Single Serve Capsule For Preparing A Beverage In A Beverage Preparation Machine, And Method For Producing A Single Serve Capsule

Abstract

The invention relates to a single serve capsule for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine, wherein the single serve capsule has a base element having a hollow space for receiving a beverage raw material, and a capsule cover that closes the hollow space, wherein the base element comprises a capsule bottom, a peripheral flange and a capsule wall that extends between the capsule bottom and the peripheral flange, wherein the flange has a sealing element which is integral with the flange and is in the form of a sealing bead oriented away from the capsule cover, wherein the sealing bead comprises an inner flank and an outer flank, wherein the flange has a first flange region between the capsule wall and the inner flank and a second flange region between the outer free end of the flange and the outer flank, and wherein the capsule cover is fastened along a first peripheral fastening face in the first flange region and along a second peripheral fastening face in the second flange region.

Claims

1. A single serve capsule for preparing a beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine, comprising: a) a base element comprising: i. a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material; ii. a capsule base; iii. an encircling flange; and iv. a capsule wall extending between the capsule base and the encircling flange; and b) a capsule lid closing the cavity; wherein the encircling flange has a sealing element which, in a form of a sealing crimp that points away from the capsule lid, is configured integrally with the encircling flange; wherein the sealing crimp comprises an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder; wherein the encircling flange between the capsule wall and the inner shoulder has a second flange region, and between an outer free end of the encircling flange and the outer shoulder has a second flange region; wherein the capsule lid along a first encircling fastening face is fastened in the first flange region, and along a second encircling fastening face is fastened in the second flange region; wherein a transition region extends between the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder; and wherein the transition region in a radial direction has an extent of about 0.05 mm to about 0.20 mm.

2. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer free end of the encircling flange is rolled up, in such a manner that the outer free end forms an encircling bead, wherein the encircling bead relative to the encircling flange has a vertical extent of more than zero on one or both sides of the encircling flange, wherein the vertical extent of the bead on a side of the encircling flange that faces away from the capsule lid is less than the vertical extent of the sealing crimp, and/or wherein the vertical extent of the encircling bead on a side of the encircling flange that faces the capsule lid is less than on the side of the encircling flange that faces away from the capsule lid.

3. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner shoulder as well as the outer shoulder in relation to a horizontal plane running through the first flange region and through the second flange region are aligned at an angle of more than 80 to less than 90 degrees.

4. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first encircling fastening face and the second encircling fastening face each have a substantially horizontal extent.

5. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first encircling fastening face and the second encircling fastening face are vertically spaced apart from one another, and wherein the first encircling fastening face has a smaller vertical spacing from the capsule base than the second encircling fastening face.

6. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 5, wherein the vertical spacing between the first encircling fastening face and the second encircling fastening faces is less than three times a thickness of the encircling flange in a region of the first encircling fastening face and/or the second encircling fastening face.

7. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first encircling fastening face and the second encircling fastening face are provided in such a manner that there is no fluid connection between the cavity of the single serve capsule and a cavity present between the capsule lid and the sealing crimp.

8. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder are configured so as to be mutually symmetrical.

9. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transition region is configured so as to be curved, or has a transition plane which extends parallel to the first flange region and/or to the second flange region.

10. (canceled)

11. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base element is integrally made of aluminum.

12. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the single serve capsule in a region of the capsule base has a filter.

13. A system for preparing a beverage comprising: a) a beverage preparation machine; and b) the single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1; wherein the beverage preparation machine has a brewing unit having a first brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part; wherein the first brewing chamber part and/or the second brewing chamber part are/is movable relative to the other brewing chamber part between a converged position, in which the first brewing chamber part and the second brewing chamber part form a closed brewing chamber, and an open position, in which the first brewing chamber part and the second brewing chamber part are mutually spaced apart for inserting or ejecting the single serve capsule; wherein the first brewing chamber part comprises a receptacle element for at least partially receiving the single serve capsule and the second brewing chamber part comprises a closure element for the receptacle element; wherein in the closed position the encircling flange of the single serve capsule is received in a form-fitting and sealing manner between a peripheral region of the receptacle element and the closure element.

14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein a sealing contour for engaging in a sealing manner with the sealing crimp is configured in the peripheral region of the receptacle element; wherein the sealing contour comprises an encircling depression and, configured adjacent to the encircling depression, an encircling sealing projection, wherein the encircling depression in a radial direction is preferably outside the encircling sealing projection, and wherein an outer sealing projection shoulder forms an inner wall of the encircling depression, and/or wherein in the closed position the sealing projection engages in the first flange region and the sealing crimp engages in the encircling depression in such a manner that the sealing projection shoulder conjointly with the inner shoulder in a radial cross section configure a linear contact.

15. A method for producing the single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, comprising: in a first step, generating the base element having the capsule base, the encircling flange, and the capsule wall which extends between the capsule base and the encircling flange; in a second step or in the first step, molding the sealing crimp in the encircling flange; in a third steps, filling the cavity of the base element at least with a beverage raw material; in a fourth step, closing the base element with the capsule lid; wherein the capsule lid along a first fastening face and along a second fastening face is fastened to the encircling flange.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the fourth step comprises at least one first sub-step and one second sub-step, wherein in the first sub-step sealing, by a heat sealing tool, takes place along the second fastening face, and wherein in the second sub-step sealing, by a heat sealing tool, takes place along the first fastening face and/or the second fastening face.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein in a further sub-step of the fourth step, prior to the first sub-step, the capsule lid is generated from a strip stock.

18. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first step comprises a first sub-step, a second sub-step, and a third sub-step, wherein in the first sub-step a basic shape is generated from a strip stock, wherein in the second sub-step a preform is generated in such a manner that the base element is formed from the basic shape, wherein in the third sub-step a bead is formed from the outer free end of the encircling flange, wherein the molding of the sealing crimp takes place in the second sub-step or the third sub-step.

19. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein in a fifth step, which takes place after the first step and prior to the third step, a filter is incorporated in the cavity and fastened to the base element in a region of the capsule base.

20. An installation for producing a single serve capsule, having a forming station for forming a base element, a filling station for filling a cavity of the base element with at least one beverage raw material, and a closing station for closing the base element with a capsule lid, wherein the closing station is a heat sealing station for closing a single serve capsule with a capsule lid for producing the single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1, having at least one first heat sealing tool, wherein the first heat sealing tool is configured to seal the capsule lid to the encircling flange along the second fastening face, and wherein the first heat sealing tool or a second heat sealing tool is configured to seal the capsule lid to the encircling flange along the first fastening face and/or the second fastening face.

21. The installation as claimed in claim 20, wherein the first heat sealing tool and/or the second heat sealing tool each comprise at least one sonotrode and at least one receptacle element, wherein the receptacle element has an open cavity for receiving the single serve capsule, wherein the receptacle element furthermore has at least one counter-holding means, wherein the counter-holding means, on a side of the encircling flange that faces away from the capsule lid, in a region of the first fastening face and/or of the second fastening face, is configured to provide a counterforce to a force exerted by the sonotrode.

22. The installation as claimed in claim 21, wherein the receptacle element has at least one counter-holding means in a region of the first fastening face, wherein an upper face of the counter-holding means is disposed so as to be at least 0.05 mm higher in comparison to an upper face of the counter-holding means of the first heat sealing tool and/or of the second heat sealing tool in a region of the second fastening face.

23. The installation as claimed in claim 21, wherein the sonotrode of the first heat sealing tool and/or of the second heat sealing tool has a heat-discharging means which is centrically disposed.

24. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] FIGS. 1 and 2 show schematic sectional views of a single serve capsule and of a system for preparing a beverage according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIGS. 3 to 5 show schematic detailed views of the single serve capsule according to the different exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0065] FIGS. 6 to 15 show different schematic views of heat sealing tools according to different exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 16 shows a schematic detailed view of the single serve capsule according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention in cross section.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0067] References to dimensions are contained in some images. These images correspond to technical drawings from which dimensions and/or size ratios can thus be derived. This applies in particular at least to FIGS. 3 to 5, and 12 to 15.

[0068] Illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are a schematic lateral view of a single serve capsule 1 and a sectional view of a system composed of the single serve capsule 1 and part of a beverage preparation machine 13 for preparing a beverage according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The single serve capsule 1 has a base element 2 which by way of example is configured to be frustoconical and in the shape of a cup and which on the closed side thereof has a capsule base 5 and on the open side thereof has an encircling flange 6. A capsule wall 7 extends about a cavity 3 between the capsule base 5 and the flange 6. The single serve capsule 1 is constructed so as to be rotationally symmetrical about its central center longitudinal axis M, the latter defining a vertical direction Y. The flange 6, which is configured so as to be circular and thus to encircle in the circumferential direction, protrudes outward beyond the capsule wall 7 in the radial direction R.

[0070] The flange 6 is fixedly connected to a capsule lid 4 in the form of a lid foil, in particular an aluminum foil, which closes the cavity 3 on the open side of the base element 2. The flange 6 to this end has according to the invention a first fastening face 100 that faces the capsule lid 4, and a second fastening face 200, said fastening faces 100, 200 preferably extending approximately perpendicularly to the vertical direction Y. The capsule lid 4 in the peripheral region thereof is sealed, welded or adhesively bonded to the flange 6 in the first and the second fastening face 100, 200.

[0071] The capsule lid 4 is preferably embodied from an aluminum material or plastics material, which may also comprise laminates in each case. The cavity 3 which is filled with beverage raw material, for example roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, blended tea, milk powder and/or the like is configured within the base element 2 (the beverage raw material is not illustrated for reasons of clarity), said cavity 3 being closed by the capsule lid 4.

[0072] The cup-shaped design embodiment of the base element 2 is preferably generated by thermoforming, for example deep drawing by means of a vacuum, positive pressure and/or a movable die. The base element 2 is preferably configured as a deep-drawn aluminum part. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable, however, that the base element 2 is configured as a plastic part from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the single serve capsule 1 is produced by means of injection molding, in particular in the single-component, multi-component or in-mold method. A two-component method in which an aluminum layer, in particular with a layer thickness of 90 ?m, is provided with a layer of PP, in particular with a layer thickness of 30 ?m, is particularly preferable as the multi-component method. The PP layer is most particularly preferably disposed on one side or on both sides of the aluminum layer, in particular on the internal side of the base element 2 and/or of the cavity 3. Due to the absence of PVC, a better connection between the flange 6 and the capsule lid 4 is advantageously made possible as a result.

[0073] The single serve capsule 1 when in use in a beverage preparation machine 13 is introduced into a brewing unit. The brewing unit comprises a first brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part, wherein the first or the second brewing chamber part is movable relative to the other brewing chamber part between a converged position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber part form a closed brewing chamber 12, and an open position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber part are mutually spaced apart for inserting or ejecting the single serve capsule 1.

[0074] The first brewing chamber part is configured as a cup-shaped receptacle element 21 which largely receives the single serve capsule 1, in particular when the brewing chamber 12 is in the dosed position. The second brewing chamber part is configured as a closure element 22 for the receptacle element 21. In the closed position depicted in FIG. 2, the flange 6 of the single serve capsule 1 is jammed in a sealing manner between a peripheral region 23 of the receptacle element 21 and the closure element 22.

[0075] In this closed position, the capsule lid 4 and the capsule base 5 are successively or simultaneously perforated. The one or the plurality of perforation openings in the capsule base 5 here are in particular formed by one or a plurality of perforation tips on the receptacle element 21 while closing the brewing chamber 13, whereas the perforation openings in the capsule lid 4 are preferably generated by perforation structures in the base of the closure element 22 already while closing the brewing chamber 12, or only as a result of the pressure build up in the interior of the single serve capsule 1 during the beverage preparation process.

[0076] A pressurized extraction liquid is directed into the cavity 3 through the one or the plurality of perforation openings in the capsule base 5. The desired beverage is created as a result of the interaction between the extraction liquid and the beverage raw material, said beverage exiting the single serve capsule 1 through the perforation openings in the capsule lid 4 and being supplied to a beverage container. Potential particles of the beverage raw material can be filtered from the beverage and retained in the single serve capsule 1 by an optional filter medium. However, the capsule lid 4, which has multiple perforations, preferably functions as the filter element.

[0077] Illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 are detailed views of the single serve capsule 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The figures here show the sectional illustration of the flange 6 on the right side of FIG. 1 or 2 in an enlarged illustration, respectively. FIGS. 3 to 5 here are true to scale and illustrated with more exact reproduction of the angular and longitudinal ratios.

[0078] The depicted flange 6 extends substantially horizontally, thus parallel to the radial direction R, from the upper end of the capsule wall 7 to the free outer end of said flange 6, at which the flange 6 terminates by way of a bead 8. The bead 8 comprises in particular a flange end that is rolled up in the direction of the capsule base 5.

[0079] Moreover, the bead 8, in particular on both sides of the flange 6, protrudes in the vertical direction Y, wherein the flange 6 on the lower side projects from the flange 6 by less than one sealing crimp 9, and furthermore on the upper side projects beyond the flange 6 by less than or the same as on the lower side.

[0080] The flange 6, between the bead 8 and the end of the capsule wall 7, has the sealing crimp 9 which is configured in the form of an embossing which is directed away from the capsule lid 4 in the vertical direction Y and in the circumferential direction concentrically encircles the central longitudinal axis M. The sealing crimp 9 here has an inner shoulder 10 which faces the capsule wall 7, and an outer shoulder 11 which faces the bead 8. The sealing crimp 9 is integrally formed here from the flange 6 and, as can be seen in the figures, has substantially the same thickness as the capsule wall 7 and/or a first flange region 18 between the capsule wall 7 and the inner shoulder 10 and/or a second flange region 19 between the bead 8 and the outer shoulder 11.

[0081] A transition region 14 in the form of the transition plane 15, which runs so as to be in particular flat (thus rectilinear) and parallel to the first and/or the second flange region 18, 19, extends between the inner shoulder 11 and the outer shoulder 12. The outer shoulder 11 in relation to the second flange region 19 runs at an angle ? of approx. 85 degrees.

[0082] The outer shoulder 11 has in particular a rectilinear shoulder portion 20 which preferably comprises a length between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm. The second flange region 19 preferably has a length of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0083] The flange 6 between the inner shoulder 10 and the upper end of the capsule wall 7 has a first flange region 18. The first flange region 18 in the present example in the radial cross section is at least in portions configured so as to be rectilinear and horizontal. The rectilinear region has in particular a length of 0.07 mm to 0.09 mm.

[0084] The inner shoulder 10 in the radial cross section has a rectilinear contact region 16, i.e. the rectilinear contact region 16 is the length of the straight line between the two transitions in the profile of the inner shoulder 10. The length of the contact region 16 in the present example is preferably 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0085] According to the invention, the angle ? between the inner shoulder 10, or the rectilinear contact region 16, and the first flange region 18 is substantially 85 degrees, respectively.

[0086] The angle between the inner and the outer shoulder 10, 11 is thus preferably 5 to 15 degrees, particularly preferably 8 to 12 degrees, and most particularly preferably substantially 10 degrees.

[0087] The first flange region 18 and the second flange region 19 in the vertical direction Y here are at the same height. The height 17 of the sealing crimp 9 corresponds to the overall extent of the sealing crimp 9 from the lower side of the first and the second flange region 18, 19 to the lower side of the flange 6 in the region of the transition plane 15. This height 17, perpendicular to the first or the second flange region 18, 19, is between 0.9 mm and 1.0 mm, respectively.

[0088] The material thickness of the aluminum in the region of the flange 6 is preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.13 mm, in particular substantially 0.11 mm or 0.12 mm.

[0089] For reasons of clarity, the peripheral region 23 of the receptacle element 21, which engages in a sealing manner with the flange 6 of the single serve capsule 1, is not illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5. The peripheral region 23 comprises a sealing contour for engaging in a sealing manner with the sealing crimp 9. To this end, the sealing contour has a depression which encircles in the circumferential direction, and, configured adjacent to the depression, a sealing projection which likewise encircles in the circumferential direction. When viewed in the radial direction R, the depression is disposed outside the sealing projection so that an outer sealing projection shoulder of the sealing projection forms an inner wall of the depression.

[0090] In the closed position depicted in FIG. 2, the sealing projection engages in the first flange region 18, while the sealing crimp 9 engages in the depression. Configured as a result in the radial cross section between the sealing projection shoulder and the inner shoulder 10 is a contact 16. This contact 16 is preferably present in an encircling manner in the circumferential direction and in this way forms the actual seal between the flange 6 and the receptacle element 21 so that hardly any extraction liquid, or no extraction liquid, can flow to the outlet of the brewing chamber 12 past the beverage raw material. The apex of the sealing projection optionally touches the lower side of the first flange region 18, whereas the lower side of the transition plane 15 optionally touches the base of the depression.

[0091] The afore-described configuration and sizing of the sealing crimp 9 leads to the sealing crimp 9 not being significantly deformed when closing the brewing chamber 12 and/or when brewing the beverage. The sealing takes place mainly by the in particular encircling contact 16 which by virtue of the stiffness of the sealing crimp 9 is relatively intensely impinged with force.

[0092] In other words: the sealing crimp 9 is configured in such a manner that said sealing crimp 9 when closing the brewing chamber 12 and/or brewing the single serve capsule 1 is deformed only by at most 30%, preferably by at most 20%, particularly preferably by at most 10%, and most particularly preferably by at most 5% of its height 17 perpendicular to the first and/or the second flange region 18, 19. In particular, the sealing crimp 9 in this way is configured in such a manner that said sealing crimp 9, when impinged with a force of up to 100 N acting on the sealing crimp 9 perpendicularly to the first and/or the second flange region 18, 19, is deformed only by at most 30%, preferably by at most 20%, particularly preferably by at most 10%, and most particularly preferably by at most 5% of its height 17 perpendicular to the first and/or the second flange region 18, 19. Sufficient force for the contact 16 is available only in this way.

[0093] It is conceivable that the sealing crimp 9 when closing the brewing chamber 12 and/or brewing the single serve capsule 1 in terms of its height 17 is varied in particular by at most 0.2 mm, preferably by at most 0.15 mm, particularly preferably by at most 0.1 mm, and most particularly preferably by at most 0.05 mm in the vertical direction Y. Alternatively, the sealing crimp 9 is displaced only in the radial direction R and not in the vertical direction Y, however.

[0094] The sealing crimp 9 as a result is preferably likewise configured so as to be stiff in such a manner that there is also no excessive lateral displacement or deformation in the radial direction R, respectively. It is provided that the sealing crimp 9 is configured in such a manner that said sealing crimp 9 when closing the brewing chamber 12 is preferably deformed or displaced parallel to the first and/or the second flange region 18, 19 only to the extent that the radius of said sealing crimp 9 in relation to a central center longitudinal axis M of the single serve capsule 1 is displaced parallel to the first and/or the second flange region 18, 19 only by at most 5% so that the single serve capsule 1 can be easily again retrieved from the brewing chamber 12 after brewing, and the sealing projection is not jammed by the laterally tilting sealing crimp 9.

[0095] It is conceivable that when closing the brewing chamber 12 and/or brewing the single serve capsule 1 it is preferably provided for the sealing crimp 9 that the tip of the sealing crimp 9, thus the transition region 14 of the sealing crimp 9, is displaced or deformed by at most 0.2 mm, preferably by at most 0.15 mm, particularly preferably by at most 0.1 mm, and most particularly preferably by at most 0.05 mm, in the radial direction R.

[0096] The other dimensions numerically indicated in FIG. 3 can preferably likewise be considered as essential to the invention.

[0097] Illustrated in FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the single serve capsule 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an exemplary further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 here shows the sectional illustration of the sealing crimp 9 in an enlarged illustration (in the same alignment as in FIG. 3, thus the capsule wall 7 on the left and the bead 8 on the right).

[0098] This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated and explained in the context of FIG. 3, so that all preceding explanations apply in an analogous manner.

[0099] In contrast, the transition region 14 is however configured as a curved transition region and not as a rectilinear, flattened transition plane 15. The rectilinear contact region 20 on the outer shoulder 11 has a length of 0.5 mm to 0.6 mm, in particular 0.53 mm. The rectilinear contact region 16 on the inner outer shoulder 10 has a length of 0.4 mm to 0.55 mm, in particular 0.473 mm.

[0100] The angle between the inner and the outer shoulder 10, 11 is preferably 5 to 15 degrees, particularly preferably 8 to 12 degrees and most particularly preferably substantially 10 degrees.

[0101] Illustrated in FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the single serve capsule 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an exemplary further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 here shows the sectional illustration of the sealing crimp 9 in an enlarged illustration (in the same alignment as in FIGS. 3 and 4, thus the capsule wall 7 on the left and the bead 8 on the right).

[0102] This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiments illustrated and explained in the context of FIGS. 4 and 5, so that all preceding explanations apply in an analogous manner.

[0103] The previously discussed dimensions deviate slightly in this embodiment and can be derived from the drawing. The angles ?, ? are however the same.

[0104] According to the embodiment illustrated here, the radius in the transition between the capsule wall 7 and the first flange region 18 is between 0.49 mm and 0.51 mm, in particular 0.50 mm.

[0105] The first flange region 18 comprises a first fastening face 100 in which the capsule lid 4 is connected to the flange 6, in particular is sealed to the latter. Additionally however, the second flange region 19 also comprises a second fastening face 200 in which the capsule lid 4 is connected to the flange 6, in particular is sealed to the latter. Consequently, the capsule lid 4 is according to the invention connected to the flange 6 in at least two fastening faces 100, 200. These fastening faces 100, 200 are preferably disparate, i.e. different from one another, in particular without an intersection, and are disposed in the first and the second flange region 18, 19, thus in flange regions on both sides of the sealing crimp 9.

[0106] The first and the second fastening face 100, 200 here are preferably configured so as to be substantially annular. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the annuluses here have substantially the same diameter.

[0107] The fastening faces 100, 200 here are disposed horizontally and substantially at a height corresponding to the flange regions 18, 19. Alternatively however, it is also possible that the first flange region 18 and the second flange region 19 are at different heights. This is possible inter alia for reasons of production. In this way, the first flange region 18 is disposed so as to be by between 0.020 mm and 0.030 mm, in particular by up to 0.025 mm lower, i.e. at a smaller spacing from the capsule base 5, than the second flange region 19.

[0108] Also in this case, thus in the case of, in particular horizontal, flange regions 18, 19 at different heights, the capsule lid 4 is connected to the flange 6 by way of the first fastening face 100 as well as the second fastening face 200.

[0109] The radius at the transitions between the first flange region 18 and the inner shoulder 10, and the second flange region 19 and the outer shoulder 11, is between 0.10 mm and 0.12 mm, in particular 0.11 mm, whereas the radius at the transitions between the inner shoulder 10 and the transition region 14, also flat here, and the outer shoulder 11 is preferably between 0.20 mm and 0.22 mm, in particular 0.21 mm. The radii described above here are in each case measured on the side that faces away from the capsule lid 4, corresponding to the image. As the person skilled in the art understands, the difference in terms of the associated radii on the side that faces the capsule lid 4 lies in the material thickness at this location, here thus in particular 0.11 mm or 0.12 mm.

[0110] The transition between the second flange region 19 and the bead 8 preferably is between 0.19 mm and 0.21 mm, in particular 0.20 mm.

[0111] The height 17 of the sealing crimp 9 according to this embodiment in the region of the first flange region is between 0.90 mm and 0.98 mm, in particular 0.90 mm, and in the region of the second flange region is between 1.00 mm and 0.90 mm, in particular 0.90 mm.

[0112] The bead 8 has in particular a vertical extent of between 1.20 mm and 1.40 mm, in particular 1.30 mm.

[0113] According to the example illustrated here, the transition plane 15 has a radial extent of preferably between 0.10 mm and 0.14 mm, in particular 0.12 mm.

[0114] Illustrated in FIG. 6 is a heat sealing tool, in particular a first heat sealing tool 24, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Such a heat sealing tool serves for sealing the capsule lid 4 to the flange 6 of the single serve capsule 1.

[0115] A special heat sealing tool is here an essential requirement for achieving sealing according to the invention on both sides of the sealing crimp 9.

[0116] Heat sealing tools 24, 25 of this type are already known in principle here, which is why only the points of differentiation in comparison to known heat sealing tools, in particular with a view to the single serve capsule 1 according to the invention, will be discussed below.

[0117] The heat sealing tool 24 here comprises inter alia a sonotrode 28 which generates heat in a targeted manner and thus locally heats the material of the capsule lid 4 and of the flange 6 and causes a materially integral connection between the two. As a result, a fluid-tight connection between the base element 2 and the capsule lid 4 is generated. Since pressure also plays a decisive role alongside heat, the heat sealing tool 24 comprises a receptacle element 26 which receives the base element 2 and on the lower side of the flange 6, by way of suitable counter-holding means 27 in the region of the first and/or the second fastening face 100, 200, provides a counterforce to the force exerted by the sonotrode 28 such that a deformation of the flange and thus a defective single serve capsule 1 and/or incomplete sealing of the capsule lid 4 does not arise.

[0118] The heat sealing tool 24 will be explained in more detail in the context of the following images.

[0119] In terms of the invention it is now decisive that the sealing procedure takes place in two stages, wherein in a first sub-step the capsule lid 4, initially only in the second flange region 19, along the second fastening face 200 is connected to the flange 6, and wherein in a second sub-step the capsule lid 4 in the first flange region along the first fastening face 100 as well as in the second flange region 19 along the second fastening face 200 is connected to the flange 6.

[0120] The first sub-step here corresponds in particular to pre-sealing, i.e. a sealing procedure which in comparison to the second sub-step is carried out with at least one parameter, in particular sealing temperature, sealing time and/or sealing force, reduced in value.

[0121] A combination of a sealing temperature of preferably between 200? C. and 220? C., in particular 210? C., a sealing time of preferably between 220 ms and 280 ms, in particular 250 ms, and a sealing pressure of preferably between 100 N and 500 N, in particular 300 N, this in a preferred heat sealing tool 24 corresponding to a sealing pressure of approximately 2 bar, has proven successful in particular in the context of experiments.

[0122] In principle, it is possible to carry out both sub-steps with the same heat sealing tool 24. It is possible here, for example, optionally not to perform a change between the sub-steps, i.e. to operate with the same elements, but changed parameters, and/or to replace the sonotrode 28 and/or the receptacle element 26.

[0123] Alternatively, the two sub-steps are carried out in different heat sealing tools, here a first heat sealing tool 24 and a second heat sealing tool 25.

[0124] This embodiment will be explained in a purely exemplary manner by means of FIGS. 6 to 15. Thus, the external diameter of the sonotrode 28 of the first heat sealing tool 24 here is preferably between 34.0 mm and 35.0 mm, in particular 34.5 mm.

[0125] Shown in FIG. 7 is a schematic detailed drawing of the first heat sealing tool 24 in the region relevant here. In comparison to known heat sealing tools the first heat sealing tool 24 differs in that the counter-holding means 27 has two projecting regions which by way of upper faces lie below the first flange region 18 and the second flange region 19, respectively.

[0126] The counter-holding means 27 can be provided here in one piece or multiple pieces. The counter-holding means 27 here comprises in particular two plungers.

[0127] It has been surprisingly demonstrated here that best sealing results are achieved when two plungers with dissimilar heights are used for a single serve capsule 1, as has been described in the context of FIG. 5. The inner plunger, thus the plunger that is assigned to the first flange region 18 and to the first fastening face 100, is in particular higher here than the outer plunger assigned to the second flange region 19 and to the second fastening face 200 by between 0.05 mm and 0.25 mm, preferably between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm and in particular by 0.15 mm. For the sake of clarity, this is clearly illustrated here in an exaggerated manner not true to scale. Both plungers have upper faces which are in contact with the first flange region 18 and the second flange region 19 and thus define the first and the second fastening face 100, 200.

[0128] The counter-holding means 27 here can be disposed so as to be variable in terms of height or fixed.

[0129] Furthermore, the first heat sealing tool 24 in the present case has an optional heat-discharging means 29 in the center of the sonotrode 28. This here is an insert made of ceramic, the diameter thereof being chosen in such a manner that said heat-discharging means 29 covers the capsule lid 4 in the region of the interior of the single serve capsule 1, thus above the cavity 3.

[0130] The heat-discharging means 29 ensures that the heat does not compromise the beverage raw material and/or the capsule lid 4 in this region, said heat arising to a greater extent by virtue of the two different sealing procedures.

[0131] Since sealing is only effected by way of the second fastening face 200 in the first sub-step, the inner plunger for the receptacle element 26 of the first heat sealing tool 24 is optional.

[0132] Now illustrated in FIG. 8 is a second heat sealing tool 25 which effects the primary sealing procedure (also referred to as post-sealing). The second heat sealing tool 25 here corresponds substantially to the first heat sealing tool 24, so that reference is made to the explanations in the context of FIGS. 6 and 7. This applies to FIG. 8 as well as to FIG. 9.

[0133] The sonotrode 28 of the second heat sealing tool 25 here preferably has a larger diameter than the sonotrode 28 of the first heat sealing tool 24, particularly preferably between 34.3 mm and 35.2 mm, and in particular 34.8 mm.

[0134] The sealing procedure of the second sub-step is now carried out with at least one parameter higher in terms of value, wherein a combination of a sealing temperature of preferably between 200? C. and 220? C., in particular 210? C., a sealing time of preferably between 420 ms and 480 ms, in particular 450 ms, and a sealing pressure of preferably between 700 N and 1100 N, in particular 900 N, which in the preferred embodiment of the sonotrode 28 of the second heat sealing tool 25 corresponds to a sealing pressure of approximately 6 bar, has proven particularly successful.

[0135] As has already been mentioned, the capsule lid in this second sub-step is fixedly and in particular in a fluid-tight and pressure-tight manner fastened to the flange 6, specifically along the first fastening face 100 as well as the second fastening face 200.

[0136] Illustrated in FIG. 10 is a perspective sectional illustration of the first and/or the second heat sealing tool 24, 25. Reference is made here to the above explanations in the context of FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0137] It can be very clearly seen in FIG. 10 that the counter-holding means 27 provides a counterforce only in the region of the first and the second flange region 18, 19. The receptacle element 26 is clearly spaced apart from the base element 2 in the region of the sealing crimp 9 as in the region of the capsule base 5.

[0138] Furthermore to be seen in FIG. 10 is the construction of the sonotrode 28, in particular with a view to the heat-discharging means 29, according to the embodiment illustrated here.

[0139] Illustrated in FIG. 11 is a schematic detailed view of a cross section of the heat sealing tool 24, 25 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention similar to the illustrations in FIGS. 7 and 9. Reference in this respect is made to the preceding explanations. By way of example, grooves, presently four grooves, can be seen in the capsule wall 7 of the single serve capsule 1 here.

[0140] FIGS. 12 and 13 show technical drawings of the receptacle element 26, or of the sonotrode 28 of the first heat sealing tool 24, according to the previously explained exemplary embodiment of the present invention, respectively. The external diameter of the receptacle element 26 is preferably substantially 35 mm, and the height is preferably 36 mm.

[0141] The sonotrode 28 according to the embodiment illustrated here in turn has an external diameter of in particular 34.5 mm, wherein the heat-discharging means 29 in the sonotrode 28 has an external diameter of 29.7 mm.

[0142] FIGS. 14 and 15 show technical drawings of the receptacle element 26, or of the sonotrode 28 of the second heat sealing tool 25, according to the previously explained exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed drawing of the counter-holding means 27. Plotted in the detailed drawing is the height differential between the plungers, wherein the inner plunger, assigned to the first flange region 18, lies higher than the outer plunger by 0.15 mm.

[0143] The external diameter of the receptacle element 26 preferably is substantially 35 mm, and the height is preferably 36.15 mm. The sonotrode 28 according to the embodiment illustrated here in turn has an external diameter of in particular 34.8 mm, wherein the heat-discharging means 29 in the sonotrode 28 has an external diameter of 29.7 mm.

[0144] Illustrated in FIG. 16 is a schematic detailed view of the single serve capsule 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention in cross section. The embodiment shown in FIG. 16 corresponds here substantially to the embodiments explained in the context of FIGS. 3 to 5 and in particular to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, so that reference is made to the respective explanations.

[0145] FIG. 16 differs from FIG. 5 in particular in terms of the dimensions and/or the associated tolerances. The following dimensions according to the illustrated embodiment can be derived here from the image from left to right. The transition from the capsule wall 7 to the first flange region 18 on the side of the capsule lid 4 has a radius of preferably 0.30 mm to 0.50 mm. The transition between the first flange region 18 and the inner shoulder 10, in particular on the side that faces away from the capsule lid 4, has a radius of preferably 0.11 mm to 0.36 mm. The sealing crimp 9 between the transition region 14, which here too is a transition plane 15, thus has an, at least in portions, flat extent of in particular 0.12 mm in length, and the first flange region 18 preferably has a height of 0.82 mm to 0.90 mm.

[0146] The transition from the inner shoulder 10 to the transition plane 15, in particular on the side that faces away from the capsule lid 4, preferably has a radius of 0.23 mm to 0.33 mm. An angle ? of 5? is preferably provided between an imaginary tip of the sealing crimp 9 and a plumb line. This corresponds to an angle of 85? between a horizontal portion of the first flange region 18 and the inner shoulder 10.

[0147] Here too, the sealing crimp 9 is particularly preferably of a symmetrical construction. In this way, the virtual internal angle in an imaginary extension of the tip of the sealing crimp 9 is 10?. Furthermore, the transition from the transition plane 15 to the outer shoulder 11, in particular on the side that faces away from the capsule lid 4, preferably has a radius of 0.23 mm to 0.33 mm. The angle between the straight portion of the outer shoulder 11 and a horizontal portion of the second flange region 19 is preferably 85?. The transition between the outer shoulder 11 and the second flange region 19, in particular on the side that faces away from the capsule lid 4, has a radius of preferably 0.11 mm to 0.36 mm. The sealing crimp 9 between the transition plane 15 and the second flange region 19 preferably has a height of 0.90 mm to 1.00 mm.

[0148] The person skilled in the art understands that, within the tolerances, the first flange region 18 and the second flange region 19 thus preferably lie on a horizontal plane but, due to tolerances, there may also be a slight horizontal offset of presently at most 0.18 mm, i.e. consequently in particular somewhat more than a material thickness.

[0149] The transition between the second flange region 19 and the bead 8 preferably has a radius of 0.20 mm to 0.45 mm, wherein the bead 8 according to the embodiment illustrated has a radial extent of approximately 1 mm and a vertical extent, thus an overall height, of preferably 1.25 mm to 1.45 mm, in particular 1.35 mm.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0150] 1 Single serve capsule [0151] 2 Base element [0152] 3 Cavity [0153] 4 Capsule lid [0154] 5 Capsule base [0155] 6 Flange [0156] 7 Capsule wall [0157] 8 Bead [0158] 9 Sealing crimp [0159] 10 Inner shoulder [0160] 11 Outer shoulder [0161] 12 Brewing chamber [0162] 13 Beverage preparation machine [0163] 14 Transition region [0164] 15 Transition plane [0165] 16 Contact region [0166] 17 Height of the sealing crimp [0167] 18 First flange region [0168] 19 Second flange region [0169] 20 Shoulder portion [0170] 21 Receptacle element [0171] 22 Closure element [0172] 23 Peripheral region [0173] 24 First heat sealing tool [0174] 25 Second heat sealing tool [0175] 26 Receptacle element of the heat sealing tool [0176] 27 Counter-holding means [0177] 28 Sonotrode [0178] 29 Heat-discharging means [0179] 100 First fastening face [0180] 200 Second fastening face [0181] ? Angle [0182] ? Angle [0183] R Radial direction [0184] Y Vertical direction [0185] M Central longitudinal axis