阅读说明：本技术 用于在饮料制备机器中制备饮料的分份胶囊和用于从所述分份胶囊制备饮料的系统 (Portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine and system for preparing a beverage from said portion capsule ) 是由 M·克鲁格 G·艾姆普勒 于 2020-02-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于在饮料制备机器中制备饮料的分份胶囊(1),其中：所述分份胶囊(1)包括：基底元件(2),所述基底元件具有用于容纳饮料原材料的腔(3)；以及胶囊盖(4),所述胶囊盖密封所述腔(3)；所述基底元件(2)包括胶囊基底(5)、周边凸缘(6)以及在所述胶囊基底(5)与所述周边凸缘(6)之间延伸的胶囊壁(7)；所述胶囊盖(4)沿密封平面(8)附接到所述凸缘(6)；所述凸缘(6)在其外自由端处具有周边卷边(9)；背向所述胶囊盖(4)的呈密封压花(10)的形式的密封元件设置在所述凸缘(6)上；所述密封平面(8)在所述卷边(9)与所述密封压花(10)之间沿所述凸缘(6)在所述胶囊盖(4)的一侧上延伸；并且所述密封压花(10)包括在胶囊壁(7)侧上的内侧面(11)和在卷边(9)侧上的外侧面(12)；所述分份胶囊的特征在于,所述外侧面(12)与所述密封平面成基本上直角(α)定向并且所述内侧面(11)以与所述密封平面(8)成大于80度至小于90度的角度(β)定向。(The invention relates to a portion capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, wherein: the portion capsule (1) comprises: a base element (2) having a cavity (3) for containing a beverage raw material; and a capsule lid (4) sealing the cavity (3); the base element (2) comprising a capsule base (5), a peripheral flange (6) and a capsule wall (7) extending between the capsule base (5) and the peripheral flange (6); the capsule lid (4) is attached to the flange (6) along a sealing plane (8); said flange (6) having a peripheral bead (9) at its outer free end; a sealing element in the form of a sealing embossment (10) facing away from the capsule lid (4) is provided on the flange (6); the sealing plane (8) extends on one side of the capsule lid (4) along the flange (6) between the bead (9) and the sealing embossment (10); and the sealing embossment (10) comprises an inner side (11) on the capsule wall (7) side and an outer side (12) on the bead (9) side; the portion capsule is characterized in that the outer side (12) is oriented at a substantially right angle (a) to the sealing plane and the inner side (11) is oriented at an angle (β) of more than 80 degrees to less than 90 degrees to the sealing plane (8).)

1. Portion capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber (13) of a beverage preparation machine (14), wherein the portion capsule (1) has a base element (2) with a cavity (3) for receiving a raw beverage material and a capsule lid (4) which closes the cavity (3), wherein the base element (2) comprises a capsule base (5), a surrounding flange (6) and a capsule wall (7) extending between the capsule base (5) and the surrounding flange (6), wherein the capsule lid (4) is attached to a sealing plane (8) on the flange (6), wherein the flange (6) has a surrounding bead (9) at its outer free end, wherein a sealing element in the form of a sealing embossment (10) facing away from the capsule lid (4) is provided on the flange (6), wherein the sealing plane (8) extends over the flange (6) on the side of the capsule lid (4) between the bead (9) and the sealing embossment (10), wherein the sealing embossment (10) comprises an inner side (11) at the side of the capsule wall (7) and an outer side (12) at the side of the bead (9), characterized in that the outer side (12) is oriented at a substantially right angle (a) with respect to the sealing plane (8) and wherein the inner side (11) is oriented at an angle (β) of more than 80 degrees to less than 90 degrees with respect to the sealing plane (8).

2. Portion capsule according to claim 1, wherein the inner side (11) has an angle (β) of 81 to 89 degrees, preferably 82 to 88 degrees, particularly preferably 83 to 85 degrees and very particularly preferably substantially 84 degrees with respect to the sealing plane (8).

3. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the sealing embossment (10) is designed such that, when the brewing chamber (13) is closed, the sealing embossment (10) is not deformed or is only deformed by at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10% and very particularly preferably at most 5% of its height (8) perpendicular to the sealing plane (8).

4. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing embossment (10) is designed such that, upon application of a force of at most 100N on the sealing embossment (10) perpendicular to the sealing plane (8), the sealing embossment (10) is not deformed or is deformed only by at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10% and very particularly preferably at most 5% of its height (8) perpendicular to the sealing plane (18).

5. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a transition region (15) extends between the inner side (11) and the outer side (12), wherein preferably the transition region (15) is in curved form or has a transition plane (16) extending parallel to the sealing plane (8).

6. Portion capsule (1) according to claim 5, wherein the inner side (11) has, in a radial cross section around the sealing embossment (10), a rectilinear contact area (17) extending between the flange (6) and the transition area (15).

7. Portion capsule (1) according to claim 6, wherein the in-line contact area (17) has a length of 0.1 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.8 mm, particularly preferably 0.15 to 0.55 mm and very particularly preferably 0.2 to 0.4 mm.

8. Portion capsule (1) according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the portion capsule (1) has a radius of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm and particularly preferably 0.1 to 0.2 mm in the transition from the in-line contact region (17) to the transition region (15).

9. Portion capsule (1) according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the portion capsule (1) has a radius of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm and particularly preferably 0.1 to 0.2 mm in the transition from the outer side (12) to the transition region (15).

10. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the height (18) of the sealing embossment (10) perpendicular to the sealing plane (8) is in the range between 0.2 and 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 and 0.6 mm and particularly preferably between 0.4 and 0.5 mm.

11. Portion capsule (1) according to claim 10, wherein the sealing embossment (10) is designed such that, upon application of a force of at most 100N on the sealing embossment (10) perpendicular to the sealing plane (8), the sealing embossment (10) is not deformed or only deformed by at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.15 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.1 mm and very particularly preferably at most 0.05 mm of its height (18) perpendicular to the sealing plane (8).

12. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing embossment (10) has a width in the middle of its height (18) of between 0.2 and 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 and 0.8 mm and particularly preferably between 0.4 and 0.6 mm.

13. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing embossment (10) has an average material thickness of between 0.05 and 0.3 mm, preferably between 0.08 and 1.8 mm, particularly preferably between 0.09 and 1.5 mm and very particularly preferably substantially 0.11 mm.

14. Portion capsule (1) according to any of claims 5 to 13, wherein in a radial cross section of the encircling sealing embossment (10) the transition region (15) has a rectilinear connecting region having a width of between 0.3 and 1.2 mm, preferably between 0.3 and 1.0 mm and particularly preferably between 0.6 and 0.8 mm.

15. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the portion capsule (1) has a radius of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm and particularly preferably 0.1 to 0.2 mm in the transition from the outer side (12) to the flange region (19) running parallel to the sealing plane (8).

16. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the portion capsule (1) has a flange region (19) extending between the bead (9) and the outer side (12) parallel to the sealing plane (8), and wherein the portion capsule (1) has a flange middle region (20) extending between the inner side (11) and the capsule wall (7), wherein the flange region (19) and the flange middle region (20) are at the same height in a vertical direction (Y) perpendicular to the sealing plane (8).

17. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the portion capsule (1) has a radius of 0.08 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm and particularly preferably substantially 0.2 mm in the transition from the inner side (11) to a flange middle region (20) extending between the sealing embossment (10) and the capsule wall (7).

18. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the portion capsule (1) has a flange middle region (20) extending between the inner side (11) and the capsule wall (7), wherein the flange middle region (20) is curved.

19. Portion capsule (1) according to claim 18, wherein the curvature of the flange middle region (20) has a radius of between 0.1 and 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 and 0.8 mm and very particularly preferably between 0.4 and 0.6 mm.

20. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the radial cross section of the sealing embossment (10) the outer side (12) has a rectilinear side section (21) comprising a length of between 0.2 and 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 and 0.6 mm and particularly preferably between 0.4 and 0.5 mm.

21. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the radial cross section the extension of the sealing plane (8) between the outer side face (12) and the bead (9) comprises a length of between 0.3 and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 1.2 mm and particularly preferably between 0.7 and 0.9 mm.

22. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bead (9) protrudes above the flange (6) over the top side forming the sealing plane (8).

23. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bead (9) protrudes from the flange (6) beyond a bottom side facing away from the sealing plane (8), wherein the flange (6) protrudes from the flange (6) on the bottom side to a lesser extent than the sealing embossment (10), and/or wherein the bead (9) has a lesser extent protruding beyond the flange (6) on the top side than on the bottom layer.

24. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rolled edge (9) is formed by rolling of the flange edge, wherein the flange edge is preferably rolled in the direction of the capsule base (5).

25. Portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (2) is made in one piece from aluminium.

26. System for preparing a beverage, with a beverage preparation machine (14) and a portion capsule (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage preparation machine (14) has a brewing unit with a first brewing chamber portion and a second brewing chamber portion, wherein the first brewing chamber portion and/or the second brewing chamber portion is movable relative to the other brewing chamber portion between an access position in which they form a closed brewing chamber (13) and an open position in which they are spaced apart for inserting or ejecting a portion capsule (1), wherein the first brewing chamber portion comprises a receiving element (22) for partially receiving the portion capsule (1), and the second brewing chamber portion comprises a closing element (23) for the containing element, wherein in a closed position the flange (6) of the portion capsule (1) is contained in a form-fitting and sealing manner between an edge region (24) of the containing element (22) and the closing element (23).

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

28. System according to claim 27, wherein in the closed position the sealing lug (26) engages into the flange middle region (20) and the sealing embossment (10) engages into the recess (25) such that the sealing lug side (27) together with the inner side (11) forms a linear or punctiform contact (28) in radial cross-section.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein in the closed position the sealing embossment (10) is not deformed or is only deformed by the sealing contour by at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10% and very particularly preferably at most 5% of the height (18) of the sealing embossment perpendicular to the sealing plane (8).

30. The system as claimed in one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the sealing contour has a further, encircling sealing lug (28), wherein the recess (25) is arranged in the radial direction between the sealing lug (26) and the further sealing lug (28), wherein the sealing lug (26) is formed longer than the further sealing lug (28), and wherein in the closed position the further sealing lug (28) forms a point-like contact with the outer side face (12) in radial cross section.

Technical Field

The invention is based on a portion capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, wherein the portion capsule (1) has a base element (2) with a cavity (3) for receiving a raw beverage material and a capsule lid (4) closing the cavity (3), wherein the base element (2) comprises a capsule base, a surrounding flange and a capsule wall extending between the capsule base and the surrounding flange, wherein the capsule lid (4) is attached to a sealing surface on a flange (7), wherein the flange has a surrounding bead at its free end, wherein a sealing element in the form of a sealing embossment facing away from the capsule lid is provided on the flange (7), wherein a sealing plane on which the capsule lid is fixedly sealed extends between the bead and the sealing embossment on the flange on one side of the capsule lid, and wherein the sealing embossment comprises an inner side at the capsule wall side and an outer side at the crimping side.

Prior Art

Such portion capsules are known in the prior art. For example, document WO 2016/186488 a1 describes such a generic portion capsule. The portion capsule is provided for insertion into an infusion chamber in which the capsule base is perforated in order to introduce the infusion liquid in the form of hot water under pressure into the cavity. This increases the pressure in the portion capsule, whereby the capsule lid presses against an embossing or pyramid plate in the brewing chamber and is perforated at the contact point when a predetermined pressure is reached. The beverage produced as a result of the interaction between the introduced water and the beverage raw material (in particular roast and ground coffee) then leaves the capsule through these perforation points in the cover foil.

Common to all such portion capsules is that the seal between the brewing chamber and the portion capsule in the region of the capsule flange must be sufficient so that the water in the brewing chamber flows through the bed of beverage starting material to form the beverage and does not flow through the beverage starting material from the outside of the portion capsule, that is to say between the wall of the brewing chamber and the outside of the capsule wall.

For this purpose, these types of portion capsules have sealing elements in the region of their flange, which seal against the brewing chamber elements in the brewing chamber. It is desirable here for the sealing element to be composed of the same material as the capsule body (also referred to as base element) in order to keep the manufacturing costs of the portion capsule low and to facilitate the disposal or recycling of the portion capsule that has already been used.

In fig. 4H of document WO 2016/186488 a1, an embossed sealing embossment with a vertical outer side and an inclined inner side is disclosed as a sealing element in the flange region of a portion capsule. The aim of said application is to improve the sealing action. The core concept here is to use a sealing embossment which is as deformable as possible and which, when the brewing chamber is closed, is plastically deformed under the pressure of the brewing chamber element and thus follows the contour of the brewing chamber element in order to improve the sealing action. To facilitate this deformation, the inner side face should have an angle of 20 to 60 degrees and preferably 30 to 50 degrees with respect to the flange plane. The inner side surface thus extends in a relatively flat manner in order to ensure easy deformability.

Similar portion capsules are known from document WO 2016/041596 a 1. Here, too, the portion capsule has an embossed sealing embossment in its flange. Here, too, the sealing action between the sealing embossment and the brewing chamber element is intended to be achieved by simple deformation of the sealing embossment, so the inner side of the sealing embossment should then have as small an angle as possible, which is particularly preferably less than 50 degrees relative to the flange plane.

The person skilled in the art is familiar with another portion capsule with a surrounding sealing element from document EP 2872421 a 1. In this solution, the two sides of the sealing element are intended to have an angle, wherein the inner side should likewise have as small an angle as possible between 40 and 80 degrees with respect to the flange plane. Even if it is explicitly disclosed that from an angle of 80 degrees the side will become "too vertical" to still achieve a seal between the brewing chamber element and the flange, because the sealing element is also based on the fact that it is deformed (20% to 30%) by the brewing chamber element.

The common denominator for all the aforementioned portion capsules is that the sealing action of its sealing element is based in each case on the deformation of said sealing element. For this purpose, an inner side face with an angle as small as possible is used, so that when the brewing chamber is closed, the brewing chamber element can act on this side face and thus cause a slight deformation of the sealing element.

A disadvantage of sealing solutions based on deformation of the sealing element is that a significantly increased force is thereby required to close the brewing chamber. Thus, the ease of use and the lifetime of the beverage preparation machine are significantly reduced.

An alternative would be a separate sealing element consisting of a sealing material, such as is known from documents EP 1654966 a1 and EP 1839543 a 1. However, such sealing elements have the disadvantages already mentioned above, namely that the manufacturing costs of the portion capsule are significantly higher due to the use of separate materials, and that the disposal or recycling of the portion capsule already used is more difficult, since the different materials have to be separated from each other.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portion capsule of the type mentioned in the introduction which does not have the problems associated with the prior art. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a portion capsule allowing an improved sealing action between the flange and the brewing chamber element without requiring a significantly increased force when the brewing chamber is closed or without requiring a separate material to achieve the sealing action.

The object of the invention is achieved by means of a portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine, which portion capsule has a base element with a base element for a cavity for receiving a raw material for the beverage and a capsule lid which closes the cavity, wherein the base element comprises a capsule base, a surrounding flange and a capsule wall extending between the capsule base and the surrounding flange, wherein the capsule lid is attached to a sealing plane on the flange, wherein the flange has a surrounding bead at its free end, wherein a sealing element in the form of a sealing embossment is provided on the flange facing away from the capsule lid, wherein the sealing plane extends on the flange on one side of the capsule lid between the bead and the sealing embossment, wherein the sealing embossment comprises an inner side at the capsule wall side and an outer side at the bead side, wherein the lateral side is oriented at a substantially right angle relative to the sealing plane and wherein the medial side is oriented at an angle of greater than 80 degrees to less than 90 degrees relative to the sealing plane.

The advantage of the portion capsule according to the invention over the prior art is that the angle of the inner side is between 80 and 90 degrees. The angle is therefore greater than in the case of the angles known from the prior art. This has the effect that the sealing embossing is not or hardly deformed at all when the brewing chamber is closed and when the portion capsule is brewed, but the desired sealing action is achieved by the close area abutment or point-like contact between the inner side face and the brewing chamber element. It is surprising and unexpected for the person skilled in the art that the transition from the sealing element known from the prior art, which is all based on the slightest possible deformation of the sealing element, to the sealing embossment which is not or hardly deformed due to its steep sides, achieves the desired result of a high sealing. Furthermore, this solution generally does not require any additional increased closing force, since no deformation has to be achieved. The inner side face has in particular an angle of 81 to 89 degrees, preferably 82 to 88 degrees, particularly preferably 83 to 85 degrees and very particularly preferably substantially 84 degrees with respect to the sealing plane. It has been found that, within this angular range, on the one hand, deformation of the sealing embossment can be prevented, since the angle is as large as possible and the sealing embossment thus ensures a high stability with respect to forces acting on the sealing embossment perpendicular to the sealing plane (also referred to as the vertical direction Y), and on the other hand, the portion capsule can be produced simply and inexpensively, since the angle is always smaller than a right angle. In the case of a seal embossing at right angles at both sides, i.e. the inner side and the outer side, it will be considerably more difficult to release the portion capsule from the moulding or embossing tool during the production of the portion capsule. If it is stated within the scope of the invention that the sealing embossment is not deformed, is hardly deformed or is deformed only to a certain extent, such a statement considered in the circumferential direction does not necessarily refer to the entire circumference around the sealing embossment. The advantages of the invention have been achieved if the relatively large circular segments embossed around the seal show no or only reduced deformation. This applies even more, since in the case of some infusion chamber elements, an additional web section is formed above the small part-circular section of the sealing contour which is in contact with the flange. Nevertheless, deformations of the sealing embossing may still occur in said areas. However, this relates only to small subsections which typically constitute less than 30%, preferably less than 20% and particularly preferably less than 10% of the total circumference of the sealing embossment.

A further subject matter of the invention or the improvement of the portion capsule according to the invention described above is a portion capsule for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine, wherein the portion capsule has a base element with a cavity for receiving a raw material for the beverage and a capsule lid which closes the cavity, wherein the base element comprises a capsule base, a surrounding flange and a capsule wall extending between the capsule base and the surrounding flange, wherein the capsule lid is attached to a sealing plane on the flange, wherein the flange has a surrounding bead at its outer free end, wherein a sealing element in the form of a sealing embossment is provided on the flange facing away from the capsule lid, wherein the sealing plane extends on the flange on one side of the capsule lid between the bead and the sealing embossment, wherein the sealing embossment comprises an inner side at the capsule wall side and an outer side at the bead side, wherein the sealing embossment is designed such that it does not deform or only deforms at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10% and very particularly preferably at most 5% of its total height perpendicular to the sealing plane when the brewing chamber is closed.

It has been shown that although a significant deformation of the sealing embossments when the brewing chamber is closed and when the portion capsule is brewed is avoided, the desired sealing action is advantageously achieved by a close area abutment or point-like contact between the inner side faces and the brewing chamber element. It is surprising and unexpected for the person skilled in the art that the desired result of a high sealing performance is achieved from the transition of the sealing element known from the prior art, which is all based on the slightest possible deformation of the sealing element, to a sealing embossment which is not or hardly deformed due to its steep sides. Furthermore, this solution does not require any high closing force, since no deformation has to be achieved. In particular, the sealing embossment is designed such that it is not deformed or only deformed by at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10% and very particularly preferably at most 5% of its height perpendicular to the sealing plane, in the event of a force applied on the sealing embossment perpendicular to the sealing plane of at most 100N. In the case of the present invention, the sealing embossment thus has such a rigid and stable form that, in the case of forces applied perpendicular to the sealing plane, that is to say in the vertical direction, at the centre of the sealing embossment, of at most 100N, which forces act in particular in a planar manner on the tips of the sealing embossment or on the lateral regions of the sealing embossment or on the transition planes of the plane of the sealing embossment, no significant deformation of the sealing embossment occurs. Here, the height of the sealing embossment should be able to vary in particular by at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10% and very particularly preferably at most 5%. Furthermore, it is conceivable that no lateral displacement or deformation occurs in the radial direction R in a direction parallel to the sealing plane, that is to say, as viewed from the central longitudinal axis of the concentrically formed portion capsule. Here, it is also provided that the tips of the sealing embossments, that is to say the transition regions of the sealing embossments, are displaced or deformed in the radial direction by at most 30%, preferably by at most 20%, particularly preferably by at most 10% and very particularly preferably by at most 5% of the width of the sealing embossments in the middle of their height.

If it is stated within the scope of the invention that the sealing embossment is not deformed, is hardly deformed or is deformed only to a certain extent, such a statement considered in the circumferential direction does not necessarily refer to the entire circumference around the sealing embossment. The advantages of the invention have been achieved if the relatively large circular segments embossed around the seal show no or only reduced deformation. This applies even more, since in the case of some infusion chamber elements, an additional web section is formed above the small part-circular section of the sealing contour which is in contact with the flange. Nevertheless, deformations of the sealing embossing may still occur in said areas. However, this relates only to small subsections which typically constitute less than 30%, preferably less than 20% and particularly preferably less than 10% of the total circumference of the sealing embossment.

Advantageous configurations and improvements of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and in the following description with reference to the drawings. These advantageous configurations and improvements therefore relate equally to the two-part capsule according to the invention described above.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the transition region extends between the inner side and the outer side, wherein the transition region preferably has a curved form or has a transition plane extending parallel to the sealing plane. The curved form of the transition area has the advantage that the sealing embossment obtains stability and thus deformation can be prevented more effectively. On the other hand, the planar form of the transition area has the advantage that the sealing embossment is flatter and thus engages to a lesser extent into the recess of the sealing contour of the receiving element of the brewing chamber, so that less force is exerted on the sealing embossment when the brewing chamber is closed. Preferably, therefore, in a radial cross section of the encircling sealing embossment the inner flank has a straight contact area extending between the flange and the transition area. The term "in radial cross-section" means that the view relates to a sectional view of the flange profile in a circumferential direction around the flange profile. The plane of the cross-sectional view is spanned by the vertical and radial directions, respectively, as shown in fig. 3 to 5.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the in-line contact region has a length of 0.1 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.8 mm, particularly preferably 0.15 to 0.55 mm and very particularly preferably 0.2 to 0.4 mm. It has been found in simulations and experiments that an optimal seal between the sealing profile of the infusion chamber element and the flange can be achieved with a rectilinear contact area of said length. In other words: the inner side is sufficient to achieve a sufficient sealing action on the sealing lug side, which bears positively and force-locking flat against the sealing contour of the brewing chamber element over a length of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm, particularly preferably 0.15 mm to 055 mm and very particularly preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, without any strong deformation of the sealing embossment by the sealing contour.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a radius of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and particularly preferably 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm in the transition from the in-line contact region to the transition region. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a radius of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and particularly preferably 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm in the transition from the outer side to the transition region. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the height of the sealing embossment perpendicular to the sealing plane is in the range between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm and particularly preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm. The preferred dimensioning of the sealing embossments described above has the effect that the sealing embossments have sufficient stability so that they do not deform when the brewing chamber is closed and/or when the capsule is brewed in the brewing chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing embossment is configured such that, in the event of a force of at most 100N being exerted on the sealing embossment perpendicular to the sealing plane, it is not deformed or only deformed by at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.15 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.1 mm and very particularly preferably at most 0.05 mm of its height perpendicular to the sealing plane. In the case of the present invention, the sealing embossment thus has such a rigid and stable form that, in the event that a force of at most 100N is applied perpendicular to the sealing plane, that is to say in the vertical direction at the center of the sealing embossment, and which acts in a planar manner, in particular on the tips of the sealing embossment or on the lateral regions of the sealing embossment or on the transition planes of the sealing embossment, no significant deformation of the sealing embossment occurs. Here, the height of the sealing embossment should be able to vary in particular by at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.15 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.1 mm and very particularly preferably at most 0.05 mm. Furthermore, it is conceivable that no lateral displacement or deformation occurs in a direction parallel to the sealing plane, that is to say in the radial direction R as viewed from the central longitudinal axis of the concentrically formed portion capsule. Here, it is also provided that the tip of the sealing bead, that is to say the transition region of the sealing bead, is displaced or deformed in the radial direction by at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.15 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.1 mm and very particularly preferably at most 0.05 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing embossment has a width in the middle of its height of between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm and particularly preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing embossments have an average material thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, preferably between 0.08 mm and 1.8 mm, particularly preferably between 0.09 mm and 1.5 mm and very particularly preferably substantially 0.11 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, in a radial cross section around the sealing embossment, the transition region has a rectilinear connecting region having a width of between 0.3 mm and 1.2 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.0 mm and particularly preferably between 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a radius of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and particularly preferably 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm in the transition from the outer side to the flange region running parallel to the sealing plane. The radius may refer to a top side of the flange or a bottom side of the flange. The preferred dimensioning of the sealing embossments described above has the effect that the sealing embossments have sufficient stability so that they do not deform when the brewing chamber is closed and/or when the capsule is brewed in the brewing chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a flange region extending between the bead and the outer side parallel to the sealing plane, and wherein the portion capsule has a flange middle region extending between the inner side and the capsule wall, wherein the flange region and the flange middle region are at the same height in a vertical direction perpendicular to the sealing plane. This has the advantage that the sealing embossment is not indirectly displaced or deformed by the flange middle region or the flange regions being deformed or displaced in the vertical direction relative to each other when the brewing chamber is closed. Alternatively, both the flange intermediate region and the flange region may bear on the closing element of the brewing chamber and thus accumulate a suitable counter force to prevent the sealing embossment from being significantly deformed. It is conceivable that the cover foil is sealed or adhesively bonded to the flange in each case both in the flange middle region and in the flange region.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a radius of 0.08 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and particularly preferably substantially 0.2 mm in the transition from the inner side to the flange middle region extending between the sealing embossment and the capsule wall. The radius may refer to a top side of the flange or a bottom side of the flange.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the portion capsule has a flange central region extending between the inner side and the capsule wall, wherein the flange central region is curved. The curved flange middle region is preferably dimensionally more stable than the planar flange middle region. The apex of the curved flange middle region is preferably located at the same height as the flange region in a vertical direction perpendicular to the sealing plane, so that both the flange middle region and the flange region are supported on the closing element of the brewing chamber. Preferably, the curvature of the flange middle region has a radius of between 0.1 and 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 and 0.8 mm and very particularly preferably between 0.4 and 0.6 mm. The radius may refer to a top side of the flange or a bottom side of the flange.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, in a radial cross section of the sealing embossing, the outer side has a linear side section which comprises a length of between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm and particularly preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, in a radial cross section, the extension between the outer side of the sealing plane and the bead comprises a length of between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm and particularly preferably between 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the bead projects above the flange above the top side forming the sealing plane. The bead preferably projects from the flange beyond the bottom side facing away from the sealing plane, wherein the flange projects from the flange on the bottom side to a lesser extent than the sealing embossment, and/or wherein the bead has a lesser extent projecting beyond the flange on the top side than on the bottom side. The bead is in particular formed by a rolling of the flange edge, wherein the flange edge is preferably rolled in the direction of the capsule base.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the base element is made of aluminum in one piece. The base element is preferably produced by cold forming or hot forming, in particular by deep drawing, in which case the sealing embossing is integrally stamped into the flange. The portion capsule is preferably frusto-conical or cylindrical. The cavity formed by the base element is used for containing beverage raw materials such as roasted coffee particles, instant coffee, chocolate powder, ground tea leaves, milk powder and the like.

Another subject of the invention is a system for preparing a beverage having a beverage preparation machine and a portion capsule according to the invention, wherein the beverage preparation machine has a brewing unit having a first brewing chamber portion and a second brewing chamber portion, wherein the first brewing chamber portion and/or the second brewing chamber portion is movable relative to the other brewing chamber portion between an approximated position, in which the first brewing chamber portion and the second brewing chamber portion form a closed brewing chamber, and an open position, in which the first brewing chamber portion and the second brewing chamber portion are spaced apart for inserting or ejecting the portion capsule, wherein the first brewing chamber portion comprises a receiving element for partially receiving the portion capsule and the second brewing chamber portion comprises a closing element for receiving the element, wherein in the closed position, the flange of the portion capsule is received in a form-fitting and sealing manner between the edge region of the receiving element and the closing element.

The portion capsule according to the invention is part of the system according to the invention, and therefore the advantages and improvements discussed in connection with the portion capsule are all equally applicable to the system according to the invention.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in the edge region a sealing contour for sealing engagement with the sealing embossment is formed, wherein the sealing contour comprises a surrounding recess and a surrounding sealing lug formed adjacent to the recess, wherein the recess is preferably arranged outside the sealing lug in the radial direction, and wherein the outer sealing lug side forms an inner wall of the recess. In particular, in the closed position, the sealing lug engages into the flange middle region and the sealing embossing engages into the recess, so that the sealing lug sides together with the inner side form a linear or punctiform contact in radial cross section.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in the closed position the sealing embossment is not deformed or is only deformed by the sealing contour by at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10% and very particularly preferably at most 5% of its height perpendicular to the sealing plane.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing contour has a further circumferential sealing lug, wherein the recess is arranged in the radial direction between the sealing lug and the further sealing lug, wherein the sealing lug is formed longer than the further sealing lug, and wherein in the closed position the further sealing lug forms a point-like contact with the outer lateral surface in a radial cross section.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention emerge from the figures and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. The appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and do not limit the basic inventive concepts herein.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion capsule according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a portion capsule according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic detailed view of a ring element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a ring element according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic detailed view of the ring element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 shows another schematic detailed view of the ring element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a portion capsule according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 show a schematic side view of a portion capsule 1 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention and a cross-sectional view of a system consisting of the portion capsule 1 and a part of a beverage preparation machine 14 for preparing a beverage.

The portion capsule 1 has a base element 2, for example, in the shape of a cup and a truncated cone, which has a capsule base 5 at its closed side and a surrounding flange 6 at its open side. Between the capsule base 5 and the flange 6, a capsule wall 7 extends around the cavity 3. The portion capsule 1 has a rotationally symmetrical structure about its central longitudinal axis M, which defines a vertical direction Y. In the radial direction R, the flange 6, which is circular and thus in circumferential form projects outwards in the circumferential direction beyond the capsule wall 7.

The flange 6 is fixedly connected to the capsule lid 4 in the form of a lid foil, which closes the cavity 3 on the open side of the base element 2. For this purpose, the flange 6 has a sealing plane 8 which faces the capsule lid 4 and extends approximately at right angles to the vertical direction Y. The capsule lid 4 is sealed, welded or adhesively bonded in its edge region to the sealing plane 8.

The capsule lid 4 is preferably formed of aluminum or plastic. The base element 2 forms a cavity 3 which is filled with beverage raw material, such as roasted coffee particles, instant coffee, chocolate powder, ground tea leaves, milk powder or the like (not shown for clarity) and which is closed by a capsule lid 4.

The cup-shaped configuration of the base element 2 is preferably produced by thermoforming, for example by deep drawing with the aid of negative pressure, positive pressure and/or a movable mold. The base element 2 is preferably in the form of a deep-drawn aluminium part. Alternatively, it is also envisaged that the base element 2 will be formed from Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the portion capsule 1 is produced by means of an injection molding process, in particular in a one-component, multi-component or in-mold process.

During use, the portion capsule 1 is introduced into the brewing unit in the beverage preparation machine 14. The brewing unit comprises a first brewing chamber portion and a second brewing chamber portion, wherein the first brewing chamber portion and/or the second brewing chamber portion is movable relative to the other brewing chamber portion between an access position, in which the first brewing chamber portion and the second brewing chamber portion form a closed brewing chamber 13, and an open position, in which the first brewing chamber portion and the second brewing chamber portion are spaced apart for insertion or ejection of the portion capsule 1.

The first brewing chamber portion is in the form of a cup-shaped containing element 22, which contains a majority of the portion capsule 1, in particular when the brewing chamber 13 is in the closed position. The second brewing chamber portion is in the form of a closing element 23 for receiving the element 22. In the closed position shown in fig. 2, the flange 6 of the portion capsule 1 is sealingly clamped between the edge region 24 of the receiving element 22 and the closing element 23.

In this closed position, the capsule lid 4 and the capsule base 5 are perforated one after the other or simultaneously. Here, the one or more perforation openings in the capsule base 5 are formed by one or more perforation tips on the closing element 23, in particular during the closing of the brewing chamber 13, while the perforation openings in the capsule lid 4 are preferably already generated by the perforation structure in the base of the containing element during the closing of the brewing chamber 13 or only due to the pressure accumulated inside the portion capsule 1 during the beverage preparation process.

The extraction liquid is introduced under pressure into the cavity 3 through one or more perforation openings in the capsule base 5. The interaction between the extraction liquid and the beverage raw material forms the desired beverage, which leaves the portion capsule 1 through the perforation openings in the capsule lid 4 and is fed into the beverage container. By means of an optional filter medium, particles of the beverage raw material can be filtered out of the beverage and retained in the portion capsule 1. Preferably, however, a multi-perforated capsule lid 4 is used as the filter element.

Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the portion capsule 1 and the brewing chamber 13 shown in fig. 2 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention. Here, fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the flange 6 on the left side of fig. 2 in an enlarged view.

The flange 6 shown extends substantially horizontally, that is to say parallel to the radial direction R, from the upper end of the capsule wall 7 to its free outer end where the flange 6 terminates in a bead 9. The bead 9 comprises in particular a flanged end which is rolled up in the direction of the capsule base 5.

Furthermore, the bead 9 projects in the vertical direction, in particular in each case both from the flange 6 over the top side which forms the sealing plane 8 and from the flange 6 over the bottom side which faces away from the sealing plane 8, wherein the flange 6 projects from the flange 6 on the bottom side to a lesser extent than the sealing embossing 10 and furthermore projects over the flange 6 on the top side to a lesser extent than on the bottom side.

Between the bead 9 and one end of the capsule wall 7, the flange 6 has a sealing embossment 10 in the form of an embossed indentation facing away from the capsule lid 4 in the vertical direction Y and in the form of a concentric ring in the circumferential direction about the central longitudinal axis M. Here, the sealing embossing 10 has an inner side 11 facing the capsule wall 7 and an outer side 12 facing the bead 9.

Between the inner side 11 and the outer side 12, a planar transition region 15 extends in the form of a transition plane 16, which runs in particular parallel to the sealing plane 8. Between the outer side 12 and the bead 9, the flange 6 has a flange region 19, the top side of which forms the sealing plane 8. The outer side face 12 is formed substantially at right angles to the sealing plane 8, that is to say it runs at an angle α of about 90 degrees relative to the plane of the flange region 19.

The outer side 12 has in particular a rectilinear side portion 21 which preferably comprises a length of between 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm and runs at right angles to the flange region 19. The flange region 19 preferably has a length of 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm. The transition between the flange region 19 and the outer side face 12 preferably has a radius of 0.08 to 0.12 mm on the bottom side of the flange 6, while the transitions from the outer side face 12 to the transition plane 16 and from the transition plane 16 to the inner side face 11 on the bottom side of the flange 6 each have a radius of 0.08 to 0.12.

The flange 6 has a flange middle region 20 between the inner side 11 and the upper end of the capsule wall 7. In the present example, the flange middle region has a curved form in radial cross section. The curvature here has in particular a radius of between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm on the underside of the flange 6.

The inner side 11 has a linear contact area 17 in a radial cross section, that is to say the linear contact area is the length of a straight line between two turning points in the contour of the inner side 11. In the present example, the length of the contact region 17 is 0.1 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.8 mm, particularly preferably 0.15 to 0.55 mm and very particularly preferably 0.2 to 0.4 mm.

According to the invention, the angle β between the inner side 11 or the straight contact region 17 and the sealing plane 8 is greater than 80 degrees and less than 90 degrees, wherein the angle β lies in the interval from 81 degrees to 89 degrees, preferably from 82 degrees to 88 degrees, particularly preferably from 83 degrees to 85 degrees, and very particularly preferably substantially 84 degrees, relative to the sealing plane 8.

The apexes of the flange region 19 and the flange middle region 20 are located at the same height in the vertical direction Y. The height 18 of the sealing embossment 10 corresponds to the total extension of the sealing embossment 10 from the bottom side of the flange region 19 and the flange middle region 20 to the bottom side of the flange 6 in the region of the transition plane 16. The height 18 is between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm and particularly preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm, perpendicular to the sealing plane 8.

The sealing embossment 10 optionally has a width, midway of its height 18, of between 0.2 and 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 and 0.8 mm and particularly preferably between 0.4 and 0.6 mm.

The material thickness of the aluminium in the region of the flange 6 is preferably between 0.1 and 0.13 mm.

Fig. 3 likewise shows the edge region 24 of the receiving element 22, which is in sealing engagement with the flange 6 of the portion capsule 1. The edge region 24 comprises a sealing profile for sealing engagement with the sealing embossment 10.

For this purpose, the sealing contour has a recess 25 running in a circumferential manner in the circumferential direction, and a sealing lug 26 which is formed adjacent to the recess 25 and likewise runs in a circumferential manner in the circumferential direction. As seen in the radial direction R, the recess 25 is arranged outside the sealing lug 26, so that an outer sealing lug side 27 of the sealing lug 26 forms an inner wall of the recess 25.

In the closed position shown, the sealing lug 26 engages into the flange middle region 20 and the sealing embossment 10 engages into the recess 25. In this way, a linear or punctiform contact 28 is formed in radial cross section between the sealing lug side 27 and the inner side 11. This linear or punctiform contact 28 is present in a circumferential manner in the circumferential direction and thus forms a substantial seal between the flange 6 and the containing element 22, so that no or hardly any extraction liquid can flow through the beverage substance to the outlet of the brewing chamber 13.

The apex of the sealing lug 26 optionally contacts the curved underside of the flange middle region 20, while the underside of the transition plane 16 optionally contacts the base of the recess 25.

The above-described design and dimensioning of the sealing embossment 10 has the effect that the sealing embossment 10 does not deform or hardly deforms when the brewing chamber 14 is closed and/or when the beverage is brewed. The sealing is effected mainly by way of the contact 28, in particular around a line or point.

In other words: the sealing embossment 10 is designed such that it does not deform or only deforms at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10% and very particularly preferably at most 5% of its height 18 perpendicular to the sealing plane 8 when the brewing chamber 13 is closed and/or when the portion capsule 1 is brewed. In particular, the sealing embossment 10 is therefore designed such that it does not deform or only deforms at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10% and very particularly preferably at most 5% of its height 8 perpendicular to the sealing plane 18, in the event of a force of at most 100N being exerted on the sealing embossment 10 perpendicular to the sealing plane 8.

The height 18 of the sealing embossment 10 should in particular vary in the vertical direction Y by at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.15 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.1 mm and very particularly preferably at most 0.05 mm when the brewing chamber 13 is closed and/or when the portion capsule 1 is brewed.

Preferably, therefore, the sealing embossment 10 likewise has such a rigid form that no lateral displacement or deformation occurs in the radial direction R. Here, it is also provided that the tip of the sealing bead 10, that is to say the transition region 15 of the sealing bead 10, is displaced or deformed in the radial direction R by at most 30%, preferably by at most 20%, particularly preferably by at most 10% and very particularly preferably by at most 5% of the width of the sealing bead 8 in the radial direction in the middle of its height.

In the case of the sealing embossment 10, the tip of the sealing embossment 10 is preferably provided when the brewing chamber 13 is closed and/or when the portion capsule 1 is brewed, that is to say the transition region 15 of the sealing embossment 10 is displaced or deformed in the radial direction R by at most 0.2 mm, preferably at most 0.15 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.1 mm and very particularly preferably at most 0.05 mm.

Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the portion capsule 1 and the brewing chamber 13 shown in fig. 2 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. Here, fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the flange 6 on the right side (e.g., of fig. 2) in an enlarged view.

The second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment shown in fig. 3, so that all the explanation above applies similarly.

In contrast, however, the seal embossments 10 in the second embodiment have a height of 0.7 mm to 0.8 mm. Thus, the in-line contact area 17 extends over 0.5 to 0.6 mm, while the transition plane 16 preferably likewise comprises a width of 0.5 to 0.6 mm. Furthermore, the flange region 19 extends in particular over 0.9 to 1 mm.

In this example, the sealing contour has a further circumferential sealing lug 28 which, in radial cross section, is in contact with the outer side face 12, forming a point-like contact. This circumferential point contact brings about an additional sealing action. The recess 25 is arranged in the radial direction between the sealing lug 26 and the further sealing lug 28. Further, the seal lug 26 is also formed longer in the vertical direction Y than the other seal lug 28.

It is conceivable that in this embodiment only relatively large circular segments surrounding the sealing embossment 10 undergo no or only reduced deformation. This is true because, in the case of some containment elements 22, an additional web section is formed over a small part-circle section in the recess 25 of the sealing profile. Nevertheless, a deformation of the sealing embossing 10 may still occur in the region of the web elements. However, this relates only to small subsections surrounding the sealing embossment 10, which typically constitute less than 30%, preferably less than 20% and particularly preferably less than 10% of the total circumference of the sealing embossment 10. Nevertheless, the remaining and therefore significantly larger sub-sections of the circumferential sealing embossment 10 are not deformed or are deformed only to a limited extent.

Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of the portion capsule 1 and the brewing chamber 13 shown in fig. 2 according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention. Here, fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the flange 6 on the right side (e.g., of fig. 2) in an enlarged view.

The third embodiment is substantially the same as the second embodiment shown in fig. 4, so that all the explanation above applies similarly.

In contrast, however, the seal embossments 10 in the third embodiment have a height of 0.8 mm to 0.9 mm. Thus, the in-line contact area 17 extends over 0.3 to 0.5 mm, while the transition plane 16 preferably likewise comprises a width of 0.4 to 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the flange region 19 extends in particular over 1 mm to 1.1 mm.

Fig. 6 and 7 show a general view and a detailed view of a dispensing capsule 1 according to an exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention. Here, fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the flange 6 on the right side of fig. 6 in an enlarged view.

The fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the second embodiment shown in fig. 4, so that all the explanation above applies similarly.

In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the transition region 15 is not formed as a planar transition plane 16 but as a curved transition region, thereby providing greater stability to the sealing embossment 10.

In the fourth embodiment, the seal embossments 10 have a height of 1 mm to 1.4 mm. Thus, the in-line contact area 17 extends over 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. The width of the sealing embossment 10 at the middle of its height 18 is about 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm. Furthermore, the flange region 19 extends in particular over 1.3 to 1.5 mm.

List of reference numerals

1 part capsule

2 base element

3 cavities

4 capsule lid

5 Capsule base

6 Flange

7 capsule wall

8 sealing plane

9 crimping

10 seal embossing

11 inner side surface

12 lateral surface

13 brewing chamber

14 beverage preparation machine

15 transition region

16 transition plane

17 contact area

18 height of seal embossments

19 flange region

20 flange middle area

21 side section

22 receiving element

23 closure element

24 edge region

25 concave part

26 sealing lug

27 sealing lug side

28 additional sealing lugs

Angle alpha

Angle beta

R radial direction

Y vertical direction

M central longitudinal axis.