DE202015100813U1 - Seal for coffee capsules - Google Patents

Abstract

Beverage capsule (1) for producing a beverage from a beverage powder (2) which is vorratbar inside the beverage capsule (1), wherein the beverage capsule (1) has a lateral surface (1A), a longitudinal axis (L) and a non-positive cooperation with a Clamping element (3) of a beverage preparation device suitable, arranged radially to the longitudinal axis (L) sealing region (4), wherein the sealing region (4) has a plurality of separate, deformable sealing elements (5), which protrude from the sealing region and are spaced from each other characterized in that the sealing elements (5) are arranged side by side.

Description

introduction

The invention relates to the field of beverage capsules, such as the coffee capsules. In particular, the invention relates to a seal for such a beverage capsule.

State of the art

Beverage capsules have long been known in the art. They are used to produce typically warm or hot drinks from a ground or powdered base material, which is enclosed by the beverage capsule, hereinafter referred to as capsule.

To prepare the beverage, the capsule is inserted into a suitable preparation device for receiving the capsule, which fixes (clamps) the capsule by mechanical means.

By making one or more inflow and discharge openings by means of the preparation device, the capsule is made permeable. The liquid, typically hot water, then enters the capsule through the inflow port (s) and passes through it in the direction of the dispensing port (s) generally located at the opposite end of the capsule. The contents of the capsule come into contact with the liquid and release its ingredients or parts thereof to the liquid. The thus enriched liquid is collected after leaving the capsule and is ready for consumption.

In particular, coffee or tea preparations are known, wherein also several ingredients can be mixed in a capsule or kept separately, for example ground coffee (coffee powder) and coffee whitener (dry milk powder).

During the preparation process, it must be ensured that the liquid only flows through the inside of the capsule and does not (at least partially) bypass it, which would lead to undesirable dilution of the beverage. This problem is aggravated by the fact that the liquid is usually pressed under pressure through the capsule, since the filled capsule of the liquid opposes a relatively high fluid resistance, which would lead to undesirably long preparation times without pressure increase.

For this reason, seals are required which prevent leakage of the liquid from the regions intended for liquid transport.

The known beverage capsules usually have the basic shape of a truncated cone. The blunt tip (top surface) then provides mostly the inflow opening (s) ready, or the latter are introduced, for example by means of piercing or punching, in the region of the tip. The foot provides the discharge opening (s), also e.g. by stabbing, introduced into the foot.

Very often, the foot has a circumferential flange. This is after insertion into the preparation device and the (usually mechanical) opening of the inflow and discharge openings between the tip of a tubular clamping element and a e.g. clamped ring- or net-shaped abutment. The tubular clamping element is flooded with pressurized liquid. If the seal withstands the pressure, the liquid can not flow on the side of the abutment bypassing the interior of the capsule along the flange, but must take the desired path through the capsule interior.

According to other embodiments of capsules, the seal is arranged in the region of the top surface or the lateral surface. It is clear that in such cases sufficient stability of the capsule ceiling or the capsule wall has to be ensured, for example by means of corresponding wall thicknesses and / or reinforcing ribs.

From the prior art, a variety of different types of seals known.

A first type uses elastic pads, which have a significantly lower rigidity than the typically plastic capsule. These annular pads are applied to the flange so that it can be easily sealed. Such a seal is for example from the document EP 1 654 966 B1 known. According to document DE 10 2007 060 150 B4 The seal may also be applied by the user just prior to use of the capsule. Both variants have the disadvantage that an additional material is needed, which makes the production of the typically designed as disposable capsule more expensive.

To increase the elasticity and cavities may be provided in the seal, as from document EP 2 681 126 A1 known. However, the reproducible production of such cavities is complicated.

A variant, as from publication EP 2 318 199 B1 known, used instead of applied sealing elements sprayed seals.

According to another variant, for example, from publication EP 1 839 543 B1 is known to be used instead of elastic plastically deformable pads.

Another type uses rib-shaped seals arranged concentrically with the capsule axis. The single or multiple ribs are typically made of the same material as the flange and capsule, but have a slight deformability due to their relatively small wall thickness. If necessary, this is further increased by a cross section tapering towards the tip. When clamping the flange, the ribs conform to the tip of the tubular element and seal so. It is clear that such seals are typically only usable once. Seals of this type are for example from publication EP 2 289 820 B1 or the publication EP 2 303 077 B1 known.

Another type uses in addition to the frictional forces occurring anyway positive connections, ie, the tip of the tubular clamping element has the negative mold of the seal or a portion thereof, so that a relatively high surface is available for mechanical seal. Such a seal is for example from the document EP 2 489 609 B1 and the publication WO 2013 136 209 A1 known. It is clear that such a seal can always optimally seal with a contact area of the clamping mechanism of a preparation device that is matched to it, or that the seal is dependent on the respective configuration of the clamping mechanism.

Furthermore, from the document EP 2 712 824 A1 a seal known in which regular recesses are introduced in the flange. The local thinning reduces the rigidity of the flange, allowing the sealing function. In order to achieve a sufficiently good sealing effect, however, it is advantageous to introduce the depressions on both sides, which makes the manufacturability more complex. In addition, the stability of the flange may be impaired.

Object of the invention and solution

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide an alternative seal for a beverage capsule, which meets the specific requirements.

Thus, the seal should preferably be made of the same material as the rest of the capsule.

The geometry of the seal should be as simple as possible to produce the capsule either by injection molding or by deep drawing (thermoforming) can. Undercuts or cavities should be avoided.

The seal should also function as independent as possible of the exact configuration of the tip of the tubular clamping member.

Finally, the flange should not be affected by the seal in its stability.

The object is achieved by a beverage capsule according to claim 1, as well as by a seal according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are contained in the subclaims, the description and the figures.

description

The invention relates to a beverage capsule for producing a beverage, in particular of the type described above. The beverage is produced from a beverage powder, which can be stored in the interior of the beverage capsule, and is provided, for example, for the preparation of a coffee or tea-containing hot beverage.

The beverage capsule has a lateral surface, a longitudinal axis, and a sealing region, which is suitable for non-positive cooperation with a clamping element of a beverage preparation device. This sealing region can, in particular if the capsule is designed as a truncated cone, be arranged in the region of the top surface, the lateral surface or the base surface. The clamping element of the beverage preparation device is adapted to exert a compressive force on the sealing area to provide a sealing force. It is clear that the capsule must be made so stable that it does not deform under the influence of the compressive force in such a way that its internal volume is significantly reduced.

The capsule typically has the above-described inflow and delivery openings, which are accordingly arranged in an inflow and outflow area. Typically, these regions are located at opposite ends of the capsule, between which the longitudinal axis of the capsule extends.

The sealing area is arranged radially to the longitudinal axis of the beverage capsule. That is, according to one embodiment, it is located in a plane to which the longitudinal axis of the capsule is substantially normal. This level can also be called sealing area level or short sealing level. This level can be in Be arranged area of the top surface, the lateral surface, or the base.

According to another embodiment, the sealing area is arranged on the lateral surface of the capsule. Thus, from e.g. be spoken cone-shaped sealing surface.

The sealing area comprises a plurality of separate, deformable sealing elements. The sealing elements protrude from the sealing area and therefore on the o.g. Sealing plane or surface. The sealing elements are therefore essentially responsible for achieving the desired sealing effect and designed as geometrically distinguishable from the rest of the sealing region features. "Separate" means that the individual sealing elements are distinguishable from each other, geometrically separated from each other. It does not mean that they can not be integral with the component forming their subsurface (flange, top or lateral surface).

The sealing elements are also spaced apart. In the event that the sealing elements are arranged in a plane, this distance can be measured in this plane, radially to the longitudinal axis and tangentially to the circumference. In the event that the sealing elements are arranged on a conical surface of the lateral surface, the distance can be measured tangentially to the lateral surface or along the circumference thereof.

According to the invention the sealing elements are arranged side by side, and not, as known from the prior art, interleaved. Thus, the sealing elements, which are preferably configured like a columnar, are arranged like an island on the sealing area.

In other words, the circumferences of the cross sections of the sealing elements each extend on closed curves that do not enclose either one another or the lateral surface. Since the sealing elements are present as separate, stepped structures, they have a circumference, which can be determined, for example, in each case at the base of a sealing element. As the trailing edge travels down the base, a curve is obtained. This curve is closed in each case.

The curves of the cross sections of several adjacent sealing elements do not enclose each other. This means that they are not, for example, concentric circular sealing elements, as they are well known in the prior art. Rather, the sealing elements are in the form of spaced-apart island-like structures which protrude from the sealing plane or sealing surface.

In addition, the sealing elements also do not enclose the lateral surface. This means that a sealing element according to the invention can not be placed around the lateral surface, ie it does not encircle or surround it, as is usually the case with sealing elements of the prior art. The sealing elements run only on sections along the sealing plane or sealing surface.

It is clear that the distance of the adjacent sealing elements to one another must be dimensioned so small that it becomes zero when the sealing elements are loaded by means of the clamping element due to the elasticity or deformability of the sealing elements. Preferably occur at an axial load on the sealing elements even axially normal-acting compressive forces which press the side walls of adjacent sealing elements against each other, which increases the pressure tightness accordingly. Then, an effective seal is provided, which also appears only when there is sufficient load by the clamping element as an effectively continuous seal. Without a load, or too little load, gaps between the individual sealing elements remain so that leakage of liquid from the liquid transport regions is not yet preventable.

A seal comprising a plurality of sealing elements which do not enclose one another and the lateral surface is just as easy to manufacture as the seals known from the prior art with one or more concentric ribs. It can be made of the same material as the rest of the capsule and requires no undercuts or cavities. It also works independently of the specific design of the clamping element. Since the sealing elements are designed as a construction on the sealing area, the rigidity of the capsule is not reduced, and the capsule is not impaired in their stability.

figure description

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. It shows

1 the schematic representation of a beverage capsule in the clamping element of a preparation device;

2 a detail of 1 at pressure load by the clamping element;

3 the top view of a schematically illustrated sealing area according to a preferred embodiment;

4 the top view of a schematically illustrated section of a sealing area according to a further embodiment;

5 the top view of the schematically illustrated section 4 according to an alternative embodiment;

6 the top view of the schematically illustrated section 4 according to a further alternative embodiment;

7 the top view of the schematically illustrated section 4 according to another alternative embodiment.

It should be noted that the embodiments illustrated in the figures are meant only schematically and by way of example. Of course, technically optimized seals may look different in shape, scale, number and combination of seal members, but are based on the idea illustrated in the embodiments.

In the 1 is the schematic representation of a beverage capsule in the clamping element of a preparation device (not shown) shown. The beverage capsule 1 is designed as a truncated cone and has a top surface 1A , a lateral surface 1B , and a footprint 1C on.

Inside the capsule 1 is a beverage powder 2 kept. Not shown are means for opening the top surface 1A and the base area 1C to introduce inlet or outlet openings. The bottom of the capsule 1 is with a foil 6 closed (hatched drawn).

The dot-dashed longitudinal axis L of the capsule 1 is in the present example also an axis of rotation, since the basic shape of the capsule 1 constructed rotationally symmetrical about this longitudinal axis L (truncated cone). According to embodiments not shown, the capsule 1 but also have another, for example, rectangular or cylindrical, oval or polygonal basic shape.

Radially to the longitudinal axis L of the beverage capsule 1 arranged is the sealing area 4 , Like from the 1 It shows the capsule 1 three differently positioned sealing areas 4A . 4B . 4C on. A first sealing area 4A is in the area of the top surface 1A arranged. A second sealing area 4b is in the area of the lateral surface 1B arranged. A third sealing area 4C is in the area of the base area 1C arranged.

In the embodiment shown, this sealing area is 4C formed as a concentric to the longitudinal axis L arranged flange, the circumferentially at the lower end of the lateral surface 1B the capsule 1 is positioned.

On the respective sealing area 4A . 4B respectively. 4C are sealing elements 5 arranged. The sealing elements located on the flange 5 run parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The on the lateral surface 1B located sealing elements 5 are about perpendicular to her. The on the top surface 1A located sealing elements 5 are approximately perpendicular to this and also run approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L. It is clear that usually only one of the three areas 4A . 4B or 4C actually as a sealing area 4 is used. Typically this is the area 4C which is designed as a flange.

The sealing area 4 is for non-positive cooperation with the clamping element 3 intended. For clarity, only one clamping element 3 , which acts on the flange, shown. Accordingly, sealing area 4 and clamping element 3 , in particular its annular end portion (the lower end of the clamping element 3 ), so matched to each other, that the end portion compressive forces on the sealing area 4 can exercise. Not shown is, for example, a ring or reticulated constructed abutment, which is below the capsule 1 located and supports the flange to absorb the compressive forces.

Like from the 1 clearly visible, are the sealing elements located on the flange 5 seen from the sealing area parallel to the longitudinal axis L. 4C are therefore geometrically offset from this. In the example shown have the sealing elements 5 in a side view of an approximately square cross-section. The sealing elements 5 are also laterally spaced apart, in the form that they are arranged side by side. Between the sealing elements 5 There is a gap, but when applying compressive forces on the sealing elements 5 gradually reduced until it due to the elasticity or deformability of the sealing elements 5 eventually to zero. Upon further increase in pressure force occur at an axial load of the sealing elements 5 even still axially normal-acting pressure forces on which the lateral walls of the individual sealing elements 5 press against each other, which further increases the pressure tightness accordingly.

In 2 is a detail view of a section of the 1 (framed by a circle). The sealing area 4 . 4C is formed as a flange on which sealing elements 5 are arranged. For clarity, only two sealing elements 5 shown immediately adjacent to each other. It is clear that more sealing elements on the Flange must be arranged to achieve a sealing effect.

The clamping element 3 brings by means of vertical pressure forces (thick arrow, no reference) on the sealing elements 5 on. These deform, whereby the deformation can be elastic or plastic. For better visualization, the sealing elements 5 cut and hatched shown; Nevertheless, they can be made of the same material as the flange and be made in one piece with this.

Due to the deformation, the side walls of the adjacent sealing elements approach 5 each other until they touch each other. Thus, the gap existing first between them (cf. 1 ), and liquid (not shown) can not pass through the gap.

After the in 3 shown top view of the flange of a preferred embodiment, the coverable from the end portion of the clamping element (not shown) surface is highlighted with a wave hatching. The longitudinal axis L is perpendicular to the image plane. The width of the annular sealing area 4 is chosen very large for better clarity, as well as the width of the coverable by the clamping element area (wave hatching). The sealing elements 5 (only partially provided with reference numerals) are partly in this area, partly at or on its borders. In this way, an improved positioning tolerance is ensured, since the clamping element even with a deviation between its longitudinal axis (not shown) and the longitudinal axis L of the capsule still a sufficiently large number of sealing elements 5 touched.

Even with a virtually random distribution of the sealing elements, with a correspondingly large number of sealing elements, the probability is very low that the clamping element (not shown) touches an area which is not covered by a sufficient number of sealing elements. As in 3 the sealing elements can be recognized 5 regular or irregular, but preferably evenly distributed on the sealing area 4 be distributed.

The sealing elements 5 have a round cross-section according to the embodiment shown. They are spaced apart and side by side on the sealing area 4 positioned. In the illustrated unloaded situation are located between the sealing elements 5 Column. In the case of a loaded situation (not shown), these gaps would disappear, thus providing, in effect, a continuous seal which can effectively prevent leakage of liquid (not shown).

After the in 4 shown embodiment, the sealing elements 5 diamond-shaped, in particular square cross sections. In the 5 are segmental sealing elements 5 shown, in which the gap widths remain substantially constant, which is advantageous.

After a in 6 and 7 shown embodiment, the sealing elements 5 hexagonal cross sections on. The sealing elements may be tilted to the center of the flange, as shown 6 or their cross sections consist of hexagons of equal length, which then have the same orientation as in 7 shown.

Like from these figures as well as the 4 and 5 As can be seen, the edges of the cross sections of adjacent sealing elements run 5 preferably approximately parallel to one another. Such an arrangement has the advantage of optimal coverage of the sealing area 4 ("Tiling") with sealing elements. Thus, the sealing effect is easier or safer achieved. It is clear that the cross sections of the sealing elements 5 are preferably adapted so that the gaps actually have approximately always the same width. It is also clear that the sealing elements are arranged not only in one or two rows, but in significantly more, for example 5, 6, 8, 10 or even 20 rows, on the sealing region, wherein they are then preferably arranged on concentric circles.

According to one embodiment, the sealing elements 5 along their height on a constant cross-section.

In other words, the width of the cross section of a sealing element remains substantially constant along the height of the sealing element. However, it is clear that technically necessary, slight slopes, in particular draft angles, which are technically indispensable for demolding from an injection molding or thermoforming tool, must likewise be counted to a substantially constant cross section. Typical values for draft angles are 2 °; Depending on the manufacturing process and the choice of material, however, values of 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 ° may be necessary. According to another embodiment, the cross sections of the sealing elements are tapered towards the tip. Accordingly, they have, for example, a pointed or blunt-conical, or a pyramidal basic shape. Thus, the tip of such a sealing element is more flexible and easier to deform than its foot.

According to a further embodiment, the sealing elements have a circumference between 1 mm and 10 mm. It should be noted that not only sealing elements with round base, but also, for example, square as well as any other sealing element with arbitrarily shaped base has a circumference. The circumference is preferably measured at the base for sealing elements with a tapering cross-section. For sealing elements with constant cross-section, it can also be measured in another, but parallel to the base plane.

It is clear that, depending on the specific application, measures other than those mentioned above may be advantageous. It is also clear that sealing elements of different dimensions and / or different types (cross-sectional shape) can be combined with each other.

According to another embodiment, adjacent sealing elements are spaced at their base between 0 mm and 2 mm apart. 0 mm means that the individual sealing elements touch laterally, but still exist as separate, in particular columnar structures. It is clear that small dimensions are preferred, but depend on the possibilities of production.

A distance of 0 mm, for example, can be achieved if the sealing elements are first made with a greater distance, and then the material by swelling, Nachpolymerisieren or the like increased its volume until the distances have become zero. In this way, even some permanently durable axial-normal pressure forces between adjacent sealing elements can be generated.

In principle, the height of all sealing elements in the range can preferably be between 0.1 and 5 mm.

However, it is possible that the sealing elements have different heights, especially if this is also the case at the end portion of the clamping element.

According to a possible embodiment, the height of each sealing element is less than 0.8 mm or greater than 2.0 mm. In other words, no sealing element has a height in the range 0.8 to 2.0 mm, preferably in the range 0.75 to 2.05 mm, and particularly preferably 0.7 to 2.1 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing element consists of the same material as the sealing area and / or the beverage capsule. Such a solution is characterized by a particularly simple production.

Alternatively, the sealing member may also be made of another material, for example, a material of higher elasticity or compliance or lower strength than the rest of the capsule. In this case, shallower and / or wider sealing elements can be used without unduly compromising the ductility required for sealing.

Finally, the invention also relates to a seal for a beverage capsule according to the above statements, wherein the seal comprises a sealing area with a plurality of sealing elements, likewise in accordance with the above-mentioned embodiments.

Such a seal may be provided as a separate component or made integral with the capsule. Typically, it is present as a flange-like component, which is firmly connected or connected to the lower edge of the lateral surface of the capsule. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations. As stated, the invention provides a gasket for a beverage capsule which meets the requirements imposed on such a gasket. The seal may be made of the same material as the rest of the capsule. The geometry is easy to produce, in particular demoldable. Undercuts or cavities are not necessary. The seal is independent of the specific configuration of the clamping element, and the flange, on which the seal is arranged, is not impaired by the seal in its stability.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Beverage capsule, capsule

1A

 cover surface

1B

 lateral surface

1C

 Floor space

2

 Drink powders

3

 clamping element

4, 4A-4C

 sealing area

5

 sealing element

6

 foil

L

 longitudinal axis

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1654966 B1 [0012]
• DE 102007060150 B4 [0012]
• EP 2681126 A1 [0013]
• EP 2318199 B1 [0014]
• EP 1839543 B1 [0015]
• EP 2289820 B1 [0016]
• EP 2303077 B1 [0016]
• EP 2489609 B1 [0017]
• WO 2013136209 A1 [0017]
• EP 2712824 A1 [0018]

Claims (15)

Beverage capsule ( 1 ) for making a beverage from a beverage powder ( 2 ), which inside the beverage capsule ( 1 ) is vorratbar, wherein the beverage capsule ( 1 ) a lateral surface ( 1A ), a longitudinal axis (L) and a non-positive interaction with a clamping element ( 3 ) a beverage preparation device suitable, arranged radially to the longitudinal axis (L) sealing area ( 4 ), wherein the sealing area ( 4 ) a plurality of separate, deformable sealing elements ( 5 ), which protrude from the sealing area and are spaced from each other, characterized in that the sealing elements ( 5 ) are arranged side by side. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis (L) of the beverage capsule ( 1 ) is an axis of rotation. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing area ( 4 ) at one end of the lateral surface ( 1A ) arranged flange and for non-positive cooperation with an annular end portion of the clamping element ( 3 ) suitable is. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing elements ( 5 ) have circular cross sections. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing elements ( 5 ) have diamond-shaped [in particular square] cross-sections. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing elements ( 5 ) have hexagonal cross sections. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the edges of the cross-sections of adjacent sealing elements ( 5 ) parallel to each other. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sealing elements ( 5 ) have a constant cross-section. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sealing elements ( 5 ) have a tapered cross-section. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing elements ( 5 ) have a circumference between 1 mm and 10 mm. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent sealing elements ( 5 ) are spaced at their base between 0 mm and 2 mm apart. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the sealing elements ( 5 ) is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the sealing elements ( 5 ) is smaller than 0.8 mm or larger than 2.0 mm. Beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element ( 5 ) made of the same material as the sealing area ( 4 ) and / or the beverage capsule ( 1 ) consists. Seal for a beverage capsule ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal comprises a sealing area ( 4 ) with at least one sealing element ( 5 ) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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