U.S. patent application number 16/614461 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-11 for portion capsule for preparing a drink in a drinks production machine, and method for producing a portion capsule.
The applicant listed for this patent is K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH. Invention is credited to Gunter Empl, Marc Kruger.
Application Number | 20200180858 16/614461 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62218000 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200180858 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kruger; Marc ; et
al. |
June 11, 2020 |
Portion capsule for preparing a drink in a drinks production
machine, and method for producing a portion capsule
Abstract
The invention relates to a portion capsule for preparing a drink
in a drinks production machine, wherein the portion capsule has a
base element with a cavity for receiving a raw drink material and a
capsule cover closing the cavity, wherein the capsule cover is
secured to a circumferential flange of the base element, wherein a
sealing element is provided on an underside of the flange facing
away from the capsule cover, characterised in that the sealing
element is provided as a circumferential separate ring element. The
invention also relates to a method for producing a portion capsule
according to the invention.
Inventors: |
Kruger; Marc; (Bergisch
Gladbach, DE) ; Empl; Gunter; (Bergisch Gladbach,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH |
Bergisch Gladbach |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
62218000 |
Appl. No.: |
16/614461 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
May 22, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2018/063396 |
371 Date: |
November 18, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/8043
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 19, 2017 |
DE |
10 2017 208 578.9 |
Claims
1. A portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage
production machine, the portion capsule comprising: a base element
having a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material, and a
capsule lid that closes the cavity the capsule lid is fastened to
an encircling flange of the base element, wherein a sealing element
is provided on a lower side of the flange that faces away from the
capsule lid the sealing element is provided as an encircling
separate ring element wherein the ring element has an internal
sub-region and an external sub-region, the internal sub-region is
connected to the flange in an encircling manner such that the
external sub-region is disposed on the lower side of the flange
that laces a way from the capsule lid, and wherein the external
sub-region is configured as an encircling wing so that the external
sub-region when closing the brewing chamber is placed on the lower
side of the flange.
2. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring
element comprises an elastic material.
3. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein an internal
sub-region of the ring element is connected to the base element
and/or to the flange.
4. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange
has an encircling thickening that is a collar, and the ring element
is configured to be placed in a space formed by the wall of the
base element and the thickening.
5. (canceled)
6. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upper side
of the ring element that faces away from the flange and/or a lower
side of the ring element that faces the flange have/has
reinforcements.
7. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upper side
of the ring element that faces away from the flange and/or a lower
side of the ring element that faces the flange have/has a
coating.
8. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring
element is adhesively bonded to the base element and/or the
flange.
9. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein a silicone
layer is disposed between the ring element and the base element
and/or between the ring element and the flange.
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal
sub-region of the ring element has a fastening element.
13. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 12, wherein the flange
has a receptacle for the fastening element.
14. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 12, wherein the capsule
lid has a receptacle for the fastening element.
15. (canceled)
16. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 14, wherein the
fastening element has an encircling ring.
17. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
receptacle has an encircling channel.
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. A method for producing the portion capsule as claimed in claim
1, wherein: in a first method step, the base element provided, in a
second method step, the ring element is disposed in an encircling
manner on the flange, in a third method step, the ring element is
connected to the flange, and in a fourth method step, the cavity of
the base element is closed with the capsule lid.
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the ring element
shrink-fitted to the flange or to the flange and the capsule lid.
Description
PRIOR ART
[0001] The present invention proceeds from a portion capsule for
preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, wherein the
portion capsule has a base element having a cavity for receiving a
beverage raw material, and a capsule lid that closes the cavity,
wherein the capsule late is fastened to an encircling flange of the
base element, wherein a sealing element is provided on a lower side
of the flange that faces away from the capsule lid.
[0002] Such portion capsules are known from the prior art. For
example, DE 10 2012 223 291 A1, DE 10 2013 215 274 A1, DE 10 2012
109 186 A1, and DE 10 2012 105 282 A1, disclose portion capsules
for portion capsule machines, having in each case a rigid or
semi-rigid base element which encloses a cavity for receiving a
beverage raw material such as roasted coffee granules, instant
coffee, chocolate powder, tea blends, milk powder, or the like,
wherein the cavity after the filling of the portion capsule is
closed with a capsule lid. In order for the beverage raw material
not to lose the aroma thereof when the portion capsule is stored
and transported, the base element is configured so as to be
gas-tight and liquid-tight. In order for a coffee beverage to be
prepared, the portion capsule is incorporated into a brewing
chamber of a preparation apparatus. Prior to, after, or while the
portion capsule is introduced into the brewing chamber, the portion
capsule is preferably opened at the base side of said portion
capsule, and after the brewing chamber has been sealed the filling
side of the portion capsule that is closed by a closure foil/film
is pierced by means of piercing means. Preparation liquid,
preferably hot water, is subsequently conveyed under pressure into
the portion capsule. The preparation liquid flows through the
beverage substrate and extracts and/or dissolves from the beverage
substrate the substances that are required for producing the
beverage.
[0003] In the production of the beverage the base element has to
withstand comparatively high mechanical forces since the extraction
liquid is directed into the cavity under high pressure and at a
high temperature, so as to produce the beverage while interacting
with the beverage raw material. In portion capsules known from the
prior art to date it is disadvantageous that liquid makes its way
past the base element into the brewing chamber and contaminates or
even damages the latter.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
portion capsule of the type mentioned at the outset which
effectively prevents any ingress of extraction liquid into the
brewing chamber from a region below the portion capsule.
[0005] The object of the present invention is achieved by a portion
capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine,
wherein the portion capsule has a base element having a cavity for
receiving a beverage raw material, and a capsule lid that closes
the cavity, wherein the capsule lid is fastened to an encircling
flange of the base element, wherein a sealing element is provided
on a lower side of the flange that faces away from the capsule lid,
characterized in that the sealing element is provided as an
encircling separate ring element.
[0006] As opposed to the prior art, the portion capsule according
to the invention has the advantage that any ingress of extraction
liquid into the brewing chamber of the beverage production machine
is effectively prevented. The sealing element embodied as an
encircling separate ring element effectively seals the portion
capsule in relation to the brewing chamber. In particular, the ring
element when closing the brewing chamber is pressed in the
direction of the capsule periphery by the brewing dome. A
liquid-tight closure of the brewing chamber in relation to a base
plate of the brewing chamber that delimits the brewing chamber in a
downward manner is thus created.
[0007] The portion capsule is preferably embodied so as to be
shaped as a truncated cone or a cylinder. In one preferred
embodiment the portion capsule, in particular the base element,
comprises aluminum. In one alternative embodiment the portion
capsule, in particular the base element, comprises a plastics
material. The cavity formed by the base element serves for
receiving beverage raw material, for example roasted coffee
granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blends, milk
powder, or the like. The ring element preferably has an internal
and an external radius, wherein the difference between the internal
and the external radius is preferably greater than the height of
the ring element. In one preferred embodiment the height of the
ring element is less than the wall thickness of the base element.
This embodiment is preferably applied to a portion capsule of which
the base element is made substantially from plastics material. The
internal radius is preferably insignificantly larger than the
external radius of the base element in the region of the flange.
The external radius is preferably insignificantly smaller than the
internal radius of the brewing chamber in the region in which the
flange is situated when the portion capsule is disposed in the
brewing chamber. In one alternative embodiment the external radius
is insignificantly larger than the external radius of the flange.
In particular, the dimensions of the ring element are chosen such
that the ring element when closing the brewing chamber completely
seals the latter in a downward manner. The ring element when
closing the brewing chamber is preferably folded over. The ring
element performs the sealing function thereof when in the
folded-over state. The ring element in the folded-over state herein
is not to extend beyond the flange periphery. "Top" and "bottom"
herein are defined by the flow direction of the extraction liquid;
the extraction liquid flows from top to bottom. The ring element
herein is preferably embodied in such a manner that the ring
element when closing the brewing unit is pressed in the direction
of the flange by the brewing dome and thus closes the brewing
chamber in relation to the base plate.
[0008] Advantageous design embodiments and refinements of the
invention can be derived from the dependent claims as well as the
description with reference to the drawings.
[0009] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the ring element comprises an elastic
material. On account thereof, a ring element which flexibly adapts
to the dimensions of the brewing chamber is advantageously
provided. The ring element is preferably highly flexible and
enables dynamic sealing by way of linking to the capsule body, that
is to say the base element and/or the flange which facilitates the
mobility in the direction of the external periphery of the flange.
In particular, it is thus advantageously possible for the ring
element to assume a sealing position when closing the brewing dome.
In particular, the ring element when closing the brewing dome is
pressed in the direction of the flange and is preferably pressed
into a periphery of the flange. In one preferred embodiment the
ring element comprises a plastics material, in particular a soft
plastics material. In one further preferred embodiment the ring
element comprises rubber. The elastic material is preferably
water-impermeable.
[0010] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that an internal sub-region of the ring
element is connected to the base element and/or the flange. A
tight, in particular liquid-tight, closure between the ring element
and the base element and/or the ring element and the flange is
advantageously generated on account thereof. In particular, the
ring element is connected in a form-fitting and force-fitting
manner to the base element and/or the flange. The linking to the
capsule body, that is to say the base element and/or the flange,
herein is performed such that the mobility in the direction of the
capsule periphery, that is to say toward the outside, is
facilitated. The flexibility of the ring element in an external
sub-region, in particular in a sub-region in the region of the
external diameter of the ring element, is maintained on account
thereof. This advantageously enables dynamic sealing of the brewing
chamber in relation to the base plate of the brewing chamber by way
of the ring element. In the context of the present invention, the
internal sub-region preferably comprises an encircling region which
comprises at least the internal radius of the ring element. In one
preferred embodiment the connection of the ring element to the base
element and/or the flange is achieved by means of a friction fit.
In one alternative, preferred, embodiment the ring element is
connected to the base element and/or the flange directly in the
production process. In particular, the ring element is chemically
connected to the base element and/or the flange. The ring element
and the base element and/or the ring element and the flange are
preferably embodied as a single component. A separate manufacturing
step in which the base element, or the flange, respectively, would
first have to be provided with the ring is thus advantageously
dispensed with. A strong and reliable connection between the ring
element and the base element and/or the ring element and the flange
is achieved on account of the embodiment of the ring element and
the base element and/or the ring element and the flange as a single
component. In one alternative embodiment the ring element is
fixedly sealed to the base element and/or the flange. The fixed
sealing is in particular performed by welding, preferably
ultrasonic welding. Additionally or alternatively, the ring
element, in particular an internal sub-region of the ring element,
can be latched onto the base element. To this end, the base
element, in particular in a lower region of the base element that
is assigned to the flange, has a fastening device into which the
ring element, in particular the internal sub-region of the ring
element, latches. The fastening device is preferably formed by an
encircling groove on the external wall of the base element. It is
also conceivable for two parallel protrusions to be disposed on the
external wall of the base element, and for the ring element to be
latched into the intermediate space formed between the two
protrusions.
[0011] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the flange has an encircling
thickening, in particular a collar, and the ring element is capable
of being placed in a space formed by the wall of the base element
and the thickening. The ring element placed in the space formed in
the case of a closed brewing chamber thus advantageously forms an
annular seal between the brewing dome and the portion capsule, in
particular the flange of the portion capsule. In particular, the
ring element when closing the brewing chamber is pressed into the
space formed by the wall of the base element and the thickening of
the flange.
[0012] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the flange has an encircling
thickening, in particular a collar, and the ring element can at
least in part enclose the thickening. A ring element which, on
account of pressure exerted by the brewing dome when closing the
brewing chamber, can shape itself around the thickening is
advantageously provided on account thereof.
[0013] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that an upper side of the ring element
that faces away from the flange and/or a lower side of the ring
element that faces the flange have/has reinforcements. It is
advantageously guaranteed on account thereof that the closing force
of the brewing chamber is not excessively utilized. In particular,
the regions configured between the reinforcements can yield to a
liquid pressure without the sealing effect of the ring element
being compromised. In particular, web regions which can absorb the
pressure are formed between the reinforcements. The reinforcements
ensure that the ring element in its entirety does not yield to the
pressure. The reinforcements are preferably embodied as thickened
contours. The reinforcements are preferably connected to one
another in an encircling manner.
[0014] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that an upper side of the ring element
that faces away from the flange and/or a lower side of the ring
element that faces the flange have/has a coating. The sealing
process is advantageously additionally facilitated on account
thereof. In particular, the upper side and/or the lower side
have/has a soft surface coating, preferably comprising
silicone.
[0015] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the ring element is adhesively bonded
to the base element and/or the flange. In particular, the internal
sub-region of the ring element is adhesively bonded to the base
element and/or the flange. A secure and stable connection between
the ring element, in particular the internal sub-region of the ring
element, and the base element and/or the flange is ensured on
account thereof.
[0016] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that a silicone layer is disposed between
the ring element and the base element and/or between the ring
element and the flange. In particular, the internal sub-region of
the ring element is adhesively bonded to the base element and/or
the flange by means of the silicone layer. A simple,
cost-effective, hygienic, and liquid-sealing adhesive bond between
the ring element and the base element and/or the flange is
advantageously achieved on account thereof.
[0017] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the portion capsule on a lower side
of the flange that faces away from the capsule lid has a fastening
device for receiving the ring element, wherein the ring element is
latched into the fastening device. In particular, an internal
sub-region of the ring element is latched into the fastening
device. A further embodiment for connecting the ring element to the
base element, or the flange of the base element, respectively, is
advantageously provided on account thereof. In particular, the ring
element by means of the fastening device can be connected in a
simple, rapid, and force-fitting manner to the flange. In one
preferred embodiment the ring element has a base into which the
fastening device latches. The fastening device can be formed, for
example, by a space configured between the wall of the base element
and an encircling thickening, for example of the flange.
[0018] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that an internal sub-region of the ring
element is connected to an upper side of the flange that faces the
capsule lid and/or to a lower side of the capsule lid, or in an
encircling manner is connected to the flange in such a manner that
an external sub-region of the ring element is capable of being
disposed on the lower side of the flange that faces away from the
capsule lid. In particular, the external sub-region is configured
as encircling wing which when closing the brewing chamber is placed
around the flange and thus functions as a sealing element. The
sub-region configured as an encircling wing by virtue of the
restoring forces advantageously acts as a retrieval aid when
retrieving the portion capsule. The internal sub-region is
configured as a ring. A sealing element which can be attached from
below, that is to say from the capsule lid side, onto the base
element, in a simple and rapid manner is advantageously provided on
account thereof. In one preferred embodiment the internal
sub-region of the ring element is disposed between the capsule lid
and the flange. Alternatively, the internal sub-region is disposed
in an encircling manner on the flange. In one further, alternative,
embodiment the internal sub-region is disposed on the upper side of
the capsule lid that is remote from the flange. That is to say that
the cavity of the base element is first closed with the capsule
lid, and the ring element is attached only thereafter.
[0019] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the internal sub-region of the ring
element has a fastening element. According to one preferred
embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the flange
has a receptacle for the fastening element. A strong and stable
connection between the flange and the ring element is enabled on
account thereof. The ring element is connected to the flange in
that the fastening element is incorporated in the receptacle. In
one preferred embodiment the receptacle is disposed on the upper
side of the flange that faces the capsule lid. In one alternative
embodiment the receptacle is disposed in an encircling manner on
the external edge of the flange.
[0020] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the capsule lid has a receptacle for
the fastening element. On account thereof, it is advantageously
possible for the ring element to be connected in a stable and fixed
manner exclusively or additionally to the capsule lid. In one
preferred embodiment the receptacle is disposed on the upper side
of the capsule lid that faces away from the flange. Fastening the
ring element to the upper side of the capsule lid, that is to say
in the case of a closed base element, thus becomes possible. In one
alternative, preferred, embodiment the receptacle is disposed on
the upper side of the capsule lid that faces the flange. Fastening
the ring element in the case of the internal sub-region being
disposed between the flange and the capsule lid becomes possible on
account thereof. Said fastening can in particular be a substitute
for the fastening to the flange, or alternatively take place
additionally to the fastening to the flange. It is also conceivable
for a first receptacle to be disposed on the upper side of the
flange that faces the capsule lid, and for a second receptacle to
be disposed on the lower side of the capsule lid that faces the
flange, such that the fastening element can in each case be
partially incorporated in both receptacles. A particularly stable
bond is thus achieved.
[0021] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the fastening element has latching
hooks. In particular, the latching hooks can be disposed in an
encircling manner in the internal sub-region of the ring element.
The latching hooks are preferably disposed so as to be equidistant.
In particular, the latching hooks are to be suitably latched into a
receptacle. It is conceivable for the latching hooks to be
configured in such a manner that a first hook region latches into a
first receptacle, and a second hook region latches into a second
receptacle. At least four latching hooks are preferably provided; a
larger number of latching hooks as a function of the circumference
of the portion capsule is particularly preferably provided.
[0022] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the fastening element has an
encircling ring. A wear-resistant fastening element that is
particularly simple to manufacture is provided on account thereof.
In particular, the internal sub-region of the ring element is
configured as a thickened ring, preferably having a round cross
section. Said cross section is suitable for incorporation in a
receptacle.
[0023] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the receptacle has an encircling
channel. The encircling channel is particularly suitable for
receiving a plurality of latching hooks or a ring. The encircling
channel is preferably disposed on the upper side of the flange that
faces the capsule lid. In one alternative embodiment the channel is
disposed in an encircling manner on the external edge of the
flange. In one further alternative, preferred, embodiment the
channel is disposed in an encircling manner on the lower side of
the capsule lid that faces the flange.
[0024] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the receptacle has a plurality of
recesses that are disposed in an encircling manner. In particular,
the recesses are suitable for receiving in each case one latching
hook. The recesses are preferably disposed so as to be equidistant.
The spacings between the recesses are determined in particular by
the spacings between the latching hooks of the fastening element.
The recesses are preferably disposed in an encircling manner on the
upper side of the flange that faces the capsule lid. In one
alternative embodiment the recesses are disposed in an encircling
manner on the external edge of the flange. In one further
alternative, preferred, embodiment the recesses are disposed in an
encircling manner on the lower side of the capsule lid that faces
the flange.
[0025] A further subject matter of the present invention is a
method for producing a portion capsule as claimed in one of claims
1 to 7, wherein the portion capsule is produced by a forming
method, in particular a thermoforming method, characterized in that
the ring element is incorporated by a folding technique in the
forming process. A portion capsule having a sealing element
embodied as a ring element is thus advantageously provided. In
particular, in the production method the ring element is integrated
into the portion capsule as part of the latter. Additional method
steps are saved on account thereof. Moreover, a safe, stable and
tight, in particular liquid-tight, connection between the ring
element and the base element, or the flange, respectively, is
enabled on account of the production method according to the
invention. Any ingress of extraction liquid past the portion
capsule into the brewing chamber is thus effectively suppressed.
The portion capsule is preferably produced substantially from
aluminum.
[0026] A further subject matter of the present invention is a
method for producing a portion capsule as claimed in one of claims
1 to 7, wherein the portion capsule is produced by a
single-component injection-molding method or by a multi-component
injection-molding method. On account thereof the ring element can
be embodied as an integral component part of the portion capsule.
In particular, the ring element is integrated into the base element
in the production method. In one preferred embodiment the portion
capsule is produced from plastics material by the injection-molding
method. The ring element and the base element herein are preferably
embodied as one component. In particular, the portion capsule
comprising the ring element and the base element is made in one
injection-molding tool. In one alternative embodiment the ring
element in a first method step is made in a first injection-molding
tool, and the base element in at least one second method step is
produced in a second injection-molding tool. The ring element in
the second method step herein can be incorporated in the second
injection-molding tool and be insert molded and/or overmolded.
[0027] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the portion capsule is produced by an
in-mold method. A stable and durable, tight, connection between the
ring element and the base element, or the flange, respectively, is
advantageously guaranteed on account thereof.
[0028] A further subject matter of the present invention is a
method for producing a portion capsule as claimed in one of claims
1 to 10, wherein in a first method step the base element is
provided, wherein in a second method step the ring element is
disposed on a lower side of the flange of the base element that
faces away from the capsule lid, and in a third method step the
ring element is connected to the base element and/or the flange. A
method which permits simple retro-fitting of portion capsules with
a sealing element is advantageously provided on account thereof. In
particular, the ring element is disposed in a force-fitting and/or
form-fitting manner on the lower side of the flange. The ring
element and the base element herein are preferably connected to one
another in at least a friction-fitting manner. The ring element in
the second method step is preferably slid over the base element
until an internal sub-region of the ring element contacts the
flange. In particular, an internal sub-region of the ring element
is connected to the base element and/or the flange in the third
method step.
[0029] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the ring element in the third method
step is adhesively bonded to the base element and/or the flange. In
particular, the internal sub-region of the ring element is
adhesively bonded to the base element and/or the flange. The
connection between the ring element and the base element and/or the
flange is advantageously improved beyond the friction fit on
account thereof. In particular, a chemical connection between the
ring element and the base element, or the flange, respectively, is
established. In one preferred embodiment a silicone layer is
disposed between the ring element and the base element and/or the
ring element and the flange, the ring element being adhesively
bonded to the base element, or the flange, respectively, by means
of said silicone layer.
[0030] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention it is provided that the ring element in the third method
step is latched into a fastening device which is disposed on a
lower side of the flange that faces away from the capsule lid. In
particular, the internal sub-region of the ring element is latched
into the fastening device. On account thereof, the connection
between the ring element and the base element and/or the ring
element and the flange is improved in addition to the friction fit.
In particular, the ring element is held on the flange by mechanical
forces.
[0031] According to one preferred embodiment it is provided that
the ring element in the third method step is shrink-fitted onto the
base element and/or the flange. In particular, the ring element is
heated prior to being attached to the base element and/or the
flange. After being attached to the base element and/or the flange,
the ring element contracts on account of cooling and is thus
imparted a firm seat on the base element and/or the flange.
[0032] A further subject matter of the present invention is a
method for producing a portion capsule as claimed in one of claims
11 to 18, wherein in a first method step the base element is
provided, wherein in a second method step the ring element is
disposed on an upper side of the flange that faces the capsule lid,
wherein in a third method step the ring element is connected to the
flange, and in a fourth method step the cavity of the base element
is closed with the capsule lid. A production method for a portion
capsule of which the sealing element can be placed onto the portion
capsule from the capsule lid side is thus advantageously provided.
In particular, the ring element is snap-fitted onto the base
element from the capsule lid side preferably in such a manner that
the external sub-region of the ring element can bear on the lower
side of the flange. In particular, the external sub-region
configured as a wing forms a sealing assembly of the brewing
chamber, while the internal sub-region serves for fastening the
ring element to the base element. The external sub-region, by
virtue of the acting restoring forces, function as a retrieval aid
when retrieving the portion capsule. The ring element is preferably
sealed onto the base element from the capsule lid side.
[0033] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention it is
provided that in the third method step a fastening element of the
ring element is incorporated in a receptacle of the flange. The
ring element is connected to the flange in a reversible and stable
manner on account thereof. According to one preferred embodiment of
the invention it is provided that in the fourth method step the
ring element is connected to the capsule lid. Additional fastening
of the ring element is in particular enabled on account thereof.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention it is
provided that in the fourth method step a fastening element of the
ring element is incorporated in a receptacle of the capsule lid.
The fastening element herein can be partially incorporated in the
receptacle of the flange and partially in the receptacle of the
capsule lid.
[0034] A further subject matter of the invention is a method for
producing a portion capsule as claimed in one of claims 11 to 18,
wherein in a first method step the base element is provided,
wherein in a second method step the ring element is disposed in an
encircling manner on the flange, wherein in a third method step the
ring element is connected to the flange, and in a fourth method
step the cavity of the base element is closed with the capsule lid.
In particular, the internal sub-region here also fulfills a sealing
function. The capsule lid can be attached directly to the flange
and connected thereto.
[0035] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention it is
provided that in the third method step a fastening element of the
ring element is incorporated in a receptacle of the flange. The
fastening element is preferably incorporated in a receptacle, for
example a channel or equidistantly disposed recesses, disposed on
the external edge of the flange in an encircling manner.
[0036] A further subject matter of the invention is a method for
producing a portion capsule as claimed in one of claims 11 to 18,
wherein in a first method step the base element is provided and the
cavity of the base element is closed with the capsule lid, wherein
in a second method step the ring element is disposed on an upper
side of the capsule lid that faces away from the flange, and in a
third method step the ring element is connected to the capsule lid.
A production method for portion capsule of which the sealing
element is placed onto the closed capsule is advantageously
provided on account thereof. In particular, the cavity of the base
element is first closed by means of the capsule lid, and the
sealing element is thereafter snap-fitted. A direct connection
between the capsule lid and the flange is advantageously enabled on
account thereof.
[0037] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention it is
provided that in the third method step a fastening element of the
ring element is incorporated in a receptacle of the capsule lid. In
particular, the receptacle of the capsule lid is disposed on the
upper side of the capsule lid that faces away from the flange.
Fastening the ring element to the capsule lid is enabled on account
thereof.
[0038] A further subject matter of the invention is a method as
claimed in one of claims 26 to 33, wherein the ring element is
shrink-fitted to the flange or to the flange and the capsule lid.
In particular, the ring element is heated prior to being attached
to the flange and/or the capsule lid. The ring element contracts on
account of cooling and is thus imparted a firm seat on the flange,
or the flange and the capsule lid, respectively. This can be
performed additionally or alternatively to fastening by means of
the fastening element and the receptacle.
[0039] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention
are derived from the drawings as well as from the description
hereunder of preferred embodiments by means of the drawings. The
drawings herein illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the
invention which do not limit the essential concept of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a portion capsule
according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the portion capsule
according to one further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a detail of the ring
element according to one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the ring element according
to one further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a detail of the ring
element according to the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention illustrated in FIG. 4;
[0045] FIG. 6 shows a further schematic illustration of a detail of
the ring element according to the exemplary embodiment of the
present invention illustrated in FIG. 4; and
[0046] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the portion capsule
according to one further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0047] A schematic sectional view of a portion capsule 1 according
to one exemplary embodiment of the invention for preparing a
beverage in a beverage production machine (not illustrated) is
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0048] The portion capsule 1 has a cup-shaped base element 2 and a
capsule lid 4 that is fastened to an encircling flange 7 of the
base element 2. The capsule lid 4 herein is in particular welded to
the flange 7. The capsule lid 4 is preferably embodied as a cover
foil/film, particularly preferably from aluminum or plastics
material. A cavity 3 which is filled with beverage raw material
(not illustrated for reasons of clarity) and which is closed by the
capsule lid 4 is configured within the base element 2.
[0049] The cup-shaped design embodiment of the base element 2 is
preferably generated by thermoforming, for example vacuum forming,
or forming with positive pressure, and/or a movable die. The base
element 2 is preferably configured as a vacuum-formed plastics
material part from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP),
polyvinylchloride (PVC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In
one alternative embodiment, the base element 2 is preferably
configured as an aluminum part. Alternatively, the portion capsule
1 is produced by means of injection-molding methods, in particular
by the single-component method, the multi-component method, or the
in-mold method.
[0050] The portion capsule 1 in use in a beverage production
machine is introduced into a brewing chamber. The capsule lid 4 and
the base region are subsequently perforated successively or
simultaneously, and extraction liquid is directed under pressure
into the cavity 3 through the perforation openings in the capsule
lid 4. The desired beverage is created on account of the
interaction between the extraction liquid and the beverage raw
material, said beverage exiting the portion capsule 1 through the
perforation openings in the base region and being supplied to a
beverage vessel. Any potential particles of the beverage raw
material can be filtered from the beverage and retained in the
portion capsule 1 by way of an optional filter medium.
[0051] The portion capsule 1 has according to the invention a
sealing element which is embodied as an encircling separate ring
element 6. A portion capsule which protects a brewing chamber of
the beverage production machine against any ingress of extraction
liquid, for example during the beverage preparation process, is
advantageously provided on account thereof. In particular, the ring
element 6 seals the brewing chamber in a downward manner in
relation to a base plate of the brewing chamber. The sealing herein
is preferably performed in a liquid-tight manner.
[0052] In one preferred embodiment the portion capsule 1, in
particular the base element 2 of the portion capsule 1, is provided
with the ring element 6 directly in the production process. A
stable and durable connection between the ring element 6 and the
base element 2 is advantageously established on account thereof.
Additional method steps in which the ring element 6 is connected to
the base element are advantageously dispensed with. For example,
the ring element 6 is incorporated by a folding technique in the
forming process, in particular in the thermoforming process, of the
base element 2. The base element 2 in this embodiment preferably
comprises aluminum; the portion capsule 1 is thus embodied as an
aluminum capsule. In one alternative embodiment the portion capsule
1 is embodied as an injection-molded capsule, and is thus produced
by the injection-molding method. The ring element 6 can thus either
be advantageously embodied by the single-component method so as to
be integral to the base part 2. Alternatively, the ring element 6
by a multi-component method or an in-mold method can be fixedly and
permanently connected to the base part. In particular, the ring
element 6 is made in a first method step and is insert molded or
overmolded in a second method step.
[0053] The ring element 6 is preferably embodied as a flat ring. In
particular, the height of the ring element 6 is less than the width
of the ring element 6, that is to say that the difference between
the internal and the external radius of the ring element 6. In the
case of an embodiment of the portion capsule 1 as a plastics
material capsule, the ring element 6 has a height which is less
than the wall thickness of the base element 2. The ring element 6
is preferably made from a flexible, in particular elastic,
material. The ring element 6 comprises plastics material and/or
rubber, for example. The ring element 6 in the production method of
the portion capsule 1 is connected to the base element 2 such that
the mobility of the ring element 2 is facilitated in an external
sub-region of the ring element, in particular toward the external
periphery of the flange 7. A sealing element for a portion capsule
which enables dynamic sealing of the brewing chamber is
advantageously provided on account thereof. The ring element 6
preferably has an internal sub-region 5, for example an annular
zone in the region of the internal radius of the ring element 6.
The internal sub-region 5 is formed, for example, by a ring which
extends from the internal radius of the ring element 6 up to a
central radius of the ring element 6, wherein the central radius is
larger than the internal radius and smaller than the external
radius of the ring element 6. However, it is also conceivable for
the internal sub-region 5 to comprise only corresponding annular
segments. In one preferred embodiment the ring element 6 is
connected to the base element 2 at the internal sub-region 5. An
external sub-region of the ring element 6 remains flexible on
account thereof. In particular, the ring element 6, in particular
the external sub-region thereof, can bear on the flange 7 of the
base element 2 and/or an internal wall of the brewing chamber when
closing the brewing chamber. Efficient sealing of the brewing
chamber is achieved on account thereof. The connection of the ring
element 6 to the base element 2 is preferably performed in a region
of the base element 2 that is adjacent to the flange 7. In
particular, the ring element 6 is connected to a lower region of
the base element 2 and/or to the flange 7, in particular in the
region of the latter that adjoins the base element 2. The ring
element herein is preferably configured such that is pressed onto
the flange 7 when closing the brewing chamber by a brewing dome of
the brewing chamber, and thus completely seals the brewing chamber
in relation to the base plate of the brewing chamber. In one
preferred embodiment the flange 7 has an encircling thickening, in
particular a collar. The ring element 6 is preferably embodied such
that said ring element 6 when closing the brewing chamber by the
brewing dome is pressed into the space formed between the
thickening and the external wall of the base element 2. In one
alternative embodiment the ring element 6 is embodied such that
said ring element 6 when closing at least partially reshapes the
thickening. The ring element 6 preferably comprises an in
particular soft surface coating. The surface coating advantageously
improves the sealing characteristics of the ring element 6. The
ring element 6 is provided with a coating on a lower side that
faces the flange 7 and/or on an upper side that faces away from the
flange 7. The coating preferably comprises silicone.
[0054] A schematic view of the portion capsule 1 according to one
further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 2. The portion capsule 1 illustrated in FIG. 2
differs from the portion capsule 1 of FIG. 1 in that the ring
element 6 is attached and connected to the base element 2 only
retrospectively. In particular, the portion capsule 1 in this
embodiment is made by a forming method or an injection-molding
method, for example, and subsequently provided with the ring
element 6. A portion capsule 1 which can be retrofitted with a
sealing element is advantageously provided on account thereof. In
particular, the portion capsule 1 can be produced by known
production methods and be provided with the ring element 6 in a
subsequent method step. The ring element 6 herein can have all
properties described in FIG. 1. The ring element 6, in particular
an internal sub-region 5 of the ring element 6 is preferably
adhesively bonded to the base element 2. The adhesive bonding can
be performed by means of a silicone layer that is disposed in the
connection region between the ring element 6 and the base element
2. However, other adhesive bonding methods are also conceivable.
Alternatively or additionally, the base element 2 has a fastening
device into which the ring element 6 latches. A connection that is
to be achieved in a particularly rapid and simple manner is enabled
between the base element 2 and the ring element 6 on account
thereof. In particular, the ring element 6 is connected to the base
element 2 directly when the former is being attached to the latter.
Additional method steps, for example the application of an adhesive
agent, are advantageously dispensed with. However, it is also
conceivable for adhesive bonding of the ring element 6 to the base
element 2 to be additionally performed. The fastening device is
preferably disposed on a lower side of the flange 7 that faces away
from the capsule lid 7. In particular, the lower side of the flange
7 that faces away from the capsule lid 4 has a thickening which,
conjointly with the external wall of the base element 2, forms a
space into which the ring element 6, in particular the internal
sub-region 5 thereof, can latch.
[0055] A schematic view of a detail of the ring element 6 according
to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 2 is
illustrated in FIG. 3. The ring element 6 preferably has a base 10
which, conjointly with the fastening device, provides a
force-fitting connection between the ring element 6 and the base
element 2. The base 10 is preferably embodied so as to latch into
the fastening device. For example, the fastening device is formed
by the encircling thickening of the flange 7. In particular, said
thickening is disposed on an external periphery of the lower side
of the flange 7 that faces away from the capsule lid 4 and forms a
collar on said external periphery. The base 10 of the ring element
6 is preferably configured such that said base latches into the
space formed between the thickening and the external wall of the
base element. A simple, stable and rapid connection between the
ring element 6 and the base element 2 is advantageously enabled on
account thereof.
[0056] A schematic view of the ring element 6 according to one
further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6. The ring element 6 preferably has a
plurality of reinforcements 8. The reinforcements are disposed on a
lower side that faces the flange 7 and/or on an upper side of the
ring element 6 that faces away from the flange 7. Regions
configured between the reinforcements 8 form web regions 9 which
can advantageously yield to a pressure of the extraction liquid,
see FIG. 5. The web regions 9 advantageously absorb the pressure of
the extraction liquid. The reinforcements 8 ensure that the ring
element 6 as an entity does not yield to the pressure and remains
in its position, despite the pressure absorbed by the web regions
9. In particular, the reinforcements 8 ensure the sealing function
of the ring element 6. It is thus advantageously ensured that the
closing force of the brewing chamber is not excessively utilized,
but effective sealing of the brewing chamber in relation to the
base plate of the brewing chamber is performed at the same time.
The reinforcements 8 are preferably embodied as contours that are
connected to one another in an encircling manner. Said
reinforcements 8 can be embodied as cruciform reinforcements 8, for
example. The reinforcements per se can have a sub-structure, see
FIG. 6. On account thereof, the stability and bending
characteristics of the ring element 6 can be adapted in an optimal
manner to the parameters of the beverage production machine, for
example the maximum pressure in the brewing chamber and the maximum
volume of the extraction liquid, etc.
[0057] A schematic view of the portion capsule 1 according to one
further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 7. The portion capsule 1 illustrated in FIG. 7
differs from the portion capsule 1 of FIG. 2 in that the ring
element 6 is attached from the capsule lid side. The ring element 6
has in particular an external sub-region 12 which is configured as
a wing and in the closure of the brewing chamber bears on the lower
side of the flange that faces away from the capsule lid 4. The
external sub-region 12 during the brewing procedure thus acts as a
sealing element. The external sub-region 12, by virtue of the
acting restoring forces, acts as a retrieval aid when retrieving
the portion capsule 1 from the brewing chamber. The ring element 6
can be attached to the base element 2 before or after the closure
of the cavity 3 of the base element 2. That is to say that either
the cavity 3 is first closed by means of the capsule lid 4, and the
ring element 6, by means of the external sub-region 12, is
thereafter snap-fitted to the flange 7 and the capsule lid 4, or
the ring element by means of the external sub-region 12 is
snap-fitted to the flange 7 and the cavity 3 is thereafter closed
by means of the capsule lid 4. The ring element 6 is preferably
sealed onto the flange 7, or the flange 7 and the capsule lid 4,
respectively. The ring element 6 is particularly preferably
shrink-fitted to the flange 7, or the flange 7 and the capsule lid
4, respectively. That is to say that the ring element 6 is heated
prior to being attached to the flange 7, or to the flange 7 and the
capsule lid 4. The ring element 6 contracts on account of the
subsequent cooling and is thus imparted a firm seat on the flange
7, or the flange 7 and the capsule lid 4, respectively. In one
preferred embodiment the internal sub-region 5 has a fastening
element 11. The fastening element 11 is embodied as a ring, for
example. The fastening element 11 interacts with a receptacle 13.
In particular, the fastening element 11 is capable of being
incorporated in a receptacle 13. The receptacle 13 is preferably
disposed on the upper side of the flange 7 that faces the capsule
lid 4. Alternatively or additionally, the receptacle 13 is disposed
on the lower side of the capsule lid 4 that faces the flange 7.
Furthermore alternatively, it is conceivable that the receptacle 13
is disposed in an encircling manner on the external edge of the
flange 7. The receptacle 13 is embodied, for example, as an
encircling channel which is capable of being incorporated in the
fastening element 11. The ring element 6 is thus fastened in a
fixed and reversible manner to the flange 7 and/or the capsule lid
4.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0058] 1 Portion capsule [0059] 2 Base element [0060] 3 Cavity
[0061] 4 Capsule lid [0062] 5 Internal sub-region [0063] 6 Ring
element [0064] 7 Flange [0065] 8 Reinforcement [0066] 9 Web region
[0067] 10 Base [0068] 11 Fastening element [0069] 12 External
sub-region [0070] 13 Receptacle
* * * * *