The invention relates to a capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, the aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermetically closing the capsule, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of the capsule are sealingly engaged between the enclosing member and the closing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and a free contact end, the free contact end of the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves.
The invention also relates to a system for preparing a potable beverage from a capsule using a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule comprising:
a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosing member for receiving the capsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises fluid injection means for supplying fluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, for closing the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device further comprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and a free contact end, the free contact end of the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves;
a capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of the fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule by the fluid injection means of the beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, the aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermetically closing the capsule, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of the closing member of the beverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of the capsule are sealingly engaged between the enclosing member and the closing member of the beverage preparation device.
Furthermore the invention relates to the use of a capsule in a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosing member for receiving the capsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises fluid injection means for supplying fluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, for closing the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device further comprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and a free contact end, the free contact end of the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves; wherein the capsule contains a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of the fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule by the fluid injection means of the beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, the aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermetically closing the capsule, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of the closing member of the beverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of the capsule are sealingly engaged between the enclosing member and the closing member of the beverage preparation device.
Such a capsule, system and use are known from EP-B-1 700 548. In the known system the capsule is provided with a sealing member having the shape of a step, i.e. a sudden increase of the diameter of the side wall of the capsule, and the enclosing member of this known system has a sealing surface acting on the sealing member to provide deflection of the sealing member, the sealing surface being inclined so that the deflection of the sealing member is an inwards and downwards deformation of the step. Furthermore in the known system the enclosing member comprises a capsule holder and a manually operated or an automatic mechanism for relative displacement of the enclosing member and the capsule holder. The manually operated or an automatic mechanism applies a force on the sealing member of the capsule when the enclosing member closes on the capsule holder. This force should ensure the fluid tight seal between the enclosing member and the capsule. Because the manually operated or an automatic mechanism is arranged to be moved relative to the base, the sealing capabilities of the system can depend on the pressure of the fluid injected by the fluid injection means. If the pressure of the fluid increases, the force between the sealing member of the capsule and the free end of the enclosing member increases too and thereby the force between the sealing member of the capsule and the free end of the enclosing member increases also. Such a system is described further on. The sealing member of the capsule must be arranged such that upon reaching the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosing member the sealing member should still provide a fluid sealing contact between the enclosing member and the capsule. However, the sealing member must also be arranged such that prior to, or at the start of, brewing when the pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member outside the capsule is relatively low, the sealing member also provides a fluid sealing contact between the enclosing member and the capsule. If at the start of brewing, there would not exist a fluid sealing contact between the capsule and the enclosing member, leakage will occur. However, if leakage occurs there is a real chance that the pressure in the enclosing member and outside the capsule will not sufficiently increase for increasing the force on the sealing member by means of the free end of the enclosing member if the manually operated or an automatic mechanism moves the enclosing member towards the capsule holder. Only if there is a sufficient initial sealing, the pressure in the enclosing member will increase whereby also the force of the free end of the enclosing member acting on the sealing member of the capsule will increase for providing a sufficient fluid sealing contact at also the increased fluid pressure. Moreover, this increased fluid pressure outside the capsule also provides an increased fluid pressure inside the capsule which is essential if the capsule is provided with a cover which is arranged to tear open on relief members of the capsule holder (also called an extraction plate) of the beverage preparation device under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.
It follows from the above that the sealing member is a member which is very critical in design. It should be able to provide a fluid sealing contact between the enclosing member and the capsule at a relatively low fluid pressure if only a relatively small force is applied on the sealing member by means of the free end of the enclosing member but it should also provide a fluid sealing contact at a much higher fluid pressure in the enclosing member outside the capsule if a higher force is applied by means of the free end of the enclosing member to the sealing member of the capsule. In particular when the free contact end of the enclosing member is provided with radially extending open grooves which act as air inlet passage once the force between the enclosing member and the capsule holder is released so that it is easier for a user to take out the capsule, the sealing member must also be able to ‘close’ the radially extending open grooves to provide an effective seal.
It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative sealing member which is relatively easy to manufacture, which is environmentally friendly if the capsule is disposed of after use and/or which provides a satisfactory sealing both at a relatively low fluid pressure if only a relatively small force is applied on the sealing member by means of the free end of the enclosing member (sometimes also called initial seal) and at a much higher fluid pressure if a higher force is applied (e.g. during brewing) by means of the free end of the enclosing member to the sealing member of the capsule, even in case of an enclosing member of which the free contact end is provided with radially extending open grooves.
The invention has also as an object to provide an alternative system for preparing a potable beverage from a capsule and to provide an alternative use of a capsule in a beverage preparation device.
In accordance with the invention there is provided in a first aspect a capsule according to claim 1.
Since the sealing member is integral with the outwardly extending flange and includes an annular projection including a projection top projecting axially towards the capsule body bottom from an inner projection foot radially outside of an inner sealing member portion and an outer projection foot radially inside of an outer flange portion, and wherein the outwardly extending flange includes an annular trough between the inner projection foot and the side wall, the annular trough having a bottom axially spaced from the outer projection foot towards the bottom of the capsule body, the sealing member is relatively easy to manufacture and provides a satisfactory sealing to the free contact end provided with radially extending open grooves. In particular, the bottom of the annular trough axially spaced from the outer projection foot towards the bottom of the capsule body allows the bottom to be pushed towards the closing member relative to the outside of the projection, which causes the projection to be forced inwardly due to tilting and “rolling off” of the projection, thereby increasing the radial contact pressure exerted against the free contact end of the annular element, which contributes to achieving a satisfactory seal.
For stable support of the projection, preferably, the outer flange portion is oriented transverse and preferably perpendicularly to the central capsule body axis. Furthermore, the outer wall of the projection is preferably oriented upwardly from the outer projection foot at an angle of less than 10° and more preferably less than 5° to the central capsule body axis.
In this application the existence of a fluid sealing contact means that 0-6%, preferably 0-4%, more preferably 0-2.5% of the total fluid supplied to the enclosing member for preparing the beverage may leak away due to leakage between the free contact end and the sealing member of the capsule.
Seen in cross-section along a plane through the capsule body axis, the bottom of the trough is preferably continuously substantially straight or curved with a radius of curvature that is larger than (e.g. at least 5 or 10 times) a radius of curvature of transitions to the projection and to the sidewall, so that reaction forces resulting from inward forcing of the projection are effectively transferred.
The straight section of the bottom of the trough is sloping in outward direction with an axial component toward the bottom of the capsule body, so that the substantially straight or lightly curved, in 3-D generally conical, section, effectively acts as a plate spring or spring collar of which an outer portion resiliently exerts an axial counter pressure on the projection, so that axial pressure is evenly distributed in circumferential sense.
The substantially straight section of the bottom of the trough is preferably sloping at an enclosed angle to a plane perpendicular to the capsule body axis between 0 and 10 degrees and more preferably between 3 and 8 degrees or between 4 and 7 degrees.
Seen in cross-section along a plane through the capsule body axis, a transition from the bottom of the trough to the projection preferably has a sloping section that is straighter than adjacent curved sections inside and outside of said sloping section. This also contributes to effectively restraining the projection against moving outward, which would lead to a loss of radial sealing pressure.
The sloping section is preferably oriented at an enclosed angle of at least 10° and more preferably at least 20° and at most and 60° and more preferably at most 50° relative to a plane perpendicular to the capsule body axis.
A radially outer wall of the projection is preferably oriented at an enclosed angle relative to the capsule body axis of less than 8° and more preferably less than 6°. Thus, upper portions of the projection are effectively supported against collapsing and inward “rolling off” of the projection, similar to a deep drawing operation is facilitated. For the same purpose, it is further advantageous if, at the outer foot of the projection, a transition from the projection to a radially outwardly projecting portion of the outwardly extending flange has an internal radius of less than 0.15 mm and preferably less than 0.12 mm. Compressive movement induces plastic buckling of the projection, increasing the contact force applied to the free end of the enclosing member.
Preferably, the outwardly extending flange has no more than one single annular projection comprising a projection top projecting axially towards the bottom from an inner projection foot radially outside of an inner flange portion and an outer projection foot radially inside of an outer flange portion. Thus, the capsule body can be manufactured efficiently, in particular when deep drawing the capsule from plate material.
The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of a capsule the capsule contains an extractable product as substance for the preparation of a potable beverage, the extractable product preferably being 5-20 grams, preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams of an extractable product, such as roasted and ground coffee.
In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is in particular easy to manufacture the outer diameter of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule is larger than the diameter of the bottom of the capsule. Preferably, the outer diameter of the outwardly extending flange is approximately 37.1 mm and the diameter of the bottom of the capsule is about 23.3 mm.
The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of a capsule the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is such that it is deformed easily if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device, preferably the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is 20 to 200 micrometer, preferably 100 micrometer.
The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of a capsule the thickness of the aluminum cover is 15 to 65 micrometer, preferably 30-45 micrometer and more preferably 39 micrometer.
In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention the wall thickness of the aluminum cover is smaller than the wall thickness of the aluminum capsule body.
In a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention the aluminum cover is arranged to tear open on a closing member of the beverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beverage preparation device under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.
In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is in particular easy to manufacture the side wall of the aluminum capsule body has a free end opposite the bottom, the outwardly extending flange extending from the free end of the side wall in a direction at least substantially transverse to the central capsule body axis. Preferably, the outwardly extending flange comprises a curled outer edge, which is beneficial in obtaining for a satisfactory sealing with the free contact end provided with radially extending open grooves. The radius about the central capsule body axis of an inner edge of the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange is preferably at least 32 mm, so that clearance from the annular end surface of the enclosure member is ensured. It is then preferred that the sealing member is positioned between the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and an inner edge of the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange to obtain a still further satisfactory sealing.
To ensure that the curled outer edge does not interfere with operation of a wide variety of commercially available and future beverage preparation apparatuses, the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange has a largest dimension of about 1.2 millimeter.
The invention is in particular beneficial for capsules of which the inner diameter of the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body is about 29.5 mm. The distance between the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and an outermost edge of the outwardly extending flange can be about 3.8 millimeter. The preferred height of the aluminum capsule body is about 28.4 mm.
In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which after use is easier for a user to take out of a beverage preparation device the aluminum capsule body is truncated, wherein preferably the side wall of the aluminum capsule body encloses an angle with a line transverse to the central capsule body axis of about 97.5°.
In an advantageous embodiment of a capsule according to the invention the bottom of the aluminum capsule body has a largest inner diameter of about 23.3 mm. It is preferred that the bottom of the aluminum capsule body is truncated, preferably having a bottom height of about 4.0 mm and that the bottom further has a generally flat central portion opposite the cover having a diameter of about 8.3 mm.
In practically all cases a satisfactory seal can be obtained in an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention in which the height of the sealing member portion to be contacted first by the free end of the enclosure member when the enclosure member is closed is at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm and most preferably at least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm and most preferably at most 1.2 mm.
In a preferred embodiment of a capsule according to the invention the capsule comprises an inner surface, and wherein on the inner surface of at least the side wall of the capsule an inner coating is provided. In particular when the capsule is manufactured by deep drawing the inner coating facilitates the deep drawing process. In case the aluminum cover of the capsule is attached to the outwardly extending flange by means of a sealing lacquer it is then in particular advantageous when the inner coating being composed of the same material as the sealing lacquer. In dependence of the inner coating used it is preferred that the sealing member is free from an inner coating in order to prevent crumbling off of the inner coating from the sealing member.
In a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention the capsule comprises an outer surface, wherein on the outer surface of the capsule a color lacquer is provided. In order to facilitate in deep drawing it is preferred to provide on an outer surface of the color lacquer an outer coating. In dependence of the color lacquer and outer coating used it is preferred that the sealing member is free from a color lacquer (and consequently the outer coating) in order to prevent crumbling off of the color lacquer/outer coating from the sealing member.
The projection, the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and the bottom of the trough can be arranged such that the free contact end of the annular element contacts the bottom of the trough if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device.
For achieving a reliable seal, it is also advantageous if the projection has an extreme top end extending around the capsule axis at a diameter of 31.9 to 32.4 mm. Thus, when used in commercially available coffee making apparatuses such as the Citiz, Lattisima, U, Maestria, Pixie, Inissia and Essenza, an outer edge area of the free end of the enclosing member is firmly pressed against the projection.
In accordance with the invention there is provided, in a second aspect, a system for preparing a potable beverage according to claim 51.
The trough preferably has a radial width that is substantially larger than the radial thickness of the free contact end portion of the annular element, so that a clearance is left between said free contact end portion of the annular element and the side wall of the capsule body. Thus, it is ensured that the full axial force is available for generating a sealing between the enclosing member and the sealing member.
The projection top may constitute a portion of the projection, for instance a half, a third or a quarter of the projection that is axially most distal from the feet of the projection.
Regarding the preferred embodiments of the system as mentioned in the dependent claims which relate to the same features as the features of the dependent claims of the capsule reference is made to the above.
The invention is particularly suitable for use in a system according to the invention wherein, in use, the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. Even at such high pressures a satisfactory seal between capsule and beverage preparation device can be obtained.
Preferably the system is arranged such that, in use, during brewing, a free end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device exerts a force F2 on the sealing member of the capsule to provide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N preferably in the range of 750-1250 N when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. In particular the system is arranged such that, in use, prior to or at the start of brewing, a free end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device exerts a force F1 on the sealing member of the capsule to provide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is in the range of 30-150 N preferably in the range of 40-150 N, more preferably 50-100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably between 0.1-1 bar.
In an embodiment of a system according to the invention wherein the plurality of radially extending open grooves are uniformly spaced relative to each other in tangential direction of the free contact end of the annular element of the beverage preparation device so that it is easier for a user to take out the capsule while a satisfactory seal between capsule and beverage preparation device can still be provided.
In an advantageous embodiment of a system according to the invention the longest tangential width of each groove (top to top, i.e. equal to the groove to groove pitch) is 0.9-1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, wherein a maximal height of each groove in an axial direction of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device is 0.01-0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, most preferred 0.05 mm and wherein the number of grooves is 90 to 110, preferably 96. The radial width of the annular end surface at the location of the grooves may for instance be 0.05-0.9 mm, preferably 0.2-0.7 mm and more preferably 0.3-0.55 mm. The invention is in particular suitable when applied to an embodiment of a system according to the invention in which during use when the closing member of the beverage preparation device closes the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device at least the free contact end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device can move relative to the closing member of the beverage preparation device under the effect of the pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device towards the closing member of the beverage preparation device for applying the maximum force between the flange of the capsule and the free end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device. The enclosing member may comprise a first part and a second part wherein the second part comprises the free contact end of the enclosing member wherein the second part can move relative to the first part between a first and second position. The second part can move from the first position towards the second position in the direction of the closing member under the influence of fluid pressure in the enclosing member. The force F1 as discussed above may be reached if the second part is in the first position with a fluid pressure P1. The force F2 as discussed above may be reached if the second part is moved towards the second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member.
In accordance with the invention there is provided in a third aspect a use of a capsule according to the invention according to claim 63.
Particular embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims. Regarding the advantage of the inventive use and the preferred embodiments of the use as mentioned in the dependent claims which relate to the same features as the features of the dependent claims of the capsule or the dependent claims of the system reference is made to the above.
Further features, details and effects of the invention will now be further elucidated by means of, non-limiting, examples referring to the drawing, in which
In the figures and the following description, like reference numerals refer to like features.
In
In the example shown in
The system 1 of
The system 1 of
The capsule 2 further comprises a sealing member 28 integral with the outwardly extending flange, in
As shown in
An embodiment of a capsule according to the invention is shown more detailed in
In the shown embodiment, the wall thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is 39 micrometer. The wall thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is preferably smaller than the thickness of the aluminum capsule body 12.
The side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 has a free end 42 opposite the bottom 18. The inner diameter IDF of the free end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 is about 29.5 mm. The outwardly extending flange 20 extends from that free end 42 in a direction at least substantially transverse to the central capsule body axis 12A. The outwardly extending flange 20 comprises a curled outer edge 43 which is beneficial for obtaining a seal between the capsule and the enclosing member. In the shown embodiment the curled outer edge 43 of the outwardly extending flange 20 has a largest dimension of about 1.2 millimeter. The distance DIF between the free end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and an inner edge 43A of the curled outer edge 43 is about 2.7 mm, while the distance DOF between the free end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and an outermost edge 43B of the outwardly extending flange 20 is about 3.8 millimeter. The radius about the central capsule body axis of the inner edge 43A of the curled outer edge 43 is preferably at least 32 mm.
As shown in
As can be seen from
The system 1 shown in
The capsule 2 is placed in the enclosing member 6. The extraction plate 8 is brought into contact with the capsule 2. The bottom piercing means 24 pierce the bottom 18 of the capsule 2 for creating the entrance openings 25. The fluid, here hot water under pressure, is supplied to the extractable product in the inner space 22 through the entrance openings 25. The water will wet the coffee grounds and extract the desired substances to form the coffee beverage.
During supplying the water under pressure to the inner space 22, the pressure inside the capsule 2 will rise. The rise in pressure will cause the cover 14 to deform and be pressed against the lid piercing means 26 of the extraction plate. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear strength of the cover 14 will be surpassed and the cover 14 will rupture against the lid piercing means 26, creating exit openings. The prepared coffee will drain from the capsule 2 through the exit openings and outlets 32 (see
The system 1 is arranged such that prior to or at the start of brewing, the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6 exerts a force F1 on the sealing member 28 of the capsule 2 to provide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is in the range of 30-150 N preferably 40-150 N, more preferably 50-100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably 0.1-1 bar. During brewing, the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6 exerts a force F2 on the sealing member 28 of the capsule 2 to provide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and the enclosing member 6, wherein the force F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N, preferably in the range of 750-1250 N, when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule 2 is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. In the shown embodiment the free contact end of enclosing member 6 can move relative to the extracting plate 8 under the effect of the pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member 6 device towards the extraction plate 8 for applying the maximum force F2 between the outwardly extending flange 20 and the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6. This movement can take place during use, i.e. in particular at the start of brewing and during brewing. The enclosing member 6 has a first part 6A and a second part 6B wherein the second part comprises the free contact end 30. The second part 6B can move relative to the first part 6A between a first and second position. The second part 6B can move from the first position towards the second position in the direction of the closing member 8 under the influence of fluid pressure in the enclosing member 6. The force F1 as discussed above may be reached if the second part 6B is in the first position with a fluid pressure P1. The force F2 as discussed above may be reached if the second part 6B is moved towards the second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6.
As a result of the force applied the sealing member 28 of the capsule according to the invention undergoes a plastic deformation and closely conforms to the grooves 40 of the free contact end 30 and thus provides a fluid sealing contact between the enclosing member 6 and the capsule 3 at a relatively low fluid pressure during start up of brewing but also provides a fluid sealing contact at the much higher fluid pressure in the enclosing member outside the capsule during brewing. This close conformation to the grooves 40 of the enclosing member is indicated in
Now an embodiment of a sealing member 28 at the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 according to the invention will be described in more detail with regard to
Further, the projection 50 and the bottom 52 of the trough are arranged such that the free contact end 30 of the annular element 41 is contacted by the bottom 52 of the trough if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed.
The distance between the projection 50 and a side wall 16 of the capsule body 12 is preferably 0.9-1.25 mm, which allows the inner ridge 60 of the enclosing member 6 of widely used and commercially available beverage preparation devices (such as the Citiz, Lattisima, U, Maestria, Pixie, Inissia and Essenza) to be reliably squeezed against the projection 50 with the side wall 16 in close proximity thereto, but slightly spaced from the side wall 16.
The projection 50 has a projection top constituting a portion of the projection, for instance a half, a third or a quarter of the projection that is axially most distal from the feet 53, 54 of the projection 50. The projection 50 is configured such that its projection top exerts a radial force on the free contact end 30 of the annular element 41 if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member 8 of the beverage preparation device.
If, as shown in
As can also be seen from
As can be seen from
In the first stage contact between the annular element 6 and the sealing member 28 is established an initial seal is created between a generally inwardly facing surface portion of the projection 50 and an outer surface portion 70 of the free end 30 of the annular element 6. The radial location of this inwardly facing surface portion of the projection 50 and the local radius of curvature of the projection 50 are arranged to ensure that the faces contacting each other are oriented almost vertically. This allows a very strong wedging effect to be achieved, so that a very small vertical closing force results in very large horizontal contact pressures. These large horizontal forces are exerted with little deformation of the outer projection 50, because the reaction forces generated by the surface contact are contained mainly by hoop stress in the projection 50. Also, such hoop stresses are largely independent of the remainder of the sealing member 28, so that high stiffness for exerting a large sealing force can be combined with flexibility to accommodate to tolerances and misplacement of the capsule.
In the second stage, the closure and further compression of the brew chamber onto the sealing ring is supported by the build-up of hydraulic pressure. As the compressive force builds, the bottom 52 of the annular trough is pushed downwards by the mechanical and hydraulic loading and the projection 50 pivots about an outer foot 54 of the projection 50 and rolls off inwardly until the bottom 52 of the annular through 55 touches the cover as is shown in
In the third stage, a further increase of the axial (here vertical) force causes a slight further deformation of the sealing member 28. In the present embodiment a reliably very leak-tight seal at a high pressure drop at high contact pressure is obtained by deformation of a sloping section 58 at the inner projection foot 53 forming a transition from the projection 50 to the bottom 52 of the trough, which section 58 constitutes a relatively straight section between more curved sections of the bottom of the trough 52 and of the outer projection 50. Such deformation results in a particularly high contact pressure along a narrow line between the projection 50 and the outer surface portion 70 of the free end 30 of the annular element 6. The sloping section 58 is preferably oriented at an enclosed angle of at least 10° and more preferably at least 20° and at most and 60° and more preferably at most 50° relative to a plane perpendicular to the capsule body axis.
Seen in cross-section along a plane through the capsule body axis, the bottom 52 of the trough is continuously substantially straight, so that reaction forces resulting from inward forcing of the projection 50 are effectively transferred.
The straight section of the bottom 52 of the trough, which may also be slightly curved, is sloping in outward direction with an axial component 55 toward the bottom of the capsule body 12, so that the straight, effectively conical section, effectively acts as a plate spring or spring collar of which an outer portion resiliently exerts an axial counter pressure on the projection 50, so that axial pressure is evenly distributed in circumferential sense. The substantially straight section of the bottom 52 of the trough is preferably sloping at an enclosed angle to a plane perpendicular to the capsule body axis between 0 and 10 degrees.
In the present example, the bottom 52 of the trough is axially spaced from the cover 14, which is attached to an annular flange portion on the outside of the projection 50. This (preferably aluminum) cover 14 also contributes to retaining the projection 50 axially inwards against radially outward forces exerted thereon by the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6. This effect may also be achieved if the cover is attached to the bottom of the trough, via which the projection is then additionally retained axially inwards against radially outward forces exerted thereon by the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6. An advantage of the latter solution is that the substance inside the capsule is prevented from entering between the bottom of the trough and the cover.
A radially outer wall of the projection 50 is oriented is substantially parallel to the capsule body axis, so that upper portions of the projection 50 are effectively supported against collapsing and inward “rolling off” of the projection 50, similar to a deep drawing operation is facilitated. For the same purpose, it is further advantageous if, at the outer foot 53 of the projection 50, a transition from the projection to a radially outwardly projecting portion 56 of the outwardly extending flange 20 has a small internal radius, e.g. of less than 0.15 mm and preferably less than 0.12 mm.
Since the outwardly extending flange 20 has no more than one single annular projection, the capsule body 12 can be manufactured efficiently, in particular when deep drawing the capsule from plate material.
In particular in connection with the final mutual displacement of the annular element 6 and the sealing member 28, a particular issue is that, in practice, most annular elements have one or more bridges 61 (
In
The outwardly and upwardly facing surface of shoulder 157 is preferably oriented relative to the central capsule body axis at an angle B of at least 30° and more preferably at least 40°, so that shifting of the capsule 102 over a substantial distance can be achieved over a limited axial displacement of the free contact end 130 of the annular element 141 relative to the capsule 102.
In
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2017592 | Oct 2016 | NL | national |
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/340,091, filed Apr. 5, 2019, which is a U.S. National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/NL2017/050663, filed Oct. 9, 2017, which claims the benefit of and priority to Netherlands Patent Application No. NL2017592, filed Oct. 7, 2016, which are each hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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4251032 | Werding | Feb 1981 | A |
4319758 | Nicholson | Mar 1982 | A |
4526385 | Wheeler | Jul 1985 | A |
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4651538 | Bull | Mar 1987 | A |
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2503697 | Jan 2014 | GB |
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2014001584 | Jan 2014 | WO |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20220055827 A1 | Feb 2022 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 16340091 | US | |
Child | 17517590 | US |