JP7547322B2 - BEVERAGE PREPARING CAPSULE HAVING INTEGRALLY MOLDED SEALING MEMBER - Patent application - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a capsule designed for the preparation of food products, such as beverages, having an enhanced sealing means. In particular, the present invention relates to a capsule having a body with an integrally molded sealing member, the sealing member being made of a metallic material, such as aluminum.

Capsules for the preparation of food products such as beverages are widely known on the market. An example of such a capsule intended for use in a beverage preparation machine is described in EP 0 512 468 A1. For beverage preparation in a dedicated beverage preparation machine, the capsule is inserted into the machine and the ingredients contained in the capsule interact with the liquid supplied to the capsule to form the desired beverage, which then leaves the capsule. The capsule is then opened under the effect of an increase in pressure within the capsule, which biases the outlet face of the membrane against an opening means, such as a raised element provided on a support part of the beverage preparation machine. Sealing of the capsule with the beverage preparation machine during the beverage preparation process is obtained by an outer portion of a flange-like rim of the capsule, which is contacted along a circumferential contact line by a suitably shaped engagement member of the beverage preparation machine.

To strengthen the seal between the capsule and the engaging member of the beverage preparation machine, capsules have been developed in which a dedicated sealing member is applied, the sealing member being of a different material from the capsule body. For example, EP 1 654 966 (A1), EP 1 849 715 (A1) and EP 2 151 313 (A1) relate to such capsules, in which a sealing member of rubber-elastic material is applied to the capsule. The sealing member may be applied to the capsule body by depositing and curing a liquid, by gluing or by pressing a part of the capsule body and/or the flange-like rim of the capsule onto the sealing member.

A drawback of these capsules is the more complicated manufacturing process, where the capsule and the sealing member are manufactured in separate manufacturing steps and then assembled. This solution is more costly to produce, both in terms of material cost and production cost, and also has an environmental impact due to the use of two different materials. Therefore, a solution is required that allows an easy manufacturing process and at the same time provides an improved sealing performance of the flange-like rim of the capsule.

Capsules with integrally molded sealing members, i.e. made of the same material as the capsule body or the flange-like rim of the capsule, are also known. For example, EP 1 654 966 (A1), EP 2 303 077 (B1), EP 2 387 922 (B1) and EP 2 814 328 (B1) relate to capsules with sealing members formed of a plurality of concentric annular projections integrally molded with a flange-like rim.

EP 1 654 966 A1 in its third embodiment discloses having the elasticity of the sealing member created by the geometry of the capsule itself. It proposes to have a step-shaped sealing member which increases the diameter of the capsule's side wall. Deflection of the sealing member on the capsule occurs when the capsule is engaged with an inclined sealing surface of the beverage preparation machine.

WO 2014/012783 (A1), WO 2014/184652 (A1), WO 2016/186489 (A1), WO 2016/186495 (A1) and WO 2016/186496 (A1) also disclose capsules for preparing beverages, which comprise a flange-like rim portion having an integrally molded annular sealing member.

WO 2016/186495 A1 relates to a plastic capsule with a flange-like rim having two spaced apart projections projecting axially from the flange-like rim and a plateau between the two projections. During extraction of the capsule, certain parts of the beverage preparation machine are configured to interact with the projections and the plateau to provide a sealing engagement.

However, these known capsules have the disadvantage that due to manufacturing tolerances in the dimensions of the capsule and the dimensions of the encapsulating member of the beverage preparation machine, the two parts do not match and engage properly, thus reducing the adhesion between the capsule and the engaging member with the risk of leakage and dilution of the beverage with water.

Furthermore, the circumferentially arranged protrusions of the flange-like rim may cause tensions during the formation of the protrusions in the manufacturing process, which in turn may cause defects in the sealing member and/or the flange-like rim, thereby adversely affecting the sealing properties of the sealing member.

This is especially true for metal capsules, made from aluminum or aluminum alloys, for example. Thus, defects such as stress cracks, wrinkles, and other surface imperfections may occur during the deep drawing process of aluminum to form the capsule.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved capsule which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art solutions. This object is solved by the independent claims. The dependent claims define further preferred embodiments of the invention.

The present invention relates to a capsule designed to prepare a beverage when liquid is injected into the capsule by a beverage preparation machine.

The proposed capsule comprises a cup-shaped base body having a longitudinal axis and with a closed end and lateral side walls for holding beverage preparation ingredients, and a flange-like rim located at the open end of the base body and radially terminated by a curled outer edge.

The proposed capsule is in a first state before being used in a beverage preparation machine, the capsule further comprising a sealing member for providing a fluid-sealing engagement with a sealing profile of a capsule engagement member of the beverage preparation machine, the sealing profile having at least one sealing surface, the base body, the flange-like rim and the sealing member being integrally made as a one-piece element from a metallic material such as aluminium, the sealing member comprising at least one dedicated surface located at the junction between the side wall of the base body and the flange-like rim, the dedicated surface being in the form of at least one step extending above the flange-like rim.

The proposed capsule assumes a second state after being used in a beverage preparation machine.

According to the invention, in the second state, after engagement between the capsule engagement member and at least one step of the dedicated surface of the sealing member, the at least one step is plastically deformed and the capsule is provided at the location of the at least one step with a flange-like rim having a profile corresponding to the shape of the sealing profile of the capsule engagement member, the profile having at least three consecutive surfaces (S1, S2, S3) each having a different orientation.

In the second state of the capsule, the newly formed profile with three surfaces, each with a different orientation, generates axial and radial forces around the engagement member, resulting in an effective seal between the flange-like rim and the sealing member of the engagement member.

The continuous surface formed by the plastic deformation of at least one step has the following orientation:
the first surface is generally parallel to a surface of the engagement member facing the side wall of the base body of the capsule;
the second surface is generally parallel to the flange-like rim;
The third surface forms an angle β with the base body sidewall, the angle being between 1 and 50°.

The capsule according to the invention allows for an efficient, reliable and resistant sealing structure made from a single integral part and thus omitting any additional materials such as rubber.

In addition, the capsules can be formed at reduced cost with an easy manufacturing process while providing a reinforced sealing member without any material defects such as cracks, wrinkles, and surface defects that may affect capsule quality and adhesion as well as the extraction process.

The flange-like rim is preferably a generally planar collar extending from the outer lateral sidewall of the base body and/or the open end of the cup-shaped base body generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the capsule.

The dedicated surface is located at the junction between the cup-shaped base body and the flange-like rim and extends over a length D that is greater than the sealing profile of the engagement member.

Specifically, the dedicated surface extends over a length D of 0.5 to 4 mm.

The dedicated surface of the sealing member, which comprises at least one step, is preferably integrally molded into the otherwise substantially planar flange-like rim. The step formed in the flange-like rim preferably has a material thickness that corresponds substantially to the remainder of the flange-like rim.

The step or steps of the flange-like rim are preferably made by a deep drawing process. In a preferred embodiment, the capsule body, the flange-like rim and the sealing member are manufactured in a single deep drawing process. The capsule may be made, for example, by deep drawing an initially flat metal sheet.

The capsule is preferably made from a single sheet of metal, such as aluminium.

The sealing member is considered as part of the flange-like rim and forms a continuous surface with it, which faces towards the cup-shaped base body of the capsule. On the surface of the flange-like rim opposite to said surface, a closure membrane may be connected to the capsule base body.

The dedicated surface is designed to receive and engage a preferably annular sealing profile of a capsule engagement member of the beverage preparation machine. The sealing profile of the capsule engagement member comprises at least one sealing surface. The engagement member is preferably a substantially bell-shaped engagement member or a so-called capsule cage designed to receive a cup-shaped base body of the capsule. The sealing profile of the engagement member may be a flat or rounded end surface of the engagement member.

In a preferred aspect, the sealing profile of the engagement member is arranged to engage at least one step of the sealing member. The engagement of the sealing profile of the engagement member is designed to deform a dedicated surface of the sealing member when engaging with the sealing member. The engagement of the sealing profile of the engagement member may be such as to provide a sealing force with the sealing member that is at least substantially radially and axially directed.

In a first embodiment, the dedicated surface comprises one step, which is approximately parallel to the flange-like rim. It has a length d of 0.5 to 3 mm and a height H of 1 mm to 3 mm.

In a second embodiment, the dedicated surface comprises two steps: a first step adjacent to the remaining flange-like rim portion and parallel to the flange-like rim, and a second step located between the first step and the side wall. The second step forms an angle α with the longitudinal axis of the capsule and has a height h of 0.2 to 2 mm.

The capsule preferably further comprises a closing membrane connected to the base body of the capsule and/or to the flange-like rim. The closing membrane is preferably connected to the surface of the flange-like rim opposite to the surface on which the dedicated surface of the sealing member is located. The closing membrane may be connected to the flange-like rim by adhesive and/or welding techniques. The closing membrane is preferably a sealed membrane, i.e. does not have any perforations. However, the closing membrane may also comprise preformed perforations in the closing membrane. The closing membrane is preferably an aluminum foil. The foil is preferably sealed to the flange-like rim so as to form a gas-tight seal with the capsule base body to maintain the freshness of the ingredients contained in the cartridge.

The thickness of the closure film is preferably 60 to 100 micrometers (including the embossed structure and the lacquer(s) on the surface).

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a system comprising a capsule as described above and a beverage preparation machine designed to provide a heated and/or pressurized liquid into the capsule and to prepare a beverage by interaction of the liquid with ingredients held in the capsule.

The beverage preparation machine preferably comprises a pump, heating and/or cooling means, a liquid supply such as a water tank, and/or a beverage brewing chamber for selectively receiving a capsule for preparing a beverage from the capsule.

The beverage preparation machine preferably comprises a capsule engagement member, e.g. as part of the brewing chamber, which is designed to receive the capsule, in particular the capsule base body, when the capsule is provided in the machine. The engagement member comprises an annular sealing profile designed to interact with the sealing member of the capsule to enable effective sealing of the capsule during the beverage preparation process. As mentioned above, the sealing profile of the engagement member may be arranged to engage with a dedicated surface comprising at least one step. The engagement of the sealing profile of the engagement member may be such as to deform the dedicated surface. The engagement of the sealing profile of the engagement member may be such as to provide a sealing force with the dedicated surface that is at least substantially radially and axially directed.

The beverage preparation machine preferably further comprises a piercing means, such as an injection blade, which is particularly located at the closed end of the capsule base body and designed to pierce the inlet face of the capsule and to inject liquid into the capsule interior.

The beverage preparation machine preferably further comprises a capsule support designed to hold a flange-like rim of the capsule opposite to the side where the engagement member of the machine engages the sealing member of the capsule. The capsule support preferably comprises opening means, e.g. a truncated pyramidal element, against which the closure membrane of the capsule can be pressed during pressure build-up in the capsule, such that the closure member is opened, e.g. by tearing or breaking.

The capsule according to the invention is preferably rotationally symmetric, i.e. symmetric along its vertical axis.

The beverage preparation raw materials provided in the capsule are preferably selected from the group consisting of roasted and ground coffee, tea, instant coffee, a mixture of roasted and ground coffee and instant coffee, syrup concentrates, fruit extract concentrates, chocolate products, dairy-based products or any other dehydrated edible substance such as dehydrated stock. The liquid used for beverage preparation is preferably water at any temperature.

The present invention further relates to a cup-shaped base body of a capsule for preparing a food product having a reinforced integrally molded sealing member.

According to the invention, a cup-shaped base body of a capsule for holding a beverage preparation ingredient, a flange-like rim and a sealing member is proposed, the sealing member having at least one step at the junction between the cup-shaped base body and the flange-like rim and a dedicated surface extending above the flange-like rim, the at least one step being adapted to engage with at least one sealing surface of a capsule engagement member of a beverage preparation machine, the base body, the flange-like rim and the sealing member being integrally made from a metallic material such as aluminium.

The proposed flange-like rim is in a first state before being used in the beverage preparation machine and in a second state after being used in the beverage preparation machine.

In a second state of the flange-like rim, at the position of at least one step, the flange-like rim is plastically deformed and assumes a profile corresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealing surfaces, the profile comprising at least three successive surfaces (S1, S2, S3) each having a different orientation, the at least three successive surfaces generating axial and radial forces around the engagement member to provide an effective seal between the flange-like rim and the sealing surface of the engagement member.

The proposed solution makes it possible to provide an effective seal between the flange-like rim and the sealing member of the engagement member, thereby improving the current state of the art.

Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

These drawings depict only some embodiments according to the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered as limiting its scope, the present disclosure being explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. It will therefore be understood that the claimed invention is not intended to be limited in any way by these examples.

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a capsule according to the present invention; FIG. 1b is a top view of the capsule according to FIG. FIG. 1b is a side cross-sectional view of the capsule according to FIG. 1b shows a cross-sectional side view of the capsule of FIG. 1a , integrating a first embodiment of a sealing member according to the present invention with an engagement member of a beverage preparation machine, before they engage with each other; FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a sealing member according to the present invention and an engagement member of a beverage preparation machine before they engage with each other; FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a sealing member according to the present invention and an engagement member of a beverage preparation machine engaged with each other; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of a second embodiment of a capsule according to the present invention; FIG. 5b is a top view of the capsule according to FIG. 5a. FIG. 5b is a side cross-sectional view of the capsule according to FIG. 5a. FIG. 5b is a side cross-sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 5a according to a second embodiment of the present invention and an engagement member of a beverage preparation machine before engaging with each other; 1 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a sealing member according to the present invention and an engagement member of a beverage preparation machine before they engage with each other; 1 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a sealing member according to the present invention and an engagement member of a beverage preparation machine engaged with each other;

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

In the drawings, like symbols and reference numbers typically identify like components unless the context dictates otherwise.

The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description and drawings are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated and made a part of this disclosure.

As used herein, the words "comprises," "comprising," and similar words should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including" but not limited to.

Any reference in this specification to a prior art document should not be deemed an admission that such prior art is well known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Figures 1a to 4 relate to a first embodiment of a capsule 10 according to the present invention.

As shown in the figures, Fig. 1a shows a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a capsule, Fig. 1b shows a top view of the capsule, Fig. 1c shows a side cross-sectional view of the capsule, and Fig. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the capsule, the capsule 10 comprises a cup-shaped base body 1. The base body 1 comprises a closed end 1a (the entire area of the top of the capsule, not only the central part), a lateral side wall 1b, and an open end 1c. The closed end 1a may serve as an injection surface that can be opened by a dedicated injection member of the beverage preparation machine 20 during the beverage preparation process.

During the brewing process, as shown in FIG. 3, an engagement member 21 of the dedicated beverage preparation machine 20 is engaged with the capsule 10. The engagement member 21 preferably comprises a generally hollow bell-shaped engagement member for receiving the capsule base body 1 therein. When the capsule 10 is placed in the beverage preparation machine 20, the engagement member 21 is lowered onto the capsule 10 by a dedicated closing force F.

The engagement member 21 comprises a sealing profile having several sealing surfaces 21a, 21b and 21c. The sealing surfaces are located on the inner part of the engagement member 21 on the part of the engagement member 21 that is in contact with the capsule 10. The sealing surfaces may for example be in the form of an annular underside surface with rounded inner and outer circumferential edges or may be flat surfaces parallel to the side walls of the capsule in use. The sealing surface 21a facing the peripheral part of the capsule preferably has a radial thickness of 0.1 to 0.6 mm, more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 mm.

As shown in FIG. 1a, the capsule 10 further comprises a flange-like rim 2, which is preferably disposed at the open end 1c of the capsule 10. The flange-like rim 2 extends radially outward from the lateral sidewall of the cup-shaped base body 1. The flange-like rim 2 is preferably disposed transversely to the rotation axis Y of the capsule 10 and has a curled outer edge 2c at its tip opposite the base body 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the capsule is preferably made of aluminum.

In terms of dimensions, the base body 1 has a diameter of 8-30 mm, a height of approximately 24-30 mm, and the thickness of the base body side wall is 0.08-0.12 mm.

The flange-like rim 2 extending from the body base 1 has a length L, measured from the body base side wall 1b to the curled outer edge 2c, of 2-4mm.

At the open end 1c (shown in Fig. 1c) of the capsule base body 1, a closure membrane 9 may be arranged. The closure membrane 9 is preferably connected to a flange-like rim 2, as shown in Figs. 1c and 2. The closure membrane 9 is preferably connected to at least one lower annular surface 2b of the flange-like rim 2, which surface 2b is directed away from the capsule base body 1.

Alternatively, the closure membrane 9 may be connected to the base body 1 or to both the base body 1 and the flange-like rim 2.

The closure membrane 9 is preferably an aluminum foil sealed to the flange-like rim 2.

The cup-shaped base body 1 preferably encloses a beverage ingredient suitable for preparing a liquid edible product upon interaction with the liquid injected into the capsule 10. The ingredient is preferably enclosed by the cup-shaped base body 1 and the closing membrane 9. The beverage ingredient may be roasted and ground coffee or any other type of ingredient as previously mentioned.

The flange-like rim 2 comprises an integrally molded sealing member 3 arranged on the upper annular surface 2a of the flange-like rim. The annular surface 2a is arranged opposite the surface 2b to which the closure membrane 9 is preferably connected. Thus, the annular surface 2a faces away from the open end 1c of the capsule.

The sealing member 3 is arranged between the capsule body base 1 and the flange-like rim 2. It has a dedicated surface 4 located at the junction between the lateral side wall 1b of the body base 1 and the flange-like rim 2.

The dedicated surface 4 extends over a length D that is greater than the inner portion of the engaging member 21 (where the sealing surface is located).

More precisely, the dedicated surface 4 extends over a length D (measured from the side wall 1b) comprised between 0.5 and 4 mm.

In this embodiment, the length D is approximately 2.5 mm.

The dedicated surface 4 comprises a step 4a extending from the lateral side wall 1b above the flange-like rim 2, the step 4a being approximately parallel to the flange-like rim direction. The step 4a is integrally molded with the flange-like rim 2 and the base body 1. This means that it is formed from the flange-like rim, i.e. made of the same material as the flange-like rim and the body base, extends from the surface 2a (and is not an additional part).

As can be seen in Figure 1b, the step 4a extends continuously and annularly around the lateral side wall 1b and is arranged to engage with a sealing surface 21a of a capsule engagement member 21 of the beverage preparation machine 20. This can be seen in Figure 2, which shows the capsule 10 interacting with the engagement member of the beverage machine 20.

To have an efficient engagement, the length d of the step 4a (extending from the lateral side wall 1b) is preferably selected to interact favorably and completely in sealing engagement with the dedicated sealing surface 21a of the engagement member 21.

The length d of the step 4a is preferably 0.5 to 3 mm, more preferably 1 to 2.5 mm. The height H of the step 4a is preferably 1 to 3 mm, more preferably 1.5 to 2.5 mm.

The step 4a then extends over a length d greater than the inner part of the engagement member 21 (where the sealing surface is located), and the remaining part of the flange-like rim 2 is then preferably 0.5 to 1 mm.

The system, in which the capsule and beverage preparation machine are integrated, is operated as follows for the preparation of one beverage, for example coffee: the capsule 10 is placed in the beverage preparation machine and the capsule engagement member 21 contacts the capsule 10 when the beverage preparation machine is closed. The capsule is pierced at its closed end 1a by a piercing means (not shown) for creating an inlet for a fluid (hot or cold) under pressure into the capsule 10. The water wets the coffee stored in the capsule and extracts the desired substances to form a coffee beverage.

While supplying water under pressure to the capsule, the pressure increase causes the closing membrane 9 to burst (e.g. by pushing the closing membrane 9 onto some cover piercing means) and the coffee beverage is delivered by expulsion of the coffee beverage from the capsule into a cup.

Reference is now made to Figures 3 and 4, which show enlarged partial cross-sectional side views of the embodiment of the sealing members of Figures 1a-2 and the engagement members of the beverage preparation machine before and during engagement with each other.

Specifically, when the engaging member 21 is lowered onto the sealing member 3 from the position shown in FIG. 3 by the closing force F, the annular sealing surface 21a engages with the step 4a.

As a result of the forces acting on the sealing member 3 in the overlap area between the engagement member 21 and the sealing member 3, the step 4a of the sealing member 3 is plastically deformed during engagement. In fact, the step 4a extends over a length d that is greater than the inner part of the engagement member 21 where the sealing surface is located.

In this case, the length d of the step 4a is greater than the radial extension of the sealing surface 21a.

As explained, plastic deformation occurs when
by the clamping system when the coffee machine is closed by the engagement member 21, and during the extraction process by the water pressure of the engagement member 21 on the capsule.
Due to the applied force.

The step 4a then fits closely to the sealing surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c of the engagement member 21, so that during the extraction process the surface of the flange-like rim 2 fits the shape of the sealing profile on the overlapping portion (sealing surfaces 21a, 21b, and 21c).

Figure 4 shows this close fit between the sealing surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c and the flange-like rim 2 as it occurs during (and appears after) use, with the step 4a and the flange-like rim 2 deforming to provide a structure that fits into the groove of the sealing member. The resulting structure has at least three new continuous (or adjacent) surfaces S1, S2, S3 formed during plastic deformation, which follow the shape of the sealing surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c of the capsule engagement member 21.

The new shape of the flange-like rim 2 therefore has at least three new surfaces S1, S2, S3, each with a different orientation.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the first surface S1 of the deformed capsule of the flange-like rim is substantially parallel to the base body side wall 1b and the sealing surface 21b.

The second surface S2 of the deformed capsule of the flange-like rim is approximately parallel to the flange-like rim 2 and the sealing surface 21a.

The third surface S3 of the modified capsule of the flange-like rim forms an angle β of 1 to 50° with the base body side wall 1b. In this case, the surface S3 is approximately parallel to the sealing surface 21c of the engagement member 21, and the angle β is about 22°.

These three surfaces S1, S2 and S3, each with a different orientation, can perfectly match the sealing profile of the capsule engagement member 21, thus generating axial and radial forces around the engagement member to create an effective liquid-tight seal between the capsule 10 and the beverage preparation machine 20.

The seal between the flange-like rim 2 of the capsule and the engagement member is increased due to the deformed flange-like rim matching the corresponding shape of the sealing surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c.

In the proposed embodiment, the cup-shaped base body 1, the flange-like rim 2 and the sealing member 3 are integrally molded, i.e. formed by one single part made from the same material. Thus, the cup-shaped base body 1, the flange-like rim 2 and the sealing member 3 can be manufactured from the same material by conventional molding processes. In particular, the base body 1 and the sealing member 3 integrally molded with the flange-like rim 2 can be formed in a deep drawing process. The deep drawing process may require two or more deep drawing steps to properly form the body and the sealing member of the capsule from a flat piece of material, preferably a metal sheet.

The base body 1, the flange-like rim 2 and the sealing member 3 are formed in one piece made of metal, preferably aluminium, most preferably an aluminium alloy.

Figures 5a to 8 relate to a second embodiment of a capsule 10 according to the present invention.

In the figures, FIG. 5a shows a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a capsule, FIG. 5b shows a top view of the capsule, FIG. 5c shows a cross-sectional side view of the capsule, and FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the capsule, capsule 10 is shown.

As previously mentioned, like symbols and reference numbers typically identify like components, and unless the context dictates otherwise, only the additional elements are described in detail, and the previously described elements also apply to this second embodiment.

In a second embodiment, the dedicated surface 4 of the sealing member 3 is arranged in two stages:
a first step 4a adjacent to and parallel to the remainder of the flange-like rim 2, the first step having a length d in the range of 0.5 to 3 mm;
a second step 4b located between the first step 4a and the side wall 1b of the base body 1 (the second step 4b is shorter than the first step 4a. It forms an angle α with the longitudinal axis of the capsule, the angle α being in the range of 10 to 80°. The second step 4b has a height h of 0.2 to 2 mm);
Equipped with.

Reference is now made to Figures 7 and 8, which show enlarged partial cross-sectional side views of the embodiments of the sealing members of Figures 5a-6 and the engagement members of the beverage preparation machine before and during engagement with each other.

Specifically, when the engagement member 21 is lowered by the closing force F onto the sealing member 3 from the position shown in FIG. 7, the annular sealing profile of the engagement member 21 first engages with the step 4b. In this case, the edge between the sealing surfaces 21a and 21b engages with the step 4b. In this overlap region between the sealing surfaces 21a, 21b and the step 4b, the step 4b begins to plastically deform.

During further engagement, the sealing surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c of the sealing profile further engage with the sealing member and come into engagement with the first step 4a.

The first step 4a then undergoes plastic deformation during engagement.

The two steps 4b, 4a, one after the other, closely fit with at least one of the sealing surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c of the engagement member 21.

Upon closing of the machine and completion of the extraction process, the plastic deformation ends when the engaging member and the dedicated surface are fully engaged and the surface of the flange-like rim 2 matches the shape of the sealing profile (sealing surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c) of the engaging member on the overlapping portion.

Figure 8 shows this close fit between the sealing surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c and the flange-like rim 2 after use of the capsule. The steps 4a and 4b have been deformed, resulting in a structure of the flange-like rim 2 that fits into the groove of the sealing surface 21. The resulting structure has at least three new continuous (or adjacent) surfaces S1, S2, S3 resulting from the deformation, which follow the shape of the sealing profile of the capsule engagement member 21.

The new shape of the flange-like rim 2 therefore has at least three new surfaces S1, S2, S3, each with a different orientation.

As in the first embodiment,
a first surface S1 of the flange-like rim in its second state being substantially parallel to a surface (21b) of the capsule engagement member (21);
a second surface S2 of the flange-like rim in its second state is substantially parallel to the flange-like rim 2 and to the sealing surface 21 a;
The third surface S3 of the flange-like rim in its second state forms an angle β of 1-50° with the base body side wall 1b. In this case, the surface S3 is substantially parallel to the sealing surface 21c of the engagement member 21, and the angle β is about 22°.

The dedicated surface 4 of this second embodiment, with its steps 4a and 4b, is larger than the dedicated surface 4 of the first embodiment. This results in a larger sealing surface 21a and therefore an improved liquid-tight seal between the engagement member and the capsule.

In this second embodiment, the step 4b also contributes to the centering between the capsule and the engagement member: in fact, the step 4b extends from the side wall 1b of the body base and has a specific angle (angle α with the longitudinal axis) that allows a self-centering effect.

Thus, as in the first embodiment, when the engaging member 21 moves towards the flange-like rim 2, during closure (application of mechanical force) and/or extraction (application of pressure force), the sealing surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c of the sealing profile deform the dedicated surfaces (first and second steps) and the flange-like rim 2 conforms to the sealing profile of the engaging member 21.

The fit has the effect of increasing the contact surface area between the engagement member 21 and the flange-like rim 2 of the capsule and therefore increasing the liquid-tightness between the capsule 10 and the beverage machine 20.

The proposed embodiment shows the capsule engagement member 21 having a given geometric shape, however, other geometric shapes of the capsule engagement member may be envisaged.

The proposed structure with at least one step gives the proposed capsule a specificity that matches the capsule engagement member.

In either case, during the extraction process, the sealing member 3 with at least one step 4a, 4b fits the shape of the sealing profile of the capsule engaging member 21 on at least three surfaces with different orientations, thereby resulting in an increased seal between the capsule and the beverage machine.

Claims (18)

A capsule (10) designed to prepare a beverage upon injection of liquid by a beverage preparation machine (20), said capsule (10) comprising a cup- shaped base body (1) having a longitudinal axis (y) and with a closed end (1a) and lateral side walls (1b) for holding beverage preparation ingredients, and a flange-like rim (2) arranged at the open end (1c) of said base body (1) and radially terminating in a curled outer edge (2c),
The capsule (10) is in a first state prior to use in the beverage preparation machine, and in the first state:
said capsule further comprising a sealing member (3) for providing a fluid-sealing engagement with a sealing profile of a capsule engagement member (21) of said beverage preparation machine (20), said sealing profile having at least one sealing surface (21a, 21b, 21c);
said base body (1), said flange-like rim (2) and said sealing member (3) being integrally made as a single unitary element from a metallic material;
the sealing member (3) is configured as a descending stepped member connecting a radially outer end of the lateral side wall (1b) and a radially inner end of the flange-like rim (2) in a cross-sectional view through the longitudinal axis (y) of the capsule (10) when the base body (1) is placed with the flange-like rim (2) on the lower side, the sealing member (3) comprising at least one dedicated surface (4) located at the junction between the lateral side wall (1b) of the base body (1) and the flange-like rim (2), the dedicated surface (4) being in the form of at least one step extending above the flange-like rim (2);
The capsule (10) is in a second state after being used in the beverage preparation machine,
In the second state, after engagement between the sealing profile of the capsule engagement member (21) and the at least one step of the dedicated surface (4), the at least one step is plastically deformed, and the capsule (10) comprises, at the position of the at least one step (4), a flange-like rim (2) having a profile corresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealing surfaces (21a, 21b, 21c), the profile having at least three consecutive surfaces (S1, S2, S3) each having a different orientation. 2. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the dedicated surface (4) extends over a length D that is greater than the radial length of one (21a) of the sealing surfaces of the capsule engagement member (21) facing the dedicated surface (4). The capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dedicated surface (4) extends over a length D of 0.5 to 4 mm, preferably 0.7 to 3 mm. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dedicated surface (4) comprises at least a first step (4a) and a second step (4b). The capsule of claim 4, wherein the first step (4a) is substantially parallel to the flange-like rim (2). The capsule according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first step (4a) has a height H of 1 to 3 mm and a length d of 0.5 to 3 mm. The capsule according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second step (4b) forms an angle α of 10 to 80° with the longitudinal axis (y) of the capsule (10). The capsule according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the second step (4b) has a height h of 0.2 to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, after engagement with the at least one sealing surface (21a, 21b, 21c) of the capsule engagement member (21), in the second state of the capsule, one of the surfaces (S1) of the flange-like rim is substantially parallel to one of the sealing surfaces (21b) of the capsule engagement member (21). The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in the second state of the capsule, after engagement of the capsule engagement member (21) with the at least one sealing surface (21a, 21b, 21c), one of the surfaces (S2) of the flange-like rim is substantially parallel to the flange-like rim (2). A capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in a second state of the capsule, after engagement with the at least one sealing surface (21a, 21b, 21c) of the capsule engagement member (21), one of the surfaces (S3) of the flange-like rim forms an angle β of 1 to 50° with the lateral side wall (1b) of the base body. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (1), the flange-like rim (2) and the sealing member (3) of the capsule are manufactured from a single metal sheet. The capsule (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the capsule is made of aluminium. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a closing membrane (9) connected to the base body (1) and/or the flange-like rim (2) of the capsule. The capsule according to claim 14, wherein the closing membrane (9) is connected to a surface (2b) of the flange-like rim (2) opposite to the surface (2a) on which the sealing member (3) is arranged. Capsule according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the closing membrane (9) is an aluminium foil sealed to the flange-like rim (2) with its surface (2b) opposite to the surface (2a). A system comprising a capsule (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a beverage preparation machine (20) designed to supply heated and/or pressurized liquid into the capsule to prepare a beverage based on the interaction of the liquid with ingredients held in the capsule. A cup- shaped base body (1) of a capsule for holding a beverage preparation ingredient, comprising a lateral side wall (1b), a flange-like rim (2) and a sealing member (3);
the sealing member (3) is configured as a descending stepped member connecting a radially outer end of the lateral side wall (1 b) and a radially inner end of the flange-like rim (2) in a cross-sectional view through the longitudinal axis (y) of the base body (1) when the base body (1) is placed with the flange-like rim (2) on the lower side, the sealing member (3) comprising at least one dedicated surface (4) located at the junction between the lateral side wall (1 b) of the base body (1) and the flange-like rim (2), the dedicated surface (4) being in the form of at least one step extending above the flange-like rim (2), the at least one step being adapted to engage with at least one of the sealing surfaces (21 a, 21 b, 21 c) of a capsule engagement member (21) of a beverage preparation machine (20);
said base body (1), said flange-like rim (2) and said sealing member (3) being integrally made from a metallic material;
said flange-like rim (2) being in a first state prior to use in said beverage preparation machine;
The flange-like rim (2) is in a second state after being used in the beverage preparation machine, in which in the second state, at the position of the at least one step, the flange-like rim (2) plastically deforms and assumes a profile corresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealing surfaces (21 a, 21 b, 21 c), said profile comprising at least three consecutive surfaces (S1, S2, S3), each having a different orientation, generating axial and radial forces around the capsule engaging member to provide an effective seal between the flange-like rim (2) and the sealing surface (21 a) of the capsule engaging member (21).

Images