Cartridge system and method for manufacturing the cartridge system

Abstract

A cartridge system (1) for producing a beverage (70) is proposed, the cartridge system (1) being insertable into a beverage preparation machine (3) and comprising a cartridge (2) with a reservoir (6) filled with a beverage substance (7), a cartridge receiving member (10) connected to the cartridge (2), the cartridge receiving member (10) having a mixing chamber (8) fluidly connectable to the reservoir (6) and a fluid supply (12) opening into the mixing chamber (8), the cartridge (2) being at least partly made from aluminium. A method for manufacturing the cartridge system (1) is also proposed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge system for producing a beverage, the cartridge system having a cartridge insertable into a beverage preparation machine and having a reservoir filled with a beverage substance, and a cartridge receiving member connected to the cartridge, the cartridge receiving member having a mixing chamber fluidly connectable to the reservoir and a fluid supply opening into the mixing chamber. [Background technology]

[0002] Such cartridge systems are known from the prior art, e.g. from US Pat. No. 5,399,623, US Pat. No. 5,493,366, US Pat. No. 5,523,636, US Pat. No. 5,523,665, and US Pat. No. 5,523,671, and are used to produce beverages from pre-portioned cartridges. Producing a beverage with such a cartridge system is extremely convenient for the user, as all that is required is to insert the cartridge and press the start button. In this case, the beverage preparation machine performs the production of the beverage in a fully automated manner, i.e. the beverage substance is mixed with a given amount of liquid, in particular cold carbonated water, and introduced into the beverage container. In this way, a mixed beverage can be produced more easily and quickly without any effort on the part of the user. In this case, a user may select a number of different cartridges and therefore produce a variety of desired beverages. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 121802 A1 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2017 / 121801 A1 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2017 / 121799 A1 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2017 / 121798 A1 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2017 / 121797 A1 [Patent Document 6] International Publication No. 2017 / 121796 A1 [Patent Document 7] International Publication No. 2019 / 002293 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A major challenge with such cartridge systems is to minimize the reference time, i.e. the time required by a user from the start of the beverage production process to produce a finished beverage, in order to improve user convenience. Yet another challenge is to provide enough beverage substance and enough carbon dioxide to the beverage to impart an appealing taste during this reference time which must be minimized.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge system for producing beverages in a beverage preparation machine, which achieves the production of an appealing tasting beverage with a minimum reference time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is achieved by a cartridge system as claimed in claim 1.

[0007] Compared to the prior art, the cartridge system according to the invention has the advantage that the cartridge is made of aluminium rather than synthetic resin. Thus, the cartridge has much greater stability and can withstand higher internal pressures. In this way, the beverage substance, which is in liquid form, can be contained in the reservoir under higher pressures without damaging or deforming the cartridge. It is therefore possible to store liquid beverage substances having a greater carbon dioxide content in the reservoir without the risk of the reservoir exploding due to carbon dioxide, for example when the cartridge system is vibrated during transport or storage. On the other hand, a higher carbon dioxide content has a beneficial effect on both the taste of the produced beverage and the shelf life date of the cartridge. Another advantage of the cartridge system according to the present invention is that the reservoir can be emptied at higher pressures during the beverage production process. This allows the time required to produce the beverage to be significantly reduced without the risk of compromising the flavor of the beverage. To achieve the desired stability, the cartridge has a body made of aluminum, which in its general wall area has a wall thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, particularly preferably 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm, most preferably about 0.05 mm, in particular with a defect tolerance of less than 15%. In this case, the cartridge is constructed to be able to withstand an internal pressure of less than 10 bar, preferably less than 8 bar, most preferably less than 6 bar without bursting (at a temperature of 20° C. and an external pressure of 1 bar). Thereby the reservoir has a volume between 10ml and 500ml, preferably between 30ml and 90ml, most preferably about 60ml. In particular, the cartridge system contains a carbonated, liquid beverage substance. Particularly preferably, the liquid beverage substance comprises a beverage concentrate, in particular a syrup.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge is configured with a cup-shaped body. The cup-shaped body is manufactured by deep drawing or impact extrusion, allowing for relatively cheap and quick manufacture. Therefore, the cartridge is always sealed on one side, providing a stable cartridge configuration. The body has a cup shape with a cylindrical cartridge wall, which is closed on one side by a cartridge bottom, the cartridge wall and the cartridge bottom being in particular of one-piece construction. The cartridge wall and cartridge bottom are one piece, both made from aluminum, and the body is deep drawn from aluminum sheet.

[0009] As an alternative to deep drawing or impact extrusion, the body may be formed by bending an aluminum sheet into a cylindrical tube and then gluing, welding and / or pressing abutting sides of the aluminum sheet bent into the tube together to produce a body having a longitudinal seam. The cartridge bottom is also formed as a separate lid by deep drawing or impact extrusion of a further aluminium sheet. The cartridge bottom, configured as a separate lid, may then be slid onto this end of the cartridge wall, and the cartridge bottom may be bent toward the tube, spaced apart and facing the cartridge receiving member, where it may be glued, welded, and / or pressed circumferentially against the cartridge wall. The lid is then crimped onto the cylindrical cartridge wall to form the cartridge bottom.

[0010] According to this embodiment, the body is configured such that in its initial position, on the side facing the cartridge bottom, it is closed by a sealing element. The sealing element ensures that the beverage substance remains in the reservoir, which is sealed before the beverage preparation process begins, ensuring a long shelf life and flavor.

[0011] According to this embodiment, the closure element is configured to have, in particular, a rigid or semi-rigid closure body with a pre-punched hole. Thus, the reservoir 6 is initially sealed. Here, the sealing element is an aluminum seal. The size of the punched hole generally corresponds to the through opening in the sealing element that will subsequently be created by the piercing spike. The predetermined breaking point is formed in an edge region of the partial region other than that point of the closure by a partial punch hole, which at least partially tears open to release the through opening when the partial region comes into contact with a piercing spike of a beverage preparation machine (see below). The partial area is formed by punching the closure and therefore has approximately the same size or diameter as the through opening, and in this partial area the piercing spike is also located during beverage production. This prevents the separated partial regions from entering the mixing chamber 8 through the through opening 18'.

[0012] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sealing element is configured to have, in particular, a rigid or semi-rigid sealing body with a through opening. In particular, the encapsulant is made of aluminum and is attached to the body. It is contemplated that the closure may be crimped, glued, clamped, welded, and / or pressed onto the body. The through opening is formed either at the center of the encapsulant or at a location offset from the center of the encapsulant. Thus, the encapsulant is disc-shaped and / or toroidal. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the closure is cup-shaped, its periphery protruding from a cup bottom extending parallel to the cartridge wall and being pressed or crimped onto this part of the cartridge wall. In particular, the part protruding from the cup base is located inside the cartridge wall so that the cartridge has an aesthetically appealing appearance. The encapsulation has, in its general wall area, a wall thickness of 0.09 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, particularly preferably 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm, most preferably about 0.2 mm, in particular with a maximum defect tolerance of less than or equal to 15%.

[0013] According to this embodiment, the sealing element comprises a sealing thin film that closes the through opening in the initial position of the cartridge system, the sealing thin film being configured to be a synthetic resin thin film, an aluminum thin film, or a multilayer thin film made of synthetic resin and / or aluminum. In this way, sealing of the reservoir is achieved despite the presence of a through opening in the sealing body, and the sealing membrane can be easily pierced by a piercing spike (see below) of the cartridge receiving member in order to transfer the beverage substance from the reservoir to the mixing chamber of the cartridge receiving member as quickly as possible during the beverage production process. The circumferential edge of this sealing membrane is attached to the seal, in particular by gluing, sealing and / or welding.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the sealing element comprises a sealing thin film, preferably a synthetic resin thin film, an aluminum thin film or a multi-layer thin film made of synthetic resin and / or aluminum, which is configured to be attached to the edge of the cartridge wall. In this embodiment, the sealing element does not have any further seals, while the opening of the body is directly sealed by a sealing membrane, in particular only by a sealing membrane, which is attached directly to the edge of the cartridge wall. The circumferential fastening area of ​​the sealing element is then preferably crimped, glued, sealed and / or welded to the cartridge wall, in particular to an edge of the cartridge wall.

[0015] Furthermore, the fastening region extends at least partially parallel to the cartridge wall, either inside or outside the cartridge wall. In this case, the sealing membrane is also cup-shaped or formed in a cup-shape. The encapsulating membrane is also deep drawn into this shape.

[0016] The closure of the closure element may be configured as a crimp cap type. The cartridge wall has a circumferential rim that is crimped to attach the closure to the cartridge. Alternatively, the sealing element may be threaded onto the end of the cartridge. For this purpose, the fixing area of ​​the cartridge is provided with, inter alia, an external thread, onto which the closure is screwed. To this end, the seal has an internal thread that is complementary to the external thread. The threaded connection is constructed such that the latch prevents subsequent unscrewing, but only so that threading is possible with subsequent latching.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the edges of the cartridge wall are provided with, in particular, circumferential connecting means, in particular hooking beads, hooking ridges or undercuts, in order to connect the cartridge to the sealing element and / or the cartridge receiving member. The sealing element and / or the cartridge receiving member preferably have a mating connection means, in particular a further latching bead, a latching ridge or an undercut, which is in particular complementary to the connecting means and is preferably connected to said connecting means by a form fit, a press fit and / or a material fit. In this way, a stable and inexpensive connection between the cartridge and the cartridge receiving member and / or between the cartridge and the sealing element can preferably be achieved.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fastening region is arranged at least partially between the connection means and the mating connection means and is configured to be clamped, welded and / or glued. And the sealing element, in particular the edge of the seal or the edge of the sealing membrane, is preferably furthermore fixed between the connection means and the mating connection means, i.e. from both sides, during the beverage production process. In this way, a relatively large overpressure can be created in the reservoir without the risk of the sealing element separating from the cartridge wall. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the fastening area is located on the inside of the cartridge wall, whereby an edge of the cartridge wall is located between the fastening area and the cartridge receiving member. In this case, the connection means is therefore arranged between the fastening means and the mating connection means. Also in this way a particularly stable connection can be achieved between the body, the cartridge receiving member and the sealing element. Furthermore, the circumferential and / or mating connection means of this embodiment may also be configured as locking beads, locking ridges, undercuts, and the like. Particularly preferably, both the fastening region of the sealing element and the edge region of the sealing membrane are arranged between the connecting means and the mating connecting means.

[0019] The cartridge wall or sealing element has a circumferential rim that crimps against the wall of the cartridge receiving member.

[0020] Alternatively, the cartridge receiving member may be threadedly engaged with an end of the cartridge or with a sealing element. For this purpose, the cartridge or the fastening region of the sealing element is provided with, in particular, an external thread, into which the cartridge receiving member is screwed. To this end, the cartridge receiving member has internal threads which are complementary to the external threads. The threaded connection is preferably configured such that the latch prevents subsequent unscrewing, but only such that threading is possible with subsequent latching.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the cartridge receiving member has a base structure, and this base structure is at least partially made of synthetic resin, and is configured to be entirely made of synthetic resin. This results in low cost manufacturing. The base structure has a cup-like configuration, the open side of which is aligned toward the cartridge, an opening serving as a beverage outlet and a spike guide opening to the outside are formed in a bottom side opposite the cartridge, and a fluid supply is formed in the bottom side or a side wall of the base structure. The cartridge receiving member is such that the fluid supply does not open into a reservoir in the cartridge, but rather into a mixing chamber which is separate from the reservoir. This prevents back-contamination of the beverage preparation machine by the fluid supply during the beverage production process. Thus, rather than the fluid flowing through the reservoir, the beverage substance and the fluid flow separately from one another into a mixing chamber in the cartridge receiving member. The fluid is introduced directly into the mixing chamber, while the beverage substance is transferred to the mixing chamber independently of the fluid. For this purpose, a displaceably mounted piercing spike is provided in the spike guide and is displaceable between a retracted position in which the piercing spike is spaced apart from the sealing element, in particular the sealing membrane (or a partial region), and an extended position in which the piercing spike pierces the sealing element, in particular the sealing membrane (or partially or completely detaches a partial region from the sealing element) and protrudes into the reservoir. Thus, in the initial state of the cartridge system, the piercing spike is in a retracted position so that the reservoir is sealed by the sealing element, in particular the sealing membrane, and the piercing spike can be moved from the retracted position to the extended position in order to open the sealing element of the cartridge. In the extended position, the sealing element is pierced by the piercing spike or the pre-punched hole is torn open, so that the beverage substance passes through the sealing element and flows through at least one lateral channel of the piercing spike into the mixing chamber. In this way, the cartridge, which was previously sealed impermeable to aroma, can be opened simply and reliably in the beverage preparation machine. Also, no overpressure is generated in the reservoir acting directly on the fluid supply, thus preventing back-contamination of the beverage preparation machine. The configuration of the mixing chamber in the cartridge receiving member, which is reversibly insertable into the beverage preparation machine, ensures that the mixing chamber is part of a replaceable cartridge system. In this way, contamination of the beverage preparation machine by the beverage substance is effectively avoided, since only replaceable disposable or reusable parts of the cartridge system come into contact with the beverage substance.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the cartridge system, in particular the cartridge receiving member, is configured to have at least one support structure which supports the sealing membrane in the direction of the cartridge receiving member, in particular in the direction of the mixing chamber. In this way, the sealing membrane is prevented from rupturing during the pressure build-up in the reservoir during the beverage preparation process. The support structure comprises a structure having, in particular, a columnar, bridge, lattice or cylindrical shape which projects from the bottom of the mixing chamber in the direction of the reservoir and on which the sealing membrane is partially supported.

[0023] According to this embodiment, the piercing spike is configured with a base portion having a cylindrical or frusto-conical shape and a piercing portion extending in the direction of the reservoir, the piercing portion being configured in the shape of an obliquely cut frusto-cone. The perforation portion is preferably further configured such that the beveled surface of the beveled truncated cone generally faces the reservoir, and an oval periphery of the cut surface at least partially constitutes a cutting edge for piercing the sealing element. It has been proven that the truncated cone cut surface resulting from the oblique cut, on the one hand, cuts the sealing element easily and sufficiently with very little force, and on the other hand, does not separate pieces from the sealing element or release fragments which would otherwise be undesirable and contaminate the beverage. The perforation of the sealant is such that on the side of the perforation spike, where the maximum cutting edge protruding in the direction of the reservoir is formed, the sealant material is cut with a smooth incision, while in the region of the cut surface of the perforation, the cut sealant material remains connected to the rest of the sealant and appears rolled up or folded over.

[0024] Preferably, the piercing spike comprises an intermediate portion disposed between a base portion and a piercing portion having a frusto-conical shape, a circumferential shoulder being formed between the base portion and the intermediate portion, and a circumferential edge being formed between the piercing portion and the intermediate portion. In this way a stable piercing spike is formed. Such an edge formation has the advantage that the lateral channels, when extending over the edge, have an enlarged inlet on the reservoir side, facilitating the transport of the beverage substance in the direction of the mixing chamber. The circumferential shoulder serves to abut a stop on the spike guide when the piercing spike is in the retracted position, thereby limiting extension movement of the piercing spike towards the cartridge.

[0025] According to this embodiment, the cartridge receiving member has a number of transverse channels, each of which is configured to extend parallel to the piercing spike in the region of the piercing portion and in the region of the intermediate portion. In this case, each of the transverse channels is configured in the form of a groove that is open on one side and introduced into the outer surface of the piercing spike. The transverse channel is preferably formed at least partially in a circumferential region of the piercing spike rearward of the cutting surface. This has the advantage that the cross channel is located on the perforated side of the sealing element where the material was cut, rather than on the opposite side where the cut material is still connected to the sealing element elsewhere. In this way, the beverage substance flows relatively unimpeded into the side channel.

[0026] It is conceivable that by adapting the cross section of the lateral channels and / or the number of lateral channels to the viscosity of the beverage substance, the lateral channels control or limit the flow of the beverage substance towards the mixing chamber. At high viscosities, multiple side channels or side channels with larger cross sections are used, and at low viscosities, fewer side channels or side channels with smaller cross sections are provided. Accordingly, for each cartridge a suitable cartridge receiving member is provided.

[0027] According to this embodiment, the piercing spike is configured with web-like anti-twist means projecting radially from the base. Thus, twisting of the piercing spikes is avoided as they move from the retracted position to the extended position. It is also ensured that the transverse channel is located on the side of the perforated spike facing the fluid supply and spaced opposite the beverage outlet of the mixing chamber. In this way improved mixing of the beverage substance and the fluid within the mixing chamber is achieved.

[0028] In this embodiment, the piercing spike has an integrated compressed air tube, which is a cartridge emptying device, configured to extend along the piercing spike from a first end of the piercing spike to a second end of the piercing spike. In this way, the piercing spike incorporates three functions: 1. the piercing spike has a piercing portion for piercing the sealing element and thereby opening the cartridge, 2. the piercing spike has a lateral channel that allows the transfer of the beverage substance to the mixing chamber, and 3. the piercing spike includes an integrated compressed air tube for blowing compressed air into the reservoir and forcing the beverage substance under pressure into the mixing chamber.

[0029] A compressed air connection is preferably formed at the second end for connection to a source of compressed air and a compressed air outlet is formed at the first end for blowing compressed air into the reservoir. In this way, the cartridge emptying device integrated into the cartridge receiving part, within the meaning of the invention, firstly comprises only one compressed air pipe by means of which compressed air can be introduced into the reservoir from the outside. The cartridge receiving member is configured such that the beverage substance is forced from the reservoir into the mixing chamber by compressed air. The compressed air is provided by the beverage preparation machine. Once the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine, it directly connects the compressed air source to the compressed air connection. This has the advantage that when the cartridge system is inserted, pressure is instantly applied to the cartridge emptying device, preventing the movement of beverage substance in the direction of the compressed air tube, in particular in the direction of the compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine, thereby effectively avoiding back contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine. In this way, the beverage substance can only travel from the reservoir towards the mixing chamber.

[0030] According to this embodiment, the compressed air outlet is configured as an opening in the cutting surface. This has the advantage that air entering the reservoir is blown onto the side of the perforated spike remote from the transverse channel so as not to interfere with the discharge of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber. In this way, a vortex is preferably formed within the reservoir, assisting in emptying the reservoir while leaving substantially no residue behind.

[0031] The compressed air connection is configured as an opening in the base portion, and the base portion is arranged on the cartridge receiving member such that the compressed air connection is accessible from outside the cartridge receiving member. In this way, the connection of the compressed air line to a compressed air source is supported.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the spike guide has a guide part with an internal guide channel for receiving the piercing spike, the guide channel of the guide part being configured with an approximately cylindrical or frusto-conical shape, and a circumferential stop is formed at the end of the guide part facing the cartridge, which stop limits the movement of the piercing spike in the direction of the reservoir, and which stop is configured in particular to have a reduced diameter region. In this way, the piercing spike is reliably guided during the movement from the retracted position to the extended position. To prevent undesired twisting of the piercing spike, grooves corresponding to the ribs are preferably formed in the walls of the guide channels as anti-twisting means. The guide portion is preferably arranged in the mixing chamber and protrudes from the bottom of the mixing chamber in the direction of the cartridge.

[0033] According to the present embodiment, the piercing spike is constructed as a synthetic resin part, in particular as an injection-molded synthetic resin part. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing. However, it is also conceivable that the piercing spikes could alternatively be constructed as metal parts.

[0034] According to this embodiment, upon insertion of the cartridge system into the beverage preparation machine, the piercing spike is configured to be movable from a retracted position to an extended position by a release element of the beverage preparation machine.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the mixing chamber is preferably provided with a beverage outlet from which a beverage produced from a mixture of the beverage substance and the fluid is dispensed, and the cartridge system is preferably configured such that the beverage can be introduced directly into the mobile container from the beverage outlet. Thus, neither the beverage substance nor the produced beverage comes into contact with any parts of the beverage preparation machine, thus avoiding to any extent any (reverse) contamination of the beverage preparation machine. The fluids are fed separately into a mixing chamber. The fluid is preferably introduced into the mixing chamber under pressure. The fluid is provided by a beverage preparation machine. It is conceivable that once the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the fluid source is directly connected to a corresponding fluid connection of the cartridge receiving member. In this case, the fluid connection is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber via a fluid tube. This has the advantage that the fluid connection is immediately placed under overpressure upon insertion of the cartridge system, thereby preventing beverage substance from migrating in the direction of the fluid line, in particular in the direction of the fluid source of the beverage preparation machine, thereby effectively avoiding back contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine. Therefore, the beverage substance and beverage can only move from the mixing chamber towards the beverage outlet. The fluid comprises water, preferably pressurized, chilled and / or carbonated drinking water.

[0036] According to this embodiment, the mixing chamber is configured with a mixing structure. The mixing structure ensures better mixing of the beverage substance and the fluid. To this end, the mixing structure is configured to cause swirling of the fluid entering the mixing chamber. It is envisaged that the mixing structure comprises one or more mixing ribs, which are located in the fluid supply area at the bottom of the mixing chamber and extend generally perpendicular to the direction of fluid entry. In this way, the mixing ribs act as a barrier for the fluid, causing it to swirl upwards and achieve better mixing with the beverage product.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid supply is configured to supply a fluid to be cooled by a cooling unit, the cooling unit being part of the beverage preparation machine or being part of a separate cooling device operatively connected to the beverage preparation machine. In this way it is possible to produce a cold beverage even when the cartridge is not chilled, eg at room temperature. Integrating the system with an existing cooling device is advantageous in that the existing cooling state of the device can be used simply and efficiently with the beverage preparation machine. In particular, in cooling appliances known as "side-by-side" refrigerators (often also referred to as American refrigerators), sufficient installation space is permitted in the front to incorporate a cartridge system. It is conceivable that the beverage preparation machine may be retrofitted for such a cooling device. The cooling unit may comprise a compression cooling unit, an absorption cooling unit, or a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid supply is configured to supply fluid that has been carbonated by a carbonator. It is envisaged that the carbonator may be part of a beverage preparation machine, the carbonator comprising a receiving member for a CO2 cartridge and a supply for adding CO2 from the CO2 cartridge to the fluid. Therefore, the cartridge system can also be used to produce carbonated soft drinks. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the carbonator may have an external CO2 connection.

[0039] A further subject of the invention is a method for producing a cartridge system according to the invention, comprising: In a first method step, an aluminum sheet is provided, In a second method step, the body is produced at least partially from an aluminum sheet by punching, deep drawing or impact extrusion, In a third method step, a sealing element is attached to the body; In a fourth method step, the body is connected to the cartridge receiving member. The method of the present invention allows for the rapid and inexpensive production of relatively stable cartridges with short reference times and increased carbon dioxide content.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the invention, in an intermediate step, carried out before the fourth method step, the cartridge receiving member is manufactured by injection moulding of a synthetic resin. In this way, this part of the cartridge system, which is not under high pressure due to the introduction of compressed air, is manufactured from synthetic resin using a low cost manufacturing process, thereby keeping overall manufacturing costs low.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the invention, in a further intermediate step, carried out before or after the fourth method step, piercing spikes are manufactured and inserted into spike guides of the cartridge receiving member.

[0042] According to a further embodiment of the invention, in a further intermediate step, carried out before the third method step, sealing elements in the form of seals are punched and / or cut from an aluminum sheet and / or a sealing film, preferably a synthetic resin film, an aluminum film or a multilayer film made of synthetic resin and / or aluminum. If an aluminum sheet is used, this is deep drawn in the second method step in such a way that the sealing body of the sealing element formed from the aluminum sheet here has a wall thickness in its general wall area of ​​0.09 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, particularly preferably 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm, very particularly preferably about 0.2 mm, in particular with a maximum defect tolerance of less than or equal to 15%.

[0043] According to a further embodiment of the invention, in a further intermediate step, a partial region of the encapsulation body is partially punched to form a prepunch. In this way, the pre-punch defines a subsequent through opening which in the initial state is closed by a partial area which is still connected to the sealing body except at that point and which is only opened by the piercing spike immediately before or during the production of the beverage.

[0044] According to a further embodiment of the invention, in a further intermediate step carried out before or in the third method step, a sealing element is formed around the edge of the cartridge wall. This forming process may be carried out both in the variant in which the sealing element has a sealing body made of rigid or semi-rigid aluminum and in the variant in which the sealing element consists only of a sealing membrane.

[0045] According to a further embodiment of the invention, in a third method step a sealing element is crimped, glued, sealed and / or welded to an edge of the cartridge wall. In the variant in which the sealing element comprises a closure made of rigid or semi-rigid aluminium, the closure is in particular crimped onto the cartridge wall. In the variant in which the sealing element consists only of a sealing membrane, the latter is glued, sealed and / or welded to the edge of the cartridge wall.

[0046] According to a further embodiment of the invention, in a fourth method step the fastening region of the sealing element is arranged between an edge of the cartridge wall and a part of the cartridge receiving member and is therein, in particular clamped, welded and / or glued. In this way the fastening area is further fastened by the connecting means and the mating connecting means.

[0047] According to a further embodiment of the invention, in a further intermediate step a through opening is formed in the sealing element, which is drilled, after which in a further intermediate step the through opening is closed by a sealing membrane, which is glued, welded and / or sealed to the sealing element. This embodiment relates to a variant in which the sealing element has a sealing body made of rigid or semi-rigid aluminum. The encapsulation body is provided with a through-opening which is closed in a subsequent intermediate step by a pierceable sealing membrane. The sealing membrane may be placed and secured to the mixing chamber side of the encapsulant, or may be placed and secured to the reservoir side of the encapsulant.

[0048] According to a further embodiment of the invention, in the second method step or after the second method step, connection means, in particular locking beads, locking ridges or undercuts, are formed in the cartridge wall by molding. Furthermore, prior to the fourth method step, in particular during the injection moulding of the cartridge receiving member, mating connection means, in particular latching beads, latching ridges or undercuts, are in this case formed in the cartridge receiving member. Thus, now, optionally in a fourth method step, the fastening region of the sealing element is arranged between the connection means and the mating connection means and may therein in particular be clamped, welded and / or glued.

[0049] The cup-shaped body is preferably produced in a second method step entirely by deep drawing or impact extrusion. The body has a cup shape with a cylindrical cartridge wall, which is closed on one side by a cartridge bottom, the cartridge wall and the cartridge bottom being in particular of one-piece construction. It is contemplated that the cartridge wall and cartridge bottom will be one piece, both made from aluminium, with the body being deep drawn from sheet aluminium. On the other hand, as an alternative to deep drawing or impact extrusion, the body may be only partially produced by deep drawing or impact extrusion, whereby an aluminium sheet is bent to form a cylindrical tube and then abutting sides of this aluminium sheet bent to form the tube are glued, welded and / or pressed together to produce a body with a longitudinal seam, whereby the cartridge bottom is additionally formed by deep drawing or impact extruding a further aluminium sheet as a separate lid. The cartridge bottom, configured as a separate lid, may then be slid onto this end of the cartridge wall, and the cartridge bottom may be bent toward the tube, spaced apart and facing the cartridge receiving member, where it may be glued, welded, and / or pressed circumferentially against the cartridge wall. The lid is crimped onto the cylindrical cartridge wall to form the cartridge bottom.

[0050] The invention will become apparent from the drawings and the following description of an embodiment based on the drawings. The drawings are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the essential concept of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1a] 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1b] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1c] 1 shows the general operating principle of a cartridge system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3a] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3b] 3 shows the general operating principle of a cartridge system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8a] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8b] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] In the figures, identical parts are given the same reference numbers and will generally only be described once each.

[0053] 1a, 1b and 1c respectively show a perspective view, a schematic cross-sectional view and the general operating principle of a cartridge system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0054] The illustrated cartridge system 1 is adapted to be inserted into a beverage preparation machine (not shown) for preparing a beverage 70 . To this end, the cartridge system 1 comprises a cartridge 2 filled with a beverage substance 7 and a cartridge receiving member 10 connected to the cartridge 2 . In the beverage preparation machine, a corresponding beverage 70 is produced using a beverage substance 7 and an additional water supply, hereinafter referred to as fluid source 41 . In this case, the cartridge 2 is preferably filled with a pre-portioned amount of beverage substance 7 that is required to produce a specific drinking amount, for example one drinking glass, of the desired beverage 70. The beverage substance 7 is a liquid carbonated beverage concentrate in the form of a syrup.

[0055] In principle, a number of different cartridge systems 1 are available, the cartridges 2 or reservoirs 6 of which are filled with different beverage products 7 to produce different beverages 70. When a user of the cartridge system 1 wants to drink a particular beverage 70, he or she simply selects from a number of different cartridge systems 1 a cartridge system 1 containing a corresponding beverage substance 7 for producing the desired beverage 70, inserts the cartridge system 1 into a holding unit of the beverage preparation machine and starts the beverage production process in the beverage preparation machine, for example by pressing a start button, by touching a touch-sensitive display in a suitable manner, by gesture or voice control, or by using a suitable application on a mobile phone. It is also conceivable that the beverage preparation process may start automatically when the insertion of a new cartridge system 1 into the holding unit 90 is detected. Thereafter, in each of the above cases, the desired beverage 70 is automatically produced and delivered to the beverage container, and thus presented to the user. The used cartridge system 1 is then removed and disposed of. The beverage preparation machine is now ready to be refilled again with any desired new cartridge system 1 to produce further beverages 70.

[0056] The beverage substance 7 preferably comprises liquid pre-mixed ingredients for soft drinks such as caffeinated, carbonated, fruit-flavored and / or sweet sodas, as well as juices, beer (mixed) drinks, or other alcoholic or non-alcoholic (mixed) drinks.

[0057] The cartridge system 1 comprises a cartridge 2 having the form of a cylindrical container. The container is hollow and thereby contains a reservoir 6 for a beverage substance 7 . The cartridge 2 is composed of a cup-shaped body 2' made of aluminum. Here, cup-shaped means that the main body 2' has a cartridge bottom 2''' (top in the figure) and a cartridge wall 2'' protruding from the cartridge bottom 2''' at an angle of 90 degrees toward the cartridge receiving member 10. In this context, the cartridge wall 2'' has a cylindrical, circumferential configuration, whereas the cartridge bottom 2''' in this example has a circular, disk-like configuration. During its manufacture, the body 2' is punched or impact extruded (optionally first deep drawn and then punched or vice versa) from an aluminum sheet, whereby the cartridge bottom 2''' and the cartridge wall 2'' are joined in one piece.

[0058] On its axial side opposite the cartridge bottom 2''', the body 2' is closed by a sealing element 18. In the first embodiment, the sealing element 18 consists solely of a sealing film 18'', in particular a thin sealing film, which closes the reservoir 6, thereby sealing the beverage substance 7 in an aroma-tight manner. To this end, the sealing element 18 is fixed in a circumferential outer edge region to the edge 2'''' of the cartridge wall 2''. Here, the sealing element 18 is preferably glued, sealed or welded to the edge 2'''' of the cartridge wall 2''. The sealing film 18'' is a synthetic resin film, an aluminum film, or a multi-layer film made of synthetic resin and / or aluminum.

[0059] The cartridge 2 is fixedly or reversibly connected to a cartridge receiving member 10 . The cartridge 2 is connected to the cartridge receiving member 10 after manufacturing the body 2' (deep drawn and punched or impact extruded and punched), filling the cartridge 2 with the beverage substance 7 and closing the reservoir 6 with a sealing element 18. For this purpose, the cartridge wall 2'' optionally comprises circumferential connecting means 20, in particular in the form of a circumferential latching bead. Optionally, the cartridge receiving member 10 has a mating connection means 21 complementary to the connection means 20, in particular in the form of a circumferential latching ridge, which latches into the latching bead when the cartridge 2 is connected to the cartridge receiving member 10. The cartridge wall 2'' and the cartridge receiving member 10 are further glued, welded and / or pressed together.

[0060] In its general wall area, the body 2' has a wall thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, particularly preferably 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm, most preferably about 0.05 mm, in particular with a defect tolerance of less than or equal to 15%. In this case, the cartridge 2 is constructed in such a way that it can withstand, without bursting, an internal pressure of less than 10 bar, particularly preferably less than 8 bar, most preferably less than 6 bar (at a temperature of 20° C. and an external pressure of 1 bar). In this case, the cartridge 2 is constructed in such a way that it can withstand, without bursting, an internal pressure of less than 10 bar, particularly preferably less than 8 bar, most preferably less than 6 bar (at a temperature of 20° C. and an external pressure of 1 bar). The reservoir 6 has a capacity of between 10 ml and 500 ml, preferably between 30 ml and 90 ml, and most preferably about 60 ml.

[0061] The cartridge receiving member 10 has a mixing chamber 8 which is fluidly connected to the reservoir 6 during the beverage production process such that a cartridge emptying device of the cartridge receiving member 10 can be used to at least partially transfer the beverage substance 7 from the reservoir 6 to the mixing chamber 8. For this purpose, the cartridge emptying device includes a compressed air line 40 . One end of this compressed air pipe 40 is connected to a compressed air connection 42 connectable to a compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine in order to introduce compressed air into the compressed air pipe 40, while the other end opens towards the reservoir 6 and leads to a compressed air outlet for introducing compressed air into the reservoir 6. The beverage substance 7 is forced into the mixing chamber 8 by the introduction of compressed air.

[0062] Also communicating with the mixing chamber 8 is a fluid supply 12 of the cartridge receiving member 10 which is supplied from a fluid source of the beverage preparation machine. The fluid supply may include a quick coupling by which the fluid supply 12 can be connected to a fluid source of the beverage preparation machine. The quick coupling may be configured, for example, such that when the cartridge system 1 is inserted into the holding unit, a fluid connection between the fluid source and the mixing chamber 8 via the fluid supply 12 is automatically established. During the beverage production process, fluid, in particular chilled carbonated water, enters the mixing chamber 8 from the fluid supply 12 by means of this fluid connection. Furthermore, as mentioned above, during the beverage production process, beverage substance 7 enters mixing chamber 8 from reservoir 6 . The beverage substance 7 is mixed with the fluid in the mixing chamber 8 resulting in the formation of a beverage 70 which then exits the mixing chamber 8 through the beverage outlet 11 .

[0063] The cartridge receiving member 10 has a beverage outlet 11 through which the beverage produced in the mixing chamber 8 exits the mixing chamber 8 and is conveyed directly to a beverage container (not shown), i.e. without any parts of the beverage preparation machine coming into contact with the beverage. In this way back contamination of the beverage preparation machine is prevented. The beverage container is positioned directly below the beverage outlet 11 .

[0064] After the beverage production process is completed, the cartridge system 1 is removed from the holding unit so that the beverage preparation machine can be fitted with a new and unused cartridge system 1 . The cartridge receiving member 10 can be reused, if desired, by detaching it from a used cartridge 2 and clipping it onto a new cartridge 2.

[0065] To establish a fluid connection between the reservoir 6 and the mixing chamber 8, the cartridge receiving member 10 has a spike guide 80 in which the piercing spike 73 is slidably mounted. The sealing element 18 is pierced by a displaceable piercing spike 73 which is moved between a retracted position (see FIG. 1b) in which the piercing spike 73 is spaced away from the sealing element 18, and an extended position in which the piercing spike 73 pierces the sealing element 18 (see FIG. 1c) and protrudes into the reservoir 6.

[0066] The outer wall of the piercing spike 73 is provided with a number of lateral channels 71 for conveying the beverage substance 7 from the reservoir 6 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8 when the sealing element 18 is pierced. These transverse channels 71 are configured in the form of grooves which are open on one side and extend parallel to one another. After piercing of the sealing element 18 , the lateral channel 71 is in fluid connection with the reservoir 6 such that the beverage substance 7 can flow around the edge of the pierced sealing element 18 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8 .

[0067] In this case, the cross-section of the lateral channels 71 and / or the number of the lateral channels 71 are preferably adapted to the viscosity of the beverage substance 7, such that the lateral channels 71 control or restrict the flow of the beverage substance 7 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8. At high viscosities, multiple lateral channels 71 and / or lateral channels 71 with relatively large cross sections are used, whereas at low viscosities, fewer lateral channels 71 and / or lateral channels 71 with smaller cross sections are provided.

[0068] The piercing spike 73 includes an integral compressed air tube 40 which functions as a cartridge emptying device. This compressed air tube 40 opens into the reservoir 6 at the end of the piercing spike 73 when the latter is in the extended position. On one side of the piercing spike 73 facing away from the reservoir 6, a compressed air connection 42 is formed, which is thus accessible from outside the cartridge receiving member 10 and connectable to a compressed air source 41 of the beverage preparation machine.

[0069] The piercing spike 73 is preferably moved from the retracted position to the extended position by a fixed release element of the holding unit against which the piercing spike 73 is pressed during or after insertion of the cartridge system 1 into the beverage preparation machine or after the start of the beverage production process. The piercing spike 73 is a synthetic resin part, preferably a synthetic resin injection molded part.

[0070] Both the fluid source and the compressed air source are preferably configured to be directly connected to the fluid supply 12 and the compressed air connection 42, respectively, as soon as the cartridge system 1 is inserted into the beverage preparation machine or the beverage production process begins, and in particular before the sealing element 18 is pierced. In this way, back contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine is effectively avoided, since the fluid supply 12 and the cartridge emptying device are instantly placed under overpressure upon insertion of the cartridge system 1, thereby preventing the beverage substance 7 from moving in the direction of the fluid source and compressed air source, respectively. Therefore, the beverage substance 7 can only travel in the direction from the reservoir 6 to the mixing chamber 8 as soon as the sealing element 18 is opened.

[0071] The cartridge receiving member 10 includes a base structure 10' having a cup-like configuration. The open side of this cup-like arrangement faces towards the cartridge 2 and at least partially receives the cartridge 2, in particular the edge 2'''' of the cartridge wall 2''. At the opposite bottom side 10'', the base structure 10' has a beverage outlet opening 11 and an outwardly opening spike guide 80. The fluid supply 12 is formed in a side wall 10''' of the base structure 10'. The base structure 10' is constructed as a synthetic resin part, in particular as an injection molded synthetic resin part.

[0072] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1a, 1b and 1c, however, the cartridge receiving member 10 further has a support structure 22 that supports the sealing membrane 18''.

[0073] In this example, the support structure 22 comprises a cylindrical support element extending from the bottom side 10'' of the base structure 10' (particularly within the mixing chamber 8) in the direction of the reservoir 6 such that the element can support or bear against the sealing membrane 18'' and protect the sealing membrane 18'' from unintentional rupture during transport or storage of the cartridge system 1.

[0074] Figures 3a and 3b respectively show a schematic cross-sectional view and the general operating principle of a cartridge system 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1a, 1b and 1c, but differs in that the sealing element 18 does not consist solely of a sealing membrane 18'', but rather comprises a rigid or semi-rigid sealing body 18''' made of aluminum.

[0075] The sealing body 18''' has a through opening 18' which, in turn, is closed by a sealing membrane 18'' in the initial state of the cartridge system 1 (see FIG. 3a). The through opening 18' is positioned such that the piercing spike 73 moves from a retracted position to an extended position and protrudes through the through opening 18' to pierce the sealing membrane 18'' (see FIG. 3b). The piercing spikes 73 do not contact the encapsulant 18'''. Therefore, the encapsulant 18''' can have a very high stability.

[0076] On the other hand, the sealing membrane 18'' comprises a synthetic resin membrane, an aluminum membrane, or a multi-layer membrane made of synthetic resin and / or aluminum, the circumferential edges of which are bonded, sealed and / or welded to the sealing body 18'''. The sealing membrane 18 ″ is disposed and / or fixed to the sealing body 18 ″″ on the outer side of the sealing body 18 ″″, ie, on the side facing the mixing chamber 8 .

[0077] The closure 18''' is preferably crimped at its edge region to the edge 2'''' of the cartridge wall 2'' to secure the closure 18''' to the body 2'. The cartridge wall 2'' has a circumferential web onto which a seal 18''' is crimped as connecting means 20 onto the edge 2''''. Thus, the closure 18''' is of the crimp cap type.

[0078] Alternatively, the seal 18''' is threadedly engaged with the cartridge wall 2'', with the female threads of the seal 18''' engaging with the male threads of the cartridge wall 2''. The threaded connection is constructed such that the latch prevents subsequent unscrewing, but only such that threading is possible with subsequent latching.

[0079] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the edge of the cartridge wall 2'' has connection means 20, in particular a hook bead, a hook ridge or an undercut, for connecting the cartridge 2 to the closure 18'''. The closure 18''' has a mating connection means 21 complementary to the connection means 20, in particular a further latching bead, a latching ridge or an undercut, which is connected to the connection means 20 by a form fit, a press fit and / or a material fit.

[0080] In its general wall area, the encapsulant 18''' has a wall thickness of 0.09 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, particularly preferably 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm, most preferably about 0.2 mm, and in particular has a maximum defect tolerance of less than or equal to 15%.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1a, 1b and 1c, but in contrast to the third embodiment, the sealing membrane 18'' is not arranged on the outside of the sealing body 18''', but rather the sealing membrane 18'' is arranged and fixed on the inside of the sealing body 18''' facing the reservoir 6.

[0082] Again, the sealing membrane 18'' comprises a synthetic resin membrane, an aluminum membrane, or a multi-layer membrane made of synthetic resin and / or aluminum, the circumferential edges of which are bonded, sealed, and / or welded to the sealing body 18'''.

[0083] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment described with reference to Figures 3a and 3b, however, in contrast to the third embodiment, the encapsulant 18''' has a fixing area at its edge.

[0084] This fixing area is at a 90° angle to the rest of the closure 18''' and therefore extends parallel to the cartridge wall 2''. Thus, there is an overlap area between the fixing area and the edge 2'''' of the cartridge wall 2''. Thus, the encapsulant 18''' is also cup-shaped. In this example, the fixing area has a radius slightly larger than the edge 2'''' of the cartridge wall 2'', so that the fixing area is at least partially positioned between the edge 2'''' of the cartridge wall 2'' and the edge of the cartridge receiving member 10.

[0085] The fastening region is disposed between the connection means 20 and the mating connection means 21 and is further fastened by gluing, clamping, pressing, welding, or the like.

[0086] The encapsulant 18''' is formed from an aluminum sheet by deep drawing or impact extrusion into its cup-shaped configuration.

[0087] It is conceivable that the cartridge wall 2 ″ and the cartridge receiving member 10 also have connection means 20 and mating connection means 21 . Alternatively, these connection means 20 and mating connection means 21 are not provided.

[0088] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment is similar to the fifth embodiment described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 5, however, in contrast to the fifth embodiment, the seal 18''' has a slightly smaller radius than the cartridge wall 2''.

[0089] In this manner, the fixing area is positioned inside the cartridge wall 2'', whereby the edge 2'''' of the cartridge wall 2'' is positioned between the fixing area and the edge of the cartridge receiving member 10 and fixed by gluing, clamping, pressing, welding, etc.

[0090] It is conceivable that the cartridge wall 2 ″ and the cartridge receiving member 10 also have connection means 20 and mating connection means 21 . Alternatively, these connection means 20 and mating connection means 21 are not provided.

[0091] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4, however, in contrast to the fourth embodiment, the sealing membrane 18'' extends up to the anchoring area.

[0092] Figures 8a and 8b show a perspective view and a schematic cross-sectional view, respectively, of a cartridge system 1 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The eighth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described with reference to figures 1a, 1b and 1c, however the body 2' is not manufactured by a deep drawing process.

[0093] Therefore, the body 2' also does not consist of a cartridge wall 2'' and a cartridge bottom 2''' which are integrally connected to each other. In the eighth embodiment, the body 2' is formed by bending an aluminum sheet into a cylindrical tube. The abutting sides of the sheets are then glued, welded or pressed together to form a longitudinal seam 23 .

[0094] Furthermore, the cartridge bottom 2''' is formed as a separate lid 24 by deep drawing or impact extrusion of a further aluminium sheet. This cartridge bottom 2''', configured as a separate lid 24, may then be slid onto this end of the cartridge wall 2'', and the cartridge bottom 2''' may be bent towards the tube, facing the cartridge receiving member 10 at a distance, where it may be glued, welded and / or pressed circumferentially against the cartridge wall 2''. The lid 24 is crimped onto the cylindrical cartridge wall 2'' to form the cartridge bottom 2'''.

[0095] Depending on the embodiment of the sealing element, optional subsequent manufacturing steps may be performed as in any of the other embodiments (first to seventh embodiments) described above.

[0096] Figures 9a and 9b show a schematic cross-sectional view and a detailed view, respectively, of a sealing element 18 of a cartridge system 1 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The ninth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment described with reference to Figures 3a and 3b, however, the sealing element 18 does not comprise a sealing membrane 18'', but only an encapsulant 18'''. Again, the encapsulant 18''' is rigid or semi-rigid and made from aluminum.

[0097] The encapsulant 18''' has a prepunched hole 25 and a sub-region 19 of the encapsulant 18''' is partially prepunched out of the encapsulant 18'''. On the other hand, the partial area 19 is not completely punched by the prepunched hole 25 but only partially punched, so that in its corner area it is still integrally connected to the sealing body 18'''' elsewhere and seals the reservoir 6 against the mixing chamber 8. This initial state (also called the cartridge supply state) is shown in Figure 9a.

[0098] Due to the pre-punched holes 25 in the sealing element 18 or the sealing body 18''', the sealing body 18''' is weakened in the edge region of the partial region 19 and has a predetermined breaking point. Here, when the piercing spike 73 hits the partial area 19 and presses in the direction of the reservoir 6 before or during the preparation of the beverage, the connection between the partial area 19 and the sealing body 18'' other than at that point is at least partially torn or crushed, thereby forming a through opening 18' which corresponds in particular to the size of the pre-punched hole 25.

[0099] Due to the feature that the partial region 19 is formed by punching the sealing body 18''', the partial region 19 has approximately the same size or diameter as the through opening 18', and a piercing spike 73 is further arranged in this partial region 19 during beverage production. This prevents the separated partial regions 19 from entering the mixing chamber 8 through the through openings 18'. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Cartridge system 2 Cartridge 2' Main body 2'' Cartridge wall 2'' Bottom of cartridge 2''''... Edge of cartridge wall 6. Reservoir 7...Beverage substance 8. Mixing chamber 10 Cartridge receiving member 10' Base structure 10''...Bottom side 10''...Side wall portion of base structure 11...Beverage outlet 12...Fluid supply section 18....Sealing element 18' Through opening 18''... Encapsulating thin film 18'''...Sealing body 19...partial area 20. Connection means 21. Fitting connection means 22...Support structure 23...Longitudinal joint 24... Lid 25...Pre-punched holes 40...Compressed air pipe 42 Compressed air connection 43 Compressed air outlet 70...Beverage 71 Horizontal channel 73... Piercing spike 80···Spike guide

Claims

1. 1. A method of manufacturing a cartridge system (1) for producing a beverage (70), comprising a cartridge (2) insertable into a beverage preparation machine and comprising a reservoir (6) filled with a beverage substance (7), a cartridge receiving member (10) connected to said cartridge (2), said cartridge receiving member (10) having a mixing chamber (8) fluidly connectable to said reservoir (6) and a fluid supply (12) opening into said mixing chamber (8), said cartridge (2) being at least partly made of aluminium, In a first method step, an aluminum sheet is provided, In a second method step, the body (2') of the cartridge (2) is at least partially manufactured from the aluminum sheet by punching, deep drawing or impact extrusion, In a third method step, a sealing element (18) is attached to said body (2'), A method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1), characterized in that in a fourth method step, said body (2') is connected to said cartridge receiving member (10).

2. 2. A method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) according to claim 1, wherein in an intermediate step, carried out before said fourth method step, said cartridge receiving member (10) is manufactured by injection moulding of a synthetic resin.

3. A method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) as described in claim 1 or claim 2, in which in a further intermediate step, carried out before or after the fourth method step, piercing spikes (73) are manufactured and inserted into spike guides (80) of the cartridge receiving member (10).

4. A method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a further intermediate step, carried out before the third method step, the sealing element (18) in the form of a seal (18''') is punched and / or cut from an aluminium sheet and / or a sealing foil (18'').

5. 5. The method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) according to claim 4, wherein in a further intermediate step a partial area (19) of the closure (18''') is partially punched to form pre-punched holes (25).

6. A method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealing element (18) is formed around an edge (2'''') of a cartridge wall (2'') of the cartridge before the third method step or in a further intermediate step carried out in the third method step.

7. 7. The method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) according to claim 6, wherein in the third method step, the sealing element (18) is crimped, glued, sealed and / or welded to the edge (2'''') of the cartridge wall (2'').

8. A method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein in the fourth method step, a fixing area of ​​the sealing element (18) is arranged between the edge (2'''') of the cartridge wall (2'') and a part of the cartridge receiving member (10).

9. A method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in a further intermediate step a through opening (18') is formed in the sealing element (18), after which in a further intermediate step said through opening (18') is closed by a sealing membrane (18'').

10. A method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein in the second method step or in a further intermediate step carried out after the second method step, connecting means (20) are formed in the cartridge wall (2'').

11. 11. A method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) according to claim 10, wherein prior to said fourth method step, mating connection means (21) are formed in said cartridge receiving member (10).

12. 12. A method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) according to claim 11, wherein in the fourth method step, a fastening region of the sealing element (18) is arranged between the connection means (20) and the mating connection means (21).

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