Fluid handling device for beverage preparation machine

Abstract

The present invention describes a fluid processing device (10) for a beverage preparation machine. The fluid processing device (10) is configured to process a fluid substance to be introduced into a container (C) for preparing a beverage product by mixing the fluid substance with an ingredient contained in the container (C). The fluid processing device (10) comprises a fluid processing body (12) having an inlet portion (14). The fluid processing body (12) further comprises at least one inlet member (18) for introducing the fluid substance into the container (C). The inlet member (18) is arranged at the inlet portion (14) of the fluid processing body (12). The fluid processing body (12) also comprises an outlet portion (16) and at least one outlet member (20) for dispensing the beverage product from the container (C). The outlet member (20) is arranged at the outlet portion (16) of the fluid processing body (12). Preferably, the fluid handling body (12) is a needle-shaped fluid handling body (12), which includes at least one end portion (26; 28), which is configured to penetrate, puncture and / or tear a specific portion or wall of the container (C) before introducing the fluid substance into the container (C).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid handling device for a beverage preparation machine, in particular a machine for preparing a beverage product by mixing a fluid substance with ingredients contained in a container, such as a sachet. Background Art

[0002] All known systems for preparing beverages at home involve a machine that receives an ingredient storage container for storing ingredients for preparing a beverage product. Typically, the ingredient container is introduced into the beverage preparation machine, and the machine passes a fluid (usually hot water) through a dose of the ingredient. The beverage product prepared by mixing the soluble ingredient and the fluid substance is then dispensed from the container into a consumer container (usually a cup).

[0003] Typically, the fluid delivered from the beverage preparation machine to the container is introduced through a shower plate in contact with the fluid permeable side of the container. Alternatively, the beverage preparation machine comprises a fluid handling device that pierces the inlet wall of the container and injects the fluid therein (usually under pressure). In such beverage preparation machines known in the art, dispensing of the beverage product from the container is performed by:

[0004] a) build up fluid pressure inside the closed chamber of the container until the dispensing wall of the container opens by itself and allows the beverage product to flow out, or

[0005] b) Piercing the dispensing wall of the container by means of a dispensing needle member (or other similar piercing member) of the beverage preparation machine, which is able to remove or discharge the beverage product from the vicinity of the container.

[0006] In the event that the dispensing side of the container opens on its own, this may result in variations in pressure or opening pattern from one container to another and some undesirable variations in the quality of the dispensed beverage product.

[0007] In case the beverage preparation machine comprises a dispensing needle member for piercing the dispensing wall of the container, the technique of adding this dispensing needle member in addition to the fluid handling device for injecting the mixed fluid into the container increases the complexity and cost of the beverage preparation machine.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a fluid handling device for a beverage preparation machine which obviates the above-mentioned disadvantages of existing beverage systems and which in particular provides a simpler and more reproducible quality from one beverage product to another over time. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention provides a fluid processing device for a beverage preparation machine. The fluid processing device is configured to process a fluid substance to be introduced into an ingredient storage container of the beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage product by mixing the fluid substance with the ingredients contained in the container. The fluid processing device includes a fluid processing body having an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The fluid processing body also includes at least one inlet member for introducing the fluid substance into the container. The inlet member is arranged at the inlet portion of the fluid processing body. The fluid processing body also includes at least one outlet member for dispensing a beverage product from the container. The outlet member is arranged at the outlet portion of the fluid processing body. Therefore, the fluid processing device for a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention is capable of introducing a fluid substance into an ingredient storage container, and is also capable of dispensing a beverage product formed inside the machine.

[0010] Advantageously, the fluid handling body is a needle-shaped fluid handling body comprising at least one end portion configured to penetrate and / or puncture and / or tear a specific portion or wall of a container before introducing the fluid substance into the container.

[0011] Advantageously, the fluid handling body further comprises at least one sealing member to be engaged with the container for preventing leakage of the fluid substance and / or beverage product from the container at least when the fluid substance is introduced into the container.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fluid treatment body further comprises:

[0013] - a first end portion, which is arranged at the inlet portion of the fluid treatment body and is configured for opening a portion or a wall of the container;

[0014] - a second end portion arranged at the outlet portion of the fluid treatment body; and

[0015] - At least one first inlet conduit arranged within the fluid treatment body and in fluid communication with the first end portion and with the inlet port of the fluid treatment device.

[0016] In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the inlet member and the outlet member are spaced apart from one another, the inlet member comprising the first inlet conduit and the first end portion of the fluid treatment body and the outlet member comprising the second end portion of the fluid treatment body.

[0017] Preferably, the fluid handling body is an elongated body, more preferably a vertically oriented elongated body, wherein its first end portion, its second end portion and its sealing member are coaxially arranged around a longitudinal axis, more preferably a vertical axis, wherein the first end portion and / or the second end portion are respectively a pointed portion.

[0018] Preferably, the outlet member comprises at least one outlet conduit different from the first inlet conduit. More preferably, the outlet conduit:

[0019] - is a groove-shaped channel arranged on the outer surface of the fluid treatment body; and

[0020] - In fluid communication with the second end portion of the fluid handling body.

[0021] According to a possible embodiment, the fluid treatment body includes an enlarged portion between its first end portion and its second end portion, the enlarged portion having a cross-sectional area greater than any cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the fluid treatment body included between its first end portion and its enlarged portion. This enlarged portion is configured to adhere against the wall of the container at the portion of the container opened by the first end portion. The sealing member includes the enlarged portion. In this embodiment, the fluid treatment body is a vertically oriented elongated body, wherein the enlarged portion is arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion, and wherein the vertically oriented elongated body includes:

[0022] - at least one outlet conduit which is a slot-shaped channel and which is arranged on the outer surface of said vertically oriented elongated body in said portion comprised between said first end portion and said enlarged portion;

[0023] - a beverage guiding element for guiding the beverage to the second end portion, said beverage guiding element being arranged between the enlarged portion and the second end portion.

[0024] In addition, in this embodiment, each slot-shaped channel has a variable open cross-section that increases or decreases from the first end portion to the enlarged portion of the fluid treatment body. The beverage guide element has a tapered cross-sectional area that decreases from the enlarged portion to the second end portion of the fluid treatment body. The beverage guide element preferably has a conical shape, more preferably a frustoconical shape.

[0025] Advantageously, the fluid handling device comprises at least one air or gas inlet aperture in fluid communication with the inlet member.

[0026] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the fluid treatment device comprises a second fluid treatment body connected to the fluid treatment body. This second fluid treatment body has a second inlet conduit inside and comprises a coupling portion for removably coupling the fluid treatment device to a beverage preparation machine.

[0027] According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the fluid treatment device comprises a second fluid treatment body connected to the fluid treatment body. The second fluid treatment body has a second inlet conduit inside, and the second inlet conduit has a cross-sectional area that decreases toward the first inlet conduit. The second inlet conduit preferably comprises at least a first conduit portion having a first predefined cross-sectional area, and is provided with a second conduit portion having a second predefined cross-sectional area smaller than the first predefined cross-sectional area, wherein the second conduit portion is placed downstream of the first conduit portion and is in fluid communication with the first inlet conduit.

[0028] Optionally, at least one through hole may be disposed between the first inlet conduit and the second inlet conduit. This through hole has an average cross-sectional area that is smaller than both the average cross-sectional area of ​​the first inlet conduit and the average cross-sectional area of ​​the second inlet conduit.

[0029] Preferably, the ingredient storage container is a disposable container, such as a packet or pouch or any known container having at least a flexible side wall. The ingredient storage container may also be any other openable (e.g. pierceable) closed packaging, such as a capsule, a pouch, a pad, a bottle, a flow bag, a can, etc. The ingredient storage container may also alternatively be a multi-dose ingredient storage container, which has, for example, a large storage compartment for storing several doses of ingredients, and a metering and mixing chamber capable of receiving one dose of ingredients transferred from the storage compartment at a time, and wherein the dose of ingredients is mixed with a fluid introduced into the multi-dose ingredient storage container by the fluid handling device. Such multi-dose ingredient storage containers are known in the art (e.g. ingredient tanks). Preferably, the fluid handling device is also capable of injecting a certain amount of air or gas into the ingredient storage container so as to mix with the fluid and the ingredients when required and produce a foamed beverage product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following description of presently preferred embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a fluid handling device for a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention;

[0032] FIG2 is another perspective view of the fluid treatment device of FIG1 ;

[0033] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid processing device of FIG1 ;

[0034] Figure 4 is another perspective view of the fluid treatment device of FIG. 1 , wherein other components of the fluid treatment device are shown;

[0035] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5CThe fluid handling device of FIG. 1 is shown in a non-operating condition, i.e. before the fluid is introduced into the ingredient storage container, in a first perspective view, in a cross-sectional view and in a second perspective view, respectively;

[0036] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C 1 in a first perspective view, in a cross-sectional view and in a second perspective view, respectively, in a first operating position, wherein the fluid handling device projects in a sealed manner inside an ingredient storage container, so that a fluid can be introduced into the ingredient storage container without allowing this fluid to leak outside the container;

[0037] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C showing the fluid handling device of FIG. 1 in a second operating position, in a first perspective view, in a cross-sectional view and in a second perspective view, respectively, wherein the fluid handling device protrudes inside the ingredient storage container so that both a fluid and a predefined amount of air or gas can be introduced therein and, at the same time, the resulting beverage product can flow out towards a user's cup;

[0038] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C 1 in a third operating position, wherein the fluid handling device protrudes inside the ingredient storage container so that only fluid can be introduced therein and, at the same time, the resulting beverage product can flow out towards a user's cup;

[0039] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a fluid handling device for a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention;

[0040] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid treatment device of FIG9;

[0041] FIG11 is another cross-sectional view of the fluid treatment device of FIG9;

[0042] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a fluid handling device for a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention; and

[0043] Fig.13 FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid handling device of FIG. 12 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In Figures 1 to Figure 4 A preferred embodiment of a fluid processing device for a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention is described in the following. The fluid processing device is indicated as a whole by the reference numeral 10 and is configured for processing a fluid substance to be introduced into a container C (in FIG. 5A to FIG. 8CContainer C is appropriately inserted into a beverage preparation machine (not shown) and the preparation of the beverage product is achieved by mixing the fluid substance with the ingredients (e.g. soluble ingredients) contained in container C.

[0045] Preferably, the ingredients are selected from the following list: roasted ground coffee, compacted or non-compacted coffee, soluble powdered coffee or leaf tea. Dairy ingredients (e.g. milk or creamer) may also be provided, as well as chocolate, fruit juice, soup, vegetable juice, broth, smoothies, purees, sauces, cream or combinations thereof, in powdered soluble form, liquid concentrates of various viscosities or in gel form.

[0046] By expressing "mixing the fluid substance with the ingredients", all ingredients contained in the container C should be intended to be in a form compatible with general mixing operations (dissolution, extraction or infusion) of the fluid substance (usually water) to obtain a beverage product.

[0047] In the present context, the term "mixing" is intended to be any combination between a fluid substance and an ingredient. For example, the mixing can be performed by an infusion process between the fluid substance (usually hot water, used as a solvent) and the ingredient (usually any kind of condiment, such as coffee, tea, etc.) or by an actual mixing process between the fluid substance and the ingredient.

[0048] The fluid handling device 10 comprises a fluid handling body 12 having an inlet portion 14 and an outlet portion 16. More specifically, the fluid handling body 12 further comprises at least one inlet member 18 for introducing a fluid substance into a container C. The inlet member 18 is disposed at the inlet portion 14 of the fluid handling body 12. According to the present invention, the fluid handling body 12 further comprises at least one outlet member 20 for dispensing a beverage product from the container C at the outlet portion 16 of the fluid handling body 12 into, for example, a cup of a user placed below the fluid handling body 12.

[0049] Preferably, the fluid treatment body 12 is a needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12. By the term "needle-shaped", the fluid treatment body 12 should be intended to include at least one end portion 26, 28, which is configured to penetrate and / or pierce and / or tear a specific portion or wall of the container C before introducing the fluid substance into the container C. Therefore, the fluid treatment body 12 is shaped in a manner that can penetrate the container C at least partially.

[0050] The needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 may further be provided with at least one sealing member 22 for engaging with the container C for preventing leakage of the fluid substance and / or beverage product from the container C under the operating conditions of the fluid handling device 10, i.e. at least when the fluid substance is introduced into the container C, as will be described in detail below. The inlet member 18 and the outlet member 20 of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 are preferably spaced apart from each other and allow both the introduction of a mixed fluid substance (usually hot water) into the container C and the dispensing of a beverage product formed inside the container C by a single fluid handling device 10.

[0051] Preferably, according to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 includes: a first end portion 26, which is disposed at the inlet portion 14 of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 and is configured to open a specific portion or wall of the container C; and a second end portion 28, which is disposed at the outlet portion 16 of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12. The needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 further includes at least one first inlet conduit 30 arranged therein. The first inlet conduit 30 is in fluid communication with the first end portion 26 of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 and with an inlet port 36A preferably disposed at one end of a conduit 36 ​​of a second fluid treatment body 34, as will be described in detail below. Therefore, the first inlet conduit 30 and the first end portion 26 are included in the inlet member 18 of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12. More precisely, the first inlet conduit 30 is a closed conduit in the form of a tube, which is embedded in the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12, which allows the fluid substance to be inserted into the container C without being exposed to the air.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 8C As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member 22 is preferably arranged between the first end portion 26 and the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12. Preferably, the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 is a vertically oriented elongated body, more preferably a pointed body, wherein its first end portion 26, its second end portion 28 and the sealing member 22 are coaxially arranged around the longitudinal axis A, in which case the longitudinal axis is a vertical axis. More preferably, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the first end portion 26 is oriented upward relative to the position of the fluid handling device 10 in the beverage preparation machine. Even more preferably, the first end portion 26 and / or the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 are respectively pointed portions. Therefore, the pointed first end portion 26 is configured to be used to open a specific part or wall of the container C, for example by penetration or puncture or tearing, to inject a fluid substance therein, as will be explained in detail below. The pointed second end portion 28 is oriented downward relative to the position of the fluid handling device 10 in the beverage preparation machine so as to accurately guide the flow of beverage product into the user's cup.

[0053] The outlet member 20 of the fluid treatment device 10 includes a second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 and at least one outlet conduit 32 different from the first inlet conduit 30 of the inlet member 18. More specifically, according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, each outlet conduit 32 is obtained in the form of a groove-shaped channel provided on the outer surface of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12. Therefore, each groove-shaped channel is in fluid communication with the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12.

[0054] Preferably, the sealing member 22 configured to engage with the container C for preventing leakage of the fluid substance and / or beverage product from the container C under the operating conditions of the fluid handling device 10 is composed of an enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12. More specifically, this enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 is included between the first end portion 26 and the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12, and has a cross-sectional area greater than any cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 included between its first end portion 26 and the enlarged portion 22A itself. This enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 may be at least partially covered with an elastic material to ensure better sealing properties. Therefore, this enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 is configured to adhere to the wall of the container C at the portion of the container C opened by the first end portion 26 of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12.

[0055] Conveniently, each outlet conduit 32 in the form of a slot-shaped channel is provided on the outer surface of the vertically oriented needle-shaped fluid handling body 12, in a portion thereof included between its first end portion 26 and its enlarged portion 22A. Therefore, a beverage guide element 50 for guiding the beverage to the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 is provided between the enlarged portion 22A and the second end portion 28. Preferably, the beverage guide element 50 has a tapered cross-sectional area that decreases from the enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 to the second end portion 28. More preferably, the beverage guide element 50 has a conical shape. Even more preferably, the beverage guide element 50 is a truncated conical shape with an additional pointed element at the outlet portion 16. Therefore, the beverage product extracted from the container C is guided by the outlet conduit 32 to the second end portion 28 through the beverage guide element 50, so as to accurately guide this flow of beverage product to the cup of the user placed below the beverage guide element 50.

[0056] The fact that the outlet member 20 of the fluid handling device 10 is placed outside with respect to the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12, and the fact that said outlet member 20 is obtained in the form of a slot-shaped channel, i.e. with an open cross section instead of a closed loop cross section (which is usually a conventional cylindrical channel), has specific advantages when handling beverage products based on a mixture of a fluid substance and a soluble ingredient. In fact, if the soluble ingredient contained in the container C mainly consists of solid particles, some of these solid particles (such as biscuit crumbs, etc.) retain their solid state even after mixing with the fluid substance (such as hot water) so as to be properly ingested by the user. Therefore, the open cross section of the outlet member 20 allows these particles to be passed together with the fluid substance into the user's cup without the risk of blocking the otherwise designed dispensing cylindrical channel.

[0057] In addition, the slot-shaped channel may have a variable open cross-section that increases or decreases from the first end portion 26 to the enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12. In other words, the slot-shaped channel may optionally be manufactured with a specific profile (i.e., a slope) from its top to its bottom, so that depending on the height position of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 into the container C, the open cross-section of the slot-shaped channel increases or decreases to accommodate the flow rate of the beverage product flowing out to the cup, and also to accommodate the fluid pressure inside the container C during mixing.

[0058] Optionally, the fluid treatment device 10 may be provided with at least one air or gas inlet hole 24 which is in fluid communication with the inlet member 18 and which is provided in FIGS. Figure 8C In the embodiment of the present invention, it is located on the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 between the first end portion 26 and the sealing member 22. Figure 8C In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the air or gas inlet hole 24 is in the form of a through hole obtained on the side wall of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12, and is placed in fluid communication with the first inlet duct 30 for fluid collection. As will be explained in detail below, the air or gas inlet hole 24 allows the first inlet duct 30 to be in contact with the external environment under certain operating conditions of the fluid treatment device 10, and allows a predefined amount of air or gas to be sucked in to mix with the fluid substance and introduced into the container C through the first inlet duct 30 by means of the Venturi effect.

[0059] The fluid treatment device 10 preferably includes a second fluid treatment body 34 connected to the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12. More preferably, the second fluid treatment body 34 is integrally manufactured with the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 at its joint end 44. The second fluid treatment body 34 is internally provided with a second inlet conduit 36 ​​placed in fluid communication with the first inlet conduit 30 of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12.

[0060] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, such as Figure 5B , Figure 6B , Figure 7B and Figure 8B , the second inlet conduit 36 ​​is a converging conduit having a cross-sectional area that decreases toward the first inlet conduit 30. More specifically, the second inlet conduit 36 ​​is preferably provided with at least a first conduit portion 38 having a first predefined cross-sectional area, and a second conduit portion 40 having a second predefined cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first predefined cross-sectional area of ​​the first conduit portion 38. The second conduit portion 40 is placed downstream of the first conduit portion 38 and is in fluid communication with the first inlet conduit 30 obtained in the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 of the fluid treatment device 10.

[0061] In addition, at least one through hole 42 may be interposed between the first inlet conduit 30 obtained in the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 and the second inlet conduit 36 ​​obtained in the second fluid treatment body 34. Conveniently, the through hole 42 has an average cross-sectional area that is smaller than both the average cross-sectional area of ​​the first inlet conduit 30 and the average cross-sectional area of ​​the second inlet conduit 36.

[0062] The specific configuration of the second fluid handling body 34 with its convergent cross-sectional profile and the presence of the through hole 42 allow the speed of the fluid substance introduced into the container C to be appropriately set by the fluid handling device 10. In fact, the convergent cross-sectional profile of the second fluid handling body 34 allows the speed of the fluid substance pumped into the fluid handling device 10 by the beverage preparation machine to be increased. In addition, the through hole 42 is provided for further increasing the speed of the fluid substance before it flows out of the first inlet duct 30 of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12. The presence of the through hole 42 ensures good dissolution of the ingredients and reconstruction of the beverage product. The through hole 42 limits the flow rate and pressure of the fluid substance during the reconstruction of the beverage product. The through hole 42 may also have an "anti-backflow" function so as to reduce the risk of the fluid substance returning from the container C to the fluid line consisting of the sequence of the first inlet duct 30, the through hole 42 itself and the second inlet duct 36.

[0063] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the second fluid handling body 34 is arranged orthogonally relative to the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12, so that the first inlet conduit 30 is substantially orthogonal relative to the second inlet conduit 36. Therefore, when the fluid handling device 10 is properly connected to a beverage preparation machine in its operating condition, the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 is arranged along a substantially vertical direction (as indicated by Figure 3 1 (shown in FIG. 1 ), with its first end portion 26 at the top and its second end portion 28 at the bottom, while the second fluid treatment body 34 is generally horizontal. As a result, under operating conditions of the fluid treatment device 10, the first inlet conduit 30 is oriented in a generally vertical direction, while the second inlet conduit 36 ​​is oriented in a generally horizontal direction.

[0064] The second fluid handling body 34 may be provided with a coupling portion 46 for removably coupling the fluid handling device 10 to a beverage preparation machine. This removable coupling allows the fluid handling device 10 to be removed from the beverage preparation machine and washed separately relative to this machine, for example in a dishwasher. The coupling portion 46 is placed at the opposite end of the second fluid handling body 34 relative to its coupling end 44 with the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the coupling portion 46 may be provided internally with at least one third inlet conduit 48, which has an average cross-sectional area greater than the average cross-sectional area of ​​the second inlet conduit 36 ​​of the second fluid handling body 34, so as to further increase the velocity of the fluid material before it flows out of the first inlet conduit 30 of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12.

[0065] exist FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C , a non-operating condition of the fluid treatment device 10 is shown in a first perspective view, in a cross-sectional view and in a second perspective view, respectively. In this non-operating condition, the fluid treatment device 10 is shown outside the container C, i.e., before the fluid material is introduced into the container C through the inlet member 18. In other words, in this non-operating condition, no fluid material and other materials are transferred through the inlet member 18 and the outlet member 20 of the fluid treatment device 10.

[0066] exist FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C , a first operating condition of the fluid treatment device 10 is shown in a first perspective view, a cross-sectional view and a second perspective view, respectively. In this first operating condition, at least part of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 protrudes inside the container C, so that fluid material can be introduced therein through the inlet member 18.

[0067] In this first operating condition, preferably but not necessarily, the sealing member 22, i.e., the enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, contacts the bottom wall of the container C. In this embodiment, the outlet member 20, i.e., the outlet conduit 32 in the form of a slot-shaped channel, is provided on the side wall of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 at a position higher than the position of the enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12. In this way, in the first operating condition of the fluid treatment device 10, the outlet conduit 32 is fully inserted into the container C, and due to the sealing engagement between the sealing member 22 and the container C, any fluid substance and / or other substances are not allowed to leak or leak a small amount from the container C.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 of the fluid treatment device 10 is a pointed body provided with a first pointed end portion 26 at its inlet portion 14. Therefore, this pointed end portion 26 is configured to penetrate and / or pierce and / or tear a specific portion or wall of the container C to inject the fluid substance therein. However, as will be explained below, other embodiments of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 can be envisioned, in which the inlet portion 14 is configured in a different manner for achieving the first operating condition of the fluid treatment device 10 in a different manner, such as the embodiments of Figures 9 and 10, which are described in more detail below.

[0069] In the specific embodiment of the fluid treatment device 10 of Figures 1 to 8, the container C is preferably made of multiple layers of flexible material, more preferably essentially made of paper layers. Preferably, this container C is therefore provided with an additional layer L of a substantially rigid material in its lower part, i.e. at the part joined by the fluid treatment device 10. This substantially rigid material can be, for example, a compostable plastic capable of forming a barrier against oxygen and moisture. Compostable means that the entire container C can be discarded after use together with fruit and vegetable peels. However, other embodiments of the container C are possible, but in the specific embodiment of the fluid treatment device 10 shown in the figures, such a container C has a substantially rigid part at the contact area with the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12, because the relative rigidity of at least part of the container C is advantageous for cooperating with the sealing member 22 of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12.

[0070] The preferably substantially rigid layer of the container C is provided at its bottom with an injection hole having a cross-sectional shape (e.g., a circular cross-sectional shape) that is compatible with the cross-sectional shape of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12, i.e., the cross-sectional shape of the pointed body. Under non-operating conditions of the fluid handling device 10, the injection hole is partially closed by the bottom portion of the multilayer flexible material of the container C. In the case of a circular cross-sectional shape, the diameter of the injection hole is greater than the average diameter of the pointed body, but less than or equal to the maximum diameter of the sealing member 22, i.e., the enlarged portion 22A of the pointed body (if these sealing members 22 are provided on the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12). With this configuration, during the movement of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 toward the container C, the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 can be introduced into the container C through the injection hole (destroying or tearing off the portion of the multilayer flexible material closing the injection hole) until the sealing member 22 has reached its sealing position relative to the circumferential edge of the injection hole. In this sealing position, further movement between the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 and the container C is not allowed, thereby obtaining the above-described and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The first operating condition is shown in .

[0071] exist FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C, a second operating condition of the fluid treatment device 10 is shown in a first perspective view, in a cross-sectional view, and in a second perspective view, respectively. Under this second operating condition, at least a portion of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 still protrudes inside the container C, similar to what occurs under the first operating condition described above, but the sealing member 22 is not in close contact with the bottom wall of the container C. In other words, under this second operating condition, a smaller portion of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 protrudes inside the container C than under the first operating condition (this fact can also be seen from the fact that Figure 6B and Figure 7B As can be seen from the comparison between the two), a fluid substance can be introduced into the interior of the container C through the inlet member 18, and at the same time, the resulting beverage product can flow out through the outlet member 20.

[0072] More specifically, in this second operating condition, the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 protrudes inside the container C in such a way that its air or gas inlet hole 24 remains outside said container C. Therefore, in this second operating condition, the injection of air or gas into the container C is possible together with the injection of the fluid substance by means of the Venturi effect. It should be noted that the Venturi effect obtained due to the simultaneous injection of the fluid substance and the air or gas into the container C only occurs when the injection of the fluid substance into the container C is performed through the inlet member 18. In fact, once the injection of the fluid substance into the container C through the inlet member 18 is stopped, the Venturi suction effect through the air or gas inlet hole 24 no longer works. Therefore, only in the extraction mode, that is, when the beverage product has been completely prepared and flows out through the outlet member 20, the Venturi effect does not occur.

[0073] Basically, the Venturi effect is the fact that when the fluid material circulates at high speed in the inlet member 18 of the fluid handling device 10, it draws in a certain amount of air or gas through the air or gas inlet hole 24. This is due to the fact that suction is a physical property known in the field of fluid mechanics. When the air or gas is drawn (i.e., sucked) into the flow of the fluid material injected into the container C, this air or gas also mixes with the soluble ingredients. The mixture consisting of the soluble ingredients, the fluid material and the air or gas produces the foaming effect required for the foamed beverage product (foamed milk, chocolate syrup, etc.).

[0074] Obviously, the suction effect of air or gas and fluid material can only work when the air or gas inlet hole 24 is located outside the container C. Therefore, if the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 is fully inserted into the container C so that the air or gas inlet hole 24 is located inside the container C, the Venturi effect can be stopped, such as in the third operating condition of the fluid treatment device 10 described below.

[0075] exist FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C, a third operating condition of the fluid treatment device 10 is shown in a first perspective view, in a cross-sectional view and in a second perspective view, respectively. This third operating condition is substantially similar to the second operating condition described above, except for the fact that the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 is inserted into the container C so that the air or gas inlet hole 24 is also located inside the container C (see in particular Figure 8B ), and the sealing member 22 is again not in close contact with the bottom wall of the container C.

[0076] Therefore, under this third operating condition, the fluid substance can be introduced into the interior of the container C through the inlet member 18, and at the same time, the resulting beverage product can flow out toward the cup through the outlet member 20. However, under this third operating condition, the Venturi effect does not occur, and air or gas is not injected into the container C through the air or gas inlet hole 24, and during the injection stage, only the fluid substance is introduced into the container C.

[0077] Regardless of the Venturi effect, the fluid substance is injected into the container C through the inlet member 18 of the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 under both the second operating condition and the third operating condition. The fluid substance injected into the container C is mixed with a soluble ingredient (e.g., coffee powder) to produce a beverage product. Moreover, under these operating conditions, the needle-shaped fluid handling body 12 is partially located outside the container C, so that the dispensing slot-shaped channel is always at least partially located outside the container C (i.e., the dispensing slot-shaped channel is open), and thus they can make the beverage product flow out of the container C into the user's cup. Therefore, while the fluid substance is injected into the container C, the beverage product is also dispensed into the user's cup.

[0078] In all the operating conditions described above, it can be seen that the container C is fixed in the beverage preparation machine, and the fluid treatment device 10 moves relative to the container C to achieve the corresponding operating conditions. Alternatively, the fluid treatment device 10 can remain fixed in the beverage preparation machine, and the container C moves relative to the fluid treatment device 10, so that during the movement of the container C toward the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12, the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12 can be introduced into the container C through the corresponding injection hole under the different operating conditions described above.

[0079] In all preferred embodiments of the fluid treatment device 10 described herein, the relative movement between the fluid treatment device 10 and the container C is a vertical movement, i.e., is generally guided along the vertical axis A of the needle-shaped fluid treatment body 12. However, it should be noted that in possible different embodiments of the fluid treatment device 10 (not shown in the drawings), the relative movement between the fluid treatment device 10 and the container C may also be guided differently, for example horizontally or along any inclined axis, i.e., an axis inclined according to any suitable angle relative to the vertical and / or horizontal axis.

[0080] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiment of fluid treatment device 10 described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as encompassed by the appended claims.

[0081] For example, in Figures 9 to Fig.13 , other embodiments of the fluid treatment device 10 according to the present invention are shown. In these embodiments, the fluid treatment body 12 has a shape different from the shape disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. More precisely, the outlet member 20 is in the form of a slot-shaped channel other than the outlet conduit 32, because the function of the outlet member 20 can be performed by other outlet guide elements. For example, in FIGS. 9 to 8, the outlet member 20 is in the form of a slot-shaped channel other than the outlet conduit 32, because the outlet member 20 can be performed by other outlet guide elements. Fig.13 In the embodiment shown in , the outlet member 20 also includes at least an outlet conduit arranged inside the fluid treatment body 12, similar to the first inlet conduit 30. In other embodiments, these outlet guiding elements can be the outer surface of the fluid treatment body 12 and / or one or more outlet conduits arranged inside the fluid treatment body 12 and / or one or more outlet conduits arranged on the outer surface of the fluid treatment body 12.

[0082] In Figures 9 to Fig.13 In the embodiment of the present invention, no specific sealing member is provided on the outer surface of the fluid treatment body 12. However, a specific sealing function can be performed by a specific portion of the outer surface of the fluid treatment body 12 located below the inlet member 18 (not necessarily an "enlarged" portion). If provided, this specific portion of the outer surface of the fluid treatment body 12 can also be configured to adhere to the wall of the container C at the portion of the container C opened by the first end portion 26 of the fluid treatment body 12. Preferably, in Figures 9 to 10, the outer surface of the fluid treatment body 12 is provided with a plurality of sealing members. Fig.13 In the embodiment of , no sealing member 22 of any kind is provided between the fluid handling body 12 and the container C, with the result that leakage of fluid substance into the user's cup during beverage preparation is small or negligible.

[0083] Advantageously, in FIG. 9 to FIG. Fig.13In the embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the fluid treatment body 12 is tapered. It is always advantageous that the inlet conduit of the second fluid treatment body 34 has a cross-sectional area that decreases toward the first inlet conduit 30, as disclosed for the embodiments of Figures 1 to 8. In addition, it should be noted that at least one of the first end portion 26 and / or the second end portion 28 of the fluid treatment body 12 may not be pointed, but it may be a substantially flat portion or a slightly curved portion. In fact, the substantially flat first end portion 26 of the fluid treatment body 12 can also effectively open a specific portion or wall of the container C, for example by pushing this portion or wall into the interior of the container C and / or removing or unsealing the portion or wall from the container C. In this case, the container C is designed so that the specific portion or wall is welded or glued to the bottom of the container so that it covers and closes the through hole provided at this bottom. Alternatively, this specific portion or wall may have a weakened profile that allows the first end portion 26 of the fluid treatment body 12 to be removed or unsealed, and / or to push this portion or wall into the interior of the container C. According to this embodiment without the pointed first end portion 26, the fluid handling body 12 may have any suitable shape, not necessarily a needle shape.

[0084] In Figures 9 to Fig.13 , the optional gas inlet hole 24 may be positioned on the fluid treatment device 10 in such a manner that it remains outside the container C with a Venturi effect, such as in the second operating condition of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8, or may be located inside the container C without a Venturi effect, such as in the third operating condition of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8. Preferably, in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the gas inlet hole 24 is positioned on the second fluid treatment body 34 of the fluid treatment device 10, and is always in fluid communication with the inlet member 18 of the fluid treatment body 12 through a dedicated conduit 24A (as shown in Figure 12). In this embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the gas inlet hole 24 is in a position on the fluid treatment device 10 so that it always remains outside the container C, thereby always providing a Venturi effect. In Figures 11 to 10 Fig.13 In the embodiment of FIG. 11 , the gas inlet hole 24 is located at the second end portion of the fluid treatment body 12, that is, the lower portion of the fluid treatment body 12, and is always in fluid communication with the inlet member 18 of the fluid treatment body 12 through a dedicated conduit 24A. Fig.13In this embodiment, the gas inlet hole 24 is located on the fluid treatment device 10 so that it always remains outside the container C, thereby always providing a Venturi effect. According to further modifications of the fluid treatment device 10 not shown in the drawings, the optional gas inlet hole 24 may be arranged on the fluid treatment body 12 and / or on the second fluid treatment body 34 at a different position so that it always remains outside the container C, thereby always providing a Venturi effect.

[0085] In view of all the embodiments described so far, when referring to a specific part or wall of a container C, the term "opening" should be intended to mean: penetrating, piercing, tearing, splitting, or unsealing this specific part or wall of the container C before introducing the fluid substance into the container C, or pushing the specific part or wall into the interior of the container C, or opening the specific part or wall in any equivalent manner.

Claims

1. A fluid processing device (10) for a beverage preparation machine, the fluid processing device (10) being configured to: processing a fluid substance to be introduced into a container (C) for preparing a beverage product by mixing said fluid substance with ingredients contained in said container (C), and dispensing a beverage product formed in said container (C), The fluid treatment device (10) comprises a fluid treatment body (12) having an inlet portion (14), wherein the fluid treatment device (10) is characterized in that the fluid treatment body (12) comprises: - at least one inlet member (18) for introducing the fluid substance into the container (C), the at least one inlet member (18) being arranged at the inlet portion (14); - an outlet portion (16); and - at least one outlet member (20) for dispensing said beverage product from said container (C), said at least one outlet member (20) being arranged at said outlet portion (16).

2. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid handling body (12) is a needle-shaped fluid handling body (12), which includes at least one end portion (26; 28), which is configured to penetrate and / or puncture and / or tear a specific portion or wall of the container (C) before introducing the fluid substance into the container (C).

3. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fluid handling body (12) further comprises at least one sealing member (22) to be engaged with the container (C) for preventing leakage of the fluid substance and / or the beverage product from the container (C) at least when the fluid substance is introduced into the container (C).

4. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid treatment body (12) further comprises: - a first end portion (26) arranged at the inlet portion (14), the first end portion (26) being configured for opening the portion or wall of the container (C); - a second end portion (28) arranged at said outlet portion (16); and at least one first inlet duct (30) arranged in the fluid treatment body (12), the at least one first inlet duct (30) being in fluid communication with the first end portion (26) and with an inlet port (36A) of the fluid treatment device (10), wherein the at least one inlet member (18) and the at least one outlet member (20) are spaced apart from one another, wherein the at least one inlet member (18) comprises the at least one first inlet conduit (30) and the first end portion (26), and wherein the at least one outlet member (20) comprises at least the second end portion (28).

5. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fluid handling body (12) is an elongated body, wherein the first end portion (26), the second end portion (28) and the at least one sealing member (22) surround a longitudinal axis (A), and wherein the first end portion (26) and / or the second end portion (28) are respectively pointed portions.

6. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The at least one outlet member (20) includes at least one outlet conduit (32) that is different from the at least one first inlet conduit (30).

7. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The at least one outlet conduit (32): - a groove-shaped channel arranged on the outer surface of the fluid treatment body (12); and - In fluid communication with said second end portion (28).

8. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fluid handling body (12) includes an enlarged portion (22A) between the first end portion (26) and the second end portion (28), the cross-sectional area of ​​the enlarged portion being greater than any cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the fluid handling body (12) included between the first end portion (26) and the enlarged portion (22A), wherein the enlarged portion (22A) is configured to adhere against a wall of the container (C) at a portion of the container (C) opened by the first end portion (26), and wherein the at least one sealing member (22) includes the enlarged portion (22A).

9. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fluid handling body (12) is a vertically oriented elongated body, wherein the enlarged portion (22A) is disposed between the first end portion (26) and the second end portion (28), and wherein the vertically oriented elongated body comprises: - at least one outlet conduit (32) which is a slot-shaped channel provided on the outer surface of said vertically oriented elongated body in said portion comprised between said first end portion (26) and said enlarged portion (22A); - a beverage guiding element (50) for guiding beverage to the second end portion (28), the beverage guiding element (50) being arranged between the enlarged portion (22A) and the second end portion (28).

10. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The at least one slot-shaped passage has a variable open cross-section that increases or decreases from the first end portion (26) to the enlarged portion (22A).

11. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The beverage guide element (50) has a tapered cross-sectional area that decreases from the enlarged portion (22A) to the second end portion (28).

12. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fluid handling device also includes at least one air or gas inlet aperture (24) in fluid communication with the at least one inlet member (18).

13. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fluid treatment device comprises a second fluid treatment body (34) connected to the fluid treatment body (12), the second fluid treatment body (34) having a second inlet conduit (36) inside and comprising a coupling portion (46) for removably coupling the fluid treatment device (10) to the beverage preparation machine.

14. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fluid treatment device comprises a second fluid treatment body (34) connected to the fluid treatment body (12), the second fluid treatment body (34) having a second inlet duct (36) inside, wherein the second inlet duct (36) has a cross-sectional area that decreases toward the at least one first inlet duct (30).

15. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least one through hole (42) is disposed between the at least one first inlet conduit (30) and the second inlet conduit (36), and an average cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one through hole (42) is smaller than both an average cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one first inlet conduit (30) and an average cross-sectional area of ​​the second inlet conduit (36).

16. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The elongated body is a vertically oriented elongated body, wherein the first end portion (26), the second end portion (28) and the at least one sealing member (22) are coaxially arranged about a vertical axis (A).

17. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that: The beverage guide element (50) has a conical shape.

18. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that: The beverage guide element (50) has a frustoconical shape.

19. The fluid treatment device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that: The second inlet conduit (36) is provided with at least a first conduit portion (38) having a first predefined cross-sectional area, and is provided with a second conduit portion (40) having a second predefined cross-sectional area smaller than the first predefined cross-sectional area, wherein the second conduit portion (40) is placed downstream of the first conduit portion (38) and is in fluid communication with the at least one first inlet conduit (30).

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