Drilling and Fluid Processing Equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) for preparing a beverage by perforating a pack (10), supplying a diluent to the inside of the pack (10) and mixing the diluent with raw materials contained in the pack (10), and dispensing the beverage from the pack (10), comprising a perforation end (113), a diluent inlet conduit (111) for introducing the diluent into the pack (10), and a beverage outlet conduit (112) for dispensing the beverage from the pack (10), wherein the beverage inlet end (112a) of the beverage outlet conduit (112) is provided with a plurality of outlet holes (1121).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for piercing a pack containing beverage raw materials, supplying a diluent into the pack, and dispensing a beverage from the pack.

Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2021 / 110650 and No. 2023 / 006984 describe a machine for preparing a beverage from a pack accommodating beverage raw materials. The machine includes an apparatus for opening the pack, introducing a diluent into the interior of the pack, and dispensing the beverage obtained as a result of mixing the diluent and the beverage raw materials. Furthermore, this apparatus can introduce air into the flow of the diluent before the flow enters the pack, in order to produce a frothed beverage.

[0003] This apparatus is useful for preparing a beverage from a soluble beverage raw material powder such as soluble milk powder. However, it has been observed that the quality of the finally dispensed beverage is not always optimal. Specifically, it has been observed that some lumps of beverage powder may be dispensed from the pack into the drinking cup, which indicates inefficient dissolution. Inside the drinking cup, these lumps fall to the bottom of the drinking cup, creating a concentration difference between the top and bottom of the cup (this difference can reach up to 15%). The appearance of the beverage is unattractive and the expected taste cannot be obtained.

[0004] This effect appears to be related to leakage of particles around the opening device and the suction effect of particles caused by the increase in pressure inside the pack during introduction of the diluent.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to address the existing problems described above.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, a perforation and fluid processing apparatus for a beverage machine for producing a beverage from a pack is provided, the pack containing beverage raw materials configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage, the pack having a planar shape oriented along a plane, and the bottom of the pack being configured to be openable. The perforation and fluid processing apparatus is for perforating a pack, supplying a diluent to the inside of the pack, mixing the diluent with the raw materials contained in the pack to prepare a beverage, and dispensing the beverage from the pack. The perforation end and A diluent inlet conduit for introducing the diluent into the pack, A beverage outlet conduit for dispensing the beverage from the pack, Equipped with, The beverage inlet end of the beverage outlet conduit is provided with multiple outlet holes.

[0007] This pack contains food or beverage ingredients that can be further mixed with an aqueous fluid, preferably water, to produce a beverage.

[0008] The ingredients of the food or beverages filled in this package are generally water-soluble powders, such as instant coffee powder, milk powder, cream powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder, or mixtures of these powders. The powders may be coagulated or sintered. According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage ingredient is milk powder.

[0009] The pack has a planar shape oriented along a plane (P) extending between the bottom and the top edge.

[0010] A region of the bottom surface is configured to be openable in order to introduce an aqueous fluid into the pack and then pour the prepared beverage out of the pack. Preferably, this region is configured to be openable by perforating, tearing, puncturing, or piercing, specifically by applying a pointed, tapered, or sharp device such as a fluid processing device to the region. Preferably, this openable region is located in the center of the lateral dimension of the longitudinal shape of the pack.

[0011] According to the present invention, the inlet of the beverage outlet conduit of the perforation and fluid processing apparatus is provided with a plurality of outlet holes. The surface of the inlet of the beverage outlet conduit is covered by these plurality of holes.

[0012] These multiple holes covering the surface of the beverage outlet conduit inlet allow the inlet to be designed to have a cross-section sufficient to prevent overpressure from forming inside the pack when the diluent is introduced, which would then cause a suction effect. In other words, liquid can be introduced and discharged without a suction effect. Furthermore, the multiple holes provide a filtering function that prevents powders and lumps from falling into the beverage conduit when the perforation and fluid processing equipment is perforating the openable portion of the pack and when the beverage is being prepared.

[0013] In one embodiment, the minimum dimensions of the multiple exit holes are at most 0.7 mm, preferably at most 0.6 mm, and more preferably at most 0.5 mm.

[0014] These dimensions prevent undissolved powder or lumps from falling into the larger beverage outlet conduit located below the multiple outlet holes.

[0015] If the flow rate of the diluent entering the diluent inlet conduit is 50-400 mL / min, the total area defined by the multiple outlet holes is at least 25 mm². 2 More preferably, at least 27 mm 2This is possible. Such a total surface area avoids the effects of the pack beginning to expand and contract, which would increase the pressure inside the pack and affect the dissolution of the powder and the smooth dispensing of the beverage.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the multiple exit holes have a slot shape, i.e., a long, narrow hole shape.

[0017] In one embodiment, the slot is designed at the inlet of the beverage outlet such that the longest dimension of the slot essentially aligns with the longitudinal direction of the beverage conduit.

[0018] These slots facilitate the generation of laminar flow by specifically directing the flow within the beverage outlet.

[0019] These slots can break the largest bubbles generated inside the pack, allowing for the dispensing of beverages containing very fine bubbles with extremely small bubble sizes.

[0020] In one embodiment, the multiple outlet holes are positioned as close as possible to the tip of the drilling device. As a result, the total area defined by the multiple outlet holes can be increased. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction of the beverage flow can be oriented almost perpendicularly.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the beverage outlet conduit decreases from its inlet surface, i.e., the beverage inlet end, to its outlet surface, i.e., the beverage outlet end. Therefore, the velocity of the beverage dispensed through the end of the outlet conduit can be increased.

[0022] In one embodiment, when the flow rate of the diluent entering the diluent inlet conduit is 50 to 400 mL / min, the minimum cross-section of the perforation and the beverage outlet conduit of the fluid processing device is at least 8 mm. 2 Preferably at least 9 mm 2 That is the case.

[0023] Such a cross-section avoids the effect that the pack starts to expand and contract, which affects the increase in pressure inside the pack, as well as the dissolution of powder and the smooth pouring of the beverage.

[0024] In one embodiment, the length of the beverage outlet conduit of the perforating and fluid treatment device is at least 10 mm.

[0025] In one embodiment, the beverage outlet end of the beverage outlet conduit of the perforating and fluid treatment device is connected to a downward-oriented beverage guide surface, and the beverage guide surface tapers towards the tip end.

[0026] This beverage guide surface maintains laminar flow of the beverage exiting from the end of the beverage outlet conduit.

[0027] This helps collect air bubbles in the beverage and guide them into the drinking cup. Usually, pouring is performed for already prepared coffee, and this guide surface reduces the distance to the cup and limits splashing on the surface of the beverage.

[0028] In one embodiment, the downward-oriented beverage guide surface extends at least 2 mm from the beverage outlet end.

[0029] In one embodiment, the diluent inlet conduit of the perforating and fluid treatment device may be provided with a local restriction to generate a jet of diluent and introduce it into the pack. This jet of diluent increases the mixing of the diluent with the beverage raw materials and the dissolution of the beverage raw materials.

[0030] To generate or improve foaming of a beverage prepared from a pack, the perforating and fluid treatment device may be provided with an air inlet conduit. Preferably, the outlet end of the air inlet conduit opens downstream of the local restriction of the diluent inlet conduit.

[0031] Introducing air at the reduced portion of the inlet increases the suction of air into the jet of diluent and improves the generation of foam with small bubble sizes.

[0032] This feature of the air inlet conduit is independent of the aforementioned feature of the beverage outlet conduit.

[0033] In one embodiment, the drilling and fluid processing apparatus is manufactured from at least two removable upper and lower sub-parts, the upper part comprising at least a number of outlet holes. This removable configuration makes it easier to manufacture the multiple outlet holes of the apparatus, specifically by plastic injection molding.

[0034] Preferably, if an air inlet conduit is provided downstream of the local constriction of the diluent inlet conduit, the upper portion may include such a conduit.

[0035] In a second embodiment, a beverage preparation machine is provided for producing a beverage from a pack, the pack containing beverage raw materials configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage, the pack having a planar shape oriented along a plane, the bottom of the pack being configured to be openable, and the beverage preparation machine, A pack holding area adapted to receive and hold the pack in a beverage preparation machine such that the plane (P) of the pack's planar shape is oriented in an essentially vertical position, A perforation and fluid processing apparatus for preparing a beverage by perforating a pack, supplying a diluent to the inside of the pack and mixing the fluid with the raw materials contained in the pack, and dispensing the beverage from the pack, The perforation end and A diluent inlet conduit for introducing the diluent into the pack, A beverage outlet conduit for dispensing the beverage from the pack, A drilling and fluid processing apparatus comprising, A diluent supply system connected to the diluent inlet conduit of a drilling and fluid processing device, Drilling and fluid processing equipment, From the retracted position outside the pack, In the operating position within the pack, the perforation end protrudes into the pack, and the diluent inlet conduit and beverage outlet conduit of the perforation and fluid processing device are oriented in an essentially vertical position. Equipped with an actuator for moving, The beverage inlet end of the beverage outlet conduit of the perforation and fluid processing device is provided with multiple outlet holes.

[0036] This machine comprises a pack holder area configured to hold packs within the machine during beverage preparation, a perforation and fluid processing device configured to introduce fluid into packs located within the pack holder area, and an actuator that moves the fluid processing device and the packs held within the machine relative to each other.

[0037] Typically, this pack holder area includes a pack chamber adapted to receive beverage preparation packs into the module.

[0038] The pack chamber is configured to hold the pack in an essentially vertical position within the module. This vertical position ensures efficient beverage preparation, particularly the dispensing of the beverage from the pack, thereby reducing the amount of liquid that may remain inside the pack at the end of extraction and when the pack needs to be removed from the system for disposal.

[0039] The pack chamber may have an upper pack inlet for introducing a new pack.

[0040] Preferably, the pack chamber has a bottom opening configured to allow access to the bottom of the pack held within the chamber for the fluid processing device. Specifically, this access or path is designed to allow relative movement of the fluid processing device to the bottom of the pack when the pack is held inside the pack holder area.

[0041] The fluid processing device comprises a body having an upwardly pointed, tapered, or sharp end. This end is designed to open the bottom of the pack, preferably by perforation, when the tip is moved upward relative to the bottom of the pack, or when the pack is moved downward relative to the fluid processing device.

[0042] The body of the perforation and fluid processing device includes at least one internal inlet conduit for introducing a diluent into a pack. This fluid is mixed with the beverage ingredients contained in the pack to enable the preparation of a beverage.

[0043] The body of the piercing and fluid processing apparatus includes at least one internal outlet conduit for dispensing the prepared beverage. This beverage outlet is separate from the inlet conduit.

[0044] The inlet and outlet conduits are located inside the body of the fluid processing device, which allows for efficient guidance of the liquid into and out of the pack, resulting in no liquid loss, no contamination, and optimal preparation and dispensing.

[0045] Typically, the ends of the inlet and outlet conduits open near the upward end of the main body of the fluid processing device.

[0046] The machine is equipped with actuators that move the drilling and fluid processing apparatus between two different positions, the positions including:

[0047] One of the retracted positions where the device is outside the pack. This position corresponds to the standby position.

[0048] The other operating position in which the device is positioned inside the pack during beverage preparation and beverage dispensing.

[0049] The upward-pointing, pointed end of the main body is designed to open the bottom of the pack when this pointed end is pressed against the openable area of ​​the pack held within the pack-holding area.

[0050] When it reaches the operating position, the pointed end protrudes into the internal volume of the pack so that the ends of both conduits open into the pack; that is, the end of the internal inlet conduit opens into the internal volume and the end of the internal outlet conduit is positioned within the internal volume. Thus, the introduced diluent and the prepared beverage circulate only through these internal conduits.

[0051] A third aspect of the present invention provides a beverage production system comprising a pack and a beverage preparation machine for producing a beverage from the pack. The pack contains beverage ingredients, which are configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage, the pack has a planar shape oriented along a plane (P), and the bottom of the pack is configured to be openable. The machine in question is, A pack holding area adapted to receive and hold the pack within the machine such that the plane (P) of the planar shape is oriented in an essentially vertical position, A perforation and fluid processing apparatus for preparing a beverage by perforating a pack, supplying a diluent to the inside of the pack and mixing the fluid with the raw materials contained in the pack, and dispensing the beverage from the pack, The perforation end and A diluent inlet conduit for introducing the diluent into the pack, A beverage outlet conduit for dispensing the beverage from the pack, A drilling and fluid processing apparatus comprising, A diluent supply system connected to the diluent inlet conduit of a drilling and fluid processing device, Drilling and fluid processing equipment, From the retracted position outside the pack, In the operating position within the pack, the perforation end protrudes into the pack, and the diluent inlet conduit and beverage outlet conduit of the perforation and fluid processing device are oriented in an essentially vertical position. It comprises an actuator for moving a drilling and fluid processing device, The beverage inlet end of the beverage outlet conduit of the perforation and fluid processing device is provided with multiple outlet holes.

[0052] This system includes a pack containing food or beverage ingredients that can produce a beverage and subsequently mix with an aqueous fluid, preferably water, to produce the beverage.

[0053] Furthermore, as already explained, the system includes a machine for producing beverages from the packs.

[0054] In this application, The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined in relation to the direction of the fluid—dilutant, beverage, or air—through the conduits of a fluid processing device. The terms "upper" and "lower" are defined with respect to the position of the fluid processing apparatus when the apparatus is positioned in its operating position, as shown in Figures 4A, 4D, 4E, 4F, or 5.

[0055] The above embodiments of the present invention can be combined in any preferred combination. Furthermore, by combining various features described herein with one or more of the above embodiments, combinations other than those specifically illustrated and described can be provided. Further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will become apparent from the "Claims," ​​"Modes for Carrying Out the Invention," and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0056] Specific embodiments of the present invention are further described here by reference to the following drawings. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the beverage production system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows a pack that can be used in the beverage production system of the present invention. [Figure 3] These are perspective and cross-sectional views of a perforation and fluid processing device used in a conventional beverage production system. [Figure 4A] This is a side view of the drilling and fluid processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 4B] This is a front view of the drilling and fluid processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 4C] This is a top view of the drilling and fluid processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 4D] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 4E] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 4F] This is a perspective view of a drilling and fluid processing device comprising two sub-parts. [Figure 4G] This is a separation diagram of the sub-part of Figure 4F. [Figure 5] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pack working in conjunction with a drilling and fluid processing device located in the operating position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0057] Figure 1 schematically shows the beverage production system 100 according to the present invention.

[0058] System 100 comprises a machine 1 and a pack 10. The machine is adapted to receive the pack and produce a beverage from the pack.

[0059] Machine 1 comprises a pack holding area 2 and a diluent supply system for introducing fluid into the pack.

[0060] The fluid system typically comprises a fluid source 31, such as a water tank, and a pumping means 32 for pumping the fluid from the fluid source. Typically, heating and / or cooling means 35 are part of a diluent system to adjust the temperature of the fluid introduced into the pack.

[0061] The fluid is supplied to a perforation and fluid processing device 11 configured to cooperate with the bottom of the pack in order to introduce the diluent into the pack.

[0062] Generally, the machine includes an actuator 33 that moves the perforating and fluid processing device 11 to the pack held within the pack receiving area 2.

[0063] The machine typically includes a system control unit 34 that controls several different devices described above for preparing beverages from packs.

[0064] Such a beverage production system 100 may correspond to the systems described in International Publication Nos. 2021 / 110650, 2021 / 110654, 2021 / 110652, and / or 2023 / 144302.

[0065] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a pack 10 that can be used in the beverage production system 100 according to the present invention.

[0066] This pack contains raw materials configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage. The pack has a planar shape oriented along a plane P. Two longitudinal planar walls 105 (front and rear) extend along this plane P.

[0067] In this particular embodiment, the walls 105 are made of a flexible material, and the side edges 106 of these walls are sealed, as are the edges of the upper end 107. The bottom surface 101 of the pack is configured to be openable. The bottom surface 101 includes a region 104 which is an openable area. This region 104 is configured to be openable by a perforation and fluid processing device 11 of the system. This openable area 104 is adapted to allow the introduction of the perforation and fluid processing device 11 so that it protrudes into the internal volume of the pack, as shown in Figure 5, in order to introduce fluid and collect and dispense the beverage.

[0068] This openable area 104 of the pack may be configured as described in International Publication No. 2023 / 144302.

[0069] Preferably, the pack may have holes 103 positioned at the bottom and around the openable region 104. These holes are adapted to cooperate with two positioning means of the pack receiving region, specifically two pins configured to enter these holes, so that the pack remains fixed inside the receiving region while the openable region 104 is being opened by the perforating and fluid processing device 11, which is obtained by the upward movement of the device through the openable region. The perforating and fluid processing device is moved upward until it reaches its operating position shown in Figure 5.

[0070] Generally, in the operating position, the pointed end 113 of the fluid processing device extends about 10 mm, preferably 13 mm, above the openable area 104 of the pack.

[0071] Figure 3 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a fluid processing device 11 that can be used in a conventional beverage production system.

[0072] The body of this device 11 comprises a main core portion 117 which is preferably essentially cylindrical, and an upwardly pointed end portion 113 which is preferably cone-shaped and extends from the main core portion.

[0073] This main unit is An internal inlet conduit 111 for driving a fluid, preferably water, to a pointed end 113, as indicated by arrow W, An internal outlet conduit 112 is provided for driving the prepared beverage downward from the internal volume of the pack, as indicated by arrow B. It is equipped with.

[0074] "Internal" means that these conduits extend into the body rather than along the surface of the body. As a result, when the perforation and fluid processing equipment is introduced into the pack, the liquid flows into and out of the pack through these internal conduits 111 and 112, which provide better guidance.

[0075] Due to the presence of two conduits inside the fluid apparatus, the perforated and fluid apparatus generally have a relatively large cross-section. In fluid apparatuses with a circular cross-section, the diameter of the fluid apparatus is typically at least 5 mm, usually up to 15 mm, preferably 5 to 12 mm, and more preferably 6 to 10 mm.

[0076] Both conduits are separate from each other. Conduit 111 has a diluent outlet end 111b that opens to the upper part of the main body. Conduit 112 has a beverage inlet end 112a that opens to the upper part of the main body.

[0077] Preferably, the end 111b of the inlet conduit is designed to direct the fluid jet upward within the pack.

[0078] The actuator 33 (Figure 1) is adapted to move the fluid processing device 11 to the pack 10 held by the pack receiving region 2 in order to open the openable region 104, or any membrane or cover provided in this region, specifically to move the pointed portion 113 to the openable region 104. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator 33 may be adapted to move the openable region 104 of the pack to the perforation and the fluid processing device 11.

[0079] In this conventional perforation and fluid processing device, it was observed that the system did not accurately dispense the beverage when using cartons containing powdered raw materials, specifically powdered milk. Specifically, undissolved clumps of powder remained in the carton or were dispensed directly into the drinking cup. The resulting beverage exhibited a concentration gradient with a more concentrated portion at the bottom of the cup. It was observed that the clumps did not dissolve in the cup after dispensing.

[0080] Figures 4A to 4C show preferred embodiments of the drilling and fluid processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0081] The inlet 112a of the beverage outlet conduit of the perforation and fluid processing device is provided with a plurality of outlet holes 1121.

[0082] This configuration allows for the design of a minimum cross-sectional area inside the beverage outlet conduit that avoids overpressure and undesirable suction effects inside the pack during beverage preparation. This area is fixed according to the flow rate that can be provided by the diluent supply system through the diluent inlet 111 of the perforation and fluid processing device. For example, if the flow rate of the diluent entering the inlet conduit is 50 to 400 mL / min, preferably the total area defined by the multiple outlet holes is at least 25 mm². 2 Preferably 27 mm 2 That is the case.

[0083] At the same time, each of the multiple outlet holes 1121 can have a very small dimension d (Figure 4C) to prevent clumps of powder from falling through the large cross-section of the beverage outlet conduit. In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum dimension of the multiple outlet holes is 0.4 mm.

[0084] According to this preferred embodiment, the multiple outlet holes have a slot shape designed and oriented such that the longest dimension of the slot extends essentially along the longitudinal direction of the beverage conduit 112.

[0085] Foamed milk can be efficiently produced from powdered milk cartons with an internal volume of 20–35 mL. No clumps of powder were observed, and the milk liquid was homogeneous with very fine bubbles on top.

[0086] As shown in the preferred embodiment of Figure 4D, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet conduit may decrease from its inlet end 112a to its minimum cross-section S, and then slightly increase again towards the outlet end 112b. In the illustrated embodiment, when the flow rate of the diluent entering the inlet conduit is 50-400 mL / min, the cross-section at the outlet end 112b is 12.2 mm 2 That is the case.

[0087] Preferably, the end 112b of the beverage outlet conduit of the perforation and fluid processing device is connected to a downward-oriented guide surface 114, which guides the beverage and its foam directly to a drinking cup located below (as shown in Figure 1). This guide surface tapers off towards a tip 1141. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide surface extends for a length of 2 mm along the direction of beverage flow.

[0088] Figures 4D and 4E are cross-sectional views of the perforation and fluid processing apparatus shown in Figures 4A to 4C, with the cross-section extending along the diluent inlet conduit 111. Figures 4D and 4E differ in the orientation of the diagram along the cross-section.

[0089] Figure 4D shows a localized constriction 115 within the inlet conduit 111, which allows for the generation of a diluent jet downstream of the constriction and inside the pack. This diluent jet increases the mixing of the diluent with the beverage raw materials and the dissolution of the beverage raw materials.

[0090] Figure 4E shows the outlet end 116b of an air inlet conduit designed to drive air downstream of the local throttling section 115. Preferably, the inlet 116a of this air inlet conduit is located on the side of the body 114 of the perforation and fluid processing device, as shown in Figure 4A. This location limits the accumulation of generated beverage at the inlet and the potential blockage of the conduit inlet.

[0091] Figure 4F shows a specific embodiment of the perforation and fluid processing apparatus of the present invention, fabricated from two removable upper sections 11' and lower subsections 11''. The upper section 11' is made transparent to show the air inlet end 116a at the joint of the two subsections.

[0092] Figure 4G includes a separate view of the sub-part of Figure 4F. The upper part 11' comprises the following: perforated end 113, The downstream portion of the inlet conduit 111, including the localized constriction 115, Multiple exit holes 1121, As shown in Figure 4E, at least a portion of the air conduit provided in the local constriction 115 of the diluent inlet conduit.

[0093] This removable configuration makes it easier to manufacture the device's multiple outlets, air conduits, and diluent inlet conduits, specifically by plastic injection molding.

[0094] Preferably, the upper portion 11' may include the downstream portion of an air conduit if such an air conduit is provided downstream of a localized throttling of the diluent inlet conduit.

[0095] The lower portion 11'' comprises the following: The downstream portion of the beverage conduit, including the beverage guide surface 114, The upstream portion of the air conduit, including the air inlet 116a.

[0096] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated above, it will be understood that the claimed invention is by no means limited to these illustrated embodiments.

[0097] Modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the "Claims." Furthermore, where known equivalents exist for a particular feature, such equivalents are incorporated as specifically referred to herein.

[0098] When used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” and similar terms should not be interpreted as exclusive or exhaustive. In other words, they shall mean “including, but not limited to, these terms.” [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 100 Systems 1 module 11 Drilling and Fluid Processing Equipment 11' upper part 11'' bottom part 111 Diluent Inlet Conduit 111a Diluent inlet end 111b Diluent outlet end 112 Beverage outlet conduit 112a Beverage inlet end 1121 Exit hole 112b Beverage outlet end 113 Perforated end 114 Beverage Information Surface 1141 Tip 115 Aperture section 115b Downstream side 116 Air inlet conduit 116a Air inlet end 116b Air outlet end 117 Cylindrical main body 31 Fluid source 32 Pumping means 33 Actuators 34 System Control Unit 35 Heating and / or cooling means 2 Pack holding area 10 packs 101 Base 103 holes 104 Openable area 105 Wall 106 Side edge 107 Upper end

Claims

1. A perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) of a beverage preparation machine (1) for producing a beverage from a pack (10), wherein the pack (10) contains beverage raw materials configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage, the pack (10) has a planar shape oriented along a plane (P), and the bottom surface (101) of the pack (10) is configured to be openable. The perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) is for perforating the pack (10), supplying a diluent to the inside of the pack (10), mixing the diluent with the raw materials contained in the pack (10) to prepare a beverage, and dispensing the beverage from the pack (10). The perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) is for, Perforation end (113) and A diluent inlet conduit (111) for introducing the diluent into the pack (10), A beverage outlet conduit (112) for dispensing the beverage from the pack (1), Equipped with, The beverage inlet end (112a) of the beverage outlet conduit (112) is a perforation and fluid processing device (11) equipped with a plurality of outlet holes (1121).

2. The minimum dimension of the plurality of outlet holes (1121) is a maximum of 0.7 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.6 mm, and more preferably a maximum of 0.5 mm, as described in claim 1, for the perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11).

3. When the flow rate of the diluent entering the diluent inlet conduit (111) is 50 to 400 mL / min, the total area defined by the plurality of outlet holes (1121) is at least 25 mm². ２ Preferably at least 27 mm ２ The drilling and fluid processing apparatus (11) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the beverage outlet conduit (112) decreases from the beverage inlet end (112a) to the beverage outlet end (112b).

5. When the flow rate of the diluent entering the diluent inlet conduit (111) is 50 to 400 mL / min, the minimum cross-sectional area (S) of the beverage outlet conduit (112) is at least 8 mm. ２ The perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) according to claim 4.

6. The length of the beverage outlet conduit (112) is at least 10 mm, as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, for the perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11).

7. The plurality of outlet holes (1121) have a slot shape, The drilling and fluid processing apparatus (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the slot is oriented such that the longest dimension of the slot essentially extends along the longitudinal direction of the beverage outlet conduit (112).

8. The beverage outlet end (112b) of the beverage outlet conduit (112) is connected to a beverage guide surface (114) oriented downward, and the beverage guide surface (114) is tapered towards a tip (1141), as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, for the perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) according to claim 8, wherein the downward-oriented guide surface (114) extends at least 2 mm from the beverage outlet end (112b).

10. The inlet conduit (111) is provided with a constriction section (115) for generating a jet of the diluent and introducing it into the pack (10), as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, for the perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11).

11. The perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) according to claim 10, wherein the perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) comprises an air inlet conduit (116), and the air outlet end (116b) of the air inlet conduit (116) opens to the downstream side (115b) of the constricted portion (115) of the diluent inlet conduit (111).

12. A beverage preparation machine (1) for producing a beverage from a pack (10), wherein the pack (10) contains beverage raw materials configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage, the pack (10) has a planar shape oriented along a plane (P), the bottom surface (101) of the pack (10) is configured to be openable, and the beverage preparation machine (1) is A pack holding area (2) is provided in the beverage preparation machine (1) that is adapted to receive and hold the pack (10) such that the plane (P) of the planar shape is oriented in an essentially vertical position, A perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) for perforating the pack (10), supplying a diluent to the inside of the pack (10) and mixing the diluent with the raw materials contained in the pack (10) to prepare a beverage, and dispensing the beverage from the pack (10), Perforation end (113) and A diluent inlet conduit (111) for introducing the diluent into the pack (10), A beverage outlet conduit (112) for dispensing the beverage from the pack (10), A drilling and fluid processing apparatus (11) is provided, A diluent supply system connected to the diluent inlet conduit (112) of the perforation and fluid processing device (11), The aforementioned drilling and fluid processing apparatus (11) From the retracted position outside the pack (10), The perforation end (113) protrudes into the interior of the pack (10), and the diluent inlet conduit (111) and the beverage outlet conduit (112) of the perforation and fluid processing device (11) are oriented in an essentially vertical position within the operating position of the pack (10), It includes an actuator (33) for moving, The beverage inlet end (112a) of the beverage outlet conduit (112) of the perforation and fluid processing device (11) is provided with a plurality of outlet holes (1121). Beverage preparation machine (1).

13. A beverage production system comprising a pack (10) and a beverage preparation machine (1) for producing a beverage from the pack (10), The pack (10) contains beverage raw materials, which are configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage, the pack (10) has a planar shape oriented along a plane (P), and the bottom surface (101) of the pack (10) is configured to be openable. The aforementioned machine (1) is A pack holding region (2) is adapted to receive and hold the pack (10) within the machine such that the plane (P) of the planar shape is oriented in an essentially vertical position, A perforation and fluid processing apparatus (11) for perforating the pack (10), supplying a diluent to the inside of the pack (10) and mixing the diluent with the raw materials contained in the pack (10) to prepare a beverage, and dispensing the beverage from the pack (10), Perforation end (113) and A diluent inlet conduit (111) for introducing the diluent into the pack (10), A beverage outlet conduit (112) for dispensing the beverage from the pack (10), A drilling and fluid processing apparatus (11) is provided, A diluent supply system connected to the diluent inlet conduit (111) of the perforation and fluid processing device (11), The aforementioned drilling and fluid processing apparatus (11) From the retracted position outside the pack (10), The perforation end (113) protrudes into the interior of the pack (10), and the diluent inlet conduit (111) and the beverage outlet conduit (112) of the perforation and fluid processing device (11) are oriented in an essentially vertical position within the operating position of the pack (10), It includes an actuator (33) for moving, The beverage inlet end (112a) of the beverage outlet conduit (112) of the perforation and fluid processing device (11) is provided with a plurality of outlet holes (1121). Beverage production system.

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