Beverage concentrate cartridge with integrated filter

Abstract

A cartridge for containing a beverage concentrate is provided. The cartridge is configured for use in a beverage dispenser for dispensing a post-mix beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base fluid. The cartridge comprises an interior volume for containing a beverage concentrate and a filter, where the filter is designed for filtering suspended particles from the beverage concentrate, the beverage concentrate passing through the filter from the interior volume. The suspended particles may especially be present in beverage concentrates based on fermented beverages.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] These aspects and embodiments thereof relate to the field of forming and dispensing post-mix beverages, which are formed by mixing a beverage concentrate with a base liquid. Background Art

[0002] Beverages, such as soft drinks, beer and cocktails, can be consumed at locations different from where they were produced. Therefore, the beverages must be transported. In order to reduce the mass and volume to be transported, it is recommended to concentrate the beverages before transport, i.e. reduce the water content. Beverage concentrates can be mixed with a base liquid to obtain post-mix beverages whose concentration, consistency and flavor are close to those of the original beverage.

[0003] A cartridge, also referred to as a container, pod or capsule, can be used as a container for holding a concentrated beverage. A user can provide the cartridge to a beverage dispenser where the concentrate can be mixed with a base liquid such as water. Summary of the invention

[0004] It has been observed that when a beverage concentrate contains particles, in particular dispersed, suspended or precipitated particles, the post-mix beverage may appear cloudy, i.e. have a high turbidity and / or appear cloudy. The turbidity may be higher than the turbidity of the beverage on which the beverage concentrate is based and may be undesirable for aesthetic reasons and / or other reasons. It has further been observed that the concentration of particles in the beverage concentrate may increase over time, in particular when the beverage concentrate is based on a fermented beverage, in particular beer, in particular beer based on cereals such as barley.

[0005] The general objective is to reduce the turbidity of a post-mix beverage, which is prepared by mixing one or more beverage concentrates with one or more base liquids. Preferably, the turbidity is reduced such that the turbidity of the post-mix beverage corresponds or approximately corresponds to the turbidity of the beverage on which the beverage concentrate is based. Alternatively or additionally, the general objective is to reduce the amount of particles in a post-mix beverage, which is prepared by mixing one or more beverage concentrates with one or more base liquids, for example to improve the flavor, perceived quality and / or appearance of the post-mix beverage.

[0006] A first aspect provides a cartridge for containing a beverage concentrate, the cartridge comprising an internal volume for containing the beverage concentrate, and a filter, wherein the filter is designed to filter particles from a liquid flow, the liquid flow, such as a beverage concentrate or a post-mix beverage, passing through the filter from the internal volume. This allows the filter to capture at least a portion of the particles present in the internal volume, thereby producing a beverage concentrate or a post-mix beverage with lower turbidity. The lower turbidity of the beverage concentrate can also enable the post-mix beverage to achieve a preferred lower turbidity.

[0007] It should be understood that the liquid stream passing through the filter can be a mixture, suspension or dispersion of small particles in the liquid. After passing through the filter, the liquid stream contains fewer small particles, or even substantially no small particles. The usual particle size of the small particles is, for example, greater than 0.2 μm, greater than 1 μm, especially between 0.2-100 μm or even between 0.1-50 μm.

[0008] The inner volume can be limited by the cartridge housing that the cartridge is comprised of.Except through one or more fluid passages of cartridge housing, cartridge housing can be liquid-tight basically.Fluid passage can for example be embodied as a single through hole through cartridge housing, or be embodied as a plurality of through holes through cartridge housing.In use, can form one or more through holes by piercing cartridge housing, for example pierce cartridge housing by one or more piercing members of beverage dispenser.

[0009] The beverage concentrate may be based on a fermented beverage, such as beer, wine or cider. The beverage concentrate may therefore comprise a liquid, such as water, in which particles are mixed, suspended and / or dispersed. The beverage concentrate may therefore be an aqueous liquid. Over time, and for example due to the viscosity of the beverage concentrate, the particles may settle in the liquid. However, when the cartridge is moved, for example by a user placing the cartridge in a receiving portion of a beverage dispenser, the settled particles may be resuspended in the liquid beverage concentrate.

[0010] The particles may be or contain one or more proteins (proteinaceous material), sugars, organic compounds (such as polyphenols, hop acids and / or oxalates). Optionally, the beverage concentrate may be substantially free of alcohol or contain a specific concentration of alcohol, such as 25% or less, 10% or less, 5% or less, or even 1% or less by volume. As a further option, the beverage concentrate may contain dissolved carbon dioxide and / or any other gas, such as nitrogen.

[0011] In an example, the beverage concentrate may contain solid particles or consist of solid particles. Thus, the beverage concentrate may be, for example, a powder or a tablet. The solid beverage concentrate may be dissolved, suspended or dispersed in one or more base liquids. A variety of beverage concentrates may be used to form post-mix beverages, which may be in liquid and / or solid form. One or more base liquids may be, for example, water, carbonated water, ethanol, ethanol dissolved in water, and / or any combination thereof. In particular, when one or more base liquids are mixed with the beverage concentrate in the cartridge, the beverage concentrate may contain solid particles that may be dissolved in one or more base liquids or consist of solid particles that may be dissolved in one or more base liquids.

[0012] Beverage concentrates based on fermented beverages can be obtained by concentrating the fermented beverages, and / or by brewing the fermented beverages with high concentrations of flavorings. The high concentration of flavorings can be higher than the typical flavoring concentrations used for the fermented beverages. For example, when the beverage concentrate contains four times more flavorings per volume than a conventional beverage, the concentrate must be diluted four times to obtain the desired flavoring concentration.

[0013] The high concentration of flavoring agent can result in a high dry matter content in the beverage concentrate, which is higher than the typical dry matter content in conventional beverages. The high concentration of flavoring agent can be obtained by brewing fermented beverages with higher concentrations of raw materials (such as grains, such as malt, barley, wheat or corn and / or hops) compared to the raw material concentrations used to brew conventional beverages (which are usually not mixed with a base liquid before drinking).

[0014] Beverage concentrates can generally contain one or more flavoring agents, for example, intended to imitate the taste of another beverage. In particular, flavoring agents can be used to imitate the taste of fermented beverages (such as beer, wine or cider). Flavoring agents can be, for example, aromatic compounds, esters or alcohols. By mixing one or more flavoring agents, in particular mixing them into an aqueous solution, a beverage concentrate can therefore be obtained. Therefore, it should be understood that beverage concentrates can also be formed without a brewing or fermentation process.

[0015] For hygienic purposes, the purpose may be to provide a beverage dispenser for conveniently discarding the filtered particles. Therefore, when the filter is contained in the cartridge, when the cartridge is discarded after use, the filtered particles are also discarded and will not remain in the beverage dispenser. It should be understood that the cartridge may be a single-serving disposable cartridge. Single serving means that the cartridge may be used to dispense a single serving of post-mixed beverage, preferably in a continuous dispensing action. A single serving may correspond to the amount of beverage concentrate required for obtaining a typical filling volume of a beverage container (such as a glass), which may be, for example, 200 mL, 250 mL, 300 mL, 500 mL, or 568 mL (i.e., 1 pint) when the beverage concentrate is mixed with an amount of base liquid.

[0016] The cartridge may further be a disposable cartridge, ie arranged not to be refilled with the beverage concentrate after dispensing the beverage concentrate from the cartridge.Preferably, the cartridge comprises a recyclable material.

[0017] Alternatively, the cartridge can be a multiple-serving disposable cartridge. Multiple discrete volumes of beverage concentrate can be dispensed from the multiple-serving disposable cartridge.

[0018] If the pressure difference between the beverage concentrate in the internal volume and the outside of the filter is not enough to push or draw the beverage concentrate through the filter, the filter can limit the passage of the concentrate or completely block the passage of the beverage concentrate. In an embodiment, the pressure of the fluid column of the beverage concentrate may not be enough to push the beverage concentrate through the filter. Therefore, external pressure may be required to push the beverage concentrate through the filter from the internal volume of the cartridge. The external pressure can be provided by a discharge actuator included in the beverage dispenser, or when the pressure downstream of the filter is reduced to a pressure below the ambient pressure by the discharge actuator, it can be provided by ambient pressure, or it can be provided by a combination of the two.

[0019] In order to prevent the beverage concentrate from accidentally leaking from the tube, for hygienic reasons, and / or to protect the filter from external influences such as impact and / or pollutants, the embodiment of the tube further includes a seal. The filter can be located between the seal and the internal volume of the tube. Between the filter and the seal, air or another gas can be present. The volume between the seal and the filter can be preferably filled with a gas (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide gas, or its mixture) with low oxygen content, particularly in the case of filter permeable oxygen. This can increase the shelf life of the tube again.

[0020] The seal can be a removable seal that can be removed by a user or a beverage dispenser. For example, the seal can be attached to the tube using glue or welding. As another example, the seal can be connected to the tube via a weakened section. The seal can be removed from the tube by tearing or otherwise destroying the weakened section.

[0021] In other embodiments, the seal may be configured to at least partially dissolve or decompose, for example, when exposed to a base fluid. When the seal decomposes into smaller particles, these particles may be captured in the filter.

[0022] The distance between the seal and the filter may allow a piercing element of the beverage dispenser to pierce the seal without piercing the filter. If the filter is pierced, using the filter to capture particles from the beverage concentrate may become less effective.

[0023] Many different types of filters are contemplated. The filter may be, for example, a semipermeable filter, such as a paper filter. Typically, a semipermeable filter may allow liquid to pass through while blocking solids from passing through by trapping the solids in the filter. Depending on the size of the solids, the solids may be trapped in the filter, or when the solids are small enough, the solids may pass through the filter. In particular, when some solids are preferred to be present in a post-mix beverage, the filter may be adjusted to allow these preferred solids to pass through, for example based on the typical size of the preferred solids.

[0024] The filter may have an open pore structure. For example, the filter may be a sintered filter formed by sintering a material such as copper, stainless steel, any other metal or polymer. By means of the sintering process, an open pore structure for the filter may be obtained. By means of the pore size of the open pore structure, solid particles may be trapped while liquids are able to pass through the filter.

[0025] The filter may be embodied as a screen having one or more holes. The holes may have a specific flow-through area or pore size, which is arranged to capture particles in the beverage concentrate while allowing the liquid portion to flow through the filter.

[0026] In an embodiment, the pore size of the filter may be between 0.2-100 μm (micrometers). More particularly, the pore size of the filter may be between 0.3-50 μm, or even between 0.4-25 μm.

[0027] The filter can be formed as a sandwich structure, wherein the filter material is sandwiched between two sandwich plates. The filter material is arranged to capture suspended particles from the beverage concentrate flow flowing through the filter. The filter material can, for example, have a granular form, such as diatomite or kieselguhr, or can be a porous material, such as a porous ceramic or a porous metal. The sandwich plates are arranged to hold the filter material in a suitable position between the sandwich plates. The fluid flow can pass through the sandwich plates, for example, via an opening or other passage through the sandwich plates. The opening or other passage is generally not arranged to capture particles from the beverage concentrate flow passing through the sandwich plates.

[0028] Typically, a combination of different filters may be used in a single cartridge. Thus, the beverage concentrate may flow through one or more filters before the beverage concentrate is dispensed with the base liquid as a post-mix beverage. In particular, the beverage concentrate may flow through one or more filters before being mixed with the base liquid. Different filters may be designed to capture different types of particles, which may have different compositions and / or sizes.

[0029] The base liquid or conceivable base liquid that is mixed with the beverage concentrate to form the post-mix beverage may contain water, carbonated water, and / or alcohol. In an embodiment, the base liquid may be a beverage such as beer, cider, wine, or any other fermented beverage. The beverage concentrate may be used to add additional flavor to the base liquid.

[0030] Alternatively, the cartridge may include a temporary separator that prevents contact between the filter and the beverage concentrate within the internal volume. The separator is temporary in the sense that the separator is removed or opened before the beverage concentrate is discharged from the cartridge, for example, by passing the beverage concentrate through the separator.

[0031] During transportation and storage of the cartridge, the separator prevents or reduces contact between the filter and the beverage concentrate prior to use of the cartridge. Thus, the filter can remain dry during the shelf life of the cartridge. The separator can thus be substantially impermeable to liquids, such as liquid beverage concentrates.

[0032] In an example, the separator may be arranged such that the separator ruptures when sufficient pressure is applied to the beverage concentrate within the internal volume.The separator may alternatively be removable, for example by a user or by a beverage dispenser.

[0033] In an embodiment, the cartridge may further include a nozzle protruding away from the internal volume. In use, the beverage concentrate may be discharged from the internal volume through the nozzle. The nozzle may be used to direct the beverage concentrate to a specific component of the beverage dispenser, or to a consumer's glass. The filter may be located inside the nozzle, upstream of the nozzle, or downstream of the nozzle.

[0034] A second aspect provides a beverage dispenser assembly for dispensing a post-mix beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base liquid. The beverage dispenser assembly comprises an embodiment of a beverage dispenser and an embodiment of a cartridge, in particular an embodiment of a cartridge according to the first aspect.

[0035] The beverage dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge; a base liquid input portion for receiving the base liquid; a beverage concentrate input portion fluidly connected to the receiving portion; a post-mix beverage conduit, which is fluidly connected to the base liquid input portion and the beverage concentrate input portion and has a post-mix beverage output portion at a downstream end; and a discharge actuator for discharging the beverage concentrate from the internal volume of the cartridge, in particular through a filter of the cartridge.

[0036] As an alternative to using a discharge actuator to discharge the beverage concentrate through the filter of the cartridge, the filter can be moved through the beverage concentrate. Particles in the beverage concentrate can thus be captured in the filter. The beverage concentrate that has passed through the filter can be discharged from the cartridge and mixed to form a post-mix beverage.

[0037] Since the beverage concentrate must pass through the filter of the cartridge, an increased discharge force may be required compared to a cartridge without a filter. The discharge force is applied by a discharge actuator of the beverage dispenser. Typically, the discharge force can be used to push the beverage concentrate out of the internal volume through the filter, or to draw the beverage concentrate out of the internal volume through the filter.

[0038] Therefore, it should be understood that in different embodiments, the beverage concentrate can be pumped, pushed, pressed and / or centrifuged through the filter. Generally, this can be referred to as the beverage concentrate being discharged from the cartridge. For example, a venturi tube can be used to pump liquid such as beverage concentrate from the cartridge.

[0039] When the cartridge comprises a seal, the seal may be removed by the user, removed by the beverage dispenser and / or pierced by a piercing member comprised by the beverage dispenser. The piercing member may therefore be arranged to pierce the seal of the cartridge without piercing the filter.

[0040] As a specific selection, the cartridge can be an expandable cartridge. In this case, the cartridge housing is an expandable housing that is arranged to be further filled with a base liquid so that a post-mix beverage can be formed in the internal volume by the beverage concentrate and the base liquid.

[0041] A third aspect provides a method for dispensing a post-mix beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base liquid. The method comprises the steps of providing or receiving a cartridge having an internal volume for accommodating a beverage concentrate, providing or receiving a base liquid, discharging the beverage concentrate from the cartridge, mixing the beverage concentrate and the base liquid to form a post-mix beverage, and dispensing the post-mix beverage. Prior to dispensing the post-mix beverage, the beverage concentrate passes through a filter.

[0042] By means of the step of passing the beverage concentrate through the filter, particles suspended in the beverage concentrate may be captured prior to dispensing the post-mix beverage.

[0043] The filter can be included in the cartridge. When the cartridge includes a filter, the filter can be disposed of together with the cartridge. Thus, it can be ensured that each cartridge uses an unused filter.

[0044] Alternatively, the filter may be included in a beverage dispenser assembly, in particular a beverage dispenser. The filter included in the beverage dispenser assembly may be suitable for capturing particles from a beverage concentrate supplied in a plurality of cartridges. The filter included in the beverage dispenser assembly may be supplied separately from the beverage dispenser, for example as a replaceable filter cartridge. The filter may be located downstream of the cartridge, for example in a beverage concentrate conduit.

[0045] As a particular option, the beverage concentrate is passed through a filter before forming the post-mix beverage. Thus, it is avoided that the base liquid must pass through the filter, and thus a small amount of liquid must pass through the filter. By passing the beverage concentrate through the filter before forming the post-mix beverage, excessive foaming can be avoided, or foaming can be substantially completely avoided.

[0046] As another option, the beverage concentrate is passed through a filter after being mixed into a post-mix beverage. This may allow for alternative positioning of the filter and also allow for filtering of the base liquid.

[0047] When the cartridge includes a filter, the cartridge with particles captured in the filter can be discarded after the post-mix beverage is dispensed. Thus, the user can conveniently discard the particles. When the filter is provided separately from the cartridge, the filter can be single-use, suitable for use with multiple cartridges, generally disposable, or the filter can be cleanable and reused after cleaning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1A-Figure 1D Various embodiments of cartridges for containing beverage concentrates are depicted;

[0049] Figure 2A Still further embodiments of cartridges for containing beverage concentrates are depicted;

[0050] Figure 2B An example of an emptied box is depicted;

[0051] Figure 2C and Figure 2D Depicting embodiments of cartridges having seals that are not pierced and are pierced by a piercing member of a beverage dispenser, respectively;

[0052] Figure 3A and Figure 3B schematically depict various embodiments of beverage dispenser assemblies; and

[0053] Figure 4A-4D Different embodiments of expandable cartridges are schematically depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1A-Figure 1D Different embodiments of cartridges 100 for containing beverage concentrates 106 are shown in schematic cross-sectional views. The cartridges may also be referred to as capsules, pouches, pods or containers. The beverage concentrates 106 are depicted in the figures in a wavy pattern. Figure 1A-Figure 1D The cartridges 100 shown in each include a filter 104 designed to filter suspended particles from a beverage concentrate through which the beverage concentrate passes.

[0055] Usually, tube 100 comprises tube housing 101, wherein, there is internal volume 102, for holding the beverage concentrate of certain volume.The external shape of tube housing 101 can be complementary with at least a portion of the receiver of beverage dispenser.Tube housing 101 can be rigid shell or flexible shell, or tube can be at least partially rigid and at least partially flexible.Flexible tube housing part can for example be formed by one or more thin sheets, laminate or film, so that this flexible tube housing part is similar to bag or pouch.External housing can be provided, it is around at least a portion of tube housing 101.Therefore, for example, inner bag container type tube can be obtained.

[0056] exist Figure 1A In the embodiment of the cartridge 100 shown in , the cartridge housing 101 includes a passage 108 in which the filter 104 is located. The beverage concentrate 106 can flow out of the cartridge housing 101 from the interior volume 102 via the passage 108, thereby passing through the filter 104.

[0057] exist Figure 1B , the cartridge 100 further includes an optional nozzle 112 that protrudes away from the interior volume 102. The nozzle 112 is connected to the cartridge housing 101 at an upstream end 113 of the nozzle 112. When the beverage concentrate 106 is discharged from the cartridge 100, the beverage concentrate flows through the nozzle 112 from the upstream end 113 of the nozzle to the downstream end 115 of the nozzle 112.

[0058] The nozzle 112 may be a filling gland connected to the cartridge 100 and used to fill the cartridge with a beverage concentrate. The nozzle 112 may be glued or welded to the cartridge housing 101, for example. Alternatively, the nozzle 112 may be integrally formed with the cartridge housing 101.

[0059] When the filter is located at the upstream end of nozzle 112 or near, the filter can be protected from external influences by nozzle 112, such as the impact that may damage the filter. Alternatively or additionally, nozzle 112 allows tube 100 to be correctly positioned in the receiving portion of beverage dispenser. Therefore, nozzle 112 can even be asymmetric, so that tube 100 can only be positioned in the receiving portion with respect to one or more different directions of receiving portion. Additionally or alternatively, cartridge housing 101 can be asymmetrically molded, so that tube 100 can only be positioned in the receiving portion with respect to one or more different directions of receiving portion.

[0060] Typically, the nozzle 112 can be rigid. Alternatively, at least a portion of the nozzle 112 can be flexible, elastic and / or resilient. This can allow the nozzle 112 to form a liquid-tight fit with the beverage dispenser to prevent leakage of the beverage concentrate. When at least a portion of the nozzle 112 is flexible, elastic and / or resilient, the nozzle 112 can be used as a valve, particularly a one-way valve. Additionally or alternatively, when at least a portion of the nozzle 112 is flexible, elastic and / or resilient, the nozzle can be clamped or squeezed closed and can therefore act as a substantially liquid-tight seal.

[0061] Figure 1CAnother embodiment of a cartridge 100 is shown in which a filter 104 is located within the interior volume 102 of the cartridge 100. Alternatively, a seal 114 is used to seal the passage to the interior volume 102. The seal 114 can be located within, behind, or above the passage 108 into the cartridge housing 101. The seal 114 can thus, for example, prevent contaminants from entering the interior volume 102. In this embodiment, the filter 104 is located between the seal 114 and the beverage concentrate 106. The filter 104 can be located at a distance from the seal 114, such as Figure 1C When the filter 104 is located within the interior volume 102, the filter 104 may be at least largely protected by the cartridge housing from external influences, such as contaminants or impacts.

[0062] Figure 1D Yet another embodiment of a cartridge 100 is shown that includes an optional nozzle 112. In this embodiment, a seal 114 is disposed over the outlet opening of the nozzle 112. The seal 114 can be removably connected to the nozzle 112 so that the user and / or beverage dispenser can remove the seal 114. The outlet opening of the nozzle 112 can be a convenient location for the seal 114 to easily apply the seal 114 and / or remove the seal 114.

[0063] Typically, the seal 114 may be embodied as a thin sheet, for example. The seal 114 may be substantially impermeable to gases, such as air or oxygen, and / or the seal 114 may be substantially impermeable to liquids, such as beverage concentrates.

[0064] Figure 2A Yet another embodiment of a cartridge 100 is shown in schematic cross-sectional view, comprising a cartridge housing 101 and a nozzle 112. In this particular embodiment, the cartridge 100 comprises a temporary separator 120 that prevents contact between the filter 104 and the beverage concentrate 106 within the interior volume 102. The separator 120 may thus be substantially impermeable to the beverage concentrate.

[0065] Long-term contact between the filter 104 and the beverage concentrate 106 (e.g., during storage transportation of the cartridge 100) may be undesirable. For example, the filtration characteristics of the filter 104 may be negatively affected by long-term contact between the filter 104 and the beverage concentrate 106. The separator 120 may also allow the use of a filter 104 that is permeable to a liquid (such as a beverage concentrate) without the risk of the liquid leaking through the filter 104, for example, during transportation or storage of the cartridge 100.

[0066] In use, the separator 120 may be broken or removed, for example by means of a discharge actuator of the beverage dispenser, so that the beverage concentrate 106 can be discharged from the internal volume 102. The discharge actuator of the beverage dispenser is generally configured to create a pressure differential between the upstream side of the filter 104 (where the beverage concentrate 106 is initially present) and the downstream side of the filter 104. This pressure differential causes the beverage concentrate 106 to pass through the filter 104, particularly when the pressure on the upstream side of the filter 104 is higher than the pressure on the downstream side of the filter 104.

[0067] Figure 2B An example of a cartridge 100 from which beverage concentrate 106 has been expelled is schematically shown in cross-section. In this example, cartridge housing 101 has collapsed, whereby interior volume 102 has been reduced, preferably with substantially no beverage concentrate remaining within interior volume 102.

[0068] The cartridge housing 101 may be collapsed by means of a discharge actuator pressing the cartridge housing 101 downward onto the cartridge housing 101. Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge housing 101 may be collapsed by means of the beverage concentrate being drawn out of the interior volume 102 by a discharge actuator of the beverage dispenser.

[0069] Figure 2C and Figure 2D An embodiment of a cartridge 100 is schematically depicted in cross-section, containing a volume of beverage concentrate 106 and including a seal 114. The filter 104 is located between the beverage concentrate 106 and the seal 114, and the seal 114 is located at a distance from the filter 104.

[0070] exist Figure 2C and Figure 2D In the depicted situation, the piercing member 129 has pierced the seal 114 of the cartridge 100. When the seal 114 is pierced, the seal 114 may no longer prevent the beverage concentrate 106 from being discharged from the cartridge 100. Figure 2D As seen in FIG. 1 , preferably, piercing member 129 only pierces seal 114 and does not contact filter 104 to prevent damage to filter 104 .

[0071] Generally, the invention disclosed herein, especially in combination with Figure 1A-Figure 2D Any embodiment of the disclosed cartridge may be configured to receive a volume of base fluid within the interior volume of the cartridge. In such embodiments, the cartridge housing may be an expandable housing that can be manipulated from a non-expanded state to an expanded state.

[0072] Figure 3A and Figure 3BSchematically illustrated are two embodiments of a beverage dispenser assembly 200 including a beverage dispenser 202, which may generally be any of the cartridges disclosed herein, and an embodiment of a cartridge 100. With the aid of the beverage dispenser assembly 200, a post-mix beverage may be dispensed from one or more beverage concentrates and one or more base liquids. The beverage dispenser 202 may be, for example, a tabletop dispenser for use by a consumer.

[0073] Reference now Figure 3A 2. The beverage dispenser assembly 200 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment of the assembly 200, the beverage dispenser 202 includes a receiving portion 206 having a receiving volume, in which the cartridge 100 is located. The cartridge 100 contains a certain volume of beverage concentrate. The beverage dispenser 202 also includes a base liquid input portion 208 for receiving a base liquid. The base liquid input portion 208 can, for example, be connectable to a base liquid source, such as a faucet supplying tap water or a container included in the beverage dispenser.

[0074] The beverage dispenser 102 may include a carbonator 218 to form a carbonated base liquid. The carbonator 218 may, for example, be positioned to align with the base liquid conduit 209. To provide the carbonator 218 with a gas such as CO 2 The beverage dispenser 202 includes a gas inlet 222 and a gas conduit 224 for delivering gas from the gas inlet 222 to the carbonator 218.

[0075] like Figure 3A In the particular option depicted in FIG. 1 , the beverage dispenser 202 includes a mixing chamber 210 that is in fluid communication with the base liquid input 208 via a base liquid conduit 209 and is also in fluid communication with the cartridge 100 via a beverage concentrate conduit 212. The mixing chamber 210 can thus receive a base liquid and a beverage concentrate, and within the mixing chamber 210, the base liquid and the beverage concentrate can be mixed to form a post-mix beverage. Via a post-mix beverage conduit 214, the post-mix beverage can be dispensed from the mixing chamber 210 via a dispensing outlet 216.

[0076] like Figure 3A As depicted in FIG. 1 , cartridge 100 may include filter 104 designed to filter suspended particles from a beverage concentrate that passes through the filter, thereby preventing the filtered particles from migrating downstream toward mixing chamber 210.

[0077] It should be understood that, as an alternative or in addition to the cartridge 100 including the filter 104, the beverage dispenser 202 may include a filter designed to filter particles from a liquid flow (e.g., a beverage concentrate, a base liquid, or a post-mix beverage) passing through the filter. To filter particles from the beverage concentrate, the filter may be located, for example, in the beverage concentrate conduit 212.

[0078] In order to discharge the beverage concentrate from the cartridge 100, the beverage dispenser 202 includes a discharge actuator 220. The discharge actuator 220 can, for example, be configured to move toward the cartridge 100, and in particular squeeze, collapse and / or press the cartridge 100 to an empty state. Alternatively or additionally, the discharge actuator 220 can be configured to draw a post-mix beverage from the cartridge 100, which can, for example, use a venturi effect to collapse the cartridge 100 to an empty state.

[0079] Figure 3B Another embodiment of a beverage dispenser assembly 200 is schematically shown. In this embodiment, the cartridge 100 containing the beverage concentrate is an expandable cartridge. The use of an expandable cartridge can eliminate the need for a separate mixing chamber. Figure 3B , the cartridge 100 is shown in a non-expanded state in solid lines and the cartridge 100 ′ is shown in an expanded state in dashed lines.

[0080] Any embodiment of the beverage dispenser 202 may include an optional seal, which is configured to pierce the cartridge without piercing the filter piercing member 129. The piercing member 129 may be positioned to move further into the receiving volume 206 so as to pierce the seal of the cartridge located in the receiving volume 206.

[0081] Instead of a separate mixing chamber 210, Figure 3B In the embodiment of the present invention, the expandable cartridge 100 is used as a mixing chamber in which a beverage concentrate and a base liquid are mixed to form a post-mix beverage. To this end, the base liquid input portion 208 is in fluid communication with the receiving portion 206 in which the expandable cartridge 100 is located to supply the base liquid to the expandable cartridge 100, such as to the fluid channel of the expandable cartridge 100, and to combine the base liquid with the base liquid input portion 208. Figure 4A-4D Provide explanation.

[0082] The post-mix beverage conduit 214 is positioned in fluid communication with the receiving portion 206 to receive the post-mix beverage from the expandable cartridge 100. Via the post-mix beverage conduit 214, the post-mix beverage can be dispensed through a dispensing outlet 216 at a downstream end of the post-mix beverage conduit 214. The post-mix beverage conduit 214 can be included in the beverage dispenser 202 or the cartridge 100. The post-mix beverage conduit 214 can be at least partially a flexible conduit (particularly when included in the cartridge 100) to allow a user to correctly position the post-mix beverage conduit 214 relative to the beverage dispenser 202. Alternatively, the post-mix beverage conduit 214 can be a rigid conduit, such as a rigid outlet nozzle included by the cartridge 100.

[0083] like Figure 3BAs an option schematically shown in FIG. 2 , the beverage dispenser 202 may include an optional stirring unit 221. The stirring unit 221 is generally configured to stir the liquid in the expandable cartridge.

[0084] exist Figure 3B In the assembly 200 of the present invention, the barrel 100 includes an expandable shell. Alternatively, the expandable shell includes a foldable shell portion. When the expandable shell is manipulated from a non-expanded state to an expanded state, the foldable shell portion can be folded outward and away from the internal volume of the barrel.

[0085] Typically, the foldable shell portion of the expandable shell may be formed as a bellows that is configured to expand to accommodate a larger volume of fluid in the inner volume. The larger volume may, for example, be caused by a base liquid pumped or drawn into the inner volume, and / or by a beverage concentrate pumped or drawn into the inner volume. The bellows may include a plurality of pleats configured to fold relative to each other.

[0086] As a further option, at least a portion of the expandable shell comprises a stretchable material which is arranged to stretch by means of a pressure difference between the pressure in the inner volume and the pressure outside the expandable shell. For example, when the pressure in the inner volume exceeds the pressure outside the expandable shell, the stretchable material stretches and thus the inner volume increases. The pressure in the inner volume can be increased, for example, by pumping a base liquid into the inner volume with the aid of a pump.

[0087] The expandable shell containing a stretchable material can function similarly to an airbag that contains a larger volume of fluid when inflated than when deflated. When the pressure within the internal volume is equal to the pressure outside the shell and no external force is applied to the shell, the stretchable portion of the shell may be in a static state, e.g., without elastic deformation.

[0088] Further elaborating on the envisioned cartridge embodiment may be the option of an expandable cartridge, Figure 4A-4D Different embodiments of an expandable cartridge 100 are schematically illustrated, wherein the cartridge housing 101 in a non-expanded state is depicted with solid lines and the cartridge housing 101 in an expanded state is indicated with dashed lines 101 ′, which may partially overlap the solid lines.

[0089] Typically, for an expandable cartridge, it may be desirable that the internal volume can first be filled with a certain volume of beverage concentrate, such as at a filling plant. Next, the internal volume is further filled with a certain volume of base liquid, such as by a beverage dispenser at a consumer residence or commercial location such as a bar. Thus, a post-mix beverage is formed in the internal volume, which contains the base liquid and the beverage concentrate. Finally, the internal volume must be at least partially emptied by discharging the post-mix beverage from the internal volume. Therefore, it should be understood that the expandable cartridge may include one or more fluid inlets and one or more fluid outlets, wherein in a particular embodiment, the fluid inlet may also be used as a fluid outlet.

[0090] exist Figure 4A In the embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge 100 includes a single fluid passage 140 that enters the internal volume 102. The single fluid passage 140 is used as a fluid inlet for filling the internal volume 102 with a certain volume of beverage concentrate and a certain volume of base liquid. The single fluid passage 140 is also used as a fluid outlet for allowing a post-mix beverage to flow out of the internal volume 102. In the figure, the possible direction of the fluid passing through the passage is usually represented by a dotted arrow. The filter is designed to filter suspended particles from the post-mix beverage passed through the filter 104 by the internal volume, and it can be located inside, above or above the fluid passage 140.

[0091] exist Figure 4B In the embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge 100 includes a fluid inlet 142, which allows the internal volume 102 to be filled with a certain volume of beverage concentrate and a certain volume of base liquid. The cartridge 100 also includes a fluid outlet 146, which allows the post-mix beverage to flow out of the internal volume 102. When the fluid channel is used only as a fluid inlet or only as a fluid outlet, in particular, a one-way valve can be present in the fluid channel, which restricts the passage of fluid in one direction while allowing fluid to pass in the opposite direction. A specific pressure difference on the one-way valve may be required to open the one-way valve. The one-way valve can be, for example, an umbrella valve or a duckbill valve.

[0092] exist Figure 4B In an embodiment, the filter is designed to filter suspended particles from a post-mix beverage that passes through the filter 104 from the internal volume, and the filter can be located inside, on, or above the fluid outlet 146 so that the post-mix beverage passes through the filter 104 when being discharged from the cartridge 100.

[0093] exist Figure 4CIn the embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge 100 includes a fluid inlet 142 that allows the interior volume 102 to be filled with a first volume of beverage concentrate and a first volume of base liquid. The cartridge 100 also includes a fluid channel 140 that is used to allow the interior volume 102 to be filled with a second volume of beverage concentrate and a second volume of base liquid. The fluid channel 140 also serves as a fluid outlet for allowing the post-mix beverage to flow out of the interior volume 102.

[0094] Thus, fluid inlet 142 can be a dedicated fluid inlet for filling the interior volume with a beverage concentrate or base liquid. Thus, fluid inlet 142 can be designed to be compatible with a filling machine at a filling plant or with a beverage dispenser for dispensing post-mix beverages. When fluid inlet 142 is designed to be compatible with a filling machine at a filling plant, fluid channel 140 can be designed to be compatible with a beverage dispenser.

[0095] exist Figure 4C In an embodiment, the filter is designed to filter suspended particles from a post-mix beverage that passes through the filter 104 from the internal volume, which can be located in, on or above the fluid outlet 140 so that the post-mix beverage passes through the filter 104 when being discharged from the cartridge 100.

[0096] exist Figure 4D In the embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge 100 includes a beverage concentrate inlet 142 for receiving a volume of beverage concentrate into the interior volume 102. The cartridge 100 also includes a base liquid inlet 148 separate from the beverage concentrate inlet 142 for receiving a volume of base liquid into the interior volume 102. The cartridge 100 also includes a separate fluid outlet 146 that allows the post-mix beverage to flow out of the interior volume 102.

[0097] exist Figure 4C In an embodiment, the filter is designed to filter suspended particles from a post-mix beverage that passes through the filter 104 from the internal volume, which can be located within, on, or above the fluid outlet 146 so that the post-mix beverage passes through the filter 104 when being discharged from the cartridge 100.

[0098] Typically, when the tube 100 comprises a substantially rigid, non-expanded housing portion, one or more fluid inlets and / or one or more fluid outlets may be provided by or by a non-expanded housing portion. Therefore, when the tube 100 is manipulated to an expanded state from a non-expanded state, the position and / or direction of one or more fluid inlets and / or one or more fluid outlets may remain unchanged relative to the receiving portion of the beverage dispenser. Alternatively, one or more fluid inlets and / or one or more fluid outlets may be provided by or by an expandable housing portion. For example, the fluid inlet of a tube filled with a beverage concentrate may be provided by or by an expandable housing portion.

[0099] Usually, when tube 100 is expandable tube, in non-expanded state, internal volume 102 can be between 30mL and 150mL, or can even be greater than 150mL, even greater than 500mL or greater than 1000mL, and be filled with beverage concentrate.In expanded state, internal volume 102 can be between 250mL and 500mL, or can even be between 500mL and 2500mL, or even greater than 2500mL or even greater than 5000mL, and be filled with beverage concentrate and base liquid.In emptying state, internal volume 102 can be less than 30mL, less than 10mL or even about 0mL, so that there is no beverage or substantially no beverage to stay in tube 100. The ratio between the internal volume 102 in non-expanded state and the internal volume 102 in expanded state can depend on the mixing ratio of desired beverage concentrate and base liquid.Volume disclosed in this paragraph can be applied to any other embodiment of tube 100 disclosed herein usually.

[0100] Now referring again to the beverage dispenser assembly 200, such as for example Figure 3A As a particular option, an embodiment of the beverage dispenser 202 may include a cooling unit 229 for recovering heat energy from the receiving volume 206 and / or for recovering heat energy from a beverage concentrate conduit 212 included in the beverage dispenser. Thus, the beverage concentrate may be cooled prior to mixing with one or more base liquids.

[0101] Should be understood that, usually, purpose may be to distribute cold back mixed beverage.Cold back mixed beverage can have any temperature, particularly the temperature below ambient temperature.Cold back mixed beverage can have the temperature lower than 10 degrees Celsius, lower than 8 degrees Celsius, lower than 6 degrees Celsius or even lower than 4 degrees Celsius, lower than 2 degrees Celsius or even close to 0 degrees Celsius.For some back mixed beverages, the distribution temperature can even be lower than 0 degrees Celsius, particularly when the back mixed beverage has high sugar and / or alcohol content.Therefore, any tube disclosed herein can be arranged to be the tube used in the beverage dispenser for dispensing cold back mixed beverage by beverage concentrate and base liquid.

[0102] By cooling the beverage concentrate using a cooling unit of the beverage dispenser, the temperature of the beverage concentrate can be controlled. By being able to control the temperature of the beverage concentrate, the temperature of the dispensed post-mix beverage can be better controlled, particularly when the temperature of one or more base liquids of the beverage can also be controlled by the dispenser. In particular, the temperature of the dispensed post-mix beverage when received by the beverage dispenser can become less dependent on, or even independent of, the temperature of the cartridge.

[0103] The cooling unit of a beverage dispenser generally refers to any component of the beverage dispenser that contributes to the process of cooling the beverage concentrate. For example, the cooling unit may include a thermoelectric cooler for cooling based on the Peltier effect. As another example, the cooling unit is configured to cool based on vapor compression refrigeration. Thus, the cooling unit may include one or more of a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and an expansion valve. A cooling fluid, such as a cooling liquid (such as water or ethylene glycol) or a cooling gas (such as CO 2 ) may be used in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. 2 ).

[0104] Alternatively, the cooling unit is arranged to receive a cooling medium not contained in the beverage dispenser, such as a cooling fluid, liquid and / or gas, which is cooled by an external cooling unit. The cooling medium may be used by the cooling unit to recover heat energy from the beverage concentrate.

[0105] The cooling unit may include one or more heat exchangers for recovering heat energy from the beverage concentrate. A cooling fluid may circulate through the cooling unit and through the one or more heat exchangers. The heat exchanger may be, for example, a tube-in-tube heat exchanger.

[0106] In addition to or in lieu of in-cartridge cooling, the beverage concentrate may be cooled after being discharged from the cartridge but before the beverage concentrate is mixed with the base liquid. For example, the discharged beverage concentrate may flow through a conduit from which heat energy may be recovered using a cooling unit. Such a cooling unit may be provided in a Figure 3A In the figure, the dashed box 229' is used. Figure 3B The beverage dispenser 202 shown in FIG. 2 may also include a cooling unit.

[0107] In the above description, it should be understood that when mentioning that an element is connected to another element, the element is either directly connected to another element, or there may also be an intermediate element. In addition, it should be understood that the values ​​given in the above description are given as examples, and other values ​​may be possible and / or may be sought.

[0108] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are only schematic diagrams of embodiments given by way of non-limiting example. For the purpose of clarity and concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure may include embodiments having all or some combinations of the described features.

[0109] The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps. Furthermore, the words "a" and "an" should not be interpreted as limited to "only one", but are used to mean "at least one", and do not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A cartridge (100) for containing a beverage concentrate, the cartridge being configured for use in a beverage dispenser for dispensing a post-mix beverage from the beverage concentrate and a base liquid, the cartridge include: an internal volume (102) for containing the beverage concentrate; as well as A filter (104) is provided, wherein the filter is configured to filter particles from a liquid flow, such as a beverage concentrate, passing through the filter from the interior volume.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, in, The inner volume is filled with a beverage concentrate, which is based on a fermented beverage.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, in, The beverage concentrate comprises a liquid, such as water, having mixed, precipitated, suspended or dispersed therein particles comprising one or more proteins, sugars, organic compounds such as polyphenols, hop acids and / or oxalates.

4. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The beverage concentrate is beer based.

5. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The filter is designed to filter suspended particles with a particle size greater than 0.2 μm, in particular, suspended particles with a particle size between 0.2 and 100 μm.

6. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a seal, wherein the filter is located between the seal and the inner volume of the cartridge, in particular wherein the seal is located at a distance from the filter.

7. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2-6, further comprising a temporary separator (120) that prevents contact between the filter and the beverage concentrate within the internal volume.

8. Cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a nozzle (112) protruding away from the inner volume.

9. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The cartridge housing is an expandable housing configured to be further filled with a base liquid such that a post-mix beverage can be formed from the beverage concentrate and the base liquid within the interior volume.

10. A beverage dispenser assembly (200) for dispensing a post-mix beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base liquid, the assembly comprising a beverage dispenser (202) and a cartridge (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The beverage dispenser comprises: a dispenser housing having a receiving portion (206) for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge; A base liquid input portion (208), used for receiving the base liquid; a beverage concentrate input portion in fluid communication with the receiving portion; a post-mix beverage conduit in fluid communication with the base liquid input and the beverage concentrate input and having a post-mix beverage output at a downstream end; and A discharge actuator is used to discharge beverage concentrate from the interior volume of the cartridge through the filter of the cartridge.

11. The beverage dispenser according to claim 10, in, The cartridge includes a seal located at a distance from the filter, and the beverage dispenser further includes a piercing member (129) configured to pierce the seal of the cartridge without piercing the filter.

12. A method of dispensing a post-mix beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base liquid, The following steps are involved: providing or receiving a cartridge having an interior volume containing a beverage concentrate; Provide or receive base fluid; discharging the beverage concentrate from the cartridge; mixing the beverage concentrate and the base liquid to form the post-mix beverage; as well as dispensing the post-mix beverage; wherein the beverage concentrate is passed through the filter prior to dispensing the post-mix beverage.

13. The method according to claim 12, in, The filter is contained in the cartridge.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, in, The beverage concentrate is passed through the filter prior to forming the post-mix beverage, or wherein the beverage concentrate is passed through the filter after being mixed into the post-mix beverage.

15. The method of any one of claims 12-14, further comprising discarding the cartridge with particles captured in the filter after dispensing the post-mix beverage.

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