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

Abstract

A capsule containing a substance for preparing a drinkable beverage. The capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a side wall and an outwardly extending flange, and a sealing member in the outwardly extending flange to provide fluid-sealed contact with an enclosing member of a beverage making device. The beverage making device comprises an annular element having a free contact end provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves. The capsule comprises a bearing for the enclosing member of the beverage making device, and when the capsule is positioned within the enclosing member of the beverage making device and the enclosing member is closed by a closing member of the beverage making device, said bearing surrounds at least a portion of the free contact end of the annular element.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsule containing a substance for producing a beverage by supplying a pressurized fluid into the capsule to extract and / or dissolve the substance, wherein the capsule comprises a central capsule body axis and an aluminum capsule body, the aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending flange, and the capsule further comprises an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange to seal the capsule, and the capsule further comprises a sealing member on the outwardly extending flange to provide fluid sealing contact with the capsule, wherein when the capsule is positioned within an enclosure member of a beverage manufacturing device and the enclosure member is closed by a closing member of the beverage manufacturing device such as an extraction plate, at least one part of the sealing member of the capsule and the capsule is sealingly engaged between the enclosure member and the closing member of the beverage manufacturing device, and the enclosure member of the beverage manufacturing device comprises a central ring-shaped member axis and a ring-shaped element having a free contact end, and the free contact end of the ring-shaped element optionally has a plurality of radially extending open grooves.

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for producing a drinkable beverage from a capsule using a fluid supplied into the capsule under pressure, wherein the system comprises a beverage manufacturing device and a capsule.

[0003] A beverage manufacturing device comprises an outer casing member for receiving a capsule, and the outer casing member comprises a fluid injection means for supplying fluid into the capsule under pressure, and the beverage manufacturing device further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, for closing the outer casing member of the beverage manufacturing device, and the outer casing member of the beverage manufacturing device further comprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and a free contact end, and the free contact end of the annular element optionally comprises a plurality of radially extending open grooves, and

[0004] The capsule contains the substance for producing a drinkable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance by means of supplying fluid into the capsule under pressure, and the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, the aluminum capsule body comprises a bottom, a side wall, and an outwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprises an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange, and further comprises a sealing member on the outwardly extending flange to provide fluid sealing contact with an enclosure member of a beverage manufacturing device, and at least a portion of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the sealing member of the capsule are hermetically engaged between the enclosure member and the closing member of the beverage manufacturing device.

[0005] Additionally, the present invention relates to a beverage manufacturing device comprising an enclosure member for receiving a capsule, wherein the enclosure member comprises a fluid injection means for supplying fluid into the capsule under pressure, and the beverage manufacturing device further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, for closing the enclosure member of the beverage manufacturing device, and the enclosure member of the beverage manufacturing device further comprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and a free contact end, wherein the free contact end of the annular element optionally comprises a plurality of radially extending open grooves, and the capsule contains a substance for manufacturing a drinkable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance by means of supplying fluid into the capsule under pressure, and the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, wherein the aluminum capsule body comprises a bottom, a side wall, and an outwardly extending flange, and the capsule further comprises an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange, and further comprises a sealing member on the outwardly extending flange to provide fluid sealing contact with the enclosure member of the beverage manufacturing device, and at least a portion of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the sealing member of the capsule are the enclosure member and the closing member of the beverage manufacturing device. They interlock tightly in between. Background Technology

[0007] Such capsules, systems, and uses are known in EP-B-1 700 548. In the known system, the capsule is provided with a sealing member having a step shape, i.e., a sharp increase in the diameter of the sidewall of the capsule, and the enclosure member of the known system has a sealing surface acting on the sealing member to provide deflection of the sealing member, and the sealing surface is inclined so that the deflection of the sealing member becomes an inward and downward deformation of the step. Additionally, in the known system, the enclosure member includes a capsule holder and a manual or automatic mechanism for relative displacement between the enclosure member and the capsule holder. The manual or automatic mechanism applies a force to the sealing member of the capsule when the enclosure member is closed over the capsule holder. This force must ensure a fluid-tight seal between the enclosure member and the capsule. Because the manual or automatic mechanism is positioned to move relative to a base, the sealing capability of the system may depend on the pressure of the fluid injected by a fluid injection means. As fluid pressure increases, the force between the sealing member of the capsule and the free end of the enclosure member also increases. This system will be described later. The sealing member of the capsule must be positioned to still provide fluid-sealed contact between the enclosure member and the capsule when the maximum fluid pressure is reached in the enclosure member. However, if the fluid pressure inside the enclosure member outside the capsule is relatively low, the sealing member must be positioned before or at the start of extraction, and the sealing member also provides fluid-sealed contact between the enclosure member and the capsule. If there is no fluid-sealed contact between the capsule and the enclosure member at the start of extraction, leakage will occur. However, if leakage occurs, there is a possibility that the pressure inside the enclosure member and outside the capsule will not increase sufficiently to increase the force on the sealing member by the free end of the enclosure member when the manual or automatic mechanism moves the enclosure member toward the capsule holder.Only when there is sufficient initial sealing will the pressure within the enclosure member increase, and the force of the free end of the enclosure member acting on the sealing member of the capsule is increased to provide sufficient fluid sealing contact even at increased fluid pressure. Furthermore, this increased fluid pressure outside the capsule also provides increased fluid pressure inside the capsule, which necessitates that a cover be provided to the capsule positioned to tear open on the relief member of the capsule holder (also called the extraction play) of the beverage dispensing device under the influence of the fluid pressure inside the capsule.

[0008] As described above, the sealing member is a very important component in the design. When only a relatively small force is applied to the sealing member by the free end of the enclosure member, it must be able to provide fluid sealing contact between the enclosure member and the capsule at a relatively small fluid pressure, whereas when a higher force is applied to the sealing member of the capsule by the free end of the enclosure member, it must provide fluid sealing contact to the enclosure member outside the capsule at a higher fluid pressure. In particular, if radially extending open grooves are provided at the free contact end of the enclosure member, which act as air inlet passages when the force between the enclosure member and the capsule holder is released, the sealing member must be able to provide an effective seal by 'closing' the radially extending open grooves, as this makes it easier for the user to remove the capsule. The problem to be solved

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative sealing member that is relatively easy to manufacture, environmentally friendly when disposed of after capsule use, and provides satisfactory sealing even in the case of an enclosure member having open grooves in which the free contact ends extend radially.

[0011] The present invention also aims to provide an alternative system for producing a drinkable beverage from a capsule and to provide an alternative use of the capsule within the beverage manufacturing device. means of solving the problem

[0013] In a first embodiment according to the present invention, the capsule contains the substance for producing a drinkable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance by means of supplying a fluid into the capsule under pressure, the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, the aluminum capsule body comprises a bottom, a side wall, and an outwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprises an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover seals the capsule, the capsule further comprises a sealing member on the outwardly extending flange to provide fluid sealing contact with the capsule of the beverage manufacturing device when the capsule is positioned in the capsule of the beverage manufacturing device and the capsule is closed by a closing member of the beverage manufacturing device, such as an extraction plate of the beverage manufacturing device, and at least a portion of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the sealing member of the capsule are sealedly engaged between the capsule and the closing member of the beverage manufacturing device, and the capsule comprises a central ring-shaped element axis and a ring-shaped element having a free contact end, the free contact end of the ring-shaped element optionally has a plurality of radially extending open grooves, and The capsule is characterized by including a bearing for the enclosure member of the beverage manufacturing device when the capsule is located within the enclosure member of the beverage manufacturing device and the enclosure member is closed by a closing member of the beverage manufacturing device, wherein the bearing surrounds at least one part of the free contact end of an annular element, and before use, at least a first part of the bearing is placed at a first height above the cover, and upon use, when the enclosure member is closed by the closing member, at least the first part of the bearing is lowered by the free contact end of the annular element that moves toward the closing element so that the bearing is at least partially folded beyond the free contact end of the annular element, and after the enclosure member is closed by the closing member, at least the first part of the bearing is placed at a second height higher than the cover.The first height is greater than the second height, and the second height may be zero. When a capsule is positioned within an enclosure member of a beverage dispensing device and the enclosure member is closed by a closing member of the beverage dispensing device, a satisfactory seal can be obtained because the bearing surrounds at least a portion of the free contact end of the annular element. Such a bearing may be relatively easy to manufacture. Additionally, the capsule may provide a satisfactory seal with a free contact end equipped with radially extending open grooves. When the enclosure member is closed, the bearing folds at least partially over the free contact end of the annular element, so an excellent sealing connection is obtained between the capsule and the enclosure member. In this application, the presence of fluid sealing contact means that 0 to 6%, preferably 0 to 4%, more preferably 0 to 0.25% of the total fluid supplied to the enclosure member to make a beverage may leak due to leakage between the free contact end and the sealing member of the capsule.

[0014] The present invention is particularly advantageous in one embodiment when the capsule is filled with 5 to 20 grams, preferably 5 to 10 grams, more preferably 5 to 7 grams of extractable product, for example, roasted ground coffee.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the capsule, the outer diameter of the flange extending outward from the capsule is larger than the diameter of the bottom of the capsule. Preferably, the outer diameter of the flange extending outward is about 37.1 millimeters (mm), and the bottom diameter of the capsule is 23.3 mm.

[0016] In one embodiment of the capsule, the present invention is particularly advantageous when the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is 20 to 120 micrometers, preferably 100 micrometers.

[0017] In one embodiment of the capsule, the present invention is advantageous when the thickness of the aluminum cover is 15 to 65 micrometers, preferably 30 to 45 micrometers, more preferably 39 micrometers.

[0018] In one embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention, the wall thickness of the aluminum cover is smaller than the wall thickness of the aluminum capsule body.

[0019] In another embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention, the aluminum cover is positioned to be torn open on a closing member of a beverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of a beverage manufacturing device, under the influence of fluid pressure inside the capsule.

[0020] In one embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention, which is particularly easy to manufacture, the side wall of the aluminum capsule body has a free end facing the bottom, and the flange extending outwardly at least substantially traverses the central capsule body axis from the free end of the side wall. Preferably, the flange extending outwardly includes a curled outer edge, which is useful for obtaining a satisfactory seal with the free contact end provided with radially extending open grooves. The radius of the inner edge of the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange with respect to the central capsule body axis is preferably at least 32 mm, thereby ensuring a clearance from the annular end surface of the enclosure member. It is preferable that the sealing member be positioned between the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and the inner edge of the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange to obtain a more satisfactory seal.

[0021] To ensure that the curled outer edge is commercially viable and does not interfere with the operation of future beverage manufacturing devices, the outwardly extending flange has a maximum radial cross-sectional dimension of about 1.2 mm.

[0022] The present invention is particularly advantageous when 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 the outermost edge of the flange extending outward can be about 3.8 mm. The preferred height of the aluminum capsule body is about 28.4 mm.

[0023] In one embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention, which is easier for a user to remove from a beverage making device after use, the aluminum capsule body is cut, and preferably, the side wall of the aluminum capsule body surrounds an angle formed with a line that crosses the central capsule body axis at approximately 97.5°.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention, the bottom of the aluminum capsule body has a largest inner diameter of about 23.3 mm. The bottom of the aluminum capsule body has a bottom height of about 4.0 mm, and it is preferable that the bottom further has a generally flat central portion facing a cover with a diameter of about 8.3 mm.

[0025] In substantially all cases, a satisfactory seal can be obtained in an embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention, and when the enclosure member is closed, the height of the sealing member portion that is first contacted by the free end of the enclosure member is at least 0.1 mm, more preferably 0.2 mm, most preferably at least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, even more preferably at most 2 mm, most preferably at most 1.2 mm.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention, the capsule comprises an inner surface, and an inner coating is provided on the inner surface of at least the sidewall of the capsule. In particular, when the capsule is manufactured by deep drawing, the inner coating facilitates the deep drawing process. When the aluminum cover of the capsule is attached to a flange extending outward by a seal lacquer, it is particularly advantageous if the inner coating is composed of the same material as the seal lacquer. Depending on the inner coating used, it is preferable that the sealing member does not have an inner coating to prevent the breakdown of the inner coating from the sealing member.

[0027] In another embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention, the capsule comprises an outer surface, and a color lacquer is provided on the outer surface of the capsule. To facilitate deep drawing, it is preferable to provide an outer coating on the outer surface of the color lacquer. Depending on the color lacquer and outer coating used, it is preferable that the sealing member be free of the color lacquer (and consequently the outer coating) to prevent the breakdown of the color lacquer / outer coating from the sealing member.

[0028] In one embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention which is easy to manufacture, a bearing surrounding at least one part of the free contact end of a ring-shaped element is formed at least partially by a sealing member.

[0029] Preferably, the sealing member of the capsule comprises two spaced protrusions, each of which protrudes from a flange extending outwardly and a plateau between the two protrusions, wherein at least one first portion of the plateau defines a predetermined depth of the space between the two protrusions, and when the capsule is positioned within the enclosure member of a beverage dispensing device and the enclosure member is closed by a closing member of the beverage dispensing device, the radial distance between the two protrusions is the distance at which the free contact end of the ring-shaped element is surrounded by the two protrusions, and before use, at least one first portion of the plateau is placed at a first height on the cover such that the space has a first depth, and when the enclosure member is closed by the closing member during use, at least one first portion of the plateau is lowered by the free contact end of the ring-shaped element that moves toward the closing member so that the plateau is at least partially folded beyond the free contact end, and after closing the enclosure member by the closing member, at least one first portion of the plateau is placed at a second height on the cover, the first height is greater than the second height, and the second height is 0 The space has a second depth for at least one first part that is greater than the first depth. When the enclosure member is closed, the plateau folds at least partially beyond the free contact end of the ring-shaped element, so an excellent sealing connection is obtained between the capsule and the enclosure member. In addition, the fact that the depth of the space is increased so that a relatively large part of the ring-shaped element is placed within the space improves the sealing connection between the capsule and the enclosure member.

[0030] In addition, when a capsule is located within an enclosure member of a beverage manufacturing device and the enclosure member is closed by a closing member of the beverage manufacturing device, the distance between two protrusions is advantageous when the free contact end of a ring-shaped element is contacted by the two protrusions. When a capsule is located within an enclosure member of a beverage manufacturing device and the enclosure member is closed by a closing member of the beverage manufacturing device, two spaced protrusions and a plateau may be arranged so that the free contact end of a ring-shaped element contacts the plateau.

[0031] Alternatively, the sealing member of the capsule includes a flange extending outwardly and a protrusion protruding from a plateau between the protrusion and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body, and the bearing is formed by the protrusion, the plateau, and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body, and the distance between the protrusion and the side wall is the distance at which the free contact end of the ring-shaped element is surrounded by the protrusion and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body when the capsule is located within the enclosure member of the beverage manufacturing device and the enclosure member is closed by the closing member of the beverage manufacturing device, and before use, at least one first part of the plateau is placed at a first height on the cover, and when the enclosure member is closed by the closing member during use, at least one first part of the plateau is lowered as the free contact end of the ring-shaped element moves toward the closing member so that the plateau is at least partially folded beyond the free contact end, and after the enclosure member is closed by the closing member, at least one first part of the plateau is raised to a second height on the cover, the first height is greater than the second height, and the second height may be zero. When the enclosure member is closed, the plateau folds at least partially beyond the free contact end of the ring-shaped element, so an excellent sealing connection is obtained between the capsule and the enclosure member.

[0032] The distance between the protrusion and the side of the aluminum capsule body is the distance at which the free contact end of the ring-shaped element contacts the side wall of the aluminum capsule body when the capsule is located within the enclosure member of the beverage manufacturing device and the enclosure member is closed by the closing member of the beverage manufacturing device. Preferably, the protrusion, the side wall of the aluminum capsule body, and the plateau are arranged so that when the capsule is located within the enclosure member of the beverage manufacturing device and the enclosure member is closed by the closing member of the beverage manufacturing device, the free contact end of the ring-shaped element contacts the plateau.

[0033] In another embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention in which sealing can be further improved, at least one protrusion comprises a protruding upper portion, and the at least one protrusion is configured such that when the capsule is positioned within an enclosure member of a beverage manufacturing device and the enclosure member is closed by a closing member of the beverage manufacturing device, the protruding upper portion applies a radial force on the free contact end of a ring-shaped element. In particular, when the plateau is substantially flat and inclined with respect to a flange extending outwardly from the aluminum capsule body, the applied force provides an additional sealing effect.

[0034] In another embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention, at least one protrusion includes a protruding side wall inclined with respect to a flange extending outwardly to the aluminum capsule body.

[0035] The plateau may be substantially flat or, preferably, include a curved portion suitable for the shape of the free contact end of the ring-shaped element.

[0036] In a second embodiment according to the present invention, a system for producing a drinkable beverage from a capsule using a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule is provided, and the system comprises a beverage manufacturing device and a capsule.

[0037] A beverage manufacturing device comprises an outer casing member for receiving a capsule, and the outer casing member comprises a fluid injection means for supplying fluid into the capsule under pressure, and the beverage manufacturing device further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, for closing the outer casing member of the beverage manufacturing device, and the outer casing member of the beverage manufacturing device further comprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and a free contact end, and the free contact end of the annular element optionally comprises a plurality of radially extending open grooves, and

[0038] The capsule contains the substance for producing a drinkable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance by means of supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule, and the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, the aluminum capsule body comprises a bottom, a side wall, and an outwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprises an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange, and further comprises a sealing member on the outwardly extending flange to provide fluid sealing contact with an enclosure member of a beverage manufacturing device, and at least a portion of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the sealing member of the capsule are sealingly engaged between the enclosure member and the closing member of the beverage manufacturing device, and the capsule comprises a bearing for the enclosure member of the beverage manufacturing device when the capsule is positioned within the enclosure member of the beverage manufacturing device and the enclosure member is closed by the closing member of the beverage manufacturing device, wherein the bearing surrounds at least a portion of the free contact end of an annular element. Since the bearing surrounds at least a portion of the free contact end of the annular element, a satisfactory seal can be obtained when the capsule is positioned within the enclosure member of the beverage dispensing device and the enclosure member is closed by the closing member of the beverage dispensing device. Such a bearing can be relatively easy to manufacture. Additionally, in this system, the capsule provides a satisfactory seal with the free contact end provided with radially extending open grooves.

[0039] Dependent claims relating to preferred embodiments of a system having features identical to the features of the dependent claims of the capsule are referenced above.

[0040] The present invention is particularly useful in a system according to the present invention when, at use, the maximum fluid pressure within the enclosure member of the beverage making device is in the range of 6 to 20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. Even at such high pressure, a satisfactory seal between the capsule and the beverage making device can be obtained.

[0041] Preferably, when the system is in use, during extraction, the free end of the enclosure member of the beverage making device applies a force (F2) on the sealing member of the capsule to provide fluid sealing contact between the flange extending outwardly of the capsule and the enclosure member of the beverage making device, and when the fluid pressure (P2) within the enclosure member of the beverage making device is in the range of 6 to 20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar, the force (F2) is arranged to be in the range of 500 to 1500 N, preferably between 750 and 1250 N. In particular, when the system is in use, or before extraction or at the start of extraction, the free end of the enclosure member of the beverage making device applies a force (F1) on the sealing member of the capsule to provide fluid sealing contact between the flange extending outwardly of the capsule and the enclosure member of the beverage making device, and when the fluid pressure (P1) inside the enclosure member of the beverage making device outside the capsule is within 0.1 to 4 bar, preferably within 0.1 to 1 bar, the force (F1) is arranged to be in the range of 30 to 150 N, preferably within the range of 40 to 150 N, more preferably within the range of 50 to 100 N.

[0042] In one embodiment of the system according to the present invention, a plurality of radially extending open grooves are uniformly spaced apart from each other in the tangential direction of the free contact end of the ring-shaped element of the beverage making device, so that a user can easily remove the capsule while a satisfactory seal between the capsule and the beverage making device can still be provided.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment of the system according to the present invention, the longest tangential width of each groove (from top to top, i.e., equal to the groove-to-groove pitch) is 0.9 to 1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, and the maximum height of each groove in the axial direction of the enclosure member of the beverage making device is 0.01 to 0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, most preferably 0.05 mm, and the number of grooves is 90 to 110, preferably 96. The radial width of the ring-shaped end surface at the location of the grooves is 0.05 to 0.9 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.7 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 0.55 mm.

[0044] The present invention is particularly suitable for application to an embodiment of a system according to the present invention, wherein, when a closing member of a beverage making device closes a casing member of a beverage making device during use, at least a free contact end of the casing member of the beverage making device can move relative to the closing member of the beverage making device toward the closing member of the beverage making device under the influence of the pressure of the fluid within the casing member of the beverage making device to apply a maximum force between the flange of the capsule and the free end of the casing member of the beverage making device. The casing member may include a first part and a second part, the second part includes a free contact end of the casing member, and the second part can move relative to the first part between a first position and a second position. The second part can move from the first position toward the second position in the direction of the closing member under the influence of the pressure of the fluid within the casing member. When the second part is in the first position having a fluid pressure (P1), a force (F1) as described above can be reached. The force (F2) described above can be reached if the second part is moved toward the second position under the influence of the fluid pressure (P2) within the enclosure member.

[0045] In a third embodiment according to the present invention, use of a capsule according to the present invention is provided in a beverage manufacturing device comprising an outer casing member for receiving a capsule, wherein the outer casing member comprises a fluid injection means for supplying fluid into the capsule under pressure, and the beverage manufacturing device further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, for closing the outer casing member of the beverage manufacturing device, and the outer casing member of the beverage manufacturing device further comprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and a free contact end, wherein the free contact end of the annular element optionally comprises a plurality of radially extending open grooves, and the capsule contains said substance for manufacturing a drinkable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance by means of supplying fluid into the capsule under pressure, and the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, wherein the aluminum capsule body comprises a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending flange, and the capsule further comprises an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange, and further comprises a sealing member on the outwardly extending flange to provide fluid sealing contact with the outer casing member of the beverage manufacturing device, and at least of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the sealing member of the capsule A portion is hermetically interlocked between the enclosure member and the closing member of the beverage manufacturing device. Dependent claims relating to the advantages of use and preferred embodiments relating to use that are identical to the features of the dependent claims of the capsule and the dependent claims of the system are referenced above. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0047] The present invention is described in detail by non-limiting embodiments with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a beverage manufacturing device of a system according to the present invention, wherein the free contact end of the enclosure member of the beverage preparation device has a plurality of radially extending open grooves. FIG. 3a illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a capsule according to the present invention before use. FIG. 3b is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 3A showing a flange and a sealing member extending outward. FIG. 3c is an enlarged detailed view of the flange extending outward from the capsule of FIG. 3a and 3b after use. FIG. 4a illustrates a first embodiment of a sealing material in a flange extending outwardly from a capsule according to the present invention. FIG. 4b illustrates a second embodiment of a sealing member in a flange extending outwardly from a capsule according to the present invention. FIG. 4c illustrates a third embodiment of a sealing member in a flange extending outwardly from a capsule according to the present invention. FIG. 4d illustrates a fourth embodiment of a sealing member in a flange extending outwardly from a capsule according to the present invention. FIG. 4e illustrates a fifth embodiment of a sealing member in a flange extending outwardly from a capsule according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0048] In the drawings and the following description, the same reference numbers indicate the same features.

[0049] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a system (1) for producing a drinkable beverage from a capsule using a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule. The system (10) includes a capsule (2) and a beverage making device (4). The device (4) includes an enclosing member (6) for holding the capsule (2). The device (40) further includes a closing member, such as an extraction plate, for supporting the capsule (2).

[0050] In FIG. 1, a gap is shown between the capsule (2), the outer casing member (6), and the extraction plate (8) for clarity. It can be seen that when in use, the capsule (2) can be positioned in contact with the outer casing member (60) and the extraction plate (8). Generally, the outer casing member (6) has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule (2). The device (4) further includes a fluid injection means (10) for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under a pressure within the range of 6 to 20 bar, preferably 12 to 18 bar.

[0051] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the interchangeable capsule (2) comprises an aluminum capsule body (12) having a central capsule body axis (12A) and an aluminum cover (14). In this specification, the meaning of 'aluminum' is an aluminum alloy. In the above example, the aluminum capsule body (120) comprises a side wall (16), a bottom (18) closing the side wall (16) at a first end, and a flange (20) extending outward from the circumferential wall (16) at a second end facing the bottom (18). The side wall (16), bottom (18), and cover (14) surround an internal space (22) containing a substance for making a beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance. Preferably, the substance is 5 to 20 grams, preferably 5 to 10 grams, more preferably 5 to 7 grams of roasted ground coffee for making a single beverage. The capsule is sealed initially, that is, sealed before use.

[0052] The system (1) of FIG. 1 includes bottom piercing means (24) for piercing the bottom (18) of a capsule (2) to create at least one entrance opening (25) in the bottom (18) to supply fluid to a product extractable through an entrance opening (25).

[0053] The system (1) of FIG. 1 further comprises cover piercing means (26) embodied as a protrusion of a closing member (8) to pierce the cover (14) of a capsule (2). The cover piercing means (26) can be positioned so that when the (fluid) pressure in the internal space (22) exceeds a critical pressure, the cover (14) is torn, and the cover (14) is pressed against the cover piercing means (26) with sufficient force. Thus, the aluminum cover (14) is positioned to be torn on the closing member (8) of the beverage making device under the influence of the fluid pressure inside the capsule.

[0054] The capsule (2) further comprises a sealing member (28), which is shown as a general box in FIGS. 1, 3A and 3B, but is described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 4a through 4e. The sealing member (28) is positioned on an outwardly extending flange (20) when the capsule (2) is located within the outer casing member (6) and the outer casing member (6) is closed by the extraction plate (8), thereby providing fluid sealing contact with the outer casing member (6), so that at least a portion of the outwardly extending flange (20) of the capsule (2) and the sealing member (28) are sealedly engaged between the outer casing member (6) and the extraction plate (8). This means that fluid sealing contact is established between the sealing member and the free contact end.

[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the outer casing member (6) of the beverage making device comprises an annular element (41) having a central annular element axis (41A) and a free contact end (30). The free contact end (30) of the annular element (41) has a plurality of open grooves (40) that extend radially (radially). The plurality of radially extending open grooves (40) are uniformly spaced apart from each other in the tangential direction of the free contact end (30) of the annular element (41). The width of the longest tangent of each groove (40) is 0.9 to 1.1 millimeters (mm), preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, and the maximum height of each groove (40) in the axial direction of the enclosure member (6) is 0.01 to 0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, most preferably 0.05 mm. The number of grooves (40) is in the range of 90 to 110, preferably 96. In general, the radial width of the free end at the location of the grooves is 0.05 to 0.9 mm, more specifically 0.2 to 0.7 mm, and even more specifically 0.3 to 0.55 mm.

[0056] One embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention is illustrated in more detail in 3A and 3B. In the illustrated 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 illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter (ODF) of the outwardly extending flange (20) is about 37.1 mm, and the diameter (DB) of the bottom (18) is about 23.3 mm. The thickness of the aluminum capsule body (12) is 100 micrometers, but in other embodiments, the thickness may be 20 to 120 micrometers.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the wall thickness of the aluminum cover (14) is 39 micrometers. It is preferable that the wall thickness of the aluminum cover (14) be smaller than the thickness of the aluminum capsule body (12).

[0058] The side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12) has a free end (42) facing 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. An outwardly extending flange (20) extends from the free end (42) in a direction that at least substantially traverses the central capsule body axis (12A). The outwardly extending flange (20) includes a curled outer edge (43) which is beneficial for obtaining a seal between the capsule and the enclosure member. In the illustrated embodiment, the curled outer edge (43) of the outwardly extending flange (20) has a maximum dimension of about 1.2 millimeters. The distance (DIF) between the free end (42) of the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12) and the inner edge (43A) of the curled outer edge (43) is about 2.7 mm, and the distance (DOF) between the free end (42) of the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12) and the outermost edge (43B) of the flange (20) extending outward is about 3.8 millimeters. The radius of the inner edge (43A) of the curled outer edge (43) with respect to the central capsule body axis is preferably at least 32 mm.

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the sealing member (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 flange extending outward. The sealing member (28) is shown as a standard box, but will be described in more detail below. Regardless of the embodiment of the sealing member (28), the height of the portion of the sealing member that is first contacted by the free end of the enclosure member when the enclosure member is closed is at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm, most preferably at least 0.2 mm, and to provide a proper seal, at least 0.8 mm and up to 3 mm, more preferably up to 2 mm, most preferably up to 1.2 mm.

[0060] As seen in FIG. 3a, the aluminum capsule body (12) is cut. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12) surrounds a line and angle (A) that crosses the central capsule body axis (12A) of about 97.5°. The bottom (18) of the aluminum capsule body (12) has a maximum internal diameter (DB) of about 23.3 mm. The bottom (18) of the aluminum capsule body (12) is also cut and, in the illustrated embodiment, has a bottom height (BH) of about 4.0 mm. The bottom (18) has a central portion (18A) with a diameter (DEE) of about 8.3 mm and a generally flat central portion (18A) facing the cover (14) where inlet holes (25) can be made. Inlet holes can also be created in a cut 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.

[0061] The system (1) illustrated in FIG. 1 operates as follows to produce a drinkable beverage. In this embodiment, the coffee, which is the material inside the capsule, is roasted and ground coffee.

[0062] The capsule (2) is positioned on the outer casing member (6). The extraction plate (8) comes into contact with the capsule (2). The bottom piercing means (24) pierces the bottom (18) of the capsule (2) to create inlet holes (25). Here, a fluid, which is pressurized hot water, is supplied through the inlet holes (25) to the extractable product within the internal space (22). The water wets the coffee grounds and extracts the desired substance to form a coffee beverage.

[0063] While pressurized water is supplied to the internal space (22), the pressure inside the capsule (2) rises. The rise in pressure causes the cover (14) to deform and be compressed against the cover piercing means (26) of the extraction plate. When the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear strength of the cover (14) is exceeded, and the cover (14) ruptures against the cover piercing means (26), creating exit holes. The prepared coffee can be discharged from the capsule (2) through the exit holes and the outlet (32) (see FIG. 1) of the extraction plate (8) and supplied to a container such as a cup (not shown).

[0064] The system applies a force (F1) to the sealing member (28) of the capsule (2) to provide fluid sealing contact between the flange (200) extending outside the capsule (2) and the capsule member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device before or at the start of extraction, and when the fluid pressure (P1) inside the capsule member of the beverage manufacturing device outside the capsule is within 0.1 to 4 bar, preferably 0.1 to 1 bar, the force (F1) is configured to be in the range of 30 to 150 N, preferably in the range of 40 to 150 N, more preferably in the range of 50 to 100 N. During extraction, the free end (30) of the enclosure member (6) applies a force (F2) on the sealing member (28) of the capsule (2) to provide fluid sealing contact between the flange (20) extending outwardly of the capsule (2) and the enclosure member (6), and when the fluid pressure (P2) inside the enclosure member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device outside the capsule (2) is in the range of 6 to 20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar, F2 is in the range of 500 to 1500 N, preferably between 750 and 1250 N. In the illustrated embodiment, the free contact end of the enclosure member (6) may move relative to the extraction plate (8) toward the extraction plate (8) under the influence of the fluid pressure inside the enclosure member (6) to apply maximum force between the flange (20) extending outwardly and the free end (30) of the enclosure member (6). Such movement may occur during use, that is, in particular, at the start of extraction and during extraction. The enclosure member (6) has a first part (6A) and a second part (6B), the second part including a free contact end (30). The second part (6B) may move between a first position and a second position relative to the first part (6A). The second part (6B) may move from the first position toward the second position in the direction of the closing member (8) under the influence of fluid pressure within the enclosure member (6).As described above, a force (F1) can be reached when the second part (6B) is in a first position having fluid pressure (P1). As described above, a force (F2) can be reached when the second part (6B) moves toward a second position under the influence of fluid pressure (P2) within the enclosure member (6).

[0065] As a result of the applied force, the sealing member (28) of the capsule according to the present invention undergoes plastic deformation and closely matches the grooves (40) of the free contact end (30), thereby providing fluid sealing contact between the sealing member (6) and the capsule (3) at a relatively low fluid pressure during the start of extraction, and also providing fluid sealing pressure at a much higher fluid pressure during extraction. A close shape to the grooves (40) of the enclosure member is shown in FIG. 3c, which indicates that after use, the capsule (2) of the present invention and the flange (20) extending outwardly include a deformation portion (40') that matches the grooves (40) of the enclosure member.

[0066] Now, exemplary embodiments of a sealing member (28) in a flange (20) extending outwardly from a capsule (2) according to the present invention are described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4a through 4e.

[0067] FIG. 4a illustrates a first embodiment of a sealing member (28) forming a bearing in a flange (20) extending outwardly of a capsule (2) according to the present invention. The sealing member (28) comprises two spaced projections (50 and 51), each projection protruding from the flange (20) extending outwardly. A plateau (52) is provided between the two projections (50 and 51). The distance between the two projections (50 and 51) is such that, when the capsule is positioned in the enclosure member of a beverage making device and the enclosure member is closed by a closing member of the beverage making device, the free contact end of the ring-shaped element (6) is surrounded by the two projections (50 and 51). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4a, the plateau is located at a distance above the portion of the flange (20) extending outwardly between the sealing member (28) and the curled edge (43), and is substantially flat. The distance between the two protrusions (50 and 51) (e.g., 0.9 to 1.25 mm) may be the distance at which the free contact end of the ring-shaped element is contacted by the two protrusions (50 and 52) when the capsule is placed in the outer casing member of the beverage making device and the outer casing member is closed by the closing member of the beverage making device. Additionally, the two protrusions (50 and 51) and the plateau (52) may be positioned so that the free contact end of the ring-shaped element is contacted by the plateau when the capsule is placed in the outer casing member of the beverage making device and the outer casing member is closed by the closing member of the beverage making device. At least one first portion of the plateau (the entire plateau in this example) defines a predetermined depth of the space between the two protrusions. As seen in FIG. 4a, each projection (50, 51) includes a projection side wall that is inclined with respect to a flange (20) extending outward from the aluminum capsule body.This is such that the sealing member includes two protrusions (50, 51), each of which protrudes from a flange (20) extending outwardly and from a plateau between the two protrusions, so that at least one first part of the plateau (in this example, the entire plateau) holds a preset depth of space between the two protrusions. The radial distance between the two protrusions is the distance at which the free contact end of the ring-shaped element is surrounded by the two protrusions when the capsule is positioned in the enclosure member of the beverage making device and the enclosure member is closed by the closing member of the beverage making device. Before use (see FIG. 4a), at least a first portion of the plateau (in this example, the entire plateau) is placed at a first height above the cover such that the space has a first depth, and when in use, when the enclosure member is closed by the closing member, at least one first portion of the plateau is lowered by the free contact end of the ring-shaped element that moves toward the closing element so that the plateau is at least partially folded beyond the free contact end of the ring-shaped element, and after the enclosure member is closed by the closing member, at least one first portion of the plateau is placed at a second height (position 52') higher than the cover, the first height is greater than the second height, and the second height may be 0, and the space has a second depth for at least one first portion such that the space is greater than the first depth.

[0068] FIG. 4b illustrates a second embodiment of a sealing member (28) in a flange (20) extending outwardly of a capsule according to the present invention. Compared to FIG. 4a, the following differences are noted. Each protrusion (50, 51) now includes a protruding sidewall that traverses the flange (20) extending outwardly of the aluminum capsule body. Additionally, in the second embodiment, the plateau (52) is curved and preferably follows the shape of the free contact end of the ring-shaped element (6). Thus, this sealing member includes two spaced protrusions (51 and 52), each protrusion extending outwardly from the flange (20) and the plateau (52) between the two protrusions to hold a predetermined depth of space between the two protrusions. The radial distance between the two protrusions is the distance at which the free contact end of the ring-shaped element is surrounded by the two protrusions when the capsule is positioned on the outer casing member of the beverage making device and the outer casing member is closed by the closing member of the beverage making device. Before use (see FIG. 4b), at least one first part of the plateau (in this example, the middle of the plateau) is placed at a first height above the cover such that the space has a first depth, and when the outer casing member is closed by the closing member, at least one first part of the plateau is lowered by the free contact end of the ring-shaped element that moves toward the closing member so that the plateau is at least partially folded beyond the free contact end of the ring-shaped element, and after the outer casing member is closed by the closing member, at least one first part of the plateau is placed at a second height higher than the cover, the first height is greater than the second height, the second height may be 0, and the space has a second depth for at least one first part such that the space is greater than the first depth.

[0069] FIG. 4c illustrates a third embodiment of a sealing member (28) in a flange (20) extending outwardly of a capsule according to the present invention, which forms a bearing for an outer casing member together with the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body. The illustrated sealing member (28) includes a protrusion (53) protruding from the outerly extending flange (20) and an inclined, substantially flat plateau (52) between the upper part of the protrusion (53) and the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body. In this embodiment, the bearing is formed by the protrusion (53), the plateau (52), and the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body. The distance between the upper part of the protrusion (530) and the side wall (16) is the distance at which the free contact end of the ring-shaped element (6) is surrounded by the protrusion (53) and the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body when the capsule is positioned in the outer casing member of a beverage manufacturing device and the outer casing member is closed by the closing member of the beverage manufacturing device. In particular, the distance between the protrusion (53) and the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body is the distance at which the free contact end of the ring-shaped element (6) contacts the protrusion (53) and the side wall (16) and the plateau (52) of the aluminum capsule body in the illustrated embodiment when the capsule is positioned in the outer casing member of the beverage making device and the outer casing member is closed by the closing member of the beverage making device. Thus, before use (see FIG. 4c), at least one first part of the plateau (in this example, at least a portion of the middle part of the plateau) is maintained at a first height above the cover. When in use, when the outer casing member is closed by the closing member, at least one first part of the plateau is lowered by the free contact end of the ring-shaped element moving toward the closing member, so that the plateau is folded at least partially beyond the free contact end of the ring-shaped element. After the outer casing member is closed by the closing member, at least one first part of the plateau is placed at a second height higher than the cover, the first height is greater than the second height, and the second height may be zero.

[0070] FIG. 4d illustrates a fourth embodiment of a sealing member (28) in a flange (20) extending outwardly of a capsule according to the present invention, which forms a bearing for an outer casing member together with the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body. Compared to FIG. 4c, the following differences exist. In the fourth embodiment, the plateau (52) is curved, and the plateau (52) includes a curved portion (in fact forming part of the inner side wall of the protrusion (530)) and also includes a flat portion located at the same height as the portion of the flange (20) extending outwardly between the protrusion (530) and the curved edge (43). The curved portion preferably follows the shape of the free contact end of the ring-shaped element (6). Thus, before use (see FIG. 4d), at least one first portion of the plateau (in this example, at least one portion of the inner side wall of the protrusion (53)) is maintained at a first height above the cover. When in use, when the enclosure member is closed by the closing member, at least one first part of the plateau is lowered by the free contact end of the ring-shaped element that moves toward the closing element, and the plateau is folded at least partially beyond the free contact end. After the enclosure member is closed by the closing member, at least one first part of the plateau is placed at a second height on the cover, the first height is greater than the second height, and the second height may be 0.

[0071] FIG. 4e illustrates a fifth embodiment of a sealing member (28) in a flange (20) extending outwardly of a capsule according to the present invention, which forms a bearing for the outer casing member together with the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body. Compared to FIG. 4d, the following difference exists. In the fifth embodiment, the flat portion of the plateau (52) is located at a distance above the portion of the flange (20) extending outwardly between the protrusion (53) and the curved edge (43). Thus, before use (see FIG. 4e), at least one first portion of the plateau (in this example, at least one portion of the inner side wall of the protrusion (53)) is maintained at a first height above the cover. When in use, when the outer casing member is closed by the closing member, at least one first portion of the plateau is lowered by the free contact end of the ring-shaped element that moves toward the closing element, so that the plateau is folded at least partially beyond the free contact end. After the enclosure member is closed by the closing member, at least one first part of the plateau is placed at a second height on the cover, the first height is greater than the second height, and the second height may be 0.

[0072] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4c to 4e, the projection (53) includes an outer projection side wall (54) that crosses the portion of the flange extending outward between the projection (53) and the curved edge (43), but in other embodiments, this outer projection side wall (54) may be inclined with respect to the said portion of the outwardly extending flange (20).

[0073] In all embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4a through 4e, each protrusion includes a protruding upper portion. In a preferred embodiment, when a capsule is positioned within an enclosure member of a beverage making device and the enclosure member is closed by a closing member of the beverage making device, at least one protrusion, preferably all protrusions forming a bearing, is configured such that the protruding upper portion applies a radial force on the free contact end of an annular element. Additionally, in each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4a through 4e, before use, at least one first portion of the bearing is positioned at a first height on the cover, and when the enclosure member is closed by the closing member, at least one first portion of the bearing is lowered by the free contact end of the annular element that moves toward the closing element, and the bearing is folded at least partially beyond the free contact end of the annular element so that after the enclosure member is closed by the closing member, at least one first portion of the bearing is positioned at a second height on the cover, the first height is greater than the second height, and the second height may be zero.

[0074] In the foregoing specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present invention, as described above within the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 In a capsule, the capsule (2) contains the substance for preparing a potable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance by means of supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule (2), the capsule (2) comprises an aluminum capsule body (12) having a central capsule body axis (12A), the aluminum capsule body (12) comprises a bottom (18), a side wall (16), and an outwardly extending flange (20), the capsule (2) further comprises an aluminum cover (14) attached to the outwardly extending flange (20), the cover (14) seals the capsule (2), and the capsule (2) is located in an enclosing member (6) of a beverage manufacturing device (4), such as an extraction plate (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), the closing of the beverage manufacturing device (4). When the outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8), the capsule (2) further includes a sealing member (28) on the outwardly extending flange (20) to provide fluid sealing contact with the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), thereby ensuring that at least a portion of the outwardly extending flange (20) of the capsule (2) and the sealing member (28) of the capsule (2) are sealingly engaged between the outer casing member (6) and the closing member (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), and the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) includes an annular element (41) having a central annular element axis (41A) and a free contact end (30), and the capsule (2) is,The above sealing member (28) is characterized by including a bearing for the above-mentioned outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) when the capsule (2) is located within the above-mentioned outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) and the above-mentioned outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), wherein the bearing encloses at least a portion of the above-mentioned free contact end (30) of the above-mentioned ring-shaped element (41), prior to use, at least a first portion of the bearing is placed at a first height above the cover (14), and in use, when the above-mentioned outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8), the above-mentioned at least first portion of the bearing is lowered by the above-mentioned free contact end (30) of the above-mentioned ring-shaped element (41) which moves toward the closing member (8), and the bearing is at least partially over the above-mentioned free contact end (30) of the above-mentioned ring-shaped element (41). After the outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8) when folded, the at least first portion of the bearing is placed at a second height higher than the cover (14), the first height is greater than the second height, and the second height may be 0, and the bearing surrounding at least a portion of the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) is at least partially formed by the sealing member (28), and the sealing member (28) includes a protrusion (53) protruding from the outwardly extending flange (20) and a plateau (52) between the protrusion (53) and the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12), and the distance between the protrusion (53) and the side wall (16) is such that the capsule (2) is located within the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), and the outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4). In case of closure,The free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) is configured to be surrounded by the protrusion (53) and the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12), and before use, at least one first part of the plateau (52) is placed at a first height above the cover (14), and when the outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8) during use, the at least one first part of the plateau (52) is lowered by the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) which moves toward the closing member (8), so that the plateau (52) is folded at least partially over the free contact end (30), and after the outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8), the at least one first part of the plateau (52) is placed at a second height above the cover (14), the first height is greater than the second height, and the second height can be 0 Capsule. Claim 2 In claim 1, the thickness of the aluminum capsule body (12) is 20 to 120 micrometers, the capsule. Claim 3 In claim 1, the aluminum cover (14) is positioned to tear open on the closing member (8) of the beverage making device (4), such as the extraction plate of the beverage making device (4), under the influence of fluid pressure within the capsule (2). Claim 4 In claim 1, the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12) comprises a free end (42) opposite to the bottom (18) and an outwardly extended flange (20) extending in a direction traversing the central capsule body axis (12A) from the free end (42) of the side wall (16), the outwardly extended flange (20) comprises a curled outer edge (43), and the sealing member (28) is located between the free end (42) of the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12) and the inner edge of the curled outer edge (43) of the outwardly extended flange (20), capsule. Claim 5 In claim 1, the height of the sealing member portion that is first contacted by the free contact end (30) of the enclosure member (6) when the enclosure member (6) is closed is at least 0.8 mm and at most 1.2 mm, a capsule. Claim 6 In claim 1, the distance between the protrusion (53) and the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12) is configured such that when the capsule (2) is located within the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) and the outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) contacts the protrusion (53) and the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12). Claim 7 In claim 1, the protrusion (53), the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12), and the plateau (52) are arranged such that when the capsule (2) is located within the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) and the outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) is contacted by the plateau (52). Claim 8 In claim 1, the protrusion (53) includes a protruding top, and when the capsule (2) is located within the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) and the outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), the protrusion (53) is configured such that the protruding top applies a radial force to the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41). Claim 9 In claim 1, the protrusion (53) comprises a protruding side wall (54) inclined with respect to a flange (20) extending to the outside of the aluminum capsule body (12). Claim 10 In paragraph 1, the above plateau (52) is a flat capsule. Claim 11 In paragraph 1, the above plateau (52) is a capsule including a curved portion. Claim 12 In claim 1, the plateau (52) is flat, and the plateau (52) is inclined with respect to the flange (20) extending outside the aluminum capsule body (12). Claim 13 In claim 1, the sealing member (28) is a capsule that is deformable so that when the maximum fluid pressure in the outer casing member (6) of the beverage making device (4) during use is between 6 and 20 bar, the bearing surrounds at least a portion of the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) in a fluid-sealing manner. Claim 14 In claim 1, the sealing member (28) is deformable such that, during brewing, the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) applies a force F2 to the sealing member of the capsule (2), and when the fluid pressure P2 inside the outer casing member (6) of the capsule (2) is between 6-20 bar and the force F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N, the bearing is deformable to surround at least a portion of the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) in a fluid sealing manner. Claim 15 In claim 1, the sealing member (28) is deformable such that, during use, before brewing or at the start of brewing, the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) applies a force F1 to the sealing member of the capsule (2), and when the fluid pressure P1 inside the outer casing member (6) of the beverage making device (4) outside the capsule (2) is between 0.1 and 4 bar, and the force F1 is in the range of 30 to 150 N, the bearing surrounds at least a portion of the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) in a fluid sealing manner. Claim 16 In claim 1, the sealing member (28) is a capsule that is deformable so that the bearing surrounds at least a portion of the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) in a fluid sealing manner, wherein the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) being pressed against the sealing member (28) comprises a plurality of radially extended open grooves (40) that are uniformly spaced from each other in a circumstantial sense of the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41). Claim 17 In claim 16, the sealing member (28) is a capsule that is deformable such that the bearing seals at least a portion of the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41), wherein the maximum width of each of the open grooves (40) is 0.9-1.1 mm, the maximum height of each of the open grooves (40) is 0.01-0.09 mm in the axial direction of the outer casing member (6) of the beverage making device (4), and the number of the open grooves (40) is 90-110. Claim 18 In claim 1, the rest of the sealing member (28) and the capsule body (12) are made of the same plate material. Claim 19 A system for producing a drinkable beverage from a capsule (2) using a fluid supplied under pressure to a capsule (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the system comprising an outer casing member (6) for receiving the capsule (2), the outer casing member (6) comprising a fluid injection means (10) for supplying fluid under pressure to the capsule (2), the beverage manufacturing device (4) further comprising a closing member (8), such as an extraction plate (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), and the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) further comprising a ring-shaped element (41) having a central ring-shaped element axis (41A) and a free contact end (30). Claim 20 In claim 19, the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) is provided in a plurality of radially extended grooves (40), in a system. Claim 21 In claim 19, the aluminum cover (14) is positioned to tear open on the closing member (8) of the beverage making device (4), such as the extraction plate of the beverage making device (4), under the influence of fluid pressure within the capsule (2). Claim 22 In claim 19, the height of the sealing member portion that is first contacted by the free contact end (30) of the enclosure member (6) when the enclosure member (6) is closed is at least 0.8 mm and at most 1.2 mm, in a system. Claim 23 In claim 19, the distance between the protrusion (53) and the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12) is configured such that when the capsule (2) is located within the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) and the outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) contacts the protrusion (53) and the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12). Claim 24 In claim 19, the protrusion (53), the side wall (16) of the aluminum capsule body (12), and the plateau (52) are arranged such that when the capsule (2) is located within the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) and the outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) is contacted by the plateau (52). Claim 25 In claim 19, the protrusion (53) includes a protruding top, and when the capsule (2) is located within the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) and the outer casing member (6) is closed by the closing member (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), the protrusion (53) is configured such that the protruding top applies a radial force to the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41). Claim 26 In claim 19, a system in which the maximum fluid pressure within the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) during use is between 6 and 20 bar. Claim 27 In claim 19, the system is configured such that, during brewing, the free contact end (30) of the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) is positioned to apply a force F2 on the sealing member (28) of the capsule (2) so as to provide a fluid sealing contact between the flange (20) extending outside the capsule (2) and the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), and the force F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N when the fluid pressure P2 is between 6-20 bar. Claim 28 In claim 19, the system is configured such that, during use, before brewing or at the start of brewing, the free contact end (30) of the enclosure member (6) of the beverage making device (4) is positioned to apply a force F1 on the sealing member (28) of the capsule (2) so as to provide a fluid sealing contact between the flange (20) extending outside the capsule (2) and the enclosure member (6) of the beverage making device (4), and when the fluid pressure P1 inside the enclosure member (6) of the beverage making device (4) outside the capsule (2) is between 0.1 and 4 bar, the force F1 is in the range of 30 to 150 N. Claim 29 In claim 20, the plurality of radially extended open grooves (40) are uniformly spaced apart from each other in the tangential direction of the free contact end (30) of the ring-shaped element (41) of the beverage making device (4). Claim 30 A system according to claim 29, wherein the maximum width of each of the grooves (40) is 0.9-1.1 mm, the maximum height of each of the open grooves (40) is 0.01-0.09 mm in the axial direction of the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4), the number of the grooves (40) is 90-110, and optionally the radius width of the free contact end (30) at the location of the grooves (40) is 0.05-0.9 mm. Claim 31 In claim 27, the closing member (8) of the beverage making device (4) in use closes the enclosure member (6) of the beverage making device (4), and at least the free contact end (30) of the enclosure member (6) of the beverage making device (4) is movable relative to the closing member (8) of the beverage making device (4) toward the closing member (8) of the beverage making device (4) to transmit maximum force between the flange (20) of the capsule (2) and the free contact end (30) of the enclosure member (6) of the beverage making device (4) under the influence of the fluid pressure within the enclosure member (6) of the beverage making device (4); optionally, the enclosure member (6) comprises a first part (6a) and a second part (6b), the second part (6b) comprises the free contact end (30) of the enclosure member (6), and the second part (6b) comprises the first A system in which a portion (6a) can be moved between a first position and a second position, and the second portion (6b) can be moved from the first position to the second position in the direction of the closing member (8) under the influence of fluid pressure within the enclosure member (6), and optionally, a force F2 according to claim 27 is achieved as described in claim 27 when the second portion (6b) moves toward the second position under the influence of fluid pressure P2 within the enclosure member (6). Claim 32 A system according to claim 19, wherein the closing member (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) closes the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) during use, and the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) can move toward the closing member (8) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) to transmit maximum force between the flange (20) of the capsule (2) and the free contact end (30) of the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4) under the influence of the fluid pressure within the outer casing member (6) of the beverage manufacturing device (4). Claim 33 In claim 28, the closing member (8) of the beverage making device (4) in use closes the enclosure member (6) of the beverage making device (4), and at least the free contact end (30) of the enclosure member (6) of the beverage making device (4) is movable relative to the closing member (8) of the beverage making device (4) toward the closing member (8) of the beverage making device (4) to transmit maximum force between the flange (20) of the capsule (2) and the free contact end (30) of the enclosure member (6) of the beverage making device (4) under the influence of the fluid pressure within the enclosure member (6) of the beverage making device (4); optionally, the enclosure member (6) comprises a first part (6a) and a second part (6b), the second part (6b) comprises the free contact end (30) of the enclosure member (6), and the second part (6b) comprises the first A system in which a portion (6a) can be moved between a first position and a second position, and the second portion (6b) can be moved from the first position to the second position in the direction of the closing member (8) under the influence of fluid pressure within the enclosure member (6), and optionally, a force F1 according to claim 28 is achieved as described in claim 28 when the second portion (6b) is in the first position with fluid pressure P1 within the enclosure member (6).

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