Beverage preparation machine with one drive and beverage preparation system

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine, in particular a dispenser, for preparing a beverage by means of a cartridge system consisting of a cartridge containing a beverage substance in a reservoir and a cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridge, which cartridge receptacle has a mixing chamber, at least one fluid supply and a beverage outlet.

[0002] Such dispensers are generally known from the prior art, for example from EP 2 017 221 A1, US 2021 / 0000289 A1 and WO 96 / 36556 A1, and are used to produce beverages from pre-portioned cartridges. The production of beverages with such cartridge systems is extremely convenient for the user, as they only need to insert a cartridge into the dispenser and initiate a start-up procedure. The dispenser then takes over the fully automated production of the beverage, which means, in particular, that the food or beverage substrate 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 for the user.The user can choose from a variety of different cartridges so that he can produce different drinks according to his taste.

[0003] The beverage preparation machine or dispenser comprises a main unit and a cartridge holder protruding from the main unit. The cartridge holder is designed such that the cartridge system can be inserted into it, the cartridge holder comprising an actuator element for actuating a cartridge unloading device of the cartridge system. Due to the protruding cartridge holder, the actuation of the actuator element is mechanically difficult to implement, since the cartridge holder generally has little installation space, particularly for movable elements. The mechanism for actuating the actuator element must be simple in design and interact reliably with the changing cartridge receptacles of the cartridge system. However, no suitable solutions for this have yet been known from the prior art. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention was therefore to provide a beverage preparation machine that meets these requirements. In particular, it should enable simple and reliable operation of the actuator element. The dispenser should simultaneously offer a high level of user comfort and be cost-effective to implement.

[0005] The problem is solved, among other things, with a beverage preparation machine according to claim 1.

[0006] The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine, in particular a dispenser, for preparing a beverage using a cartridge system. Such a cartridge system, intended for use in the beverage preparation machine according to the invention, consists of a cartridge containing a beverage substance in a reservoir, and a cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridge, which has a mixing chamber, at least one fluid inlet, and a beverage outlet. The cartridge receptacle is preferably fixedly, in particular rotationally fixedly, connected to the cartridge in a connection region. The cartridge has a cartridge opening, which is particularly preferably closed by a sealing element, for example a sealing film, and is thus fluidically separated from the mixing chamber.In order to transfer the beverage substance for beverage preparation into the mixing chamber, the cartridge receptacle comprises a cartridge unloading device, which preferably comprises a movable piercing mandrel that can penetrate the sealing film and thereby establishes a fluid connection between the reservoir and the mixing chamber.

[0007] The beverage preparation machine comprises a main unit, which preferably comprises a housing, and a cartridge holder protruding from the main unit, in particular having a balcony-like configuration. Balcony-like preferably means that the cartridge holder protrudes laterally from the housing, i.e., in particular, is not arranged in the housing of the main unit, but is formed separately from it. The main unit further comprises at least one liquid reservoir, a liquid conditioning system for conditioning a liquid from the liquid reservoir, in particular for tempering and / or carbonating the liquid, a fluid supply system for introducing the conditioned liquid and / or compressed air into the cartridge system, and a control device for controlling the liquid conditioning system and / or the fluid supply system.Particularly preferably, the liquid conditioning system and the fluid supply system are arranged at least partially in the housing of the main unit. Particularly preferably, the main unit and / or the cartridge holder have at least one control element through which a user can initiate a beverage preparation process.

[0008] The cartridge holder is now designed such that the cartridge system can be inserted into the cartridge holder, in particular such that the cartridge system is reversibly held by the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder comprises an actuator element for actuating a cartridge unloading device of the cartridge system. The actuator element preferably comprises a movable element which, for example, upon activation, contacts and displaces the piercing mandrel in such a way that it cuts through the sealing element, allowing the beverage substance to be transferred from the reservoir into the mixing chamber.

[0009] According to the invention, it is now provided that the main unit or the main unit and the cartridge holder comprise a drive for the actuator element. The drive is preferably a manual drive and / or a motor, wherein the drive is in particular a linear drive, a rotary drive and / or an oscillation drive. The drive enables simple and reliable activation of the actuator element in a particularly advantageous manner. Furthermore, the drive makes it possible, particularly in the case of a manual drive, to reduce the force required by the user to actuate the cartridge unloading device. A manual drive should be understood in particular to mean that the user moves the actuator element directly or indirectly.If the user does not directly actuate the actuator element, they move at least one operating element such that the movement, in particular purely mechanically, leads to a movement of the actuator element. If the drive is a motor, this particularly advantageously enables particularly convenient operation of the beverage preparation machine. For example, the user only has to insert the cartridge system into the cartridge holder and actuate an operating element, whereupon the beverage preparation machine starts and / or carries out the beverage preparation process fully automatically. Preferably, the control device is also provided for controlling the drive, in particular the motor. In this case, the control device is particularly preferably provided for activating the motor and thus actuating the actuator element.This advantageously allows for better process control and thus enables error-free beverage preparation, since the control device can optimally determine the time of activation of the cartridge unloading device, particularly with regard to the conditioning and introduction of the liquid. The fact that the control device can determine the time of activation of the cartridge unloading device enables optimized control of all components. In particular, it is particularly advantageous to prevent beverage substance from entering the lines of the beverage preparation machine and contaminating them, and / or to prevent beverage substance from escaping too early, i.e., possibly escaping from the cartridge system without mixing with the liquid.Higher forces can also be generated than those that can occur when the actuator element is directly actuated by a user; in particular, forces of up to 30N can be generated by a drive.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the motor is an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or a pneumatic motor. The beverage preparation machine preferably includes a connection to an external power supply and / or an internal energy storage device, for example, an accumulator. An electric motor can therefore advantageously be supplied with power from the same source as the other components of the beverage preparation machine. In the case of a pneumatic motor, for example, air from an internal or external compressed air source can be used as the operating medium. The beverage preparation machine is thus designed to be particularly flexible and efficient.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge holder is substantially disc-shaped and preferably projects substantially horizontally from the main unit, wherein the cartridge holder particularly preferably has a, in particular substantially circular, recess into which the cartridge system can be inserted. Very particularly preferably, a storage area for drinking vessels is provided below the cartridge holder, wherein the storage area in particular comprises a liquid collection device. The disc-shaped design of the cartridge holder provides a visually appealing cartridge holder that requires little installation space. The relative alignment of the cartridge holder, in particular of the recess, and the storage area enables the beverage to flow directly from the cartridge receptacle of the cartridge system into the drinking vessel.Particularly preferably, the position of the cartridge holder is arranged at a height from a support surface of the beverage preparation machine which corresponds to 20-90% of the total height of the beverage preparation machine, very particularly preferably 40-80%, even more preferably 50-70% and in particular substantially 60%.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage preparation machine, in particular the cartridge holder and / or the main unit, has at least one user-operable operating element, which is coupled to the drive, in particular via the control device. Preferably, the operating element is a lever, which is pivotable, in particular, about a horizontally or vertically oriented axis. A lever represents a particularly simple and proven variant that can be operated intuitively by a user and, if necessary, can have a force-enhancing effect via a corresponding mechanism, so that the user only needs to exert a small amount of force, while the actuator element still reliably actuates the cartridge unloading device.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge holder comprises at least one locking means designed to reversibly lock the cartridge system in the cartridge holder, wherein the locking means can be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position and vice versa. Preferably, the locking means can be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position by the operating element. Particularly preferably, the operating element comprises a hand lever. Such a hand lever can be pivoted, for example, by a user about a vertical axis, preferably within an angular range of 10 to 180 degrees, particularly preferably within an angular range of 40-120 degrees, in particular within an angular range of approximately 90 degrees.The user inserts the cartridge system into the cartridge holder and operates the hand lever, which moves the locking mechanism into the locked position. The angled positions of the hand lever make it easy for the user to determine whether the locking mechanism is in the locked or unlocked position.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage preparation machine, in particular the control device, is configured such that the actuator element and / or the drive can only be activated when the locking element is in the locked position. This advantageously prevents damage to the beverage preparation machine. Particularly preferably, the locking element can only be moved into the locked position when the cartridge system is correctly inserted. This ensures that the liquid can correctly enter the cartridge receptacle and that the actuator element is arranged relative to the cartridge unloading device in such a way that correct actuation of the latter is possible.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the drive is connected to the actuator element via a deflection mechanism, wherein the deflection mechanism preferably comprises a transmission gear and / or a transmission lever. This advantageously makes it possible, on the one hand, for the position and direction of movement of the drive to be largely independent of the position and direction of movement of the actuator element, thereby enabling more flexible positioning of the drive, and, on the other hand, for force amplification to be implemented, so that the drive can be dimensioned smaller than would be necessary for direct actuation of the actuator element and / or the cartridge unloading device.Preferably, the deflection mechanism, in particular the transmission gear, is provided such that a rotational movement of the hand lever about the vertical axis of rotation is translated into a relative translational movement of the actuator element and / or the cartridge holder.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator element is pivotable about at least one, in particular horizontally arranged, axis. The axis is preferably arranged such that the actuator element performs a substantially circular arc-shaped movement to actuate the cartridge unloading device, wherein this movement occurs in particular substantially in a vertical direction. Most preferably, the axis is arranged near the transition between the main unit and the cartridge holder. This advantageously enables activation of the actuator element despite the limited installation space available in the cartridge holder.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator element is arranged at least partially beneath the cartridge holder. This is particularly advantageous when the cartridge system is inserted into the cartridge holder from above, such that the cartridge unloading device is accessible from beneath the cartridge holder. Furthermore, the underside of the cartridge holder is generally not visible to the user when the beverage preparation machine is positioned in the usual way, so arranging the actuator element on the underside of the cartridge holder creates a tidy overall appearance for the beverage preparation machine.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator element is a rocker arm, wherein the rocker arm has an upper contact surface for positive and / or non-positive engagement with the cartridge unloading device of the cartridge system. The rocker arm is preferably substantially elongated, in particular substantially rod-shaped. In particular, if the rocker arm's tilt axis is provided on the underside of the cartridge holder, the actuator element can thus be arranged at least partially on the underside of the cartridge holder, wherein the drive can be arranged in the main unit.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage preparation machine comprises a compressed air source, wherein the compressed air source is provided in cooperation with the fluid supply system for introducing compressed air into the cartridge system. The beverage preparation machine preferably has a compressed air source arranged within the main unit. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the beverage preparation machine can be connected to an external compressed air supply. Particularly preferably, the beverage preparation machine has a coupling element, wherein the coupling element has a compressed air line and a liquid line, wherein the coupling element is very particularly preferably reversibly coupleable to the fluid supply of the cartridge receptacle. This advantageously enables the simultaneous supply of compressed air and liquid to the cartridge system in a reliable and reproducible manner.The compressed air is preferably introduced into the reservoir to transfer the beverage substance into the mixing chamber, where it mixes with the liquid introduced into the mixing chamber and, in particular, the conditioned liquid, thus producing the beverage. In particular, the coupling element ensures a parallel and fluidly separated supply of compressed air and liquid to the cartridge receptacle.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage preparation machine, in particular the main unit, has an identification detector for detecting an identifier of the cartridge system. Particularly preferably, the identification detector is arranged at least partially above and / or behind the cartridge holder. Most preferably, the identification detector is arranged in a housing of the main unit. Even more preferably, the identification detector is connected to the control device. This makes it particularly advantageous for an identifier of the cartridge system to be read out, particularly after it has been secured in the cartridge holder, and for the beverage preparation machine to be controlled depending on the detected information.For example, it can be provided that a beverage preparation process can only be started when positive identification information is read out and transmitted to the control device. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the identification detector to detect at least one parameter for the beverage preparation and transmit it to the control device, wherein the control device preferably controls the beverage preparation process, in particular the liquid conditioning system and / or the fluid supply system, in accordance with the detected parameters. Very particularly preferably, the identification detector comprises an optical sensor, such as a CCD camera, which automatically reads the identifier, in particular the product identification identifier, when the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine. Alternatively or additionally, the identification detector comprises a magnetic and / or electrical sensor.Furthermore, it is possible for the beverage preparation machine to include a communications module to receive information relating to the beverage preparation and / or the cartridge system and make it available to the control device. Alternatively or additionally, the identification detector includes a transmitting and receiving antenna for automatically reading, for example, an RFID code.

[0021] A further subject of the present invention is a beverage preparation system comprising a beverage preparation machine according to the invention and a cartridge system, wherein the cartridge system for beverage preparation can be inserted into the cartridge holder of the beverage preparation machine, wherein the cartridge system comprises a cartridge comprising a reservoir filled with a beverage substance and a cartridge receptacle connectable to the cartridge in a connection area, wherein the cartridge has a cartridge opening, wherein the cartridge opening is closed with a sealing element, in particular a sealing film, wherein the sealing element seals the reservoir fluid-tightly from the cartridge receptacle, wherein the cartridge receptacle has a mixing chamber that can be brought into fluid connection with the reservoir and a fluid supply opening into the mixing chamber for coupling to the fluid supply system of the beverage preparation machine,so that a conditioned liquid can be introduced into the mixing chamber, wherein the cartridge receptacle has a cartridge discharge device for transferring the beverage substance from the reservoir into the mixing chamber, wherein the cartridge receptacle has a beverage outlet for discharging a beverage produced by mixing the liquid with the beverage substance from the mixing chamber. The beverage is particularly preferably dispensed directly into a drinking vessel. Preferably, the cartridge discharge device further comprises a compressed air supply, which is provided for interaction with the fluid supply system, in particular with the coupling element, of the beverage preparation machine in order to introduce compressed air through the cartridge discharge device into the reservoir.

[0022] Such a beverage preparation system is particularly advantageous because it prevents contamination of the beverage preparation machine with the beverage substance. Only a conditioned liquid and preferably compressed air are fed into the mixing chamber of the cartridge holder. The beverage preparation takes place entirely within the mixing chamber, and the finished beverage is discharged directly from the cartridge system into the drinking vessel located below, without any contact with the beverage preparation machine. Such a beverage preparation system therefore meets the highest hygienic standards. Furthermore, the drive system makes beverage preparation particularly simple and reliable.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge unloading device comprises a mandrel guide and a piercing mandrel mounted displaceably within the mandrel guide, in particular in one direction, wherein the piercing mandrel is displaceable by the actuator element of the beverage preparation machine between a retracted position, in which the piercing mandrel is spaced from the sealing element, and an extended position, in which the piercing mandrel pierces the sealing element and extends into the reservoir. Preferably, the piercing mandrel and the actuator element are designed such that secure displacement of the piercing mandrel by the actuator element is ensured. This can be achieved, for example, by the piercing mandrel having a concave surface on the side facing the actuator element, into which a convex surface of the actuator element engages, or vice versa.Such a piercing mandrel is a particularly simple and reliable design for a cartridge unloading device. The mandrel guide ensures reliable movement of the piercing mandrel.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge unloading device comprises a compressed air connection and a compressed air line which extends from the compressed air connection to a compressed air outlet, wherein the compressed air outlet protrudes in particular in the direction of the reservoir of the cartridge, wherein the compressed air connection is designed to introduce compressed air into the compressed air line, wherein the compressed air line is integrated into the piercing mandrel, wherein the cartridge unloading device is designed such that, in the extended position of the piercing mandrel, the beverage substance can be transferred from the reservoir into the mixing chamber by the compressed air. The compressed air can therefore be introduced into the compressed air line from the fluid supply system, in particular only in the extended position of the piercing mandrel. A premature introduction of compressed air is thereby advantageously avoided.In addition, in the extended position, the compressed air can be specifically introduced into the reservoir and thus helps to avoid a negative pressure resulting from the transfer of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber and / or to actively expel the beverage substance from the reservoir.

[0025] Yet another object of the present invention is a method for preparing a beverage with a beverage preparation system according to the invention, characterized by the following steps: Inserting a cartridge system consisting of a cartridge and a cartridge receptacle into the cartridge holder, establishing a fluid connection between the fluid supply system and the cartridge receptacle, activating the actuator element to actuate the cartridge unloading device, in particular by moving the piercing mandrel from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby causing a perforation of the sealing element, transferring the beverage substance from the reservoir of the cartridge into the mixing chamber of the cartridge receptacle, in particular by feeding compressed air into the reservoir, introducing a conditioned liquid into the mixing chamber of the cartridge receptacle through the fluid supply system and discharging the beverage produced in the mixing chamber by mixing the beverage substance with the conditioned liquid through the beverage outlet.

[0026] The method according to the invention is distinguished from known methods in that the step of activating the actuator element includes activating the drive. This advantageously ensures that the beverage preparation process can be optimally controlled and, in particular, that the cartridge unloading device is operated reliably and easily.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the activation of the actuator element comprises generating a relative movement between the cartridge receptacle and the actuator element, in particular in contact with the piercing spike. Preferably, the cartridge system is inserted into the cartridge holder such that contact is established between the piercing spike and the actuator element. Alternatively, contact is only established upon activation of the actuator element. Most preferably, the cartridge receptacle remains immobile during beverage preparation, and the actuator element is moved along a predetermined trajectory. Alternatively or additionally, however, the cartridge receptacle and in particular the cartridge holder, together with the cartridge system, are also moved in the direction of the actuator element. Character description

[0028] In the following, the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 to 11These explanations are merely exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the invention. The explanations apply equally to the beverage preparation machine according to the invention, the beverage preparation system according to the invention, and the method according to the invention. Figure 1 shows a beverage preparation machine according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a beverage preparation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a cartridge holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a perspective sectional view of a cartridge holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5-7show a method for preparing beverages according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in various steps. Figure 8 shows a schematic cross section of a cartridge holder and an actuator element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an actuator element and a drive according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an actuator element and a drive according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 11a, b show perspective views of an actuator element according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In Figure 11 shows a beverage preparation machine 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The beverage preparation machine 1 comprises a main unit 2 with a housing in which most of the components required for operation are housed, as well as a liquid reservoir 4, in this case a water tank. As an alternative to the embodiment shown here, the liquid reservoir 4 can also be arranged at least partially in the housing and / or the beverage preparation machine 1 has a connection to an external liquid supply system. In addition, the main unit 2 has several operating elements 6' that can be actuated by a user and, for example, initiate the, in particular automatic, beverage preparation process.

[0030] The beverage preparation machine 1 stands with a base element on a preferably horizontal surface and has a certain overall height. In the present case, the main unit is flat at the top, but other shapes, such as rounded or tapered, are also possible. According to the embodiment shown here, a cartridge holder 3 protrudes laterally from the main unit 2 at approximately 60%-70% of the overall height.

[0031] The cartridge holder 3 here has a round cross-section in a horizontal plane and is essentially disc-shaped. A storage area 5 is arranged in a vertical direction below the cartridge holder 3, in which at least one drinking vessel can be placed. Preferably, the storage area 5 comprises a drip tray and / or a liquid collection device. The cartridge holder 3 preferably has a central recess, in particular a hole, into which a cartridge system can be inserted from above. Such a cartridge system is used in connection with Figure 2 The cartridge holder 3 has at least one locking means 13, here in the form of three claw-shaped elements distributed substantially evenly around the circumference of the recess. These are Figure 2 shown.

[0032] After the user has inserted the cartridge system, with the cartridge receptacle 11 facing forward, from above into the cartridge holder 3, they actuate the operating element 6, which is designed here as a rotary lever. In this case, the operating element 6 can be pivoted within an angular range of approximately 180° about a rotation axis running centrally and vertically through the cartridge holder 3. Alternatively, the angular range is only 30°, 60°, 90°, or 120°. Markings and / or labels on the cartridge holder 3 preferably make it clear to the user which position of the operating element 6 corresponds to an unlocked position and which position to a locked position.It is preferred that the operating element 6 is coupled to the control device in such a way that starting a beverage preparation is only possible when the operating element 6 is in the locked position and / or a cartridge system is inserted in the cartridge holder 3. It is also conceivable that the beverage preparation starts automatically as soon as the operating element 6 has moved the locking means 13 into the locked position.

[0033] In Figure 2 A cross-section of a beverage preparation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The embodiment of the beverage preparation machine 1 shown here essentially corresponds to the one described in connection with Figure 1explained embodiment, which is why reference is made to the relevant explanations. In the case shown here, a cartridge system is inserted into the cartridge holder 3, and the claw-like locking means 13 is already in the locked position, into which it can be locked, for example, by the externally rotatably mounted operating element 6, whose lever-like extension is not located in the section plane. An additional fluid outlet is also shown at the bottom left.

[0034] The cartridge system consists of a cartridge 7 and a cartridge receptacle 11 connected to the latter in a connecting region, for example a neck region. The cartridge 7 comprises a reservoir 8 containing a preferably liquid beverage substance. The cartridge 7 is preferably made of a plastic material. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the cartridge 7 to be made at least partially of glass. Particularly preferably, the cartridge 7 has at least one flange 9 or a flange region. Via this flange 9, the cartridge 7 is connected directly and indirectly, for example via an intermediate piece, to the cartridge receptacle 11, wherein the intermediate piece preferably provides a positive connection between the cartridge 7 and the cartridge receptacle 11, in particular in the form of an adapter.In the direction of the cartridge receptacle 11, the cartridge 7 has an opening that is closed by a sealing element, here a sealing film 10. Particularly preferably, the locking means 13 engages the flange 9 in a positive and / or force-fitting manner, so that withdrawal of the cartridge system is prevented when the locking means 13 is in the locked position.

[0035] The cartridge receptacle 11 is attached to the cartridge 7 via an opening and has a mixing chamber inside it, into which, on the one hand, the conditioned liquid from the beverage preparation machine 1 is introduced and, on the other hand, into which, after actuation of a cartridge unloading device (to be explained later), the beverage substance can be transferred from the reservoir 8 of the cartridge 7. In the mixing chamber, the liquid and the beverage substance mix, thus forming the beverage, which ultimately flows via a beverage outlet into a drinking vessel arranged below. The cartridge unloading device preferably comprises a mandrel guide and a piercing mandrel 17 mounted therein for displacement in one direction.

[0036] The piercing mandrel 17 is shown here in a retracted position, meaning the tip is spaced from the sealing film 10 or at least the sealing film 10 has not yet been pierced. The cartridge holder 3 comprises an actuator element 14 which, when activated, moves the piercing mandrel 17 into an extended position in which the sealing film 10 is pierced. As can be seen from the drawing, a compressed air line is integrated into the piercing mandrel 17. In the retracted position of the piercing mandrel 17, this is not connected. In the extended position, the compressed air line is aligned with a line in the cartridge holder 11 or directly with a compressed air line of the beverage preparation machine 1. Here, the beverage preparation machine 1 has a coupling element 16 which has two integrated and separate lines: a liquid line and a compressed air line.The coupling element 16 can preferably be brought into fluid connection with a cartridge receptacle 11 inserted in the cartridge holder 3.

[0037] Above the cartridge holder 3, an identification detector 18 is provided in the housing of the main unit 2. This identification detector, for example, comprises an optical sensor. This identification detector can detect an identification of the cartridge and / or the cartridge receptacle in a conventional manner and forward the detected information to the control device. For example, it is conceivable that if an unauthorized identification is detected, the beverage preparation process could be prevented from starting.

[0038] Not shown here are the other components of the beverage preparation device, such as a compressed air source, which is provided for feeding compressed air into the cartridge system via the coupling element 16, and a liquid conditioning system, which conditions a liquid, in particular water. This preferably comprises tempering, for example cooling and / or heating, the liquid and / or carbonating, i.e. adding carbon dioxide to the liquid. Furthermore, the beverage preparation machine 1 comprises a fluid supply system, which introduces the conditioned liquid and / or the compressed air from the liquid conditioning system or the compressed air source into the cartridge system. The coupling element 16 is in particular part of the fluid supply system.

[0039] According to the illustrated embodiment, the actuator element 14 is designed as a rocker arm having a projection that interacts with the piercing mandrel 17 and is pivotable about a tilting axis A. According to the invention, the actuator element 14 is actuated by a drive 12, which is arranged here in the main unit 2. The drive 12 is, for example, an electric motor as a linear drive, i.e., the drive 12 generates a linear movement, in particular in the vertical direction.

[0040] A person skilled in the art will understand that the desired direction of force is of paramount importance when designing and selecting a drive 12. In this case, the drive 12 operates by tension, i.e. when activated, an element connected to the actuator element 14, in this case the rocker arm, at its machine-side end is moved vertically downwards. The tilt axis therefore generates an upward movement of the cartridge-holder-side end of the actuator element 14, whereby the piercing mandrel 17 is moved into the extended position. The piercing mandrel 17 subsequently pierces the sealing film 10. In the extended position, the compressed air lines are aligned with one another, so that compressed air is introduced into the reservoir 8 via the piercing mandrel 17. There, the compressed air supports the transfer of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber. At the same time, the conditioned liquid is introduced into the mixing chamber.

[0041] In Figure 3A perspective view of a cartridge holder 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The embodiment shown here essentially corresponds to the previously explained embodiments, so reference is made to the preceding explanations. The cartridge holder 3 is shown here obliquely from below. Clearly visible here is the operating element 6, which is in the unlocked position or in an intermediate position.

[0042] It is conceivable for the cartridge holder to be vertically adjustable along a guide. Particularly preferred is the cartridge holder that can be locked into place at different heights. This allows drinking vessels of different heights to be used.

[0043] Furthermore, the liquid reservoir optionally includes a filter medium for treating the liquid, in particular for descaling the water.

[0044] In Figure 4 A perspective sectional view of a cartridge holder 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The embodiment shown here essentially corresponds to the previously explained embodiments, in particular the one in connection with Figure 2explained embodiment, so that reference is made to the previous explanations. The actuator element 14 designed as a rocker arm can be clearly seen here. The piercing mandrel 17 is shown here in the extended position in which the sealing film 10 has been pierced. The rocker arm is located partly below the cartridge holder and extends partly into the housing of the main unit. Here, the tilt axis A is realized in that the actuator element 14 has pin-like extensions that are rotatably mounted in corresponding bearings of the beverage preparation machine 1, in particular the cartridge holder 3. Alternatively, however, the opposite case is also conceivable, ieAt least one axis penetrates the actuator element 14 at least partially (for example, two axes can also be provided, which engage in the actuator element on both sides), and the actuator element 14 can optionally be pivoted about the tilting axis A, wherein the axis is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner, or the axis formed separately from the actuator element 14 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the actuator element 14 and rotates relative to the main unit 2.

[0045] In the Figures 5 to 7A method for preparing beverages according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in various steps. The embodiment of the beverage preparation machine 1, the cartridge holder 3, and the cartridge system illustrated here essentially corresponds to the previously explained embodiments, so reference is made to the preceding explanations. The differences between the various steps are explained below.

[0046] In Figure 5 The situation is shown in which a user has inserted a cartridge system into the cartridge holder 3, but the locking means 13 has not yet been moved into the locked position. The illustration is very similar to that in Figure 2chosen, so that reference is made to the relevant explanations, particularly with regard to the other components. As can be seen from the drawing, the recess in the cartridge holder 3 is designed to taper downwards. In this way, the cartridge system can only be inserted into the cartridge holder 3 from above and is held in the cartridge holder 3 in a form-fitting manner, i.e., in particular, it cannot fall downwards out of the cartridge holder 3. Preferably, the inner contours of the recess in the cartridge holder 3 and the outer contours of the cartridge receptacle 11 are designed to be complementary, so that a form-fitting connection is facilitated. In addition, the cartridge receptacle 11 and the recess in the cartridge holder 3 deviate from a perfectly circular cross-section, with a flattened area preferably being present, particularly in the area of ​​the fluid supply or the coupling element.In this way, on the one hand, the coupling, in particular fluid-tight, of the coupling element 16 to the cartridge holder is simplified, and on the other hand, it is ensured in a particularly advantageous manner that the cartridge system is correctly inserted into the cartridge holder 3, thereby avoiding incorrect operation.

[0047] The piercing mandrel 17 of the cartridge unloading device is still in the retracted position, the sealing film 10 is still undamaged.

[0048] In Figure 6The locked position is now shown. For example, the user has turned the operating element 6 and therefore indirectly moved the at least one locking means 13 into the locked position, in which the locking means 13 engages behind the flange 9 of the cartridge 7. The cartridge system can now no longer be removed from the cartridge holder 3; an accidental outflow of liquid from the beverage preparation machine 1 without a cartridge receptacle 11 is thus prevented. Preferably, as soon as the control device has received information that the locking means 13 is in the locked position and / or that the cartridge system is correctly inserted in the cartridge holder 3, it enables the start of beverage preparation via a further operating element 6'. Alternatively, beverage preparation can also start automatically.As previously mentioned, the optional identification detector 18 can, for example, detect the insertion of a suitable cartridge system and / or receive preparation parameters and forward them to the control device.

[0049] Preparation parameters include, for example, a liquid volume, a liquid temperature, a degree of carbonation, a speed of the liquid flow, a compressed air volume and / or a speed of the compressed air flow.

[0050] The coupling element 16 has been brought to the fluid supply of the cartridge receptacle 11 in a manner not explained in detail here, so that a fluid-tight connection of the compressed air line on the cartridge receptacle side with the compressed air line of the coupling element 16 and a fluid-tight connection of the fluid supply on the cartridge receptacle side with the liquid line of the coupling element 16 is established.

[0051] The control device can now determine the optimal time for transferring the beverage substance into the mixing chamber and control the drive, for example, the electric motor, accordingly. This actuates the actuator element 14, which in turn contacts the piercing mandrel 17 and moves it upward along the mandrel guide so that the tip of the piercing mandrel 17 pierces the sealing film 10. The compressed air line integrated into the piercing mandrel is now aligned with the compressed air line of the cartridge holder and / or the compressed air line of the coupling element 16, so that compressed air provided by the compressed air source can reach the reservoir and assists in transferring the beverage substance through the hole in the sealing film 10 into the mixing chamber.After mixing with the liquid introduced into the mixing chamber, the beverage flows through the beverage outlet of the cartridge holder into the provided drinking vessel (or the liquid collection device provided in the storage area).

[0052] In Figure 7 The situation after the beverage preparation is now shown. The piercing pin 17 is in the extended position, and the locking means 13 has been moved into the unlocked position, in particular by the user moving the control element 6 back into the unlocked position.

[0053] In the Figures 8 to 11 Alternative embodiments of the drive 12 and / or the actuator element 14, as well as any deflection mechanisms 15 located between these elements, are shown. The above statements apply to the remaining components of the beverage preparation system.

[0054] In Figure 8A schematic cross-section of a cartridge holder 3 and an actuator element 14 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Furthermore, a cartridge receptacle 11 inserted into the cartridge holder 3 can be seen, although the corresponding cartridge 7 has been omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0055] The actuator element 14 is not designed as an elongated rocker arm, but as an angled rocker arm. It has a tappet at its tip, the rounded surface of which preferably interacts in a form-fitting manner with a correspondingly concave underside of the piercing mandrel 17. The angled shape allows the direction of force to be changed. Now, a thrust directed in the direction of the cartridge holder, i.e. outwards, in particular a substantially horizontal thrust, is required to actuate the actuator element. Accordingly, the drive 12 in the main unit 2 can be positioned and / or designed differently. For example, if a drive 12 as in Figure 2If the actuators are used as shown, a deflection mechanism 15 (not shown here) is required, which redirects the force provided by the drive 12 to the actuator element 14 as the output. In the present case, a linear drive is particularly suitable, which operates on thrust and, in the simplest case, is arranged horizontally in the main unit 2.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will understand that a combination of the design of the actuator element 14 and a suitable deflection mechanism 15 allows for a variety of different drives 12 to be used. In particular, a drive 12 suitable for the particular installation situation can be selected.

[0057] In Figure 91 shows a perspective view of an actuator element 14 and a drive 12 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment shown here, the drive is a rotary drive, for example again an electric motor, which drives the actuator element 14 via a deflection mechanism 15, here for example a transmission gear. This requires only a small amount of installation space, so that the drive 12, deflection mechanism 15, and actuator element 14 can be arranged together, at least partially, on the underside of the cartridge holder 3. Alternatively, the drive can also be arranged directly in the transition area between the cartridge holder 3 and the main unit 2. For the sake of clarity, only the piercing mandrel 17 of the cartridge system is shown.

[0058] In Figure 10is a perspective view of an actuator element 14 and a drive 12 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Again, the drive 12 can be designed as a rotary drive and in particular as an electric motor. The drive 12 is arranged here in the main unit 2, which is only indicated in the drawing. The drive 12 is connected via a shaft to a deflection mechanism 15, which is designed here as a worm gear. This deflection mechanism 15 is in turn connected to the actuator element 14. In the present case, the drive 12 is arranged in the main unit 2, where there is generally more installation space available than in the cartridge holder 3, however, due to the embodiment shown, the drive 12 requires little installation space in the main unit.The combination of shafts and the worm gear eliminates translation, eliminating the need to provide any free space into which elements can move. Furthermore, the illustrated arrangement is possible even though the drive 12 and the actuator element 14 are located on different horizontal planes. A rotation on one plane about a horizontally and longitudinally arranged rotation axis is thus redirected into a rotation about the tilting axis, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis and also horizontally oriented, in a lower horizontal plane.

[0059] In the Figures 11a and 11b Perspective views of an actuator element 14 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown. For the sake of clarity, only the cartridge holder 3 is shown. The drive 12 can, for example, be identical to the one used in connection with Figure 2explained drive 12, i.e. an electric motor arranged vertically in the main unit 2, which is designed as a linear drive. The deflection mechanism 15 in this case comprises a lever which can be pivoted about a tilting axis A, wherein the drive 12 acts on the machine-side end of the lever and the other end is mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable in a slotted guide of a vertically movable plate-shaped element 19 of the cartridge holder 3. If the drive 12 is activated, a lower, movable, plate-shaped element 19 of the cartridge holder 3 is moved upwards along the direction of movement 100 via the lever of the deflection mechanism 15. The actuator element 14 in this case is firmly attached to this plate-shaped element 19 and is therefore also moved upwards, thus activating the piercing mandrel 17 and moving it from the retracted to the extended position.

[0060] In other words, in this case, a movable element 19 on the underside of the cartridge holder 3 is firmly connected to the actuator element 14 and, in contrast to the previously discussed variants, the triggering movement here is a purely vertical translation 100. This is advantageous compared to a pivoting of the actuator element 14, since in this case the relative orientation of the actuator element 14 and the piercing mandrel 17 to one another remains unchanged.

[0061] The person skilled in the art understands that in particular the Figures 2 and 8 to 11 discussed drives 12 and deflection mechanisms 15 can also be combined with each other, so that the specialist can select the combination of deflection mechanism 15 and drive 12 suitable for the respective installation situation. List of reference symbols

[0062] 1 Beverage preparation machine 2 Main unit 3 Cartridge holder 4 Liquid reservoir 5 Storage area 6, 6' Operating elements 7 Cartridge 8 Reservoir 9 Flange 10 Sealing film 11 Cartridge holder 12 Drive 13 Locking means 14 Actuator element 15 Deflection mechanism 16 Coupling element 17 Piercing spike 18 Identification detector 19 Plate-shaped element 100Direction of movement AKilting axis

Claims

1. Beverage-preparation machine (1), in particular a dispenser, for preparing a beverage by means of a cartridge system, said cartridge system consisting of a cartridge (7), which has a beverage substance in a reservoir (8), and of a cartridge receptacle (11), which is connected to the cartridge (7) and has a mixing chamber, has at least one fluid supply and has a beverage outlet, wherein the beverage-preparation machine (1) comprises a main unit (2) and an in particular balcony-like cartridge holder (3) which protrudes from the main unit (2), wherein the cartridge holder (3) is designed in such a way that the cartridge system is insertable into it, wherein the cartridge holder (3) comprises an actuator element (14) for actuating a cartridge-emptying device of the cartridge system, wherein the main unit (2) comprises a liquid reservoir (4), a liquid-conditioning system for conditioning a liquid from the liquid reservoir (4), in particular for controlling the temperature of and / or carbonating the liquid, a fluid-supply system for introducing the conditioned liquid and / or compressed air into the cartridge system, and a control device for controlling the liquid-conditioning system and / or the fluid-supply system, characterized in that the main unit (2) or the main unit and the cartridge holder (3) comprises / comprise a drive (12) for the actuator element (14).

2. Beverage-preparation machine (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the drive (12) is a manual drive and / or a motor, wherein the drive (12) is in particular a linear drive, a rotary drive and / or an oscillation drive.

3. Beverage-preparation machine (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the motor is an electric motor, a hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor.

4. Beverage-preparation machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beverage-preparation machine (1), in particular the cartridge holder (3) and / or the main unit (2), has / have at least one operator-control element (6, 6') which is able to be actuated by a user and which is coupled, in particular via the control device, to the drive (12).

5. Beverage-preparation machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge holder (3) has at least one locking means (13) which is provided for reversibly locking the cartridge system in the cartridge holder (3), wherein the locking means (13) is transferable from an unlocked position into a locked position and vice versa.

6. Beverage-preparation machine (1) at least according to Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the locking means (13) is transferable from the unlocked position into the locked position by way of the operator-control element (6, 6').

7. Beverage-preparation machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive (12) is connected to the actuator element (14) via a deflection mechanism (15), wherein the deflection mechanism (15) preferably comprises a transmission gear mechanism and / or a transmission lever.

8. Beverage-preparation machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator element (14) is provided so as to be pivotable about at least one, in particular horizontally arranged, axis (A).

9. Beverage-preparation machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beverage-preparation machine (1) comprises a compressed-air source, wherein the compressed-air source is provided for introducing compressed air into the cartridge system in a manner interacting with the fluid-supply system.

10. Beverage-preparation machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beverage-preparation machine (1), in particular the main unit (2), has an identifier detector (18) for identifying an identifier of the cartridge system.

11. Beverage-preparation system having a beverage-preparation machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims and having a cartridge system, wherein the cartridge system is insertable into the cartridge holder (3) of the beverage-preparation machine (1) for beverage-preparation purposes, wherein the cartridge system comprises a cartridge (7), comprising a reservoir (8) filled with a beverage substance, and a cartridge receptacle (11), connectable to the cartridge (7) in a connecting region, wherein the cartridge (7) has a cartridge opening, wherein the cartridge opening is closed off by a sealing element, in particular by a sealing film (10), wherein the sealing element terminates the reservoir (8) in a fluid-tight manner in relation to the cartridge receptacle (11), wherein the cartridge receptacle (11) has a mixing chamber, able to be brought into fluid connection with the reservoir (8), and a fluid supply, opening out into the mixing chamber and serving for coupling to the fluid-supply system of the beverage-preparation machine (1), so that a conditioned liquid is introducible into the mixing chamber, wherein the cartridge receptacle (11) has a cartridge-emptying device for transferring the beverage substance from the reservoir (8) into the mixing chamber, wherein the cartridge receptacle (11) has a beverage outlet for discharging from the mixing chamber a beverage formed by mixing the liquid with the beverage substance.

12. Beverage-preparation system according to Claim 11, characterized in that the cartridge-emptying device comprises a spike guide and a piercing spike (17) which is mounted within the spike guide so as to be displaceable, in particular in one direction, wherein the piercing spike (17) is displaceable by way of the actuator element (14) of the beverage-preparation machine between a retracted position, in which the piercing spike (17) is spaced apart from the sealing element, and an extended position, in which the piercing spike pierces the sealing element and projects into the reservoir (8).

13. Beverage-preparation system according to either of Claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the cartridge-emptying device comprises a compressed-air connection and a compressed-air line which extends from the compressed-air connection to a compressed-air outlet, wherein the compressed-air outlet protrudes in particular in the direction of the reservoir (8) of the cartridge (7), wherein the compressed-air connection is configured to introduce compressed air into the compressed-air line, wherein the compressed-air line is integrated into the piercing spike (17), wherein the cartridge-emptying device is configured in such a way that, in the extended position of the piercing spike (17), the beverage substance is transferable from the reservoir (8) into the mixing chamber by way of the compressed air.

14. Method for preparing a beverage using a beverage-preparation system according to one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized by the following steps: - inserting a cartridge system, consisting of a cartridge (7) and a cartridge receptacle (11), into the cartridge holder (3), - establishing a fluid connection between the fluid-supply system and the cartridge receptacle (11), - activating the actuator element (14) for actuating the cartridge-emptying device, in particular by transferring the piercing spike (17) from the retracted position into the extended position, whereby the sealing element is perforated, - transferring the beverage substance from the reservoir (8) of the cartridge (7) into the mixing chamber of the cartridge receptacle (11), in particular by feeding compressed air into the reservoir (8), - introducing a conditioned liquid into the mixing chamber of the cartridge receptacle (11) by way of the fluid-supply system, and - discharging the beverage produced in the mixing chamber by mixing the beverage substance with the conditioned liquid through the beverage outlet.

15. Method according to Claim 14, wherein activating the actuator element (14) comprises generating a relative movement between the cartridge receptacle (11) and the actuator element (14), which is in particular in contact with the piercing spike (17).