Device and method for preparing a mixture in a capsule

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for preparing a mixture of a nutritional concentrate and an aqueous liquid in a capsule (200) comprises a capsule holder (101) configured to receive the capsule (200), the capsule (200) comprising a chamber (202), a membrane (202) sealing the chamber (202), and an agitator (203). The device (100) comprises an injection needle (1) configured to pierce the membrane (202) and inject an aqueous liquid into the chamber (201) of the capsule (200) and a venting needle (2) configured to further pierce the membrane (202) and inject a liquid into the chamber (201) of the capsule (200). Furthermore, the apparatus (100) comprises a driver (3) configured to engage with the stirrer (203) to mix the liquid with the nutritional concentrate in the chamber (201) in the mixing cycle and a control unit (4) configured to control the liquid supply (31) and the driver (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a mixture of a nutrient concentrate and an aqueous liquid in a capsule. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing the mixture. In a third aspect, the present invention relates to an injection plate for the apparatus. Summary of the Invention

[0002] The conventional methods for preparing beverages (such as sports drinks, energy drinks, dietary supplements, soups, or infant formula) from nutrient concentrates are delicate, as they require considerable time and attention to measure the correct amount of concentrate, transfer it to glasses or bottles without spilling, thoroughly mix the concentrate with water or any other aqueous liquid, and clean any equipment used. Furthermore, the quality and solubility of the nutrient concentrate may decrease over time once the packaging is opened. Therefore, conventional beverage preparation from nutrient concentrates is inconvenient on the one hand, and it rarely yields ideal results in terms of the uniform dissolution of the concentrate in any liquid on the other.

[0003] EP3536637A1 discloses an apparatus for preparing beverages that addresses these problems. The apparatus includes a capsule holder configured to receive capsules for preparing a beverage. The capsule includes a shell having an outlet. Furthermore, the capsule includes a chamber for containing powder and an inner membrane between the chamber and the outlet. Additionally, the capsule includes a stirrer comprising a central shaft and at least one blade attached to the central shaft. The at least one blade includes at least one blade element for piercing and / or cutting the inner membrane.

[0004] The existing device also includes a water supply device configured to supply water to the capsule. The water supply device may include an injection needle. Furthermore, the device includes a motor for driving the stirrer. Additionally, the device includes a control unit for controlling the water supply device and the motor.

[0005] To prepare a beverage using this prior art device, powder is mixed with water inside the capsule chamber while an inner membrane seals the capsule's outlet relative to the chamber. Furthermore, the inner membrane previously sealing the outlet is punctured and / or cut. Additionally, powder and more water are mixed inside the capsule, and the resulting mixture flows out of the outlet into, for example, a cup.

[0006] Therefore, existing technology provides a method for preparing beverages from nutrient concentrates. However, some drawbacks remain. In particular, when preparing beverages using such equipment, spillage of the mixture may occur during the mixing process and during the rinsing of the capsules.

[0007] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for reducing the spillage of mixtures of nutrient concentrates and aqueous liquids.

[0008] This problem is solved by a first aspect of the invention, which relates to an apparatus for preparing a mixture of a nutrient concentrate and an aqueous liquid; and by a second aspect of the invention, which relates to a method for preparing the mixture. A third aspect of the invention relates to an injection plate for use with the apparatus according to the first aspect.

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below. It should be understood that the various embodiments, preferred embodiments, and scopes provided / disclosed in this specification can be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, depending on the specific embodiment, the selected definitions, embodiments, or scopes may not apply.

[0010] Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions shall apply to this specification:

[0011] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar terms as used herein shall be interpreted to cover both the singular and plural unless otherwise stated herein or the context clearly contradicts them. The term “comprising” shall include all, “including,” “substantially consisting of,” and “consisting of.”

[0012] A first aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a mixture of a nutrient concentrate and an aqueous liquid in a capsule, particularly for preparing a beverage. The beverage may be, but is not limited to, sports drinks, energy drinks, dietary supplements, soups, or infant formula. The nutrient concentrate is preferably a powder or granules, syrup, or gel, and the aqueous liquid is preferably water, but may also be milk or the like. The powder used to prepare the beverage includes all kinds of granular substances.

[0013] The device includes a capsule holder configured to receive a capsule containing a nutrient concentrate. The capsule includes: a chamber containing the nutrient concentrate, a membrane sealing the chamber, and a stirrer disposed within the capsule. The stirrer is adapted to stir the nutrient concentrate alone within the capsule or to stir a mixture of the nutrient concentrate and an aqueous liquid. Furthermore, the device includes an injection needle configured to puncture the membrane of the chamber and inject the aqueous liquid into the chamber. Additionally, the device includes a venting needle configured to further puncture the membrane and ventilate the chamber. The actuator of the device is configured to engage with the stirrer disposed within the capsule. The stirrer is configured to preferably mix the aqueous liquid with the nutrient concentrate in the chamber during a mixing cycle. A control unit is configured to control the supply of the aqueous liquid, particularly to supply the aqueous liquid to the injection needle and optionally also to the venting needle, and is configured to control the actuator.

[0014] The term "mixing cycle" can preferably refer to a cycle in which a stirrer is activated and mixes the nutrient concentrate with an aqueous liquid for a certain period of time.

[0015] In different embodiments, the chamber may contain nutrient concentrate and any gas, particularly air or nitrogen.

[0016] Capsules containing a stirrer are well known in the prior art (e.g., EP3536637A1).

[0017] In different embodiments, the capsule may be a cylindrical, conical, cuboid, or hybrid container. The shell may be manufactured as a single component or composed of several components.

[0018] Advantageously, the capsule also includes an outlet or a shell having an outlet, and an inner membrane between the chamber and the outlet.

[0019] Advantageously, the agitator includes means for piercing and / or cutting the inner membrane. Specifically, the agitator includes a central shaft and at least one blade attached to the central shaft. The at least one blade includes at least one blade element for piercing and / or cutting the inner membrane to open the chamber and allow the mixture to flow out through the outlet. The central shaft is particularly intended for contacting the agitator from outside the capsule, for example, via the device's drive. For this purpose, the central shaft may include a coupling device for reversible engagement with the drive. The blade element may be, for example, a spike, nail, or knife, configured to pierce and / or cut the inner membrane when pushed onto or dragged along it.

[0020] Advantageously, when rotated, the agitator mixes or stirs the nutrient concentrate within the chamber. Specifically, the agitator is used to prepare a mixture of the nutrient concentrate and an aqueous liquid in a first state while the inner membrane is still intact. The agitator can also be used to puncture and / or cut one or more openings in the inner membrane, transferring the capsule to a second state in which the mixture can be poured from the chamber through the openings in the inner membrane to the outlet, and ultimately out of the outlet. Puncture or cutting can be achieved by axial movement of the agitator, which can be accompanied by rotation of the agitator. As a result, the mixture can flow out of the capsule through the outlet, while the agitator can be used to mix the remaining concentrate with more liquid.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment, the capsule retainer can be configured such that the upper edge of the capsule can be displaced into the device, particularly by means of a crossbar mounted to the device.

[0022] Advantageously, the aqueous liquid supply can be provided by the device's liquid tank (especially a water tank), or it can be supplied via a connection to a liquid pipe. Preferably, the aqueous liquid supply includes a pumping and measuring device and is controlled by a control unit to supply the correct amount of liquid into the capsule.

[0023] Further advantageously, the drive can be an electric motor having a speed and direction of rotation controlled by a control unit. Preferably, the drive is configured to drive a motor shaft that is configured to engage with a stirrer, or with the central shaft of the stirrer in a preferred embodiment of the capsule as described above. In another advantageous embodiment, the drive or motor shaft may include a coupling device for reversibly coupling to the central shaft of the stirrer. Coupling can be achieved by vertical movement of the motor shaft.

[0024] Advantageously, the injection needle and / or ventilation needle is implemented as a hollow cylinder having a metal cross at the tip and an opening or recess around the metal cross. In another preferred embodiment of the injection needle and / or ventilation needle, these are hollow needles.

[0025] Advantageously, the arrangement of the device with an injection needle and a venting needle allows for the avoidance or at least reduction of spillage during the preparation of the mixture in the capsule chamber, as described below: the chamber membrane is punctured with the venting needle before liquid injection; additionally, the airtight chamber is preferably vented. This allows liquid to be injected through the injection needle without creating overpressure in the chamber. Without venting the capsule, if liquid is injected into the chamber, the pressure inside the chamber will increase, resulting in damage to the chamber or capsule, or spillage of the mixture through the puncture point of the injection needle. In particular, the point at which the injection needle or venting needle punctures the membrane is the corresponding puncture point.

[0026] Advantageously, the ventilator only ventilates the chamber when the injection needle injects an aqueous liquid while the endometrium remains intact (i.e., the endometrium has not been punctured or cut).

[0027] Therefore, devices including venting needles solve the problem of preventing the spillage of mixtures of nutrient concentrates and aqueous liquids. Venting the capsule or chamber before injecting the liquid prevents the accumulation of overpressure in the chamber or capsule.

[0028] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device includes a first valve to open or close a ventilation channel for the ventilation needle. If the ventilation channel is open, the first valve is in the ventilated position. Specifically, the ventilation channel connects the ventilation needle to the environment or to a drip tray, particularly for collecting aqueous liquid overflowing from the capsule. In the advantageous intended use of the device, when the injection needle and ventilation needle pierce the membrane of the chamber and the aqueous liquid is injected into the chamber through the injection needle, the first valve opens to keep the ventilation channel open, thereby ventilating the chamber and preventing pressure buildup within the chamber. Specifically, during mixing cycles, to prevent mixture overflow into the ventilation needle or ventilation channel, the first valve closes the ventilation channel to prevent any mixture from entering the channel. If the first valve is closed, liquid must overcome the pressure in the channel to enter.

[0029] Specifically, the first valve is in the ventilated position only during the injection of liquid through the injection needle and while the inner lining remains intact.

[0030] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device includes a sealing device surrounding the injection needle and / or venting needle. These sealing devices may be integrated into the injection plate (if any). The sealing device is configured to seal the puncture point of the injection needle and / or venting needle into the membrane. Thus, if the injection needle and / or venting needle punctures the membrane, the sealing device seals the environment and the device itself to prevent spillage. The sealing device is preferably a sealing ring or sealing lip. Advantageously, the sealing device is arranged in a ring around the corresponding injection needle tip and / or venting needle tip facing the membrane surface.

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device includes an injection plate. Preferably, the injection plate is detachably mounted to the device. Furthermore, the injection plate includes an injection needle and a venting needle. Specifically, the injection plate is configured to attach to a membrane of the capsule chamber such that if the injection plate contacts the membrane, the injection needle and venting needle pierce the membrane. The injection plate can be positioned directly above the capsule holder, allowing space for capsule insertion. If the injection plate presses against the capsule or against the membrane of the chamber, the injection needle and venting needle press against the membrane, causing them to pierce the membrane.

[0032] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sealing device addresses the puncture points of the injection needle and / or ventilation needle in the membrane. The sealing device for sealing the respective puncture points can be any seal, particularly a sealing ring or sealing lip surrounding the respective puncture point. Specifically, the sealing device seals the puncture points relative to components of the device to prevent mixture spillage onto those components. In particular, the sealing device is integrated into the injection plate that presses against the membrane during mixing cycles.

[0033] In another advantageous embodiment of the injection plate, seals (e.g., sealing rings or sealing lips) are arranged such that they surround the injection needle and / or venting needle, such that if the injection plate presses against the membrane of the chamber, the injection needle and venting needle pierce the membrane, while the seals press against the membrane to seal the corresponding injection points of the injection needle and / or venting needle.

[0034] Specifically, after the nutrient concentrate and aqueous liquid are mixed into a mixture, the inner membrane of the capsule is cut open as described above, and the mixture is flushed out of the capsule through the capsule's outlet.

[0035] Therefore, the device is advantageously implemented to include a venting needle, which is also configured to not only ventilate the capsule but also inject an aqueous liquid into the capsule to accelerate the process of flushing the mixture out of the chamber. Furthermore, even after the mixture has been flushed out of the chamber, the injection needle and venting needle can supply additional aqueous liquid, which can be flushed through the outlet into, for example, a cup, to further dilute the mixture (in the cup). In particular, additionally, gas can be flushed through the chamber to force the remaining mixture out of the chamber through the outlet.

[0036] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device includes a second valve adapted to control the supply of aqueous liquid to the venting needle.

[0037] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention includes a gas supply. The gas supply is adapted to blow air onto the injection needle and / or venting needle after mixing and / or flushing of the chamber to clean them. The additional gas supply enables self-cleaning of the device. In particular, by flushing with gas through the connection between the injection needle, venting needle, venting channel, and / or venting needle and drip tray, all components of the device that may require drying are dried. The user preferably only needs to clean the drip tray to clean the device.

[0038] Specifically, the device therefore includes a third valve adapted to switch between an aqueous liquid supply and a gas supply.

[0039] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device may include more than one ventilator needle, particularly two ventilator needles, wherein each ventilator needle is configured to further puncture the membrane of the capsule to ventilate the capsule.

[0040] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device further includes a positioning motor. The positioning motor is configured to move the mixing unit axially from an upper position to a lower position relative to the capsule holder. The mixing unit includes a driver and an injection plate having an injection needle and a ventilation needle.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the positioning motor is preferably movable in the axial direction between an upper axial position and a lower axial position, and in particular, the movement between the upper and lower axial positions is controlled by a control unit. In different embodiments, the axial movement is caused by hydraulic pressure or by an electric servo motor. In this way, the axial movement responsible for puncturing and venting and / or cutting the inner membrane is performed in a precise and controlled manner.

[0042] Advantageously, in the intended use of the device, if the mixing unit is positioned in the upper position, the drive engages with the agitator to perform a mixing cycle. If the mixing unit is positioned in the lower position by a positioning motor, the agitator's mechanism, configured to pierce and / or cut an opening in the capsule membrane, is activated to open the inner membrane by engaging the drive with the agitator.

[0043] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for preparing a mixture of a nutrient concentrate and an aqueous liquid in a capsule, particularly for preparing a beverage, the method using the equipment according to the first aspect.

[0044] The method includes:

[0045] • Insert a ventilation needle into the membrane of the cavity to ventilate the capsule.

[0046] • Insert the injection needle into the membrane of the cavity.

[0047] • Injecting an aqueous liquid into the capsule via a syringe, and

[0048] • Activate the drive to engage with the agitator in the capsule to mix the aqueous liquid with the nutrient concentrate in a mixing cycle.

[0049] In another advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, the steps of injecting the aqueous liquid into the chamber and activating the actuator to mix the aqueous liquid with the nutrient concentrate in a mixing cycle are alternating method steps, alternating multiple times, and alternating at least twice.

[0050] In another advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, if the inner membrane has not yet been cut or punctured open, the injection of aqueous liquid into the chamber via the injection needle is paused when the agitator in the capsule is activated by the actuator. This means that the liquid injection via the injection needle is paused while the agitator in the capsule is mixing the mixture in the chamber. Therefore, no additional liquid is injected into the capsule during the mixing step or during the mixing cycle.

[0051] In another advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, when the aqueous liquid is injected into the chamber, the first valve opens to open the ventilation channel for ventilating the capsule. Optionally, during the mixing cycle, the first valve closes to prevent the mixture from overflowing into the ventilation needle and ventilation channel.

[0052] In another advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, after a mixing cycle, the injection of the aqueous liquid is paused and the drive is stopped to allow the nutrient concentrate and aqueous liquid in the capsule to relax after each mixing cycle, especially if multiple mixing cycles are present.

[0053] In another advantageous embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method further includes the following steps:

[0054] • By engaging the actuator with the capsule's agitator, particularly by engaging the actuator with the agitator's central axis, the actuator is activated to pierce and / or cut the inner membrane of the chamber, and

[0055] • By supplying additional aqueous fluid via an injection needle and / or a ventilator, the mixture of nutrient concentrate and aqueous fluid is flushed out of the capsule through the outlet, and advantageously...

[0056] • If the inner lining has been punctured or cut open, open the third valve to allow aqueous fluid to flow through the injection needle and ventilation needle for flushing the chamber.

[0057] Advantageously, the method includes two injection steps, before and after the aqueous liquid is mixed with the nutrient concentrate, which are used to prepare the mixture and empty the capsule or chamber:

[0058] • First injection step: The injection needle and ventilation needle are inserted into the membrane of the chamber. The first valve is opened to ventilate the chamber through the ventilation needle and ventilation channel. Aqueous liquid is injected into the chamber through the injection needle while the inner membrane remains intact and not punctured. After a predetermined amount of liquid is injected into the capsule, the actuator is activated to engage with and move the stirrer, causing the liquid and nutrient concentrate in the capsule to mix in a mixing cycle. Multiple mixing cycles are feasible. The stirrer can be paused between mixing cycles. Additional liquid can be injected through the injection needle between mixing cycles, or the injection can be paused. Preferably, during the mixing cycle, the first valve is closed to prevent the mixture from overflowing into the ventilation needle or ventilation channel.

[0059] • Second Injection Step: After the mixture in the chamber is prepared as described in the first injection step, the driver is activated to engage with the stirrer, and the inner membrane is cut open using the stirrer's piercing device to open the chamber toward the outlet. Now, in order to flush the mixture out of the chamber through the outlet, a predetermined amount of aqueous liquid can be injected through the injection needle and / or the venting needle. Specifically, the second valve is thus positioned to allow liquid bypass into the venting needle. Furthermore, the first valve is opened to allow liquid to flow toward the venting needle through the venting channel. Additionally, to completely empty the chamber, gas flushing is performed through the injection needle and the venting needle into the capsule chamber. To allow gas flushing through the system, the third valve is preferably positioned to allow gas flow. Furthermore, the second valve is preferably opened to allow gas bypass through the venting channel and the venting needle, and the first valve is opened to allow gas to flow through the venting channel. By flushing the chamber with gas, the remaining mixture is flushed out of the chamber.

[0060] In another advantageous embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method further includes the following steps:

[0061] • The mixing cycle is performed when the mixing unit is positioned at the top.

[0062] • When the mixing unit is positioned in the lower position, activate the actuator to pierce and / or cut open the inner membrane of the capsule to flush the mixture of aqueous liquid and nutrient concentrate out of the chamber or the capsule through the outlet.

[0063] In another advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, the method further includes the step of cleaning the respective needles by rinsing the injection needle and / or the venting needle with an aqueous liquid and / or by dry blowing the injection needle and / or the venting needle with gas. Specifically, a second valve switches between an aqueous liquid supply and a gas supply for the respective cleaning steps. This is particularly evident in the switching between a supply from an aqueous liquid tank (e.g., a water tank) and a supply from a gas tank (e.g., an air or nitrogen tank).

[0064] In another advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, the method further includes the step of flushing the connection between the vent needle and the drip tray, and in particular, flushing the vent passages for cleaning. This method step is preferably performed if the first valve is open.

[0065] In another advantageous embodiment of the method of the present invention, the steps of injecting liquid into the capsule via an injection needle and / or a ventilator and the step of driving a stirrer in the capsule using a motor are performed in series.

[0066] Particularly advantageously, the first step is to puncture the membrane of the capsule using a venting needle; the second step is to inject an aqueous liquid into the capsule using an injection needle; and the third step is to engage the actuator with a stirrer. Preferably, the fourth step is to cut open the membrane to create an opening. More preferably, the fifth step is to inject additional aqueous liquid or gas into the capsule using an injection needle, and preferably also using a venting needle, flushing the mixture out of the capsule through the opening and into, for example, a cup. Preferably, in the sixth step, gas (preferably air) can be used to flush through the injection needle and / or venting needle to clean or rinse them. In a final, optional seventh step, the injection needle and / or venting needle can be cleaned by rinsing them with an aqueous liquid (especially water).

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each valve may be a three-way valve.

[0068] A third aspect of the invention relates to an injection plate for use in the apparatus according to the first aspect. Preferably, the injection plate is detachably mounted to the apparatus.

[0069] The term "removable" specifically means that the plate can be removed without the use of any tools. The plate can be installed onto the device via a coupling or insertion mechanism. Therefore, the injection plate can be easily removed for cleaning or maintenance services.

[0070] Furthermore, the injection plate includes an injection needle and a venting needle, or forms an injection needle and a venting needle. Specifically, the injection plate is configured to attach to the membrane of the capsule and is arranged adjacent to the membrane in the intended use of the injection plate with the device. The injection needle and the venting needle face the same direction such that if the injection plate is mounted to the device for its intended use, both the injection needle and the venting needle face the membrane of the capsule.

[0071] The intended use means that the plate presses against the capsule membrane, with the injection needle and ventilation needle facing the membrane, allowing them to puncture the membrane.

[0072] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the injection plate also includes a conduit through which the actuator passes if the plate is mounted to the device. If the injection plate is mounted to the device, the actuator can pass through the conduit and engage with the capsule's agitator, or with the central axis of the capsule's agitator, while the injection needle and venting needle pierce the membrane of the chamber. Specifically, the conduit is a circular recess in the injection plate with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axes of the injection needle and venting needle.

[0073] Another advantageous embodiment of the injection plate includes a seal, particularly a sealing lip or sealing ring, surrounding the injection needle and / or venting needle to prevent mixture spillage and contamination of the device and its surrounding environment. In the intended use of the injection plate, the seal surrounding the respective needle contacts the membrane of the capsule, thereby sealing the area around the corresponding puncture point of the injection needle and / or venting needle in the membrane with respect to the environment. Therefore, the seal is adapted to prevent leakage of the capsule contents through the puncture point of the injection needle and / or venting needle. Thus, even if some aqueous liquid, concentrate, or mixture spills through the puncture point of the membrane, the device and the environment will not be contaminated.

[0074] In addition, the injection plate may include a sealing device surrounding the tubing for the driver to seal the engagement point where the driver engages with the agitator or with the central shaft. Again, when the driver is engaged with the agitator or with the central shaft of the agitator, the seal prevents any capsule contents from spilling into the environment.

[0075] Other advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims and in the description below. Attached Figure Description

[0076] The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description, and other objectives besides those described above will become apparent. The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0077] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an advantageous embodiment of a device according to a first aspect of the invention is shown for performing a method according to a second aspect of the invention;

[0078] Figure 2A schematic diagram of another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the invention is shown, for performing the method according to the second aspect of the invention;

[0079] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an advantageous embodiment of an injection plate according to a third aspect of the invention is shown; and

[0080] Figure 4 A capsule with a stirrer and a membrane is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0081] Figure 1 Advantageous embodiments of an apparatus 100 for preparing a mixture of a nutrient concentrate and an aqueous liquid in a capsule 200 according to a first aspect of the invention are disclosed. The apparatus 100 includes a capsule holder 101 configured to receive the capsule 200. The capsule 200 is a capsule having a chamber 201 including a nutrient concentrate, a membrane 202 for sealing the chamber 201, and a stirrer 203. Exemplary capsules 200 that can be used with such an apparatus 100 include... Figure 3 As shown. The device 100 further includes: an injection needle 1 configured to pierce the membrane 202 and inject an aqueous liquid into the chamber 202 of the capsule 200; and a venting needle 2 configured to further pierce the membrane 202 of the capsule 200 and ventilate the chamber 201. Furthermore, the device 100 includes an actuator 3 configured to engage with the stirrer 203 or with the central axis of the capsule 200 for mixing the aqueous liquid with the nutrient concentrate in the chamber 201 during a mixing cycle. Additionally, the device 100 includes a control unit 4 configured to control the supply of the aqueous liquid and the actuator 3. The connection between the control unit 4, the actuator 3, and the injection needle 1 is not shown in the figure. However, those skilled in the art will know how to connect them. Advantageously, the liquid supply may be an additional liquid tank not shown in the figure. More advantageously, the liquid tank may be a connection to a liquid pipe of the entire liquid system, such as a connection to a faucet.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the device may further advantageously include a first valve 10, which is configured to open a venting passage for the venting needle 2 during the injection of an aqueous liquid into the chamber and to close the venting passage during a mixing cycle.

[0083] Further advantageously, the ventilation needle 2 or ventilation channel is connected to the drip tray 5. The drip tray 5 collects the aqueous liquid overflowing from the capsule 200.

[0084] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the venting needle 2 is also configured to supply an aqueous liquid to the capsule 200. Specifically, the device 100 therefore includes a second valve 20 adapted to control the supply of the aqueous liquid to the venting needle 2. Thus, the second valve is configured to bypass some liquid to the venting passage 11, and particularly to bypass it in the opposite direction via valve 1, to supply the aqueous liquid to the venting needle 2.

[0085] In another advantageous embodiment, the device 100 further includes a gas supply 32 adapted to inflate the injection needle 1 and / or the ventilation needle 2. Advantageously, the device 100 includes a third valve 30 adapted to switch between an aqueous liquid supply 31 and a gas supply 32. The aqueous liquid supply 31 is preferably a water tank. The gas supply 32 is preferably an air tank or a nitrogen tank.

[0086] In another advantageous embodiment of the device, the device 100 may include more than one ventilator needle 2.

[0087] Further advantageously, the device 100 may include an injection plate 6. The injection plate 6 can be detachably mounted to the device 100. The injection plate 6 may include an injection needle 1 and a ventilation needle 2.

[0088] In another advantageous embodiment, the device 100 includes a positioning motor 7. The positioning motor 7 is advantageously configured to move a mixing unit comprising a driver 3 and an injection plate 6 including an injection needle 1 and a venting needle 2. The mixing unit is axially movable from an upper position to a lower position relative to the capsule holder 101. In the intended use of the device 100, a capsule 200 is placed in the capsule holder 101, wherein the capsule includes a shell having an outlet and an inner membrane between a chamber and the outlet. Furthermore, the capsule includes a stirrer with means for piercing and / or cutting the inner membrane. In the upper position, the driver 3 engages with the stirrer 203 to perform a mixing cycle, and the injection needle and venting needle pierce the membrane. In the lower position, the means of the stirrer 201 configured to pierce and / or cut the inner membrane of the chamber 200 contacts the inner membrane to cut it.

[0089] According to such Figure 1 or Figure 2 The apparatus 100 of the advantageous embodiment shown is adapted to perform the method steps according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0090] Specifically, the apparatus 100 is adapted to prepare a mixture of nutrient concentrate and aqueous liquid in capsule 200, particularly for preparing beverages, using the apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:

[0091] • Insert the ventilation needle (1) into the membrane of the chamber to ventilate the chamber (200).

[0092] • Insert the injection needle (2) into the membrane of the chamber.

[0093] • An aqueous liquid is injected into the chamber (200) through the injection needle (1), and

[0094] • Start the drive (3) to engage with the stirrer (201) in the capsule to mix the aqueous liquid with the nutrient concentrate in a mixing cycle.

[0095] Further advantageously, the steps of injecting the aqueous liquid into the chamber 201 and activating the drive 3 to mix the aqueous liquid with the nutrient concentrate in a mixing cycle are alternating method steps, alternating multiple times, alternating at least twice.

[0096] Furthermore advantageously, the injection of an aqueous liquid into the chamber 201 via the injection needle 1 is paused when the agitator 201 in the capsule 200 is activated by the actuator 3.

[0097] Further advantageously, when an aqueous liquid is injected into the capsule 200, the first valve 10 opens to ventilate the capsule 200, and / or the first valve 10 closes during a mixing cycle.

[0098] Furthermore, advantageously, after the mixing cycle, the injection of the aqueous liquid is paused and the drive 3 stops.

[0099] Another advantageous method for the device according to another embodiment of the invention further includes the steps of: activating the actuator to puncture and / or cut an opening in the inner membrane 106 of the capsule 200, and flushing the mixture of nutrient concentrate and aqueous liquid out of the capsule 200 through the outlet 204 by supplying additional aqueous liquid by the injection needle 1 and / or the ventilation needle 2.

[0100] Another advantageous method includes a step of performing a mixing cycle when the mixing unit is positioned in the upper position. Furthermore, the method includes a step of activating the actuator 3 to pierce and / or cut open the inner membrane 205 of the capsule 200 when the mixing unit is positioned in the lower position to flush the mixture of aqueous liquid and nutrient concentrate from the chamber 201.

[0101] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention includes the step of cleaning the respective needle by rinsing the injection needle and / or the ventilation needle with an aqueous liquid and / or by dry blowing the injection needle and / or the ventilation needle with gas (especially gas from gas supply 32).

[0102] Another advantageous method includes the step of flushing the connection between the vent needle 1 (especially the vent channel 11) and the drip tray 5.

[0103] Figure 3 An advantageous embodiment of an injection plate 6 for use in the device 100 according to the first aspect is shown.

[0104] The injection plate 6 is detachably mounted to the device 100. The injection plate 6 includes an injection needle 1 and a ventilation needle 2.

[0105] Preferably, the injection needle 1 and the ventilation needle 2 are formed as metal needles with a sharp metal cross at their outermost ends to pierce the membrane 202 of the capsule 200. Small recesses or holes are arranged around the metal cross at the outermost ends of the respective needles 1 and 2 and serve as liquid and / or gas inlets and outlets. Further advantageously, the injection plate includes a conduit 60 configured to allow the actuator 3 to pass through during the intended use of the injection plate 6 when it is mounted to the device 100. The conduit 60 allows the actuator 3 to engage with the agitator 201 of the capsule.

[0106] The injection plate 6 may also include a seal 62 arranged around the injection needle 1 and / or the venting needle 2 and / or the conduit 60. The seal prevents the contents of the capsule from spilling out from the puncture point of the injection needle 1 and / or the venting needle 2 and from the engagement point where the actuator 3 engages with the stirrer 203.

[0107] Figure 4 An embodiment of capsule 200 is shown because it can be installed in device 100 according to the first aspect. The capsule 200 is shown to better understand the mechanism of device 100. The capsule 200 includes: a chamber 201 containing a nutrient concentrate, a membrane 202 sealing the chamber 201, and a stirrer 203 disposed within the capsule.

[0108] Advantageously, the capsule 100 also includes an outlet 204 and an inner membrane 205 disposed between the chamber 201 and the outlet 204.

[0109] Advantageously, the stirrer 203 includes means 206 for piercing and / or cutting the inner membrane 205. Specifically, the stirrer 203 includes a central shaft 207 and at least one blade attached to the central shaft 206. The at least one blade includes at least one blade element 206 for piercing and / or cutting the inner membrane to open the chamber 201 and allow the mixture to flow out through the outlet 204. The central shaft 207 is specifically designed for contacting the stirrer 201 from outside the capsule, for example, via the actuator 3 of the device 100. For this purpose, the central shaft 207 may include a coupling means for reversibly engaging with the actuator 3. The blade element 206 may be, for example, a spike, nail, or knife, configured to pierce and / or cut the inner membrane 205 when pushed onto or dragged along the inner membrane 205.

[0110] Advantageously, when rotated, the stirrer 203 mixes or agitates the nutrient concentrate in the chamber 201. Specifically, the stirrer is used to prepare a mixture of the nutrient concentrate and an aqueous liquid in a first state while the inner membrane 205 is still intact. The stirrer can also be used to pierce and / or cut one or more openings in the inner membrane 205 to transfer the capsule 200 to a second state, in which the mixture can be poured out of the chamber 201 through the outlet 204. The piercing or cutting can be achieved by axial movement of the stirrer 203, which can be accompanied by rotation of the stirrer 203. As a result, the mixture can flow out of the capsule 200 through the outlet 204, while the stirrer 203 can be used to mix the remaining concentrate with more liquid.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for preparing a mixture of nutrient concentrate and aqueous liquid in a capsule (200), particularly an apparatus (100) for preparing a beverage, comprising: • A capsule holder (101) configured to receive the capsule (200), wherein the capsule (200) comprises: o Includes a chamber (201) containing nutrient concentrate. o The membrane (202) that seals the chamber, and o Mixer (203); • An injection needle (1) configured to pierce the membrane (202) and inject an aqueous liquid into the chamber (201) of the capsule (200), • A ventilation needle (2), configured to further puncture the membrane (202) of the capsule (200) and ventilate the chamber (201), • A driver (3), configured to engage with the stirrer (203) to mix the aqueous liquid with the nutrient concentrate in the chamber (201) during a mixing cycle. • Control unit (4), which is configured to control the supply of aqueous liquid (31) and the drive (3).

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, comprising a first valve (10) configured to open a venting passage (11) for the venting needle (2) during the injection of an aqueous liquid into the chamber (201) and to close the venting passage (11) during a mixing cycle.

3. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The ventilation needle (2) or the ventilation channel (11) is connected to the drip tray (5) to collect the aqueous liquid overflowing from the capsule (200).

4. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation needle (2) is further configured to supply an aqueous liquid into the capsule (200), In particular, among them, The device includes a second valve (20) adapted to control the supply of aqueous liquid to the vent needle (2).

5. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a gas supply (32) adapted to blow air into the injection needle (1) and / or the ventilation needle (2) and / or the ventilation channel (11). In particular, the device (100) includes a third valve (30) adapted to switch between an aqueous liquid supply (31) and a gas supply (32).

6. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims includes more than one ventilator needle, particularly two ventilator needles, each of the more than one ventilator needles being configured to further puncture the membrane of the capsule (200) and ventilate the capsule (200).

7. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims includes an injection plate (6), particularly a detachably mounted injection plate (6), the injection plate including the injection needle (1) and the ventilation needle (2).

8. The device (100) according to claim 7, further comprising a positioning motor (7) configured to move a mixing unit relative to the capsule holder (101) in an axial direction from an upper position to a lower position, the mixing unit comprising: • The driver (3), and • The injection plate (6) including the injection needle (1) and the ventilation needle (2), Wherein, for the intended use of the device (100), the capsule is placed in the capsule holder, and the capsule further includes: Exports (204), • The inner membrane (205) between the chamber (201) and the outlet (204), and • A stirrer (203) having a device (206) for piercing and / or cutting the inner membrane, in, • The upper position is where: The driver (3) engages with the stirrer (203) to perform a mixing cycle, and o The injection needle (1) and the ventilation needle (2) puncture the membrane (202), and • The lower position is where: The device of the stirrer (201) configured to pierce and / or cut the inner membrane (205) of the chamber (200) contacts the inner membrane (205) to cut the inner membrane (205).

9. A method for preparing a mixture of a nutrient concentrate and an aqueous liquid in a capsule (200), particularly for preparing a beverage, said method using the apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, said method comprising: • Insert the ventilation needle (1) into the membrane (202) of the chamber (201) to ventilate the chamber (201). • Insert the injection needle (2) into the membrane (202) of the chamber (201), • The aqueous liquid is injected into the chamber (201) through the injection needle (1), and • Activate the drive (3) to engage with the stirrer (203) in the capsule (200) to mix the aqueous liquid with the nutrient concentrate in a mixing cycle.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The steps of injecting the aqueous liquid into the chamber (201) and activating the actuator to mix the aqueous liquid with the nutrient concentrate in a mixing cycle are alternating method steps, alternating multiple times, alternating at least twice.

11. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein, The injection of an aqueous liquid into the chamber (200) via the injection needle (1) is paused when the actuator activates the stirrer (201) in the capsule.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising: • When the aqueous liquid is injected into the capsule (200), the first valve (10) is opened to ventilate the capsule (200), and / or • During the mixing cycle, the first valve (10) is closed.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 12, comprising: After a mixing cycle, especially if there are multiple mixing cycles, after each mixing cycle, the injection of aqueous liquid into the chamber (201) through the injection needle (1) is paused and the actuator (3) is paused.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13 further comprises: • Activate the actuator to pierce and / or cut an opening in the inner membrane (106) of the capsule (200), and • By supplying additional aqueous liquid via the injection needle (1) and / or the ventilation needle (2), the mixture of nutrient concentrate and aqueous liquid is flushed out of the capsule (200) through the outlet (204), particularly • Open the third valve (30) to allow the aqueous liquid to flow through the injection needle (1) and the ventilation needle (2) for flushing the chamber (201).

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, comprising: • The mixing cycle is performed when the mixing unit is positioned at the upper position, and • When the mixing unit is positioned in the lower position, the actuator (3) is activated to pierce and / or cut open the inner membrane (205) of the capsule (200) to flush out the mixture of aqueous liquid and nutrient concentrate from the chamber (201).

16. The method according to any one of steps 9 to 15 above further includes cleaning the injection needle and / or the ventilation needle (2) by: • Rinse the corresponding needle with an aqueous solution, and / or • Use gas to dry blow the corresponding needle, in particular • Open the third valve (30) to switch from an aqueous liquid supply to a gas supply.

17. An injection plate (6) for use in the device (100) according to claims 1 to 8, particularly a detachably mounted injection plate (6), Includes the injection needle (1) and the ventilation needle (2) and The injection plate, the injection needle (1), and the ventilation needle (2) are adapted to be arranged adjacent to the membrane (202) such that, during the intended use of the device (100), the injection plate, the injection needle (1), and the ventilation needle (2) puncture the membrane (202).

18. The injection plate (6) according to claim 17 further includes a seal (62) arranged around the injection needle and / or ventilation needle of the capsule and adapted to prevent the contents of the capsule from leaking out from the puncture point of the injection needle (1) and / or the ventilation needle (2).

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