CARTRIDGE SYSTEM, BEVERAGE PREPARATION MACHINE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A CARTRIDGE SYSTEM

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge system for producing a beverage, wherein the cartridge system can be inserted into a beverage preparation machine, a cartridge comprising a reservoir filled with a beverage substance, and a cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridge, wherein the cartridge receptacle has a mixing chamber that can be brought into fluid contact with the reservoir and a fluid supply opening into the mixing chamber, wherein the cartridge has a cartridge wall.

[0002] Such systems are known from the prior art, for example, from publications EP 2 017 221 A1, WO 2017 / 121 802 A1, WO 2017 / 121 801 A1, WO 2017 / 121 801 A1, WO 2017 / 121 799 A1, WO 2017 / 121 798 A1, WO 2017 / 121 797 A1, WO 2017 / 121 796 A1 and WO 2019 / 002 293 A1, and are used for the production of beverages from pre-portioned cartridges. The production of beverages with such systems is extremely convenient for the user, as they only need to insert a cartridge and press a start button. The beverage preparation machine then takes over the production process fully automatically, meaning in particular that the beverage base is mixed with a predetermined amount of liquid, especially cold and carbonated water, and dispensed into a drinking vessel. In this way, mixed drinks in particular can be prepared much more easily, quickly, and with less effort for the user.The user can choose from a variety of different cartridges, allowing them to prepare different drinks as they wish.

[0003] It is a challenge to keep the beverage substance safe and stable within the cartridge, especially before using the cartridge system in the beverage preparation machine. Maintaining the freshness and quality of the beverage substance is crucial. At the same time, the cartridge system should enable a reliable and reproducible beverage preparation process. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge system that can be inserted into a beverage preparation machine for the production of a beverage, with which improved storage of the beverage substance and / or high-quality beverage preparation is possible.

[0005] This problem is solved by a cartridge system according to claim 1. The cartridge system according to the invention has the advantage over the prior art that an advantageous seal is formed between the cartridge and the cartridge holder. Advantageously, the transition between the cartridge and the cartridge holder is sealed by means of the sealing agent in such a way that no unwanted liquid leakage occurs there – particularly during beverage preparation – even when rapid beverage preparation takes place using a comparatively high pressure. This advantageously prevents the unwanted leakage of liquids and / or beverage substance from a mixing chamber of the cartridge holder during beverage preparation. This makes it possible to reduce the preparation time without risking any impairment of the taste of the beverage being prepared.In addition to or as an alternative to its function as a sealant, the sealant advantageously compensates for manufacturing tolerances of the cartridge, the sealing element, and / or the cartridge holder. Various suitable materials are available for the sealant, such as different types of rubber and / or plastics, or other materials.

[0006] According to the invention, it is particularly conceivable that the sealing agent is arranged partially or completely between an upper surface of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle, so that the sealing agent seals the transition between the cartridge receptacle and the cartridge, particularly in the area of ​​its sealing element. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the sealing agent is arranged and / or formed in the area of ​​the connecting element of the cartridge between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle, particularly between the sealing element of the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle.

[0007] The cartridge may have a main body made of glass.

[0008] It is conceivable that the entire cartridge is made of glass and is preferably designed as a glass cartridge and / or glass bottle.

[0009] Alternatively, the cartridge could be manufactured entirely or partially from plastic. It is also conceivable that the cartridge has a main body made of aluminum, which, in its typical wall area, preferably has a wall thickness between 0.01 and 0.5 millimeters, more preferably between 0.01 and 0.2 millimeters, particularly preferably between 0.03 and 0.1 millimeters, and most preferably of substantially 0.05 millimeters, especially with a tolerance of no more than 15%. An aluminum main body can be manufactured, for example, by deep drawing or extrusion.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the description with reference to the drawings.

[0011] According to the invention, the sealing agent is designed as part of the sealing element and / or is a separate element from the sealing element, which is arranged in particular between the cartridge and the cartridge holder. The sealing agent can thus be formed integrally with the sealing element or as a separate component from the sealing element.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing material comprises a sealing ring, a full-surface sealing material with a bore, and / or a foam. It is particularly conceivable that the sealing material is designed as an O-ring, which is arranged, in particular, partially or completely between the sealing element and the cartridge receptacle. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the sealing material is designed with a bore / recess for the piercing mandrel over its entire surface. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the sealing material is designed as part of the sealing element and / or connected to the sealing element, in particular on an upper surface of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge. It is particularly conceivable that the sealing material comprises a foam (or...The sealing element comprises the foamed area, which is located on the top of the sealing element, particularly in a peripheral outer area of ​​the sealing element. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the sealing element, for example an O-ring and / or foam, is located and / or formed in the area of ​​the cartridge's connecting element between the cartridge and the cartridge holder, particularly between the sealing element of the cartridge and the cartridge holder. Alternatively or additionally, the additional seal between the cartridge and the cartridge holder can be achieved, for example, by designing the cartridge holder using a two-component plastic.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element is attachable to the cartridge wall, wherein the cartridge wall in particular does not include a flange for attaching the sealing element. It is conceivable that the sealing element is attached to the cartridge (particularly without the need for a flange on the cartridge), in particular by gluing, sealing, welding, and / or crimping. The sealing element seals the cartridge reservoir filled with the beverage substance in the initial state of the cartridge system. Preferably, the sealing element ensures that the beverage substance remains within the reservoir before the start of the beverage production process and is hermetically sealed there for a long shelf life and consistent aroma.It is particularly conceivable that the sealing element is attached to the cartridge wall in an opening area of ​​the cartridge, preferably without the cartridge having a special flange for this purpose.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge wall alternatively comprises a flange for attaching the sealing element. This allows for the advantageous attachment of a sealing element to seal the reservoir or the main body of the cartridge. Preferably, the sealing element ensures that the beverage substance remains within the reservoir before the start of the beverage production process and is hermetically sealed there for a long shelf life and consistent aroma. The flange allows the sealing element to be attached to the cartridge with high stability and tightness, enabling even high internal pressures to be contained within the cartridge. The beverage substance, particularly the liquid substance, can thus be contained in the reservoir under higher pressure.This makes it possible to store beverage substances with a higher carbon dioxide content in the reservoir without the risk of the reservoir's seal, and especially the sealing element, becoming leaky due to the carbon dioxide, for example, during vibrations during transport or storage of the cartridge system, resulting in gas and / or liquid loss. The higher carbon dioxide content, in turn, has a positive effect on both the taste of the beverage being produced and the cartridge's shelf life. Some beverage substances require particularly high internal pressures in the cartridge reservoir to maintain their freshness and quality; these pressures can be achieved, for example, through pre-carbonation.Furthermore, it is advantageous that the reservoir can be emptied at a comparatively high pressure during the beverage production process without causing unwanted leaks, for example, in the area where the sealing element attaches to the cartridge. This allows for a reduction in preparation time without compromising the taste of the beverage being produced. At the same time, it is advantageous that the flange has no adverse effect on the beverage preparation speed in the beverage dispensing machine.

[0015] It is conceivable that a sealing element can be advantageously crimped around the flange, resulting in a particularly pressure-resistant seal. This is especially beneficial for beverage substances that are enclosed in the reservoir at high internal pressure. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the flange to provide an enlarged area for attaching a sealing element. This is particularly useful, for example, for attaching a sealing element designed as a sealing film.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge comprises a main body, preferably cup-shaped, wherein the main body is formed by means of the cartridge wall, which is closed on one side by a cartridge base, and wherein the main body preferably comprises the reservoir. The cartridge wall and the cartridge base are preferably formed in one piece. It is preferably conceivable that the cartridge wall is cylindrical, at least in a main region of the cartridge wall. The cartridge wall and the cartridge base can preferably be formed by a glass bottle. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the cartridge wall and the cartridge base are formed by a plastic or a metal.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge wall comprises a secondary region adjacent to the flange, extending towards the cartridge base. The cartridge wall in this secondary region has a thinner wall than in the region of the flange. The flange thus preferably projects radially outwards beyond this secondary region, forming a widened opening area of ​​the cartridge. This allows for advantageous attachment of the sealing element. In particular, a particularly stable connection can be achieved by crimping the sealing element around the flange.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge wall has a connecting element, in particular a circumferential one, for connecting the cartridge to the cartridge receptacle. The connecting element comprises, in particular, one or more locking grooves, and / or one or more locking ridges, and / or one or more undercuts, and / or an external thread. This preferably results in a stable and cost-effective connection between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle. The flange for attaching the sealing element is, in particular, an additional element formed separately from the connecting element, which is especially advantageous not to be part of the connecting element. Alternatively, according to the invention, it is conceivable that the cartridge does not have such a flange.It is particularly advantageous for the connecting element, especially the locking element, to include a flattened area that provides anti-rotation protection for the cartridge and the cartridge holder. Even if the cartridge has a flange, and if the flange is a separate area from the connecting element, it is still advantageous to use a circular crimp cap as a sealing element, crimped around the flange (especially the circular one), despite such a flattening of the connecting element. Similarly, even if the cartridge does not have a flange for attaching the sealing element, it is still advantageous to use a circular crimp cap as a sealing element, crimped around the cartridge wall's opening (especially the circular one).It is conceivable that the cartridge has a flattened section along its entire height, or that it is cylindrical (or has a circular base along its entire height). Alternatively, it is conceivable that the cartridge has the flattened section only over a portion of its height, for example, only in the area of ​​the main body of the cartridge, with the end of the cartridge, particularly around the opening sealed by the sealing element, being circular. A combination of these configurations is also conceivable. For example, it is conceivable that one section of the cartridge is cylindrical and another section has a flattened section. It is conceivable that the connecting element has a flattened section and that the rest of the cartridge is partially or completely cylindrical, or also partially or completely flattened.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge is provided with a sealing element, wherein, in particular, the main body is sealed by the sealing element on its side opposite the cartridge base in an initial state of the cartridge system. Advantageously, the sealing element ensures that the beverage substance remains within the reservoir before the start of the beverage production process and is hermetically sealed there for a long shelf life and consistent aroma.

[0020] According to one embodiment, presented for illustrative purposes only, the sealing element is crimped, glued, sealed, welded, and / or screwed to the cartridge using the flange. Specifically, the sealing element is crimped, glued, sealed, and / or welded to the cartridge using a peripheral mounting area and the flange. Crimping the sealing element around the flange allows for a particularly pressure-resistant attachment of the sealing element to the cartridge, ensuring that comparatively high internal pressures can be reliably contained within the cartridge, even over extended periods. A sealing element crimped to the flange thus offers particular advantages. However, it is also conceivable that other joining methods besides crimping could be used to attach a sealing element to the cartridge using the flange.The sealing element can, for example, be glued, sealed, or welded to the flange. This results in particularly advantageous flexibility when using the cartridge. In particular, it is conceivable that a cartridge can be combined with different sealing elements (and / or attachment methods for the sealing elements to the cartridge) without requiring any structural modification of the cartridge. This increases the application possibilities of the cartridge or cartridge system and its scalability in a particularly cost-effective manner.

[0021] According to an embodiment that serves only for illustrative purposes, the sealing element comprises a crimp cap.

[0022] According to an embodiment used solely for illustrative purposes, the crimp cap is attached to the cartridge flange, particularly in the initial state of the cartridge system, with the crimp cap being crimped onto the cartridge flange. A fastening area of ​​the crimp cap is preferably crimped around the flange. The flange thus allows for the formation of a particularly advantageous crimp connection. A crimp connection is especially advantageous when an overpressure is present in the cartridge reservoir, particularly due to pre-carbonation of the beverage substance. For example, it is conceivable that an overpressure of several bar, such as up to twelve bar, eleven bar, or five bar, is present in the cartridge. The closure of the main body of the cartridge, formed by the sealing element, must reliably withstand such an overpressure.For this purpose, crimping the sealing element around the cartridge flange is particularly advantageous, as such a connection can reliably and for a relatively long time contain even such a high overpressure within the main body of the cartridge. Overpressure resulting from pre-carbonation can be used to preserve and keep various beverage substances fresh within the cartridge. Furthermore, pre-carbonating the beverage substance and containing it within the cartridge at a corresponding overpressure can be beneficial for the taste of the beverage produced from it. As an alternative to forming the sealing element with a crimp cap, it is possible for the sealing element to be formed using or by means of a screw cap, the screw cap preferably having a seal as well as a bore and / or punch for the piercing pin.The cartridge's mouth area preferably has a thread for attaching the screw cap. It is conceivable that the screw cap is screwed onto the cartridge, with the cartridge holder preferably being attached to the cartridge and / or the screw cap after the cap has been screwed on. The screw cap can be made of, for example, plastic and / or metal.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element comprises a sealing film. It is possible for the sealing element to be designed entirely as a sealing film or for only a portion of the sealing element to be designed as a sealing film. For example, it would be conceivable for a portion of a sealing element designed as a crimp cap to comprise a sealing film.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing film comprises a plastic film, an aluminum foil, or a multilayer film made of plastic and / or aluminum. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing film may comprise a foam, paper, and / or other materials. A combination of plastic, and / or aluminum, and / or paper, and / or foam, and / or other materials is also conceivable.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing film is attached to the cartridge flange, particularly in an initial state of the cartridge system, wherein the sealing film is preferably glued, sealed, and / or welded to the cartridge flange. Preferably, the sealing film is at least substantially flat in the state attached to the cartridge. The sealing film is connected, in particular, to the top surface of the flange (facing away from the cartridge) and thus, in particular, to the end face of the flange. Preferably, a circumferential attachment area of ​​the sealing element is glued, sealed, and / or welded to the flange of the cartridge wall for this purpose. It is advantageously conceivable that the sealing film is attached to the flange by means of inductive welding.Alternatively or additionally, the sealing film can be attached to the flange using conductive welding. In variants where the sealing film is directly connected to the flange, the sealing element preferably does not have an additional sealing body; instead, the opening of the main body of the cartridge is hermetically sealed directly and, in particular, exclusively by the sealing film.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge holder has a basic structure which is at least partially and, in particular, entirely made of plastic. This advantageously results in cost-effective manufacturing.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base structure has a cup-shaped design, the open side of which is oriented towards the cartridge. A beverage outlet opening and an outwardly open mandrel guide are formed on a bottom side opposite the cartridge, and a fluid inlet is formed on the bottom side or a side wall of the base structure. This cartridge holder has the advantage that the fluid inlet does not open into the reservoir of the cartridge, but rather into the mixing chamber, which is separate from the reservoir. This prevents recontamination of the beverage preparation machine by the fluid inlet during the beverage production process. For this purpose, the reservoir is not flushed by the fluid; instead, the beverage substance and the fluid enter the mixing chamber of the cartridge holder separately.The fluid is fed directly into the mixing chamber, while the beverage substance is transferred to the mixing chamber independently of the fluid. For this purpose, a slidably mounted piercing mandrel is arranged within the mandrel guide, wherein the piercing mandrel is slidable between a retracted position, in which the piercing mandrel is spaced apart from the sealing element and, in particular, the sealing film (or the section thereof), and an extended position, in which the piercing mandrel pierces the sealing element and, in particular, the sealing film (or partially or completely tears off the section thereof from the sealing element) and projects into the reservoir.In the initial state of the cartridge system, the piercing pin is in the retracted position, so that the reservoir is hermetically sealed by the sealing element and, in particular, the sealing film. To open the cartridge's sealing element, the piercing pin can be moved from the retracted position to the extended position. In the extended position, the piercing pin perforates the sealing element or tears open a pre-cut opening, allowing the beverage substance to pass the sealing element and enter the mixing chamber through at least one side channel on the piercing pin. This enables simple and reliable opening of a previously aroma-tight sealed cartridge in a beverage preparation machine. Furthermore, it has been shown that recontamination of the beverage preparation machine is prevented, especially since no overpressure acting directly on the fluid supply is generated in the reservoir.The design of the mixing chamber within the cartridge holder, which can be reversibly inserted into the beverage preparation machine, advantageously ensures that the mixing chamber is part of the replaceable cartridge system. This effectively prevents contamination of the beverage preparation machine by the beverage substance, as only parts of the replaceable disposable or reusable cartridge system come into contact with the beverage substance.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer wall of the piercing mandrel has at least one side channel for guiding the beverage substance towards the mixing chamber when the sealing element is pierced.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the piercing mandrel has an integrated compressed air line, which serves as the cartridge ejection device, wherein the compressed air line extends along the piercing mandrel, in particular from a first end of the piercing mandrel to a second end of the piercing mandrel. Advantageously, three functions are thus integrated into the piercing mandrel: 1. The piercing mandrel comprises the piercing part to perforate the sealing element and thus open the cartridge. 2. The piercing mandrel comprises the side channels to allow the beverage substance to be transferred into the mixing chamber. 3. The piercing mandrel comprises the integrated compressed air line to blow compressed air into the reservoir, thereby forcing the beverage substance under pressure into the mixing chamber.

[0030] Preferably, a compressed air connection for connection to a compressed air source is provided at the second end, and a compressed air outlet for blowing compressed air into the reservoir is provided at the first end. Thus, according to the present invention, the cartridge unloading device integrated into the cartridge holder initially comprises only a compressed air line through which compressed air can be introduced into the reservoir from the outside. The cartridge holder is designed such that the compressed air forces the beverage substance from the reservoir into the mixing chamber. The compressed air is provided, in particular, by the beverage preparation machine. It is conceivable that a compressed air source is directly connected to the compressed air connection as soon as the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine.This has the advantage of effectively preventing back-contamination towards the beverage preparation machine, because the cartridge ejection device is pressurized immediately upon insertion of the cartridge system, thus preventing beverage substance from migrating towards the compressed air line and, in particular, towards the compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine. The beverage substance can therefore only move from the reservoir towards the mixing chamber.

[0031] The compressed air connection is designed as an opening in the base part, the base part being arranged in the cartridge holder in such a way that the compressed air connection is accessible from outside the cartridge holder. This facilitates connecting the compressed air line to the compressed air source.

[0032] Preferably, the fluid is introduced into the mixing chamber under pressure. The fluid is supplied, in particular, by the beverage preparation machine. It is conceivable that a fluid source is directly connected to a corresponding fluid port on the cartridge holder as soon as the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine. The fluid port is connected to the mixing chamber via a fluid line. This has the advantage of effectively preventing back-contamination towards the beverage preparation machine, because the fluid port is pressurized immediately upon insertion of the cartridge system, thus preventing beverage substance from migrating towards the fluid line and, in particular, towards the fluid source of the beverage preparation machine. The beverage substance and the beverage itself can therefore only move from the mixing chamber towards the beverage outlet.The fluid comprises in particular water, preferably pressurized, cooled and / or carbonated drinking water.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is a beverage preparation machine comprising a cartridge system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge system can be inserted into the beverage preparation machine. With the cartridge system inserted in the beverage preparation machine, the beverage can be prepared. After preparation, the cartridge system can be removed from the beverage preparation machine.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cartridge system according to claim 14.

[0035] According to the invention, it is provided that the sealing agent is formed and / or arranged on a top side of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge before the third process step and / or during the third process step, in particular before, during and / or after the second process step.

[0036] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the essential concept of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a cartridge of a cartridge system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the cartridge along the [unclear] Figure 1Section BB shown. Figure 3a shows a schematic detail view of the muzzle area of ​​the cartridge along the section shown in the Figure 1 Sectional plane BB shown. Figure 3b shows a schematic detail view of the muzzle area of ​​a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view along the section shown in the Figure 1Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a cut cartridge of a cartridge system according to a non-inventive embodiment. Figures 6a and 6b show schematic perspective views of a cut cartridge for a cartridge system according to a non-inventive embodiment. Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a cut cartridge for a cartridge system according to a non-inventive embodiment. Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a cut cartridge of a cartridge system according to a further non-inventive embodiment. Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c show a perspective view, a schematic sectional view, and the general operating principle of a cartridge system according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.Figures 10a, 10b and 10c show schematic views of a cartridge system according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. Figures 11a, 11b and 11c show schematic views of a cartridge system according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a sectioned sealing element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0038] In the various figures, identical parts are always marked with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually only named or mentioned once.

[0039] In Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge 2 comprises a cup-shaped hollow main body 2', which forms a reservoir 6 for a beverage substance 7. Cup-shaped here means that the main body 2' has a cartridge base 2‴ (shown below in the drawing) and a cartridge wall 2" projecting at right angles from the cartridge base 2‴ (particularly in the direction of the cartridge receptacle 10, which is not shown). The cartridge wall 2" is at least partially cylindrical and circumferential, while the cartridge base 2‴ in this example has a circular shape. The main body 2' of the cartridge 2, or the cartridge 2 itself, is preferably formed by or at least with the aid of a glass bottle.Reservoir 6 of cartridge 2 can be filled with a beverage substance 7. Figure 1 Furthermore, a central extension axis 100 of the cartridge 2 is shown, representing an axial direction of the cartridge 2, and a radial axis 110, which is perpendicular to the central extension axis 100 and represents a radial direction. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the flange 4 has the connecting element 20, for example, an external thread.

[0040] On a side axially opposite the cartridge base 2‴, the cartridge 2 has an opening 90° which can be closed with a sealing element 18. For attaching and securing the sealing element 18, the cartridge 2 has a flange 4, which is designed as a widened opening area of ​​the cartridge wall 2″ at an edge 2ʺʺ of the cartridge wall 2″. The opening 90° of the cartridge 2 is thus surrounded by the flange 4. Furthermore, the cartridge 2 includes a connecting element 20, which is formed by a locking bead 20' and another locking bead 20″. The connecting element 20 is designed for connecting the cartridge 2 to a cartridge receptacle 10. The radial extent of the locking bead 20″, 20″ around the circumference of the cartridge 2 is not constant. In particular, the radial extent of the locking ridges 20', 20" on one side of the cartridge is greater than on the opposite side (see Figure 2 ).

[0041] In Figure 2is a schematic sectional view of the in the Figure 1 Cartouche 2 shown along the line in the Figure 1 The section plane BB is shown. The radial extent of the locking ridges 20', 20" is not constant around the circumference of the cartridge 2. In particular, the radial extent of the locking ridges 20', 20" on one side of the cartridge (right side in ) is Figure 2 ) larger than on the opposite side (left side in Figure 2A flattened area is thus formed in a region of the connecting element 20. This provides anti-rotation protection for the cartridge 2 in the cartridge receptacle 10, so that when the cartridge 2 is connected to the cartridge receptacle 10, a defined relative orientation between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10 is advantageously established. The cartridge receptacle 10 has corresponding mating connecting elements with a flattened area, in particular locking grooves with varying depths around the circumference of the locking grooves (not shown). Since the flange 4 is a separate region from the connecting element 20, the use of a circular crimp cap 180 as a sealing element 18 is still advantageously possible despite this flattening of the locking element (or the connecting element 20), which is crimped around the particularly circular flange 4.

[0042] In Figure 3a is a schematic sectional view of the area in the Figure 1 cartridge 2 shown along the one in the Figure 1 The section plane BB is shown, with only the upper region of the cartridge 2 depicted in an enlarged detail view. The flange 4 represents the end of the cartridge 2 opposite the cartridge base 2‴ in the axial direction and is formed around the opening 90 of the cartridge 2. The opening 90 is preferably circular and preferably has a diameter 90' of at least 18 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter 90' of the opening is 22 mm (with a manufacturing tolerance of at least 15%). Other values ​​for the diameter 90' are also conceivable.

[0043] The outer diameter 91 of the flange 4 (from outer side 4ʺʺ to outer side 4ʺʺ of the flange 4) is preferably a maximum of 29 mm (with a manufacturing tolerance of at most 15%). However, other values ​​for the outer diameter 91 are also conceivable.

[0044] On the upper surface 4' of the flange 4, facing away from the cartridge base 2‴, an end face 4" of the flange 4 is formed. At its radially inner end, the end face 4" transitions into an inner surface of the cartridge 2 by means of a first radius of curvature M. The first radius of curvature M advantageously prevents the sealing element 18 from unintentionally tearing open in this area. In the illustrated embodiment, the first radius of curvature M is 0.6 mm (with a maximum manufacturing tolerance of 15%). However, other values ​​for the first radius of curvature M are also possible.

[0045] The end face 4" or the top surface 4' of the flange 4 is not parallel to the radial axis 110, but slopes radially from the inside out (i.e., with increasing distance from the central axis of extension 100) towards the cartridge base 2‴. Thus, the end face 4" has an upper opening angle L relative to the radial axis 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening angle L = 7°. However, other values ​​for the opening angle L are also conceivable. The end face 4" can also be designed perpendicular to the central axis of extension 100 of the cartridge, i.e., parallel to the radial axis 110. A parallel orientation of the end face 4" to the radial axis 110 (i.e., in particular with an opening angle L = 0°) is particularly advantageous if the sealing element 18 is designed as a sealing film 18" and is attached to the end face 4" of the flange 4, for example by induction welding.

[0046] At its radially outer end, the top surface 4' or end face 4" of the flange 4 transitions into an outer surface 4ʺʺ of the flange 4 with a second radius of curvature N, the outer surface 4ʺʺ extending circumferentially around the cartridge 2. The outer surface 4ʺʺ of the flange 4 extends, in particular, parallel to the central axis of extension 100. The second radius of curvature N allows for a particularly advantageous improvement in the crimping of a sealing element 18 around the flange 4, as there is no sharp edge. In the illustrated embodiment, the second radius of curvature N has a radius of 1.3 mm (with, in particular, a maximum manufacturing tolerance of 15%). However, other values ​​for the second radius of curvature N are also possible.

[0047] At its lower end, the outer surface 4ʺʺ of the flange 4 transitions into an underside 4‴ʺ of the flange 4 with a third radius of curvature O. It is possible that the third radius of curvature O advantageously improves the crimping of a sealing element 18 around the flange 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the third radius of curvature O has a radius of 0.5 mm (with a maximum manufacturing tolerance of 15%). However, other values ​​for the third radius of curvature O are also possible.

[0048] The underside 4‴ʺ of the flange 4 has a lower opening angle K of 60° to the central extension axis 100 (and thus an angle of 30° to the radial axis 110). Alternatively, other values ​​for the lower opening angle K of 60° are also possible.

[0049] Adjacent to the underside 4‴ʺ of the flange 4, a secondary region 5 of the cartridge wall 2" is formed. A fourth radius of curvature P is formed as a transition between the underside 4‴ʺ of the flange 4 and the secondary region 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth radius of curvature P has a radius of 0.7 mm (with a maximum manufacturing tolerance of 15%). However, other values ​​for the fourth radius of curvature P are also possible.

[0050] The height 4‴ of the flange 4, including the area formed by the fourth radius of curvature P, is 6.1 mm in the illustrated embodiment (with a maximum manufacturing tolerance of 15%). However, other values ​​for the height 4‴ are also possible. Due to its height 4‴, the flange 4 can be used particularly advantageously to attach a sealing element 18, which is crimped around the flange 4, to the cartridge 2.

[0051] The connecting element 20 of the cartridge 2, by which a connection with the cartridge receptacle 10 can be established, is offset axially (i.e., parallel to the central axis of extension 100) from the flange 4 in the direction of the cartridge base 2‴. The connecting element 20 and the flange 4 are thus separate and, in particular, spaced-apart elements. The secondary region 5 of the cartridge wall 2‴ is arranged axially between the connecting element 20 and the flange 4. The secondary region 5 borders the flange 4 at its upper end and the locking bead 20‴ at its lower end, so that a groove is formed by the secondary region 5 between the flange 4 and the connecting element 20. In the secondary region 5, the wall thickness of the cartridge wall 2‴ is less than in the region of the flange 4, so that the flange 4 projects radially from the secondary region 5.The distance 20‴ of the connecting element 20, in particular the locking bead 20', to the upper edge of the flange 4 formed by the end face 4" is 7.9 mm (with in particular a maximum manufacturing tolerance of 15%).

[0052] In Figure 3b A schematic sectional view of a cartridge 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3b The depicted embodiment resembles the one in Figure 3aThe embodiment shown differs in that the flange 4 has a circumferential indentation 9 on its outer surface 4ʺʺ. The indentation 9 is specifically designed as a radial thinning of the flange 4. The flange 4, which is designed as a thickened area of ​​the cartridge wall 2", is thus locally thinned. Such a thinning is particularly advantageous when the cartridge 2 or the cartridge wall 2" is made of plastic. It is particularly advantageous to consider that the two rings of the flange 4 formed by the indentation 9 (above and below the indentation 9) are reinforced by one or more vertical webs in order to advantageously absorb crimping forces.

[0053] In Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a cartridge 2 cut along the section plane BB according to the one in the Figures 1 to 3a The illustrated embodiment is shown.

[0054] The in Fig. 5 , 6a , b , 7 and 8 The crimp cap 180 shown is no longer part of the invention and serves only to explain or illustrate the present invention. Otherwise, the features and embodiments shown in the respective figures are to be understood as part of the invention.

[0055] In Figure 5Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to a non-inventive embodiment. The opening 90 of the cartridge 2 is closed by a sealing element 18 designed as a crimp cap 180. The crimp cap 180 is crimped around the flange 4 of the cartridge 2 and thereby attached to the cartridge 4. The sealing element 18 encloses both the top 4' of the flange 4 and the outer 4ʺʺ of the flange and is formed around the areas of the flange 4 with radii of curvature N and O. The sealing element 18 terminates in the area of ​​the underside 4‴ʺ of the flange 4. This allows for a particularly advantageous closure of the cartridge 2. The crimped sealing element 18 can withstand even high internal pressures that may develop within the cartridge 2, especially in the reservoir 6.Thus, a beverage substance 7 can be contained under high pressure in the reservoir 6, resulting in pre-carbonation that is advantageous for many beverage substances. The crimp cap 180 is preferably made of a metal, in particular aluminum. A coating, in particular a sealing layer, such as a lacquer and / or a laminated or co-extruded plastic, is preferably arranged on the underside of the crimp cap 180, i.e., the side of the crimp cap 180 facing the cartridge 2. The sealing layer is arranged, in particular, between the flange 4 and the crimp cap 180. An advantageous seal is achieved by means of the sealing layer. Optionally, or alternatively, a gasket can be arranged between the crimp cap 180 and the flange 4. For example, the gasket could be annular or full-surface (i.e., closed, in particular disc-shaped).The seal can be incorporated into the crimp cap 180, in particular by sealing, gluing, and / or foaming. The seal enables a further improved seal. It is also conceivable that a protective lacquer is applied to the upper surface of the crimp cap 180 facing away from the cartridge 2.

[0056] In the Figures 6a and 6b Schematic perspective sectional views of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to a non-inventive embodiment are shown. We also see in the Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 18, or a sealing body of the sealing element 18, is designed as a crimp cap 180. The sealing element 18, i.e., the crimp cap 180, comprises a pre-cut or pre-punch 18', which is formed centrally on the crimp cap 180. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the pre-cut 18' is offset from the center of the sealing element 18. Advantageously, the pre-cut 18', and in particular its edge, forms a predetermined breaking point in the sealing element 18, which is torn open upon contact of the sealing element 18 with a piercing mandrel 73. Thus, an advantageously defined opening can be created in the sealing element 18.It is conceivable that a sealing layer, preferably a lacquer and / or a laminated or co-extruded plastic, preferably comprising polypropylene and / or another plastic, is arranged on the underside of the crimp cap 180, i.e., the side of the crimp cap 180 facing the cartridge 2. The sealing layer is arranged, in particular, between the flange 4 and the crimp cap 180. An advantageous seal is achieved by means of the sealing layer. The pre-forming or pre-punching 18' is preferably designed such that the sealing layer remains undamaged by the pre-forming or pre-punching 18'. Optionally, or alternatively, a gasket is arranged between the crimp cap 180 and the flange 4. For example, it is conceivable that the gasket is annular or full-surface (i.e., closed, in particular disc-shaped).The seal can be incorporated into the crimp cap 180, in particular by sealing, gluing, and / or foaming. The seal enables a further improved seal. It is also conceivable that a protective lacquer is applied to the upper surface of the crimp cap 180 facing away from the cartridge 2.

[0057] In Figure 7 Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to a non-inventive embodiment. We also refer to the following in Figure 2: Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 18, or a sealing body of the sealing element 18, is designed as a crimp cap 180. The sealing element 18, i.e., the crimp cap 180, comprises a central through-opening 18‴, in particular a bore. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the through-opening 18‴ is offset from the center of the sealing element 18. The through-opening 18‴ of the sealing element 18 is closed by a sealing film 18" (not shown). The sealing film 18" can be connected to the crimp cap 180 either on the underside facing the cartridge 2 or on the upper side facing away from the cartridge 2. Thus, in the initial state of the cartridge system 1, the sealing film 18" closes the through-opening 18"'. When the sealing element 18 comes into contact with a piercing mandrel 73, the sealing foil 18" is pierced.Thus, a suitably defined opening can be created in the sealing element 18. It is conceivable that a sealing layer, in particular a lacquer and / or a laminated or co-extruded plastic, preferably comprising polypropylene and / or another plastic, is arranged on the underside of the crimp cap 180 facing the cartridge 2. The sealing layer is arranged, in particular, between the flange 4 and the crimp cap 180. Optionally, or alternatively, a gasket is arranged between the crimp cap 180 and the flange 4. For example, the gasket is conceivable to be annular or full-surface (i.e., closed, in particular disc-shaped). The gasket can be incorporated into the crimp cap 180, in particular by sealing, bonding, and / or foaming. The gasket provides an additionally improved seal.It is also conceivable that a protective lacquer is applied to the upper surface of the crimp cap 180 facing away from the cartridge 2. Alternatively, the sealing element 18 could also be designed as a screw cap instead of the crimp cap 180 shown. Both variants (crimp cap 180 or screw cap) can be additionally sealed in the direction of the flange 4 and / or in the direction of the crimp cap 180 or screw cap to improve the seal.

[0058] In Figure 8Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to a further non-inventive embodiment. The opening 90 of the cartridge 2 is closed by a sealing element 18 designed as a sealing film 18". The sealing film 18" is attached to the top surface 4' of the flange 4, in particular to the end face 4" of the flange 4. An edge region of the sealing film 18" is arranged on the top surface 4' of the flange 4 and attached to the flange 4 in this edge region. Preferably, the edge region of the sealing film 18" is attached to the top surface 4' of the flange by welding, in particular by induction welding. However, other methods, in particular adhesive bonding, are also suitable for attaching the sealing film 18" to the flange 4.A sealing element 18 designed as a sealing film 18" can be implemented in a particularly cost-effective manner and is especially advantageous for beverage substances 7 for which a comparatively low pressure, in particular a low overpressure or no overpressure, within the reservoir 6 is sufficient. The sealing film 18" is designed in particular as a plastic film, a metal film (in particular aluminum film), or as a multilayer film made of plastic and / or aluminum (and / or one or more other metals). As in . Fig. 8 As shown, it is possible for the sealing film 18" to protrude beyond the flange 4 on its circumference. This allows for a particularly advantageous tolerance compensation.

[0059] As in the Figures 5 to 8As can be seen, a further particular advantage is that the flange 4 can be used to attach different sealing elements 18, especially without requiring any structural modifications to the cartridge. This enables a particularly cost-effective and versatile use of a cartridge design, as it allows for the combination of different sealing elements 18 and fastening methods for the sealing elements 18 on the cartridge 2, making the cartridge particularly suitable for beverage substances 7 with varying requirements.

[0060] In Figures 9a, 9b and 9c Figure 1 shows a perspective view, a schematic sectional view and the general operating principle of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] The illustrated cartridge system 1 is designed to be inserted into a beverage preparation machine (not shown) to prepare a beverage 70. For this purpose, the cartridge system 1 comprises the cartridge 2, which is filled with a beverage substance 7, and a cartridge holder 10 connected to the cartridge 2. Within the beverage preparation machine, a corresponding beverage 70 is produced using the beverage substance 7 and an additional water source, hereinafter referred to as the fluid source 41. The cartridge 2 is preferably filled with a pre-portioned quantity of beverage substance 7, which is necessary to produce a specific serving, for example, a glassful of the desired beverage 70. The beverage substance 7 is, in particular, a liquid and carbonated beverage concentrate in the form of syrup.

[0062] In principle, a number of different cartridge systems 1 are available, whose cartridges 2 or reservoirs 6 are filled with different beverage substances 7 for the production of various beverages 70. If the user of the system 1 wants to drink a specific beverage 70, he simply needs to select from the number of different cartridge systems 1 the one that contains the corresponding beverage substance 7 for producing the desired beverage 70, insert it into a holding unit of the beverage preparation machine and start the beverage preparation process on the beverage preparation machine, for example by pressing a start button, touching a touch-sensitive display, by gesture or voice control or by means of a suitable application on a mobile phone.It is also conceivable that the beverage preparation process starts automatically when the insertion of a new cartridge system 1 into the holding unit is detected. In each of the aforementioned cases, the desired beverage 70 is then automatically produced, dispensed into a drinking vessel, and thus made available to the user. Subsequently, the used cartridge system 1 is removed and disposed of. The beverage preparation machine is now ready to be refilled with any new cartridge system 1 to produce another beverage 70.

[0063] The beverage substance 7 preferably comprises liquid pre-mix ingredients for soft drinks, such as caffeinated, carbonated, fruit and / or sugar-containing lemonades and juices, beer (mixed) drinks or other alcoholic or non-alcoholic (mixed) drinks.

[0064] The cartridge system 1 comprises a cartridge 2, for example one according to one or more of the Figures 1 to 8trained cartridge 2. The area around the flange 4 of the cartridge is in the Figures 9a to 9c Not shown in detail. Alternatively, cartridge 2 does not include flange 4.

[0065] Advantageously, a seal is formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10 by means of a sealing agent 14. The area around the sealing agent 14 is in the Figures 9a to 9c not shown in detail.

[0066] The cartridge 2 is permanently or reversibly connected to the cartridge receptacle 10. The cartridge receptacle 10 is connected to the cartridge 2, in particular, after the main body 2' has been manufactured, after the cartridge 2 has been filled with the beverage substance 7, and after and / or during the sealing of the reservoir 6 by applying the sealing element 18. For this purpose, the cartridge wall 2" preferably has circumferential connecting means 20, in particular in the form of one or more circumferential locking ridges 20', 20" or locking grooves. Optionally, the cartridge receptacle 10 has complementary counter-connecting means 21 to the connecting means 20, in particular in the form of one or more circumferential locking ridges and / or locking grooves, which engage in the connecting means 20 when the cartridge 2 is connected to the cartridge receptacle 10.Preferably, the connecting means 20 and / or other elements provide anti-rotation protection for the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10. It is conceivable that the cartridge wall 2" and the cartridge holder 10 are additionally bonded, welded, and / or crimped together. In particular, it is conceivable that an additional seal is formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10, for example, by means of an O-ring, which is arranged, in particular, in the area of ​​the connecting means 20, and especially inserted between the locking ridges 20', 20". Alternatively or additionally, the additional seal can be achieved, for example, by making the cartridge holder 10 from a two-component plastic. This allows for an advantageous seal, preferably even if the cartridge wall has a comparatively large tolerance of, for example, ± 0.3 mm.

[0067] The cartridge 2 is preferably designed to withstand an internal pressure of up to 12 bar, preferably up to 10 bar, particularly preferably up to 8 bar, and most preferably up to 6 bar without bursting (at a temperature of 20°C and an external pressure of 1 bar). The reservoir 6 preferably comprises a volume between 10 and 500 milliliters, particularly preferably between 30 and 90 milliliters, and most preferably of substantially 60 milliliters.

[0068] The cartridge holder 10 has a mixing chamber 8 which is in fluid communication with the reservoir 6 during the beverage production process, so that the beverage substance 7 can be at least partially transferred from the reservoir 6 into the mixing chamber 8 by means of a cartridge unloading device of the cartridge holder 10. For this purpose, the cartridge unloading device includes a compressed air line 40. One end of the compressed air line 40 is connected to a compressed air inlet 42, which can be connected to a compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine to introduce compressed air into the compressed air line 40, while the other end opens into a compressed air outlet that is open towards the reservoir 6 and introduces compressed air into the reservoir 6. The introduction of the compressed air causes the beverage substance 7 to be forced into the mixing chamber 8.It is conceivable that the compressed air line 40 extends inside the piercing mandrel 73 from the external compressed air connection 42 to the connection to a compressed air source up to a compressed air outlet 43 in the area of ​​a tip of the piercing mandrel.

[0069] A fluid supply 12 from the cartridge holder 10 also opens into the mixing chamber 8. This fluid supply is fed by a fluid source of the beverage preparation machine. It is conceivable that the fluid supply 12 has a quick-release coupling with which it can be connected to the fluid source of the beverage preparation machine. The quick-release coupling can, for example, be designed such that when the cartridge system 1 is inserted into the holding unit, a fluid connection between the fluid source and the mixing chamber 8 is automatically established via the fluid supply 12. During the beverage preparation process, fluid, in particular chilled and carbonated drinking water, flows from the fluid supply 12 into the mixing chamber 8 via this fluid connection. Furthermore, during the beverage preparation process, beverage substance 7 flows from the reservoir 6 into the mixing chamber 8, as described above.By mixing the beverage substance 7 with the fluid in the mixing chamber 8, the beverage 70 is formed, which then leaves the mixing chamber 8 through a beverage outlet 11.

[0070] The cartridge holder 10 has the beverage outlet 11, through which the beverage 70 produced within the mixing chamber 8 leaves the mixing chamber 8 and is directed, in particular, directly into the drinking vessel (not shown), i.e., without any parts of the beverage preparation machine coming into contact with the beverage 70. In this way, backcontamination of the beverage preparation machine is prevented. The drinking vessel is positioned, in particular, directly below the beverage outlet 11.

[0071] After completion of the beverage production process, the cartridge system 1 is removed from the holding unit so that the beverage production machine can be equipped with a new and unused cartridge system 1. The cartridge holder 10 can optionally be reused by detaching it from the used cartridge 2 by releasing the snap connection and clipping it onto a new cartridge 2. It is conceivable that the cartridge 2 can also be reused. In particular, it is conceivable that the cartridge can be filled with a new beverage substance 7 and sealed with a sealing element 18.

[0072] To establish the fluid connection between the reservoir 6 and the mixing chamber 8, the cartridge holder 10 has a mandrel guide 80 in which a piercing mandrel 73 is slidably mounted. The sealing element 18 is moved by a transition of the slidable piercing mandrel 73 between a retracted position, in which the piercing mandrel 73 is spaced apart from the sealing element 18 (see figure). Figure 9b ), and an extended position in which the piercing mandrel 73 pierces the sealing element 18 (cf. Figure 9c ) and extends into reservoir 6, perforated.

[0073] The outer wall of the piercing mandrel 73 is provided with a plurality of side channels 71 for guiding the beverage substance 7 from the reservoir 6 towards the mixing chamber 8 when the sealing element 18 is pierced. The side channels 71 are designed in the form of parallel, one-sided open grooves. After the sealing element 18 is pierced, the side channels 71 come into fluid contact with the reservoir 6, so that the beverage substance 7 can flow around the edges of the pierced sealing element 18 towards the mixing chamber 8.

[0074] The cross-section and / or number of side channels 71 is preferably adapted to the viscosity of the beverage substance 7, so that the side channels 71 control or limit the flow of the beverage substance 7 towards the mixing chamber 8. At high viscosity, several side channels 71 and / or side channels 71 with a larger cross-section are used, while at lower viscosity, fewer side channels 71 and / or side channels 71 with a smaller cross-section are provided.

[0075] The piercing mandrel 73 also incorporates the compressed air line 40, which functions as a cartridge unloading device. The compressed air line 40 opens into the reservoir 6 at the end of the piercing mandrel 73 when the piercing mandrel 73 is in the extended position. The compressed air connection 42 is provided on one side of the piercing mandrel 73, particularly on the side facing away from the reservoir 6. This connection is accessible from outside the cartridge holder 10 and can be connected to the compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine.

[0076] Preferably, the piercing mandrel 73 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position during or after the insertion of the cartridge system 10 into the beverage preparation machine or after the start of the beverage production process, preferably by a fixed release element of the holding unit against which the piercing mandrel 73 is pressed. The piercing mandrel 71 is preferably designed as a plastic part and particularly preferably as a plastic injection-molded part.

[0077] It is preferably conceivable that both the fluid source and the compressed air source are directly connected to the fluid supply 12 and the compressed air connection 42, respectively, as soon as the cartridge system 1 is inserted into the beverage preparation machine or a beverage production process is started, and in particular before the sealing element 18 is pierced. In this way, recontamination towards the beverage preparation machine is effectively prevented because the fluid supply 12 and the cartridge discharge device are pressurized, especially immediately upon insertion of the cartridge system 1, thus preventing the beverage substance 7 from migrating towards the fluid source or compressed air source. The beverage substance 7 can therefore only move from the reservoir 6 towards the mixing chamber 8 (see Figure 9c ), as soon as the sealing element 18 is opened.

[0078] The cartridge holder 10 comprises a base structure 10' with a cup-shaped design. The open side of this cup-shaped design faces the cartridge 2 and at least partially accommodates the cartridge 2, in particular the rim 2ʺʺ of the cartridge wall 2" with the flange 4 and the connecting elements 20. On an opposite bottom side 10" of the base structure 10', the base structure 10' has the beverage outlet opening 11 and the outwardly open mandrel guide 80. The fluid supply 12 is formed on a side wall 10‴ of the base structure 10'. The base structure 10' is preferably made of plastic and, more preferably, of injection-molded plastic.

[0079] In Figure 10aFigure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge system 1 comprises the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10, which is designed as a mixing cap with a mixing chamber 8. It is possible that the cartridge 2, as shown, has a flattened portion 2‴ʺ on one side of its circumference, and that the cartridge holder 10 also has a flattened portion 10‴ʺ on one side. The flattened portions 2‴ʺ and 10‴ʺ allow, in particular, for the advantageously definable orientation of the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10 in the beverage preparation machine. A rotational locking mechanism can be formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10 in this manner and / or by means of other means. The cartridge 2 does not include a flange 4.The sealing element 18 is attached to the cartridge wall 2' of the cartridge 2, in particular to an end face of the cartridge wall 2', for example by gluing, sealing, welding and / or crimping. The sealing element 18 can comprise a sealing film and / or a semi-rigid or rigid sealing body, for example a crimp cap. In the initial state of the cartridge system 1, the sealing element 18 seals the reservoir 6 of the cartridge 2. A connecting element 20 for connecting the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10 is also formed on the cartridge wall 2'. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 20 is designed as an external thread. The cartridge receptacle 10 comprises a counter-connecting element 21 that is complementary to the external thread of the cartridge 2 and is designed as an internal thread.The cartridge holder 10 is screwed onto the cartridge 2 via the internal and external threads, in particular with a locking mechanism to prevent unintentional unscrewing of the cartridge holder 10 from the cartridge 2 and / or to achieve a definable orientation between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10. Advantageously, an additional seal between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10 is formed by means of a sealing agent 14. The sealing agent 14 provides a particularly effective seal between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10, preventing any liquids from escaping at the interface between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10 during beverage preparation. The sealing agent 14 also advantageously serves to compensate for tolerances. This tolerance compensation is particularly advantageous when using a glass cartridge 2.

[0080] In Figure 10b is an enlarged representation of the in the Figure 10aThe area marked with the letter "B" of the cartridge receptacle 10 and the cartridge 2 is shown. The sealing element 14 is arranged between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10. In particular, the sealing element 14 is arranged partially or completely between a projection 10ʺʺ of the cartridge receptacle 10, which extends inwards over the end face or top surface of the cartridge wall 2', and the sealing element 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 14 is designed as a sealing ring 14', in particular as an O-ring. The sealing ring 14' thus rests on the sealing element 18 and / or the top surface or end face of the cartridge wall 2'. As an alternative to using an O-ring, a full-surface design of the sealing element 14 with a bore / recess for the piercing mandrel 73 would also be conceivable. Alternatively, a full-surface application of the sealing agent 14 without a bore / recess for the piercing mandrel 73 would also be conceivable.Alternatively or additionally to the sealing ring 14', other sealing materials 14 are also conceivable for sealing the mixing chamber 8, in particular the transition of the cartridge 2 to the cartridge receptacle 10. For example, it is possible that the sealing element 18 has a foamed area or a foam on its upper side facing away from the cartridge 2 (i.e., the side facing the cartridge receptacle 10, in particular the projecting area 10"), which provides additional sealing.

[0081] In Figure 10c is a schematic top view of the cartridge holder 10 according to the one in the Figures 10a and 10b The illustrated embodiment is shown.

[0082] In Figure 11aFigure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge system 1 comprises the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10, which is designed as a mixing cap with a mixing chamber 8. It is possible that the cartridge 2, as shown, has a flattened portion 2‴ʺ on one side of its circumference, and that the cartridge holder 10 also has a flattened portion 10‴ʺ on one side. The flattened portions 2‴ʺ and 10‴ʺ allow, in particular, for the advantageously definable orientation of the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10 in the beverage preparation machine. A rotational locking mechanism between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge holder 10 can be formed in this way and / or by means of other means. The cartridge 2 includes a flange 4. The sealing element 18 is attached to the flange 4, for example by gluing, sealing, welding and / or crimping.The sealing element can comprise a sealing film and / or a semi-rigid or rigid sealing body, for example a crimp cap. The sealing element 18 is attached tightly to the cartridge 2, particularly by means of the flange 4, preferably by means of the end face of the flange 4. In the case of... Figure 11aIn the illustrated embodiment, the flange 4 simultaneously serves as a connecting element 20 for connecting the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10. In this case, the connecting element 20 of the cartridge 2 is therefore not a separate element from the flange 4. The cartridge receptacle 10 is bounced and / or snapped onto the cartridge 2, particularly by means of the flange 4. It is possible that the cartridge receptacle 10 has a counter-connecting element 21 that is complementary to the flange 4 for this purpose. Preferably, an additional seal is formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10 by means of a sealing element 14. The sealing element 14 particularly advantageously seals the connection between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10, so that no liquids escape at the interface between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10 during the preparation of a beverage.The sealing compound 14 is also advantageously used to compensate for tolerances. This tolerance compensation is particularly beneficial when using a glass cartridge 2.

[0083] In Figure 11b is an enlarged representation of the in the Figure 11aThe area marked with the letter "D" is shown for cartridge receptacle 10 and cartridge 2. The sealant 14 is positioned between cartridge 2 and cartridge receptacle 10. In particular, the sealing element 14 is arranged partially or completely between a projection 10ʺʺ of the cartridge receptacle 10, which extends inwards over the end face 4" or top surface 4' of the flange 4, and the sealing element 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 14 is designed as a sealing ring 14', in particular as an O-ring. The sealing ring 14' thus rests on the sealing element 18 and / or the top surface 4' of the flange 4 above the flange 4. Alternatively, instead of using an O-ring, a full-surface design of the sealing element 14 with a bore / recess for the piercing mandrel 73 would also be conceivable. Alternatively, a full-surface design of the sealing element 14 without a bore / recess for the piercing mandrel 73 would also be conceivable.Alternatively or additionally to the sealing ring 14', other sealing materials 14 are also conceivable for sealing the mixing chamber 8, in particular the transition of the cartridge 2 to the cartridge receptacle 10. For example, it is possible that the sealing element 18 has a foamed area or a foam on its upper side facing away from the cartridge 2 (i.e., the side facing the cartridge receptacle 10, in particular the projecting area 10"), which provides additional sealing.

[0084] In Figure 11c is a schematic top view of the cartridge holder 10 according to the one in the Figure 11a and 11b The illustrated embodiment is shown.

[0085] In Figure 12Figure 18 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a sealing element 18 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The sealing element 18 is designed as a plastic cap and comprises one or more plastics. The plastic cap can be formed, for example, by injection molding. It is conceivable that the plastic cap is designed as a crimp cap, snap-on cap, or screw cap, i.e., that it can be crimped, snapped, or screwed onto a cartridge, for example. The sealing element 18, in particular the plastic cap, has a weakening 18ʺʺ for the passage of the piercing mandrel 73. The weakening 18ʺʺ is, in particular, an area of ​​the plastic cap that has a reduced thickness compared to the adjacent areas of the plastic cap.The weakening 18ʺʺ is preferably created during the formation of the plastic cap, for example during injection molding, as a thinned area of ​​the plastic cap, so that no further post-treatment of the plastic cap is necessary to create the weakening. The in . Figure 12 The plastic cap shown can be combined as a sealing element 18, for example, with the previously described different embodiments of sealing materials 14, for example with an annular or full-surface sealing material 14, which is designed as a separate insert or by means of two-component injection molding as part of the sealing element 18 or as part of the cartridge holder 10. Reference symbol list

[0086] 1 Cartridge system 2 Cartridge 2' Main body 2" Cartridge wall 2‴ Cartridge bottom 2ʺʺ Cartridge wall edge 2‴ʺ Cartridge flattening 4 Flange 4' Top of flange 4" Flange end face 4‴ Height of flange 4ʺʺ Outside of flange 4‴ʺ Bottom of flange 5 Secondary area 6 Reservoir 7 Beverage substance 8 Mixing chamber 9 Indentation 10 Cartridge receptacle 10' Base structure 10" Bottom side 10‴ Side wall of base structure 10ʺʺ Projection area 10‴ʺ Cartridge receptacle flattening 11 Beverage outlet 12 Fluid supply 14 Sealing agent 14' Sealing ring 18 Sealing element 18' Pre-cut of the sealing element 18" Sealing foil 18' Through-opening of the sealing element 18'' Weakening of the sealing element 20 Fastener 20' Locking bead 20" Further locking bead 20' Distance of the fastener 21 Counter-fastener 40 Compressed air line 42 Compressed air connection 43 Compressed air outlet 71 Side channel 70 Beverage 73 Piercing mandrel 80 Mandrel guide 90 Opening 90' Diameter of the opening 91 Outer diameter of the flange100 Central extension axis 110 Radial axis 180 Crimp cap Kunter Opening angle of the flange Loberer Opening angle of the flange Merster Radius of curvature Nzweiter Radius of curvature Odritter Radius of curvature Pvierter Radius of curvature

Claims

1. Cartridge system (1) for producing a beverage (70), wherein the cartridge system (1) is insertable into a beverage preparation machine, has a cartridge (2) which comprises a reservoir (6) filled with a beverage substance (7), and has a cartridge receptacle (10) connected to the cartridge (2), wherein the cartridge receptacle (10) has a mixing chamber (8) which is able to be fluidically connected to the reservoir (6), and a fluid feed (12) opening into the mixing chamber (8), wherein the cartridge (2) has a cartridge wall (2"), wherein the cartridge system (1) has a sealing element (18) for closing the reservoir (6), wherein a seal is formed between the cartridge (2) and the cartridge receptacle (10) with the aid of a sealing means (14), characterized in that the sealing element (18) is formed with the aid of or by a screw cap, wherein the screw cap has a seal and a bore, wherein a mouth region of the cartridge (2) has a thread for screwing on the screw cap, wherein the screw cap is screwed onto the cartridge (2), wherein the cartridge receptacle (10) is fastened to the cartridge (2) and / or the screw cap after the screw cap has been screwed on.

2. Cartridge system (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the sealing means (14) is formed as part of the sealing element (18), and / or wherein the sealing means (14) is an element which is separate from the sealing element (18) and which is disposed in particular between the cartridge (2) and the cartridge receptacle (10).

3. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (18) is able to be attached to the cartridge wall (2"), wherein the cartridge wall (2") comprises, in particular, no flange (4) for attaching the sealing element (18).

4. Cartridge system (1) according to either of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the cartridge wall (2") comprises a flange (4) for attaching the sealing element (18).

5. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge comprises a main body (2'), in particular of cup-shaped design, wherein the main body (2') is formed with the aid of the cartridge wall (2") which is closed on one side by a cartridge base (2‴), wherein the main body (2') comprises, in particular, the reservoir (6).

6. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge wall (2") has an in particular encircling connection means (20) for connecting the cartridge (2) to the cartridge receptacle (10), wherein the connection means (20) comprises, in particular, one or a plurality of latching grooves, and / or one or a plurality of latching beads, and / or one or a plurality of undercuts, and / or an external thread.

7. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge (2) has the sealing element (18), wherein, in particular, in an initial state of the cartridge system (1), the main body (2') on its side lying opposite the cartridge base (2‴) is closed by the sealing element (18).

8. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element comprises a sealing film (18"), in particular a plastic film, an aluminium foil, or a multilayer film of plastic and / or aluminium.

9. Cartridge system (1) according to Claim 8, wherein the sealing film (18") is fastened to the flange (4) of the cartridge (2) in an initial state of the cartridge system (1), wherein the sealing film (18") is preferably adhesively bonded, sealed and / or welded to the flange (4) of the cartridge (2).

10. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge receptacle (10) has a basic structure (10') which is at least partially, and in particular completely, made of plastics material, wherein the basic structure (10') has a cup-shaped design embodiment, the open side of the latter being aligned in the direction of the cartridge (2), wherein formed on a base side (10") lying opposite the cartridge (2) is a beverage outlet opening (11) and a spike guide (80) which is open towards the outside, and wherein formed on the base side (10") or a lateral wall (10‴) of the basic structure (10') is a fluid feed (12).

11. Cartridge system (1) according to Claim 10, wherein a displaceably mounted piercing spike (73) is disposed within the spike guide (80), wherein the piercing spike (73) is movable between a retracted position in which the piercing spike (73) is spaced apart from the sealing element (18), and a deployed position in which the piercing spike (73) pierces the sealing element (18) and protrudes into the reservoir (6), wherein in particular an external wall of the piercing spike (73) has at least one side channel (71) for directing the beverage substance (7) in the direction of the mixing chamber (8) when the sealing element (18) is pierced.

12. Cartridge system (1) according to Claim 11, wherein the piercing spike (73) has an integrated compressed-air line (40), wherein the compressed-air line (40) extends in the interior of the piercing spike (73) from an outer compressed-air connection (42) for connecting to a compressed-air source to a compressed-air outlet (43) in the region of a tip of the piercing spike and is designed for blowing compressed air into the reservoir (6).

13. Beverage preparation machine, comprising a cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Method for producing a cartridge system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein, in a first method step, the cartridge wall (2") of the cartridge (2) is formed, wherein, in a second method step, a sealing element (18) is fastened to the cartridge (2), wherein the sealing element (18) is formed with the aid of or by a screw cap, wherein a mouth region of the cartridge (2) has a thread for screwing on the screw cap, wherein the screw cap is screwed onto the cartridge (2), wherein, in a third method step, the cartridge is connected to the cartridge receptacle (10), wherein the cartridge receptacle (10) is fastened to the cartridge (2) and / or the screw cap after the screw cap has been screwed on, wherein a seal between the cartridge (2) and the cartridge receptacle (10) is formed before, during and / or after the third method step with the aid of a sealing means (14).

15. Method according to Claim 14, wherein the sealing means (14) is formed and / or disposed on an upper side of the sealing element (18) facing away from the cartridge (2) before the third method step and / or during the third method step, in particular before, during and / or after the second method step.