performed on the first fastening surface 100 and preferably along the second fastening surface (200). 17. Method according to claim 16, wherein, before the first sub-step, in a further sub-step of the fourth step, the capsule lid (4) is produced from strip stock, preferably cut and/or punched. 18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the first step comprises a first sub-step, a second sub-step, and preferably a third sub-step, in which the first sub-step is obtained from strip stock. A basic shape is created, in particular punched out, a preform is created in such a way that in the second sub-step the base element 2 is formed from the basic shape, and in the third sub-step the external freedom of the flange 6 A method in which a bead (8) is formed from the end, in particular rolled and/or unfolded, wherein the formation of the sealing crimp preferably takes place in the second or third sub-step. 19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, in a fifth step occurring after the first step and before the third step, a filter is incorporated in the cavity (3), preferably in particular the capsule base ( fastened to the base element (2) in the region of 5). 13. A heat sealing station for closing a serving capsule (1) with a capsule lid (4) to prepare a serving capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: at least one 1 heat sealing tool 24, the first heat sealing tool 24 is configured to seal the capsule lid 4 to the flange 6 along the second fastening surface 200, wherein the The first heat sealing tool 24 or the second heat sealing tool 25 seals the capsule lid 4 along the first fastening surface 100 and preferably along the second fastening surface 200 on the flange ( 6) a heat sealing station, configured to seal to. 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the first heat seal tool (24) and/or the second heat seal tool (25) respectively comprise at least one sonotrode (28) and at least one receptacle element (26). ), wherein said receptacle element (26) has an open cavity for accommodating said serving size capsules (1), said receptacle element (26) comprising at least one counter-holding means 27, in particular in the region of the first fastening surface 100 and/or the second fastening surface 200, the counter on the side of the flange 6 facing away from the capsule lid 4. Heat sealing station, characterized in that the holding means (27) is configured to provide a counterforce to the force exerted by the sonotrode (28). 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the receptacle element (26) has at least one counter holding means (27) in the region of the first fastening surface (100), the upper surface of the counter holding means (27) being the first. 2 relative to the upper surface of the counter holding means 27 of the first heat sealing tool 24 and/or the second heat sealing tool 25 in the region of the fastening surface 200 by at least 0.05 mm, preferably Heat sealing station, characterized in that it is arranged so as to be at least 0.10 mm higher, in particular at least 0.15 mm higher. 23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the sonotrode (28) of the first and/or the second heat sealing tool (24, 25) has a heat dissipation means (29) arranged particularly centrally. heat sealing station. Equipment for producing a serving size capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in particular by a method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the base element (2) is a forming station for forming, a filling station for filling the cavity (3) of the base element (2) with at least one beverage ingredient and a closing station for closing the base element (2) with a capsule lid (4). 24. An installation comprising: wherein the closing station is a heat seal station according to any one of claims 20 to 23.