CARTRIDGE RECEIPT, CARTRIDGE SYSTEM, BEVERAGE PREPARATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A BEVERAGE

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a cartridge holder, a cartridge system, a beverage preparation system and a method for preparing a beverage.

[0002] Such systems are known from the prior art, for example from publications EP 2 017 221 A1, WO 2015 / 139 062 A1, WO 2017 / 121 802 A1, WO 2017 / 121 801 A1, WO 2017 / 121 801 A1, WO 2017 / 121 799 A1, WO 2017 / 121 798 A1, WO 2017 / 121 797 A1, WO 2017 / 121 796 A1 and WO 2019 / 002 293 A1, and are used for the production of beverages from pre-portioned cartridges. Preparing beverages with such systems is extremely convenient for the user, as they simply need to insert a cartridge into the beverage preparation machine and initiate a start procedure. The beverage preparation machine, also known as a dispenser, then fully automates the preparation of the beverage, specifically mixing the food or beverage base with a predetermined amount of liquid, particularly cold and carbonated water, and dispensing it into a drinking vessel.This makes it significantly easier, faster, and less time-consuming for the user to prepare mixed drinks. The user can choose from a wide variety of cartridges, allowing them to create different drinks according to their preferences.

[0003] The cartridge is connected to a cartridge holder in a connection area for insertion into the beverage preparation machine. This holder provides an interface for coupling with the machine. Especially when using carbonated water, depending on the flow rate and temperature, carbon dioxide, particularly in the form of carbon dioxide, can dissolve from the water in the mixing chamber. The released gas, along with the mixed liquid, will exit the cartridge holder through the beverage outlet, disrupting the liquid flow. The liquid stream may break up, contain bubbles, flow irregularly, and splash. This can lead to contamination in the immediate vicinity of the beverage preparation machine. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] It was therefore the object of the present invention to provide a cartridge holder and a cartridge system that do not exhibit the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the emergence of a homogeneous jet from the cartridge holder should be ensured.

[0005] The problem is solved with a cartridge holder according to claim 1, with a cartridge system according to claim 11, a beverage preparation system according to claim 13 and a method according to claim 15.

[0006] The descriptions relating to this subject matter of the present invention also apply equally to the other subject matter of the present invention and vice versa. The present invention relates to a cartridge holder for producing a beverage by means of a cartridge comprising a reservoir filled with a beverage substance and sealed by a sealing element, in particular a sealing film. The cartridge has a cavity, the reservoir, in which a beverage substance is located. This beverage substance is preferably liquid and in particular a concentrate and is intended to be mixed with a liquid, in particular water, to produce the beverage and then collected in a container, in particular a glass, beaker, or cup, which preferably stands on a support of a beverage preparation machine arranged below the cartridge holder.The beverage substance 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.

[0007] The cartridge holder has a connection area for attaching to the cartridge, allowing the cartridge holder and cartridge to be inserted into a beverage preparation machine. The cartridge holder is preferably cap-shaped and has a large, open opening on the side facing the cartridge. Preferably, the cartridge holder is connected to the cartridge before use by a form-fit, force-fit, and / or material-fit connection, particularly to a cartridge neck. This connection is particularly preferably reversible or irreversible, for example, via a snap-on and / or screw closure. The sealing element, in particular the sealing film, preferably closes the cartridge at an open end and is particularly preferably material-fitted to a free edge of the cartridge, for example, sealed to the edge.The sealing element preferably seals the cartridge airtight and is designed to keep the beverage substance in the reservoir.

[0008] The cartridge receptacle has a mixing chamber that can be connected to the reservoir via a fluid and a fluid inlet opening into the mixing chamber for introducing liquid into the mixing chamber. This mixing chamber is preferably a free volume within the cartridge receptacle and is particularly preferably seamlessly adjacent to the connection area, and is therefore accessible, in particular, via the free opening of the cartridge receptacle. The fluid inlet is preferably a fluid inlet opening, especially in a lateral wall of the cartridge receptacle, so that the liquid is particularly preferably introduced into the mixing chamber at a substantially right angle to a longitudinal axis defined by the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle.

[0009] The cartridge holder has a cartridge unloading device for at least partially transferring the beverage substance from the reservoir into the mixing chamber. Furthermore, the cartridge holder has a beverage outlet for dispensing a beverage from the mixing chamber, particularly directly into a beverage container. The cartridge unloading device is preferably selectively activatable, so that no accidental transfer of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber occurs. Particularly preferably, the cartridge holder is designed such that it can be mounted on the cartridge and then positioned in the beverage preparation machine with the cartridge holder facing downwards, such that the mixed beverage is transferred from the cartridge holder into the beverage container, particularly by gravity.

[0010] According to the invention, the cartridge holder further comprises a gas outlet for venting gas, particularly carbon dioxide, released in the mixing chamber. The gas outlet is thus separate from the beverage outlet and preferably configured such that only gas released during the mixing process, and in particular neither liquid nor the mixed beverage, is vented into the vicinity of the cartridge holder. This makes it particularly advantageous that the released gas, which is no longer dissolved in the liquid and / or beverage, does not negatively affect the stream of the dispensed beverage and can nevertheless escape from the cartridge holder. At the same time, it is ensured that no liquid and / or beverage escapes from the gas outlet.Preferably the liquid is carbonated water; in this case, the gas is in particular undissolved carbonic acid, i.e., carbon dioxide.

[0011] Preferably, the cartridge holder is made entirely or partially of a plastic material, in particular by injection molding and / or blow molding. According to a preferred embodiment, the gas outlet and / or the beverage outlet is essentially channel-shaped, particularly longitudinally extended, and / or the fluid supply is a fluid supply opening designed to establish a fluid connection with a fluid line of the beverage preparation machine. Particularly preferably, the gas outlet and / or the beverage outlet extends substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge when the cartridge holder and cartridge are connected. Most preferably, the length of the beverage outlet is shorter than the length of the gas outlet.Since, particularly on the outlet side, the gas outlet and the beverage outlet are arranged essentially in the same plane, this means, in particular, that the opening of the gas outlet in the mixing chamber is, according to the usual arrangement, higher than the opening of the beverage outlet during beverage preparation. This advantageously ensures that only gas and no liquid exits the gas outlet.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas outlet is arranged essentially parallel to the beverage outlet. Particularly preferably, the gas outlet and the beverage outlet extend essentially along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge when the cartridge holder and cartridge are connected. This parallel arrangement makes the cartridge holder particularly easy to manufacture.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas outlet is arranged essentially centrally in the cartridge holder. This advantageously allows gas to flow out of all areas of the mixing chamber equally easily through the gas outlet.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage outlet opening is larger than the gas outlet opening, with the beverage outlet having a larger cross-sectional area, at least in some sections, than the gas outlet. The cartridge holder is preferably designed such that the flow in the mixing chamber is essentially laminar. By largely avoiding turbulent flow, less gas escapes from the liquid, and only a small diameter is required for the gas outlet. The larger diameter of the beverage outlet, relative to the gas outlet, advantageously ensures sufficiently rapid beverage preparation and, at the same time, thorough mixing of the liquid with the beverage substance.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the opening of the gas outlet facing the sealing element is located closer to the sealing element than the opening of the beverage outlet facing the sealing element. This advantageously ensures that the opening of the gas outlet is located above the liquid level in the mixing chamber, thus guaranteeing that only gas can escape from the gas outlet during beverage preparation. It is particularly preferred that the distance between the opening of the gas outlet facing the sealing element and the sealing element is between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm, and especially between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm.It is particularly preferred that the distance between the opening of the gas outlet facing the sealing element and the sealing element is between 5% and 50%, preferably between 10% and 40%, and particularly between 20% and 30%, of the distance between the opening of the beverage outlet facing the sealing element and the sealing element. This refers in particular to the sealing element in a rest position, i.e., without any curvature of the sealing element due to gravity and / or pressure. Those skilled in the art understand that, particularly in the case of a sealing film as the sealing element, a sufficiently large distance must exist between the opening of the gas outlet and the sealing element so that even under pressure there is still a sufficiently large opening for the released gas, and conversely, a small distance ensures that the gas outlet is spaced from the liquid flowing in the mixing chamber in such a way that no liquid / beverage substance or...No beverage escapes from the gas outlet.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge unloading device comprises a compressed air inlet and a compressed air line extending from the compressed air inlet to a compressed air outlet, the compressed air outlet projecting, in particular, towards the cartridge reservoir. The compressed air inlet is configured to introduce compressed air into the reservoir, and the cartridge unloading device is designed such that the beverage substance can be transferred from the reservoir into the mixing chamber by the compressed air. The compressed air inlet is particularly preferably configured as an opening in a wall of the cartridge receptacle. Most preferably, the opening is arranged adjacent to the fluid supply. This advantageously allows the compressed air and the liquid to be supplied to the cartridge receptacle in the same area and preferably by a single element of the beverage preparation machine.The compressed air is preferably supplied essentially simultaneously with the liquid during preparation, so that the liquid and beverage substance enter the mixing chamber at the same time and mix there. Those skilled in the art understand that, depending on the design, a slight time delay may also be necessary to achieve complete mixing in the mixing chamber. The compressed air, particularly in conjunction with gravity, forces the beverage substance out of the reservoir and prevents a vacuum from forming in the reservoir, which could prevent it from emptying completely.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge dispensing device comprises a mandrel guide and a piercing mandrel slidably mounted within the mandrel guide, particularly in one direction. The piercing mandrel is slidable between a retracted position, in which it is spaced apart from the sealing element, and an extended position, in which it pierces the sealing element and projects into the reservoir, particularly by an actuator element of the beverage preparation machine. Preferably, the compressed air line is integrated into the piercing mandrel. This advantageously allows the cartridge to be pierced precisely, thus enabling the beverage preparation to be triggered in a controlled manner, with the piercing mandrel being a single element that pierces the sealing element and simultaneously supplies the compressed air.Preferably, the piercing mandrel has at least one, in particular longitudinally extending, channel on its outer surface. This allows the beverage substance to flow out of the reservoir in a particularly simple and reliable manner. Alternatively or additionally, the piercing mandrel has at least one, preferably several, indentations and / or protrusions on its outer circumference, which serve as outlets for the beverage substance. The number and size of the indentations and / or protrusions preferably depend on the viscosity of the substrate. The outer wall of the piercing device is thus preferably provided with at least one side channel for guiding the beverage substance towards the mixing chamber. In particular, the beverage substance can then flow past the membrane towards the mixing chamber through the side channel formed laterally on the piercing mandrel. Preferably, a plurality of side channels are formed on the piercing mandrel.The side channels are each designed in the form of a groove open on one side. It is conceivable that the cross-section and / or number of side channels are adapted to the viscosity of the substrate, so that the side channels control or limit the flow of the substrate towards the mixing chamber. At high viscosity, several side channels or side channels with a larger cross-section are used, while at lower viscosity, fewer side channels or side channels with a smaller cross-section are provided. Those skilled in the art understand that this means, in particular, that a suitable cartridge holder is provided for each beverage substance and thus for different types of cartridges. These embodiments are particularly advantageous because the piercing mandrel is the only moving element of the cartridge holder, and the cartridge holder is therefore simple in design and easy to manufacture.Preferably, a fluid connection between the compressed air inlet and the compressed air outlet exists only in the extended position. In particular, no compressed air can escape from the compressed air outlet in the retracted position. This advantageously ensures that compressed air escapes from the compressed air outlet only in the extended position, i.e., when the sealing element is pierced.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas outlet, the beverage outlet, and / or the mandrel guide have a substantially circular cross-section. Alternatively, the gas outlet, the beverage outlet, and / or the mandrel guide have a rectangular cross-section. A circular cross-section is particularly easy to manufacture and is especially advantageous for laminar flow. It is particularly preferred that the cross-section is constant over the entire length of the gas outlet, the beverage outlet, and / or the mandrel guide. Alternatively, the cross-section varies over the length, for example, increasing in the direction of flow.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas outlet is arranged between the mandrel guide and / or the fluid supply and the beverage outlet. To ensure complete mixing of the liquid with the beverage substance, the liquid must preferably travel a sufficiently long distance between the fluid supply and the beverage outlet. Therefore, the area between the fluid supply and the beverage outlet is preferably designed such that no liquid flow occurs there. Therefore, the arrangement of the gas outlet in this area is particularly advantageous.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the distance between the opening of the gas outlet facing the sealing element and the sealing element is between 10% and 80%, preferably between 30% and 60%, and in particular substantially 50%, of the distance between the opening of the mandrel guide facing the sealing element and the sealing element. The piercing mandrel preferably protrudes beyond the opening of the mandrel guide, at least in the extended position.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge holder, and in particular the beverage outlet, includes a residual outlet, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the residual outlet is preferably 2% to 30%, more preferably 5% to 20%, and more preferably 10%, of the cross-sectional area of ​​the beverage outlet. The residual outlet is particularly preferably located at the lowest point of the cartridge holder, especially in the orientation during beverage preparation. This advantageously ensures that even the last traces of liquid or beverage are removed from the cartridge holder, so that no dead volume remains and the cartridge holder and the cartridge can be removed from the beverage preparation machine after preparation without any liquid remaining in the cartridge holder escaping, in particular dripping. This enables hygienic and clean beverage preparation.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage outlet comprises a jet-shaping element, which is preferably cross-shaped. Those skilled in the art understand that the jet-shaping element can also have a different shape and is preferably arranged in the flow direction in the lower region of the beverage outlet. The jet-shaping element is particularly preferably configured such that the beverage exits the beverage outlet in a homogeneous jet, especially with a laminar flow.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas outlet has at least one spacer to maintain a minimum distance from the sealing element, the spacer preferably being arc-shaped. The spacer advantageously ensures that even under high pressure and the resulting curvature of the sealing element, the gas outlet opening remains sufficiently large.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge holder has a flow-shaping element in a region facing the fluid supply to ensure laminar flow of the liquid fed into the mixing chamber. The flow-shaping element is particularly bow-shaped. It advantageously ensures that the liquid flowing into the mixing chamber divides, especially without transitioning into turbulent flow.

[0025] A further object of the present invention is a cartridge system for producing a beverage, wherein the cartridge system can be inserted into a beverage preparation machine, comprising a cartridge that includes a reservoir filled with a beverage substance, and a cartridge receptacle according to the invention connected to the cartridge, wherein the cartridge receptacle and the cartridge are connected to each other in a connection area, wherein the cartridge has a cartridge opening, wherein the cartridge opening has a sealing element, in particular a sealing film, in a peripheral region, wherein the sealing element seals the reservoir fluid-tight against the cartridge receptacle. The cartridge system is preferably user-installable. Alternatively, the cartridge system is pre-assembled at the factory. The connection between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle is most preferably reversible.Alternatively, the connection is irreversible or at least not reversible without destruction.

[0026] The statements relating to this subject matter of the present invention also apply equally to the other subject matters of the present invention and vice versa.

[0027] The cartridge is preferably made entirely or partially of a plastic material, in particular by injection molding and / or blow molding. The cartridge has a side wall, which, for example, has a round, rectangular, square, conical, or oval cross-section. A base is generally provided at one end of the side wall, which is preferably formed integrally with the side wall. The side wall and, optionally, the base define a cavity that forms the reservoir in which the beverage substance, particularly in liquid form, is contained. At the other end of the side wall, the cartridge has an opening that is bounded by a connection area through which the cartridge is connected to the cartridge holder. Preferably, the connection area comprises at least one flange.The flange projects from the connection area and preferably extends at an angle, particularly a right angle, from a wall region of the connection area. Preferably, the flange is made of solid material, i.e., it is not hollow. In particular, the flange and / or the connection area is formed integrally with the side wall. The flange most preferably includes a positioning element. The positioning element ensures that the cartridge can only be connected to the cartridge holder in a specific position, particularly at a specific angle of rotation, especially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. Most preferably, the positioning element is a protrusion and / or bulge that projects from the flange, particularly its circumference. Preferably, the positioning element is formed integrally with the flange.For example, the positioning element is designed as a projection that is integrally formed at one point on the circumference of the flange. The thickness of the positioning element preferably corresponds at least substantially to the thickness of the flange.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, a cartridge neck is provided between the wall region and the connection region. This cartridge neck preferably has a round cross-section, but more importantly, the same cross-section as the side wall of the cartridge. The cartridge neck forms the wall region of the connection area. The flange preferably adjoins the neck at a right angle.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing element, in particular the sealing film, which seals the cartridge before use, especially hermetically, is attached to the flange, especially its end face, and in particular sealed. For this purpose, the flange, especially its end face, can have a bead, in particular an annular bead, which interacts with the sealing tool during sealing. Preferably, the outer diameter of the membrane is smaller than the diameter of the flange. Preferably, a fastening means is provided in the wall area of ​​the connection area and / or in the area of ​​the cartridge neck. Particularly preferably, the cartridge can be connected to the cartridge holder via this fastening means. The fastening means is, in particular, a groove into which a locking element of the cartridge holder engages.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection area of ​​the cartridge, in particular in a sealing manner, interacts with the connection area of ​​the cartridge receptacle. It is especially preferred that the circumference of the cartridge flange engages in a groove in the cartridge receptacle. This flange-groove connection is particularly form-fit and / or force-fit, such that no relative movement occurs between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle during beverage preparation. This advantageously prevents leaks in the connection between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge and the cartridge holder are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the cartridge has an identifier by which it can be identified. Once the cartridge is recognized, information about the beverage substance and / or the recommended preparation is preferably available. The same applies to the container in which the beverage or food is collected. This container can also have information and / or an identifier. Particularly preferably, the cartridge and / or the cartridge holder has a product identification identifier. Preferably, the product identification identifier is embedded in a barcode, an RFID code, a QR code, a data matrix code, a color code, a hologram code, or the like. This advantageously enables automatic reading of the product identification identifier. Alternatively, it would be conceivable to embed the product identification identifier in other automatically readable computer chips.For the purposes of this invention, the term QR code encompasses, in particular, any data matrix code. Therefore, the terms QR code and data matrix code are used synonymously. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable for the product identification identifier to comprise a barcode, a dot code, a binary code, Morse code, Braille code (blind writing), or the like. The code can also be embedded in a three-dimensional structure, such as a relief. The product identification identifier includes, in particular, the so-called product identification number, specifically a Universal Product Code (UPC), a European Article Number (EAN), a GS1 code, a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), or the like. In this way, no new coding system needs to be introduced. In particular, the product identification identifier operates under the GS1 standard.The product identification mark is preferably printed, affixed, and / or embedded directly onto the cartridge surface, for example, by (laser) engraving, stamping, or during the cartridge manufacturing process. Alternatively, the cartridge could be at least partially encased in a covering, such as a sleeve, on which the product identification mark is displayed. The covering can also be bonded or welded to the cartridge. The covering or sleeve could be made of a plastic film, a textile, or paper.

[0033] A further object of the present invention is a beverage preparation system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a cartridge system according to the invention, wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises a cartridge holder, in particular a balcony-like design, into which the cartridge system can be inserted, wherein the beverage preparation machine further comprises a liquid reservoir, a liquid conditioning system for conditioning a liquid from the liquid reservoir, in particular for heating, cooling and / or carbonating the liquid, an actuator element for actuating the cartridge unloading device, in particular the piercing mandrel, a fluid supply system which can be coupled to the cartridge system and is provided for introducing the conditioned liquid into the mixing chamber through the fluid supply and preferably introducing compressed air into the compressed air line at the compressed air connection.and comprises a control device for controlling the liquid conditioning system, the fluid supply system, and / or the actuator element. The beverage preparation system according to the invention is particularly advantageous because a large number of different beverages can be prepared quickly in a simple and hygienic manner. The cartridge holder is preferably designed in a balcony-like manner. This means, in particular, that it projects from the housing of the beverage preparation machine, especially horizontally. The cartridge system is preferably inserted into the cartridge holder from above, and the beverage preferably falls directly from the cartridge holder, i.e., in particular without touching any element of the beverage preparation machine, into the beverage container. In particular, the cartridge holder is essentially disc-shaped. This not only ensures particularly hygienic beverage preparation,but also allows for a very high degree of variability in the cartridges. The interface between the cartridge holder and the cartridge system is provided in the form of the cartridge receptacle. Since the cartridge is positioned above the cartridge holder, it can have almost any shape. Preferably, the cartridge holder has a liquid connection, which is particularly movable. This liquid connection supplies the liquid for preparing the beverage. The liquid connection of the holder is preferably connected to the fluid supply in the cartridge receptacle, in particular in a liquid-tight manner.

[0034] The statements relating to this subject matter of the present invention also apply equally to the other subject matters of the present invention and vice versa.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid reservoir is detachably inserted into the beverage preparation machine. This allows the liquid reservoir to be removed from the beverage preparation machine, for example, for filling. Water is particularly preferred as the liquid. Alternatively or additionally, the beverage preparation machine can be connected to an external liquid supply, in particular a water supply. For example, the liquid reservoir can be filled, particularly automatically, via the external water supply and / or the required liquid can be drawn directly from the external water supply. This advantageously increases the ease of use of the beverage preparation machine. Preferably, the beverage preparation machine has at least one pump, in particular a diaphragm pump, for pumping the liquid.The beverage preparation machine particularly preferably also includes at least one flow measuring device for detecting and controlling the liquid volume flow, in particular a flow sensor, for example an ultrasonic flow sensor or a magnetic-inductive flow sensor.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid conditioning system comprises at least one temperature control device for tempering the liquid. A cooling unit for chilling the liquid is particularly preferred. Alternatively, the beverage preparation machine can be coupled to an external temperature control device. This advantageously allows the production of cold beverages even if the cartridge itself is not chilled and is, for example, at room temperature. The cooling unit preferably comprises a compressor cooling unit, an absorption cooling unit, or a thermoelectric cooler. According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid conditioning system comprises at least one carbonator for adding carbon dioxide to the liquid.It is particularly preferred that the beverage preparation machine includes the carbonator and also has a receptacle for at least one carbon dioxide reservoir, in particular a carbon dioxide cartridge. Advantageously, the system can thus also be used to produce carbonated (soft) beverages. Alternatively, the beverage preparation machine can be connected to an external carbon dioxide source.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator element has at least one projection that engages positively and / or frictionally with a lower end of the piercing mandrel and, upon activation, displaces the mandrel within the mandrel guide in the direction of the cartridge such that the piercing mandrel pierces the sealing element. The beverage preparation machine particularly preferably includes a drive for the actuator element. Most preferably, the drive is located within a housing of the beverage preparation machine and thus, in particular, not in the cartridge holder, and is connected to the actuator element in the cartridge holder by a suitable mechanism.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid supply system comprises a pump, in particular a diaphragm pump, for conveying the liquid. Particularly preferably, the fluid supply system further comprises at least one flow measuring device for detecting and controlling the liquid flow rate, in particular a flow sensor, for example an ultrasonic flow sensor or a magnetic-inductive flow sensor. Most preferably, the fluid supply system comprises a movable coupling element, which in particular has an integrated compressed air line and / or an integrated liquid line and is movably designed such that a fluid-tight coupling with the fluid supply and / or the compressed air connection of the cartridge holder is achieved when the cartridge system is inserted in the cartridge holder.Alternatively, the coupling element is designed to be immovable and configured in such a way that a fluid-tight coupling with the fluid supply and / or the compressed air connection of the cartridge holder is achieved when the cartridge system is inserted in the cartridge holder.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage preparation machine and / or the fluid supply system is provided with a compressed air source. Alternatively, the beverage preparation machine and / or the fluid supply system can be connected to an external compressed air source. In particular, the beverage preparation machine is designed such that the compressed air connection of the cartridge holder is supplied with compressed air as soon as the coupling element is connected to the compressed air connection or as soon as the actuator element activates the piercing device. This advantageously ensures that the beverage substance is transferred into the mixing chamber without delay upon piercing the sealing element and, in particular, prevents any beverage substance from entering the compressed air line and thus contaminating the beverage preparation machine with the beverage substance.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage preparation machine further comprises an identification detector for recognizing an identifier of the cartridge and / or the cartridge holder. The identification detector is particularly preferably arranged above and / or behind the cartridge holder, especially within a housing of the beverage preparation machine above the cartridge holder. The identification detector comprises, in particular, an optical sensor, such as a CCD camera, which automatically reads the identifier, especially the product identification identifier, when the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine. Alternatively, the identification detector comprises a transmitting and receiving antenna for automatically reading, for example, an RFID code.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage preparation machine has a locking mechanism for reversibly locking the cartridge system in the cartridge holder, and this locking mechanism can be actuated by a user. Particularly preferably, the locking mechanism is connected to the control unit in such a way that a beverage preparation process is only possible after the cartridge system has been successfully locked in the cartridge holder. This prevents potential malfunctions and damage to the cartridge system and / or the beverage preparation machine, and avoids contamination by escaping liquid and / or beverage substance. Most preferably, the locking mechanism includes a mounting flange that positively engages and / or frictionally engages the cartridge receptacle during or after insertion into the holder.The mounting flange preferably further comprises a release mechanism configured such that actuation of the release mechanism causes the mounting flange to engage the cartridge receptacle and / or to displace the mounting flange in such a way that a relative movement is generated between the cartridge receptacle and the actuator element in contact with the piercing device, thereby moving the piercing device from the retracted position to the extended position. The release mechanism includes, for example, a hand lever for manual actuation, the hand lever preferably being rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. Furthermore, the release mechanism preferably comprises a transmission mechanism that translates a rotary movement of the hand lever about the axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis into a translational movement substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.After the cartridge system is inserted into the holder, the user operates the hand lever, which firmly grips the cartridge system and moves it linearly against the release element. The anti-rotation mechanism and the conversion of the rotary motion into a linear translational movement ensure that the cartridge's orientation relative to the cartridge holder remains constant. This advantageously simplifies any potential detection of a (product identification) identifier.

[0042] Another object of the present invention is a method for preparing a beverage using a beverage preparation system according to the invention, characterized by the following steps: Inserting a cartridge system, composed of a cartridge and a cartridge holder, into the cartridge holder; establishing a fluid connection between the fluid supply system and the cartridge holder; activating the actuator element to operate the cartridge ejection device, in particular by moving the piercing pin from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby perforating the sealant; transferring the beverage substance from the reservoir of the cartridge into the mixing chamber of the cartridge holder, in particular by supplying compressed air into the cartridge through the compressed air connection; introducing a liquid into the mixing chamber of the cartridge holder through the fluid supply and discharging the beverage produced in the mixing chamber by mixing the beverage substance with the liquid through the beverage outlet; discharging any gas released during mixing, in particular carbon dioxide.through the gas outlet.

[0043] The statements relating to this subject matter of the present invention also apply equally to the other subject matters of the present invention and vice versa.

[0044] The inventive method advantageously enables hygienic and rapid beverage preparation or production, which is highly flexible, since the only requirement is that the beverage substance and the liquid are miscible. The gas outlet, particularly a separate one, ensures that released gas does not disrupt the outgoing beverage flow, thus preventing undesirable effects such as a partially interrupted stream, splashes, bubbles, and the like. Those skilled in the art understand that the amount of gas released depends on a multitude of parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, viscosity of the beverage substance and / or liquid, and degree of carbonation. However, the gas outlet is preferably designed such that any reasonably foreseeable amount of gas can be safely discharged.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the transfer of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber and the introduction of the liquid into the mixing chamber occur essentially simultaneously. This ensures that a homogeneous beverage is produced and transferred into the beverage container. In particular, it is generally undesirable for the liquid and beverage substance to flow out of the cartridge receptacle at least partially separately.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid is tempered, in particular cooled, and carbonated before being introduced into the mixing chamber of the beverage preparation machine. This advantageously enables the preparation of a carbonated, chilled soft drink.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, activating the actuator element includes moving the piercing mandrel along the mandrel guide. Crucially, this involves a relative movement between the actuator element of the cartridge holder and the beverage preparation machine, which may include movement of the cartridge system and / or the actuator element.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, a locking step follows the insertion of the cartridge system into the cartridge holder, in which a locking means is actuated automatically or manually. It is particularly preferred that, during or after the insertion of the cartridge system into the holder, a mounting flange of the cartridge holder is operated by a manually or motor-operated release mechanism such that the cartridge receptacle is positively and / or force-fittedly engaged by the mounting flange and / or that the mounting flange is displaced such that a relative movement is generated between the cartridge receptacle and the actuator element operatively connected to the cartridge dispensing device, thereby moving the piercing element from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, establishing a fluid connection between the fluid supply system and the cartridge holder involves a relative movement between a movable coupling element and the cartridge holder, thus creating a fluid-tight connection. Particularly preferably, a fluid connection is simultaneously established between a machine-side fluid line and the fluid supply of the cartridge holder, and a fluid connection is established between a machine-side compressed air line and the compressed air connection of the cartridge holder.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the transfer of the beverage substance from the cartridge reservoir to the mixing chamber of the cartridge holder is carried out by introducing compressed air into the cartridge reservoir via the cartridge discharge device, causing the beverage substance to flow, particularly around the outside of the piercing pin, through the sealing element and into the mixing chamber. The compressed air can optionally either merely compensate for the outgoing volume of the beverage substance to prevent a vacuum in the cartridge, or the compressed air can actively displace the beverage substance from the reservoir, so that the transfer from the reservoir to the mixing chamber takes place at increased pressure, particularly relative to the pressure in the reservoir used for beverage preparation and / or relative to ambient pressure.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid is introduced into the mixing chamber in such a way that a predominantly, and in particular exclusively, laminar flow is present. Those skilled in the art understand that this depends on various parameters, such as the temperature, the degree of carbonation, the flow rate, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow. Particularly preferably, the control device of the beverage preparation machine adjusts the machine-side parameters, especially through the fluid conditioning and / or supply system, to ensure a laminar flow. This advantageously prevents an increased release of gas.

[0052] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one identifier, in particular a product identification identifier, of the cartridge and / or the cartridge receptacle is read by the identifier detector before, during, or after the insertion of the cartridge system into the cartridge holder and / or the supply of compressed air into the cartridge and / or the supply of liquid into the mixing chamber and / or the actuation of the cartridge discharge device. The read product identification identifier is preferably evaluated by an evaluation unit, wherein the supply of compressed air and / or liquid and / or the actuation of the cartridge discharge device only occurs if the product identification identifier is verified by the evaluation unit.This ensures that the beverage preparation system can only be operated with cartridge systems that are known or certified / approved for the beverage preparation machine, thus preventing damage to the beverage preparation machine or the risk of user injury due to the accidental use of incorrect cartridge systems that, for example, cannot withstand the pressure of the compressed air and / or the liquid. It is also conceivable that the properties of the injected diluent, and in particular the temporal profile of the volume flow, total volume, pressure, pauses in the flow, temperature, and / or carbonation of the injected liquid, are controlled depending on the product identification code.Alternatively or additionally, the properties of the supplied compressed air, and in particular the temporal profile of the volume flow, total volume, delivery pauses, and / or pressure of the supplied compressed air, are also controlled depending on the product identification code. Preferably, the ratio between the volume flow of the liquid and the volume flow of the compressed air is also controlled depending on the product identification code. In particular, all parameters of the beverage substance or the beverage preparation and / or parameter ranges of the beverage production process that can be set by the beverage preparation machine are embedded in the product identification code, so that the beverage preparation machine receives from the cartridge all the information that is necessary or at least helpful for the production of the respective beverage.It is also conceivable that this information is stored in an internal memory of the beverage preparation machine and is retrieved using the product identification code for the respective cartridge system and used to control the beverage production process as soon as the presence of this cartridge system is detected in the cartridge holder. Character description

[0053] The invention will now be described in more detail below. Figures 1 to 6 These explanations are merely exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the invention. The explanations apply equally to the cartridge, the cartridge system, the beverage preparation system, and the method according to the invention. Figures 1 and 2 show schematic cross-sections of a cartridge holder according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3shows a cartridge image. Figure 4 shows a view of a cartridge holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5 and 6 Figure 1 shows schematic cross-sections of a cartridge system, a beverage preparation system and a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] In Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a cartridge holder 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Such a cartridge holder 1 is in particular cap-like in design and is mounted on a cartridge 16 to form a cartridge system.

[0055] The cartridge 16, which is not shown here for clarity, comprises a side wall and a base connected to the side wall, preferably formed integrally with it. At the end opposite the base, the cartridge has an opening, which is preferably surrounded by a cartridge neck, which particularly preferably has a smaller diameter than the side wall. At the open end, the cartridge 16 preferably has at least one flange 18, which is oriented, in particular, at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 16. This flange 18 is designed, firstly, to form a force-fit and / or positive-locking connection with a connection area 2 of the cartridge receptacle 1. Secondly, a sealing element is preferably attached to the flange 18.

[0056] According to the embodiments described here, the sealing element is a sealing film 19, which is, for example, sealed to the flange 18 and thereby closes off the cavity in the cartridge 16, in particular in a fluid-tight manner, i.e., liquid- and airtight. The cavity serves as a reservoir 17 for a beverage substance, preferably liquid. Those skilled in the art understand that instead of a beverage substance, it can also be a food substance, particularly liquid, such as baby food, porridge, soup, or medical products like high-calorie nutrition. The crucial point is that the (beverage) substance is intended to be mixed with a liquid, in particular water.

[0057] The cartridge 16, and in particular its side wall, can have essentially any shape, for example a round or square cross-section, and dimensions, especially length and diameter, within a wide possible range. Only the cartridge neck must be designed such that it can be connected to the connection area 2 of the cartridge holder. A particular advantage of the beverage preparation system according to the invention is that the cartridge holder 24 of the beverage preparation machine is preferably designed in a balcony-like manner. This means, in particular, that the cartridge holder 24 projects from a housing of the beverage preparation machine, especially in a substantially horizontal direction, and is essentially disc-shaped.The cartridge system, consisting of cartridge 16 and cartridge holder 1, is inserted upside down, i.e., with the opening of the cartridge 16 facing downwards and the cartridge holder 1 being the lowest element of the cartridge system, into the cartridge holder and preferably reversibly locked there. This means that the cartridge 16 protrudes freely upwards from the cartridge holder 24 and is therefore free in its shape.

[0058] The cartridge holder 1 has an opening in the connection area 2, which is directly adjacent to the sealing element, here the sealing film 19. According to the invention, the cartridge holder 1 has at least two openings at the opposite end. One opening is a beverage outlet 5, through which the finished, mixed beverage can exit and is preferably transferred directly into a beverage container such as a cup, mug, or glass. The beverage outlet 5 is preferably channel-shaped, i.e., it comprises lateral walls extending longitudinally. The length of the beverage outlet 5 is selected, in particular, such that a directed and homogeneous beverage stream is generated. For this purpose, the beverage outlet preferably also includes a stream-shaping element 15, for example, a cross, which is arranged in the lower region and is designed to shape the stream as desired.

[0059] A fluid supply 4 is provided in a side wall of the cartridge holder 1, which here is designed as a hole, in particular with a conical rim. This fluid supply 4 interacts with a coupling element 20 in the beverage preparation machine, through which a liquid, in particular chilled and / or carbonated water, is introduced into the cartridge holder 1 via the fluid supply 4.

[0060] The free volume in the cartridge receptacle 1 serves as a mixing chamber 3, in which the beverage substance is mixed with the incoming liquid, thus forming the desired beverage before it exits through the beverage outlet 5.

[0061] As can be seen in the illustration, an upper opening of the beverage outlet 5 is located above a lower section of the mixing chamber 3 to ensure sufficient length for jet shaping. To ensure that the beverage produced in the mixing chamber 3 can be completely discharged from the cartridge holder 1, and in particular to prevent dripping when the cartridge system is removed from the beverage preparation machine, as well as any remaining unusable dead volume, the cartridge holder 1 also features a residual outlet 7. This residual outlet 7 is preferably located at the lowest point of the mixing chamber (in the orientation as it is arranged in the beverage preparation machine). Preferably, the residual outlet 7 is located adjacent to the beverage outlet 5 and / or is at least partially part of the beverage outlet 5.For example, the beverage outlet 5 is designed to have a substantially circular cross-section, with a small area of ​​the cross-section around its circumference forming a residual outlet 7. In particular, the upper inlet surface of the residual outlet 7 is positioned lower than the upper inlet surface of the beverage outlet 5. Consequently, the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the residual outlet 7 are significantly smaller than those of the beverage outlet 5, as the residual outlet 7 is intended only to discharge a relatively small residual volume.

[0062] To transfer the beverage substance from the reservoir 17 to the mixing chamber 3, the cartridge holder 1 has a cartridge unloading device. Below the fluid supply 4, the cartridge holder 1 has a compressed air connection 9, which also has a conical rim to interact with a compressed air supply of the beverage preparation machine, allowing compressed air to be introduced into the cartridge holder 1. Preferably, the machine-side coupling element 20 comprises both a compressed air line 21 and a liquid line 22, so that the coupling element 20 can be connected to both openings, the fluid supply 4 and the compressed air connection 9, particularly simultaneously. From the compressed air connection 9, the compressed air is directed towards a mandrel guide 8.This opening is designed to positively engage a piercing mandrel 14 (not shown) such that it is longitudinally displaceable between a retracted and an extended position. The compressed air connection 9, the mandrel guide 8, and the piercing mandrel 14 are part of the cartridge dispensing device.

[0063] The piercing mandrel 14 is designed to interact with an actuator element 23 of the beverage preparation machine, in particular the cartridge holder 24, so that the piercing mandrel 14 can be moved from its retracted position to its extended position. In the extended position, the piercing mandrel 14 perforates the sealing film 19, allowing the beverage substance to flow through the sealing film 19 into the mixing chamber 3, in particular via at least one groove-shaped channel arranged on the outer circumference of the piercing mandrel 14.Since the arrangement of the cartridge system and the design of the cartridge receptacle 1 would otherwise create a negative pressure in the reservoir 17 of the cartridge 16, the piercing mandrel 14 has an internal compressed air line 11 which opens into a compressed air outlet 10 at the tip of the piercing mandrel 14. The piercing mandrel 14, and in particular the compressed air line 11, is designed such that the compressed air line 11 is only in fluid contact with the compressed air connection 9 when extended. This ensures that compressed air is not accidentally introduced into the mixing chamber 3. During preparation, the compressed air is introduced into the reservoir 17 and replaces the volume released by the outflow of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber 3.Preferably, the compressed air supply is controlled by a control device of the beverage preparation machine in such a way that the compressed air additionally supports the transfer of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber, i.e., a, in particular, slight, overpressure is built up in the cartridge 16.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the beverage preparation machine controls the compressed air supply in such a way that towards the end of the beverage preparation a residual volume of the beverage substance, the liquid and / or the beverage is expelled from the cartridge system via the residual outlet 7.

[0065] Furthermore, the cartridge holder 1 also features a flow-shaping element 13 facing the fluid supply, which is preferably bow-shaped. The flow-shaping element 13 is designed to divide the incoming liquid flow and, in particular, to distribute it evenly into the mixing chamber 3. It is especially important to prevent turbulent flow, as this makes homogeneous mixing of the liquids more difficult and, in turbulent flow, especially with carbonated water, leads to increased outgassing of carbonic acid into the environment, particularly as carbon dioxide. Maintaining a largely laminar flow minimizes this gas release. Those skilled in the art understand that this outgassing is dependent, among other things, on temperature, pressure, and flow velocity.

[0066] However, a certain volume of gas, particularly carbon dioxide, is typically released in the mixing chamber. This gas could, for example, escape into the environment through the beverage outlet 5, thereby disrupting the beverage stream. This can lead to an intermittent stream, splashing, or bubbles. This is undesirable. Therefore, according to the invention, the cartridge holder 1 further comprises a gas outlet 6, which is designed separately from the beverage outlet 5. "Separate" in this context means, in particular, that liquid and / or gas cannot flow downstream from the mixing chamber 3 from the beverage outlet 5 into the gas outlet 6 and vice versa; there are no holes or fluid connections between the two preferably channel-shaped outlets.To ensure that no liquid, i.e., neither the introduced liquid, nor the beverage substance or the finished beverage, escapes via the gas outlet 6, but that the beverage is primarily discharged via the beverage outlet 5 and secondarily via the smaller residual outlet 7, an upper inlet surface of the gas outlet 6, as shown here, is positioned higher than the upper inlet surface of the beverage outlet 5.

[0067] The gas outlet 6 is essentially located centrally in the cartridge receptacle 1, but could also be positioned, for example, at the edge. However, the arrangement shown here is advantageous because, for complete mixing, it is desirable that the liquid and the beverage substance travel as long a path as possible between the fluid supply 4 and the beverage outlet 6, thus making the central area between the mandrel guide 8 and the beverage outlet 5 advantageously available.

[0068] However, depending on the conditions and parameters of the beverage preparation, the sealing film 19 may not be perfectly horizontal due to gravity and / or the pressure prevailing in the reservoir, but rather curved towards the mixing chamber. Those skilled in the art understand that, particularly with the central arrangement of the gas outlet 6 proposed here, the upper inlet opening of the gas outlet 6 lies within the area of ​​maximum curvature of the sealing film 19. To ensure that a sufficiently large opening is always available through which released gas can escape, the gas outlet 6 has at least one spacer 12 on its upper circumference, for example, at least one arc-shaped projection, which may contact the curved sealing film 19 and thus guarantee a minimum distance and consequently a minimum free opening cross-section between the inlet opening of the gas outlet 6 and the sealing film 19.According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the distance between the upper end of the gas outlet 6 and an imaginary horizontal sealing foil 19 is at least 0.40 mm, in particular at least 0.45 or 0.50 mm.

[0069] In Figure 2 A further schematic cross-section of a cartridge holder 1 is shown. Here, cartridge holder 1 essentially corresponds to the one associated with Figure 1 The embodiment described above is described in more detail below, so reference is made to the relevant explanations.

[0070] Here, the cartridge holder 1 is shown rotated by 180°, meaning that the fluid supply 4 and the compressed air connection 9 are shown on the left side of the drawing. Furthermore, the piercing mandrel 14 is now also arranged in the mandrel guide 8, with the piercing mandrel 14 shown here in its extended position as an example. As can be seen in the drawing, a fluid connection between the compressed air connection 9 and the compressed air outlet 10 is established via the compressed air line 11. In the position shown, the piercing mandrel 14 would thus pierce the sealing film 19 when the cartridge system is installed, and the beverage substance, assisted by the compressed air introduced into the cartridge 16, would be transferred from the reservoir 17 into the mixing chamber. A channel is also indicated on the piercing mandrel 14 in the upper left area, through which the beverage substance can advantageously flow into the mixing chamber.This channel is preferably open to the outside, i.e., shaped like a groove.

[0071] Furthermore, in Figure 2 The figure shows that the piercing mandrel 14 preferably has a tip and an obliquely arranged surface that facilitates perforation of the sealing film 19. The compressed air outlet 10 is preferably provided in the aforementioned surface and, in particular, centrally located in the piercing mandrel 14.

[0072] At its lower end in the drawing, the piercing mandrel 14 has a recessed area in which an actuator element 23 of the beverage preparation machine engages to move the piercing mandrel 14 from the retracted to the extended position. This area preferably tapers upwards, at least partially, towards the tip of the piercing mandrel 14, in order to facilitate easy centering of the actuator element 23. This prevents the piercing mandrel 14 from tilting in the mandrel guide 8 and thus avoids potential damage to the cartridge system and / or the beverage preparation machine.

[0073] In the present case, the lower end area of ​​the cartridge receptacle 1 is provided at an angle; however, this is primarily an aesthetic decision; for example, an essentially horizontally arranged end area would also be possible, which is aligned in particular parallel to the opening plane defined by the connection area and especially the upper circumferential edge.

[0074] Here, the gas outlet 6 and the beverage outlet 5 essentially have a circular cross-section, with the exception of a small area in the case of the beverage outlet 5, which is occupied by the residual outlet 7. However, those skilled in the art understand that other cross-sections, such as oval or polygonal cross-sections, are also possible in principle.

[0075] In Figure 3 A perspective view of a cartridge image 1 is shown.

[0076] Particularly noticeable is the shape of the cartridge holder 1, which is shown here only as an example. At its upper end, which corresponds to the lower end according to the illustrations in the Figures 1 and 2 This corresponds to a wall-like rectangular edge area within which the beverage outlet 5, the gas outlet 6 and the mandrel guide 8 are arranged.

[0077] Except for this area, the cartridge receptacle 1 here essentially has a dome shape, i.e. it is basically rounded at its end opposite the opening.

[0078] In Figure 3 It is particularly noticeable that the gas outlet 6 has a smaller opening cross-section compared to the beverage outlet 5 and especially also to the mandrel guide.

[0079] Furthermore, in Figure 3In the beverage outlet 5, a jet shaping element 15 is shown, which here is designed in a ribbed and cross-shaped form. The length of the beverage outlet 5, its cross-section, and the jet shaping element 15 together serve to shape and / or direct the emerging beverage jet.

[0080] Compared to the beverage outlet 5, the gas outlet 6 has a smaller distance to the sealing foil 19, so that only gas can escape from the gas outlet 6. However, the gas can flow freely from the gas outlet 6, so the gas outlet 6 does not need to have any such jet-shaping elements. A certain minimum length for the gas outlet 6 is also not critical, so that, as shown here, it has a simple and, in particular compared to the mandrel guide 8 and / or the beverage outlet 5, a smaller opening (according to the orientation shown here).

[0081] In Figure 4A top view of the cartridge holder 1 from the side of the connection area 2 is now shown. This embodiment also corresponds essentially to the embodiments already described, so that the relevant explanations are also applicable here. It can be seen in particular that the cartridge holder 1 has a substantially circular cross-section, with a flattened area in the region of the fluid supply 4 and the compressed air connection 9 to facilitate easier coupling to the beverage preparation machine. In particular, the area of ​​the cartridge holder 24 that receives the cartridge holder 1 is preferably designed such that it receives the cartridge holder 1 in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. The flattened area advantageously ensures a preferred orientation, thus guaranteeing reliable coupling to the beverage preparation machine.

[0082] The bow-like shape of the flow-shaping element 13, which is integrally formed with the mandrel guide 8, is clearly visible here, wherein the flow-shaping element 13, the mandrel guide 8, the connecting area 2, the gas outlet 6, the beverage outlet 5 and / or the residual outlet 7 are preferably formed in one piece.

[0083] Preferably the cartridge 16 and / or the cartridge holder are made of a plastic material, in particular by means of an injection molding or a blow molding process.

[0084] Preferably, the piercing mandrel 15 is manufactured separately from the same materials and / or using the same methods and then inserted into the cartridge holder 1. Alternatively, the piercing mandrel 15 is manufactured simultaneously with the cartridge holder 1.

[0085] In Figure 4The design of the residual outlet 7 is also discernible. Here, the residual outlet 7 has a substantially oval cross-section, and a circular segment-shaped area is excluded from the substantially circular cross-section of the beverage outlet 5, in which the residual outlet 7 is located. In other words, apart from a partition, the beverage outlet 5 and the residual outlet 7 together form a substantially circular cross-section. The crucial point is that the residual outlet 7 is located in the lowest region of the mixing chamber 3. As shown here, it can then transition downstream into the beverage outlet 5.

[0086] The gas outlet 6 and the mandrel guide 8 are also connected here by a rounded section as an example, in order to improve the flow conditions in the mixing chamber 3.

[0087] Finally, ribs projecting inwards, i.e. towards the mixing chamber 3, are visible at several points along the circumference of the connection area 2, which serve as spacers for the cartridge 16, thus ensuring correct assembly of the cartridge system, even if necessary by the user.

[0088] Finally, the presentation in Figure 4 It can be seen that in particular the residual outlet 7, the beverage outlet 5, the gas outlet 6, the mandrel guide 8 and the fluid supply 4 as well as the compressed air connection 9 are essentially located on an imaginary axis, which in this image runs from left to right, and that the mixing chamber 3 is largely provided on both sides of this axis.

[0089] In the Figures 5 and 6The figures show schematic cross-sections of a cartridge system inserted into a cartridge holder 24 of a beverage preparation machine of a beverage preparation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The illustrations differ in that in Figure 5 the piercing pin 14 has just pierced the sealing film 19 with its tip, while in Figure 6 A later position is shown. Both illustrations depict positions of the piercing mandrel 14 between the retracted and the fully extended position.

[0090] Even those in the Figures 5 and 6 The illustrated embodiments of the cartridge holder 1 essentially correspond to the embodiments already explained above, so that the explanations in this regard are also relevant here.

[0091] For the sake of clarity, the cartridge 16 and the beverage preparation machine are only indicated in the present drawing. The cartridge 16 is visible at the top of the drawing and comprises at least one flange 18, with which the cartridge 16 is positively and / or non-positively connected to the cartridge holder 1 via the connection area 2. To ensure a secure connection, in particular a rotationally fixed connection, the cartridge 16 can, for example, also have two vertically spaced, circumferential flanges. The sealing film 19 is sealed onto the flange, thus forming the outermost element of the cartridge 16.

[0092] In Figure 5 The tip of the piercing mandrel 14 has just pierced the sealing film 19. The compressed air connection 9 is not yet fluidically connected to the compressed air outlet 10, and preferably no beverage substance can yet pass from the reservoir 17 into the mixing chamber 3.

[0093] To illustrate the elements of the cartridge holder 1 and their respective functions, the actuator element 23 of the beverage preparation machine is shown spaced apart from the piercing mandrel 14. However, the person skilled in the art understands that the piercing mandrel 14 is preferably moved from the retracted to the extended position by a permanent contact between an actuator element receptacle of the piercing mandrel 14 and the actuator element 23, in particular by a permanent force being applied, here in a vertical direction upwards.

[0094] Furthermore, in Figure 5It can be seen that a coupling element 20 of the beverage preparation machine has already come into contact with the fluid supply 4 and the compressed air connection 9, whereby in particular the guide surfaces of the coupling element 20 interact with the conical surfaces of the fluid supply 4 and the compressed air connection 9 to ensure a fluid-tight and secure coupling. The coupling element 20 has both an internal fluid line 22 and an internal compressed air line 21, each of which is indirectly connected to a fluid reservoir of the beverage preparation machine or an external fluid supply, and to a compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine or an external compressed air supply, respectively.Indirectly, this means that, in particular, between the liquid reservoir and the liquid line 22, further components are present, such as a liquid conditioning system, which is designed, for example, to carbonate and / or cool the liquid, especially water, and introduce it under pressure into the liquid line 22. The carbonated and cooled water flows through the fluid inlet 4 into the mixing chamber 3, with the flow-shaping element 13 ensuring that a largely laminar flow is maintained.

[0095] In Figure 6The piercing mandrel 14 has penetrated the sealing film 19 to such an extent that the compressed air outlet 10 is located within the reservoir 17, and the channel provided on the outside of the piercing mandrel 14, in particular its groove shape, provides a path for the beverage substance from the reservoir 17 into the mixing chamber 3. The compressed air line 11 of the piercing mandrel 14 already partially overlaps with the compressed air connection 9, so that a partial fluid connection exists and compressed air from the machine-side compressed air line 21 can enter the reservoir 17 and contributes to transferring the beverage substance into the mixing chamber 3, where it is mixed with the optionally carbonated and / or chilled water before being dispensed via the beverage outlet 5 into a beverage container located below.The expert understands that, depending on the beverage, the beverage preparation machine can be operated with different parameters and / or the cartridge holder 1 is designed accordingly. For example, the temperature and / or the carbonation level of the water can be controlled. Furthermore, the dilution ratio can be controlled, particularly by a user.

[0096] For this purpose, the volume flow of the liquid, for example water, can be controlled. But the volume flow of the beverage substance can also be controlled. This can be achieved, on the one hand, via the volume flow of the compressed air, and on the other hand, for example, via the number or size of the channels of the piercing mandrel 14 and / or the diameter of the piercing mandrel 14 passing through the sealing film 19.

[0097] According to the invention, gas released during preparation, in the case of carbonated water in particular carbon dioxide, is discharged into the environment via the gas outlet 6 from the cartridge receptacle 1. Reference symbol list

[0098] 1 Cartridge holder 2 Connection area 3 Mixing chamber 4 Fluid supply 5 Beverage outlet 6 Gas outlet 7 Residual outlet 8 Mandrel guide 9 Compressed air connection 10 Compressed air outlet 11 Compressed air line 12 Spacer 13 Flow shaping element 14 Piercing mandrel 15 Jet shaping element 16 Cartridge 17 Reservoir 18 Flange 19 Sealing foil 20 Coupling element 21 Compressed air line (machine side) 22 Liquid line (machine side) 23 Actuator element 24 Cartridge holder

Claims

1. Cartridge receptacle (1) for producing a beverage by means of a cartridge (16) which comprises a reservoir (17) which is filled with a beverage substance and which is sealed by a sealing element, in particular a sealing film (19), wherein the cartridge receptacle (1) has a connecting region (2) for connection to the cartridge (16) and wherein the cartridge receptacle (1) with the cartridge (16) can be inserted into a beverage preparation machine, wherein the cartridge receptacle (1) has a mixing chamber (3) which can be brought into a fluidic connection with the reservoir (17), and a fluid supply (4) which opens into the mixing chamber (3) for introducing liquid into the mixing chamber (3), wherein the cartridge receptacle (1) has a cartridge discharge device for at least partially transferring the beverage substance from the reservoir (17) into the mixing chamber (3), wherein the cartridge receptacle (1) has a beverage outlet (5) for discharging a beverage out of the mixing chamber (3), in particular directly, into a beverage container, wherein the cartridge receptacle (1) also has a gas outlet (6) for discharging out of the cartridge receptacle (1) a gas, in particular carbon dioxide, released in the mixing chamber (3), characterized in that an upper inlet surface of the gas outlet (6) is arranged higher than an upper inlet surface of the beverage outlet (5).

2. Cartridge receptacle (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the gas outlet (6) and / or the beverage outlet (5) is configured to be substantially channel-shaped, in particular elongated, and / or in that the fluid supply (4) is a fluid supply opening which is configured for producing a fluidic connection with a fluid line of the beverage preparation machine.

3. Cartridge receptacle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas outlet (6) is arranged substantially centrally in the cartridge receptacle (1).

4. Cartridge receptacle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an opening of the beverage outlet (5) is larger than an opening of the gas outlet (6), wherein the beverage outlet (5) has a larger cross-sectional surface than the gas outlet (6), in particular at least in some portions.

5. Cartridge receptacle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge discharge device comprises a compressed air connection (9) and a compressed air line (11) which extends from the compressed air connection (9) to a compressed air outlet (10), wherein the compressed air outlet (10) protrudes, in particular, in the direction of the reservoir (17) of the cartridge, wherein the compressed air connection (9) is configured to introduce compressed air into the reservoir (17), wherein the cartridge discharge device is configured such that the beverage substance can be transferred by the compressed air from the reservoir (17) into the mixing chamber (3).

6. Cartridge receptacle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge discharge device comprises a pin guide (8) and a piercing pin (14) which is mounted so as to be displaceable inside the pin guide (8), in particular in one direction, wherein the piercing pin (14) is displaceable, in particular by an actuator element (23) of the beverage preparation machine, between a retracted position in which the piercing pin (14) is spaced apart from the sealing element and an extended position in which the piercing pin (14) pierces the sealing element and protrudes into the reservoir (17), wherein the compressed air line (11) is preferably integrated in the piercing pin (14).

7. Cartridge receptacle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas outlet (6), the beverage outlet (5) and / or the pin guide (8) have a substantially circular cross section.

8. Cartridge receptacle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas outlet (6) is arranged between the pin guide (8) and / or the fluid supply (4) and the beverage outlet (5).

9. Cartridge receptacle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beverage outlet (5) comprises a jet shaping element (15), wherein the jet shaping element (15) is configured, in particular, in the shape of a cross.

10. Cartridge receptacle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a flow shaping element (13) in a region facing the fluid supply (4) in order to ensure a laminar flow of a liquid conducted through the fluid supply (4) into the mixing chamber (3).

11. Cartridge system for producing a beverage, wherein the cartridge system can be inserted into a beverage preparation machine, having a cartridge (16) which comprises a reservoir (17) which is filled with a beverage substance, and a cartridge receptacle (1) which is connected to the cartridge (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge receptacle (1) and the cartridge (16) are connected together in a connecting region (2), wherein the cartridge (16) has a cartridge opening, wherein the cartridge opening in an edge region has a sealing element, in particular a sealing film (19), wherein the sealing element seals the reservoir (17) in a fluid-tight manner relative to the cartridge receptacle (1).

12. Cartridge system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spacing between the opening of the gas outlet (6) facing the sealing element and the sealing element is between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm, in particular between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm.

13. Beverage preparation system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a cartridge system according to one of Claims 11 to 12, wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises a cartridge holder (24) which is configured, in particular, to protrude forward and into which the cartridge system can be inserted, wherein the beverage preparation machine also comprises a liquid reservoir, a liquid conditioning system for conditioning a liquid from the liquid reservoir, in particular for heating, cooling and / or carbonating the liquid, an actuator element (23) for actuating the cartridge discharge device, in particular the piercing pin (14), a fluid supply system which can be coupled to the cartridge system and which is provided to introduce the conditioned liquid through the fluid supply into the mixing chamber (3) and preferably to introduce compressed air at the compressed air connection (9) into the compressed air line (11), and a control device for controlling the liquid conditioning system, the fluid supply system and / or the actuator element.

14. Beverage preparation system according to Claim 13, characterized in that the beverage preparation machine has a locking means in order to lock the cartridge system reversibly in the cartridge holder (24), wherein the locking means can be actuated by a user.

15. Method for preparing a beverage with a beverage preparation system according to one of Claims 13 or 14, characterized by the following steps: - inserting a cartridge system composed of a cartridge (16) and a cartridge receptacle (1) into the cartridge holder (24), - producing a fluidic connection between the fluid supply system and the cartridge receptacle (1), - activating the actuator element (23) for actuating the cartridge discharge device, in particular by transferring the piercing pin (14) from the retracted position into the extended position, whereby a perforation of the sealing means is brought about, - transferring the beverage substance from the reservoir (17) of the cartridge (16) into the mixing chamber (3) of the cartridge receptacle (1), in particular by feeding compressed air into the cartridge (16) through the compressed air connection (9), - introducing a liquid into the mixing chamber (3) of the cartridge receptacle (1) through the fluid supply (4), - discharging through the beverage outlet (5) the beverage produced in the mixing chamber (3) by mixing the beverage substance with the liquid, - discharging through the gas outlet (6) gas, in particular carbon dioxide, released during the mixing.