CAPSULE, SYSTEM FOR PREPARING A DRINKING BEVERAGE FROM THE CAPSULE, AND USE OF THE CAPSULE IN A DEVICE FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES

Abstract

A capsule containing a substance for preparing a potable beverage, further comprising a body having a side wall, an externally extending rim, and a sealing element to provide a sealing contact between the fluid and a receiving element of a beverage preparation device. The device comprises an annular element having a free end provided with several grooves. The sealing element comprises a projection extending from the rim, which includes an upper projection and is configured such that the upper projection exerts a radial force on the free end when the capsule is positioned in the receiving element and the latter is closed by a closing element of said device.

Description

CAPSULE, SYSTEM FOR PREPARING A DRINKING BEVERAGE FROM THE CAPSULE, AND USE OF THE CAPSULE IN A DEVICE FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES Field of Invention The invention relates to a capsule containing a substance for preparing a potable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance through the supply of a fluid under pressure to the capsule, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central axis, the aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending rim, the capsule further comprising an aluminum lid fixed to the outwardly extending rim, the lid hermetically sealing the capsule.wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing element in the flange extending outwards to provide fluid-sealing contact with a receiving element of a beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned on the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device, such as a dispensing plate of the beverage preparation device, of, Ref. 324949 such that the flange extending outwards from the capsule and at least a portion of the capsule's closing element are coupled for sealing between the receiving element and the sealing element of the beverage preparation device, wherein the receiving element of the beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a central axis of the annular element and a free contact end, the free contact end of the annular element being optionally provided with a series of radially extending open grooves. The invention also relates to a system for preparing a drinkable beverage from a capsule, using a fluid supplied under pressure to the capsule, comprising: a beverage preparation device comprising a receiving element for receiving the capsule, wherein the receiving element comprises fluid injection means for supplying fluid under pressure to the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further comprises a closing element, such as an extraction plate for closing the receiving element of the beverage preparation device, wherein the receiving element of the beverage preparation device further comprises an annular element having a central axis of the annular element and a free contact end, the free contact end of the annular element being optionally provided with a series of radially extending open grooves; A capsule containing a substance for preparing a potable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance using fluid supplied under pressure to the capsule by means of the fluid injection means of the beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central axis, the aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending rim, the capsule further comprising an aluminum lid fixed to the outwardly extending rim, the lid hermetically sealing the capsule,wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing element on the outwardly extending flange to provide contact for sealing the fluid with the receiving element of the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned on the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element of the beverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing element of the capsule are engaged for sealing between the receiving element and the closing element of the beverage preparation device. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a capsule in a beverage preparation device comprising a receiving element for receiving the capsule, wherein the receiving element comprises fluid injection means for supplying fluid under pressure to the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further comprises a closing element, such as a dispensing plate, for closing the receiving element of the beverage preparation device, wherein the receiving element of the beverage preparation device further comprises an annular element having a central axis of the annular element and a free contact end,the free contact end of the annular element being optionally provided with a series of radially extending open grooves; wherein the capsule contains a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage by means of the extraction and / or dissolution of the substance by means of the fluid supplied under pressure to the capsule by the fluid injection means of the beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central axis, the aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending rim, the capsule further comprising an aluminum lid fixed to the outwardly extending rim, the lid hermetically sealing the capsule,wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing element in the outwardly extending flange to provide a sealing contact for the fluid with the receiving element of the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element of the beverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing element of the capsule are engaged for sealing between the receiving element and the closing element of the beverage preparation device. Background of the Invention The capsule, system, and use are known from document EP-B-1 700 548. In the known system, the capsule is provided with a sealing element that has the form of a step, i.e., a sharp increase in the diameter of the capsule's side wall. The receiving element of this known system has a sealing surface that acts on the sealing element to produce a deflection of the sealing element, the sealing surface being inclined such that the deflection of the sealing element is an inward and downward deformation of the step. Furthermore, in the known system, the receiving element comprises a capsule support and a manually or automatically operated mechanism for the relative displacement of the receiving element and the capsule support.The manual or automatically operated mechanism applies a force to the capsule's sealing element when the receiving element closes onto the capsule holder. This force must ensure a fluid-tight seal between the receiving element and the capsule. Because the manual or automatically operated mechanism is designed to be offset relative to the base, the system's sealing capabilities may depend on the pressure of the fluid injected by the fluid injection means. If the fluid pressure increases, the force between the capsule's sealing element and the free end of the receiving element also increases. The system is described in more detail below.The capsule's sealing element must be arranged so that, even when the fluid reaches its maximum pressure in the receiving element, it still provides a sealing contact between the receiving element and the capsule. However, the sealing element must also be arranged so that, before or at the start of preparation, when the fluid pressure in the receiving element outside the capsule is relatively low, it still provides a sealing contact between the receiving element and the capsule. If a sealing contact between the capsule and the receiving element is not present at the start of preparation, leakage will occur.However, if leaks occur, there is a real possibility that the pressure on the receiving element and outside the capsule will not increase sufficiently to increase the force on the sealing element via the receiving element's free end if the manual or automatically operated mechanism moves the receiving element toward the capsule support. Only if there is sufficient initial sealing will the pressure on the receiving element also increase the force of the receiving element's free end acting on the capsule's closing element, thus providing sufficient contact for fluid sealing even with increased fluid pressure.Furthermore, this increase in fluid pressure outside the capsule also provides an increase in pressure inside the capsule, which is essential if the capsule is fitted with a lid that is arranged to tear over the discharge elements of the capsule holder (also called the extraction plate) of the beverage preparation device under the influence of the fluid pressure in the capsule. From the above, it follows that the sealing element is a critical design component. It must be capable of providing fluid sealing contact between the receiving element and the capsule at a relatively low fluid pressure if only a relatively small force is applied to the sealing element through the free end of the receiving element. However, it must also provide fluid sealing contact at a much higher pressure on the receiving element outside the capsule if a higher force is applied through the free end of the receiving element to the capsule's sealing element.In particular, when the free contact end of the receiving element is provided with radially extending open grooves that act as an air inlet passage once the force between the receiving element and the capsule holder is released, so that it is easier for the user to remove the capsule, the sealing element must also be able to close the radially extending open grooves to provide an effective seal. Brief Description of the Invention It is an objective of the invention to disclose an alternative sealing element that is relatively easy to manufacture, environmentally friendly if the capsule is disposed of after use, and / or provides satisfactory sealing, both at a relatively low fluid pressure if only a relatively small force is applied to the sealing element by means of the free end of the receiving element (sometimes also called the initial seal) and at a much higher fluid pressure if a larger force is applied (e.g., during preparation) by means of the free end of the receiving element of the capsule sealing element, even in the case of a receiving element whose contacting free end is provided with radially extending open grooves. The invention also aims to provide an alternative system for preparing a drinkable beverage from a capsule and to provide an alternative use of the capsule in a beverage preparation device. According to the invention, a capsule containing a substance for preparing a potable beverage is disclosed in a first aspect. This capsule involves the extraction and / or dissolution of the substance by supplying a fluid under pressure to the capsule. The capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central axis. The aluminum capsule body is provided with a bottom, a side wall, and an outwardly extending rim. The capsule further comprises an aluminum lid fixed to the outwardly extending rim, the lid hermetically sealing the capsule.wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing element in the outwardly extending flange to provide fluid-sealing contact with a receiving element of a beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned on the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device, such as a dispensing plate of the beverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing element of the capsule are engaged for sealing between the receiving element and the closing element of the beverage preparation device,wherein the receiving element of the beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a central axis of the annular element and a free contact end, the free contact end of the annular element being optionally provided with a series of radially extending open grooves, characterized in that the sealing element is integrated with the outwardly extending flange and comprises at least one projection projecting from the outwardly extending flange, comprising at least one projection, which includes an upper projection,and wherein at least one projection is configured such that its upper projection exerts a radial force on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device. Since the sealing element is integrated with the outwardly extending flange and comprises at least one projection whose upper part exerts a radial force on the free contact end of the annular element, if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device,A satisfactory seal can be achieved. The sealing element is relatively easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the capsule can provide a satisfactory seal with its non-contacting end featuring radially extending open grooves. Additionally, the seal facilitates positioning the capsule inside the beverage preparation device. In this application, the existence of a contact means for sealing the fluid means that 0-6%, preferably 0-4%, more preferably 0-2.5% of the total fluid supplied to the receiving element for preparing the beverage may leak due to losses between the free contact end and the sealing element of the capsule. The invention is particularly advantageous when, in the form of a capsule, the capsule contains an extractable product such as the substance for preparing a drinking beverage, the extractable product preferably having a weight of 5-20 grams, preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams of extractable product, such as roasted and ground coffee. In one embodiment of a capsule according to the invention, which is particularly easy to manufacture, the outer diameter of the rim extending outwards from the capsule is greater than the diameter of the capsule's base. Preferably, the outer diameter of the rim extending outwards is approximately 37.1 mm and the diameter of the capsule's base is approximately 23.3 mm. The invention is particularly advantageous when, in the form of a capsule, the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is such that it is easily deformed if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device, and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device, the thickness of the aluminum capsule body preferably being from 20 to 200 micrometers, preferably 100 micrometers. The invention is particularly advantageous when, in the form of a capsule, the thickness of the aluminum cap is from 15 to 65 micrometers, preferably 30-45 micrometers and more preferably 39 micrometers. In the capsule embodiment according to the invention, the wall thickness of the aluminum lid is less than the wall thickness of the aluminum capsule body. In a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention, the aluminum lid is arranged to tear over a closing element of the beverage preparation device, such as a dispensing plate of the beverage preparation device, under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule. In one embodiment of a capsule according to the invention, which is particularly easy to manufacture, the aluminum side wall of the capsule body has a free end opposite the bottom. The outward-extending flange extends from the free end of the side wall in a direction at least substantially transverse to the axis of the central capsule body. Preferably, the outward-extending flange comprises a wavy outer edge, which is beneficial for achieving a satisfactory seal with the contacting free end, which is provided with radially extending open grooves. The radius around the central axis of the capsule body of an inner edge of the wavy outer edge of the outward-extending flange is preferably at least 32 mm, such that clearance of the outermost annular surface of the receiving element is ensured.Therefore, it is preferable that the sealing element be positioned between the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and an inner edge of the wavy outer rim that extends outwards to obtain an even more satisfactory seal. To ensure that the wavy outer edge does not interfere with the operation of a wide variety of commercially available and future beverage preparation appliances, the wavy outer edge of the flange extending outwards has a maximum dimension of approximately 1.2 millimeters. The invention is particularly advantageous for capsules whose inner diameter of the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body is approximately 29.5 mm. The distance between the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and the outermost edge of the outwardly extending flange can be approximately 3.8 mm. The preferred height of the aluminum capsule body is approximately 28.4 mm. In one embodiment of a capsule according to the invention that, after use, is easier for the user to remove from the beverage preparation device, the aluminum capsule body is a truncated cone, wherein preferably the side wall of the aluminum capsule body encompasses an angle with the transverse line to the axis of the central capsule body of approximately 97.5°. In an advantageous embodiment of a capsule according to the invention, the bottom of the capsule body made of aluminum has a maximum inner diameter of approximately 23.3 mm. It is preferable that the bottom of the aluminum capsule body be truncated, preferably having a bottom height of approximately 4.0 mm and that the bottom also have a central part, generally flat and opposite the lid, and that it has a diameter of approximately 8.3 mm. In virtually all cases, a satisfactory seal can be obtained in the form of a capsule according to the invention, in which the height of the part of the sealing element to be contacted first by the free end of the receiving element when the receiving element is closed is at least approximately 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm and very preferably at least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm and very preferably at most 1.2 mm. In a preferred embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the capsule comprises an inner surface, and on the inner surface, at least on the side wall of the capsule, an inner coating is arranged. In particular, when the capsule has been manufactured by deep drawing, the inner coating facilitates the deep drawing process. If the aluminum lid of the capsule is fixed to the outwardly extending flange by means of a sealing lacquer, then it is particularly advantageous for the inner coating to be made of the same material as the sealing lacquer. Depending on the inner coating used, it is preferable for the sealing element to be free of the inner coating to avoid wrinkles in the inner coating of the sealing element. In a further embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the capsule comprises an outer surface on which a colored lacquer is applied. To facilitate deep drawing, it is preferable to have an external coating applied over the outer surface of the colored lacquer. Depending on the color of the lacquer and the external coating used, it is preferable that the sealing element be free of the colored lacquer (and consequently, the external coating) in order to prevent wrinkling of the colored lacquer / outer coating of the sealing element. In another embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, at least one projection comprises a projecting side wall that is inclined with respect to the flange extending outwards from the aluminum capsule body. The projecting side wall is configured so that it deforms easily when the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by a closing element of the beverage preparation device. This increases the force exerted on the free contact end and thereby improves the seal.Therefore, it is preferable when the distance between the projection and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body is such that the free contact end of the annular element is in contact with the projection and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device. In an advantageous embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the sealing element, in addition to at least the outwardly projecting flange, comprises a segment or plateau between the upper projection and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body. It is advantageous for providing a seal when a support is formed by the projection, the segment, and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body that the distance between the projection and the side wall be such that the free contact end of the annular element is surrounded by the projection and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device. The projection, the side wall of the aluminum capsule body, and the segment can be arranged so that the free contact end of the annular element is in contact with the segment if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device. Alternatively, the sealing element may comprise two separate projections, each projecting from the outwardly extending flange and a segment between the two projections, wherein the distance between the two projections is such that the free contact end of the annular element is compressed between the converging surfaces of the two projections if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device.Therefore, it is preferable that the distance between the two projections be such that the free contact end of the annular element is in contact with both projections if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device. In particular, a satisfactory seal can be achieved when the two separated projections and the segment are arranged such that the free contact end of the annular element is in contact with the segment if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device.The capsule may preferably comprise a support for the receiving element of the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device, the support surrounding at least a part of the free contact end of the annular element and the support being formed by the two projections and the segment between them. The segment may be substantially flat or may include a curved portion. In particular, the embodiment of a capsule according to the invention in which the segment is V-shaped is advantageous. In this way, the free contact end of the annular element is compressed between the two projections, providing a satisfactory seal. An additional objective of the embodiments of the invention is to achieve reliable seals at both low and high pressures against the free contact end of the receiving element, particularly with reduced sensitivity to variations in diameter, thickness, and shape of the free contact end that occur between different models of preparation systems, and to the non-circularity (i.e., oval shape) of the free contact end and / or the capsule rim. The latter may result, for example, from the compression of the capsules in a shopping bag or trolley. In one embodiment of the invention, this objective is achieved by arranging the first of the two projections to extend further from a portion of the outwardly extending rim base, to which portion of the base the lid is attached, than the second of the two projections. When the receiving element is closed, if an excessively large portion of one of the protrusions extending beyond the base portion is positioned below the shaft in line with the free contact end, that portion is forced radially away, so that the free contact end passes along the longer protrusion. This radial displacement also pulls the other protrusion radially toward the free contact end, so that it is precisely positioned for a tight sealing engagement with the free contact end. Furthermore, the longer of all the protrusions can deform radially over a relatively large distance, allowing it to accommodate relatively large deviations, while the other protrusion is relatively rigid, which is advantageous for exerting a tight sealing pressure. If the first of the projections is the innermost of the two, the capsule is particularly suitable for use in commercially available instruments such as the Citiz, Lattisima, U, Maestría, Pixie, Inissia, and Essenza, in which the free contact end of the annular element is arranged with a series of open grooves extending radially. These grooves are deeper on the inner surface than on the outer surface of the free contact end, or in some cases, the outer surface of the free contact end is entirely lacking. In these instruments, a reliably and precisely positioned seal is achieved between the second projection and the relatively smooth outer surface of the free contact end. To achieve a reliable seal, it is also advantageous if the first of the protrusions has an upper end extending around the capsule axis with a diameter of 31.9 to 32.4 mm, and the second of the two protrusions has an upper end extending around the capsule axis with a diameter of 29.2 to 29.8 mm. In this way, when used in commercially available coffee-making machines such as the Citiz, Lattisima, U, Maestría, Pixie, Inissia, and Essenza, an outer area of ​​the free-end rim of the receiving element is firmly compressed against the second protrusion. If the segment is axially separated from the lid, the area between the first and second protrusions is axially displaced towards the lid because the receiving element is closed by the closing element of the beverage preparation device. This causes the first and second protrusions to deform towards the free contact end of the annular element due to the tilting and sliding of the first and second protrusions, thereby increasing the radial contact pressure exerted against the free contact end of the annular element, which contributes to achieving a satisfactory seal. According to the invention, a second aspect discloses a system for preparing a drinkable beverage from a capsule using a fluid supplied under pressure to the capsule, the system comprising: a beverage preparation device comprising a receiving element for receiving the capsule, wherein the receiving element comprises fluid injection means for supplying fluid under pressure to the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further comprises a closing element, such as an extraction plate, for closing the receiving element of the beverage preparation device, wherein the receiving element of the beverage preparation device further comprises an annular element having a central axis of the annular element and a free contact end, the free contact end of the annular element being optionally provided with a series of radially extending open grooves; A capsule containing a substance for preparing a potable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance using fluid supplied under pressure to the capsule by the fluid injection means of the beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, the aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall, and an outwardly extending rim, the capsule further comprising an aluminum lid fixed to the outwardly extending rim, the lid hermetically sealing the capsule,wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing element in the outwardly extending flange to provide fluid-sealing contact with the receiving element of the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device, and the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element of the beverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the capsule's closing element are coupled by sealing between the receiving element and the closing element of the beverage preparation device, characterized in that the sealing element is integrated into the outwardly extending flange and comprises at least one projection projecting from the outwardly extending flange,comprising at least one of the projections an upper projection, and wherein at least one projection is configured such that its upper projection exerts a radial force on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device. Since the sealing element is integrated with the outwardly extending flange and comprises at least one projection, the upper part of which exerts a radial force on the free contact end of the annular element, a satisfactory seal can be achieved if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a sealing element of the beverage preparation device. The sealing element is relatively easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the capsule can provide a satisfactory seal with its free contact end having radially extending open grooves. The projection or projections may extend at least from a portion of the base of the flange to which the base portion is attached to the lid. The projection or projections may extend axially from the base portion in a direction away from the lid. The upper projection may constitute a portion of the projection, for example, half, a third, or a quarter of the projection that is axially most distal to the base portion. With respect to preferred modalities of the system, such as those mentioned in the dependent claims that relate to the same characteristics as the characteristics of the dependent claims of the capsule, reference is made to the above. The invention is particularly suitable for a system according to the invention in which, during use, the maximum fluid pressure in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device is within a range of 6–20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. Even at high pressures, a satisfactory seal can be achieved between the capsule and the beverage preparation device. Preferably, the system is arranged such that, in use, during preparation, the free end of the receiving element of the beverage preparation device exerts a force F2 on the closing element of the capsule to provide fluid sealing contact between the flange extending outwards from the capsule and the receiving element of the beverage preparation device, wherein F2 is within the range of 500 - 1,500 N, preferably within the range of 750 - 1,250 N when the fluid pressure P2 in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is within the range of 6 - 20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar.In particular, the system is arranged such that, in use, before or at the start of preparation, the free end of the receiving element of the beverage preparation device exerts a force F1 on the sealing element of the capsule to provide fluid sealing contact between the flange extending outwards from the capsule and the receiving element of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is within the range of 30 - 150 N, preferably in the range of 40 - 150 N, more preferably 50 - 100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is within the range of 0.1 - 4 bar, preferably between 0.1 - 1 bar. In one embodiment of a system according to the invention, the series of radially extending open grooves are uniformly spaced apart from each other in the tangential direction of the free contact end of the annular element of the beverage preparation device, so that it is easier for the user to remove the capsule while still achieving a satisfactory seal between the capsule and the beverage preparation device. In an advantageous embodiment of a system according to the invention, the major tangential width of each groove (top to top, i.e., groove pitch equals groove pitch) is 0.9–1.1 mm, preferably 0.98–1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98–1.02 mm, wherein the maximum height of each groove in the axial direction of the receiving element of the beverage preparation device is 0.01–0.09 mm, preferably 0.03–0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045–0.055 mm, most preferably 0.05 mm, and wherein the number of grooves is 90–110, preferably 96. The radial width of the extreme annular surface at the groove positions can be, for example, 0.05–0.9 mm, preferably 0.2–0.7 mm and more. preferably 0.3 - 0.55 mm.The invention is particularly suitable when applied to a system modality according to the invention in which, during use, when the closing element of the beverage preparation device closes the receiving element of the beverage preparation device, at least the free contact end of the receiving element of the beverage preparation device can be displaced relative to the closing element of the beverage preparation device under the effect of fluid pressure in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device towards the closing element of the beverage preparation device to apply maximum force between the flange of the capsule and the free end of the receiving element of the beverage preparation device.The receiving element may comprise a first part and a second part, wherein the second part comprises the free contact end of the receiving element, and wherein the second part is movable relative to the first part between a first and a second position. The second part can be displaced from the first position to the second position in the direction of the closing element under the influence of the fluid pressure in the receiving element. The force F1, as described above, can be achieved if the second part is in the first position with a fluid pressure Pl. The force F2, as described above, can be achieved if the second part is displaced to the second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in the receiving element. According to the invention, a third aspect discloses the use of a capsule according to the invention in a beverage preparation device comprising a receiving element for receiving the capsule, wherein the receiving element comprises fluid injection means for supplying fluid under pressure to the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further comprises a closing element, such as a dispensing plate, for closing the receiving element of the beverage preparation device, wherein the receiving element of the beverage preparation device further comprises an annular element having a central axis of the annular element and a free contact end,the free contact end of the annular element being optionally provided with a series of radial grooves; wherein the capsule contains a substance for preparing a potable beverage by extraction and / or dissolution of the substance by means of fluid supplied under pressure to the capsule by the fluid injection means of the beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central axis, the aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending rim, the capsule further comprising an aluminum lid fixed to the outwardly extending rim, the lid hermetically sealing the capsule,wherein the capsule further comprises an integrated sealing element with an outwardly extending flange to provide contact for sealing the fluid with the receiving element of the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element of the beverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing element of the capsule are engaged for sealing between the receiving element and the closing element of the beverage preparation device. With reference to the advantages of using the invention and to preferred embodiments of use,As mentioned in the dependent claims relating to the same features as the features of the system's dependent claims, reference is made to the foregoing. Brief Description of the Figures The invention will be described below by means of non-limiting examples with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of one modality of a system according to the invention; Figure 2, in a perspective view, shows a modality of a beverage preparation device of a system according to the invention showing the free contact end of the receiving element of the beverage preparation device with the series of open grooves extending radially; Figure 3A shows, in cross-section, a modality of a capsule according to the invention before its use; Figure 3B shows a larger scale detail of the capsule in Figure 3A, showing the outward-extending flange and sealing element; Figure 3C shows a larger-scale detail of the rim extending outwards from the capsule in Figures 3A and 3B after use; Figure 4A shows a first embodiment of a sealing element on the rim that extends outwards from a capsule according to the invention; Figure 4B shows a second embodiment of a sealing element on the rim that extends outwards from a capsule according to the invention; Figure 4C shows a third embodiment of a sealing element on the rim extending outwards from a capsule according to the invention; Figure 4D shows a fourth embodiment of a sealing element on the flange extending outwards from a capsule according to the invention; Figure 4E shows a fifth embodiment of a sealing element on the flange extending outwards from a capsule according to the invention; Figure 4F shows a sixth embodiment of a sealing element on the flange extending outwards from a capsule according to the invention; Figure 4G shows a seventh embodiment of a sealing element on the rim extending outwards from a capsule according to the invention; Figures 5A and 5B are schematic representations of the successive deformation stages of the seventh modality of a sealing element in the flange extending outwards from a capsule according to the invention if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device; and Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a deformed portion of the flange and a portion of a receiving element in which a bridge is present between the inner and outer rings of a free end of the receiving element. In the figures, and in the description that follows, similar reference numbers refer to similar characteristics. Detailed Description of the Invention Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of a system -1- for preparing a drinkable beverage from a capsule, using a fluid supplied under pressure to the capsule. The system -1- comprises a capsule -2-, and a beverage preparation device -4-. The device -4- comprises a receiving element -6- for holding the capsule -2-. The device -4- further comprises a closing element, such as an extraction plate -8-, for supporting the capsule -2-. In Figure 1, for greater clarity, an interstice has been drawn between the capsule -2-, the receiving element / uuyjuo -6- and the extraction plate -8-. It is understood that, in use, the capsule -2- may be in contact with the receiving element -6- and the element -8- of the extraction plate. Typically, the receiving element -6- has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule -2-. Furthermore, the beverage preparation device -4- comprises fluid injection means -10- for supplying the interchangeable capsule -2- with a certain quantity of a fluid, such as water, under a pressure within a range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. In the example shown in Figure 1, the interchangeable capsule -2- comprises an aluminum capsule body -12- having a central axis -12A- and an aluminum cap -14-. In the present context, the term "aluminum" is understood to also include aluminum alloys. 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 an outwardly extending rim -20- extending beyond the circumferential wall -16- at a second end opposite the bottom -18-. The side wall -16-, the bottom -18-, and the cap -14- surround an inner space -22- containing a substance for preparing a potable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance.Preferably, the substance is a product that can be extracted for the preparation of a potable beverage, the extractable product preferably weighing 5-20 grams, and preferably 5-10 grams of roasted and ground coffee for the preparation of a single beverage. The capsule is initially sealed, i.e., hermetically sealed before use. The system -1- of Figure 1 comprises bottom-drilling means -24- for drilling the bottom -18- of the capsule -2- to create at least one inlet opening -25- in the bottom -18-, for supplying fluid to the extractable product through the inlet opening -25-. The system -1- of Figure 1 further comprises means -26- for piercing the lid, which in this case are formed as projections of the closing element -8- for piercing the lid -14- of the capsule -2-. The lid-piercing means -26- can be arranged to tear the lid -14 once the pressure (of the fluid) inside the internal space -22- exceeds a pressure threshold and compresses the lid -14- against the lid-piercing means -26- with sufficient force. The aluminum lid -14- is thus arranged to be torn over the closing element -8- of the beverage preparation device under the influence of the fluid pressure in the capsule. The capsule -2- also comprises a sealing element / UUUÓUD -28- integrated with the outwardly extending flange, in Figures 1, 3A, and 3B shown as a general framework, but described in more detail with regard to Figure 4, the sealing element -28- is arranged to provide fluid-sealing contact with the receiving element -6- if the capsule -2- is positioned on the receiving element -6-, and the receiving element -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 element -28- are engaged for sealing between the receiving element -6- and the extraction plate -8-. This means that a fluid seal has been established between the sealing element and the free contact end. As shown in Figure 2, the receiving element -6- of the beverage preparation device comprises an annular element -41- having a central axis -41A- of the annular element and a free contact end -30-. The free contact end -30- of the annular element -41- is provided with a series of radially extending open grooves -40. The series of radially extending open grooves -40- are uniformly spaced from each other in the tangential direction of the free contact end -30- of the annular element -41-. The largest 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 the maximum height of each groove -40- in the axial direction of the receiving element -6- is 0.01 - 0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, and very preferably 0.05 mm.The number of grooves -40- is located in the range of 90 to 110, preferably 96. Usually, the radial width of the free end at the position of the grooves is 0.05 - 0.9 mm, more specifically 0.2 - 0.7 mm, more specifically 0.3 - 0.55 mm. Figures 3A and 3B show a more detailed embodiment of the capsule according to the invention. In the embodiment shown, the outer diameter (ODF) of the outward-extending flange (20) is greater than the diameter (DB) of the base (18) of the capsule (2). In the embodiment shown, the outer diameter (ODF) of the outward-extending flange (20) is approximately 37.1 mm and the diameter (DB) of the base (18) is approximately 23.3 mm. The thickness of the aluminum body (12) of the capsule is such that it deforms easily if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by a closing element of the beverage preparation device. Preferably, the thickness of the aluminum body of the capsule is 100 micrometers, but in other embodiments, the thickness can be from 20 to 200 micrometers. In the embodiment shown, the wall thickness of the aluminum cap -14- is 39 micrometers. The wall thickness of the aluminum cap -14- is preferably less than the thickness of the aluminum body -12- of the capsule. The side wall -16- of the aluminum body -12- of the capsule has a free end -42- opposite the bottom -18-. The inner diameter -IDE- of the free end -42- of the side wall -16- of the aluminum body -12- of the capsule is approximately 29.5 mm. The outwardly extending flange -20- extends from the free end -42- in a direction at least substantially transverse to the central axis -12A- of the capsule body. The outwardly extending flange -20 comprises a wavy outer edge -43-, which is beneficial for achieving a seal between the capsule and the receiving element. In the embodiment shown, the wavy outer edge -43- of the outwardly extending flange -20 has a maximum dimension of approximately 1.2 mm.The distance -DIF- between the free end -42- of the side wall -16- of the aluminum body -12- of the capsule and an inner edge -43A- of the wavy outer edge -43- is approximately 2.7 mm, while the distance -DOF- between the free end -42- of the side wall -16- of the aluminum body -12- of the capsule and the outermost edge -43B- of the outwardly extending flange -20- is approximately 3.8 mm. The radius around the central axis of the capsule body of the inner edge -43A- of the wavy outer edge -43- is preferably at least 32 mm. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the sealing element 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 wavy outer edge 43 of the outwardly extending flange. The sealing element 28 is indicated as a general frame, but will be described in more detail later. Regardless of the specific form of the sealing element 28, the height of the portion of the sealing element that must first contact the free end of the receiving element when the receiving element is closed is at least approximately 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm, and very preferably at least 0.8 mm, and at most 3 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm, and very preferably at most 1.2 mm to provide a proper seal. As can be seen in Figure 3A, the aluminum capsule body -12 is truncated. In the embodiment shown, the side wall -16- of the aluminum capsule body -12- forms an angle -A- with the transverse line to the central axis -12A- of the capsule body of approximately 97.5°. The bottom -18- of the aluminum capsule body -12- has a maximum inner diameter -DB of approximately 23.3 mm. The bottom -18- of the aluminum capsule body -12- is also truncated, and in the embodiment shown, it has a bottom height -BH of approximately 4.0 mm. The bottom -18- also has a generally flat central portion -18A- opposite the lid -14-, the central portion -18A- having a diameter -DEE- of approximately 8.3 mm, and in the central portion -18A-, the input opening or openings -25- can be formed. The entrance openings can also be made in the truncated part between the central part -18A- and the side wall -16-.The total height -TH- of the aluminum capsule body -12- is approximately 28.4 mm. The system -1- shown in figure 1 works as follows to prepare a cup of a drinking beverage, coffee, in the present example, where the substance is roasted and ground coffee. The capsule -2- is placed in the receiving element -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- to create the inlet openings -25-. The fluid, in this case hot water under pressure, is supplied to the extractable product in the interior space -22- through the inlet openings -25-. The water moistens the ground coffee and extracts the desired substances to form the coffee beverage. During the supply of pressurized water to the inner space -22-, the pressure inside the capsule -2- will increase. This pressure increase will cause the lid -14- to deform and be compressed against the perforating means -26- of the extraction plate cover. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear resistance of the lid -14- is exceeded, and the lid -14- breaks against the perforating means -26- of the cover, creating outlet openings. The brewed coffee will be evacuated from the capsule -2- through the outlet openings and drains -32- (see Figure 1) of the extraction plate -8- and can be dispensed into a container such as a cup (not shown). The system -1- is arranged such that before or at the start of preparation, the free end -30- of the receiving element -6- exerts a force F1 on the sealing element -28- of the capsule -2- to provide fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange -20 of the capsule -2- and the receiving element -6- of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is within the range of 30-150 N, preferably 40-150 N, more preferably 50-43 N 100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is within the range of 0.1 - 4 bar, preferably 0.1 - 1 bar. During preparation, the free end -30- of the receiving element -6- exerts a force F2 on the sealing element -28- of the capsule -2 to provide a contact for sealing the fluid between the flange -20- extending outwards from the capsule -2- and the receiving element -6-, wherein the force F1 is within the range of 500 - 1,500 N, preferably in the range of 750 - 1,250 N, when the fluid pressure P2 in the receiving element -6- of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule -2- is within the range of 6 - 20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar.In the embodiment shown, the free contact end of the receiving element -6- can be displaced relative to the extraction plate -8 under the effect of fluid pressure in the receiving element -6- device towards the extraction plate -8 to apply the maximum force F2 between the outwardly extending flange -20- and the free end -30- of the receiving element -6-. This displacement can occur during use, i.e., particularly at the start of and during preparation. The receiving element -6- has a first part -6A- and a second part -6B-, the second part comprising the free contact end -30-. The second part -6B- can be displaced relative to the first part -6A- between a first and a second position.The second part -6B- can be displaced from the first position to the second position in the direction of the closing element -8- under the influence of the fluid pressure in the receiving element -6-. The force F1, as described above, can be achieved if the second part -6B- is in the first position with a fluid pressure P1. The force F2, as described above, can be achieved if the second part -6B- is displaced to the second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in the receiving element -6-. As a result of the applied force, the sealing element -28- of the capsule according to the invention undergoes plastic deformation and conforms closely to the grooves -40- of the non-contacting end -30, thereby providing fluid sealing contact between the receiving element -6- and the capsule -2- at a relatively low fluid pressure during the initial preparation. It also provides fluid sealing contact at a much higher fluid pressure on the receiving element outside the capsule during preparation. This close conformity to the grooves -40- of the receiving element is shown in Figure 3C, which depicts the capsule -2- of the invention after use and clearly indicates that the outwardly extending flange -20 comprises deformations -40'- that conform to the grooves -40- of the receiving element. Next, exemplary modalities of a sealing element -28 on the rim -20- extending outwards from the capsule -2- will be described in more detail, with respect to Figures 4A-4G. Figure 4A shows a first embodiment of a sealing element -28- that forms an additional support on the outwardly extending flange -20- of a capsule -2- according to the invention. The sealing element and the rest of the capsule body are made of the same sheet metal material. The sealing element -28- comprises two separate projections -50- and -51-, each of which projects axially from a portion of the outwardly extending base of the flange -20-, to which portion of the base the lid -14- is attached in a direction away from the lid -14-.A segment -52- is present between the two projections -50- and -51-. The distance between the two projections -50- and -51- is such that the free contact end of the annular element -6- is compressed between the converging surfaces of the two projections -50- and -51- if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the segment is located a certain distance above the portion of the flange -20- that extends outwards between the sealing element -28- and the wavy edge -43- and is substantially flat.The distance between the two projections -50- and -51- is such that the free contact end of the annular element is in contact with the two projections -50- and -51- if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device. Furthermore, the two separate projections -50-, -51- and the segment -52- are arranged such that the free contact end of the annular element is in contact via the segment if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device.As shown in Figure 4A, each projection -50-, -51- comprises a projecting side wall that is inclined with respect to the flange -20- extending outwards from the aluminum capsule body. The projecting side wall is configured so that it deforms easily if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by the closing element of the beverage preparation device. Figure 4B shows a second embodiment of a sealing element -28- on the flange -20- extending outwards from a capsule according to the invention. Comparing it with Figure 4A, the following differences are noticeable. Each projection -50-, -51- now comprises a projecting side wall that is transverse with respect to the flange -20- extending outwards from the aluminum capsule body. Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the segment -52- is curved, preferably adapted to the shape of the free contact end of the annular element -6-. Figure 4C shows a third embodiment of a sealing element -28- on the outwardly extending flange -20- of a capsule according to the invention, which, together with the side wall -16- of the aluminum capsule body, forms an additional support for the receiving element. The sealing element -28- shown comprises a projection -53- extending from the outwardly extending flange -20- and a substantially flat segment -52- between the rounded, raised end portion of the projection -53- and the side wall -16- of the aluminum capsule body. In this embodiment, the support is formed by the projection -53-, the segment -52-, and the side wall -16- of the aluminum capsule body.The distance between the top of the projection -53- and the side wall -16- is such that the free contact end of the annular element -6- is surrounded by the projection -53- and the side wall -16- of the aluminum capsule body if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device.In particular, the distance between the projection -53- and the side wall -16- of the aluminum capsule body is such that the free contact end of the annular element -6- is in contact with the projection -53- and the side wall -16- and, in the embodiment shown, also the segment -52- of the aluminum capsule body if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device. Figure 4D shows a fourth embodiment of a sealing element -28- on the outwardly extending flange -20- of a capsule according to the invention, which together with the aluminum side wall -16- of the capsule body forms an additional support for the receiving element. If compared with Figure 4C, the following differences are noticeable. In this fourth embodiment, the segment -52- is curved and comprises a curved portion and also a flat portion that is located at the same level as the outwardly extending portion of the flange -20- between the projection -53- and the curved edge -43-.The curved portion is preferably adapted to the shape of the free contact end of the annular element -6-. Figure 4E shows a fifth embodiment of a sealing element -28- on the flange -20- extending outwards from a capsule according to the invention, which together with the side wall -16- of the aluminum capsule body forms a support for the receiving element. Comparing this with Figure 4D, the following difference is noticeable. In this fifth embodiment, the flat portion of the segment -52- is located a certain distance above the outwardly extending portion of the flange -20-, between the projection -53- and the curved edge -43-.The distance between -20- and the projection -53- is preferably 0.9 - 1.25 mm, which allows the free end of the closing element of commercially available and widely used beverage preparation devices (such as Citiz, Lattisima, U, Maestria, Pixie, Inissia and Essenza) to be reliably compressed against the projections -53- with the side wall -16- in close proximity to them. / uuyjuo In the embodiments shown in Figures 4C to 4E, the projection -53- comprises an external projection of the side wall -54- that is transverse to the outwardly extending portion of the flange between the projection -53- and the wavy edge -43-, but in other embodiments this external projection of the side wall -54- may be inclined with respect to the outwardly extending portion of the flange -20-. In all the embodiments shown in Figures 4A to 4E, each of the projections comprises an upper projection that constitutes a portion of the projection, for example, half, one-third, or one-quarter of the projection, which is axially farther from the portion of the base of the flange -28- to which the lid -14- is attached. At least one projection, but preferably all the projections forming the additional support, is or are configured such that its upper projection exerts a radial force on the free contact end of the annular element -6- if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device. Figure 4F shows a sixth embodiment of a sealing element -28- on the flange -20- extending outwards from a capsule according to the invention. If compared, for example, with Figure 4B, the following differences are noticeable. In this sixth embodiment, the segment -52- is V-shaped, with the V-shaped bottom being at the same level as the portion of the base of the flange -20- that extends outwards between the outer projection -51- and the wavy edge -43-.In this way, no support is formed for the free contact end of the annular element -6-. Instead, the upper projection of the inner projection -50- exerts a radial force directly outwards on the free contact end of the annular element -6-, and the upper projection of the outer projection -51- exerts a radial force directly inwards on the free contact end of the annular element -6- if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device. In this way, the free contact end is compressed by the sealing element -28-, thus providing a satisfactory seal. In capsules where the sealing structure -28- has projections -50-, -51- and a segment or passage -52- in the middle, as shown for example in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4F, the center of the segment or passage -52-, which extends circumferentially around the central axis of the capsule, preferably has a diameter of 29-33 mm, more preferably 30.0-31.4 mm, and very preferably 30.3-31.0 mm, so that (viewed in radial section) the free end of the closing element of commercially available and widely used beverage preparation devices (such as Citiz, Lattisima, U, Maestría, Pixie, Inissia, and Essenza) is precisely centered between the projections -50-, -51-, and the compression effect is evenly distributed over the inner and outer projections -50-, -51-. For effective compression in the devices, the distance between the protrusions -50-, -51 is preferably 0.9 - 1.25 mm. Figure 4G shows a seventh embodiment of a sealing element -28- on the flange -20- extending outwards from a capsule according to the invention. As also shown in Figure 2, the receiving element -6- of the beverage preparation device has an annular element -41- having a non-contacting end -30- with a series of radially extending open grooves -40-, some of which are shown in Figure 4G. As in the examples shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4F, the sealing element -28- has two separate projections -50- and -51- each of which projects axially from a portion -23- of the outwardly extending flange base -20- to which the parts are attached -21-, -23- from the base of the lid -14- in a direction away from the lid -14-. As in the example shown in figure 4F, a segment -52- having a rounded bottom is located between the two projections -50- and -51-. One difference, compared to the examples shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4F, is that, in the example shown in Figure 4G, one -51- of the two projections extends beyond a portion -23- of the base of the flange -20- that extends outwards, more than the other -50- of the two projections. Another difference is that the bottom -56- of an annular passage -55- between the inner projection -51- and the side wall -16 is axially separated from the portion -23- of the base to which the lid is attached. Preferably, the axial distance from the bottom -56- to the lid is less than the axial distance from the segment -52- to the lid. When the receiving element -6- and / or the closing element -8- are moved towards each other with the sealing element -28- of the capsule in between, the free contact end -30- of the annular element -41- can first contact the first -51- of the two projections and then contact the second of the two projections (Figure 5A). Provided that, when the free end of contact / uuyjuo When the annular element -30- contacts the inner projection -51- of the two projections, the capsule is centered with respect to the receiving element -6-. Furthermore, if the inner projection -51- of the two projections is radially too far outwards, for example, due to a lack of local circularity or off-center positioning of the capsule, or generally because the free contact area has a relatively small diameter, the free contact end forces the inner projection -51- of the two projections radially inwards. In this way, the outer projection of the two projections is drawn inwards, so that a firm and reliable sealing pressure is exerted on the outer projection -50- of the two projections, despite the relatively small deformability of the outer projection -50- due to its lower height.The relatively high rigidity of the outer projection -50- of the two projections allows a large contact force to be exerted while it is deformed (Figure 5B). The relatively high back pressure provides a particularly reliable seal with high pressure resistance. Furthermore, the outer projection -50- of the two projections is subsequently forced outwards, and this load is counteracted by an annular stress in the outer projection of the two projections, which is uniformly distributed circumferentially, thus achieving a uniformly distributed sealing pressure. Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 5A, the free contact end -30- of the annular element -41- has an inner circumferential surface portion -71- that is in contact with the inner projection -51- and an outer circumferential surface portion -70- that is in contact with the outer projection -50-. The radially extending open grooves -40- are deeper on the inner surface portion -71- than on the outer surface portion -70-, or in some cases, the grooves may be absent on the outer surface portion -70-. In this way, the relatively rigid, smaller outer projection -50- is firmly and precisely compressed against the relatively smooth outer surface portion -70- of the free contact end -30-. The distance between the two projections -50- and -51- is such that finally (figures 5A and 5B) the free contact end -30- of the annular element -41- is compressed between the converging surfaces of the two projections -50- and -51 when the receiving element is fully closed by means of the closing element. Segment -52- is axially separated from the cover -14-. As shown in Figure 5B, this allows segment -52- between the projections -50-, -51- to be displaced in the direction of the relative movement of the free end -30- of the annular element -41- when the receiving element -6- is closed, forcing the projections -50-, -51- to tilt and slide inward against the free end -30- of the annular element -41- when the receiving element -6- is closed. This increases the radial sealing pressure exerted (in addition to the axial closing pressure), so that an increased sealing pressure is available to provide a satisfactory seal. More specifically, three phases can be distinguished if the sealing element of the ring according to figures 4G, 5A, 5B and 6 is held between the annular element -41- of the receiving element -6- and the closing element -8-. In the first phase, contact is established between the annular element -41- and the sealing element -28-, where necessary, under the orientation of the inner projection -51 as previously described. An initial seal is created between a portion of the surface of the outer projection -50-, generally located on the inside, and an outer portion -70- of the surface of the free contact end -30- of the annular element -41-. The radial orientation of this portion of the surface located on the inside of the outer projection -50- and the local radius of curvature of the outer projection -50- are arranged to ensure that the contacting faces are oriented almost vertically. This allows for a very strong wedging effect, such that a very small vertical closing force results in very large horizontal contact pressures.These large horizontal forces are exerted with minimal deformation of the outer projection -50- because the reaction forces generated by surface contact are primarily contained by ring stresses in the outer projection -50-. Furthermore, these ring stresses are largely independent of the rest of the sealing element -28-, allowing for a combination of high rigidity to exert a large sealing force with the flexibility to accommodate tolerances and incorrect capsule placement. As the bottom -56- of the annular passage, and consequently the inner foot of the inner projection, moves away from the friction of the cover and rigidity is reduced in the lateral directions, the sealing element -28- has a high degree of flexibility to accommodate the effects of tolerances and misalignment without undue distortion of the sealing faces. This also helps to maintain the near-vertical orientations of the contact faces, even if misalignment and tolerances are accommodated by lateral displacement of the contact face of the sealing element -28-. In the second phase, the closure and further compression of the preparation chamber in the sealing ring are supported by the accumulation of hydraulic pressure. As the compressive force builds, the bottom -56- of the annular passage -55- is pushed down by the mechanical and hydraulic load, and the entire sealing element pivots around the lower outer end -57- of the outer projection -50- until the bottom -56- of the annular passage -55- contacts the cap (Figure 5B). This pivoting motion results in both rigid-body movement of the sealing element -28- and deformation of its shape, with the combined effect of these factors transferring the contact pressure to the primary sealing face.Since much of the deformation occurs plastically, the contact zone effectively accommodates the sealing zone and allows it to adapt to a certain misalignment and manufacturing tolerances. In the third phase, a further increase in axial force (in this case vertical) produces additional deformation of the sealing element -28- (Figure 5B). In this embodiment, a reliable and highly leak-tight seal with a high pressure drop and high contact pressure is achieved by means of the deformation of an inclined section -58- that forms a transition from the outer projection -50- to the segment. This section -58- constitutes a relatively straight section between the more curved sections of the segment -52- and the outer projection -50-. The deformation results in a particularly high contact pressure along a narrow line between the sealing element -28- and the outer surface portion -70- of the free end -30- of the annular element -41-. To obtain an effective seal, it is also advantageous that the outer projection -50- is wedged and therefore deformed between the outer -59- and inner -60- ridges of the annular element -41-. As shown in Figure 5B, the inner projection -51- bends and opens when the sealing element -8- is deformed, so that the material leaving the sealing element towards the bottom -56- of the annular element -55- is counteracted, and the associated contact pressure is discharged. In particular, with regard to the final mutual displacement of the annular element -41- and the sealing element -28-, a specific issue is that most annular elements have one or more bridges -61- (Figure 6) between the outer -59- and inner -60- ridges of the annular element -41-. The bridges -61- constitute an interruption of an annular space -62- at the head, in which the outer projection -50- is wedged during the third phase.In particular, leakage at the transitions where, in the circumferential sense, the bridge begins and ends, decreases because the outer projection is designed to roll and deform radially outwards, so that the excess material of the sealing element is locally displaced away from the seal between the outer projection -50- and the annular element -41-, thereby reducing interference with this seal and allowing a substantially continuous seal along a line passing under the bridge -61-. In the preceding description, the invention has been described by reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. However, it is evident that various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and broader scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A capsule containing a substance for preparing a potable beverage by extracting and / or dissolving the substance through the supply of a fluid under pressure to the capsule, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central axis, the aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending rim, the capsule further comprising an aluminum lid fixed to the outwardly extending rim, the lid hermetically sealing the capsule,wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing element in the outwardly extending flange to provide fluid-sealing contact with a receiving element of a beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned on the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of a closing element of the beverage preparation device, such as a dispensing plate of the beverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing element of the capsule are engaged for sealing between the receiving element and the closing element of the beverage preparation device,wherein the receiving element of the beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a central axis of the annular element and a free contact end, the free contact end of the annular element being optionally provided with a series of radially extending open grooves, characterized in that the sealing element is integrated with the outwardly extending flange and comprises at least one projection projecting from the outwardly extending flange, the projection comprising at least an upper projection,and wherein at least one projection is configured such that its upper projection exerts a radial force on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element of the beverage preparation device.

2. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing element comprises an additional projection protruding from the outwardly extending flange and a segment between the two projections, wherein the distance between the two projections is such that the free contact end of the annular element is positioned between the two projections if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element and the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element.

3. The capsule according to claim 2, characterized in that the first of the two projections extends beyond a portion of the outwardly extending rim base to which the lid is attached, than the second of the two projections.

4. The capsule according to claim 3, characterized in that the first of the two projections is the radially inner projection of the two projections.

5. The capsule according to any of claims 2-4, characterized in that the sealing element comprises an annular passage between the inner projection of the projections and the side wall, the annular passage having a bottom axially separated from the base portion to which the lid is attached.

6. The capsule according to any of claims 2-5, characterized in that the segment is axially separated from the lid.

7. The capsule according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the bottom of the annular passage is at a first axial distance from the cap and the segment is at a second axial distance from the cap, the second axial distance being greater than the first axial distance.

8. The capsule according to claim 7, characterized in that the sealing element is deformable, such that, in use, the closing of the receiving element deforms the side wall to cause the bottom of the annular passage to be substantially brought into contact with the lid.

9. The capsule according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the inner projection of the two projections is shaped so that it is folded and open if the sealing element is deformed so that the segment contacts the lid.

10. The capsule according to any of claims 2-9, characterized in that the radially outer projection of the two projections has greater rigidity against outward radial deformation than the inner projection of the two projections.

11. The capsule according to any of claims 2-10, characterized in that the first of the two projections has an upper end extending around the axis of the capsule to a diameter of 29.2 to 29.8 mm, and wherein the second of the two projections has an upper end extending around the axis of the capsule to a diameter of 31.9 to 32.4 mm.

12. The capsule according to any of claims 2-11, characterized in that the outer projection of the two projections has a generally inner surface portion that extends at an angle less than 8° and preferably less than 6°, or less than 4° with respect to the axis of the capsule body.

13. The capsule according to any of claims 2-12, characterized in that the distance between the two projections is such that the free contact end of the annular element is in contact with the two projections if the capsule is positioned on the receiving element and the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element.

14. The capsule according to any of claims 2-13, characterized in that the two separate projections and the segment are arranged so that the free contact end of the annular element is in contact with the segment if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element and the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element.

15. The capsule according to any of claims 2-14, characterized in that the capsule comprises a support for the receiving element if the capsule is positioned on the receiving element and the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element, the support receiving at least a part of the free contact end of the annular element and the support being formed by the two projections and the segment between them.

16. The capsule according to any of claims 2-15, characterized in that, viewed in cross-section along a plane through the axis of the capsule body, the segment has an inclined section forming a transition to the outer projection of the two projections, wherein the inclined section constitutes a relatively straight section between more curved sections.

17. The capsule according to claim 16, characterized in that the inclined section is oriented at an angle encompassed by at least 10° and more preferably at least 20° and at most 60° and more preferably at most 50° with respect to the lid.

18. The capsule according to any of claims 2-15, characterized in that the segment is substantially flat.

19. The capsule according to any of claims 2-15, characterized in that the segment comprises a curved part, the segment preferably being V-shaped.

20. The capsule according to any of claims 2-19, characterized in that the outer projection of the two projections is designed to roll and deform radially outwards if compressed in the axial direction while in contact with a surface located outside a free end of the annular element located between the two projections.

21. The capsule according to any of claims 2-20, characterized in that the transition from the outer projection of the two projections to a flange projecting radially outwards from the part of the base to which the lid is fixed has an inner radius of less than 0.15 mm, and preferably less than 0.12 mm, an outer wall of the outer projection of the two projections being radially oriented at an angle encompassed with respect to the axis of the capsule body of less than 8° and more preferably less than 6°.

22. The capsule according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one projection comprises a projecting side wall that is inclined with respect to the flange extending outwards from the aluminum body of the capsule, the projecting side wall being configured so that it is easily deformed if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element of the beverage preparation device.

23. The capsule according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing structure and the rest of the capsule body are made of the same material. 24.A system for preparing a drinkable beverage from a capsule using a fluid supplied under pressure to the capsule, characterized in that it comprises: a beverage preparation device comprising a receiving element for receiving the capsule, wherein the receiving element comprises fluid injection means for supplying fluid under pressure to the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further comprises a closing element, such as an extraction plate, for closing the receiving element of the beverage preparation device, wherein the receiving element of the beverage preparation device further comprises an annular element having a central axis of the annular element and a non-contacting end, which is optionally provided with a series of radially extending open grooves; and a capsule according to any of the preceding claims.

25. The system according to claim 24, characterized in that the free contact end of the annular element has a first circumferential surface portion that contacts the first projection when the capsule is positioned on the receiving element and when the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element, and a second circumferential surface portion that contacts the second projection when the capsule is positioned on the receiving element and when the receiving element is closed by means of the closing element, wherein the radially extending open grooves are deeper in the first surface portion than in the second surface portion, or the grooves are absent from the second surface portion.

26. The system according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the capsule is a capsule according to any of claims 2-21, and wherein the receiving element and the projections are arranged in such a way that, when the receiving element and / or the closing element are moved towards each other with the sealing element between them, the free contact end of the annular element can first contact the first of the two projections and subsequently contact the second of the two projections.

27. The system according to claims 24-26, characterized in that the capsule is a capsule according to claim 16 or 17, and wherein the annular element is arranged so that the inclined section is deformed.

28. The system according to any of claims 24-27, characterized in that the annular element has outer and inner ridges and wherein the outer projection of the two projections is arranged to be deformed between the outer and inner ridges if the sealing element is held between the receiving element and the closing element.

29. Use of a capsule according to any of claims 1 to 23, in a beverage preparation device, comprising a receiving element for receiving the capsule, wherein the receiving element comprises fluid injection means for supplying fluid under pressure to the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further comprises a closing element such as a dispensing plate, for closing the receiving element of the beverage preparation device, wherein the receiving element of the beverage preparation device further comprises an annular element having a central axis of the annular element and a non-contacting end,the free contact end of the annular element being optionally provided with a series of radial grooves; wherein the capsule contains a substance for preparing a potable beverage by means of extraction and / or dissolution of the substance by means of fluid supplied under pressure to the capsule by the fluid injection means of the beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central axis, the aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending rim, the capsule further comprising an aluminum lid fixed to the outwardly extending rim, the lid hermetically sealing the capsule,wherein the capsule further comprises an integrated sealing element with an outwardly extending flange to provide contact for sealing the fluid with the receiving element of the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element of the beverage preparation device and the receiving element is closed by means of the closure, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing element of the capsule are engaged for sealing between the receiving element and the closing element of the beverage preparation device.

30. Use according to claim 29, wherein the capsule is a capsule according to any of claims 2-21, and wherein, when the receiving element and / or the closing element are displaced towards each other with the sealing element of the capsule in between, the free contact end of the annular element can first contact the first of the two projections and subsequently contact the second of the two projections.

31. Use in accordance with claim 29 or 30, wherein the capsule is a capsule in accordance with any of claims 2-21, wherein the annular element forces the outer projection of the two projections outwards.

32. Use in accordance with any of claims 29-31, wherein the capsule is a capsule according to any of claims 2-21, and wherein the segment is axially separated from the lid and the segment between the projections is displaced by the annular element when the receiving element is closed, forcing the projections to tilt and slide inwards against the free contact end of the annular element.

33. Use according to any of claims 29-32, wherein the capsule is a capsule according to any of claims 5-9, and wherein the bottom of the annular passage is pushed against the lid by means of the annular element.

34. Use according to any of claims 29-33, wherein the capsule is a capsule according to 20 or 21, and wherein the annular element has one or more bridges between the outer and inner ridges, the bridge or each bridge constituting an interruption of an annular space between the outer and inner ridges, and wherein the outer projection of the two projections rolls and deforms radially outward when compressed by the bridge.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Capsule containing a substance for preparing a potable beverage, further comprising a body having a side wall, an externally extending rim, and a sealing element for providing a sealing contact of the fluid with a receiving element of a beverage preparation device. The device comprises an annular element having a free end provided with several grooves. The sealing element comprises a projection extending from the rim, which includes an upper projection and is configured such that the upper projection exerts a radial force on the free end if the capsule is positioned in the receiving element and the latter is closed by a closing element of said device.

Images