Beverage preparation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage production system comprising a module (1) for producing a beverage from a bag (10), - said bag comprising a bottom side (101) and said bottom side (101) of said bag comprising an openable zone (104) made of a flexible material, and - a module (1) comprising a bag holder assembly (2), a fluid handling device (11) designed to open the openable zone (104) of the bag, and an actuating device (12) for moving said fluid handling device (11) and said bag (10) relative to each other, and - the bag holder assembly (2) comprising a mobile locking device (24) for positioning the bag (10) inside a bag chamber (22) when preparing a beverage, and - wherein the bottom part of the bag (10) comprises at least two fixing means (103) which are holes or deformable zones, and wherein the mobile locking device (24) comprises at least two positioning means (242) each of which is configured to: move inside at least one corresponding hole (103) of the bag held in the chamber, or move inside at least one corresponding deformable zone (103) of the bag held in the chamber and fit in the resulting deformed zone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a beverage system using beverage ingredient pouches. Background Technology

[0002] WO2021110652 describes a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a container holding beverage ingredients. The system has a machine-specific injection needle designed to pierce the bottom of a container introduced into the machine, introducing water through its inlet and dispensing the beverage produced by the mixture of ingredients and water through a specific dispensing outlet of the needle. Two different relative positions of the needle and the container enable either the introduction of water or the dispensing of the beverage.

[0003] During the various steps of beverage preparation, the system requires the container to be in the ideal position relative to the injection needle. Incorrect vertical or center alignment can lead to (water or beverage) leakage, improper beverage preparation (insufficient water being introduced into the container), and contamination due to leakage.

[0004] The relative position of the fluid handling device within the container is crucial for achieving proper beverage preparation. Specifically, if the device does not properly pierce the bottom of the container, there is a risk that the device will not fully penetrate the container's volume. In this case, introducing fluid through the fluid handling device into the container will cause water leakage below the device, meaning imperfect beverage preparation. Water or imperfect beverage may spray and create contamination in the area around the needle, especially if a code reader is present, which could become soiled and unable to read codes. Frequent cleaning is required, which is unacceptable.

[0005] If the needle is designed with an air inlet for frothing the beverage, that inlet may become blocked because it is too small and will not produce optimal beverage preparation.

[0006] These problems are more pronounced when the containers are made primarily of flexible materials.

[0007] Due to the material's flexible properties and ultimately its stretchability, it has been observed that piercing the bottom of a container can be difficult because the bottom of the container moves or deforms under the force of the fluid handling device.

[0008] Furthermore, it has been observed that even when the fluid handling device is correctly positioned at the bottom of the container, the force of the water jet from the device's inlet can be so strong that it impacts the inner wall of the container and may push and move the container upwards. This is particularly true for flexible containers, as the upper portion can fold along the top wall of the container holder under the upward force. This upward movement of the container directly affects the connection between the fluid handling device and the bottom of the container, potentially causing fluid leakage or premature dispensing of the beverage during preparation. Additionally, if the container folds, the beverage cannot be prepared correctly; for example, some soluble ingredients may not dissolve.

[0009] Effective puncture and efficient beverage preparation must be ensured.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In a first aspect of the invention, a beverage production system is provided, the system comprising a module for producing a beverage from a bag.

[0012] - The bag includes beverage ingredients configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage. The bag has a planar shape oriented along a plane (P). The bag includes a bottom side, and the bottom side includes an openable area made of a flexible material.

[0013] -The module includes:

[0014] A bag holder assembly adapted to receive and hold a bag, the bag holder assembly including a bag chamber adapted to receive the bag through an upper bag inlet and to hold the bag in a substantially vertical position within the module, the chamber having a bottom opening configured to access the bottom of the bag held in the chamber, and

[0015] A fluid processing apparatus, comprising:

[0016] At least one inlet for introducing fluid into the pouch to prepare a beverage by mixing the fluid with ingredients contained in the pouch, and

[0017] At least one outlet for dispensing the beverage from the bag.

[0018] The fluid handling device is designed to open the accessible area of ​​the bag.

[0019] An actuating device for moving the fluid handling device and the bag relative to each other, such that the fluid handling device opens the bottom side of the bag and positions the fluid handling device and the bag relative to each other in a fluid inlet position, wherein the fluid handling device protrudes into the internal volume of the bag to introduce the fluid.

[0020] The bag holder assembly includes a movable locking device configured to position the bag inside the bag compartment when the beverage is being prepared.

[0021] The bottom portion of the bag includes at least two securing devices, which are holes or deformable areas. These two securing devices are positioned around an openable area on the bottom side of the bag.

[0022] The active locking device includes at least two positioning devices, each of which is configured as follows:

[0023] Move it into at least one corresponding hole in the bag held in the chamber, or

[0024] Move it into at least one corresponding deformable area of ​​the bag held in the room and assemble it in the resulting deformable area.

[0025] The system includes a bag containing food or beverage ingredients that can be further mixed with an aqueous fluid (preferably water) to produce a beverage.

[0026] The food or beverage ingredient packaged in the pouch can be a water-soluble powder or a soluble concentrate in liquid or semi-liquid form. In the embodiment described, water dissolves or dilutes the beverage ingredient. Ingredients can be selected from the following list: soup, fruit juice, vegetable juice, broth, coffee, chocolate, tea, milk or creamer, smoothies, fruit puree, coulis, ice cream, or any combination thereof. The food or beverage ingredient is preferably a soluble or dilutable food or beverage ingredient selected from the following list:

[0027] - Instant coffee powder, milk powder, creamer powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder, or a mixture of said powders.

[0028] - Coffee concentrate, milk concentrate, syrup, fruit or vegetable concentrate, tea extract, fruit or vegetable puree.

[0029] The powder can be agglomerated or calcined. Powder or liquid concentrates can be mixed with solid blocks, for example, to prepare soups using solid blocks or capsule-encapsulated blocks.

[0030] The food or beverage ingredient in the package may also contain ingredients that can be brewed, such as roasted and ground coffee or tea leaves. In the embodiment described, the beverage ingredient undergoes water extraction.

[0031] The bag has a planar shape with a plane (P) orientation that extends between the bottom side and the top end.

[0032] The area on the bottom side is configured to be openable to allow fluid to be introduced into the bag and to dispense the prepared beverage from the bag. Preferably, this area is configured to be openable by puncturing, tearing, perforating, or punching, particularly by applying a sharp, pointed, or pointed device such as a fluid handling device to the area. Preferably, this area is located at the midpoint of the transverse dimension of the bag's longitudinal shape.

[0033] The openable area is made of flexible material.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the openable area is made of a stretchable material. Such flexible materials may include those from the following list: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid ester (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), starch-based polymers, polymers including food-grade oxygen and / or moisture scavengers, or combinations thereof.

[0035] Preferably, the rest of the bag is also made of a flexible material. Depending on the properties of the material used, such materials offer advantages such as compactness, manufacturing speed (forming, filling, and sealing can be performed continuously), and enhanced recyclability. The flexible material is preferably waterproof.

[0036] Flexible materials can be selected from the following list:

[0037] -

[0038] -Fiber-based materials

[0039] - A paper material having a sealant layer coated on its inner side to form a sealed edge, and preferably a barrier coating coated between the paper and the sealant layer. The barrier coating is configured to create a barrier against oxygen, air, and moisture. Such a barrier may include a metallized coating, a silicon oxide coating, an aluminum coating, an atomic layer deposition (ALD) coating, or any combination thereof.

[0040] - Plastic laminate,

[0041] - Metal foil or aluminum foil.

[0042] Preferably, the flexible material is selected from eco-friendly materials, such as recyclable, biodegradable, industrially compostable, or household compostable materials.

[0043] In addition, the system includes a module for producing beverages. The module includes a bag holder assembly configured to hold a bag within the module, a fluid handling device configured to introduce fluid into the bag present in the bag holder assembly, and an actuation device for moving the fluid handling device and the bag held in the module relative to each other.

[0044] The bag holder assembly includes a bag chamber for receiving bags used in beverage preparation within the module. The bag chamber includes an upper bag inlet for introducing new bags, and the bag chamber is configured to hold the bags in a substantially vertical position within the module. This vertical position ensures efficient beverage preparation, and particularly for dispensing beverage from the bags, so that less liquid remains inside the bags at the end of extraction and when the bags must be removed from the system for disposal.

[0045] The bag chamber has a bottom opening configured to allow a fluid handling device to access the bottom of the bag held within the chamber. This inlet or passage is specifically designed to allow the fluid handling device to move upwards to the bottom of the bag when it is held inside the chamber.

[0046] The fluid handling device includes at least one inlet for introducing fluid into the bag and at least one outlet for dispensing beverage from the bag. Furthermore, the fluid handling device is preferably designed to open the bottom side of the bag by piercing. Preferably, the fluid handling device has an upwardly oriented pointed portion inside the module.

[0047] A fluid handling device is configured to engage with the bottom of a bag to introduce fluid into the bag, thereby preparing a beverage inside the bag, and then dispensing the prepared beverage from the bag. This fluid handling device may be one of the devices described in WO 2021 / 110650.

[0048] The fluid handling device can be moved to different locations, including at least one location outside the bag and another location where the device is introduced into the bag during beverage preparation.

[0049] In addition, the bag retainer assembly includes a movable locking device, which is configured to:

[0050] - In one location, when preparing the beverage, the bag is positioned inside the bag chamber, and

[0051] - In another location, the bag is released, which allows the user to bring in or remove the bag.

[0052] The locking device is active to engage with and position the bag, or to remove it from the bag.

[0053] Thanks to this active locking device, the bag can be well positioned and secured inside the bag chamber when the fluid handling device engages with the bottom of the bag and when fluid is introduced into the bag.

[0054] Specifically, the bottom portion of the bag includes at least two securing devices, which may be holes or deformable areas. These two holes or deformable areas are positioned around an openable area on the bottom side of the bag; preferably, these holes or deformable areas are symmetrically positioned around the openable area.

[0055] Furthermore, in order to position the bag held in the compartment, the active locking device includes at least two positioning devices, preferably at least two pins. Each of the pins is configured to move and engage with at least one corresponding hole in the bag, or to move to at least one corresponding deformable region of the bag and engage with the resulting deformable region.

[0056] These holes can be of any shape, such as round, oval, square, etc., as long as one of the positioning devices of the movable locking device can enter them.

[0057] The deformable area can be designed or made of a material such that it deforms when the positioning device (such as a pin) of the movable locking device is pushed against it, and the positioning device extends perpendicular to the planar shape of the bag and fixes the bottom of the bag relative to the module, i.e., the pin's fixing and positioning function occurs. If the material is sufficiently stretchable, deformation can occur without tearing or puncturing the material. Such a deformable area can also be a slit or two intersecting slits, for example, in the edge portion of the bag.

[0058] Preferably, the bag includes two identical holes or two identical deformable areas; however, the following embodiments are also possible:

[0059] - Bags with holes of different shapes or sizes on different sides of the openable area at the bottom, or

[0060] - A bag with a hole on one side of the openable area at the bottom of the bag, and a deformable area on the other side of the openable area at the bottom of the bag.

[0061] - A bag with different types of deformable areas on different sides of the openable area at the bottom of the bag.

[0062] Preferably, the bag includes two circular fixing areas, wherein the distance (D) between the centers of the circular fixing areas is at most 52 mm, preferably at most 50 mm, and

[0063] Each of the holes and / or deformable areas of the bag includes one of the circular fixing areas.

[0064] These fixed areas correspond to areas of the bag, which are defined to engage with the pins of the movable retainer and represent the smallest opening or deformable area to be present inside the bag, so that the bag is secured and positioned by the positioning device of the movable retainer.

[0065] Therefore, the holes or deformable areas can have a larger surface area than these fixed areas, for example due to small variations during manufacturing operations. However, due to the overlap between the holes or deformable areas and the fixed areas, the bag remains well secured inside the chamber bag when the fluid handling device enters the openable area on the bottom side of the bag.

[0066] The distance between the circular fixed areas should not be too critical to ensure limited movement of the bag during the introduction of the fluid handling device and then the introduction of fluid into the bag. This distance must ensure that the portion of the bag surrounding the openable area is securely held. Specifically, when the bottom of the bag is made of a flexible or even stretchable material, this distance prevents the flexible material from bending around the fluid handling device without achieving a fully proper opening of the openable area and the introduction of the fluid handling device into the bag. This could potentially create gaps or leaks around the device at certain steps of beverage preparation, particularly during the fluid introduction step.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the actuation device is configured to move the fluid handling device while the bag is held in place by a pin of a movable retainer. In this embodiment, preferably, each of the holes or deformable regions of the bag includes a circular retaining region in the lower portion of the hole or the lower portion of the deformable region.

[0068] Therefore, once the fluid handling device applies an upward thrust against the openable area on the bottom side of the bag, the bag is securely held in place by the pin of the movable retainer. The fastening remains secure.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the bag includes a front wall and a rear wall made of a flexible material, and at least the edges of the bottom portions of the walls are sealed together around an openable area on the bottom side, with a circular retaining area disposed within the sealed edge.

[0070] The distance (D) between the centers of these circular fixed areas is at least 40 mm, preferably at least 42 mm, and even more preferably at least 44 mm.

[0071] It has been observed that during the introduction of fluid into the pouch during beverage preparation, the pouch can expand and the sealing edges can partially separate from each other. If the circular retaining area is located within a portion of the sealing edge close to the pouch's internal volume, the risk of sealing edge separation increases, resulting in leakage between the pouch's internal volume and the retaining area. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the system and pouch with a retaining area that is not too close to the openable area.

[0072] This distance (D) aspect is particularly useful when the openable area of ​​the bag includes a reinforcing material block and the bottom of the bag includes a sealed edge surrounding the material block.

[0073] Preferably, such reinforcing material blocks are designed to provide a flat surface on the bottom side of the bag.

[0074] The reinforcing material block is either less flexible or more rigid than the flexible material in the opening area. When the bag wall is flexible, the reinforcing material block is also less flexible or more rigid than the bag wall.

[0075] Preferably, the reinforcing material block includes an opening closed by a flexible material, forming an openable area. Preferably, the size of the opening is larger than the cross-sectional size of the fluid handling device. Therefore, the fluid handling device can pierce the flexible material and pass through the opening in the openable area, while the pierced flexible material covers a portion of the fluid handling device. Preferably, when the opening and cross-section of the fluid handling device have a circular shape, the diameter of the opening is approximately 1 mm larger than the diameter of the cross-section of the fluid handling device, and when the fluid handling device protrudes into the internal volume of the bag to introduce fluid, the cross-section of the fluid handling device corresponds to the section positioned in the opening.

[0076] The reinforcing block can be made of a rigid material or a material less flexible than the flexible front and rear walls of the bag. For example, the flexible walls can be made of paper or plastic laminates, and the reinforcing block can be made of paper, cardboard, cabasse-based materials, bamboo-based materials, starch-based materials, cellophane, or plastic.

[0077] When plastic is preferably used, the walls and reinforcing blocks are made of the same properties, preferably of recyclable plastic.

[0078] In one first configuration, the reinforcing material block includes an opening closed by a flexible material, and the flexible material is the same as the rest of the bag.

[0079] In this mode, such bags with reinforcing blocks can be made of flexible materials and can be opened under the force of a fluid handling device. Such bags can be manufactured through the following steps:

[0080] -Supply a main flexible sheet comprising a reinforcing block at its center, the reinforcing block including an opening.

[0081] - Fold the sheet in half along the area of ​​the reinforcing block, such that the edges of the flexible sheet are joined together along the top, lateral, and lateral bottom sides of the bag.

[0082] - Seal the bottom and lateral joint edges.

[0083] The circular fixing area is located in the edge of the seal surrounding the reinforcing block.

[0084] Preferably, the manufacturing operation includes an additional step of forming the reinforcing block region by placing the region between the plunger and the conformal cavity. This additional step occurs before or simultaneously with the folding step.

[0085] In a second configuration, the opening in the reinforcing block can be closed by a flexible material, distinct from the rest of the bag. This configuration offers the advantage of applying a stretchable, flexible material to the openable area, enabling optimal interaction with the fluid handling device. Specifically, upon introduction into the fluid handling device, the edge of the punctured stretchable material conforms closely to the surface of the device to provide airtightness and limit fluid leakage.

[0086] Another advantage is that flexible materials that are easier to open can be selected, and less force is required to open the openable area.

[0087] Another advantage is that materials with better food-grade properties can be selected for the openable areas compared to the rest of the bag.

[0088] In this second mode, the bottom side of the bag may include:

[0089] - An outer main sheet made of flexible material, the main sheet including a first opening in an openable area.

[0090] - An intermediate secondary sheet made of a flexible material, preferably a stretchable material, covering the first opening, and

[0091] - An internal reinforcing material block, the block including a second opening facing the first opening.

[0092] To better interact with the fluid processing device, the second opening preferably has the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the fluid processing device. Typically, this shape is circular.

[0093] Preferably, the dimensions of the first and second openings are slightly larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the fluid processing device. Therefore, the fluid processing device can pierce the stretchable material in the openable area and pass through the second opening, while the pierced stretchable material covers a portion of the fluid processing device. Preferably, when the fluid processing device and the second opening are circular, the diameters of the second opening and the cross-section of the fluid processing device can differ by approximately 1 mm.

[0094] Preferably, the size of the first opening is larger than the size of the second opening and the cross-sectional size of the fluid handling device. Therefore, during the opening operation, the fluid handling device does not contact the edge of the first opening. This contact can preferably be limited depending on the properties of the flexible material of the outer main sheet.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the distance (D) between the centers of these circular fixing areas in the bag of the system is between 40 mm and 52 mm, preferably between 43 mm and 50 mm, and even more preferably between 45 mm and 49 mm.

[0096] Typically, the bag has a lateral dimension between 60mm and 80mm, preferably between 65mm and 75mm, and most preferably about 70mm. The longitudinal dimension is typically at least 70mm and can vary depending on the volume of beverage ingredients stored inside.

[0097] This size range allows for the manufacture of bags with sufficient internal volume:

[0098] - Maintain a certain amount of soluble or dilutable beverage ingredients suitable for preparing beverages, and

[0099] - This allows the liquid diluent introduced into the bag to effectively dissolve or dilute the beverage ingredients, particularly by providing sufficient space for mixing the fluid and beverage ingredients.

[0100] In a second aspect, a bag according to claims 12 to 20 is provided.

[0101] In a third aspect, the use of bags such as those described in claims 12 to 20 in beverage production systems such as those described in the first aspect is provided.

[0102] In this application, the terms "inner," "rear," "front," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "upper," and "lower" are used to describe the positional relationship of the features of the invention. These terms should be understood to mean that, when positioned within a module for producing beverages, the bag is in its normal orientation, as shown in the figure…

[0103] In this application, the term "flexible" means that a material can be easily deformed or bent.

[0104] The foregoing aspects of the invention can be combined in any suitable manner. Furthermore, various features herein can be combined with one or more of the foregoing aspects to provide combinations other than those specifically shown and described. Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, detailed descriptions, and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0105] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0106] - Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a beverage production system according to the present invention.

[0107] - Figure 2 These are perspective and cross-sectional views of fluid handling devices that can be used in beverage production systems.

[0108] - Figure 3 This is a view of the bag retainer assembly of a module used for beverage production.

[0109] - Figure 4A , Figure 4B These are horizontal cross-sectional views of the bag and its movable locking mechanism in different relative positions.

[0110] - Figure 5A This is a detached side view of a bag held by a locking device and punctured by a fluid handling device.

[0111] - Figure 5B This is a detached bottom view of a bag held by a locking device and punctured by a fluid handling device.

[0112] - Figure 6 This is a side view of one implementation of the bag.

[0113] - Figures 7A to 7C Different bags that can be used in the beverage production system of the present invention are shown.

[0114] - Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the material of a preferred openable area. Detailed Implementation

[0115] Figure 1 A beverage production system 100 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0116] System 100 includes module 1 and bag 10. The module is adapted to receive the bag and produce beverages from the bag.

[0117] Module 1 includes a bag retainer assembly 2 and a fluid system for introducing fluid into the bag.

[0118] The fluid system typically includes a fluid source 13, such as a water tank, and a pumping device 14 for pumping fluid from the source. Heating and / or cooling devices are typically part of the system to regulate the temperature of the fluid to be introduced into the bag.

[0119] Fluid is supplied to a fluid handling device 11, which is configured to engage with the bottom of the bag to introduce fluid into the bag.

[0120] Typically, the module includes an actuation device 12 that moves the fluid handling device 11 into the bag held in the bag retainer assembly 2.

[0121] This module typically includes a system control unit 16 to control the various devices described above for preparing beverages from the bag.

[0122] This type of beverage production system 100 corresponds to the system described in publications WO 2021 / 110650, WO 2021 / 110654 and / or WO 2021 / 110652.

[0123] Figure 2 These are perspective and cross-sectional views of a fluid handling device 11 that can be used in a beverage production system. It includes:

[0124] - Fluid inlet 111, which is used to introduce fluid into the openable area 104 of the bag held in the chamber, and

[0125] - Beverage outlet 112, which is used to dispense the prepared beverage from the bag held in the room.

[0126] The actuating device 12 is adapted to move the fluid handling device 11 to the bag held in the chamber, and in particular to move the pointed portion 113 to the openable area 104 so as to open the openable area 104 or any membrane or cover provided in the area.

[0127] Other fluid handling devices 11, such as those described in WO 2021 / 110650, can be used in the system of the present invention.

[0128] Figure 3 This is a view of the bag holder assembly 2 of module 1. The assembly includes a bag chamber 22 having a planar shape oriented along a plane (Pc), said plane being oriented in a substantially vertical position. The bag chamber is adapted to hold a bag 10 such that the plane (P) of the bag extends along said plane (Pc) of the chamber. The bag chamber includes an upper bag inlet 222 for introducing the bag 10.

[0129] The chamber has a bottom opening 221, which is configured to be at least close to the bottom side of the bag held in the chamber.

[0130] The bag holder assembly 2 includes a movable locking device 24 configured to secure the bag 10, particularly the bottom of the bag, inside the bag holder assembly when beverage preparation is performed.

[0131] Figure 4A It is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the bottom of the bag, the movable locking device, and the chamber in which the locking device releases the bag.

[0132] The active locking device 24 includes two positioning devices 242 in the form of pins, each of which is positioned away from the bag 10. In this position, the operator can remove the bag from the bag holder, or if a new bag has just been introduced into the room.

[0133] Figure 4B This is the corresponding horizontal cross-sectional view, in which the locking device locks and positions the bag.

[0134] The locking device 24 is now positioned near the chamber 22, and the pin 242 enters into a hole or deformable region 103 of the bag present in the chamber. Preferably, the pin is positioned perpendicular to the planar shape of the bag. These corresponding pins and holes allow the bag to be correctly positioned inside the chamber, which ensures proper interaction with the fluid handling device 11. These corresponding pins and holes also firmly hold the bag during the introduction of the fluid handling device 11 and prevent the bag from moving upward inside the chamber when fluid is injected into the bag.

[0135] The active locking device can be moved between two positions automatically or manually via a dedicated actuator on the module.

[0136] Figure 5A This is a detached side view of the bag 10 held by the locking device 24 and punctured by the fluid handling device 11, which protrudes into the internal volume of the bag to allow fluid to enter. The device 11 has previously been introduced through the bottom side of the bag and is further actuated by the actuation device (motor) of module 1 to move vertically upward (as schematically shown). During this operation, the pin 242 of the locking device 24 holds the bag in place.

[0137] Figure 5B This is a corresponding bottom view of a bag held by a locking device and pierced by a fluid handling device, showing the penetration of the fluid handling device 11 inside the bottom side 101.

[0138] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of a bag 10 that can be used in a beverage production system 100 according to the present invention.

[0139] The bag includes ingredients configured to mix with a fluid to produce a beverage. The bag has a planar shape oriented along plane P. Two longitudinal planar walls 105 (front and rear) extend along plane P.

[0140] In this specific embodiment, the walls 105 are made of a flexible material, and the lateral edges 106 and the edges at the top end 107 of these walls are sealed. The bottom side 101 of the bag is configured to be openable. The bottom side 101 includes a region 104, which is an openable region and is made of a flexible material. Typically, this region 104 is configured to be openable by the system's fluid handling device 11. Figure 5A As shown, the openable area 101 is adapted to allow the fluid handling device 11 to be introduced, such that the device protrudes from the internal volume of the bag in order to introduce fluid.

[0141] The bag includes at least two holes 103 at the bottom end 108.

[0142] The bottom portion 108 of the bag includes two securing devices 103, which are holes. These holes are positioned around an openable area 104 on the bottom side of the bag. These holes are adapted to mate with two positioning devices 242 of a movable locking mechanism, such as... Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5A or Figure 5B As shown. To be precise, the distance between the two holes corresponds to the distance between the two pins 242, such that during the upward movement of the fluid handling device 11, when the openable area 104 is opened by the fluid handling device, and during the introduction of fluid from the device 10 protruding into the internal volume of the bag into the bag, the locking device is able to move and position and secure the bag inside the chamber 22.

[0143] In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 103 are precisely positioned so that they can be engaged by the pin of the locking device. Preferably, these holes are circular.

[0144] The bag 10 may include a readable code 102 on its bottom end 108, and the module 1 may include a code reader inside or near the chamber 22.

[0145] Figure 7B An alternative embodiment of the bag described above is shown, wherein the holes 103 have different shapes and sizes. Specifically, the surface area of ​​these holes is larger than that of the holes. Figure 7A Hole 103 is limited in the middle.

[0146] Figure 7CAn alternative embodiment of the bag described above is shown, wherein the bottom portion 108 of the bag includes two fastening devices 103, which are deformable areas, specifically intersecting slits that cross the sealed bottom edge of the bag. These slits are configured to deform when the two positioning devices 242 of the movable locking device abut against them and then when they are crossed by the positioning devices. Thus, the same locking and positioning function is achieved. A similar effect can be obtained by replacing the two intersecting slits with only one slit.

[0147] Among the various alternatives to the bag, it is preferred that the holes and / or deformable areas include specific circular fixing regions 1030, which correspond to two optimal fixing positions of the bag in the chamber used for beverage preparation.

[0148] exist Figure 7A In this configuration, the two holes 103 correspond precisely to the circular fixing area. Figure 7B and Figure 7C In the middle, the fixing device 103 includes these circular fixing areas 1030, which ensures the correct positioning and fixing of the bag.

[0149] Preferably, in the planar shape of the pouch, these fixed areas 103 are positioned at the same longitudinal height as the openable area 104.

[0150] Preferably, the distance D between the centers of the circular fixed regions should not be too large to prevent deformation of the flexible material, which could bend around the fluid handling device and create undesirable gaps around the device at certain steps of beverage preparation, particularly during the fluid introduction step. This distance is preferably at most 52 mm, and more preferably at most 50 mm.

[0151] exist Figures 7A to 7C and Figure 6 In a preferred embodiment of the bag, the edges 1051, 1061 of the bottom portion of the wall are sealed together around the openable area 104 on the bottom side, and a circular fixing area 1030 is provided in the sealed edge.

[0152] Preferably, the distance D between the centers of the circular fixing areas should not be too small to prevent possible separation of the sealing edge due to bag expansion. This distance is preferably at least 40 mm, more preferably at least 42 mm, and even more preferably at least 44 mm.

[0153] Preferably, the distance (D) between the centers of the circular fixing regions 1030 is between 40 mm and 52 mm, more preferably between 43 mm and 50 mm, and even more preferably between 45 mm and 49 mm.

[0154] Preferably, the bag has a lateral dimension between 65mm and 75mm.

[0155] exist Figures 7A to 7C In a preferred embodiment of the bag shown, the openable region 104 of the bag may include a reinforcing material block 1040. This reinforcing material block may define a flat surface surrounding the flexible openable region 104 and facilitate the introduction of the fluid handling device 11 into the interior of the bag.

[0156] Typically, the reinforcing material block includes an opening that is closed by a flexible material, defining an openable area 104.

[0157] Typically, it is preferred that the openings of the reinforcing material block and the cross-section of the fluid handling device have a circular shape as shown in the figure.

[0158] Preferably, the diameter of the opening in the reinforcing material is approximately 1 mm larger than the diameter (d) of the cross-section of the fluid handling device, and when the fluid handling device 11 protrudes into the internal volume of the bag to introduce fluid, the cross-section of the fluid handling device corresponds to the section positioned in the opening of the reinforcing material block, such as... Figure 5A As shown.

[0159] like Figure 8 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the bottom side 101 of the bag includes:

[0160] - An outer main sheet 4 made of flexible material, the main sheet including a first opening 41 in an openable area.

[0161] - An intermediate secondary sheet 5, made of a flexible material, preferably a stretchable material, covering the first opening, and

[0162] - An internal reinforcing material block 1040, the block including a second opening 1041 facing a first opening. The second opening and the first opening are preferably aligned.

[0163] Preferably, the dimensions of the first opening 41 and the second opening 1041 are slightly larger than the dimensions of the cross-section (d) of the fluid processing device. Therefore, the fluid processing device can pierce the flexible or stretchable material 5 and pass through the second opening 1041, while the pierced flexible or stretchable material covers a portion of the fluid processing device 11. Preferably, when the fluid processing device and the second opening 1041 are circular, the diameter of the second opening 1041 and the diameter d of the cross-section of the fluid processing device can differ by approximately 1 mm.

[0164] Preferably, the diameter of the first opening 41 and the diameter d of the cross section of the fluid processing device can differ by about 1 mm.

[0165] Specifically, the above value (1 mm) applies to the diameter d of the cross section of the fluid processing device, which is between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 12 mm, and even more preferably between 6 mm and 10 mm.

[0166] Although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown above, it should be understood that the invention protected by the claims is not limited in any way to the embodiments shown.

[0167] Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, if known equivalents exist for specific features, such equivalents should be incorporated as expressly mentioned in this specification.

[0168] As used in this specification, the words “including,” “contains,” and similar terms should not be construed as having an exclusive or exhaustive meaning. In other words, these terms are intended to mean “including but not limited to.”

[0169] Index list in the attached figure :

[0170] System 100

[0171] Module 1

[0172] Fluid processing device 11

[0173] Entrance device 111

[0174] Export device 112

[0175] Actuator 12

[0176] Fluid source 13

[0177] Pumping device 14

[0178] Heating and / or cooling device 15

[0179] System control unit 16

[0180] Bag retainer assembly 2

[0181] Bag Room 22

[0182] Bottom opening 221

[0183] Bag entrance 222

[0184] Locking device 24

[0185] Positioning device 242

[0186] Bags 10

[0187] Bottom side 101

[0188] Code 102

[0189] Hole 103

[0190] Openable area 104

[0191] Reinforcing material block 1040

[0192] Second opening 1041

[0193] Anterior wall 105

[0194] Bottom edge 1051

[0195] posterior wall 106

[0196] Bottom edge 1061

[0197] Enhanced Insert 107

[0198] Opening 108

[0199] Main sheet 4

[0200] First opening 41

[0201] Sub-sheet 5

Claims

1. A beverage production system comprising a module (1) for producing a beverage from a bag (10). - The bag (10) includes beverage ingredients configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage. The bag includes a bottom side (101) and a top end. The bag has a planar shape with a plane (P) orientation extending between the bottom side (101) and the top end. The bottom side (101) of the bag includes an openable area (104) made of a flexible material. - The module (1) includes: A bag holder assembly (2) adapted to receive and hold the bag, the bag holder assembly (2) including a bag chamber (22) adapted to receive the bag (10) through an upper bag inlet (222) and to hold the bag in a substantially vertical position within the module, the bag chamber having a bottom opening (221) configured to access at least the bottom side (101) of the bag held in the bag chamber, and Fluid processing apparatus (11), the fluid processing apparatus comprising: At least one inlet (111) for introducing fluid into the bag to prepare a beverage by mixing the fluid with beverage ingredients contained in the bag, and At least one outlet (112) for dispensing the beverage from the bag. The fluid handling device is designed to open the openable area (104) of the bag, and The fluid processing device has an upward-oriented pointed portion inside the module. An actuating device (12) is provided for moving the fluid handling device (11) and the bag (10) toward each other, such that the fluid handling device opens the bottom side (101) of the bag and positions the fluid handling device (11) and the bag (10) relative to each other in a fluid inlet position, wherein the fluid handling device (11) protrudes into the internal volume of the bag to introduce the fluid, and The bag holder assembly (2) includes a movable locking device (24) configured to position the bag (10) inside the bag chamber (22) when the beverage is prepared, and The bag (10) includes a front wall (105) and a rear wall (106), the front wall and the rear wall being made of a flexible material, and at least the edges (1051, 1061) of the bottom portions of the front wall and the rear wall being sealed together at the bottom end (108) of the bag around the openable area (104), and the bottom portion of the bag (10) including at least two fastening devices (103), the at least two fastening devices being holes or deformable areas formed at the bottom end (108) of the bag in the sealed edges of the front wall and the rear wall, the at least two fastening devices (103) being positioned around the openable area on the bottom side of the bag, and The movable locking device (24) includes at least two positioning devices (242), each of which is configured to: Move into at least one corresponding hole (103) of the bag held in the bag chamber, or Move to at least one corresponding deformable region (103) of the bag held in the bag chamber and fit into the resulting deformable region.

2. The beverage production system of claim 1, wherein the openable area is made of a stretchable material.

3. The beverage production system according to claim 2, wherein the stretchable material is in the following list: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid ester (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), starch-based polymers, polymers including food-grade oxygen and / or moisture scavengers, or combinations thereof.

4. The beverage production system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bag comprises two circular fixing regions (1030), the distance (D) between the centers of the circular fixing regions being at most 52 mm, and Each of the holes and / or deformable regions (103) of the bag includes one of the circular fixing regions (1030).

5. The beverage production system according to claim 4, wherein the distance (D) between the centers of the circular fixed areas is at most 50 mm.

6. The beverage production system according to claim 4, wherein the circular fixing area (1030) is disposed in the sealing edges (1051, 1061), and The distance (D) between the centers of the circular fixed areas (1030) is at least 40 mm.

7. The beverage production system according to claim 6, wherein the distance (D) between the centers of the circular fixed areas (1030) is at least 42 mm.

8. The beverage production system according to claim 6, wherein the distance (D) between the centers of the circular fixed areas (1030) is at least 44 mm.

9. The beverage production system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the openable area (104) of the bag includes a reinforcing material block (1040), and the bottom of the bag includes a sealing edge (1051, 1061) surrounding the reinforcing material block.

10. The beverage production system of claim 9, wherein the reinforcing material block includes an opening, the opening being closed by a flexible material.

11. The beverage production system of claim 10, wherein the opening of the reinforcing material block and the cross-section of the fluid handling device have a circular shape, and The diameter of the opening is approximately 1 mm larger than the diameter of the cross section of the fluid handling device. When the fluid handling device protrudes into the internal volume of the bag to introduce the fluid, the cross section of the fluid handling device corresponds to the section located in the opening of the reinforcing material block.

12. The beverage production system of claim 11, wherein the bottom side of the bag comprises: - An outer main sheet (4) made of a flexible material, the outer main sheet including a first opening (41) at the openable area. - An intermediate secondary sheet (5) made of a flexible material, the intermediate secondary sheet covering the first opening, and - An internal reinforcing material block (1040) including a second opening (1041) facing the first opening.

13. The beverage production system according to claim 12, wherein the intermediate sheet (5) is made of a stretchable material.

14. The beverage production system according to claim 4, wherein the distance (D) between the centers of the circular fixed areas (1030) is between 40 mm and 52 mm.

15. The beverage production system according to claim 4, wherein the distance (D) between the centers of the circular fixed areas (1030) is between 43 mm and 50 mm.

16. The beverage production system according to claim 4, wherein the distance (D) between the centers of the circular fixed areas (1030) is between 45 mm and 49 mm.

17. The beverage production system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bag has a lateral dimension between 65 mm and 75 mm.

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