阅读说明：本技术 具有盒固持件的分配器 (Dispenser with cartridge holder ) 是由 M·克鲁格 G·艾姆普勒 D·菲舍尔 于 2017-01-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种具有盒固持件的分配器、包括该分配器的系统、以及使用该系统制造饮料的方法,涉及饮料制造领域,其中该盒固持件具有用于盒和/或盒接收座的至少一个引导件和/或防扭转件。该分配器能够将盒可靠地固持在分配器中,使得一方面不发生泄漏另一方面也不发生反向污染。(The present invention provides a dispenser with a cartridge holder, a system comprising the dispenser, and a method of manufacturing a beverage using the system, relating to the field of beverage manufacturing, wherein the cartridge holder has at least one guide and/or anti-twist for a cartridge and/or a cartridge receptacle. The dispenser is capable of securely holding the cartridge in the dispenser so that no leakage occurs on the one hand and no reverse contamination occurs on the other hand.)

1. Dispenser with a cartridge holder (24), characterized in that the cartridge holder has at least one guide and/or anti-twist (25, 27) for a cartridge (1) and/or a cartridge receptacle (10), wherein the cartridge holder (24) has a trigger element (36) for transferring a piercing means (16) of the cartridge receptacle (10) from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the cartridge holder (24) has a liquid interface (35) and the cartridge holder (24) has a compressed air outlet (32) connected to a compressed air source.

2. Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge holder (24) has a recess (26) which at least partially receives the cartridge (1) and/or the cartridge receptacle (10), wherein the recess (26) cooperates at least partially in a form-fitting manner with the cartridge (1) or cartridge receptacle (10).

3. Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge holder (24) has a guide (25) which co-acts with the periphery of the cartridge receptacle (10).

4. Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge holder (24) comprises a fastening flange (34) which upon or after insertion into the cartridge holder (24) engages the cartridge receptacle (10) around with a form-fit and/or force-fit.

5. A dispenser according to claim 4, characterized in that the fastening flange (34) comprises a trigger mechanism configured such that actuation of the trigger mechanism causes circumferential engagement of the cartridge receptacle (10) by the fastening flange (34) and/or deflection of the fastening flange (34) resulting in relative movement between cartridge receptacle (10) and a trigger element (36) in contact with the piercing means (16), thereby transferring the piercing means (16) from the retracted position into the extended position.

6. The dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a handle for manual actuation of the trigger mechanism, wherein the handle is preferably formed rotatable about a rotation axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge (1).

7. Dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the triggering mechanism comprises a conversion transmission which converts a rotational movement of the handle about a rotational axis parallel to the longitudinal axis into a translational movement substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and in particular into a raising or lowering of the cartridge receptacle (10).

8. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the dispenser has an identification detector (39) for reading a product identification (38) on the cartridge (1) and/or the cartridge receptacle (10), wherein the identification detector (39) is preferably arranged above and/or behind the cartridge holder (24).

9. A system with a dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a cartridge receptacle (10) and/or a cartridge (1), wherein the cartridge (1) is closed by means of a membrane (14) and the cartridge receptacle (10) has a piercing means (16) for piercing the membrane (14), wherein the cartridge receptacle (10) has a tip guide (28) in which the piercing means (16) is displaceably mounted, wherein the piercing means (16) is displaceable between a retracted position in which the piercing means (16) is spaced apart from the membrane (14) and an extended position in which the piercing means (16) pierces the membrane (14) of the cartridge (1) and protrudes up into the cartridge (1).

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the cartridge receptacle (10) has an inlet (15) for a diluent, in particular water, a mixing chamber (13) in which the diluent is mixed with a beverage matrix and/or a food matrix, and an outlet (11), wherein the flow cross section preferably first widens and then decreases again relative to the flow direction of the diluent.

11. System according to claim 9, characterized in that when the membrane (14) is pierced by the piercing means (16), at least one lateral channel (71) is introduced into the outer wall of the piercing means (16) in order to guide the beverage and/or food matrix in the direction of the mixing chamber (13).

12. System according to claim 9, characterized in that a compressed air line (31) is integrated into the piercing means (16) and in that a compressed air connection (40) of the compressed air line (31) is formed on the side of the piercing means (16) facing away from the cartridge (1), which is accessible in particular from outside the cartridge receptacle (10), for connection to a compressed air source, and in that a compressed air outlet channel of the compressed air line (34) is formed on the side of the piercing means (16) facing the cartridge (1), for blowing compressed air into the cartridge (1).

13. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the system is formed such that the coupling of a compressed air interface (40) with a compressed air outlet of the cartridge holder takes place when inserting the cartridge receptacle (10) into the cartridge holder and/or when actuating the triggering mechanism for the fastening flange.

14. System according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the cartridge (1) is provided with a product identification identifier, wherein the product identification identifier is preferably arranged on the side of the cartridge facing the identifier detector, and wherein it is particularly preferred that the cartridge has a substantially flat surface section in the area of the product identification identifier.

15. Method for making a beverage (70) using a system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized by the steps of:

-inserting a cartridge system consisting of a cartridge (1) and a cartridge receptacle (10) into the cartridge holder,

-a fluid connection formed between a fluid source of the dispenser and an inlet (15) of the cartridge receptacle (10),

-a compressed air connection formed between a compressed air source of the dispenser and a compressed air interface (40) of the cartridge receptacle (10),

-piercing the septum (14) by transferring the piercing tip (16) from the retracted position into the extended position,

-transferring beverage and/or food substrates from the cartridge (1) into the mixing chamber (13) by feeding compressed air into the cartridge (1) via the compressed air interface (40),

-feeding a diluent into the mixing chamber (13) through the inlet (15), and

-leading out a beverage produced by mixing the beverage and/or food matrix with the diluent in the mixing chamber (13) by means of the outlet (11),

-wherein the piercing tip (16) is transferred from the retracted position into the extended position by a trigger element of the dispenser, wherein the cartridge receptacle (10) is preferably moved relative to the fixed trigger element such that the piercing tip (16) is transferred from the retracted position into the extended position.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the diluent is cooled and/or carbonated before being fed into the inlet (15).

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the product identification identifier is read by the identifier detector before, during or after the time of inserting the cartridge system into the cartridge holder and/or feeding compressed air into the cartridge (1) and/or feeding the diluent into the mixing chamber (13) and/or offsetting the fastening flange against the trigger element.

Background

The present invention relates to a dispenser having a cartridge holder (Kartuschenhalterung).

Such systems are theoretically known from the prior art (for example from EP 2017221 a1 and WO 96/36556 a1) and are used for making beverages from pre-portioned cartridges. Making a beverage with such a system is very convenient for the user, as he only needs to insert the cartridge into the dispenser and initiate the start-up procedure. The dispenser (also referred to as beverage preparation machine) then coordinates the production process of the beverage fully automatically, i.e. in particular mixes the food or beverage base in a predetermined amount into a liquid (in particular cold and carbonated water) and leads into the drinking vessel. In this way, the production of, in particular, mixed drinks is made considerably simpler, faster and less time-consuming and laborious for the user. The user can here select from a plurality of different cartridges, so that he can produce different beverages according to his preference.

The dispenser described in the opening paragraph is known from the prior art and is used for making e.g. cold drinks with the aid of a cartridge. It is important that the cartridge is held securely in the dispenser so that no leakage occurs on the one hand and no reverse contamination occurs on the other hand.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dispenser which meets these requirements. In particular, leak-free beverage production should be possible without back contamination of the dispenser. The distributor should at the same time provide high operating comfort and be able to be implemented cost-effectively. Another object of the invention is to controllably set the foam formation on beverages or food.

This object is achieved by a dispenser with a cartridge holder having at least one guide and/or an anti-twist for the cartridge and/or the cartridge receptacle.

The embodiments made for this subject matter of the invention are equally and inversely applicable to the other subject matters of the invention.

The present invention relates to a dispenser having a cartridge holder which mounts the cartridge at the dispenser and supports and/or guides the cartridge. The cartridge has a cavity in which the beverage matrix and/or the food matrix are located. This matrix is preferably liquid and in particular a concentrate, and is mixed with a solvent, in particular water, to produce a beverage or food and then contained in a container, in particular a glass, which is preferably located on a support surface of the dispenser arranged below the holder. The beverage base and/or food base preferably comprises liquid premix ingredients for soft drinks such as coffee, carbonated, fruit and/or sugar lemonade and fruit juices, beer (mix) drinks or other alcoholic or non-alcoholic (mix) drinks.

According to the invention, a guide and/or an anti-rotation element is provided on the cartridge holder. Thereby it is ensured that the cartridge on the one hand assumes a certain position with respect to the dispenser, at least in spatial direction, and on the other hand prevents twisting or insertion in a wrong orientation of the cartridge before or during the production of the beverage. In this way it is also ensured that, in the case of a cartridge equipped with a product identification identifier which can be read by the identifier detector of the dispenser, this identifier always faces the detector, so that a reliable and error-free reading can be achieved.

Preferably, the cartridge holder has a recess which at least partially receives the cartridge and/or the cartridge receptacle. Preferably, the recess in the cartridge holder and the cartridge or cartridge receptacle cooperate at least partially in a form-fitting manner and thus function as a support surface and/or as an anti-rotation element. Preferably the recess extends as far as the edge, so that the periphery of the recess is open at one location. Where the projection can be placed in the cartridge receptacle. Alternatively, the recess has a projection for the projection of the cartridge receptacle.

Alternatively or additionally, the holder has a guide which interacts with the periphery of the cartridge receptacle and/or the cartridge. This guide can be, for example, an upright hook, which preferably extends in the edge region of the recess of the holder. The guide preferably extends at right angles to the horizontal and prevents the cassette from tipping over relative to the vertical.

According to a preferred embodiment, the recess and/or the guide have openings for projections/projections at the cartridge receptacle, which projections can be used as torsion-proof elements or as further stabilizers.

Preferably, the holder has a liquid connection. Through this liquid interface a solvent for making the beverage is provided. The liquid interface of the holder is preferably in a connection, in particular liquid-tight connection, with the fluid inlet in the cartridge receptacle. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the liquid connection is fed with a fluid which is cooled by a cooling assembly, wherein the cooling assembly is part of the dispenser or a separate refrigerator in operative connection with the dispenser. Thus, in an advantageous manner, a cold drink can be made even when the cartridge itself is not cooled and has, for example, room temperature. The integration of this system to existing freezers has the following advantages: the existing cooling assembly of the refrigerator can be used simply and in an efficient manner at the same time with the dispenser. Especially in the case of so-called "side-by-side" freezers (also commonly referred to as american-style freezers), there is sufficient construction space in the front to integrate the dispenser. It is contemplated that the dispenser is a retrofit kit for such coolers. The cooling assembly preferably comprises a compressor cooling unit, an absorber cooling unit or a thermoelectric refrigerator. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the liquid is connected toThe port feeds a fluid that is carbonated by a carbonator. It is envisaged that wherein the carbonator is part of the dispenser, and wherein the carbonator has a valve for CO₂Receptacle for a tank and method for removing CO from the tank₂Tank adding CO to the fluid₂The supply device of (1). Thus, also carbonated (soft) beverages can advantageously be produced by the system. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the carbonator to have an external CO₂An interface. The fluid comprises in particular water supplied from a water line or tank of the dispenser by means of one or more pumps, preferably membrane pumps. The supply of water to the liquid connection is preferably monitored by means of a flow sensor, for example an ultrasonic flow sensor or a magnetically induced flow sensor.

According to the invention, it is proposed that the holder has a compressed air outlet which is connected to a compressed air source. The compressed air outlet functions as a cartridge unloading means and serves to introduce compressed air from the outside into the cavity of the cartridge, thereby pressing the food matrix and/or the beverage matrix from the cavity into the mixing chamber of the cartridge receptacle. The compressed air is provided in particular by a distributor. The cartridge receptacle preferably has a gas inlet that is directly coupled to a compressed air outlet of the holder upon insertion of the cartridge receptacle into the holder. This has the advantage that a reverse contamination in the direction of the dispenser is effectively avoided, since the pressure channel is immediately under pressure when the cartridge system is inserted into the holder and thus a movement of the food and/or beverage base in the direction of the dispenser and in particular in the direction of the compressed air source is avoided. The substrate can therefore only be moved from the cavity in the cartridge in the direction of the mixing chamber.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the holder has a trigger element for the purpose of transferring the piercing means of the cartridge receptacle from the retracted position into the extended position. The cartridge is preferably closed with a septum, e.g. a sealing membrane. The cartridge receptacle preferably has a piercing means which is displaceable between a retracted position in which it is spaced apart from the septum and an extended position in which it pierces the septum and protrudes up into the cavity of the cartridge. I.e. the cartridge is opened by the piercing means. In order to transfer the puncturing means into the extended position, the holder has a triggering element. It is conceivable that the trigger element has a fixed projection which, upon insertion of the cartridge system into the holder, bears against the puncturing means and urges the puncturing means into the extended position by a relative movement between the cartridge system and the trigger element. It is particularly preferred that the compressed air outlet is integrated into the piercing means.

Preferably, the holder comprises a fastening flange which, upon or after insertion of the holder, engages the cartridge receptacle peripherally with a form-fit and/or force-fit. The fastening flange further comprises a trigger mechanism configured such that actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the cartridge receptacle to be peripherally engaged by the fastening flange and/or causes deflection of the fastening flange, thereby causing relative movement between the cartridge receptacle and a trigger element in contact with the piercing means, thereby transferring the piercing means from the retracted position into the extended position. The trigger mechanism comprises in particular a handle for manual actuation of the trigger mechanism, wherein the handle is preferably formed to be rotatable about a rotation axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The trigger mechanism preferably further comprises a conversion transmission which converts rotational movement of the handle about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis into translational movement substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. After the cartridge system has been inserted into the holder, the handle is actuated by the user, thereby securely engaging the cartridge system from the surroundings and linearly deflecting against the trigger element. By preventing rotation and converting the rotational movement into a linear translational movement it is ensured that the orientation of the cassette is kept constant with respect to the dispenser. Reading of the product identification identifier described in the following is thereby advantageously simplified.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the dispenser has an identification detector for reading a product identification identifier on the cartridge and/or on the cartridge receptacle, wherein the identification detector is preferably arranged above and/or behind the holder. Preferably, the product identification identifier is embedded in a bar code, RFID code, two-dimensional code, data matrix code, color code, holographic code, or the like. Thus, in an advantageous manner, the product identification identifier can be read automatically. The identification detector comprises, inter alia, an optical sensor, such as, for example, a CCD camera which automatically reads a bar code or a two-dimensional code or a data matrix code when the cartridge is inserted into the beverage preparation machine. Alternatively, the identifying object detector comprises a transceiving antenna for automatically reading the RFID code. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the product identification identifier is also embedded in other automatically readable computer chips. The term two-dimensional code in the sense of the present invention especially includes any data matrix code. The terms two-dimensional code and data matrix code are then used as synonyms. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the product identification identifier comprises a line code, a dot code, a binary code, a morse code, a braille code (braille) or the like. The codes can also be embedded in three-dimensional structures, for example in recesses (Relief). The product identification identifier comprises in particular a so-called product identification number, in particular the Universal Product Code (UPC), the European Article Number (EAN), the GS1 code, the global article number (GTIN) or the like. In this way, there is no need to introduce a new coding system for this purpose. The product identification identifier complies with the GS1 standard, in particular. The product identification identifier is preferably directly printed, glued onto the cartridge and/or introduced into the surface of the cartridge, for example by (laser) intaglio printing, blanking or directly introduced when the cartridge is manufactured. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to wrap the cartridge at least partially with a sleeve, for example a sleeve, on which the product identification identifier is arranged. The liner may also be bonded or welded to the box. The liner or sleeve may be made of plastic film, fabric or paper.

Another or preferred subject of the invention is a dispenser having a support surface for a container in which the prepared beverage or food is contained. Wherein the support surface is arranged to be height-adjustable and/or rotatable.

The support surface is preferably arranged rotatably, for example about an axis or about a point, so that the container, in particular when the prepared beverage or food flows in, can be placed obliquely. Whereby the foam formation on the beverage can be influenced. The support surface can be adjusted manually or motor-driven. The dispenser may have the following devices (e.g. cameras): the device acquires the state of the foam on the beverage or food and changes the tilt position correspondingly by means of the signal of this device. Furthermore, preferably, the cartridge for producing beverages or food may have information about the inclined position to be used. According to a further preferred embodiment, the cartridge has an identifier by means of which the cartridge can be identified. Once the cassette is recognized, information about the desired tilt position of the container can be recalled. Similar considerations apply to containers containing beverages or food. The container can also have information and/or identification means by means of which the desired tilting position can be obtained. Furthermore, the support surface is preferably height-adjustable, so that it can be adapted, for example, to different glass sizes and/or can influence the foam formation by the length of the drop path.

In addition, the invention relates to a system having a cartridge receptacle and/or a cartridge, wherein the cartridge receptacle reversibly or irreversibly, in particular partially, receives the cartridge. The capsule has a cavity in which the beverage matrix and/or food matrix is located and hermetically closed, in particular by the membrane, before beverage production and/or food production. The capsule is then opened, in particular pierced, into the membrane for the production of the beverage and/or food, and the matrix enters/flows, in particular with the aid of compressed air introduced into the cavity, into a mixing chamber of a capsule receptacle, which also has an inlet for a diluent (also referred to as solvent), in particular water, for mixing with the matrix, in order to produce the beverage or food, which exits from the mixing chamber through an outlet likewise provided at the capsule receptacle. The volume flow of solvent is here generally significantly greater than the mentioned flow of matrix. The cartridge and the cartridge receptacle associated with the cartridge together form a cartridge system that can be inserted into the holder of the dispenser.

Preferably, the flow cross section, that is to say the cross section available for the flow of the liquid (in particular of the solvent stream and/or of the mixture formed from solvent and matrix), is arranged such that it first slows down the flow speed and then accelerates it again relative to the flow direction of the solvent. The acceleration achieved by the narrowing of the flow cross section occurs as far as possible after the solvent and the matrix have been mixed.

According to a further preferred subject of the invention, the mixing chamber has a projection. This projection preferably projects from a periphery, in particular from a lateral periphery, which extends between the two end sides of the cartridge receptacle. Preferably the projection is part of the mixing chamber. Preferably, the periphery of the mixing chamber is designed substantially circular and the bulge protrudes from this circle. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an outlet for the prepared beverage or food is provided in the projection.

According to a further preferred subject matter of the invention, the cartridge receptacle has a fastening ring and/or a securing ring. This fastening ring and/or the securing ring preferably receives a cartridge fastened to the cartridge receptacle. Preferably, the fastening ring and/or the securing ring are provided with a nominal breaking position and/or a nominal deformation position at the mixing chamber. This position is destroyed and or deformed, in particular irreversibly, before the beverage or food is made. This may be done, for example, by moving the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle relative to each other. The cartridge receptacle can only be used once and/or the bond between the cartridge receptacle and the cartridge can no longer be eliminated by deformation and/or destruction.

Preferably, at least one mixing element is provided in the mixing chamber for generating a swirling flow of the solvent or the mixture of solvent and substrate. Preferably, the mixing element is provided as a projection and/or is shaped in the bottom of the mixing chamber. The mixing element is preferably designed such that carbonic acid dissolved in the solvent is not discharged or is discharged only to a small extent. The mixing element is preferably designed such that it has only a small pressure loss.

Preferably, the cartridge receptacle has piercing means which perforates the membrane prior to making the beverage or food. This piercing means is for example designed as a tip protruding from the bottom of the mixing chamber. The cartridge receptacle preferably has a tip guide in which the puncturing means is displaceably mounted. The piercing means can in this way be offset between a retracted position, in which it is spaced apart from the septum, and an extended position, in which it pierces the septum and protrudes up into the cavity of the cartridge.

Preferably, the piercing means has at least one, preferably a plurality of indentations and/or protrusions on its outer circumference, which serve as outlets for the matrix. The number and size of the indentations and/or projections preferably depends on the viscosity of the matrix. The outer wall of the piercing means is provided with at least one lateral channel for guiding the substrate in the direction of the mixing chamber when the membrane is pierced. The substrate can then be made to flow past the membrane in the direction of the mixing chamber through lateral channels formed laterally at the piercing means. Preferably, a plurality of lateral channels are formed at the piercing means. These lateral channels are in particular each formed in the form of a groove which is open on one side. It is conceivable that the cross section of the lateral channels and/or the number of lateral channels is adapted to the viscosity of the substrate, so that the lateral channels control or limit the flow of the substrate in the direction of the mixing chamber. At high viscosities, more lateral channels or lateral channels with a larger cross section are used, while at low viscosities, fewer lateral channels or lateral channels with a smaller cross section are provided. Thus there is a matching cassette receptacle for each cassette.

Preferably, a compressed air line, in particular in the form of an internal channel, is integrated into the puncturing device, wherein a compressed air connection of the compressed air line, which is accessible in particular from outside the cartridge receptacle, is formed on the side of the puncturing device facing away from the cartridge, for connection to a compressed air source, and wherein a compressed air outlet channel of the compressed air line is formed on the side of the puncturing device facing the cavity of the cartridge, for blowing compressed air into the cartridge. Compressed air is preferably already applied at the compressed air interface when the cartridge system consisting of the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle is inserted into the holder, in order to prevent any reverse contamination of the dispenser. Alternatively, the piercing means are moved from the retracted position into the extended position by compressed air applied to the dispenser. Instead of compressed air, CO can also be introduced₂Into the cavity in order to transfer the substrate from the cavity into the mixing chamber.

That is, it is preferred that the piercing means has a channel ending in or in the region of the tip. Through which a gas, in particular air or CO, can be introduced₂Blown into the box in order to accelerate and/or meter the substrate output.

The system is preferably formed such that the coupling of the compressed air interface with the compressed air outlet of the holder takes place when the cartridge receptacle is inserted into the holder and/or when the trigger mechanism for the fastening flange is actuated. The compressed air line is thus set under pressure as early as possible, so that back contamination of the distributor by the matrix is suppressed.

Preferably the inlet and the outlet are provided at opposite ends of the cartridge receptacle. It is particularly preferred that the piercing means is arranged flush with the inlet and the outlet.

According to a further preferred subject matter of the invention, the outlet is movably, in particular rotatably, arranged at the mixing chamber or has the following means: by means of the device, the outlet can be oriented, in particular, in the direction of the side wall of the container receiving the prepared beverage or food. Such an embodiment is particularly useful in the case of beverages or foods that are advantageously prone to foam formation. The movement of the outlet may be performed manually or by motor. For the case of a cartridge having an identification, the rotation may be performed automatically after the dispenser has recognized the cartridge. Furthermore, means for determining the foam may be present. Based on this analysis, the outlet can then be set.

The capsule is preferably manufactured from plastic, in particular by a moulding and/or blow-moulding process. The box has side walls, for example with a circular, rectangular, square, conical or oval cross section. A base is generally (in particular integrally) provided at one end of the side wall. The side wall and optionally the bottom extend into a cavity in which the beverage matrix and/or the food matrix are provided, in particular in liquid form. At the other end of the wall region, a connection region is provided, by means of which the cassette is connected to the cassette receptacle. This cartridge receptacle may be part of the dispenser or a separate component from the dispenser.

The connecting region is preferably arranged such that it has at least one flange. The flange projects from the connecting region and is preferably angled, particularly preferably at right angles to the wall region of the connecting region. For making beverages or food, the flange is preferably horizontally oriented. Preferably the flange is made of a solid material, i.e. not hollow. In particular injection moulding the flange.

It is furthermore preferred that the flange is provided with positioning means and or covering means. The positioning means ensure that the cartridge can only be arranged in a certain position, in particular at a certain angle of rotation, in particular relative to the longitudinal center axis of the cartridge, at the dispenser and/or the cartridge receptacle. The covering element covers an area, in particular an area through which the prepared beverage or food flows. Preferably, the positioning means and the cover element are identical.

Preferably, the positioning means and/or the covering means are recesses and/or projections which project from the flange, in particular from the periphery of the flange. Preferably, the positioning means and/or the covering means are provided integrally with the flange. For example the positioning means and/or the covering means are formed as noses shaped at one location of the periphery of the flange. The thickness of the positioning means and/or of the covering means corresponds here at least substantially to the thickness of the flange.

According to a preferred embodiment, a neck is provided between the wall region and the connecting region. This neck may for example have a circular cross-section. This neck forms the wall region of the connecting region. The flange is preferably connected to the neck at right angles.

Preferably, a membrane which closes the capsule, in particular hermetically, is arranged, in particular sealed, at the flange, in particular at the end face thereof, before use of the capsule. For this purpose, the flange, in particular its end face, can have a bead, in particular a circular bead, which interacts with the sealing tool during sealing. Preferably the outer perimeter of the diaphragm is less than the outer perimeter of the flange.

Preferably, fastening means are provided in the wall region and/or in the region of the neck. By means of which the cassette can be connected to the dispenser. The fastening means may for example be a recess in which the fastening means engages to the dispenser.

The cartridge receptacle may be fixedly attached to the cartridge or a replacement part that is detached from the cartridge and attached to a new cartridge after use of the cartridge. Preferably, the cartridge receptacle is produced from plastic, in particular by injection molding. The cartridge receptacle is preferably connected to a dispenser.

Preferably, the covering element arranged at the flange of the cartridge covers the outlet of the cartridge receptacle.

Preferably, the flange at the cartridge, in particular its periphery, interacts sealingly with the cartridge receptacle. For this purpose, the periphery of the flange can engage, for example, in a groove of the cartridge receptacle. Such a flange/groove connection may also serve as a force connection in order to prevent the cartridge from shifting relative to the cartridge receptacle and the connection between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle becoming unsealed during the beverage or food manufacturing process.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle are arranged longitudinally displaceable relative to each other, in particular before puncturing the septum. By means of this longitudinal displacement, the piercing means can then be brought into engagement with the septum and pierce it.

Preferably, the cassette and the cassette receptacle are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner.

Preferably the piercing means has a channel. Through this passage, gas can be pressed into the cartridge, which presses the beverage base and/or food base out of the cartridge, in particular into the mixing chamber of the cartridge receptacle.

Another subject of the invention is a method for making a beverage with the system of the invention, characterized by the following steps:

inserting a cassette system composed of a cassette and a cassette receptacle into the holder,

-forming a fluid connection between a fluid source of the dispenser and an inlet of the cartridge receptacle,

-a compressed air connection formed between a compressed air source of the dispenser and a compressed air interface of the cartridge receptacle,

-piercing the septum by transferring the piercing tip from the retracted position into the extended position,

transferring beverage base and/or food base from the cartridge into the mixing chamber by feeding compressed air into the cartridge via the compressed air interface,

-feeding a diluent into the mixing chamber through the inlet, and

-guiding out the beverage produced by mixing the beverage and/or food matrix with the diluent in the mixing chamber by means of the outlet.

Preferably the diluent is cooled and/or carbonated prior to being fed into the inlet.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the piercing tip is transferred from the retracted position into the extended position by a trigger element of the dispenser, wherein the cartridge receptacle is preferably moved relative to the fixed trigger element in such a way that the piercing tip is transferred from the retracted position into the extended position. By transferring the piercing means into the extended position, the membrane is perforated and the cartridge is thereby opened. The cartridge system only needs to be moved relative to the holder by a fixed triggering element.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, during or after insertion of the cartridge system into the holder, the fastening flange of the holder is driven by a manually or motor-actuable triggering mechanism in such a way that the cartridge receptacle is positively and/or non-positively engaged around by the fastening flange and/or the fastening flange is deflected in such a way that a relative movement between the cartridge receptacle and a triggering element in contact with the puncturing tip takes place, thereby displacing the puncturing means from the retracted position into the extended position. It is conceivable that the fastening flange comprises foldable jaws which by means of a triggering mechanism are brought close to each other and in this way clamp the cartridge receptacle therebetween. Next or simultaneously, the fastening flange is moved against the fixed trigger element in order to move the puncturing means against the septum of the cartridge in the interior of the cartridge receptacle.

The trigger mechanism is preferably actuated by manually rotating the handle about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The trigger mechanism here converts a rotational movement of the handle about the rotational axis parallel to the longitudinal axis into a translational movement substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis by means of a conversion gear, so that the fastening flange is moved in the direction of the trigger element. The advantage of this is that the orientation of the cassette about its longitudinal axis remains constant, so that in particular the position of the product identification identifier relative to the identifier detector does not change.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the product identification identifier is read by the identifier detector before, during or after the insertion of the cartridge system into the holder and/or before, during or after the time of feeding compressed air into the cartridge and/or the diluent into the mixing chamber and/or the offsetting of the fastening flange against the triggering element. The read product identification identifier is preferably analyzed by an analysis unit, wherein the compressed air and/or the diluent is fed and/or the fastening flange is offset with respect to the triggering element only if the product identification identifier can be verified by the analysis unit. In this way, it is ensured that the dispenser can only be operated with known or dispenser-approved cassette systems, so that the risk of damaging the dispenser or of injuring the user (for example, possibly failing to withstand pressure) as a result of accidental use of the wrong cassette system is avoided.

It is also conceivable that the properties of the fed diluent, and in particular the volume flow, the total volume, the pressure, the delivery pause, the temperature and/or the time profile of the carbonation of the fed diluent, are controlled depending on the validated product identification identifier. Alternatively or additionally, the properties of the fed compressed air, and in particular the volume flow, the total volume, the time profile of the delivery pause and/or the pressure of the fed compressed air, are also controlled depending on the validated product identification identifier. The ratio between the volume flow of diluent and the volume flow of compressed air is preferably also controlled in dependence on the validated product identification identifier. In particular, all parameters of the beverage preparation process and/or variables that can be set by the dispenser are embedded into the product identification identifier, so that the dispenser obtains all information from the cartridge that is required or at least helpful for producing the respective beverage. It is also conceivable that, upon detection of the presence of a cartridge in the holder, this information is stored in the internal memory of the dispenser and by means of the product identification identifier the information for the respective cartridge is recalled and used for controlling the subsequent beverage production method.

Another subject of the invention or another preferred embodiment of the method is a method for producing a beverage or a foodstuff or the above-mentioned method, wherein the volume flow of the solvent, in particular water, is controlled or adjusted in order to influence the foam on the beverage or foodstuff.

The embodiments made for this subject of the invention are equally and inversely applicable to the other subjects.

According to the invention, the volume flow is adjusted or controlled in order to influence the foam on the beverage or food. For example, the quantity of foam (measured in particular as foam height) can be influenced in such a way that more or less foam is produced during the production of the beverage or food. Alternatively or additionally, the quality of the foam may be varied by adjusting or controlling the volumetric flow rate of the solvent. In particular, on average smaller bubbles and therefore more stable foams, or on average larger bubbles and therefore less stable foams, can be produced.

Means for obtaining at least one parameter of the foam, for example its height, are preferably provided, for example for detecting its height. The volume flow of the solvent is then regulated or controlled by means of the signal of this device. The device is for example a camera. But may alternatively or additionally also experience a fixed volume flow curve for the respective matrix.

For example, the solvent is dosed intermittently, in particular into the mixing chamber or into the cartridge itself. The solvent is mixed with the matrix in a mixing chamber or cartridge.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the matrix in the cartridge is dosed proportionally or disproportionately to the volume flow of the solvent.

Yet another further embodiment of the invention according to the invention or a preferred embodiment relates to a method wherein the inclination of the container containing the beverage or food is changed in order to influence the height of the foam on the beverage or food.

The embodiments made for this subject matter of the invention are equally and inversely applicable to the other subject matters of the invention.

The inclination is preferably controlled and/or regulated as a function of time and/or the degree of filling in the container.

Drawings

The invention will be explained below with the aid of fig. 1 to 5. These descriptions are merely exemplary and do not limit the general inventive concept. These aspects are equally applicable to the cartridge of the invention and the system of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a cartridge and a cartridge receptacle of a system according to a first embodiment of the invention

Figures 2-5 illustrate a dispenser and system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6a to 6c show a cartridge of a system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7a to 7b show a cartridge receptacle of a system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8a to 8b show a puncturing means of a cartridge receptacle of a system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figures 9a and 9b show a dispenser and system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a cassette system consisting of a cassette 1 and a cassette receptacle 10. The capsule 1 is preferably made of plastic material, for example by injection moulding or by blow moulding techniques. In the present case, the capsule 1 has a square wall region 6, to one end of which (here, the upper end) a base region 7 is connected. The wall region 6 and the bottom region 7 define a cavity in which a beverage matrix and/or a food matrix, in particular a concentrate, is located, by means of which a beverage or food can be produced. At the end of the wall region 6 opposite the bottom region 7 (here the lower end) there is provided a connecting region 4, which in this case has a neck 3 and a flange 5. After filling the cavity of the cartridge 1, it is hermetically closed with a closure, here a membrane 14. The membrane 14, in particular a plastic film, is preferably connected to the flange 5 in a material-fitting manner, in particular by sealing. The cassette 1 is connected to the cassette receiver 10 via the connection area 4. At the flange 5, a positioning means and/or a covering means 8 is optionally provided, which in the present case is provided as a projection, in particular as a nose-shaped projection. The nose is integrally formed on the flange 5. The cassette system furthermore has a cassette receptacle 10. The cartridge receptacle 10 has an inlet 15 for a diluent (also referred to as a solvent), which preferably comprises water, and a mixing chamber 13 in which the diluent and the beverage base and/or the food base are mixed with each other. The direction of flow of the mixture is shown by arrow 12. The prepared beverage/food leaves the mixing chamber 13 through the outlet 11 and is captured in a container (not shown), such as a drinking glass. Furthermore, the cartridge receptacle 10 has piercing means 16 (here a tip) which pierce a membrane 14 sealed at the flange region 5 of the cartridge 1, so that the beverage or food substrate can flow in particular along the outside of the tip (which for this purpose is preferably provided with an outlet channel 17 on its outside), for example into the flow chamber 13.

To pierce the septum 14, the cartridge 1 and/or the cartridge receptacle 10 are longitudinally offset relative to each other and to each other such that the tip 16 pierces the septum 14. Alternatively, the tip 16 may be mounted longitudinally offset in the tip guide 28 of the cartridge receptacle 10, so that no relative movement between the cartridge receptacle 10 and the cartridge 1 is required, but rather only the tip 16 is transferred from a retracted position in which it is spaced apart from the septum 14 (see fig. 1) into an extended position in which it pierces the septum 14 and extends out into the cavity.

The flow of the substrate into the mixing chamber 13 can be accelerated and specifically controlled by the gas which is pressed into the cavity of the cartridge 1 through the passage 18 in the piercing tip 16. For example, the pressure in the cartridge 1 and thus the volume flow of the matrix can be matched to the volume flow of the solvent. This can then be of particular interest when the volume flow of the solvent is specifically controlled or regulated in order to influence the foam formation. The volume flow of the matrix then preferably matches the volume flow of the solvent.

Preferably, the flange 5 of the cartridge 1 interacts sealingly with the cartridge receptacle 10 and thus ensures that the liquid leaves the mixing chamber 13 only through the outlet 5. It can furthermore be seen in particular from these figures that the projection 8 in this case not only covers the positioning means, but also in particular sealingly covers the outlet 11 in the cartridge receptacle. The flange 8 and the projection 8 provided thereon can cooperate sealingly with its end face and/or with its periphery with a corresponding face of the cartridge receptacle.

The holder 24 of the dispenser and the system according to a first embodiment are shown in fig. 2 to 5. In fig. 2, the holder 24 is shown without a cassette system, in which the cassette system shown in fig. 1, and in particular the cassette receptacle 10 of the cassette system, can be inserted. The cartridge system is inserted into the holder 24 in fig. 3 and 4. The cartridge system and holder 24 are shown in fig. 5 separated from each other.

The retainer 24 has a recess 26 that at least partially receives the cartridge receptacle 10. As can be seen in particular from fig. 4, the part of the cartridge receptacle 10 projecting into the recess 26 can cooperate with this recess in a form-fitting manner. Fig. 2 and 3 furthermore illustrate particularly clearly that the recess 26 extends as far as the edge of the holder 24, so that there is an opening into which the outlet 11 of the mixing chamber 13 projects. A first torsion-prevention element is thereby produced. The holder 24 may furthermore have a guide 25 which interacts with the peripheral shape of the cassette receptacle 10 and supports the cassette in particular against tipping over from the vertical. The guide 25 may also have a recess from which the outlet 11 may protrude. The outlet 11 here also prevents, in combination with the guide, the cartridge receptacle 10 from twisting relative to the holder 24. Preferably, the holder 24 has a line 22 as a liquid interface, which is connected to a solvent reservoir (also referred to as a reservoir for diluent or a fluid source). When the cartridge receptacle 10 is inserted into the holder 24, a fluid connection is created between the line 22 and the inlet 15 of the cartridge receptacle 10, whereby the diluent flowing in through the line 22 reaches the mixing chamber 13.

The outlet 11 of the cartridge receptacle 10 may be arranged to be rotatable, in particular to change the angle of the jet of the prepared beverage or food into the container. If the jet is directed, for example, in the direction of the wall of the container receiving the prepared beverage or food, then, for example, foam formation can thereby be reduced. Alternatively or additionally, the support surface on which the capsule is located may be turned over, thereby causing the angle of incidence of the jet of the prepared beverage or foodstuff with respect to the wall portion to change. Thereby also influencing the foam formation.

Fig. 6a to 6c show schematic representations of a cartridge 1 of a cartridge system of a system according to an exemplary second embodiment. It can be seen that the capsule 2 comprises a bottle-shaped object with rounded edges, flattened longitudinal sides and a capsule opening on the side opposite the bottom area 7 along the longitudinal axis of the capsule 1. In the region of the cassette opening, the cassette 1 has two circumferential retaining flanges 5, to which the cassette receptacles 10 are clamped. The other part of the rounded or rounded box 1 has a flattened area 29 on one side of the box 1. A product identification identifier is preferably applied in the flattened area.

Fig. 7a, 7b and 7c show schematic illustrations of a cartridge receptacle 10 of a cartridge system of a system according to an exemplary second embodiment of the invention. The cassette receptacle 10 has at both sides an at least partially encircling latching strip 30, by means of which the cassette receptacle 10 is clamped to the holding flange 5 of the cassette 1. Furthermore, the cartridge receptacle 10 has a mixing chamber 13 in which, on its rearward side, the inlet 15 is formed in the wall of the cartridge receptacle 10 in the form of a simple through-opening. The inlet 15 is arranged to be connected by a line 22 in fluid connection with the water reservoir once the cartridge system is inserted into the holder 24. In this way, cooling water and/or carbonated water can optionally be made to flow from the dispenser into the mixing chamber 13. At the front side, a beverage outlet 11 is formed at the bottom of the mixing chamber 8. The bottom of the mixing chamber 8 forms a continuously deeper depression in the direction of the beverage outlet 11 so that no liquid residues remain in the mixing chamber 13 after the end of the beverage production process. In fig. 7a to 7c, a tip guide 28 can be seen approximately in the middle inside the mixing chamber 13, in which the piercing tip 16 shown in fig. 8a and 8b is mounted in an offset manner.

To this end, the tip guide 80 comprises a guide portion having an inner guide channel in which the piercing tip is displaceably received. The guide channel is formed substantially cylindrical and protrudes in the direction of the cartridge 1 substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the mixing chamber 13. At the end of the guide section facing away from the cartridge 1, a circumferential stop with a reduced diameter is formed, at which the circumferential projection of the puncturing tip 16 stops when the puncturing tip reaches the extended position. The stop thus limits the movement of the piercing tip 16 in the direction of the cavity 6. On the bottom of the mixing chamber 13 an optional mixing structure is arranged, which causes a vortex of the inflowing water and thereby improves the mixing of the substrate with the water.

In fig. 8a and 8b, a detailed view of the piercing means 16 (also referred to as piercing tip) of the cartridge receptacle 10 of the system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

The piercing tip 16 is formed to be longitudinally displaceably arranged in a tip guide 28. The piercing tip can thereby be transferred from a retracted position, in which the piercing means 16 is spaced apart from the septum 14, to an extended position, in which the piercing means 16 pierces the septum 14 and protrudes up into the cavity of the cartridge 1. The transfer of the puncturing means 16 from the retracted position to the extended position is performed by means of a trigger element of the dispenser.

A compressed air line 31 (also identified as channel 22) running along the piercing tip 16 is integrated into the piercing tip 16. A compressed air line 31 extends within the piercing tip 16 almost in the middle from the first end of the piercing tip 16 as far as the second end of the piercing tip 16. At a first end of the piercing tip 16, a compressed air connection 40 of the compressed air line 31 is formed, accessible from outside the cartridge receptacle 10, which is arranged at the holder 24 for connection to a compressed air outlet 32 in fluid connection with a compressed air source of the dispenser. At the second end, a compressed air outlet channel of a compressed air line 31 is formed for blowing compressed air into the cavity of the cartridge 1 when the piercing tip 16 is in the extended position, and thereby pressing the matrix into the mixing chamber 13.

The system is formed such that the coupling of the compressed air interface 40 of the puncturing device 16 with the compressed air outlet 32 of the holder 24 takes place immediately upon insertion of the cartridge receptacle 10 into the holder 24 and/or actuation of the triggering mechanism for fastening the flange.

The outer wall of the piercing means 16 is formed with a plurality of, and in particular exactly five, lateral channels 17 extending almost parallel to each other for guiding the matrix in the direction of the mixing chamber 13 when the septum 14 is pierced. The substrate can then be made to flow through the membrane 14 in the direction of the mixing chamber 13 by means of lateral channels formed laterally at the piercing means 16. These lateral channels 17 are each formed in the form of a groove which is open on one side. It is conceivable that the cross section of the lateral channels and/or the number of lateral channels is matched to the viscosity of the substrate, so that the lateral channels 17 control or limit the flow of the substrate in the direction of the mixing chamber 13. The piercing tip 16 is preferably formed as a plastic part and particularly preferably as a plastic injection-molded part.

A dispenser and system according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 9a and 9 b.

The system comprises a cartridge system consisting of a cartridge 1 as explained by means of fig. 6a to 6c and a cartridge receptacle 10 as explained by means of fig. 7a to 8 b. The cartridge 1 and the cartridge receptacle 10 are connected to each other, in particular clamped.

The dispenser of the system comprises a holder 24 into which the cartridge system is manually inserted by a user.

The holder 24 comprises a compressed air outlet 32 which, after insertion of the cartridge system into the holder 24, brings about a fluid connection with a compressed air interface 40 at the puncturing means 16 of the cartridge receptacle 10. The compressed air outlet 32 of the dispenser is connected by a flexible line 33 to a compressed air source of the dispenser, for example a compressor in the interior of the housing of the dispenser, so that the compressed air line 31 is under pressure in the interior of the piercing means 16. It is also contemplated that the compressed air source of the dispenser includes a replaceable gas cartridge. The compressed air outlet 32 is formed as a fixed element and thus simultaneously comprises a trigger element which transfers the puncturing means 16 from its retracted initial position into an extended position in which the septum 14 is punctured and the compressed air outlet channel is arranged within the cavity of the cartridge 1.

The holder 24 also has a liquid interface 35 (also identified as line 22 in fig. 2) through which water from the water reservoir of the dispenser is supplied to the water inlet 15 of the cartridge receptacle 10. The water reservoir comprises in particular a removable water tank from which water is drawn by means of one or more pumps and supplied under pressure to the water inlet 15. Preferably, the connection between the fluid supply and the water inlet 15 is made as soon as the cartridge system is inserted into the holder 24. The water from the water tank is optionally carbonated (i.e. carbonated added) by means of a carbonator and/or cooled by means of a cooling unit, still within the dispenser, before being supplied to the water inlet 15. The cooling unit comprises in particular a cooling circuit with a compressor and is integrated into the housing of the dispenser as with the carbonator.

The holder 24 further comprises a fastening flange 34 which, upon insertion into the holder, engages the cartridge receptacle 10 around with a form-fit and/or force-fit. The fastening flange 34 comprises for this purpose at least two jaws 37 which engage the cartridge receptacle 10 radially from the surroundings. The holder 24 furthermore has a trigger mechanism for actuating the fastening flange 34. The trigger mechanism comprises a handle manually actuated at the holder 24, for example by a user, which handle, when actuated, can be rotated about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 2. The handle is coupled via a switching gear with the jaws 37 of the fastening flange 34 in such a way that by lowering the handle the jaws 37 can be moved towards one another and receive or grip the cartridge receptacle 10 between them in a form-fitting manner.

At the same time, the conversion gear effects a conversion of the rotational movement of the handle into a downward linear translational movement of the fastening flange 34, so that the entire cassette system is lowered. The cartridge receptacle 10 is thus moved relative to the fixed trigger element 36 in such a way that the puncturing means 16 abuts against the trigger element 36, whereby the puncturing means 16 is moved from the retracted position into the extended position. Thereby perforating the membrane 14. It is also conceivable that the fluid connection between the compressed air outlet 32 and the compressed air connection 40 is first produced by lowering the cartridge receptacle 10 relative to the triggering element 36. The shifting gear produces shifting and lowering motion through the cored hub gear.

By introducing compressed air into the cavity and water into the mixing chamber 13, the beverage making process is started and the beverage produced in the mixing chamber 14 can pass through the outlet 11 to a drinking vessel arranged on the support surface of the dispenser below the outlet 11. The support surface is in particular provided to be rotatable and/or height-adjustable.

The cartridge 1 has a product identification identifier 38 in its flattened area 28 facing the housing of the dispenser. The product identification identifier 38 here comprises a two-dimensional code in which information about the matrix present in the cavity is embedded. On the opposite side, an identification object detector 39 in the form of an optical camera, in particular a CCD camera, is arranged at the housing of the dispenser. The two-dimensional code is acquired by an optical camera and analyzed by means of an analysis unit of the dispenser. In this way, it is possible to recognize at the dispenser side which kind of cartridge 1 is the cartridge system inserted into the holder 24. By means of which information about the preparation of the beverage by means of the substrate in the cartridge 1 can be loaded from the internal memory of the dispenser, as appropriate. In particular, a time-dependent and absolute profile of the volume flow, temperature, pressure and/or carbonation of the fed water or of the volume flow and/or pressure of the fed compressed air is thereby specified. It is also conceivable that the ratio between the volume flow of diluent and the volume flow of compressed air is controlled depending on the validated product identification identifier in order to achieve optimal results in terms of appearance and taste when making beverages for the respective cartridge type.

After making the beverage the user can turn the handle back, thereby raising the cartridge system again. The thus released cartridge system can now be taken out of the dispenser and disposed of or recycled.

Possible embodiments of the inventive system, of the inventive cartridge, of the inventive beverage preparation unit and of the inventive method for producing a beverage are described below.

Embodiment 1 relates to a dispenser 24 with a cartridge holder with at least one guide and/or anti-twist 25, 27 for the cartridge 1 and/or cartridge receptacle 10.