Beverage preparation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage production system comprising a bag (10) having two holes and a module (1) for producing a beverage from said bag, - said module (1) comprising a movable fluid handling device (11) which introduces a fluid into the bag and dispenses a beverage from the bag, and a bag holder assembly (2) comprising a bag chamber (22) and a mobile locking device (24) configured to move between: - a first, fixed position in which said locking device interacts with the bag (10) received inside the chamber of the bag holder assembly and locks the bag, and - a second, release position in which said locking device does not interact with the bag (10) received in the chamber, and said mobile locking device (24) comprises two pins (242) configured to fit in the holes (103) of the bag in the first, fixed position.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] WO 2021 / 110652 describes a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a container holding beverage ingredients. The system machine is a specific fluid handling device designed to pierce the bottom of a container introduced into the machine to introduce fluid through its fluid inlet, and to dispense the beverage produced from the mixture of ingredients and fluid through a specific dispensing outlet of the device. The two distinct relative positions of the device and the container enable the introduction of fluid or the dispensing of beverage.

[0003] Because these containers can be quite large, used containers do not automatically pop out and be stored in the integrated trash can after beverage preparation and once the beverage has been fully dispensed. Therefore, users must manually remove and discard the containers from the beverage preparation machine. However, often a small amount of liquid remains inside the containers, and when users handle the containers, especially if they are made of flexible materials, the liquid may drip into the machine's container holding area, onto the outside and around the machine, or onto the user's hands, causing dirt and mess, which is unacceptable. Improvements to container removal and increased cleanliness are needed.

[0004] The container is preferably made of a largely flexible material, thus providing the advantages of compactness, manufacturing speed (forming, filling, and sealing can be performed continuously), and enhanced recyclability. These advantages are particularly achieved through a container without any plastic inserts, the entire container being made of recyclable or compostable materials.

[0005] Due to the flexible nature of the material, it has been observed that piercing the bottom of the container can be difficult, as the bottom of the container can move or deform under the force of the fluid handling device. This is a problem because the relative position of the fluid handling device inside 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 has not fully penetrated the container's volume. In this case, introducing fluid through the fluid handling device and into the container can cause water leakage below the device, implying imperfect beverage preparation.

[0006] Furthermore, it has been observed that even if the device correctly pierces the flexible material at the bottom, the force of the water jet ejected 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 especially true for flexible containers, as the upper part 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 beverages during beverage preparation.

[0007] Effective puncture and efficient beverage preparation must be ensured.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In a first aspect of the invention, a beverage production system is provided, the system comprising a bag and a module for producing a beverage from the bag.

[0010] - The bag includes ingredients configured to mix with a fluid to produce a beverage, the bag has a planar shape oriented along a plane (P), and the bottom side of the bag is configured to be openable.

[0011] -The module includes:

[0012] A portable fluid handling device configured to engage with the bottom of a bag to introduce fluid into and dispense beverage from the bag.

[0013] A bag retainer assembly, the bag retainer assembly including a bag chamber and a movable locking device, wherein:

[0014] The bag chamber is adapted to receive the bag through the upper bag inlet and to hold the bag such that the planar plane (P) of the planar shape is oriented in a substantially vertical position within the module, and

[0015] The chamber has a bottom opening configured to allow a movable fluid handling device to access the bottom side of the bag held within the chamber.

[0016] The movable locking device is configured to move between the following positions:

[0017] - First fixed position, wherein the locking device interacts with and locks the bag in a chamber received within the bag retainer assembly, and

[0018] - Second release position, wherein the locking device does not interact with the bag received in the chamber, and

[0019] The active locking device includes two pins configured to engage with a hole in the bag when the locking device is in a first fixed position.

[0020] The bag retainer assembly includes a door that is movable relative to the bag chamber and

[0021] Constructed to be positioned at least in the following locations:

[0022] A first closed position, wherein the door covers the bag entrance of the bag compartment and is capable of sealing the bag inside the bag compartment, and

[0023] The second open position, wherein the door exposes the bag entrance of the bag chamber, and

[0024] The movable locking device is mechanically connected to the door, such that the movable locking device is configured to be pushed away from the chamber when the door is in the second open position, and pushed into the chamber when the door is in the first closed position.

[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 this embodiment, the beverage ingredient is water-soluble. 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 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 oriented along plane (P).

[0032] Preferably, most of the bag's walls are made of a flexible material. In a less preferred embodiment, the bag may be made at least partially of a semi-flexible or even rigid material.

[0033] The bag is configured to open at its bottom to allow fluid to be introduced into the bag and to dispense prepared beverages from the bag. Preferably, the area on the bottom side is configured to be opened by puncture, tearing, or perforation, particularly by applying an upward-pointing, sharp, or pointed device such as a fluid handling device to said area. Preferably, this area is located at the midpoint of the transverse dimension of the bag's longitudinal shape. Preferably, this openable area is made of a flexible material.

[0034] The bag includes at least two openings and / or deformable areas. These openings and / or deformable areas in the bag are typically positioned transversely to the planar shape of the bag.

[0035] These holes can be any shape, such as round, oval, or square, as long as one of the positioning devices of the movable locking mechanism can enter them.

[0036] 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, thus producing the fixing and positioning function of the pin. 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.

[0037] Preferably, the bag includes two identical holes or two identical deformable areas; however, the following embodiments are also possible:

[0038] - Bags with holes of different shapes or sizes on different sides of the openable area at the bottom, or

[0039] - 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.

[0040] - Bags with different types of deformable areas on different sides of the openable area at the bottom of the bag.

[0041] 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 portion of the walls are sealed together around an openable area on the bottom side, and a hole and / or a deformable area is provided in the sealed edge.

[0042] Preferably, they are positioned symmetrically around an axis extending longitudinally along the middle of the bag's planar shape.

[0043] Preferably, they are positioned near the bottom of the bag.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, these holes are located in a portion of the sealing area of ​​the longitudinal plane wall of the bag.

[0045] The system includes a module for producing a beverage, comprising a fluid handling device configured to engage with the bottom of a pouch to introduce fluid into the pouch, thereby preparing the beverage inside the pouch, and then dispensing the prepared beverage from the pouch. The fluid handling device may be the device described in WO 2021 / 110650. The fluid handling device is movable to various locations, including at least one location outside the pouch and at least one other location where the device is introduced into the pouch during beverage preparation.

[0046] Additionally, the module includes a bag retainer assembly configured to hold the bag inside and outside the module.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The bag compartment has a bottom opening configured to allow a movable fluid handling device to access the bottom of the bag held within the compartment. 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 compartment.

[0049] In addition, the bag retainer assembly also includes a movable locking device. This locking device can move between two positions.

[0050] In its first fixed position, the interactive device interacts with the bag received in the chamber and locks it inside the bag retainer assembly.

[0051] In its second release position, the interactive device does not interact with the bag, even though the bag is present in the chamber.

[0052] The active locking device includes two pins configured to engage with the openings and / or deformable areas of the bag when the locking device is in a first fixed position.

[0053] The size (length and diameter) of the corresponding pins of the locking device and the distance between the pins are set to enter the two holes and / or deformable areas of the bag. Typically, two holes and two pins are sufficient to secure the bag in the bag retaining assembly.

[0054] Additionally, the bag retainer assembly includes doors configured to be positioned in at least two different locations.

[0055] In the first position, known as "closed," the door covers the bag entrance to the bag chamber, and if a bag has been introduced into the bag chamber, the door is able to seal the bag inside the bag chamber, thus enabling beverage preparation.

[0056] In the second position, known as "open," the door exposes the bag compartment's bag entrance, thus enabling the bag to be introduced into the bag holder.

[0057] The movable locking device is mechanically connected to the door such that it is configured to be pushed away from the chamber when the door is in the second open position and pushed into the chamber when the door is in the first closed position.

[0058] Due to the connection between the locking device and the door, the position of the movable locking device is coordinated with the position of the door, so that the locking device moves the pin into the hole and / or deformable area when the door is closed and releases the bag when the door is opened, thereby enabling the bag to be introduced into or removed from the module in the latter case.

[0059] Typically, the module includes a receiving area configured to receive and retain a bag holder assembly, and the receiving area and the bag holder assembly include corresponding mating means to position the bottom opening of the bag holder assembly relative to a movable fluid handling device.

[0060] Therefore, after being removed from the module, the bag retainer assembly is correctly positioned inside the module for the next beverage preparation.

[0061] In this invention, fluid encompasses any aqueous diluent (such as water, carbonated water, milk, etc., preferably water) that can be mixed with soluble beverage ingredients to prepare a beverage, or any gaseous fluid (such as air). When referring to aqueous fluid, water is the preferred fluid; when referring to gaseous fluid, air is the preferred fluid.

[0062] According to the present invention, the packaging is arranged substantially vertically during the production and distribution of food or beverage products.

[0063] According to the present invention, an aqueous fluid (typically water) is supplied into the packaging at any temperature (cold, ambient temperature, or hot), depending on the type of food or beverage product to be prepared.

[0064] In one implementation scheme

[0065] - The bag includes a readable code, and

[0066] - The module used for beverage production includes a code reader, and

[0067] The chamber and locking device are designed such that when the door is in the first closed position, the active locking device positions the code in front of the reader.

[0068] The code on a bag can be any type of code, such as: mechanical code, optical code (including color code, code printed with invisible ink, one-dimensional barcode, two-dimensional barcode, QR code), RFID tag, magnetic code, conductive code.

[0069] Typically, the code provides information, directly or indirectly, related to the contained product, which is included in the following lists: product identification, product quantity, beverage preparation parameters, or any combination thereof. Beverage preparation parameters may include:

[0070] -Water volume, water temperature and / or water pressure; and / or

[0071] - Water injection, air injection, pause, injection, and time sequence of sequential or simultaneous distribution.

[0072] Typically, readable codes are located on at least one side of the bag, which extends along a plane (P).

[0073] The design of the chamber and locking device allows for the positioning of readable code in front of the code reader when the door is in the second closed position, i.e., when beverage preparation is possible.

[0074] In one implementation, the shape of the active locking device allows it to push a code toward the reader when the door is in the first closed position.

[0075] Preferably, in this system, the fluid handling device includes:

[0076] - At least one fluid inlet for introducing fluid into a pouch held in a chamber to prepare a beverage by mixing the fluid with ingredients contained in the pouch, and

[0077] - At least one beverage outlet for dispensing the prepared beverage from the bag held in the room.

[0078] In such preferred embodiments, the fluid handling apparatus corresponds to one of the apparatuses disclosed in WO 2021 / 110650, WO 2021 / 110652 or WO 2021 / 110654.

[0079] Preferably, the module includes an actuation device configured to move the fluid handling device into the bag, while the bag is held in a fixed manner in the chamber.

[0080] In practice, since the bag retainer assembly can be removed from the module, it is preferable to fix the bag retainer assembly inside the module once it is positioned within the module, in order to avoid making the module's architecture too complex.

[0081] Preferably, the actuation device is configured to move the fluid handling device upward to the bottom side of the fixed package.

[0082] Preferably, the module includes:

[0083] - A receiving area configured to receive and retain the bag retainer assembly, and

[0084] - Electrical switches, and

[0085] - When the bag retainer assembly is in the receiving area, the contact portion of the door is designed to engage with an electrical switch such that:

[0086] In the second open position of the door, the contact part of the door directly or indirectly disconnects the electrical switch, and

[0087] In the first closed position of the door, the contact part of the door is directly or indirectly connected to the electrical switch.

[0088] The module’s electrical switch enables the automatic preparation of beverages using the system, particularly by supplying power to various electrical devices in the machine, such as actuators for fluid handling units.

[0089] The door can directly engage with the switch by means of a shape designed to push the switch when the door is closed, or indirectly engage with the switch by means of a movable member designed to move between a first position and a second position relative to the electrical switch of the module, wherein in the first position the movable member releases the electrical switch and in the second position the movable member pushes the electrical switch.

[0090] By automatically cutting off power when the door is opened, there is no risk of injury to the user, such as if hot water suddenly sprays out of the fluid handling unit when the door is open due to the absence of a bag in the component.

[0091] Preferably, the module includes a receiving area configured to receive and retain a bag holder assembly, and the receiving area includes at least one first magnet, and the door includes at least one corresponding second magnet.

[0092] The first magnet and the second magnet are respectively positioned in the receiving area and in the door, such that when the door is closed, the first magnet and the second magnet engage.

[0093] It has been observed that during beverage preparation, particularly in the case of bags made of flexible walls, the bags can inflate inside and exert force on the inner wall of the door, causing the door to be pushed open during preparation.

[0094] Magnets that fit between the door and the receiving area of ​​the module prevent this unintended sudden opening.

[0095] Preferably, the first and second magnets are positioned at the receiving area and the upper portion of the door, respectively. In practice, it has been observed that the upper portion of the bag held in the compartment inflates and opens the door. The risk of the door opening is limited by the attraction applied between the door and the receiving area located at the upper portion of the door. For the same reason, preferably, the first and second magnets are positioned near the contact portions of the door that are designed to interfere with the electrical switching of the module. Therefore, preferably, said contact portions of the door are positioned within the upper portion of the door.

[0096] Preferably, the bag compartment includes at least one internal front wall positioned below the movable door, and at least one rib protruding from the internal front wall inside the compartment.

[0097] By extending into the interior, the end of the rib approaches or even contacts the surface of the bag. This type of rib helps prevent the upper part of the bag from inflating too much, as described above, and also prevents the door from opening suddenly.

[0098] Preferably, several ribs are designed in the inner front wall.

[0099] In a second aspect of the invention, a bag retainer assembly is provided for a beverage production system, the beverage production system including bags and a beverage production module.

[0100] The bag has a planar shape oriented along plane (P) and includes two longitudinal planar walls extending along plane P.

[0101] The bottom side of the bag is configured to open, and

[0102] The bag includes at least two holes and / or a deformable area, and

[0103] The module includes a movable fluid handling device configured to engage with the bottom of the bag to introduce fluid into and dispense beverage from the bag. The bag retainer assembly includes a bag chamber and a movable locking device, wherein:

[0104] The bag chamber is adapted to receive and hold the bags through the upper bag inlet, and

[0105] The chamber has a bottom opening configured to at least approach the bottom side of the bag held within the chamber, and

[0106] The movable locking device is configured to move between the following positions:

[0107] - First fixed position, wherein the locking device interacts with and locks the bag in a chamber received within the bag retainer assembly, and

[0108] - Second release position, wherein the locking device does not interact with the bag received in the chamber, and

[0109] The active locking device includes two pins configured to engage with the openings and / or deformable areas of the bag when the door is in the second closed position.

[0110] Typically, a bag retainer assembly includes a door that is movable relative to the bag chamber and is configured to be positioned at least in the following locations:

[0111] A first closed position, wherein the door covers the bag entrance of the bag compartment and is capable of sealing the bag inside the bag compartment, and

[0112] The second open position, wherein the door exposes the bag entrance of the bag chamber, and

[0113] The movable locking device is mechanically connected to the door, such that the movable locking device is configured to be pushed away from the chamber when the door is in the second open position, and pushed into the chamber when the door is in the first closed position.

[0114] The bottom opening is configured to allow access from the outside to the bottom of the bag held in the chamber, and thus the opening is large enough to allow the fluid handling device to move through the opening and then through the bag.

[0115] The device for positioning the bag holder assembly inside the module enables the assembly to be correctly oriented, so that the planar shape of the bag is vertically oriented and the bottom of the bag is correctly positioned in front of the fluid handling device, and optionally, the code present on the bag is positioned in front of the code reader.

[0116] Preferably, the door includes at least one magnet positioned on the upper side of the door.

[0117] Therefore, the magnet is located opposite the bottom opening.

[0118] Preferably, the door includes a contact portion designed to cooperate with an electrical switch of the module, and the contact portion is located in the upper portion of the door.

[0119] In a third aspect, there is provided the use of a bag retainer assembly, such as that described in the second aspect above, in a beverage production system, such as that described in the first aspect above.

[0120] In this application, the terms "inner," "rear," "front," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "upper," and "lower" are used to describe the positional relationship of features of the invention. These terms should be understood to mean that, when positioned in a beverage preparation dispenser for producing beverages, the bag is in its usual orientation, such as... Figures 4A to 4C As shown.

[0121] 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

[0122] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the following accompanying drawings:

[0123] - Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a beverage production system according to the present invention.

[0124] - Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a bag that can be used in a beverage production system.

[0125] - Figure 3 These are perspective and cross-sectional views of fluid handling devices that can be used in beverage production systems.

[0126] - Figures 4A to 4C This is a view of the modules of the beverage production system according to the present invention in three different operations.

[0127] - Figure 5A and Figure 5B These are a side view of the bag compartment with the door open and a horizontal cross-sectional view along CC.

[0128] - Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C These are, respectively, the side view, the rear view, and the horizontal cross-sectional view along AA of the bag compartment when the door is closed.

[0129] - Figure 6D This is a detached view of a bag held in place by a locking device and punctured by a fluid handling unit.

[0130] - Figures 7A to 7B This is a view of the modules of a beverage production system, showing the door locking mechanism.

[0131] - Figure 8 This is a perspective top view of the bag compartment, with the door open and the bags inside.

[0132] - Figure 9 It is the vertical cross-section of the bottom portion of the bag holder assembly introduced into the receiving area 3 with locking device. Detailed Implementation

[0133] Figure 1 A beverage production system 100 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0134] System 100 includes module 1 and bag 10. The module is adapted to receive the bag and produce beverages from the bag.

[0135] Module 1 includes a bag retainer assembly 2 and a fluid system for introducing fluid into the bag.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] This module typically includes a system control unit 16 to control the various devices described above for preparing beverages from the bag.

[0140] 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.

[0141] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a bag 10 that can be used in a beverage production system 100 according to the present invention.

[0142] The bag includes ingredients configured to mix with a fluid to produce a beverage. The bag has a planar shape oriented along a plane P. Two longitudinal planar walls 105 (front and rear) extend along the plane P. The lateral edges 106 and the top edges 107 of these walls are sealed. The bottom side 101 of the bag is configured to be preferably openable via a puncture-resistant region 104. The openable region is located at the edge of the plane P and allows for dispensing of the beverage along a direction included in the plane P.

[0143] The bag includes at least two holes 103 at the bottom side 101.

[0144] Figure 3 These are perspective and cross-sectional views of a fluid handling device 11 that can be used in a beverage production system. It includes:

[0145] - Fluid inlet 111, which is used to introduce fluid into the openable area 104 of the bag held in the chamber, and

[0146] - Beverage outlet 112, which is used to dispense the prepared beverage from the bag held in the room.

[0147] 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 to open the openable area 104 or any membrane or cover disposed therein. Generally, the fluid handling device is adapted to move along a direction included in the plane P of the bag.

[0148] Other fluid handling devices 11, such as those described in WO 2021 / 110650, can be used in the system of the present invention.

[0149] Figures 4A to 4C The portion of module 1 configured to receive a bag is shown. This portion of the module includes a bag holder assembly 2 and a receiving area 3 configured to receive the assembly 2.

[0150] exist Figure 4A In this configuration, the bag retainer assembly 2 is positioned inside the receiving area 3. The bag retainer assembly includes an openable door 23, as indicated by arrow A.

[0151] When the door is opened, as Figure 4B As shown, the pouch 10 can be introduced into or removed from the pouch holder assembly 2 as needed by the operator, as indicated by arrow B2. It can be observed that the plane P of the pouch extends along the plane Pc defined by the wall of the pouch chamber. Additionally, the entire pouch holder assembly 2 can be removed from the receiving area by operating the door 23 and pulling it upwards as indicated by arrow B1.

[0152] Once the entire bag retainer assembly 2 is removed from the receiving area 3, as Figure 4C As shown, it can be used by the operator to carry the used bag 10 to the trash can, preventing the operator from approaching the machine to manipulate the bag, which may still contain liquid. While the operator is in front of the trash can, he / she can pull the bag 10 out of chamber 22, as indicated by arrow C. Here, a large, open door 23 collects any spilled material that falls from the bag during removal from the bag chamber and disposes it in the trash can. The ability to completely remove the bag holder assembly 2 from the module allows for a thorough cleaning operation. In particular, the bottom opening of the chamber can be cleaned effectively, where beverage traces may still remain.

[0153] Then, the bag holding assembly 2 can be positioned back inside the receiving area 3: the guide device 21 on the wall of the bag chamber 22 cooperates with the corresponding guide device 31 in the receiving area.

[0154] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The bag retainer assembly is shown with door 23 open.

[0155] The bag compartment 22 has a planar shape oriented along a plane (Pc), which is generally vertical when the component is inside module 1. Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, the bag chamber is adapted to hold the bag 10 such that the plane (P) of the bag extends along the plane (Pc) of the chamber.

[0156] The bag retainer assembly 2 includes a movable locking device 24 configured to secure the bag 10 (particularly the bottom of the bag) inside the bag retainer assembly when the door 23 is in the closed position, and to release the bag when the door is in the open position.

[0157] In the position corresponding to that opening Figure 5A As can be seen, the movable locking device 24 is mechanically connected to the door 23, such that the movable locking device is configured to tilt away from the room 22 when the door is in the first open position.

[0158] The opening movement of door 23 is a rotation along hinge 231 attached to the side wall of chamber 22. The door is connected to each of the hinges by arms 234, the arms being shaped such that when component 2 is held within the receiving area 3 of the module, as... Figure 4B As shown, or when component 2 is completely removed from the module, such as Figure 4B As shown, this allows the door to be positioned in the first open position. For this purpose, the arm is configured to surround the upper edge of the fixed lower cover 6 of the receiving area.

[0159] The movable locking device 24 is attached to the side wall of the room via a dedicated hinge 244, allowing the device to rotate. Additionally, the movable lock includes a hole 2445 designed to mate with the door hinge 231, such that:

[0160] - When door 23 is opened, the bottom of the locking device tilts away from the bag compartment.

[0161] - When door 23 is closed, the bottom of the locking device moves to the bag compartment.

[0162] Additionally, the locking device 24 includes two pins 242 configured to engage in the corresponding holes 103 of the bag when the door 23 is in the second closed position.

[0163] In corresponding to along Figure 5A The cross-sectional view of component 2 taken from plane AA Figure 5B In this position, the two pins 242 are positioned away from the hole 103. With the door 23 open, the operator can remove a bag from the bag holder or introduce a new bag if the chamber is empty.

[0164] Figures 6A to 6C The bag holder assembly 2 is shown with the door 23 in the first closed position. The bottom of the locking device 24 is then positioned near the chamber 22, and the pin 242 engages with the hole 103 of the bag present in the chamber. These corresponding pins and holes allow the bag to be properly positioned inside the chamber, ensuring 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 upwards inside the chamber when fluid is injected into the bag.

[0165] Figure 6D The positions of the bag 10, pin 242, and fluid handling device are shown when the fluid handling device 11 is introduced into the openable area.

[0166] Preferably, the bag 10 includes a readable code 102 (see...). Figure 1 ), and module 1 includes a code reader 4 located within the receiving area 3. For example... Figure 5A and Figure 6A As shown, the active locking device 24 is designed or includes a pusher 243 such that when the door 23 is in the first closed position, the active locking device 24 positions the code closer to the reader. The position of the code on the bottom end of the bag and the position of the pusher 243 in the locking device are set relative to the position of the code reader 4 inside the module.

[0167] Figure 9This is a vertical cross-section of the bottom portion of the bag holder assembly, which is introduced into the receiving area 3 of the module and has its door in its closed position. At the bottom of the receiving area, the module includes a fixed code reader 4. The bag 10 is held inside the compartment such that its code 102 is in front of the code reader. Furthermore, when the door of the bag holder assembly is closed, its locking device 24 pushes the pushing device 243 in front of the code reader 4, causing the bag's retaining code 102 and the portion positioned between the pushing device and the code reader to be pushed in the direction of the reader. Therefore, reading is improved.

[0168] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A preferred locking device for the door is shown.

[0169] Typically, the module includes an electrical switch 8 that can be switched on or off depending on whether the door 23 is closed or open. In particular, the door portion 233 can be designed to move the member 7 configured to switch on the electrical switch.

[0170] Preferably, the receiving area 3 includes at least one first magnet 32 ​​and the door 23 includes at least one corresponding second magnet 232 positioned in the receiving area and the door, respectively, such that the first and second magnets engage when the door is closed. The positioning of these two magnets improves the closing of the door 23 during beverage preparation when the bag is overinflated and the door can be pushed and opened. The placement of the magnets near the portion 233 of the door designed to activate an electrical switch further improves the effect and more securely holds the door closed. When the bag is inflated, the magnet positioned at the lower part of the door is less efficient at keeping the door closed.

[0171] Figure 8 This is a top view of the open bag retainer assembly 2, with the bag 10 inside the chamber 22. In this preferred embodiment, below the door 23, the inner front wall 224 of the bag chamber includes two ribs 224 that project from one of the longitudinal plane walls 105 of the bag. During the introduction of liquid into the bottom of the bag, these ribs 224 prevent the bag wall 105 from inflating, which could exert force on the inner wall of the door and open it. These ribs ensure that the bag wall 105 remains away from the door 23 during preparation.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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 a particular feature, such equivalents should be incorporated as expressly mentioned in this specification.

[0174] 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.”

[0175] Index list in the attached figure :

[0176] System 100

[0177] Module 1

[0178] Fluid processing device 11

[0179] Entrance device 111

[0180] Export device 112

[0181] Pointed part 113

[0182] Actuator 12

[0183] Fluid source 13

[0184] Pumping device 14

[0185] Heating and / or cooling device 15

[0186] System control unit 16

[0187] Bag retainer assembly 2

[0188] Guiding device 21

[0189] Bag Room 22

[0190] Bottom opening 221

[0191] Bag entrance 222

[0192] Internal front wall 223

[0193] Internal rear wall 224

[0194] Rib 225

[0195] Side opening 226

[0196] Door 23

[0197] Hinge 231

[0198] 232 Magnet 233 Contact part 233 Arm 234 Locking device 24 Connector 241 Pin 242 Pushing device 243 Hinge 244 Receiving area 3

[0199] Guiding device 31 Magnet 32

[0200] Code Reader 4

[0201] Frame 5 Attached cover 6 Movable component 7 Electrical switch 8

[0202] Bags 10

[0203] Bottom side 101 code 102 hole 103 pierceable area 104 longitudinal plane wall 105 lateral sealing edge 106 top 107

Claims

1. A beverage production system comprising a bag (10) and a module (1) for producing beverages from the bag. The bag (10) includes ingredients configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage. The bag has a planar shape oriented along a plane (P) and includes two longitudinal planar walls (105) extending along the plane P. The bottom side (101) of the bag is configured to be openable, and The bag (10) includes at least two holes (103) and / or deformable areas. The module (1) includes: A portable fluid handling device (11) configured to engage with the bottom of the bag to introduce fluid into and dispense beverage from the bag, and A bag retainer assembly (2), the bag retainer assembly including a bag chamber (22) and a movable locking device (24), wherein: The bag chamber (22) is adapted to receive the bag (10) through the upper bag inlet (222) and to hold the bag such that the plane (P) of the planar shape is oriented vertically within the module (1), and The chamber has a bottom opening (221) configured to allow the movable fluid handling device (11) to access the bottom side (101) of the bag held in the chamber, and The movable locking device (24) is configured to move between the following positions: In a first fixed position, wherein the locking device interacts with and locks the bag (10) received in the chamber within the bag retainer assembly, and The second release position, wherein the locking device does not interact with the bag (10) received in the chamber, and The movable locking device (24) includes two pins (242) configured to engage with the hole (103) and / or the deformable area of ​​the bag when the locking device is in the first fixed position. The bag retainer assembly includes a door (23) that is movable relative to the bag chamber and is configured to be positioned at least in the following locations: In the closed position, wherein the door covers the bag entrance (222) of the bag chamber and is capable of sealing the bag inside the bag chamber, and In the open position, wherein the door exposes the bag entrance (222) of the bag chamber, and The movable locking device (24) is mechanically connected to the door (23) such that the movable locking device is configured to be pushed away from the chamber (22) when the door is in the open position and pushed into the chamber (22) when the door is in the closed position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lateral edges (106) of the two longitudinal planar walls of the bag are sealed to each other and form a sealing region, and each of the two holes and / or the deformable region (103) is located in a portion of the sealing region.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the two holes and / or the deformable area are positioned near the bottom of the bag.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The bag (10) includes a readable code (102), and Module (1) includes a code reader (4), and The chamber (22) and the movable locking device (24) are designed such that when the door (23) is in the closed position, the movable locking device positions the code in front of the reader.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fluid handling device (11) comprises: At least one fluid inlet (111) for introducing fluid into the bag (10) held in the chamber (22) to prepare a beverage by mixing the fluid with the ingredients contained in the bag, and At least one beverage outlet (112) for dispensing the prepared beverage from the bag held in the chamber.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The module (1) includes: Receiving area (3), the receiving area being configured to receive and retain the bag holder assembly (2), and Electrical switch (8) When the bag retainer assembly is in the receiving area (3), the contact portion (233) of the door is designed to cooperate with the electrical switch such that: In the open position of the door, the contact portion (233) of the door directly or indirectly disconnects the electrical switch (8), and In the closed position of the door, the contact portion (233) of the door directly or indirectly connects the electrical switch (8).

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The module (1) includes a receiving area (3) configured to receive and hold the bag holder assembly (2), and the receiving area (3) includes at least one first magnet (32). The gate (23) includes at least one corresponding second magnet (232). The first magnet and the second magnet are respectively positioned in the receiving area and in the door, such that when the door is closed, the first magnet and the second magnet engage.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are respectively positioned at the receiving area and the upper portion of the door.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the contact portion (233) of the door is positioned in the upper portion of the door.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bag compartment (22) includes an inner front wall (223) positioned below the movable door (23), and At least one of the ribs (225) protrudes from the interior front wall (223) of the interior.

11. A bag retainer assembly (2) for a beverage production system, the beverage production system including a bag (10) and a beverage production module (1). The bag has a planar shape oriented along a plane (P) and includes two longitudinal planar walls (105) extending along the plane P. The bottom side (101) of the bag is configured to be openable, and The bag (10) includes at least two holes and / or a deformable area (103). The module includes a movable fluid handling device (11) configured to engage with the bottom of the bag to introduce fluid into and dispense beverage from the bag. The bag retainer assembly includes a bag chamber (22) and a movable locking device (24), wherein: The bag chamber (22) is adapted to receive and hold the bag (10) through the upper bag inlet (222), and The chamber has a bottom opening (221) configured to allow access to the bottom side (101) of the bag held within the chamber, and The movable locking device (24) is configured to move between the following positions: In a first fixed position, wherein the locking device interacts with and locks the bag (10) received in the chamber within the bag retainer assembly, and The second release position, wherein the locking device does not interact with the bag (10) received in the chamber, and The movable locking device (24) includes two pins (242) configured to engage in the hole and / or the deformable area (103) of the bag when the door (23) is in the closed position. The bag retainer assembly includes a door (23) that is movable relative to the bag chamber and is configured to be positioned at least in the following locations: In the open position, wherein the door exposes the bag entrance (222) of the bag chamber, and In the closed position, wherein the door covers the bag entrance (222) of the bag chamber and is capable of sealing the bag inside the bag chamber, and The movable locking device (24) is mechanically connected to the door (23) such that the movable locking device is configured to be pushed away from the chamber (22) when the door is in the open position.

12. The bag retainer assembly (2) for a beverage production system according to claim 11, wherein the door (23) includes at least one magnet (232) positioned on the upper side of the door.

13. The bag retainer assembly (2) for a beverage production system according to claim 12, wherein the door (23) includes a contact portion (233) designed to cooperate with an electrical switch of the module, the contact portion (233) being positioned in the upper portion of the door.

14. Use of the bag retainer assembly (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 13 in a beverage production system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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