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

Abstract

The invention relates to a single serve capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a beverage-making machine; wherein: the single serve capsule (1) has a base element (2) with a cavity (3) for receiving a beverage raw material, and a capsule cover (4) sealing the cavity (3); the base element (2) comprises a capsule bottom (5), a peripheral flange (6), and a capsule wall (7) extending from the capsule bottom (5) to the peripheral flange (6); the capsule cover (4) is fastened to the flange (6) in a sealing plane (8); and at least the base element (2) or the capsule cover (4) or both comprises / comprise a 6061 aluminum alloy or a 8026 aluminum alloy or an aluminum alloy from group 1XXX.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] title

[0003] Portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage manufacturing machine and method for producing a portion capsule

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The present invention is based on a portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, wherein the portion capsule has a base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid closing the cavity, wherein the base element comprises a capsule bottom, a circumferential flange and a capsule wall extending between the capsule bottom and the circumferential flange, wherein the capsule lid is attached to a sealing surface on the flange.

[0006] Such portion capsules are known from the prior art. For example, the document WO 2020 / 165302 A1 discloses a portion capsule of this type. This portion capsule is designed to be inserted into a brewing chamber, in which the capsule base is perforated to introduce brewing liquid in the form of hot water under pressure into the cavity. This increases the pressure within the portion capsule, forcing the capsule lid against a relief or pyramid plate in the brewing chamber and perforating it at the contact points when a predetermined pressure is reached. The beverage produced by the interaction between the introduced water and the beverage raw material, in particular roasted and ground coffee, then exits the capsule through these perforations in the lid film.

[0007] What these portion capsules of this type have in common is that a sufficient seal between the brewing chamber and the portion capsule in the area of ​​the capsule flange is necessary to ensure that the water inside the brewing chamber flows through the bed of beverage raw material to form the beverage and does not flow past the beverage raw material outside the portion capsule, i.e., between a wall of the brewing chamber and the outside of the capsule wall. For this purpose, these types of portion capsules have a sealing element in the area of ​​their flange, which seals against a brewing chamber element in the brewing chamber. It is desirable for the sealing element to be made of the same material as the capsule body (also known as the base element) in order to keep the manufacturing costs for the portion capsule low and to facilitate the disposal or recycling of used portion capsules.

[0008] WO 2021 / 067 695 A1 and WO 2021 / 122 676 A1 propose forming portion capsules of this type from aluminum alloys used in the production of beverage cans. This approach offers the advantage that the portion capsules are at least partially made of recycled material and can be fed into an existing recycling cycle after use.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative portion capsule of the type mentioned above, which can be produced from an aluminum alloy with a high recycling content.

[0011] The object of the present invention is achieved by a portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage production machine, wherein the portion capsule has a base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid closing the cavity, wherein the base element comprises a capsule bottom, a circumferential flange and a capsule wall extending between the capsule bottom and the circumferential flange, wherein the capsule lid is fastened to the flange at a sealing plane, wherein at least one of the base element and the capsule lid comprises a 6061 aluminum alloy or an 8026 aluminum alloy or an aluminum alloy from group 1XXX.

[0012] It has been found that the aluminum alloys 6061 and 8026, as well as those of group 1XXX, are suitable for producing the base element and capsule lid of the generic portion capsules. Both the aluminum alloy 6061 and the aluminum alloy 8026, the alloys of group 1XXX, are available in sufficient quantities and can be provided with a high recycling content. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the following description with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The 6061 aluminum alloy or the 8026 aluminum alloy preferably has a recycling content of at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, for example at least 90%.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base element comprises a 6061 aluminum alloy, in particular, is formed from a 6061 aluminum alloy. In such an embodiment, the capsule lid can be formed from a different material, for example, a material comprising an 8011 aluminum alloy or consisting of an 8011 aluminum alloy.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base element and the capsule lid comprise a 6061 aluminum alloy. Such a design offers the advantage that an identical raw material can be used to manufacture both the base element and the capsule lid.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base element and the capsule lid are made of a 6061 aluminum alloy. Such a design offers the advantage that an identical raw material can be used to manufacture both the base element and the capsule lid. Furthermore, the base element and the capsule lid can be disposed of together, for example, by recycling.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the 6061 aluminum alloy has the following composition in percent by weight:

[0018] AI 95.85 - 98.56%

[0019] Mg 0.80 - 1.20%

[0020] Si 0.40 - 0.80%

[0021] Fe 0 - 0.70%

[0022] Cu 0.15 - 0.40%

[0023] Cr 0.04 - 0.35% Zn 0 - 0.25%

[0024] Ti 0 - 0.15%

[0025] Mn 0 - 0.15% others 0 - 0.15% (each 0 - 0.05%).

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base element comprises an 8026 aluminum alloy, in particular, is formed from an 8026 aluminum alloy. In such an embodiment, the capsule lid can be formed from a different material, for example, a material comprising an 8011 aluminum alloy or consisting of an 8011 aluminum alloy.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base element and the capsule lid comprise an 8026 aluminum alloy. Such a design offers the advantage that an identical raw material can be used to manufacture both the base element and the capsule lid.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base element and the capsule lid are made of an 8026 aluminum alloy. Such a design offers the advantage that an identical raw material can be used to manufacture both the base element and the capsule lid. Furthermore, the base element and the capsule lid can be disposed of together in a separate, sorted manner, for example, by recycling.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the 8026 aluminum alloy has the following composition in percent by weight:

[0030] Mg 0.20 - 0.60%

[0031] Si 0 - 0.6%

[0032] Fe 0.6 - 1.2%

[0033] Cu 0 - 0.30%

[0034] Cr 0 - 0.20%

[0035] Zn 0 - 0.25%

[0036] Ti 0 - 0.10%

[0037] Mn 0.40 - 1.0% other 0 - 0.15% (each 0 - 0.05%) Al remainder. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the base element comprises an aluminum alloy from group 1XXX, in particular is formed from an aluminum alloy from group 1XXX. In such an embodiment, the capsule lid can be formed from a different material, for example a material comprising an 8011 aluminum alloy or consisting of an 8011 aluminum alloy.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base element and the capsule lid comprise an aluminum alloy from group 1XXX. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that an identical raw material can be used to manufacture both the base element and the capsule lid.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base element and the capsule lid are made of an aluminum alloy from group 1XXX. Such a design offers the advantage that an identical raw material can be used to manufacture both the base element and the capsule lid. Furthermore, the base element and the capsule lid can be disposed of together in a sorted manner, for example, by recycling.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the aluminum alloy from group 1XXX has an aluminum content of at least 99.0 percent by weight of aluminum, for example at least 99.1 percent by weight of aluminum or at least 99.2 percent by weight of aluminum or at least 99.3 percent by weight of aluminum or at least 99.4 percent by weight of aluminum, preferably at least 99.5 percent by weight of aluminum, particularly preferably at least 99.7 percent by weight of aluminum.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flange has a circumferential bead on its outer free end, wherein a sealing element in the form of a sealing bead pointing away from the capsule lid is provided on the flange, wherein on the side of the capsule lid between the bead and the sealing bead the sealing plane extends on the flange, wherein the sealing bead comprises an inner flank on the side of the capsule wall and an outer flank on the side of the bead, wherein both the outer flank and the inner flank are aligned at an angle of greater than 80 to less than 90 degrees to the sealing plane. This leads to the sealing bead deforming less when the brewing chamber is closed or the portion capsule is brewed and in particular the sealing bead is stiff enough to bring about the desired sealing effect through strong contact between the inner flank and the brewing chamber element.Furthermore, it can be ensured that the portion capsule can be removed from the brewing chamber easily and without increased effort, even despite any certain deformation of the sealing element. The inner flank and outer flank each have an angle of 81 to 89 degrees, preferably 83 to 87 degrees, particularly preferably 84 to 86 degrees, and most particularly preferably substantially 85 degrees to the sealing plane. It has been shown that in this angular range, on the one hand, the deformation of the sealing bead can be reduced and the rigidity of the sealing bead can be increased because the angle is as steep as possible and the sealing bead thus ensures high stability against forces acting on the sealing bead perpendicular to the sealing plane (also referred to as the vertical direction Y). On the other hand, simple and cost-effective production of the portion capsule is enabled because the angle is always smaller than a right angle.If there were a right angle on both flanks of the sealing bead, the inner flank and the outer flank, the demolding of the portion capsule from the molding or stamping tool during production of the portion capsule would be significantly more difficult.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing bead is designed such that when the brewing chamber is closed, it is deformed perpendicular to the sealing plane by only a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10%, and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 5% of its total height. In particular, the sealing bead is designed such that when a force of up to 100 N is applied to the sealing bead perpendicular to the sealing plane, it is deformed perpendicular to the sealing plane by only a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10%, and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 5% of its height.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing bead is designed such that, when the brewing chamber is closed, it is deformed parallel to the sealing plane only to the extent that its radius relative to a central longitudinal axis (around which the flange is arranged rotationally symmetrically) of the portion capsule shifts parallel to the sealing plane by only a maximum of 10%, preferably by a maximum of 8%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 5%, and most particularly preferably by a maximum of 4%. Advantageously, this prevents the brewing chamber element from becoming trapped by the laterally tilting sealing bead, so that the brewed portion capsule can always be removed from the brewing chamber easily and without increased effort.In the present invention, the sealing bead is therefore designed to be so stiff and stable that when a force of in particular up to 100 N is applied centrally to the sealing plane, i.e. along the vertical direction, and which acts in particular flat on the tip of the sealing bead or on a flank region of the sealing bead or on a flat transition plane of the sealing bead, a reduced deformation of the sealing bead occurs. The height of the sealing bead should in particular be able to be changed by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10% and most preferably by a maximum of 5%. Furthermore, it is conceivable that only a reduced lateral displacement or deformation occurs along a direction parallel to the sealing plane, i.e. in the radial direction R as viewed from the central longitudinal axis of the concentrically formed portion capsule.Here, too, it is intended that the tip of the sealing bead, i.e., the transition area of ​​the sealing bead, shifts or deforms by a maximum of 10%, preferably by a maximum of 8%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 5%, and most particularly preferably by a maximum of 4% of its total radius from the central longitudinal axis of the portion capsule. The total radius can be considered, for example, the radius from the center of the sealing bead.

[0044] It is preferably provided that the angle between the inner and outer flank is preferably 5 to 15 degrees, particularly preferably 8 to 12 degrees and most particularly preferably substantially 10 degrees.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a transition region extends between the inner flank and the outer flank, wherein the transition region is preferably curved or has a transition plane extending parallel to the sealing plane. The curved design of the transition region has the advantage that the sealing bead gains stability and thus deformation can be prevented even more effectively. In contrast, the flat design of the transition region has the advantage that the sealing bead is flatter and therefore engages less deeply into the recess of the sealing contour of the receiving element of the brewing chamber, so that less force is exerted on the sealing bead when the brewing chamber is closed. In addition, the risk of the brewing chamber part becoming trapped is lower with the flat sealing bead.

[0046] Preferably, in the radial cross-section of the circumferential sealing bead, both the inner flank and the outer flank each have a linear contact area extending between the flange and the transition area. The term "in radial cross-section" means that one is looking at a sectional view of the flange contour along the circumferential direction of the circumferential flange contour. The plane of the sectional view is therefore spanned by the vertical direction and the radial direction, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 5.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the linear contact area has a length of 0.1 to 1.5 millimeters, preferably 0.3 to 1.3 millimeters, particularly preferably 0.5 to 1.0 millimeters, and most particularly preferably 0.7 to 0.9 millimeters. Simulations and experiments have shown that an optimal seal between the sealing contour of the brewing chamber element and the flange can be achieved with a linear contact area of ​​the stated lengths.In other words: A form-fitting and force-fitting flat contact of the inner flank with a sealing nose flank of the sealing contour of the brewing chamber element over a length of 0.1 to 1.5 millimeters, preferably from 0.3 to 1.3 millimeters, particularly preferably from 0.5 to 1.0 millimeters and most preferably from 0.7 to 0.9 millimeters is sufficient to achieve a sufficient sealing effect (in the area of ​​the inner flank), without a strong deformation of the sealing bead due to the sealing contour being necessary.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a radius of 0.05 to 0.2 millimeters, preferably of 0.09 to 0.13 millimeters and particularly preferably of 0.11 in the transition from the rectilinear contact region to the transition region on the side facing the capsule lid. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a radius of 0.05 to 0.2 millimeters, preferably of 0.09 to 0.13 millimeters and particularly preferably of 0.11 in the transition from the outer flank to the transition region on the side facing the capsule lid. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the height of the sealing bead perpendicular to the sealing plane is between 0.6 and 1.3 millimeters, preferably between 0.3 and 0.6 millimeters and particularly preferably between 0.9 and 1.0 millimeters.The preferred dimensioning of the sealing bead described above results in the sealing bead having sufficient stability so that no significant deformation of the same occurs during the closing of the brewing chamber and / or the brewing of the capsule in the brewing chamber.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sealing bead has an average material thickness of between 0.05 and 0.3 millimeters, preferably between 0.08 and 1.8 millimeters, particularly preferably between 0.09 and 1.5 millimeters and very particularly preferably substantially 0.11 millimeters. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that in the radial cross-section of the circumferential sealing bead, the transition region has a rectilinear connecting region which has a width of between 0.1 and 0.4 millimeters, preferably between 0.15 and 0.35 millimeters and particularly preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 millimeters.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portion capsule has a radius of 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters, preferably 0.18 to 0.24 millimeters, and particularly preferably 0.20 to 0.22 millimeters, in the transition from the outer flank to the flange region running parallel to the sealing plane. The preferred dimensioning of the sealing bead described above results in the sealing bead being sufficiently stable to prevent deformation thereof during the closing of the brewing chamber and / or the brewing of the capsule in the brewing chamber.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portion capsule has a flange region extending parallel to the sealing plane between the bead and the outer flank, and the portion capsule has an intermediate flange region extending between the inner flank and the capsule wall, the flange region and the intermediate flange region being at the same height along a vertical direction perpendicular to the sealing plane. This has the advantage that when the brewing chamber is closed, there is no indirect displacement or deformation of the sealing bead due to the intermediate flange region or the flange region deforming or displacing relative to one another in the vertical direction. Instead, both the intermediate flange region and the flange region can be supported on the closure element of the brewing chamber and thus build up a suitable counterforce to prevent any significant deformation of the sealing bead.It is conceivable that the cover film is sealed or glued to the flange both at the flange intermediate area and in the flange area.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portion capsule has a radius of 0.2 to 0.35 millimeters, preferably 0.26 to 0.30 millimeters, and particularly preferably substantially 0.28, in the transition from the inner flank to a flange intermediate region extending between the sealing bead and the capsule wall. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer flank has a straight flank section in the radial cross section of the sealing bead, which has a length of between 0.01 and 0.15 millimeters, preferably between 0.06 and 0.10 millimeters, and particularly preferably 0.08 millimeters.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that in the radial cross section the extension of the sealing plane between the outer flank and the bead comprises a length between 0.2 and 0.8 millimeters, preferably between 0.3 and 0.7 millimeters and particularly preferably between 0.4 and 0.6 millimeters.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bead protrudes beyond the flange via an upper side forming the sealing plane. Preferably, the bead protrudes from the flange via an underside facing away from the sealing plane, wherein the bead protrudes from the flange on the underside less than the sealing bead and / or wherein the bead protrudes beyond the flange on the upper side less than on the underside. The bead is formed in particular by rolling in the flange edge, wherein the flange edge is preferably rolled in the direction of the capsule base.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base element is manufactured in one piece. The base element is preferably produced by cold or hot forming, in particular deep drawing, in which the sealing bead is integrally embossed into the flange. The portion capsule is preferably truncated cone-shaped or cylindrical. The cavity formed by the base element serves to accommodate beverage raw materials, for example, roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blends, milk powder, and / or the like.

[0054] The portion capsule preferably has one or more, preferably six, concentrically circumferential grooves on its capsule wall to stiffen the capsule wall. The grooves can be formed as inward- or outward-facing depressions and / or elevations.

[0055] A further subject of the present invention is a system for preparing a beverage comprising a beverage production machine and the portion capsule according to the invention, wherein the beverage production machine has a brewing unit with a first brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part, wherein the first and / or the second brewing chamber part is movable relative to the other brewing chamber part between an approximate position in which the first and the second brewing chamber part form a closed brewing chamber, and an open position in which the first and the second brewing chamber part are spaced apart from each other for inserting or ejecting a portion capsule, wherein the first brewing chamber part comprises a receiving element for partially receiving the portion capsule and the second brewing chamber part comprises a closure element for the receiving element,wherein in the closed position the flange of the portion capsule is positively and sealingly received between an edge region of the receiving element and the closure element.

[0056] The portion capsule according to the invention is part of the system according to the invention, which is why all advantages and further developments explained in connection with the portion capsule also apply equally to the system according to the invention.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sealing contour is formed in the edge region for sealing engagement with the sealing bead, wherein the sealing contour comprises a circumferential recess and a circumferential sealing nose formed adjacent to the recess, wherein the recess is preferably arranged radially outside the sealing nose and wherein an outer sealing nose flank forms an inner wall of the recess. In particular, in the closed position, the sealing nose engages in the flange intermediate region and the sealing bead engages in the recess such that the sealing nose flank forms a linear contact with the inner flank in radial cross-section.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that in the closed position the sealing bead is deformed by the sealing contour only by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10% and most particularly preferably by a maximum of 5% of its height perpendicular to the sealing plane.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sealing contour has a further circumferential sealing nose, wherein the recess is arranged in the radial direction between the sealing nose and the further sealing nose, wherein the sealing nose is longer than the further sealing nose and wherein in the closed position the further sealing nose forms a point contact with the outer flank in the radial cross section.

[0060] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the essential inventive concept.

[0061] Short description of the drawings

[0062] Figures 1 and 2 show schematic sectional views of a portion capsule and a system for preparing a beverage according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figures 3 and 4 show schematic detailed views of the portion capsule according to the exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 5 shows a schematic detailed view of the portion capsule according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Embodiments of the invention

[0066] Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic side view of a portion capsule 1 and a sectional view of a system comprising the portion capsule 1 and a part of a beverage manufacturing machine 14 for preparing a beverage according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] The portion capsule 1 has a base element 2, which is, for example, cup-shaped and frustoconical, which has a capsule base 5 on its closed side and a circumferential flange 6 on its open side. A capsule wall 7 extends around a cavity 3 between the capsule base 5 and the flange 6. The portion capsule 1 is constructed rotationally symmetrically about its central longitudinal axis M, which defines a vertical direction Y. In the radial direction R, the flange 6, which is circular and thus circumferentially circumferential, protrudes outwards beyond the capsule wall 7. The base element 2 is made of a 6061 aluminum alloy.

[0068] The flange 6 is firmly connected to a capsule lid 4 in the form of a lid film, which closes the cavity 3 on the open side of the base element 2. For this purpose, the flange 6 has a sealing plane 8 facing the capsule lid 4, which extends approximately at right angles to the vertical direction Y. The capsule lid 4 is sealed, welded, or glued to the sealing plane 8 in its edge region.

[0069] The capsule lid 4 is preferably also made of a 6061 aluminum alloy. Within the base element 2, the cavity 3 is formed, which is filled with beverage raw material, for example, coffee roast granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blend, milk powder, and / or the like (not illustrated for reasons of clarity) and which is closed by the capsule lid 4.

[0070] The cup-shaped configuration of the base element 2 is preferably produced by thermoforming, for example, deep drawing using negative pressure, positive pressure, and / or a movable die. The base element 2 is preferably deep-drawn.

[0071] In use, the portion capsule 1 is inserted into a brewing unit in a beverage manufacturing machine 14. The brewing unit comprises a first brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part, wherein the first or second brewing chamber part is movable relative to the other brewing chamber part between an approximate position in which the first and second brewing chamber parts form a closed brewing chamber 13, and an open position in which the first and second brewing chamber parts are spaced apart for insertion or ejection of the portion capsule 1.

[0072] The first brewing chamber part is designed as a cup-shaped receiving element 22, which largely accommodates the portion capsule 1, particularly when the brewing chamber 13 is in the closed position. The second brewing chamber part is designed as a closure element 23 for the receiving element 22. In the closed position shown in Figure 2, the flange 6 of the portion capsule 1 is tightly clamped between an edge region 24 of the receiving element 22 and the closure element 23.

[0073] In this closed position, the capsule lid 4 and the capsule base 5 are perforated sequentially or simultaneously. The one or more perforation openings in the capsule base 5 are formed in particular by one or more perforation points on the closure element 23 during the closing of the brewing chamber 13, while the perforation openings in the capsule lid 4 are preferably created by perforation structures in the base of the receiving element during the closing of the brewing chamber 13 or only by the pressure buildup inside the portion capsule 1 during the beverage production process.

[0074] Extraction liquid is introduced under pressure into the cavity 3 through one or more perforations in the capsule base 5. The interaction between the extraction liquid and the beverage raw material creates the desired beverage, which leaves the portion capsule 1 through the perforations in the capsule lid 4 and is fed into a beverage container. An optional filter medium can be used to filter any particles of the beverage raw material from the beverage and retain them in the portion capsule 1. Preferably, however, the multi-perforated capsule lid 4 functions as the filter element.

[0075] Figures 3 and 4 show a detailed view of the portion capsule 1 and brewing chamber 13 illustrated in Figure 2 according to the exemplary first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3 and 4 show the sectional view of the flange 6 on the left side of Figure 2 in an enlarged illustration. Figure 3 is neither to scale nor are the angles correctly reproduced. It is merely a schematic diagram from which no angular or longitudinal relationships can be derived. Figure 3 is merely intended to clarify the basic arrangement of the individual areas and the reference numerals. In Figure 4, the area shown in Figure 3 is illustrated more to scale and with more correct reproduction of the angular and longitudinal relationships. The dimensions and angles of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 can therefore be taken from Figure 4.

[0076] The flange 6 shown extends essentially horizontally, i.e. parallel to the radial direction R, from the upper end of the capsule wall 7 to its free outer end, at which the flange 6 terminates with a bead 9. The bead 9 comprises, in particular, a flange end rolled up in the direction of the capsule base 5.

[0077] In addition, the bead 9 protrudes in the vertical direction Y in particular both over an upper side of the flange 6 forming the sealing plane 8 and over an underside of the flange 6 facing away from the sealing plane 8, wherein the flange 6 protrudes from the flange 6 on the underside by less than a sealing bead 10 and furthermore protrudes over the flange 6 on the upper side by less or by the same amount as on the underside. Between the bead 9 and the end of the capsule wall 7, the flange 6 has the sealing bead 10, which is in the form of an impression directed away from the capsule lid 4 in the vertical direction Y and concentrically circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis M. The sealing bead 10 has an inner flank 11 facing the capsule wall 7 and an outer flank 12 facing the bead 9.

[0078] Between the inner flank 11 and the outer flank 12 extends a flat transition area 15 in the form of the transition plane 16, which is particularly flat (i.e., straight) and runs parallel to the sealing plane 8. Between the outer flank 12 and the bead 9, the flange 6 has a flange area 19, the upper side of which forms the sealing plane 8. The outer flank 12 extends to the sealing plane 8 and thus to the plane of the flange area 19 at an angle a of approximately 85 degrees.

[0079] The outer flank 12 has, in particular, a straight flank section 21, which preferably has a length between 0.5 and 0.9 millimeters. The flange region 19 preferably has a length of 0.2 to 0.8 millimeters. The transition between the flange region 19 and the outer flank 12 preferably has a radius of 0.20 to 0.21 millimeters on the upper side of the flange 6, while the transition from the outer flank 12 to the transition plane 16 and from the transition plane 16 to the inner flank 11 on the upper side of the flange 6 each has a radius of 0.1 to 0.12.

[0080] Between the inner flank 11 and the upper end of the capsule wall 7, the flange 6 has a flange intermediate region 20. In the present example, the flange intermediate region is linear in radial cross-section, at least in sections. The linear region has a length of 0.07 to 0.09 millimeters.

[0081] The inner flank 11 has a linear contact area 17 in its radial cross-section, i.e., the linear contact area is the length of the straight line between the two inflection points in the course of the inner flank 11. In the present example, the length of the contact area 17 is preferably 0.5 to 0.9 millimeters.

[0082] According to the invention, the angle ß between the inner flank 11 and the straight

[0083] Contact area 17 and the sealing plane 8 is essentially 85 degrees to the sealing plane 8. The angle between the inner and outer flanks 11, 12 is thus preferably 5 to 15 degrees, particularly preferably 8 to 12 degrees and very particularly preferably essentially 10 degrees.

[0084] The flange area 19 and the straight section of the flange intermediate area 20 are at the same height in the vertical direction Y. The height 18 of the sealing bead 10 corresponds to the total extension of the sealing bead 10 from the underside of the flange and flange intermediate area 19, 20 to the underside of the flange 6 in the area of ​​the transition plane 16. This height 18 is between 0.9 and 1.0 millimeters perpendicular to the sealing plane 8.

[0085] The material thickness of the base element 2 in the area of ​​the flange 6 is preferably between 0.1 and 0.13 millimeters.

[0086] Figure 3 also shows the edge region 24 of the receiving element 22, which is in sealing engagement with the flange 6 of the portion capsule 1. The edge region 24 comprises a sealing contour designed for sealing engagement with the sealing bead 10.

[0087] For this purpose, the sealing contour has a recess 25 extending in the circumferential direction and a sealing nose 26 formed adjacent to the recess 25 and also extending in the circumferential direction. Viewed in the radial direction R, the recess 25 is arranged outside the sealing nose 26, so that an outer sealing nose flank 27 of the sealing nose 26 forms an inner wall of the recess 25.

[0088] In the closed position shown, the sealing nose 26 engages in the flange intermediate region 20, while the sealing bead 10 engages in the recess 25. This creates a contact 28 in radial cross-section between the sealing nose flank 27 and the inner flank 11. This contact 28 is preferably present all the way around in the circumferential direction and thus forms the actual seal between the flange 6 and the receiving element 22, so that little or no extraction liquid can flow past the beverage substance to the outlet of the brewing chamber 13.

[0089] The apex of the sealing nose 26 optionally touches the underside of the curvature of the flange intermediate region 20, while the underside of the transition plane 16 optionally touches the bottom of the recess 25. The above-described design and dimensioning of the sealing bead 10 ensures that the sealing bead 10 does not deform significantly when the brewing chamber 14 is closed and / or when the beverage is brewed. Sealing is achieved primarily by the circumferential contact 28, which is subjected to relatively strong forces due to the rigidity of the sealing bead 10.

[0090] In other words: the sealing bead 10 is designed such that when the brewing chamber 13 is closed and / or the portion capsule 1 is brewed, it is only deformed by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10%, and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 5% of its height 18 perpendicular to the sealing plane 8. In particular, the sealing bead 10 is thus designed such that when a force of up to 100 N is applied to the sealing bead 10 perpendicular to the sealing plane 8, it is only deformed by a maximum of 30%, preferably by a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a maximum of 10%, and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 5% of its height 18 perpendicular to the sealing plane 8. Only in this way is sufficient force available for the contact 28.

[0091] It is conceivable that the height 18 of the sealing bead 10 is changed in particular by a maximum of 0.2 millimeters, preferably by a maximum of 0.15 millimeters, particularly preferably by a maximum of 0.1 millimeters and very particularly preferably by a maximum of 0.05 millimeters in the vertical direction Y when the brewing chamber 13 is closed and / or the portion capsule 1 is brewed.

[0092] Preferably, the sealing bead 10 is also designed to be so rigid that there is no excessive lateral displacement or deformation in the radial direction R. It is provided that the sealing bead 10 is designed such that when the brewing chamber 13 is closed, it is preferably only deformed or displaced parallel to the sealing plane 8 to such an extent that its radius, relative to a central longitudinal axis of the portion capsule 1, only shifts parallel to the sealing plane 8 by a maximum of 5%, so that the portion capsule 1 can be easily removed from the brewing chamber again after brewing and the sealing nose 26 does not jam with the laterally tilting sealing bead 10.

[0093] It is conceivable that, when the brewing chamber 13 is closed and / or the portion capsule 1 is brewed, the tip of the sealing bead 10, i.e. the transition region 15 of the sealing bead 0, is preferably displaced or deformed by a maximum of 0.2 millimeters, preferably by a maximum of 0.15 millimeters, particularly preferably by a maximum of 0.1 millimeters, and most particularly preferably by a maximum of 0.05 millimeters in the radial direction R. The remaining dimensions shown numerically in Figure 4 can preferably also be considered essential to the invention.

[0094] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the portion capsule 1 and brewing chamber 13 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows the sectional view of the sealing bead 10 (in the same orientation as in Figure 4, i.e., the capsule wall 7 on the left and the bead 9 on the right) in an enlarged illustration.

[0095] The second embodiment is essentially similar to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, so that all the above explanations apply analogously.

[0096] In contrast, however, the transition region 15 is designed as a curved transition region and not as a straight, flattened transition region 15. The straight contact region 17 has a length of 0.5 to 0.6 millimeters, in particular 0.53 millimeters, on the outer flank 12. The straight contact region 17 has a length of 0.4 to 0.55 millimeters, in particular 0.473 millimeters, on the inner outer flank 11.

[0097] The angle between the inner and outer flanks 11, 12 is preferably 5 to 15 degrees, particularly preferably 8 to 12 degrees and most particularly preferably substantially 10 degrees.

[0098] According to a modification of the embodiments described with reference to the figures, the base element 2 and optionally also the capsule lid 4 are made of an 8026 aluminum alloy or of an aluminum alloy from group 1XXX.

[0099] List of reference symbols

[0100] 1 portion capsule

[0101] 2 Basic element

[0102] 3 Cavity

[0103] 4 capsule lids

[0104] 5 capsule base

[0105] 6 Flange

[0106] 7 Capsule wall

[0107] 8 Seal Level

[0108] 9 bulge

[0109] 10 sealing bead

[0110] 11 Inner flank

[0111] 12 Outer flank

[0112] 13 Brewing chamber

[0113] 14 Beverage manufacturing machine

[0114] 15 Transition area

[0115] 16 Transition level

[0116] 17 Contact area

[0117] 18 Height of the sealing bead

[0118] 19 Flange area

[0119] 20 Flange intermediate area

[0120] 21 flank section

[0121] 22 receiving element

[0122] 23 Closure element

[0123] 24 Marginal area

[0124] 25 Deepening

[0125] 26 Sealing nose

[0126] 27 Sealing nose flank

[0127] 28 Additional sealing nose a angle ß angle

[0128] R Radial direction

[0129] Y vertical direction

[0130] M central longitudinal axis

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Portion capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber (13) of a beverage production machine (14), wherein the portion capsule (1) has a base element (2) with a cavity (3) for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid (4) closing the cavity (3), wherein the base element (2) comprises a capsule bottom (5), a circumferential flange (6) and a capsule wall (7) extending between the capsule bottom (5) and the circumferential flange (6), wherein the capsule lid (4) is fastened to the flange (6) at a sealing plane (8), characterized in that at least one of the base element (2) and the capsule lid (4) comprises a 6061 aluminum alloy or an 8026 aluminum alloy or an aluminum alloy from group 1XXX.

2. Portion capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the base element (2) comprises a 6061 aluminum alloy.

3. Portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (2) and the capsule lid (4) comprise a 6061 aluminum alloy, in particular are formed from a 6061 aluminum alloy.

4. Portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the 6061 aluminum alloy has the following composition in percent by weight: AI 95.85 - 98.56% Mg 0.80 - 1.20% Si 0.40 - 0.80% Fe 0 - 0.70% Cu 0.15 - 0.40% Cr 0.04 - 0.35% Zn 0 - 0.25% Ti 0 - 0.15% Mn 0 - 0.15% others 0 - 0.15% (each 0 - 0.05%).

5. Portion capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the base element (2) comprises an 8026 aluminum alloy.

6. Portion capsule according to one of claims 1 or 5, characterized in that the base element (2) and the capsule lid (4) comprise an 8026 aluminum alloy, in particular are formed from an 8026 aluminum alloy.

7. Portion capsule according to one of claims 1, 5 or 6, characterized in that the 8026 aluminum alloy has the following composition in percent by weight: Mg 0.20 - 0.60% Si 0 - 0.6% Fe 0.6 - 1.2% Cu 0 - 0.30% Cr 0 - 0.20% Zn 0 - 0.25% Ti 0 - 0.10% Mn 0.40 - 1.0% other 0 - 0.15% (each 0 - 0.05%) AI Rest.

8. Portion capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the base element (2) comprises an aluminum alloy from group 1XXX.

9. Portion capsule according to one of claims 1 or 8, characterized in that the base element (2) and the capsule lid (4) comprise an aluminum alloy from group 1XXX, in particular are formed from an aluminum alloy from group 1XXX.

10. Portion capsule according to one of claims 1, 8 or 9, characterized in that the aluminum alloy from group 1XXX has an aluminum content of at least 99.0 percent by weight aluminum, preferably at least 99.5 percent by weight aluminum.

11. Portion capsule according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flange (6) has a circumferential bead (9) at its outer free end, wherein a sealing element in the form of a sealing bead (10) pointing away from the capsule lid (4) is provided on the flange (6), wherein on the side of the capsule lid (4) between the bead (9) and the sealing bead (10) the sealing plane (8) extends on the flange (6), wherein the sealing bead (10) comprises an inner flank (11) on the side of the capsule wall (7) and an outer flank (12) on the side of the bead (9), characterized in that both the outer flank (12) and the inner flank (11) are aligned at an angle (α, β) of greater than 80 to less than 90 degrees to the sealing plane (8).

12. A system for preparing a beverage comprising a beverage production machine (14) and a portion capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage production machine (14) has a brewing unit with a first brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part, wherein the first and / or the second brewing chamber part is movable relative to the other brewing chamber part between an approximate position in which the first and the second brewing chamber part form a closed brewing chamber (13), and an open position in which the first and the second brewing chamber part are spaced apart from each other for inserting or ejecting a portion capsule (1), wherein the first brewing chamber part comprises a receiving element (22) for partially receiving the portion capsule (1) and the second brewing chamber part comprises a closure element (23) for the receiving element,wherein in the closed position the flange (6) of the portion capsule (1) is received in a form-fitting and sealing manner between an edge region (24) of the receiving element (22) and the closure element (23).

13. System according to claim 12, wherein a sealing contour is formed in the edge region (24) for sealing engagement with the sealing bead (10), wherein the sealing contour comprises a circumferential recess (25) and a circumferential sealing nose (26) formed adjacent to the recess (25), wherein the recess (25) is preferably arranged outside the sealing nose (26) in the radial direction (R) and wherein an outer sealing nose flank (27) forms an inner wall of the recess (25).

14. System according to claim 13, wherein in the closed position the sealing nose (26) engages in the flange intermediate region (20) and the sealing bead (10) engages in the recess (25) such that the sealing nose flank (27) forms a line contact (28) with the inner flank (11) in radial cross-section.

15. System according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the sealing contour has a further circumferential sealing nose (28), wherein the recess (25) is arranged in the radial direction between the sealing nose (26) and the further sealing nose (28), wherein the sealing nose (26) is longer than the further sealing nose (28) and wherein in the closed position the further sealing nose (28) forms a point contact with the outer flank (12) in the radial cross-section.

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