NL2016783A

NL2016783A - A capsule, a system for preparing a potable beverage from such a capsule and use of such a capsule in a beverage preparation device

Info

Publication number: NL2016783A
Application number: NL2016783A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Dijkstra Hielke; Hendrik Groothornte Arend; Sjoerd Eijsackers Armin; Kamerbeek Ralf; Pieter Van Gaasbeek Erik; Henrikus Joseph Ottenschot Marc; Henri Flamand John
Original assignee: Douwe Egberts Bv
Priority date: 2015-05-15
Filing date: 2016-05-13
Publication date: 2016-11-24
Also published as: PL3134334T3; ES2728752T3; PT3134334T; DK3134334T3; EP3134334A1; NL2016783B1; WO2016186493A1; EP3134334B1

Abstract

A capsule for the preparation of a beverage by supplying a fluid under pressure to a substance in the capsule. The capsule has an aluminum capsule body and a cover sheet attached to a flange of the capsule. A sealing structure of the capsule is deformable for providing a fluid sealing contact with an annular end surface of an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member and the sealing structure is clamped between the annular end surface and the closing member. The sealing structure includes a portion of the flange with a layer of aluminum sheet material contiguous with the side wall and a resilient layer between the layer of aluminum material and the cover or on a side of the flange facing away from the cover and the entire outer surface of the capsule body.

Description

Title: A capsule, a system for preparing a potable beverage from such a capsule and use of such a capsule in a beverage preparation device

The invention relates to a capsule according to the introductory portion of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a system for preparing a potable beverage according to the introductory portion of claim 36 and to a use of such a capsule.

Such a capsule, such a system and such a use are known from EP-B-l 700 548, which discloses a capsule provided with a sealing structure having the shape of a step, i.e. a sudden increase of the diameter of the side wall of the capsule, and the enclosing member of this known system has a sealing surface acting on the sealing structure to provide deflection of the sealing structure, the sealing surface being inclined so that the deflection of the sealing structure is an inwards and downwards deformation of the step. Furthermore in the known system the enclosing member comprises a capsule holder and a manually operated or an automatic mechanism for relative displacement of the enclosing member and the capsule holder. The manually operated or automatic mechanism applies a force on the sealing structure of the capsule when the enclosing member closes on the capsule holder. This force should ensure the fluid tight seal between the enclosing member and the capsule. Because the manually operated or automatic mechanism is arranged to be moved relative to the base, the sealing capabilities of the system can depend on the pressure of the fluid injected by the fluid injection means. If the pressure of the fluid increases, the force between the sealing structure of the capsule and the annular end surface of the enclosing member increases too and thereby the force between the sealing structure of the capsule and the annular end surface of the enclosing member increases also. Such a system is described further on. The sealing structure of the capsule must be arranged such that upon reaching the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosing member the sealing structure should still provide a fluid sealing contact between the enclosing member and the capsule. However, the sealing structure must also be arranged such that prior to, or at the start of, brewing when the pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member outside the capsule is relatively low, the sealing structure also provides a sealing contact between the enclosing member and the capsule. If at the start of brewing, there would not exist a sealing contact between the capsule and the enclosing member, leakage will occur.

However, if leakage occurs there is a real chance that the pressure in the enclosing member and outside the capsule will not sufficiently increase for increasing the force on the sealing structure by means of the annular end surface of the enclosing member if the manually operated or automatic mechanism moves the enclosing member towards the capsule holder. Only if there is a sufficient initial sealing, the pressure in the enclosing member will increase whereby also the force of the annular end surface of the enclosing member acting on the sealing structure of the capsule will increase for providing a sufficient sealing contact at also the increased fluid pressure. Moreover, this increased fluid pressure outside the capsule also provides an increased fluid pressure inside the capsule which is essential if the capsule is provided with a cover which is arranged to tear open on relief members of the capsule holder (also called an extraction plate) of the beverage preparation device under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.

It follows from the above that the sealing structure is a member which is very critical in design. It should be able to provide a sealing contact between the enclosing member and the capsule at a relatively low fluid pressure if only a relatively small force is applied on the sealing structure by means of the annular end surface of the enclosing member but it should also provide a sealing contact at a much higher fluid pressure in the enclosing member outside the capsule if a higher force is applied by means of the annular end surface of the enclosing member to the sealing structure of the capsule. In particular when the annular end surface of the enclosing member is provided with radially extending open grooves which act as air inlet passage once the force between the enclosing member and the capsule holder is released so that it is easier for a user to take out the capsule, the sealing structure must also be able to ‘close’ the radially extending open grooves to provide an effective seal.

It is an object of the invention to provide a capsule that reliably seals against the annular end surface of an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beverage preparation device, a portion of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the sealing structure of the capsule being clamped between the annular end surface of the enclosing member and the closing member of the beverage preparation device, even in case of an enclosing member of which the annular end surface is provided with radially extending open grooves, and which can still be manufacture at low costs.

This object is achieved by providing a capsule according to claim 1.

Because the sealing structure includes a deformable sealing ring portion of the flange, the sealing structure is integrated in the flange of the capsule, so the capsule can be manufactured quickly at low costs.

Where the sealing ring portion further includes at least one resilient layer between the layer of aluminum material and the cover, the aluminum sheet material of the sealing ring portion, which faces the annular end surface of the enclosure member when a beverage is to be prepared, is easily deformable locally at low clamping pressure to accommodate to the shape of the annular end surface of the enclosing member when the sealing structure is clamped between the annular end surface of the enclosing member and the closing member. During deformation, the resilient layer, which is more resilient than the aluminum sheet material, is compressed, allowing the aluminum sheet material to be indented accommodating to the shape of the annular end surface of the enclosure member, even in case of an enclosing member of which the annular end surface is provided with radially extending open grooves, the sealing structure can accommodate to the succession of projections and recesses in circumferential sense formed by the annular end surface of the enclosing member and effectively seal, also against the recessed surface portions of the annular end surface already during an early stage of the closing of the enclosing member when the clamping pressure at which the enclosing member and the closing member are pressed against each other is relatively low. In the present context, the meaning of 'aluminum' is understood to also include aluminum alloy.

It is noted that for the sealing between the annular end surface of the enclosing member and the sealing ring portion of the flange to be effective for ensuring that the pressure drop over the substance in the capsule is sufficient for the desired beverage preparation process, it does not have to be hermetically fluid tight under all circumstances. At a liquid leakage of up to 4% and preferably not beyond 2.5 % of the liquid volume pumped through the capsule, the seal is still effective for allowing the beverage preparation apparatus to generate the desired pressure drop over the substance. Accordingly, a sealing allowing such a leakage constitutes an effective sealing.

The invention can also be embodied in a system according to claim 36 and in a use according to claim 46. In operation of such a system and in such a use, the sealing structure easily deforms locally, thereby accommodating to the shape of the annular end surface of the enclosing member when it is clamped between the annular end surface of the enclosing member and the closing member. More in particular, the sealing structure accommodates to the succession of projections and recesses in circumferential sense formed by the annular end surface of the enclosing member because the resilient layer is more resilient than the aluminum sheet material is compressed, allowing the aluminum sheet material to be indented accommodating to the shape of the annular end surface of the enclosure member. The sealing structure effectively seals, also against the recessed surface portions of the annular end surface already during an early stage of the closing of the enclosing member, when the clamping pressure at which the enclosing member and the closing member are pressed against each other is relatively low.

The capsule can be manufactured particularly efficiently if the capsule body as a whole is formed of multilayer material including the aluminum sheet material and the resilient layer, the resilient layer in the flange being contiguous with the resilient layer in the side wall. The resilient layer then also constitutes a liner of the capsule body obviating the need of a coating applied specifically to keep the substance to be extracted or dissolved separate from the aluminum of the capsule body.

For manufacturing at low costs, it is moreover advantageous if the cover is adhesively attached to the resilient layer. To counteract loss of aroma of the substance through resilient material between the cover and aluminum sheet material of the flange, the resilient layer may then be of an oxygen barrier material or include an oxygen barrier on a side facing the cover.

Loss of aroma of the substance through resilient material between the cover and aluminum sheet material of the flange may also be reduced by providing that the deformable sealing ring portion of the flange includes a further layer of aluminum sheet material contiguous with the side wall and between the resilient layer and the cover.

If the multilayer material of which the capsule body as a whole is formed further includes a further layer of aluminum sheet material, the layers of aluminum material being on opposite sides of the resilient layer and the further layer in the flange is contiguous with the further layer of aluminum material in the side wall, the capsule body can be manufactured in a simple manner from sandwich sheet material. In a sandwich material, very thin aluminum layers (e.g. less than 0.04 mm) suffice for providing the required strength and stiffness of the capsule body as a whole. However, such sandwich materials having very thin load bearing outer sheets are easily deformed locally, so that a particularly good conformability to the shape of the annular end surface of the enclosing member is achieved.

The resilient layer may for instance be of a polymer material. Such a material may be more resilient than the aluminum material and be provided in the form of a solid layer so that the aluminum sheet material is supported evenly.

Alternatively, the resilient layer may for instance be a cellular aluminum structure leaving empty spaces between webs of material extending transverse to the layers. Then an all aluminum capsule is obtained, which is advantageous for recycling of the capsule material after use and disposal.

For allowing deformation of the sealing structure of a larger magnitude, it may be provided that the deformable sealing ring portion projects axially from base portions of the flange on a side of the base portions facing the enclosing member when the capsule is in the enclosing member, the deformable sealing ring portion including: an inner wall portion extending from and contiguous with an inner base portion of the flange, an outer wall portion extending from and contiguous with an outer base portion of the flange, the outer wall portion being located outward of and spaced from the inner wall portion, and a bridge portion interconnecting the inner wall portion and the outer wall portion, the bridge portion being located axially spaced from the base portions of the flange. This allows the layered material of the sealing ring portion to deform as a whole when clamped between the annular end surface of the enclosing member and the closing member.

For achieving a particularly high capability of accommodation to the shape of the annular end surface of the enclosing member, it may then also be provided that, in cross-sectional view, a top of the bridge portion axially most remote from the base portions of the flange is flat or has a center plane curved with a radius of curvature larger than two times a wall thickness of the top of the bridge portion. A particularly easy accommodation to the shape of the annular end surface may be achieved if, the top of the bridge portion is positioned for being contacted first by the annular end portion, when the sealing ring portion is clamped between the annular end surface and the closing member of a compatible beverage preparation device.

The top of the bridge portion is at least partially in a zone, extending circumferentially around the center line of the capsule, the zone having inner and outer diameters in a range of 29-33 mm, more preferably 30.0-31.4 mm and most preferably 30.3-31.0 mm. Thus, the deformable sealing ring portion of the flange is directly opposite of the annular end surface for first contacting a central portion of the annular end surface when the sealing ring portion is clamped between the annular end surface and the closing member of widely used and commercially available beverage preparation devices such as the Citiz, Lattisima, U, Maestria, Pixie, Inissia and Essenza.

The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of a capsule the capsule is filled with 5-20 grams, preferably 5- 10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams of an extractable product, such as roasted and ground coffee.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is in particular easy to manufacture the outer diameter of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule is larger than the diameter of the bottom of the capsule. Preferably, the outer diameter of the outwardly extending flange is approximately 37.1 mm and the diameter of the bottom of the capsule is about 23.3 mm.

The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of a capsule the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is 20 to 200 micrometer, preferably 100 micrometer.

The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of a capsule the thickness of the aluminum cover is 15 to 65 micrometer, preferably 30-45 micrometer and more preferably 39 micrometer.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention the thickness of the aluminum cover is smaller than the thickness of the aluminum capsule body.

In a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention the aluminum cover is arranged to tear open on a closing member of the beverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beverage preparation device under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is in particular easy to manufacture the side wall of the aluminum capsule body has a free end opposite the bottom, the outwardly extending flange extending from the free end of the side wall in a direction at least substantially transverse to the central capsule body axis. Preferably, the outwardly extending flange comprises a curled outer edge, which is beneficial in obtaining for a satisfactory sealing with the annular end surface provided with radially extending open grooves. The radius about the central capsule body axis of an inner edge of the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange is preferably at least 32 mm, so that clearance from the annular end surface of the enclosure member is ensured. It is then preferred that the sealing structure is positioned between the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and an inner edge of the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange to obtain a still further satisfactory sealing.

To ensure that the curled outer edge does not interfere with operation of a wide variety of commercially available and future beverage preparation apparatuses, the outwardly extending flange preferably has a largest dimension of about 1.2 millimeter.

The invention is in particular beneficial for capsules of which the inner diameter of the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body is about 29.5 mm. The distance between the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and an outermost edge of the outwardly extending flange can be about 3.8 millimeter. The preferred height of the aluminum capsule body is about 28.4 mm.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which after use is easier for a user to take out of a beverage preparation device the aluminum capsule body is truncated, wherein preferably the side wall of the aluminum capsule body encloses an angle with a line transverse to the central capsule body axis of about 97.5°.

In an advantageous embodiment of a capsule according to the invention the bottom of the aluminum capsule body has a largest inner diameter of about 23.3 mm. It is preferred that the bottom of the aluminum capsule body is truncated, preferably having a bottom height of about 4.0 mm and that the bottom further has a generally base central portion opposite the cover having a diameter of about 8.3 mm.

In practically all cases a satisfactory seal can be obtained in an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention in which the height of the sealing structure is at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm and most preferably at least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm and most preferably at most 1.2 mm.

Regarding the preferred embodiments of the system as mentioned in the dependent claims which relate to the same features as the features of the dependent claims of the capsule reference is made to the above.

The invention is particularly suitable in a system according to the invention wherein, in use, the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. Even at such high pressures a satisfactory seal between capsule and beverage preparation device can be obtained.

Preferably the system is arranged such that, in use, during brewing, a annular end surface of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device exerts a force F2 on the sealing structure of the capsule to provide a sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N preferably in the range of 750-1250 N when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. In particular the system is arranged such that, in use, prior to or at the start of brewing, the annular end surface of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device exerts a force FI on the sealing structure of the capsule to provide a sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein FI is in the range of 30-150 N, preferably in the range of 40-150 N, more preferably 50-100 N, when the fluid pressure Pi in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably 0.1-1 bar.

In an embodiment of a system according to the invention wherein the plurality of radially extending open grooves are uniformly spaced relative to each other in tangential direction of the annular end surface of the annular element of the beverage preparation device so that it is easier for a user to take out the capsule while a satisfactory seal between capsule and beverage preparation device can still be provided.

In an advantageous embodiment of a system according to the invention the longest tangential width of each groove (top to top, i.e. equal to the groove to groove pitch) is 0.9 - 1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, wherein a maximal height of each groove in an axial direction of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device is 0.01 - 0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, most preferred 0.05 mm and wherein the number of grooves is 90 to 110, preferably 96. The radial width of the annular end surface at the location of the grooves may for instance be 0.05- 0.9 mm, preferably 0.2- 0.7 mm and more preferably 0.3 - 0.55 mm.

The invention is in particular suitable when applied to an embodiment of system according to the invention in which during use when the closing member of the beverage preparation device closes the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, at least a portion of the enclosing member including the annular end surface can move relative to the closing member of the beverage preparation device under the effect of the pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device towards the closing member of the beverage preparation device for applying the maximum force between the flange of the capsule and the annular end surface of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device.

Further aspects, effects and details of the invention will now be further described with reference to, non-limiting, examples shown in the drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention;

Fig. 2 in a perspective view shows an embodiment of a beverage preparation device of a system according to the invention showing the annular end surface of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device with the plurality of radially extending open grooves;

Fig. 3A in cross section shows an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention before use;

Fig. 3B shows an enlarged detail of a the capsule of Fig. 3A showing the outwardly extending flange and the sealing structure;

Fig. 3C shows an enlarged detail of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule in Figures 3A and 3B after use;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation in cross-sectional view along a plane through a center line of a capsule of a first embodiment of a sealing structure at the outwardly extending flange of the capsule;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation in cross-sectional view along a plane through a center line of a capsule of a second embodiment of a sealing structure at the outwardly extending flange of the capsule;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation in cross-sectional view along a plane through a center line of a capsule of a third embodiment of a sealing structure at the outwardly extending flange of the capsule;

Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation in cross-sectional view along a plane VII-VII in Fig. 6 of a portion of the capsule prior to deformation of the sealing structure; and

Fig. 8 shows a representation according to Fig. 7, but after deformation of the sealing structure.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation, in cross sectional view, of an embodiment of a system 1 for preparing a potable beverage from a capsule using a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule. The system 1 comprises a capsule 2 and a beverage preparation device 4. The device 4 comprises enclosing member 6 for holding the capsule 2. The device 4 further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, 8 for supporting the capsule 2.

In Fig. 1 a gap is drawn between the capsule 2, the enclosing member 6 and the extraction plate 8 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, in use, the capsule 2 may lie in contact with the enclosing member 6 and the extraction plate member 8. Commonly, the enclosing member 6 has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule 2. The apparatus 4 further comprises a fluid injection means 10 for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under a pressure in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar, to the exchangeable capsule 2.

In the example shown in Fig. 1, the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises a capsule body 12 of aluminum plate material, the capsule body 12 having a central capsule body axis 12A and an aluminum cover 14 hermetically sealed to the capsule body 12. In this example, the aluminum capsule body 12 comprises a side wall 16, a bottom 18 closing the side wall 16 at a first end, and a outwardly extending flange 20 extending outwardly of the circumferential wall 16 at a second end opposite the bottom 18. The side wall 16, the bottom 18 and the cover 14 enclose an inner space 22 comprising a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance. Preferably the substance is 5-20 grams, preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams of an extractable product, such as roasted and ground coffee for the preparation of a single beverage. The capsule is initially sealed, i.e. is hermetically closed prior to use.

The system 1 of Fig. 1 comprises bottom piercing means 24 for piercing the bottom 18 of the capsule 2 for creating at least one entrance opening 25 in the bottom 18 for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through the entrance opening 25.

The system 1 of Fig. 1 further comprises cover piercing means 26, here embodied as protrusions of the closing member 8, for piercing the cover 14 of the capsule 2. The cover piercing means 26 may be arranged to tear the cover 14 once a (fluid) pressure inside the inner space 22 exceeds a threshold pressure and presses the cover 14 against the cover piercing means 26 with sufficient force. The aluminum cover 14 thus is arranged to tear open on the closing member 8 of the beverage preparation device under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.

The capsule 2 further comprises a sealing structure 28, in Figures 1, 3A and 3B indicated as a general box but more detailed described with reference to Figures 4-8 which sealing structure 28 is arranged at the outwardly extending flange 20 for providing a fluid sealing contact with the enclosing member 6 if the capsule 2 is positioned in the enclosing member 6 and the enclosing member 6 is closed by means of the extraction plate 8, such that the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and at least a portion of the sealing structure 28 are sealingly engaged between the enclosing member 6 and the extraction plate 8.

As shown in Figure 2 the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device comprises an annular element 41 having a central annular element axis 41A and a free annular end surface 30. The annular end surface 30 of the annular element 41 is provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves 40. The plurality of radially extending open grooves 40 are uniformly spaced relative to each other in tangential direction of the annular end surface 30 of the annular element 41. The longest tangential width of each groove 40 is 0.9 - 1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, wherein a maximal height of each groove 40 in an axial direction of the enclosing member 6 is 0.01 - 0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, and most preferred 0.05 mm. The number of grooves 40 lies in the range of 90 to 110, preferably 96. The radial width of the annular end surface at the location of the grooves may for instance be 0.05- 0.9 mm, preferably 0.2- 0.7 mm and more preferably 0.3 - 0.55 mm.

An embodiment of a capsule according to the invention is shown more detailed in Figures 3A and 3B. In the shown embodiment the outer diameter ODF of the outwardly extending flange 20 is larger than the diameter DB of the bottom 18 of the capsule 2. In the shown embodiment the outer diameter ODF of the outwardly extending flange 20 is approximately 37.1 mm and the diameter DB of the bottom 18 is about 23.3 mm.

In the present example, the wall thickness of the aluminum capsule body 12 is 100 micrometer. Generally, a wall thickness of, depending on various considerations, 20 to 200 micrometer is preferred.

In the shown embodiment the thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is 39 micrometer, preferred thickness ranging from 15-65 micrometer and more in particular 30-45 micrometer. Preferably the thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is smaller than the thickness of the aluminum capsule body 12.

The side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 has a free end 42 opposite the bottom 18. The inner diameter IDF of the free end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 is about 29.5 mm. The outwardly extending flange 20 extends from that free end 42 in a direction at least substantially transverse to the central capsule body axis 12A. The outwardly extending flange 20 comprises a curled outer edge 43 which is beneficial for obtaining a seal between the capsule and the enclosing member. In the shown embodiment the curled outer edge 43 of the outwardly extending flange 20 has a largest dimension of about 1.2 millimeter. The distance DIF between the free end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and an inner edge 43A of the curled outer edge 43 is about 2.7 mm, while the distance DOF between the free end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and an outermost edge 43B of the outwardly extending flange 20 is about 3.8 millimeter.

As shown in Figures 3A and 3B the sealing structure 28 is positioned between the free end of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and the inner edge 43A of the curled outer edge 42 of the outwardly extending flange. The sealing structure 28 is indicated as a general box, but will be described in more detail below. Irrespective of the embodiment of the sealing structure 28 the height of the sealing structure is preferably at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm and most preferably at least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm and most preferably at most 1.2 mm for providing a correct seal.

As can be seen from Figure 3A the aluminum capsule body 12 is truncated. In the embodiment shown, the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 encloses an angle A with a line transverse to the central capsule body axis 12A of about 97.5°. The bottom 18 of the aluminum capsule body 12 has a largest inner diameter DB of about 23.3 mm. The bottom 18 of the aluminum capsule body 12 is also truncated, and in the shown embodiment has a bottom height BH of about 4.0 mm. The bottom 18 further has a generally base central portion 18A opposite the cover 14, which central portion 18A has a diameter DEE of about 8.3 mm and in which central portion 18A the entrance opening(s) 25 may be made. The entrance openings may also be made in the truncated portion between the central portion 18A and the side wall 16. The total height TH of the aluminum capsule body 12 of the capsule is about 28.4 mm.

The system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is operated as follows for preparing a cup of a potable beverage, in the present example coffee, the substance in the capsule being roasted and ground coffee.

The capsule 2 is placed in the enclosing member 6. The extraction plate 8 is brought into contact with the capsule 2. The bottom piercing means 24 pierce the bottom 18 of the capsule 2 for creating the entrance openings 25. The fluid, here hot water under pressure, is supplied to the extractable product in the inner space 22 through the entrance openings 25. The water will wet the coffee grounds and extract the desired substances to form the coffee beverage.

During supplying the water under pressure to the inner space 22, the pressure inside the capsule 2 will rise. The rise in pressure will cause the cover 14 to deform and be pressed against the lid piercing means 26 of the extraction plate. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear strength of the cover 14 will be surpassed and the cover 14 will rupture against the lid piercing means 26, creating exit openings. The prepared coffee will drain from the capsule 2 through the exit openings and outlets 32 (see Fig. 1) of the extraction plate 8, and may be supplied to a container such as a cup (not shown).

The system 1 is arranged such that prior to or at the start of brewing, the annular end surface 30 of the enclosing member 6 exerts a force FI on the sealing structure 28 of the capsule 2 to provide a sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device, wherein the force FI is in the range of 30-150 N, preferably 40-150 N and more preferably 50-100N, when the fluid pressure Pi in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably 0.1-1 bar. During brewing, the annular end surface 30 of the enclosing member 6 exerts a force F2 on the sealing structure 28 of the capsule 2 to provide a sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and the enclosing member 6, wherein the force F2 is in the range of 500 -1500 N, preferably in the range of 750-1250 N, when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule 2 is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. In the shown embodiment a part 6B of the enclosing member 6 can move relative to the extracting plate 8 under the effect of the pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member 6 device towards the extraction plate 8 for applying the maximum force between the outwardly extending flange 20 and the annular end surface 30 of the enclosing member 6. This movement can take place during use, i.e. at the start of brewing and during brewing. The enclosing member 6 has a first part 6A and a second part 6B wherein the second part comprises the annular end surface 30. The second part 6B can move relative to the first part 6A between a first and second position. The second part 6B can move from the first positon towards the second position in the direction of the closing member 8 under the influence of fluid pressure in the enclosing member 6. The force FI as discussed above may be reached if the second part 6B is in the first position with a fluid pressure PI. The force F2 as discussed above may be reached if the second part 6B is moved towards the second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6.

As a result of the force applied the sealing structure 28 of the capsule according to the invention undergoes a plastic deformation and closely conforms to the grooves 40 of the annular end surface 30 and thus provides a sealing contact between the enclosing member 6 and the capsule 3 at a relatively low fluid pressure during start up of brewing but also provides a sealing contact at the much higher fluid pressure in the enclosing member outside the capsule during brewing. This close conformation to the grooves 40 of the enclosing member is indicated in Figure 3C which shows the capsule 2 of the invention after use, and which clearly indicates that the outwardly extending flange 20 comprises deformations 40’ which conform to the grooves 40 of the enclosing member.

Now exemplary embodiments of a sealing structure 28 at the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 according to the invention will be described in more detail with regard to Figs. 4-8.

In Fig. 4, a flange 20 with a sealing structure 28 and an adjacent side wall portion 16 of a capsule 2 as well as an end portion of an enclosing member 6 with an annular end surface 30 is shown. A cover sheet 14 is attached to the flange 20 and hermetically closes off the capsule 2. As is illustrated by Fig. 4, the sealing structure 28 is deformable for providing a fluid sealing contact with the annular end surface 30 if the capsule 2 is positioned in the enclosing member 6 and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member 8 of the beverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate, so that at least portions of the flange 20 and the sealing structure 28 are clamped between the annular end surface 30 and the closing member 8.

The sealing structure is formed by a deformable sealing ring portion 28 of the flange 20. The sealing ring portion 28 has a layer of aluminum sheet material 44 contiguous with aluminum sheet material of the side wall 16 and a resilient layer 45 between the layer of aluminum material 44 and the cover 14. The resilient layer may also be a continuous layer at the outside of the aluminum sheet material of the capsule body facing away from the cover 14 as is schematically indicated with dash-and-dot line 45'.

The deformable sealing ring portion 28 is integrated in the flange 20of the capsule, so the capsule 2 can be manufactured quickly at low costs. If the resilient layer 45 is located between the layer of aluminum material 44 and the cover 14, it facilitates local deformability of the surface of the aluminum sheet material of the sealing ring portion 28, which faces the annular end surface 30 of the enclosure member 6 when a beverage is to be prepared, in particular at low clamping pressures, to accommodate to the shape of the annular end surface 30 when the deformable sealing ring portion 28 is clamped between the annular end surface 30 and the closing member 8. During deformation, the resilient layer 45, which is more resilient than the aluminum sheet material, is compressed, allowing the aluminum sheet material 44 to be indented accommodating to the shape of the annular end surface 30 of the enclosure member 6. Even if, as in the present example, the annular end surface 30 is provided with radially extending open grooves 46 and raised surface portions 47 between each pair of grooves 46, the sealing structure 28 can accommodate to the succession of projections 47 and recesses 46 in circumferential sense of the annular end surface 30 and effectively seal, also against the recessed surface portions 47 of the annular end surface 30 already during an early stage of the closing of the enclosing member 6 when the clamping pressure at which the enclosing member 6 and the closing member 8 are pressed against each other is relatively low.

In the present example, the resilient layer 45 supports the aluminum layer 44 of the deformable sealing ring portion 28 of the flange 20 via the cover 14 against the closing member 8. However, because of the resiliency of the resilient layer, it is compressible relatively easily, so that it gives way where raised portions 47 of the annular end surface 30 are pressed against the aluminum layer 44. Because the resilient layer 44 is not, or to a lesser extent, compressed in areas opposite of the recesses 46 in the annular end surface 30, the aluminum layer 44 is indented opposite the raised portions 47 and thereby accommodates to the shape of the annular end surface 30. The resilient layer 45 is preferably thicker than the aluminum layer 44, to facilitate local deformation of the aluminum layer 44 and to allow deformation of a magnitude sufficient to accommodate to encountered differences in level between the recessed and raised portions of the annular end surface.

The cover 14 is sealed directly to the resilient layer 45, so that the capsule can be manufactured in a simple manner. To counteract loss of aroma of the substance through resilient material 45 between the cover 14 and aluminum sheet material 44 of the flange 20, the resilient layer 45 may then be of an oxygen barrier material or include an oxygen barrier on a side facing the cover, the oxygen material for instance having an oxygen permeability of less than 1 cc/cm3 /24h.

The resilient layer 45 may for instance be of a polymer material and may be an elastomeric and/or plastomeric material. If the material is more resilient than the aluminum material (e.g. 10-100 Durometer (ASTM D2240 type A scale) and more preferably 20-75 Durometer (ASTM D2240 type A scale), it may be provided in the form of a solid layer so that the aluminum sheet material is supported evenly.

Alternatively, the resilient layer 45 may for instance be a cellular aluminum structure (e.g. a honeycomb structure) leaving empty spaces between webs of material extending transverse to the layers. Then a substantially all aluminum capsule may be obtained, which is advantageous for recycling of the capsule material after use and disposal.

As illustrated in Fig. 4, the resilient layer 45 in the flange 20 may be contiguous with a resilient layer 45' of the side wall 16. The resilient layer 45' then also constitutes a liner inside the capsule body obviating the need of a coating applied specifically to keep the substance to be extracted or dissolved separate from the aluminum of the capsule body.

In Fig. 5, a flange area of further example of a capsule 102 according to the invention is shown. In this example, loss of aroma of the substance in the capsule 102 through resilient material 145 between the cover 14 and aluminum sheet material 144 of the flange 120 is avoided or at least reduced by providing that the deformable sealing ring portion 128 of the flange 120 includes a further layer 148 of aluminum sheet material contiguous with the side wall 116 and between the resilient layer 144 and the cover 114.

In this example, the capsule body as a whole is formed of a layered material with layers 144, 148 of aluminum material on opposite sides of the resilient layer 145 and the further layer 148 in the flange 120 is contiguous with the further layer 148' of aluminum material in the side wall 116. Such a capsule body can be manufactured in a simple manner from sandwich sheet material.

For allowing deformations of the sealing structure 128 of a larger magnitude, the deformable sealing ring portion 128 projects axially from base portions 149, 150 of the flange 120, to which base portions the cover 114 is attached, on a side of the base portions 149, 150 facing the enclosing member 6 when the capsule 2 is in the enclosing member 6. The deformable sealing ring portion 280 has an inner wall portion 151 extending from and contiguous with an inner base portion 149 of the flange 120 and an outer wall portion 152 extending from and contiguous with an outer base portion 150 of the flange 120. The outer wall portion 152 is located outward of and spaced from the inner wall portion 151. A bridge portion 153 interconnects the inner wall portion 151 and the outer wall portion 152 and is located axially spaced from the base portions 149, 150 of the flange 120. This allows the layered material of the sealing ring portion 128 to deform as a whole when clamped between the annular end surface 30 of the enclosing member 6 and the closing member 8.

If in cross-sectional view, a top 154 of the bridge portion 153 axially most remote from the base portions 149, 150 is flat or has a center plane curved with a radius of curvature larger than two times a wall thickness of the top 154 of the bridge portion 153, a particularly high capability of accommodation to the shape of the annular end surface 30 of the enclosing member 6 is achieved. In Figs. 4-8, the wall thicknesses are shown larger than they are in reality to allow distinguishing the several layers.

As shown in Fig. 5, the top 154 of the bridge portion 153 is positioned for being contacted first by the annular end portion 30, when the sealing ring portion 128 is clamped between the annular end surface 30 and the closing member 8 of a compatible beverage preparation device.

Fig. 6-8 show a flange area of a third example of a capsule 202 according to the invention. As in the example shown in Fig. 5, the material of which the capsule body as a whole is formed is a sandwich material with a resilient core 245 and aluminum outer layers 244, 248. In this example, the deformable sealing ring portion 228 of the flange 220 is flat and the core 245 is made of a honeycomb structure leaving empty spaces 255 between webs 256 of material extending transverse to the layers 244, 245, 248.

In a sandwich material, very thin aluminum layers (e.g. less than 0.04 mm) suffice for providing the required strength and stiffness of the capsule body as a whole. However, such sandwich materials having very thin load bearing outer sheets are easily deformed locally, as is illustrated by Figs. 7 and 8, so that a particularly good conformability to the shape of the annular end surface 30 of the enclosing member is achieved. As is shown in Fig. 7, the annular end surface 30 has grooves (recessed portions) 246 and projecting or raised portions 247 between each pair of grooves 246. If the deformable sealing ring portion 228 of the flange 220 is clamped between the annular end surface 30 and the closing member 8, the raised portions 47 of the annular end portion 30 are pressed into the deformable sealing ring portion 228 (Fig. 8) locally deforming the aluminum layer 244 and adjacent portions of the resilient layer 245 while areas of the aluminum layer 244 in contact with the recessed portions 46 and adjacent portions of the resilient layer 245 are not deformed or deformed to a lesser extent. Thus, as is illustrated by Fig. 8, local compressibility of the resilient layer 245 and local deformability of the aluminum layer facing the annular end surface 30 allow the deformable sealing ring portion 228 to accommodate to the shape, an in particular the undulations, in the annular end surface 30.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

A capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a drinkable brew by extraction and / or dissolution of the substance by supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule, the capsule comprising: an aluminum capsule body with a central capsule body axis, the aluminum capsule body comprises a bottom, a side wall, an outwardly extending flange and a sealing structure on the flange; and a cover layer attached to the flange and hermetically sealing the capsule; wherein the sealing structure is deformable to provide a fluid-sealing contact with an annular end surface of an enclosure portion of a beverage preparation device when the capsule is placed in the enclosure portion and the enclosure portion by means of a closure portion of the beverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beverage preparation device, is closed, wherein at least portions of the flange and the sealing structure are clamped between the annular end surface and the closure portion, the end surface of the annular end surface element optionally having a plurality of radially extending open grooves; characterized in that the seal structure comprises a deformable seal ring portion of the flange, the seal ring portion comprising a layer of aluminum sheet material adjacent to the side wall and at least one resilient layer between the layer of aluminum material and the lid or on a side of the flange facing away from the lid and the entire outer surface of the capsule body.

The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the capsule body as a whole is formed from multilayer material comprising the aluminum sheet material and the resilient layer, the resilient layer in the flange being adjacent to the resilient layer in the side wall.

The capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid is adhesively attached to the resilient layer, wherein the resilient layer is of an oxygen barrier material or comprises an oxygen barrier on a side facing the lid.

The capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deformable sealing ring portion of the flange comprises a further layer of aluminum sheet material as continuous continuation of the side wall and between the resilient layer and the cover.

The capsule of claims 2 and 4, wherein the multilayer material from which the capsule body is formed as a whole further comprises a further layer of aluminum sheet material, wherein the layers of aluminum material are on either side of the resilient layer and wherein the further layer is in the flange and is continuous continuation of the further layer of aluminum material in the side wall.

The capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient layer is of a polymeric material.

The capsule of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the resilient layer is a cellular aluminum structure whereby voids are formed between webs of material extending transversely to the layers.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable sealing ring portion of the flange extends axially from base portions of the flange, to which base portions the lid is attached, on one side of the base portions facing the enclosure portion when the capsule is in the enclosure portion, wherein the deformable seal ring portion comprises: an inner wall portion extending from and adjacent to an inner base portion of the flange; an outer wall portion extending from and adjacent to an outer base portion of the flange, the outer wall portion being located outwardly from and spaced from the inner wall portion; and a bridge portion interconnecting the inner wall portion and the outer wall portion, the bridge portion being axially spaced from the base portions of the flange.

The capsule according to claim 8, wherein, in cross-sectional view, an upper side of the bridge portion is axially furthest from the base flange portions or a center plane curved with a radius of curvature greater than twice a wall thickness of the upper side of the bridge portion.

A capsule according to any preceding claim, wherein the deformable seal ring portion of the flange is positioned to be first contacted by the annular end portion when the seal ring portion is clamped between the annular end surface and the closure portion of a compatible beverage preparation device.

The capsule according to claim 10, wherein the deformable sealing ring portion of the flange is at least partially in a zone extending about the circumference about the axis of the capsule, the zone having inner and outer diameters in a range of 29 - 33 mm , more preferably 30.0 - 31.4 mm and most preferably 30.3 - 31.0 mm.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule is filled with 5 - 20 grams, preferably 5 - 10 grams, more preferably 5 - 7 grams of an extractable product, such as roasted and ground coffee.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer diameter of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule is larger than the diameter of the bottom of the capsule.

The capsule of claim 13, wherein the outer diameter of the outwardly extending flange is approximately 37.1 mm and the diameter of the bottom of the capsule is approximately 23.3 mm.

The capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is 20 to 200 microns, preferably 90 to 110 microns.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is made of aluminum with a thickness of 15 to 65 microns, preferably 30 to 45 microns and more preferably 39 microns.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aluminum capsule body has a wall thickness and the lid has a wall thickness smaller than the wall thickness of the lid.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is adapted to tear open on a closure part of the beverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beverage preparation device under the influence of liquid pressure in the capsule.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall of the aluminum capsule body has a free end opposite the bottom, the outwardly extending flange extending from the free end of the side wall in a direction at least substantially transversely of the central capsule body axis.

The capsule of claim 19, wherein the outwardly extending flange comprises a curled outer edge outside the sealing portion.

The capsule of claim 20, wherein an inner edge of the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange has a radius around the central capsule body axis of at least 32 mm.

The capsule of claim 20 or 21, wherein the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange has a largest dimension of about 1.2 mm.

The capsule according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the inner diameter of the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body is approximately 29.5 mm.

The capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and an outer edge of the outwardly extending flange is approximately 3.8 mm.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aluminum capsule body has an height in the axial direction of approximately 28.4 mm.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aluminum capsule body is flattened, wherein preferably the side wall of the aluminum capsule body encloses an angle with a line transverse to the central capsule body axis of about 97.5 °.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom of the aluminum capsule body has a largest inner diameter of approximately 23.3 mm.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom of the aluminum capsule body is flattened, preferably with a bottom height of about 4.0 mm and wherein the bottom further has a generally flat portion opposite the cover with a diameter of approximately 8.3 mm.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing structure has an axial height of at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm and most preferably at least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm and most preferably at most 1.2 mm.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing ring portion is deformable such that the sealing ring portion effectively seals against the annular surface while during brewing, the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosing portion of the beverage preparation device is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar.

A capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal ring portion is deformable such that the seal ring portion effectively seals against the annular surface when during brewing, the annular end surface exerts a force F2 on the sealing structure of the capsule to provide a sealing contact between the flange and to provide the annular end surface, wherein F 2 is in the range of 500 - 1500 N, preferably in the range of 750 - 1250 N, when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosure portion outside the capsule is in the range of 6 - 20 bar, at preferably between 12 and 18 bar.

The capsule of any preceding claim, wherein the seal ring portion is deformable such that the seal ring portion effectively seals against the annular surface if, in use, before or at the start of brewing, the annular end surface is a force F1 on the sealing structure of the capsule to provide a sealing contact between the flange and the annular end surface, the force F1 being in the range of 30 - 150 N, preferably 40 - 150 N and more preferably 50 - 100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 is in the The enclosure portion of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably 0.1-1 bar.

A capsule according to any preceding claim, wherein the seal ring portion is deformable such that the seal ring portion effectively seals against the annular surface when the annular end surface pressed against the seal ring portion comprises a plurality of radially extending open grooves evenly spaced apart from each other circumferentially of the annular end surface.

The capsule of any preceding claim, wherein the seal ring portion is deformable such that the seal ring portion effectively seals against the annular surface if the largest width of each of the grooves is 0.9 - 1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 - 1 05 mm, more preferably 0.98 - 1.02 mm, wherein a maximum height of each of the grooves in an axial direction of the enclosure part of the beverage preparation device is 0.01 - 0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 - 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 - 0.055 mm and most preferably 0.05 mm and wherein the number of grooves is 90 to 110, preferably 96, and optionally the radial width of the annular end surface at the location of the grooves is 0.05 - 0.9 mm, preferably 0.2 - 0.7 mm and more preferably 0.3 - 0.55 mm.

The capsule of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing ring portion and the remainder of the capsule body are made of the same sheet material.

A system for preparing a drinkable brew from a capsule using a pressurized fluid in the capsule, comprising: a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosure portion for receiving the capsule, the enclosure portion comprising fluid injection means for supplying fluid under pressure in the capsule, the beverage preparation device further comprising a closure part, such as an extraction plate, for closing the enclosure part of the beverage preparation device, the enclosure part having an annular end with an annular end surface, the annular end surface optionally having a multiple number of radially extending open grooves; a capsule comprising a substance for the preparation of a drinkable brew by supplying extraction and / or dissolution of the substance by means of a fluid under pressure in the capsule, the capsule comprising: an aluminum capsule body with a central capsule body axis, wherein the aluminum capsule body comprises a bottom, a side wall, an outwardly extending flange and a sealing structure on the flange; and a cover layer attached to the flange and hermetically sealing the capsule; wherein the sealing structure is deformable and is fluid-sealing contact with the annular end surface when the capsule is placed in the enclosing member and the enclosing member is closed by the closure member, with at least portions of the flange and the sealing structure clamped between the annular end surface and the closure member; characterized in that the seal structure comprises a deformable seal ring portion of the flange, the seal ring portion comprising a layer of aluminum sheet material adjacent to the side wall and at least one resilient layer between the layer of aluminum material and the lid or on a side of the flange facing away from the lid and the entire outer surface of the capsule body.

The system of claim 36, wherein the deformable seal ring portion of the flange is positioned to be first contacted by the annular end portion when the seal ring portion is clamped between the annular end surface and the closure portion.

The system of claim 37, wherein, in cross-sectional view, the deformable seal ring portion of the flange is centrally located with respect to the annular end surface for first contact with a central portion of the annular end surface when the seal ring portion is clamped between the annular end surface and the closure part.

The system of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the capsule is a capsule of any one of claims 2 to 35.

A system according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein, in use, the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosure portion of the beverage preparation device is in the range of 6 - 20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar.

A system according to any of claims 36 to 40, wherein the system is arranged such that, in use, during brewing, the annular end surface exerts a force F2 on the sealing structure of the capsule to provide a sealing contact between the flange and the annular end surface, where F2 is in the range of 500 - 1500 N, preferably in the range of 750 - 1250 N when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosure portion outside the capsule is in the range of 6 - 20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar.

The system of any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the system is arranged such that, in use, before or at the start of brewing, the annular end surface exerts a force F1 on the sealing structure of the capsule to provide a sealing contact between the flange and the annular end surface, where F1 is in the range of 30 - 150 N, preferably 40 - 150 N, more preferably 50 - 100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosure portion of the beverage preparation device is outside the capsule in the range is from 0.1 to 4 bar, preferably from 0.1 to 1 bar.

The system of any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the plurality of radially extending open grooves are evenly spaced apart from one another in circumference of the annular end surface.

The system of claim 43, wherein the largest width of each groove is 0.9 - 1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 - 1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98 -1.02 mm, wherein a maximum height of each groove in an axial direction of the enclosing part of the beverage preparation device is 0.01 - 0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 - 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 - 0.055 mm, and most preferably 0, 05 mm, and wherein the number of grooves is 90 - 110, preferably 96, wherein the radial width of the annular end surface at the grooves is preferably 0.05 - 0.9 mm, more preferably 0.2 - 0 , 7 mm and even more preferably 0.3 - 0.55 mm.

A system according to any of claims 36 to 44, wherein during use when the closure part of the beverage preparation device closes the enclosure part of the beverage preparation device, at least the end surface of the enclosure part of the beverage preparation device can move relative to the closure part of the beverage preparation device under the influence of the pressure of the fluid in the enclosure part of the beverage preparation device towards the closure part of the beverage preparation device for applying the maximum force between the flange of the capsule and the end surface of the enclosure part of the beverage preparation device, optionally the enclosure part having a first part and a first part and a second part, wherein the second part comprises the end surface of the enclosing part, wherein the second part can move relative to the first part between a first and second position, wherein the second part can move from the first position to the second allow in the direction of the closure member under the influence of fluid pressure in the enclosure member, optionally the force F1 of claim 42 being achieved when the second member is in the first position with fluid pressure P1 in the enclosure member as stated in claim 42 and optionally including the force F2 according to claim 41 is achieved when the second part is moved to the second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing part as indicated in claim 41.

46. Use of a capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 35 in a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosure part for receiving the capsule, the enclosure part comprising fluid injection means which supplies fluid under pressure into the capsule, the beverage preparation device further comprising a closure part, such as an extraction plate which closes the enclosure portion of the beverage preparation device, the enclosure portion having an annular end with an annular end surface, the annular end surface optionally having a plurality of radially extending open grooves, the capsule being placed in the enclosure portion of the beverage preparation device , wherein the enclosure part is closed by means of the closure part of the beverage preparation device, and at least a portion of the sealing structure is clamped between the enclosure part and the closure part of the beverage preparation device or the sealing structure is brought into sealing contact with the annular end surface.

The use according to claim 46, wherein the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosure portion of the beverage preparation device is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar.

The use of claim 46 or 47, wherein, in use, during brewing, the annular end surface of the enclosure member exerts a force F2 on the sealing structure of the capsule which provides a sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the enclosure member of the beverage preparation device, wherein F2 is in the range of 500 - 1500 N, preferably in the range of 750 - 1250 N when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosure portion of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 6 - 20 bar, at preferably between 12 and 18 bar while the sealing structure is in the sealing contact with the annular end surface.

The use of any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein, before or at the start of brewing, the annular end surface of the enclosure member exerts a force F1 on the sealing structure of the capsule which has a sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and provides the enclosure portion of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is in the range of 30 - 150 N, preferably 40 - 150 N, more preferably 50 - 100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosure portion of the beverage preparation device is outside the capsule in the range is 0.1-4 bar, preferably 0.1-1 bar while the sealing structure is in the sealing contact with the annular end surface.

Use according to any one of claims 46 to 49, wherein during use when the closure part of the beverage preparation device closes the enclosure part of the beverage preparation device, at least the end surface of the enclosure part of the beverage preparation device moves relative to the closure part of the beverage preparation device under the influence of the pressure of the fluid in the enclosure part of the beverage preparation device to the closure part of the beverage preparation device for applying the maximum force between the flange of the capsule and the end surface of the enclosure part of the beverage preparation device, optionally the enclosure part having a first part and a second part, wherein the second part comprises the end surface of the enclosure part, wherein the second part can move relative to the first part between a first and second position, the second part moving from the first position to the second position to e in the direction of the closure member under the influence of fluid pressure in the closure member optionally with the force F1 of claim 49 being reached if the second member is in the first position with a fluid pressure P1 in the closure member as stated in claim 49 and optionally the force F2 according to claim 48 is achieved when the second part is moved to the second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing part as stated in claim 48.