CARTRIDGE RECEPTION, CARTRIDGE SYSTEM AND BEVERAGE PREPARATION MACHINE FOR PRODUCING A BEVERAGE

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention is based on a cartridge system that can be used in a beverage preparation machine for producing a beverage, in particular a cold beverage, comprising a cartridge that has a reservoir filled with a beverage substance, and a cartridge receptacle that can be reversibly connected to the cartridge and into which the cartridge can be reversibly inserted, and comprising a cartridge unloading device that effects at least partial transfer of the beverage substance from the reservoir into a mixing chamber.

[0002] Such systems are generally known from the prior art, for example from WO 2019 / 101997 A1 and WO 96 / 36557 A1, and are used to produce beverages from pre-portioned cartridges. Producing beverages with such systems is extremely convenient for the user, as they simply need to insert a cartridge and press a start button. The beverage preparation machine then takes over the production of the cartridge fully automatically, meaning, in particular, that the beverage substance is mixed with a predetermined amount of liquid, in particular cold and carbonated water, and then poured into a drinking vessel. In this way, mixed drinks, in particular, can be produced much more easily, quickly, and with less effort. The user can choose from a variety of different cartridges, allowing them to produce different beverages as desired.

[0003] A challenge with such systems is ensuring that the system is operated only with system-compatible cartridges and that no beverage preparation procedure is initiated if a system-incompatible cartridge is inserted into the system. This is the only way to ensure that no malfunctions occur when injecting compressed air or introducing a pressurized beverage preparation fluid, which could cause damage to the machine or endanger or injure the user, for example, if the cartridge suddenly bursts due to the pressure of the introduced gas or fluid.

[0004] In addition, it is desirable that the machine enables detection of the capsule type so that parameters of the beverage production process, such as pressure, temperature, volume flow and introduction time of the beverage preparation fluid, can be adjusted and optimized accordingly. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge system, a beverage preparation machine, a system comprising a cartridge system and a beverage preparation machine for producing a beverage, in which identification of the cartridge in the beverage preparation machine is made possible.

[0006] This object is achieved by a cartridge system according to the features of claim 1, a beverage preparation machine according to the features of claim 9 and a system according to the features of claim 17.

[0007] The invention has the advantage over the prior art that the cartridge system is provided with an identification means by which the cartridge system can be identified in the beverage preparation machine. In this way, the beverage preparation machine can not only verify that the cartridge system used is a system-compatible cartridge system, but can also optionally read out parameters for the preparation of this cartridge system. In this way, for example, the pressure, volume flow, temperature, introduction time, introduction duration, degree of carbonation and / or the like of the beverage preparation fluid to be introduced into the cartridge system and / or the pressure, volume flow, temperature, injection time, injection duration and / or the like of the compressed air to be introduced into the cartridge system can be specified.It is also conceivable that the best-before date of the beverage contained in the cartridge is stored in the identification means, so that the beverage preparation machine can check whether the best-before date has not yet been exceeded. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the beverage preparation machine uses the identification means to detect whether the cartridge contains an alcoholic substance or whether the cartridge is intended for producing an alcoholic beverage. In such a case, an additional verification step can be provided, which is intended to determine the age and / or identification of the user, for example, using a credit card, a fingerprint reader, facial recognition, a login or password, or the like.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the description with reference to the drawings.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification means comprises a coating, in particular in the form of a varnish, a print, or a film, on an inner or outer surface of the cartridge and / or the cartridge receptacle. It is conceivable that the coating comprises an optically readable code in the form of a marker, a pattern, lettering, an image, a logo, a one- or multi-dimensional barcode, a bit code, or the like. It is also conceivable that the marker only reflects or absorbs light of specific wavelengths or wavelength ranges, or represents a holographic image when irradiated with monochromatic light. The code is, in particular, embedded in the marker, in the reflection or absorption characteristics, or in the holographic image.It is also conceivable for the coating to have a special conductivity, i.e. a certain electrical resistance, which represents the code, i.e. in particular the system affiliation. The code generally contains, in particular, data relating to the type of cartridge or cartridge system, the system affiliation, the above-mentioned parameters for carrying out the beverage production process and / or the best-before date. The coating representing the code can be glued, printed, painted, shrunk, vapor-deposited, sprayed or similarly applied to an inner or outer surface of the cartridge system. If the coating is applied to an inner surface of the cartridge system, then this coating is particularly intended for contactless reading, e.g. optically or via electromagnetic waves.In this case, the coating particularly comprises a material or varnish that is food-safe and thus approved for use in contact with food. If the coating is applied to an external surface, then a readout based on direct contact can also be provided in the beverage preparation machine. It is conceivable that the varnish or film comprising the identification means is protected by an additional protective film that is applied to the varnish or film. The protective film could, for example, be an at least partially transparent shrink tube that is shrunk onto the cartridge. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the identification means to be implemented as a coating or print on an inner side of the film, i.e. on the side of the film that faces the cartridge or reservoir and / or is connected to the cartridge system.Advantageously, the identification means would then be protected by the remaining film after the film has been applied to the cartridge system. The film is then preferably a multi-layer film constructed from several superimposed film layers, wherein in particular the innermost film layer is provided with the identification means. It is also conceivable for the identification means to be arranged within the film. The identification means preferably comprises a coating or a print on an inner intermediate layer of the film designed as a multi-layer film. This intermediate layer is then protected on both sides from external environmental influences by additional, in particular transparent, layers of the film. In particular, this eliminates the need for a print using food coloring.

[0010] The terms identification means and identification element and product identification code are used synonymously in the context of the present application.

[0011] According to the invention, the identification element is arranged within the reservoir and / or the mixing chamber. According to the invention, the identification means is thus protected from external environmental influences and, in particular, from external mechanical influences, thus eliminating the risk of damage to the same.

[0012] It would also be conceivable for the identification means to be a separate identification element, such as an RFID chip or a magnetic element, which is arranged fixedly or freely in the reservoir or mixing chamber. During the manufacture of the cartridge system, this element can simply be inserted into the reservoir or mixing chamber. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the identification means to be an optically readable code arranged on the inside of an at least partially optically transparent wall of the reservoir or mixing chamber, in particular a one- or multi-dimensional barcode, a pattern, or a hologram.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification means is designed such that it can be electrically contacted directly or indirectly by at least one contact element of the beverage preparation machine, in particular for measuring the electrical resistance of the identification means. In this case, the code is embedded in the electrical resistance of the identification means. To measure the electrical resistance, preferably at least two contact points of the identification means must be contactable from outside the cartridge system.It is conceivable that either the identification means is completely accessible from outside the cartridge system or that at least two contact points of an identification means arranged within the cartridge system or of an identification means embedded in the material of the cartridge system are led outwards in order to be accessible from outside. In this case, the identification means is designed in particular such that it can be contacted by at least one contact element of the beverage preparation machine, in particular for measuring at least one physical parameter of the identification means. In other words: the identification means is designed in particular such that it can be electrically contacted by contact elements of the beverage preparation machine, in particular for measuring the electrical resistance and / or the electrical conductivity of the identification means.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the cartridge receptacle comprises a compressed air connection opening into the reservoir for introducing compressed air into the reservoir.

[0015] It can be provided that the cartridge or cartridge system has a product identification code, which is embedded in particular in an optically readable code, a one- or multi-dimensional barcode, a bit code, an RFID code, a QR code, a data matrix code, a color code, or a hologram code. This advantageously enables automatic reading of the product identification code. The product identification code serves in particular to indicate the beverage substance contained in the cartridge. It is conceivable that operating parameters of the beverage preparation machine, such as the delivery rate, delivery time, delivery pauses, temperature, degree of carbonation, and / or pressure of the supplied fluid and / or the supplied compressed air, can be set based on the product identification code.This takes place in an evaluation and control unit of the beverage preparation machine, which has a multitude of pre-stored beverage production programs that differ in the operating parameters of the beverage preparation machine. Each beverage production program is linked to one or more product identification codes. When the cartridge is inserted, the product identification code is read using the code detector. The evaluation and control unit then selects the beverage production program corresponding to the product identification code. This allows optimal operating parameters to be set for each beverage to be produced. In particular, the start and stop times, running time, and the delivery rate of the fluid feed pump and / or the air feed pump are adjusted for each individual beverage. It is also conceivable that these operating parameters are embedded directly in the product identification code.The evaluation and control unit reads and evaluates the operating parameters from the product identification code and controls the beverage preparation machine, in particular the fluid feed pump and / or the air feed pump, accordingly. With this variant, no pre-stored beverage production programs need to be stored in the beverage preparation machine. The product identification means can either be the identification means described above, or the cartridge system can have both the identification means described above and a separate product identification means. It is conceivable that the identification means, for example, only checks the system affiliation, while the product identification means determines the type of beverage substance, the beverage to be produced, or the operating parameters of the beverage preparation machine (or vice versa).Furthermore, it is conceivable that the identification device is only used to verify the authenticity or expiration date of the cartridge. Furthermore, it is conceivable that only cartridges containing alcoholic beverage substances are equipped with an identification device so that the beverage preparation machine can perform an age verification (see above).

[0016] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the beverage production process may not even start if no product identification code can be identified or if the identified product identification code does not match any pre-stored beverage production program. In this case, the detection of an "authenticated cartridge system" performed in the second process step fails. This prevents the use of a system-incompatible cartridge in the beverage production machine that is not certified for operation in the beverage production machine, which would therefore pose a risk of damage to the beverage production machine or endanger the user, for example, due to the cartridge bursting (if it is designed for operation at lower pressures).

[0017] The product identification code is preferably applied to the wall of the cartridge, in particular printed or glued. However, it would also be conceivable to apply the product identification code to the sealing element (in particular the sealing film) for sealing the cartridge opening. In particular, the product identification code is positioned on the cartridge such that the product identification code is arranged within the detection range of the identification detector of the beverage preparation machine when the cartridge is inserted into the beverage preparation machine. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the product identification code to be arranged not on the cartridge, but rather on an outer wall of the cartridge receptacle.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beverage substrate functions as an identification means. Preferably, the conductivity of the, in particular, liquid beverage substance in the reservoir is measured when the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine, and the type of cartridge system, the compatibility of the cartridge system used, and / or the type of beverage substance are then determined based on the conductivity. It is conceivable that the beverage preparation machine comprises a contact element with a piercing tip so that the contact element can be pushed through the cartridge wall from outside the cartridge in order to measure the conductivity of the beverage substance inside the cartridge. It is conceivable that the contact element is subsequently withdrawn from the wall again and that the wall is designed to be self-sealing.It would also be possible to provide a through-hole in the cartridge wall near the contact element, sealed with a preferably self-sealing and pierceable sealing film. In particular, beverage substances in syrup form can be differentiated from one another based on different pH values ​​and sugar content, which result in different conductivities of the syrup.

[0019] The beverage preparation machine according to the invention for producing a beverage, into which the cartridge system according to the invention can be inserted, has a holding unit into which the cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridge can be inserted. The beverage preparation machine preferably further comprises at least one identification detector, in particular for optically reading the identification means, for example in the form of an optical camera (CCD camera) or a scanner. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the beverage preparation machine to have a light source for optically illuminating the identification means.

[0020] It is further conceivable for the holding unit to have at least one contact element that contacts the identification means of the cartridge system in order to determine at least one physical parameter of the identification means for identifying the cartridge system. Advantageously, the system affiliation of the cartridge system can be checked via the physical parameter, in which in particular the code is embedded or via which the identification means can be read out. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the parameters for beverage production can be read out. Preferably, the beverage preparation machine comprises a measuring unit connected to the at least one contact element for measuring the electrical resistance and / or the electrical conductivity of the identification means.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beverage preparation machine comprises a fluid source for feeding a fluid into the fluid supply and a compressed air source for blowing compressed air into the compressed air connection.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holding unit has a trigger element for moving a piercing means of the cartridge receptacle from a retracted position to an extended position. In the extended position, a piercing spike is pushed by the piercing means through a sealing means that closes off the beverage reservoir, thereby perforating it. In order to keep the beverage reservoir closed when not in use and to protect the piercing spike from damage, the piercing spike is not pushed through the sealing means by the piercing means when not in use, but is retracted into a protected position. However, for the sealing element to be pierced, the piercing spike must be extended. For this purpose, the piercing means extends and moves the piercing spike into the extended position. The extension of the piercing means is advantageously initiated here by the trigger element of the holding unit.By separating the trigger mechanism on the holding element on the one hand and the piercing means with the piercing spike on the cartridge receptacle on the other, it is ensured that the piercing spike only extends when the cartridge receptacle is inserted into the holding unit. A geometric coding of the trigger mechanism would also be conceivable, so that the piercing means is only extended when a cartridge receptacle coded according to the coding of the trigger mechanism is inserted. Furthermore, it is possible for the trigger mechanism to be positioned in such a way that the piercing means only extends when the cartridge receptacle is inserted in the correct position in the holding element. Furthermore, it is possible for the trigger mechanism to be designed in such a way that the piercing means only extends if the cartridge receptacle is not inserted at an angle to the intended insertion direction and / or not far enough into the holding device.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holding unit comprises a fastening flange which engages around the cartridge receptacle during or after insertion into the holding unit in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. The form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection of the holding unit to the cartridge receptacle via the fastening flange ensures that the cartridge receptacle sits securely in the holding unit. The fastening flange can absorb and dissipate forces acting on the cartridge receptacle. Conceivable forces here are those which arise during operation of the beverage preparation machine, caused for example by the applied compressed air. However, the fastening flange can also absorb and dissipate forces which act on the cartridge receptacle from the outside. Conceivable here would be an impact by the user, for example.This advantageously ensures that the cartridge holder is correctly seated in the holding unit.

[0024] The product identification code serves, in particular, to indicate the beverage substance contained in the cartridge. During or before the start of the beverage preparation process, the product identification code is read using the identification detector. The beverage preparation machine thus knows which type of cartridge is inserted into the beverage preparation machine. It is conceivable that an evaluation and control unit of the beverage preparation machine has a plurality of pre-stored beverage preparation programs, which are intended for the preparation of different beverages and differ from one another, for example, in the delivery rate, delivery time, delivery pauses, temperature, degree of carbonation, and / or pressure of the supplied fluid. It is also conceivable that different compressed air supplies are used for different beverage preparation programs (e.g., different pressures).Each beverage production program is linked to one or more product identification codes. When a cartridge is inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the product identification code on the cartridge is read by the code detector and then compared with the pre-stored data. Based on the product identification code, a beverage production program is selected from the plurality of pre-stored beverage production programs, and the beverage production process is then started with the selected beverage production program. Parameters such as flow rate, flow time, flow pauses, temperature, carbonation level, and / or pressure of the supplied fluid are specified or controlled by the selected beverage production program in order to achieve optimal results for the beverage to be produced with the respective beverage substance.

[0025] It is conceivable that the beverage production process might not even start if no product identification code can be identified or if the identified product identification code does not match any pre-stored beverage production program. This prevents the use of a system-incompatible cartridge in the beverage production machine that is not certified for operation in the beverage production machine, which would pose a risk of damage to the beverage production machine or endanger the user, for example, due to the cartridge bursting (if it is designed for operation at lower pressures).

[0026] The product identification code is preferably printed or glued onto the wall of the cartridge or onto the sealing element (in particular the sealing film) for sealing the cartridge opening. In particular, the product identification code is positioned on the cartridge such that the product identification code is arranged within the detection range of the identification detector of the beverage preparation machine when the cartridge is inserted into the beverage preparation machine. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the product identification code to be arranged not on the cartridge, but rather on an outer wall of the cartridge receptacle. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the product identification code to be integrated into the beverage substance. For example, the beverage substance and thus the type of cartridge system can be determined by means of the conductivity measurement.The contact element for measuring conductivity is inserted into the reservoir to come into contact with the beverage substance. It is conceivable that the contact element pierces the cartridge wall for this purpose. After the measurement, the contact element is either withdrawn from the reservoir, with the resulting hole in the wall then preferably being closed again, or the contact element remains partially in the reservoir during the beverage production process.

[0027] It is also conceivable for the evaluation and control unit of the beverage preparation machine to register which cartridges and / or how many cartridges of a particular type were used. The beverage preparation machine preferably has a communication module that provides communication between the beverage preparation machine and a central service provider via an internet connection. The central service provider can, for example, be a server of the manufacturer of the beverage preparation machine that remotely monitors the status of the beverage preparation machine and / or maintains, monitors, and / or repairs the beverage preparation machine if necessary. It is conceivable that the central service provider can, for example, check the firmware or software of the beverage preparation machine and update it if necessary and / or restart the beverage preparation machine.It is also conceivable that new beverage production programs are imported (e.g. when new cartridges come onto the market) and / or parameters such as delivery rate, delivery time, delivery pauses, temperature, carbonation level and / or pressure of the supplied fluid are adjusted. The beverage production machine preferably has a plurality of sensors which can be read by the central service provider so that, for example, the degree of contamination, the degree of wear, the filter status, the pump pressure and the like can be monitored. Furthermore, it is conceivable that operating parameters of the beverage preparation machine are read out, which provides information about the number of beverage production processes already carried out.It is conceivable that the evaluation and control unit transmits data to the central service provider indicating which and how many cartridges of a particular type were used, so that, for example, targeted advertising (for example, on the display of the beverage production machine or on an associated app) can be placed for preferred beverages and / or automatic reorders for used cartridges can be initiated. Preferably, reorders of cartridges can be placed via the display of the beverage production machine, which is transmitted directly to the central service provider via the communication module.It is also conceivable that voice control of the beverage production machine is implemented, with the voice data for controlling the machine being recorded by a microphone on the beverage production machine and then transmitted to the central service provider for evaluation via the communication module. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the beverage production machine provides a user-sensitive operating mode with, for example, personalized menus or settings that include, for example, individually selected parameters or beverage production programs, with the user selection being made based on a password or biometric data, such as facial recognition, iris scan, or fingerprint. The collected data is transmitted, in particular, in encrypted form to the central service provider or evaluated there to activate or transmit the personalized menu to the corresponding beverage production machine.It is conceivable that the user can always automatically load his individual menu and / or his individual settings on different beverage production machines.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the holding unit comprises a fastening flange which surrounds the cartridge receptacle in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner during or after insertion into the holding unit.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the contact element is integrated into the fastening flange.

[0030] The system according to the invention comprises the beverage preparation machine according to the invention and the cartridge system according to the invention which can be inserted into the holding unit.

[0031] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the essential inventive concept. Short description of the drawings

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the beverage preparation machine without an inserted cartridge holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary cartridge system. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary beverage preparation machine with a cartridge system inserted into the beverage preparation machine. Figures 4a to 4c show the basic principle of a method not according to the invention for producing a beverage with the cartridge system inserted into a beverage preparation machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the cartridge system according to further exemplary and the inventive embodiments of the present invention. Figures 6a and 6b schematically show the reading of the product identification code of the inventive system.Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the beverage preparation machine with a cartridge system inserted into the beverage preparation machine according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 schematically discloses the steps of an exemplary method for producing a beverage. Embodiments of the invention

[0033] In the various figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually named or mentioned only once.

[0034] The Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a beverage preparation machine 3 without an inserted cartridge holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The beverage preparation machine 3 has a holding unit 90 for receiving a cartridge system 10 (see Figure 2). The holding unit 90 has an operating lever 120 for manually actuating a trigger mechanism for extending a piercing spike 73 of the cartridge receptacle 10 for piercing a sealant 18. When the user rotates the operating lever 120, the trigger mechanism for extending the piercing spike is actuated. In doing so, the trigger mechanism moves, in particular, the cartridge system 19 in or with the holding unit 90 downwards, so that the piercing spike 73 strikes a fixed trigger element of the holding unit 90 and is thereby transferred upwards in the direction of the extended position, in which the sealant 18 is perforated.

[0036] In Figure 2 a schematic representation of the cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, which serves only to explain the function of the cartridge system 1.

[0037] The cartridge system 1 comprises a cartridge 2, which includes a reservoir 6 filled with a beverage substance 7, and a cartridge opening 63. In its initial state, the cartridge opening 63 is sealed with a sealing agent 18 in the form of a film. In the area of ​​the cartridge opening 63, the cartridge 2 has a neck provided with circumferential retaining flanges 52.

[0038] The cartridge system 1 further comprises a cartridge receptacle 10, which sits on the neck and is connected or locked to the retaining flanges 52. The cartridge receptacle 10 has a mixing chamber 8, a beverage outlet 11 leading out of the mixing chamber 8 for a beverage produced in the mixing chamber 8, and a fluid supply 12 opening into the mixing chamber 8 (see Figures 4a to 4c ), through which a liquid, in particular cooled and / or carbonated water, is introduced into the mixing chamber 8.

[0039] The cartridge holder 10 further comprises a mandrel guide 80 in which a piercing mandrel 73 is slidably guided. The piercing mandrel 73 is in Figure 1 shown in a retracted position.

[0040] The cartridge holder 10 has in the Figure 2In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown, the cartridge 2 preferably has an identification means 20. The identification means 20 is designed as an identification element 21 which surrounds the neck of the cartridge 2. The identification element 21 is either annular and surrounds the neck completely, i.e. along its entire circumference, or the identification means 21 is C-shaped so that it only partially surrounds the neck, i.e. does not extend along the entire circumference of the neck. If the identification means 21 is C-shaped, it is preferably clipped laterally onto the neck. If the identification means 21 is annular, i.e. in particular also sleeve-shaped and / or cylindrical, the identification element 20 is connected to the neck preferably in a force-fitting, material-fitting or form-fitting manner, in particular glued, welded, shrunk, pressed, pushed, plugged or the like.Alternatively, it is conceivable for the identification means 20 to comprise a coating 22 applied to the neck as a lacquer, adhesive film, or label, in particular painted, sprayed, vapor-deposited, or glued. The identification element 21 preferably comprises a defined electrical conductivity, which can be measured using contact elements 23 of the holding unit 90. For this purpose, the identification element 20 is optionally made at least partially of metal or of an electrically conductive plastic, in particular an electrically conductive plastic film.

[0041] Alternatively, the Figure 2The cartridge receptacle shown does not have the identification means 20 in the form of the identification element 21 on the neck of the cartridge 2, but only the identification means 20, 24 (hereinafter also referred to as product identification code 24) in the area of ​​the cartridge wall 2'. The identification means 20 is in particular a code glued, printed or otherwise applied to the cartridge 2, for example a marker, a pattern, a lettering, an image, a logo, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, a bit code, a QR code, a data matrix code, a color code and / or a hologram code, which is detected by an optical identification detector 39 (see Figures 6a, 6b ). Alternatively, this could be an RFID chip or a magnetic element that is read with a corresponding identification detector.

[0042] The identification means 20, 24 serves in any case to verify the system affiliation of the cartridge system 1 within the beverage preparation machine 3, i.e., to enable identification of the cartridge system 1. It is also conceivable that the cartridge system type and, in particular, operating parameters of the beverage preparation machine, such as the delivery rate, delivery time, delivery pauses, temperature, degree of carbonation, and / or pressure of the supplied fluid and / or the supplied compressed air, can be identified and, in particular, adjusted using the identification means 20, 24.

[0043] In Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the Figure 1 illustrated beverage preparation machine 3, into which the Figure 2 illustrated cartridge system 1 is used.

[0044] The holding unit 90, into which the cartridge holder 10 is inserted, comprises a trigger element by means of which the piercing mandrel 73 can be moved from its retracted position into an extended position.

[0045] When the piercing mandrel 73 is moved into an extended position, it perforates the sealing element 18, allowing the beverage substance to enter the mixing chamber 8 between the sealing element and the outer surface of the piercing mandrel 73. The piercing mandrel 73 further comprises an integrated compressed air connection in the form of a compressed air line 40, which extends from an external compressed air connection 42, through which compressed air is blown into the compressed air line 40 from outside, to a compressed air outlet 43 located inside the reservoir at the end of the piercing mandrel 73, whereby the compressed air is blown into the reservoir 6. The beverage substance is then transferred into the mixing chamber 8 by the pressure of the compressed air. In the mixing chamber 8, the beverage is then produced by mixing the beverage substance with the liquid supplied through the fluid supply 12 and is discharged through the beverage outlet 11 towards, for example, a drinking vessel.

[0046] The holding unit 90 is fluidly connected to a compressed air source to supply compressed air to the compressed air connection 42. Furthermore, the holding unit is fluidly connected to a fluid source to supply the fluid or the aforementioned liquid to the fluid supply.

[0047] In the embodiment in which the identification means 20 is designed as an identification element 21, the holding unit 90 optionally further comprises two contact elements 23, which are arranged on opposite sides of the cartridge and each form direct contact with the identification means 20 arranged on the neck. The electrical conductivity or electrical resistance of the identification element 21 or the coating 22 is measured via the contact elements 23, and based on the measured value, it is determined whether the cartridge system 10 inserted into the holding unit 90 is a system-compatible cartridge system 10. Only if this test is positive will the process for producing the beverage be carried out or continued. Otherwise, the beverage preparation machine switches off immediately.

[0048] It is also conceivable that the type of cartridge system 10 is determined based on the measured conductivity value. Based on the type, the operating parameters appropriate for the type stored in a memory on the machine side are then loaded, and the beverage production process is carried out using these operating parameters.

[0049] It is also conceivable that the machine could use the measured conductivity value to determine whether cartridge 2 contains alcoholic substances. If such an alcoholic substance is detected, the beverage preparation machine performs an additional verification step designed to verify the user's age and / or identification, for example, using a credit card, a fingerprint reader, facial recognition, a login or password, or the like.

[0050] It is also optionally conceivable that the cartridge 2 is additionally or exclusively provided with a product identification code 24 in the form of a code, by means of which the type of cartridge 2 can be identified if the system affiliation of the cartridge 2 has already been verified by means of the identification means 20, i.e. in particular the conductivity measurement, or as the sole identification means 20 for recognizing the system affiliation. The product identification code 24 comprises in particular a code applied to the outer wall of the cartridge 2 or the cartridge receptacle 10, for example a marker, a pattern, lettering, an image, a logo, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, a bit code, a QR code, a data matrix code, a color code, and / or a hologram code.

[0051] The identification means 20, embodied as a code, or the product identification code 24, also serves here in particular to verify the system affiliation of the cartridge system 1 (an authentication of the cartridge system in the second method step) and optionally to indicate the beverage substance 7 contained in the cartridge 2. It is conceivable that, additionally or alternatively, operating parameters of the beverage preparation machine 3, such as the delivery rate, delivery capacity, delivery time, delivery pauses, start time, end time, temperature, degree of carbonation, and / or pressure of the supplied fluid, i.e., in particular, control parameters of the fluid delivery pump, and / or the supplied compressed air, i.e., in particular, control parameters of the air delivery pump, can be set based on the product identification code 24 or the code. This occurs in and by an evaluation and control unit of the beverage preparation machine 3.It is conceivable that the beverage preparation machine 3 has a plurality of pre-stored beverage production programs that differ in the operating parameters of the beverage preparation machine 3. Each beverage production program is linked to one or more product identification codes 24. The product identification code 24 is read out using an identification detector 39 of the beverage preparation machine 3, in particular an optical camera. The evaluation and control unit then selects the beverage production program corresponding to the product identification code 24. This allows optimal operating parameters to be set for each beverage to be produced.

[0052] Alternatively, the cartridge 2 only has the code described above as product identification code 24, which then also represents the identification means 20. In this case, the cartridge in particular does not have the Figure 2illustrated ring-shaped identification element 21.

[0053] In Figures 4a to 4c the basic principle of a method not according to the invention for producing a beverage with the cartridge system 1 inserted into a beverage preparation machine 3 is shown in order to once again illustrate the general functional principle of the actual beverage production of the system according to the invention.

[0054] The present system comprises the beverage preparation machine 3 (illustrated only schematically), into which interchangeable cartridge systems 1 can be inserted. Each cartridge system 1 has a cartridge 2 filled with a specific beverage substance 7 and a cartridge receptacle 10 connected to the cartridge 2. Within the beverage preparation machine 3, a corresponding beverage is produced with the aid of the beverage substance 7 and an additional water source, referred to below as fluid source 41. The cartridge 2 is preferably filled with a pre-portioned amount of beverage substance 7, which is necessary to produce a specific drinking portion, for example, filling a drinking glass with the desired beverage. In particular, a plurality of different cartridge systems 1 are available, whose cartridges 2 or reservoirs 6 are filled with different beverage substances 7 for producing different beverages.If the user of the system 1 wishes to drink a specific beverage, they merely need to select the cartridge system 1 from the plurality of different cartridge systems 1 that contains the corresponding beverage substance 7 for producing the desired beverage, insert it into a holding unit 90 of the beverage preparation machine 3, and start the beverage preparation process on the beverage preparation machine 3, if necessary, for example by pressing a start button, touching a touch-sensitive display, by gesture or voice control, or by means of a suitable application on a mobile phone. It is also conceivable for the beverage preparation process to start automatically when the insertion of a new cartridge system 1 into the holding unit 90 is detected. In each of the aforementioned cases, the desired beverage is then automatically produced, directed into a drinking vessel, and thus made available to the user.The used cartridge system 1 is then removed and disposed of. The beverage preparation machine 3 is now ready to be refilled with any new cartridge system 1 to produce another beverage.

[0055] The beverage substance 7 preferably comprises liquid pre-mix ingredients for soft drinks, such as caffeinated, carbonated, fruit and / or sugar-containing lemonades and juices, beer (mixed) drinks or other alcoholic or non-alcoholic (mixed) drinks.

[0056] The cartridge system 1 comprises a cartridge 2 in the form of a cylindrical container with rounded corners. The container is hollow and thus contains a reservoir 6 for the beverage substance 7. The cartridge 2 is made in particular of plastic and produced by a blow-injection molding process. The cartridge 2 further has a cartridge opening 63 through which the reservoir 6 is filled with the liquid beverage substance 7. The bottom of the reservoir 6 is funnel-shaped in the example, with the cartridge opening 63 arranged in the center of the funnel-shaped bottom. The cartridge 2 is permanently or reversibly connected to a cartridge receptacle 10 according to the invention. The cartridge receptacle 10 is connected to the cartridge 2 by means of a snap-in connection 50, in particular after the cartridge 2 has been filled, in the region of the cartridge opening 63.For this purpose, the cartridge holder 10 has, for example, lateral locking elements 51 in the form of elastic holding arms or a circumferential locking strip 51 (. Figure 5 ) which engages around one or two circumferential retaining flanges 52 of the cartridge 2 arranged in the area of ​​the cartridge opening 63. The cartridge holder 10 is clipped onto the cartridge 2 after the cartridge 2 has been filled.

[0057] The cartridge receptacle 10 has a mixing chamber 8, which is in fluid communication with the reservoir 6 during the beverage production process, so that with the aid of a cartridge unloading device 34 of the cartridge receptacle 10, the beverage substance 7 can be at least partially transferred from the reservoir 6 into the mixing chamber 8. For this purpose, the cartridge unloading device 34 comprises a compressed air line 40. One end of the compressed air line 40 is connected to a compressed air connection 42, which can be connected to a compressed air source 41 of the beverage preparation machine 3 in order to introduce compressed air into the compressed air line 40, while the other end opens into a compressed air outlet 43, which is open towards the reservoir 6 and introduces compressed air into the reservoir 6. The introduction of the compressed air causes the beverage substance 7 to be pressed into the mixing chamber 8.The compressed air source 41 preferably further comprises an air pump which is switched on during the beverage production process and pumps ambient air into the compressed air line 40 in the direction of the reservoir 6.

[0058] A fluid supply 12 of the cartridge receptacle 10, which is fed by a fluid source 91 of the beverage preparation machine 3, also opens into the mixing chamber 8. It is conceivable that the fluid supply 12 has a quick-release coupling, with which the fluid supply 12 can be connected to the fluid source 91 of the beverage preparation machine 3. The fluid source 91 preferably further comprises a fluid feed pump that is switched on during the beverage preparation process. The quick-release coupling can, for example, be designed such that, upon insertion of the cartridge system 1 into the holding unit 90, a fluid connection is automatically established between the fluid source 91 and the mixing chamber 8 via the fluid supply 12. During the beverage preparation process, fluid, in particular chilled and carbonated drinking water, flows from the fluid supply 12 into the mixing chamber 8 via this fluid connection.Furthermore, during the beverage production process, beverage substance 7 flows from the reservoir 6 into the mixing chamber 8, as described above. By mixing the beverage substance 7 with the fluid in the mixing chamber 8, the beverage is formed, which then leaves the mixing chamber 8 through a beverage outlet 11.

[0059] The cartridge holder 10 has the beverage outlet 11, through which the beverage produced within the mixing chamber 8 leaves the mixing chamber 8 and is directed, in particular, directly into the drinking vessel (not shown), i.e., without any parts of the beverage preparation machine 3 coming into contact with the beverage. This prevents recontamination of the beverage preparation machine 3. The drinking vessel is arranged, in particular, directly below the beverage outlet 11.

[0060] After the beverage production process is completed, the cartridge system 1 is removed from the holding unit 90 so that the beverage production machine 3 can be equipped with a new and unused cartridge system 1. The cartridge holder 10 can be reused by detaching it from the used cartridge 2 and clipping it onto a new cartridge 2.

[0061] The cartridge holder 10 has a mandrel guide 80 in which a piercing mandrel 73 is slidably mounted. The sealing element 18 is moved by transferring the displaceable piercing mandrel 73 between a retracted position in which the piercing mandrel 73 is spaced from the sealing element 18 (cf. Figure 4b ), and an extended position in which the piercing mandrel 73 pierces the sealing element 18 (cf. Figure 4c ) and extends into the cartridge opening 63 or into the reservoir 6, perforated.

[0062] The outer wall of the piercing mandrel 73 is provided with a plurality of side channels for directing the beverage substance 7 from the reservoir 6 toward the mixing chamber 8 when the sealing element 18 is pierced. The side channels are designed as grooves running parallel to one another and open on one side. After the sealing element 18 is pierced, the side channels come into fluid communication with the reservoir 6, so that the beverage substance 7 can flow around the edges of the pierced sealing element 18 toward the mixing chamber 8.

[0063] The cross-section of the side channels and / or the number of side channels is preferably adapted to the viscosity of the beverage substance 7, so that the side channels control or limit the flow of the beverage substance 7 towards the mixing chamber 8. At a high viscosity, several side channels and / or side channels with a larger cross-section are used, while at a lower viscosity, fewer side channels and / or side channels with a smaller cross-section are provided.

[0064] The piercing mandrel 73 also incorporates the compressed air line 40, which functions as the cartridge unloading device 34. The compressed air line 40 discharges into the cartridge opening 63 through a fixed compressed air nozzle at the end of the piercing mandrel 73 when the piercing mandrel 73 is in the extended position. The compressed air nozzle thus automatically extends into the cartridge opening 63 when the piercing mandrel 73 has been moved into the extended position and has consequently pierced the sealing element 18.

[0065] The compressed air connection 42 is formed on a side of the piercing mandrel 73, in particular facing away from the reservoir 6. This connection is thus accessible from outside the cartridge receptacle 10 and connectable to the compressed air source 41 of the beverage preparation machine 3. The piercing mandrel 73 is preferably moved from the retracted position to the extended position during or after the cartridge system 10 is inserted into the beverage preparation machine 3 or after the beverage production process has started, preferably by a fixed trigger element of the holding unit 90, against which the piercing mandrel 73 is pressed, in particular when the cartridge is lowered during a handling step (see below).

[0066] It is preferably provided that both the fluid source 91 and the compressed air source 41 are coupled directly to the fluid supply 12 or the compressed air connection 42 as soon as the cartridge system 1 is inserted into the beverage preparation machine 3 or a beverage production process is started, and in particular before the sealing element 18 is pierced. It would be conceivable that in this way, recontamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine 3 could be effectively prevented because the fluid supply 12 and the cartridge unloading device 34 are optionally immediately pressurized upon insertion of the cartridge system 1, thus preventing beverage substance 7 from migrating toward the fluid source 91 or compressed air source 41. The beverage substance 7 can thus only move from the reservoir 6 toward the mixing chamber 8 as soon as the sealing element 18 is opened.Preferably, however, the pressure in the fluid line is only built up by switching on the fluid feed pump and the pressure in the compressed air line is only built up by switching on the air feed pump, which only occurs after successful authentication of the cartridge system using the identification means by the evaluation and control unit.

[0067] The holding unit 90 has in particular a fastening flange (see Figure 3), which positively engages the cartridge receptacle 10 after insertion into the holding unit 90. The holding unit 90 is preferably manually operable, for example via an operating lever 120. When a user actuates the operating lever 120, the cartridge receptacle 10 is moved relative to the beverage preparation machine 3 such that the outer end of the piercing mandrel 73 is pressed against a fixed trigger element (not shown) of the holding unit 90, whereby the piercing mandrel 73 moves from the retracted position to the extended position and perforates the sealing element.

[0068] The cartridge receptacle 10 has on both sides an at least partially circumferential locking strip, with which the cartridge receptacle 10 is clipped onto the retaining flanges 52 of the cartridge 2. Furthermore, the cartridge receptacle 10 has a mixing chamber 8, in which the fluid supply 12 is formed on its rear side in the form of a simple through-opening in the wall of the cartridge receptacle 10. At the front, the beverage outlet 11 is formed in the bottom of the mixing chamber 8. The bottom of the mixing chamber 8 forms a continuously deepening depression in the direction of the beverage outlet 11, so that after completion of the beverage production process, no liquid residues remain in the mixing chamber 8. Almost centrally within the mixing chamber 8, in the Figure 5 also the mandrel guide 80 can be seen.

[0069] The mandrel guide 80 comprises a guide part with an internal guide channel 110, in which the piercing mandrel 73 is slidably received. The guide channel 110 is substantially cylindrical and protrudes almost vertically from the bottom of the mixing chamber 8 in the direction of the cartridge 2. At one end of the guide part facing the cartridge 2, a circumferential stop with a reduced diameter is formed, against which the circumferential shoulder of the piercing mandrel 73 strikes when the piercing mandrel 73 reaches the extended position. The stop thus limits the movement of the piercing mandrel 73 in the direction of the reservoir 6. Mixing structures are optionally arranged on the bottom of the mixing chamber 8.

[0070] In Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the cartridge system 1 according to further exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The cartridge system 1 shown corresponds to the Figures 2 and 3shown cartridge system 1, wherein only alternative examples are shown as identification means 20. Otherwise, all above statements apply analogously.

[0071] The identification means 20 can be Figure 5 i.e., it can be designed as a circumferential coating on the outer wall of the cartridge 2 or the cartridge receptacle 10. Furthermore, the identification means 20 can be provided as a non-circumferential coating on the outer wall of the cartridge receptacle 10 in the area of ​​the beverage outlet 11. The identification means 20 can be read via correspondingly adapted contact elements 23.

[0072] Furthermore, the identification means 20 can be designed in the form of an identification element 21 arranged within the reservoir 6. It is conceivable that the identification element 21 is freely movable there or is attached to the inner wall of the cartridge 2. Reading this identification element 21 can then be carried out optically (in the case of a transparent beverage substance 7 and / or cartridge wall) or electromagnetically (if the identification element 21 is, for example, an RFID chip) or purely magnetically (if the identification element 21 comprises a permanent magnet or a magnetic material).

[0073] In Figures 6a and 6bThe reading of the identification means 20 or the product identification code 24 of the system according to the invention is shown again in detail. The cartridge 1 has the identification means 20 (also referred to as the product identification code 24) in its flattened region 38 facing the housing of the beverage preparation machine 3. The identification means 20 (or the product identification code 24) preferably comprises a code, for example a marker, a pattern, lettering, an image, a logo, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, a bit code, a QR code, a data matrix code, a color code, and / or a hologram code, in which information about the cartridge system 1 and / or the beverage substance present in the reservoir 6 is embedded. An identification detector 39 in the form of an optical camera, in particular a CCD camera, is arranged on the opposite side of the housing of the beverage preparation machine 3.

[0074] The code is captured by the optical camera and evaluated by an evaluation unit of the beverage preparation machine 3. In this way, the beverage preparation machine 3 recognizes or verifies whether it is an authenticated (i.e., native) cartridge system 1 and / or what type of cartridge 1 and / or beverage substance 7 is contained in the cartridge system 1 inserted into the holder 24.

[0075] Based on this information, information about the preparation of the beverage using the beverage substance contained in the cartridge 1 can be loaded from an internal memory of the beverage preparation machine 3. In particular, this specifies target values ​​for the temporal and absolute course of the volume flow, temperature, pressure, and / or carbonation of the supplied water, or the temporal and absolute course of the volume flow and / or pressure of the supplied compressed air. It is also conceivable that the ratio between the volume flow of the diluent and the volume flow of the compressed air is controlled depending on the verified product identification code 24 in order to achieve the optimal result in terms of appearance and taste for the produced beverage for the respective cartridge type.Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the aforementioned operating parameters are embedded in the code and taken directly from the code in order to control the beverage production process accordingly.

[0076] In Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the Figure 1 illustrated beverage preparation machine 3, into which the Figure 2 illustrated cartridge system 1 is used. The illustration corresponds to the one in Figure 3illustrated embodiment, wherein the identification means 20 is now integrated into the beverage substance 7 located in the reservoir 6. The contact elements 23 pierce the cartridge wall in the region of the reservoir to come into contact with the beverage substance 7. The electrical conductivity of the beverage substance 7 is then measured via the contact elements 23, and the identification means 20 is thus evaluated. Based on the measured electrical conductivity, the cartridge type is then determined, and the corresponding beverage preparation program is started.

[0077] In Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the individual steps of an exemplary method for producing a beverage, in particular with a beverage preparation machine and a system as described in the Figures 1, 2, 3 , 4a to 4c , 6a, 6b explained were revealed.

[0078] The cartridge system 1 is, for example, equipped with an identification means 20 only in the form of a code, for example a marker, a pattern, a lettering, an image, a logo, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, a bit code, a QR code, a data matrix code, a color code and / or a hologram code, or an identification means 20 in the form of an identification element 21.

[0079] In the first method step 201, the cartridge system 1 is manually inserted into the beverage preparation machine 3 by a user, wherein the cartridge holder 10 is inserted into the corresponding holding unit 90 of the beverage preparation machine.

[0080] In a subsequent handling step 205, the user actuates the operating lever 120, thereby actuating the release mechanism and a fastening flange of the holding unit 90 gripping the cartridge receptacle 10 in a force-fitting and / or positive-locking manner. The cartridge system 1 is thereby moved transversely relative to the holding unit 90, causing the piercing mandrel 73 of the cartridge receptacle 10 to be moved relative to a stationary release element of the holding unit b90. The piercing mandrel 73 is thereby displaced from its retracted position to its extended position, pierces the sealing element 18, and protrudes into the reservoir 6.Furthermore, in handling step 205, a compressed air connection is thereby established between the compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine 3 and the compressed air connection of the cartridge holder 10 (this does not mean that compressed air is already blown into the reservoir 6, but only that the corresponding lines or connections are connected to one another).

[0081] Furthermore, in handling step 205, a fluid connection is additionally established between a fluid source of the beverage preparation machine 3 and the fluid supply of the cartridge holder 10 (this does not mean that fluid is already flowing towards the mixing chamber 8, but only that the corresponding lines or connections are connected to one another).

[0082] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the activation of the trigger mechanism is not carried out manually, but motor-driven by a corresponding actuator controlled by the control unit.

[0083] Subsequently, in a second method step 202, the code on the cartridge 2 is optically read by the identification detector 39 or, alternatively, the identification means 21 is contacted by the contact element for measuring the identification means 21.

[0084] In the second method step 202, an evaluation and control unit (also referred to as a control unit) 203 of the beverage preparation machine 3 checks, based on the detected code or read identification element 21, whether the cartridge system 1 used is a system-specific and known, i.e., authenticated, cartridge system 1. For this purpose, the read code or the identification means 20 is compared with a corresponding reference, or a check is performed to determine whether operating parameters can be extracted from or assigned to the read code or the identification means 20. If this check is positive, the cartridge system 1 is considered authenticated.

[0085] If an authenticated cartridge system 1 was detected in the second method step, the beverage production process is started in a third method step 204.

[0086] The beverage production process comprises a first preparation step 206, in which a fluid feed pump of the beverage production machine is first started by the evaluation and control unit 203, which pumps the fluid from a fluid tank (in particular a removable water tank) through a heat exchanger for cooling the fluid and through a flow-through carbonator for carbonating the cooled fluid into the mixing chamber of the cartridge holder 10.

[0087] In particular, after waiting a period of time between 1 millisecond and 2 seconds, preferably between 100 milliseconds and 1.5 seconds and particularly preferably from 500 milliseconds to 1 second after switching on the fluid feed pump, in a second preparation step 207 the air feed pump of the beverage preparation machine 3 is switched on by the evaluation and control unit 203, which sucks in ambient air through an air inlet and pumps it through the compressed air line 40 as compressed air into the reservoir 6.

[0088] It is conceivable that the start time, stop time, running time and / or delivery rate of the fluid delivery pump and / or the air delivery pump and / or the time period to be waited between the start of the fluid delivery pump and the air delivery pump are read out as operating parameters from the code or the identification means 20 and the evaluation and control unit 203 controls the first and second preparation steps 206 and 207 accordingly.

[0089] By feeding the compressed air into the reservoir 6, in a third preparation step 208 the beverage substance 7 is then transferred from the reservoir 6 into the mixing chamber 8 and mixed there with the fluid, whereby the beverage is formed in the mixing chamber, which beverage is dispensed from the mixing chamber 8 via the beverage outlet 11 into a drinking vessel.

[0090] As an alternative to the sequence described above, the handling step 205 can be performed as the zeroth preparation step 209 as part of the beverage preparation process, instead of between the first and second method steps 201 and 202. This has the advantage that the cartridge system 1 is only opened by means of the trigger element once the cartridge system 1 has been authenticated by the evaluation and control unit 203 using the code or identification means 20.

[0091] After the third preparation step 208 has been completed, the air pump and the fluid pump are stopped simultaneously or sequentially, with the air pump preferably being switched off first and then the fluid pump. The release mechanism can then be released manually via the operating lever or motor-driven or returned to its original position, so that the used capsule system 1 can be removed from the holding unit 90. The beverage preparation machine 3 is now ready for a new cycle, which again starts with the first process step 201. List of reference symbols

[0092] 1Cartridge system 2Cartridge 3Beverage preparation machine 6Reservoir 7Beverage substance 8Mixing chamber 10Cartridge receptacle 11Beverage outlet 12Fluid supply 18Sealing element 20, 24Identification means 21Identification element 22Coating 23Contact elements 24Product identification code 34Cartridge unloading device 39Identification detector 40Compressed air line 42Compressed air connection 43Compressed air outlet 52Holding flange 63Cartridge opening 73Piercing mandrel 80Mandrel guide 90Holding unit 110Guide channel 120Operating lever

Claims

1. Cartridge system (1) for producing a beverage, wherein the cartridge system (1) is insertable into a beverage preparation machine (3), wherein the cartridge system (1) has a cartridge (2) comprising a reservoir (6) filled with a beverage substance (7), and a cartridge receptacle (10) connected to the cartridge (2), wherein the cartridge receptacle (10) has a mixing chamber (8) which is fluidically connectable to the reservoir (6), and a fluid supply (12) which opens into the mixing chamber (8), wherein the cartridge system (1) comprises an identification means (20) for identifying the cartridge system (1) in the beverage preparation machine (3), characterized in that the identification element (21) is disposed within the reservoir (6) and / or the mixing chamber (8).

2. Cartridge system (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the identification means (20) comprises a coating (22), in particular in the form of a lacquer, an imprint or a film, on an inner surface of the cartridge (2) and / or the cartridge receptacle (10).

3. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification means (20) is disposed along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge system (1), between the reservoir (6) and the mixing chamber (8).

4. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification element (22) is connected to the cartridge (2), the cartridge receptacle (10) and / or the neck in a force-fitting, materially integral and / or form-fitting manner, in particular adhesively bonded, welded, latched and / or press-fitted.

5. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification element (22) is integrally connected to the cartridge (2), the cartridge receptacle (10) and / or the neck, and is in particular integrated in the cartridge (2), the cartridge receptacle (10) and / or the neck.

6. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification means is an optically readable code disposed on the inside of an at least partially optically transparent wall of the reservoir or the mixing chamber, in particular a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional barcode, a pattern or a hologram.

7. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage substrate functions as an identification means.

8. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge receptacle comprises a compressed air connector (42) which opens into the reservoir for directing compressed air into the reservoir.

9. Beverage preparation machine (3) for producing a beverage, into which a cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims is insertable, wherein the beverage preparation machine (3) has a holding unit (90) into which the cartridge receptacle (10) connected to the cartridge (2) is insertable.

10. Beverage preparation machine (3) according to Claim 9, wherein the holding unit (90) has at least one contact element that contacts the identification means of the cartridge system (1) in order to determine at least one physical parameter of the identification means for identifying the cartridge system (1).

11. Beverage preparation machine according to Claim 10, wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises a measuring unit which is connected to the at least one contact element for measuring the electrical resistance and / or the electrical conductivity of the identification means.

12. Beverage preparation machine according to Claim 11, wherein the contact element comprises a piercing tip which penetrates a wall of the cartridge system in order to come into contact with the identification means when measuring the at least one physical parameter.

13. Beverage preparation machine according to one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the beverage preparation machine (3) has a fluid source (91) for feeding a fluid into the fluid supply (12), and a compressed air source (41) for blowing compressed air into the compressed air connector (42).

14. Beverage preparation machine according to one of Claims 9 to 13, wherein the holding unit (90) has a trigger element (36) to transfer a piercing means (16) of the cartridge receptacle (10) from a retracted position to an extended position.

15. Beverage preparation machine according to one of Claims 9 to 14, wherein the holding unit (90) comprises a fastening flange which in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner encompasses the cartridge receptacle (10) during or after insertion into the holding unit.

16. Beverage preparation machine according to Claim 15, wherein the contact element is integrated in the fastening flange.

17. System having a beverage preparation machine according to one of Claims 9 to 16, and a cartridge system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, which is insertable into the holding unit (90).