BEVERAGE PREPARATION MACHINE.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
Smart Images
Figure MX434135B0
Abstract
Description
The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine, particularly a machine for preparing a beverage product by mixing a fluid substance with an ingredient contained in a container, such as, e.g., a sachet. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION All known home beverage preparation systems include a machine that receives an ingredient storage container for a beverage product. Generally, the ingredient container is inserted into the beverage preparation machine, and the machine passes a fluid (typically hot water) through a dose of the ingredient. The beverage product, prepared by mixing the soluble ingredient and the fluid, is then dispensed from the container into a consumption receptacle (typically a glass). Typically, the fluid transferred from the beverage preparation machine to the container is introduced either through a shower plate in contact with a fluid-permeable side of the container. Alternatively, the beverage preparation machine comprises a fluid processing device that pierces through an inlet wall of the container and injects the fluid into it (usually under a specific pressure). In such beverage preparation machines known in the art, dispensing of the beverage product from the container is accomplished by: a) building fluid pressure within the closed cavity of the container until a dispensing wall of the container automatically opens and allows the beverage product to flow out, or b) the perforation of a dispensing wall of the container by means of a dispensing needle (or other similar perforating means) of the beverage preparation machine, which is capable of removing or letting the beverage product out of the adjacent area. In cases where the dispensing side of the container opens automatically, this can lead to variations in pressure or opening method from one container to another, and some undesirable variations in the quality of the dispensed beverage product. In cases where the beverage preparation machine comprises a dispensing needle means for piercing a dispensing wall of the container, the technology of adding this dispensing needle means in addition to the fluid processing device used to inject the mixing fluid into the container adds complexity and cost to the beverage preparation machine. Therefore, there is a need for a beverage preparation machine that avoids the aforementioned drawbacks of existing beverage systems and, in particular, is simpler and offers more reproducible quality from one beverage product to another over time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention as claimed in claim 1 is a beverage preparation machine comprising a fluid circulation system for a fluid substance, at least one container support adapted to receive a corresponding ingredient storage container, and at least one fluid processing device that is part of the fluid circulation system. The fluid circulation system further comprises at least one fluid source, at least one fluid pump, at least one fluid circulation conduit, and preferably, at least one fluid heating element. The fluid processing device comprises a fluid processing body that in turn includes an inlet means for introducing the fluid substance into the container for preparing a beverage product by mixing the fluid substance with an ingredient contained in the container.The fluid processing unit also comprises at least one outlet means for dispensing the beverage product from the container. At least one means of movement is provided to separately move the fluid processing device and the container relative to each other between a fluid introduction position and a beverage dispensing position. In the fluid introduction position, the fluid processing body protrudes into the container's internal volume to introduce the fluid. In the beverage dispensing position, the fluid processing body is at least partially withdrawn from the container's internal volume to allow complete dispensing of the beverage product from the container through the outlet. Optionally, in the beverage dispensing position, the fluid may be simultaneously introduced into the container by the fluid processing body as the beverage product is dispensed. It should be noted that, in addition, in the fluid introduction position, the fluid and / or beverage may leak downwards into the outlet means of the fluid processing body. Advantageously, the fluid processing body is a needle-shaped fluid processing body comprising at least one end portion configured to pierce, and / or penetrate, and / or tear a specific portion or wall of the vessel prior to the introduction of the fluid substance into the vessel. Still advantageously, the fluid processing body further comprises at least one sealing means that: In the fluid introduction position, it engages with the container to at least partially or totally block the dispensing of the fluid substance and / or beverage product from the container, and in the beverage dispensing position, it does not engage with the container to allow complete dispensing of the beverage product from the container. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid processing body further comprises: an inlet portion, wherein the means of introducing the fluid substance into the container is provided in said inlet portion: an outlet portion, wherein the outlet means for dispensing the beverage product from the container is provided in said outlet portion; a first end portion provided in the inlet portion of the fluid processing body and configured to open a portion or wall of the vessel; a second end portion provided in the outlet portion of the fluid processing body; and at least one first inlet conduit disposed within the fluid processing body and in fluid communication with the first end portion and with a second inlet conduit of the fluid processing device. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the inlet means and the outlet means are separate from each other. The inlet means comprises the first inlet conduit and the first end portion of the fluid processing body, while the outlet means comprises the second end portion of the fluid processing body. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet means comprises at least one outlet conduit that is distinct from the inlet conduit, which is provided on the outer surface of the fluid processing body and is in fluid communication with the second end portion of the fluid processing body. Advantageously, the fluid processing device further comprises at least one air or gas inlet orifice that is in continuous communication with the inlet medium. Therefore, the drive means are configured to move the fluid processing device and the vessel separately relative to each other to at least one of the following positions: A first intermediate position, in which the air or gas inlet orifice is located outside the internal volume of the container and the sealing means is not yet engaged with the container, and a second intermediate position, in which the air or gas inlet orifice is located inside the internal volume of the container and the sealing means is still not engaged with the container. According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage preparation machine comprises a first locking means for selectively locking / unlocking the container with respect to the container support when the container is received in the container support, while the container support is fixed with respect to the fluid processing device. The movement means comprise first drive means for moving the fluid processing device with respect to the container between at least the fluid inlet position and the beverage dispensing position and vice versa.Preferably, the first locking means comprises a first gear and / or lever mechanism that is movable relative to a fixed portion of the beverage preparation machine and is provided with at least one tooth selectively engageable with at least one corresponding hole provided in the container, wherein the container is detachable from the container support and thus from the beverage preparation machine, in the unengaged position of each tooth with respect to the corresponding hole. Again, preferably, the first actuating means comprises a second gear and / or lever mechanism connected to the fluid processing device, wherein the second gear and / or lever mechanism is configured to move the fluid processing device relative to the container along a vertical axis. According to another preferred embodiment, the movement means comprise second drive means for moving the container relative to the fluid processing device between the fluid inlet position and the beverage dispensing position and vice versa, while the fluid processing device is fixed relative to the container support. Preferably, the second drive means comprises a container support device and a third gear and / or lever mechanism. The container support device is driven by the third gear and / or lever mechanism to move the container relative to the container support and relative to the fluid processing device along a vertical axis.Preferably, the container support device is provided with a second locking means comprising at least one selectively engageable pin with at least one corresponding hole provided in the container, wherein the container is detachable from the container support and thus from the beverage preparation machine, in the unengaged position of each pin with respect to the corresponding hole. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the container is made of a flexible material and is provided internally, in the portion thereof coupled by the fluid processing device, with an additional layer of a substantially rigid material. More preferably, the substantially rigid layer is provided, in the portion of the container coupled by the fluid processing device, with a hole having a cross-sectional shape compatible with the cross-sectional shape of the fluid processing body. This hole is closed by a predefined portion of the flexible container material in the non-operational state of the fluid processing device. Therefore, this hole is opened by the fluid processing body in its fluid introduction position. Preferably, in the beverage dispensing position, the fluid substance is simultaneously introduced into the container by the fluid processing body when the beverage product is dispensed from the container, to mix with the fluid and the ingredient and produce a foamy beverage product when desired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the currently preferred embodiments, which are described below with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fluid processing device for the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention; Figure 3 is another perspective view of the fluid processing device of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid processing device of Figure 2; Figure 5 is another perspective view of the fluid processing device in Figure 2, showing additional components of said fluid processing device; Figures 6A-6C show, in a first perspective view, in a cross-sectional view and in a second perspective view respectively, the fluid processing device of Figure 2 in a non-operational state, i.e., before the introduction of the fluid into the ingredient storage vessel; Figures 7A-7C show, in a first perspective view, in a cross-sectional view and in a second perspective view respectively, the fluid processing device of Figure 2 in a first operating position, i.e., the fluid introduction position, where said fluid processing device protrudes into the ingredient storage container in a sealing manner, such that the fluid can be introduced into the ingredient storage container and no leakage of this fluid is permitted outside the container; Figures 8A-8C show, in a first perspective view, a cross-sectional view and a second perspective view respectively, the fluid processing device of Figure 2 in a second operating position, wherein said fluid processing device protrudes into the ingredient storage container in such a way that both the fluid and a predefined amount of air or gas can be introduced into them and, at the same time, the resulting beverage product can flow out into a user cup; Figures 9A-9C show, in a first perspective view, a cross-sectional view, and a second perspective view respectively, the fluid processing device of Figure 2 in a third operating position, wherein said fluid processing device protrudes into the ingredient storage container in such a way that the fluid can only be introduced into it and, at the same time, the resulting beverage product can flow out into a user cup; Figure 10 is a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a fluid processing device for a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid processing device of Figure 10; Figure 12 is another cross-sectional view of the fluid processing device of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a fluid processing device for a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid processing device of Figure 13; Figures 15A-15B show, in side view, two different operating positions of the beverage-making machine's locking means that are able to selectively lock / unlock the ingredient storage container with respect to the container support; Figures 15C-15D, in side cut view, show the two different operating positions of the locking means of Figures 15A-15B respectively; Figures 16A-16B show, in side view, a preferred embodiment of the drive means for moving the fluid processing device with respect to the container between the fluid inlet position and the beverage dispensing position and vice versa; Figures 17A-17B show, in side view, a preferred embodiment of the drive means for moving the container with respect to its container support and with respect to the fluid processing device between the fluid introduction position and the beverage dispensing position and vice versa; and Figure 18 is a detailed view of some components of the drive means of Figures 17A-17B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 schematically illustrates the configuration of a beverage preparation machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The beverage preparation machine is designated as a whole with reference number 1 and comprises a fluid circulation system for a fluid substance. The fluid substance is typically water, in a cold state (between 4 °C and 20 °C), an ambient state (between 20 °C and 35 °C), or a hot state (between 35 °C and 95 °C). Preferably, the fluid substance is water at a temperature between 40 °C and 90 °C. For example, the fluid circulation system preferably comprises at least one fluid source 2, at least one fluid pump 3, and at least one fluid circulation conduit 6. The fluid circulation system may also comprise at least one fluid heating element 4. Such fluid circulation systems are known in the art. The fluid source 2 may be, for example, a detachable water tank connected to the fluid circulation system. Alternative fluid sources may include, for example, tap water connections, a container of edible fluid other than water, or a connection to a water bottle. The fluid pump 3 may be, for example, a standard piston pump that delivers a maximum outlet pressure of 20 bar. Alternative fluid pumps could obviously be provided. The beverage preparation machine 1 comprises at least one container support 7 adapted to receive a corresponding container C. The container support 7 is a mechanical element adapted to ensure the static positioning of the container C within the beverage preparation machine 1, at least during the time it is actually operating to prepare a beverage, so that the corresponding fluid circulation system can be functionally connected to the container C to inject the fluid substance into or through it. Such container supports are known in the art. The beverage preparation machine 1 further comprises at least one fluid processing device 10 that is part of the fluid circulation system and comprises a fluid processing body 12 (Figure 2). The fluid processing body 12, in turn, comprises at least one inlet means 18 for introducing the fluid substance into the vessel C for the preparation of a beverage product. Preferably, the fluid processing body 12 is a needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. The term "needle-shaped" means that the fluid processing body 12 comprises at least an end portion 26, 28 configured to pierce, and / or penetrate, and / or tear a specific portion or wall of the vessel C before the introduction of the fluid substance into said vessel C. The fluid processing body 12 is shaped so as to be capable of at least partially penetrating the vessel C. The beverage product is prepared by mixing the fluid substance with an ingredient contained in container C. Preferably, the ingredients are selected from the following list: roasted and ground coffee, compacted or not, soluble coffee powder, or loose-leaf tea. In addition, dairy ingredients (e.g., milk or cream), as well as chocolate, fruit juices, soups, vegetable juices, broths, smoothies, purées, coulis, creams, or a combination thereof, may be provided in soluble powder form, as a concentrated liquid of varying viscosities, or as a gel. The expression “mixing the fluid substance with an ingredient” means that all ingredients contained in container C are in a form compatible with a generic mixing operation (dissolving, extracting, or infusing) with the fluid substance (typically water) to obtain the beverage product. According to the invention, the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 of the fluid processing device 10 comprises at least one outlet means 20 for dispensing the beverage product from the container C. The beverage preparation machine 1 is provided with at least one drive means 54,64 for separately moving the fluid processing device 10 and the container C relative to each other between: a fluid introduction position, wherein the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 protrudes into the internal volume of the container C to introduce the fluid substance thereinto, and a beverage dispensing position, wherein the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is at least partially withdrawn from the internal volume of the container C to allow dispensing of the beverage product from the container C through the outlet means 20. Optionally, in the beverage dispensing position, the fluid substance may be simultaneously introduced into the container C by the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 when the beverage product is dispensed from the container C. Optionally, during the fluid introduction position, the fluid substance and / or the beverage product may be partially spilled downwards into the outlet means 20 of the fluid processing body 12. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 further comprises at least one sealing means 22 for coupling with the container C to prevent leakage of the fluid substance and / or beverage product from the container C, at least when the fluid substance is being introduced into the container C. In other words, when the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is provided with sealing means 22, in the fluid introduction position these sealing means 22 couple with the container C to block the dispensing of the fluid substance and / or beverage product from the container C (Figures 7A-7C). In the beverage dispensing position, these sealing means 22 do not couple with the container C to allow complete dispensing of the beverage product from the container C (Figures 8A-9C).However, it should be noted that the sealing means 22 are not an essential feature of the invention. According to the embodiment of the fluid processing device 10 shown in Figures 2-9, the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 comprises an inlet portion 14 and an outlet portion 16. The inlet means 18 for introducing the fluid substance into the container C is provided in the inlet portion 14 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12, while the outlet means 20 for dispensing the beverage product from the container C is provided in the outlet portion 16 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. The inlet means 18 and the outlet means 20 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 are preferably separated from each other and allow, with a single fluid processing device 10, both the introduction of the mixing fluid substance (typically hot water) into the container C and the dispensing of the beverage product formed within the container C.Preferably, according to the embodiment of the fluid processing device 10 shown in Figures 2-9, the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 comprises a first end portion 26, provided in the inlet portion 14 of said needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 and configured to open (e.g., by tearing, piercing, and / or penetrating) a specified portion of the vessel C, and a second end portion 28, provided in the outlet portion 16 of said needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. The needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 further comprises at least one inlet conduit 30 disposed therein.The inlet conduit 30 is in fluid communication with the first end portion 26 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 and with a second inlet conduit 36 of a second fluid processing body 34, as will be described in detail later. The inlet conduit 30 and the first end portion 26 are therefore contained within the inlet medium 18 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. More precisely, the inlet conduit 30 is a closed, tube-shaped conduit integrated into the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12, which allows the fluid substance to be introduced into the vessel C without being exposed to air. As shown in the embodiment of fluid processing device 10 in Figures 2-9, the sealing means 22 are preferably provided between the first end portion 26 and the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. Preferably, the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is a vertically oriented, elongated body, more preferably a point-shaped body, wherein its first end portion 26, its second end portion 28, and the sealing means 22 are arranged coaxially about a vertical axis A. More preferably, as shown in the figures, the first end portion 26 is oriented upwards with respect to the position of the fluid processing device 10 within the beverage preparation machine 1.Even more preferentially, the first end portion 26 and / or the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 are respectively pointed portions. The first pointed end portion 26 is thus configured to open, e.g., by piercing, penetrating, or tearing, a specific portion of the container C to inject the fluid substance into it, as will be explained in detail below. The second pointed end portion 28 is oriented downwards with respect to the position of the fluid processing device 10 in the beverage preparation machine 1, to precisely direct the flow of the beverage product into the user's cup. The outlet means 20 of the fluid processing device 10 comprises the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 and at least one outlet conduit 32 that is distinct from the inlet conduit 30 of the inlet means 18. More specifically, according to the embodiment shown in Figures 2-9, each outlet conduit 32 is obtained in the form of a slotted channel provided on the outer surface of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. Each slotted channel is, therefore, in fluid communication with the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. Preferably, the sealing means 22, which are configured to couple with the container C to prevent leakage of the fluid substance and / or beverage product from said container C in the operating state of the fluid processing device 10, consists of an enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. More specifically, this enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is comprised between the first end portion 26 and the second end portion 28 of said needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 and has a cross-sectional area that is greater than any cross-sectional area of the portion of said needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 comprised between its first end portion 26 and the enlarged portion 22A itself.This enlarged portion 22A of the fluid processing body 12 can be at least partially coated with an elastomeric material to ensure improved sealing properties. This enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is therefore configured to adhere to a wall of the vessel C in the portion of said vessel C open by the first end portion 26 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. Conveniently, each outlet conduit 32 in the form of a slotted channel is provided on the outer surface of the vertically oriented, needle-shaped fluid processing body 12, in a portion thereof between its first end portion 26 and its enlarged portion 22A. A drinking guide element 50 for guiding the beverage to the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is therefore provided between the enlarged portion 22A and said second end portion 28. Preferably, the drinking guide element 50 has a tapered cross-sectional area that decreases from the enlarged portion 22A to the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. More preferably, the drinking guide element 50 is tapered.Even more preferentially, the drink guide element 50 has a truncated conical shape, with an additional pointed element in the outlet portion 16. Therefore, the drink product extracted from the container C is guided by the outlet conduit 32 to the second end portion 28 through the drink guide element 50, to precisely direct the flow of this drink product to the user's cup placed below said drink guide element 50. The fact that the outlet means 20 of the fluid processing device 10 are positioned externally with respect to the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12, along with the fact that these outlet means 20 are in the form of slotted channels—that is, with an open cross-section rather than a closed-loop cross-section (which is typical of conventional cylindrical channels)—leads to a specific advantage in the processing of beverage products based on a mixture of a fluid substance and a soluble ingredient. In fact, if the soluble ingredient contained in the container C consists mainly of solid particles, some of these solid particles (e.g., pieces of biscuit, etc.) remain in their solid state even after mixing with the fluid substance (e.g., hot water), ensuring they can be properly ingested by the user.Therefore, the open cross-section of the outlet medium 20 allows these particles to pass, along with the fluid substance, into the user's cup, without risk of blocking a cylindrical dispensing channel designed in any other way. Furthermore, the slotted channels can have a variable open cross-section, increasing or decreasing from the first end portion 26 to the enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. In other words, the slotted channels can be optionally manufactured with a specific profile (i.e., ramp) from their top to their bottom so that, depending on the height position of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 in the vessel C, the open cross-section of the slotted channels increases or decreases to adapt the flow rate of the beverage product exiting into the cup, and also the fluid pressure inside the vessel C during mixing. Optionally, the fluid processing device 10 could be provided with at least one air or gas inlet orifice 24, which is in fluid communication with the inlet means 18 and which, in the embodiment of Figures 2-9, is located in the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 between the first end portion 26 and the sealing means 22. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 2-9, the air or gas inlet orifice 24 is in the form of a through hole obtained in a side wall of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 and is placed in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 30 for fluid adduction.As will be explained in detail later, the air or gas inlet orifice 24 allows the inlet duct 30, which is in contact with the outside environment under certain operating conditions of the fluid processing device 10, to allow the aspiration of a predefined amount of air or gas, to mix with the fluid substance and to be introduced into the container C through the inlet duct 30, by means of the Venturi effect. In the case where the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is provided with the air or gas inlet orifice 24, the movement means 54, 64 of the beverage preparation machine 1 are configured to separately move the fluid processing device 10 and the container C relative to each other in at least one of the following intermediate positions, i.e.: a first intermediate position, in which the air or gas inlet orifice 24 is located outside the internal volume of the container C and the sealing means 22, if provided, are not coupled with the container C (Figures 8A-8C), and a second intermediate position, in which the air or gas inlet orifice 24 is located inside the internal volume of the container C and the sealing means 22, if provided, are not yet coupled with the container C (Figures 9A-9C). More specifically, in the embodiment of Figures 2-9, the fluid processing device 10 is configured to move between the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position, to selectively obtain or not obtain the Venturi effect. In another possible embodiment, the fluid processing device 10 is configured to always keep its gas inlet orifice 24 outside the internal volume of the vessel C, to always obtain the Venturi effect. Preferably, in this possible embodiment of the fluid processing device 10, the gas inlet orifice 24 can be located between the sealing means 22 and the second end portion 28 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. More preferably, in this possible embodiment of the fluid processing device 10, the sealing means 22 are not provided in the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. The fluid processing device 10 preferably comprises a second fluid processing body 34 connected to the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 described thus far. More preferably, the second fluid processing body 34 is integrally manufactured with the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 at a joining end 44 thereof. The second fluid processing body 34 is internally provided with a second inlet conduit 36 placed in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 30 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body. 12. According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, as shown, for example, in Figures 6B, 7B, 8B, and 9B, the second inlet conduit 36 is a converging conduit having a decreasing cross-sectional area toward the inlet conduit 30. More specifically, the second inlet conduit 36 is preferably provided with at least a first conduit portion 38, having a first predefined cross-sectional area, and with a second conduit portion 40, having a second predefined cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first predefined cross-sectional area of the first conduit portion 38. The second conduit portion 40 is positioned downstream of the first conduit portion 38 and is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 30 obtained in the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 of the fluid processing device 10. Furthermore, at least one through-hole 42 could be interposed between the inlet conduit 30, obtained in the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12, and the second inlet conduit 36, obtained in the second fluid processing body 34. Conveniently, the through-hole 42 has an average cross-sectional area that is smaller than the average cross-sectional area of the inlet conduit 30 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 and the average cross-sectional area of the second inlet conduit 36 of the second fluid processing body 34. The specific configuration of the second fluid processing body 34, with its convergent cross-sectional profile and the presence of the through-hole 42, allows for the correct setting of the velocity of the fluid substance introduced into the vessel C by the fluid processing device 10. In fact, the convergent cross-sectional profile of the second fluid processing body 34 allows for an increase in the velocity of the fluid substance pumped by the beverage preparation machine 1 into the fluid processing device 10. Furthermore, the through-hole 42 is provided to further increase the velocity of the fluid substance before it exits the inlet conduit 30 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. The presence of the through-hole 42 ensures good dissolution of the ingredient(s) and reconstitution of the beverage product.Through-hole 42 defines the flow and pressure of the fluid during reconstitution of the beverage product. Through-hole 42 may also have an anti-reflux function to reduce the risk of fluid flowing back from vessel C into the fluid line consisting of the inlet conduit 30, through-hole 42, and the second inlet conduit 36. According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the second fluid processing body 34 is arranged orthogonally with respect to the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12, such that the inlet conduit 30 is substantially orthogonal with respect to the second inlet conduit 36. Therefore, when the fluid processing device 10 is appropriately connected to the beverage preparation machine 1 in its operating state, the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is oriented along a substantially vertical direction (shown by axis A in Figure 4), with its first end portion 26 located at the top and its second end portion 28 located at the bottom, while the second fluid processing body 34 is substantially horizontal.As a result, in the operating state of the fluid processing device 10, the inlet conduit 30 is oriented along a substantially vertical direction, while the second inlet conduit 36 is oriented along a substantially horizontal direction. The second fluid processing body 34 could be provided with a coupling portion 46 for removably coupling the fluid processing device 10 to the beverage preparation machine 1. This removable coupling allows the fluid processing device 10 to be removed from the beverage preparation machine 1 and washed separately from it, for example, in a dishwasher. The coupling portion 46 is positioned at an opposite end of the second fluid processing body 34 from its joining end 44 with the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12.As shown in the figures, the coupling portion 46 can be provided internally with at least a third inlet conduit 48 having a larger average cross-sectional area than the average cross-sectional area of the second inlet conduit 36 of the second fluid processing body 34, to further increase the velocity of the fluid substance before it exits the inlet conduit 30 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. In Figures 6A-6C, a first perspective view, a cross-sectional view, and a second perspective view, respectively, show a non-operational state of the fluid processing device 10. In this non-operational state, the fluid processing device 10 is shown outside the vessel C, i.e., before the introduction of the fluid substance into said vessel C through the inlet means 18. In other words, in this non-operational state, no fluid substance or other substances pass through the inlet means 18 and the outlet means 20 of the fluid processing device 10. Figures 7A-7C, in a first perspective view, a cross-sectional view, and a second perspective view respectively, show a first operating state of the fluid processing device 10, namely the fluid introduction position. In this first operating state, at least a portion of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 protrudes into the container C such that the fluid substance can be introduced into it through the inlet means 18. In this fluid introduction position, it is preferred but not indispensable that the sealing means 22, i.e., the enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 in the embodiment shown in Figures 2-9, be in contact with the lower wall of the vessel C. In this embodiment, the outlet means 20, i.e., the outlet conduits 32 in the form of slotted channels, are provided in the side wall of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 in a position that is above the position of the enlarged portion 22A of said needle-shaped fluid processing body 12.In this way, in the fluid introduction position of the fluid processing device 10, the outlet conduits 32 are fully inserted into the container C, and due to the sealing coupling between the sealing means 22 and said container C, no or almost no leakage of any fluid substance and / or other substances from the container C is permitted. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2-9, the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 of the fluid processing device 10 is a pointed body provided with a first pointed end portion 26 at its inlet portion 14. This pointed end portion 26 is thus configured to pierce, and / or penetrate, and / or tear a specific portion of the vessel C to inject the fluid substance into it. However, as will be explained later, other embodiments of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 could be considered, with an inlet portion 14 configured differently to achieve the first operating state of the fluid processing device 10 in a different manner, for example, the embodiments in Figures 10-14, described in more detail later. In the specific embodiment of the beverage preparation machine 1 shown in the figures, the container C is preferably made of a flexible, multi-layered material, more preferably made essentially of a single layer of paper. Preferably, this container C is therefore provided internally, in its lower portion—that is, the portion coupled to the fluid processing device 10—with an additional layer L of a substantially rigid material. This substantially rigid material can be, for example, a compostable plastic capable of forming a barrier against oxygen and moisture. Compostable means that the entire container C can be disposed of after use along with fruit and vegetable peels.However, other embodiments of the container C are possible, but it is preferable that, in the specific embodiment of the beverage-making machine 1 shown in the figures, such container C has a substantially rigid portion in the contact area with the needle-shaped fluid-processing body 12, since the relative rigidity of at least a portion of the container C is advantageous for cooperating with the sealing means 22 of the needle-shaped fluid-processing body 12. The preferably rigid layer of the vessel C is provided, at its lower portion, with an injection hole having a cross-sectional shape (e.g., a circular cross-sectional shape) that is compatible with the cross-sectional shape of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12, i.e., the cross-sectional shape of the point-shaped body. In the non-operational state of the fluid processing device 10, the injection hole is sealed (preferably hermetically) by a lower portion of the flexible multilayer material of the vessel C.In the case of a circular cross-section, the diameter of the injection hole is greater than the average diameter of the needle-shaped body, but less than or equal to the maximum diameter of the sealing means 22 (if such sealing means 22 are provided in the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12), i.e., of the enlarged portion 22A of the needle-shaped body. With this configuration, the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is able to penetrate the vessel C through the injection hole (by breaking or tearing the portion of the multi-layered flexible material that seals said injection hole) during the movement of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 into the vessel C, until the sealing means 22 have reached their sealing position against the circumferential edge of said injection hole.In this sealing position, no further movement is allowed between the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 and the vessel C, and therefore the fluid introduction position described above and shown in Figures 7A-7C is obtained. In Figures 8A-8C, in a first perspective view, a cross-sectional view, and a second perspective view respectively, the first intermediate position of the fluid processing device 10 is shown. In this first intermediate position, at least a portion of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 extends even further into the vessel C, similar to what occurs in the fluid introduction position described above, but the sealing means 22 are not in close contact with the lower wall of the vessel C.In other words, in this first intermediate position a smaller portion of the fluid processing body 12, compared to the fluid introduction position, protrudes into the container C (this fact is also visible from a comparison between Figure 7B and Figure 8B), so that both the fluid substance can be introduced into the container C by the inlet means 18 and, simultaneously, the resulting beverage product can exit through the outlet means 20. More specifically, in this first intermediate position, the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 protrudes into the vessel C such that its air or gas inlet orifice 24 remains outside the vessel C. Therefore, in this first intermediate position, the injection of air or gas into the vessel C is possible simultaneously with the injection of the fluid via the Venturi effect. It should be noted that the Venturi effect, which is obtained due to the simultaneous injection of fluid and air or gas into the vessel C, occurs only when the fluid is injected into the vessel C through the inlet means 18. In fact, as soon as the injection of the fluid into the vessel C through the inlet means 18 stops, the Venturi suction effect through the air or gas inlet orifice 24 ceases to function.Therefore, no Venturi effect occurs only in extraction mode, i.e., when the beverage product has been fully prepared and flows through outlet medium 20. Basically, the Venturi effect is the phenomenon whereby when a fluid circulates at high speed within the inlet medium 18 of the fluid processing device 10, it draws a quantity of air or gas through the air or gas inlet orifice 24. This is due to suction, a physical property known in the field of fluid mechanics. When air or gas is drawn (i.e., sucked) into the flow of fluid injected into vessel C, this air or gas also mixes with the soluble ingredient. The mixture consisting of soluble ingredient, fluid, and air or gas creates a foaming boost, which is necessary for foaming beverage products (frothy milks, creamy chocolates, etc.). Obviously, the suction effect of air or gas along with the fluid substance can only work if the air or gas inlet orifice 24 is located outside the container C. Therefore, the Venturi effect can be stopped if the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is inserted sufficiently into the container C so that the air or gas inlet orifice 24 is inside the container C, as in the second intermediate position of the fluid processing device 10 described below. In Figures 9A-9C, in a first perspective view, a cross-sectional view, and a second perspective view respectively, the second intermediate position of the fluid processing device 10 is shown. This second intermediate position is basically similar to the first intermediate position described above, except for the fact that the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is inserted into the vessel C such that the air or gas inlet orifice 24 is located inside the vessel C (see particularly Figure 9B), while the sealing means 22, once again, are not in close contact with the lower wall of said vessel C. Therefore, in this second intermediate position, the fluid substance can be introduced into the container C through the inlet means 18, and simultaneously, the resulting beverage product can be discharged through the outlet means 20 into the cup. However, no Venturi effect occurs in this second intermediate position, and no air or gas is injected into the container C through the air or gas inlet orifice 24; only the fluid substance is introduced into the container C during the injection phase. Regardless of the Venturi effect, in both the first and second intermediate positions, the fluid substance is injected into vessel C through the inlet 18 of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12. The fluid substance injected into vessel C is mixed with the soluble ingredient (e.g., coffee powder) to create the beverage product. In these intermediate positions, the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12 is partially outside vessel C, so the slotted dispensing channels are always at least partially outside vessel C (i.e., the slotted dispensing channels are open) and are therefore able to allow the beverage product to flow from vessel C into the user's cup. Thus, simultaneously with the injection of the fluid substance into vessel C, the beverage product is also dispensed into the user's cup. Figures 10-14 illustrate other embodiments of the fluid processing device 10. In these embodiments, the fluid processing body 12 has a different shape compared to that described above with reference to Figures 2-9. More precisely, the outlet means 20 differ from the outlet conduits 32 in that they are slotted channels, as the function of the outlet means 20 can be performed by other outlet guide elements. For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 9-13, the outlet means 20 also comprise at least one outlet conduit arranged within the fluid processing body 12, similar to the first inlet conduit 30.In other embodiments, these outlet guide elements could be the external surface of the fluid processing body 12 and / or one or more outlet conduits arranged within the fluid processing body 12 and / or one or more outlet conduits arranged on the external surface of the fluid processing body 12. In the embodiments of Figures 10-14, no specific sealing means are provided on the external surface of the fluid processing body 12. However, a certain sealing function may be performed by a specific portion (not necessarily an enlarged portion) of the external surface of the fluid processing body 12 located below the inlet means 18. If provided, this specific portion of the external surface of the fluid processing body 12 may also be configured to adhere to a wall of the vessel C in the portion of said vessel C open by the first end portion 26 of the fluid processing body 12.Preferably, in the embodiments of Figures 10-14, no sealing means 22 of any kind between the fluid processing body 12 and the container C, resulting in a small or negligible leakage of the fluid substance falling into the user's cup during beverage preparation. Advantageously, in the embodiments of Figures 10-14, the external surface of the fluid processing body 12 is tapered. Also advantageously, the inlet conduit of the second fluid processing body 34 has a decreasing cross-sectional area toward the inlet conduit 30, as described for the embodiment in Figures 2-9. Furthermore, it should be noted that at least one of the first end portion 26 and / or the second end portion 28 of the fluid processing body 12 may not be pointed, but could be a substantially flat portion or a slightly curved portion. In fact, a substantially flat first end portion 26 of the fluid processing body 12 could also effectively open a specific portion or wall of the vessel C, for example, by pushing this portion or wall into the vessel C and / or dismounting or unsealing it from the vessel C.In this case, the vessel C is designed such that its specific portion or wall is welded or bonded to the bottom of the vessel, covering and sealing a through-hole provided by this bottom portion. Alternatively, this specific portion or wall could be provided with a weakening profile that allows the first end portion 26 of the fluid processing body 12 to separate, or unseal, and / or push this portion or wall into the vessel C. According to this embodiment, which does not have a pointed first end portion 26, the fluid processing body 12 can have any suitable shape, not necessarily a needle shape. In the embodiments of Figures 10-14, the optional gas inlet orifice 24 may be placed in the fluid processing device 10 such that it remains outside the vessel C with a Venturi effect, as in the second operating state of the embodiment of Figures 2-9, or it may be located inside the vessel C without a Venturi effect, as in the third operating state of the embodiment of Figures 2-9. Preferably, in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the gas inlet orifice 24 is placed in the second fluid processing body 34 of the fluid processing device 10 and is always in fluid communication with the inlet medium 18 of the fluid processing body 12 through a dedicated conduit 24A (shown in Figure 12).In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the gas inlet orifice 24 is positioned in the fluid processing device 10 such that it always remains outside the vessel C, thus always providing the Venturi effect. In the embodiment shown in Figures 11-13, the gas inlet orifice 24 is located in the second end portion of the fluid processing body 12, i.e., the lower portion of the fluid processing body 12, and is always in continuous communication with the inlet medium 18 of the fluid processing body 12 via a dedicated conduit. 24A (shown in Figure 14). Also in this embodiment of Figures 11-13, the gas inlet orifice 24 is positioned in the fluid processing device 10 such that it always remains outside the vessel C, thus always providing the Venturi effect. According to further modifications of the fluid processing device 10, not shown in the figures, the optional gas inlet orifice 24 can be arranged in the fluid processing body 12 and / or in the second fluid processing body 34 in different positions, such that it always remains outside the vessel C, thus always providing the Venturi effect. In view of all the modalities described so far, it should be understood that the term opening, when referring to a specific portion or wall of container C, means: piercing, or passing through, or tearing, or detaching, or unsealing, or pushing into container C, or opening in any equivalent manner, this specific portion or wall of container C prior to the introduction of the fluid substance into said container C. Preferably, container C is a single-use container, such as a pouch or sachet, or any known container having at least flexible side walls. Container C may also be any other sealed container that can be opened (e.g., punctured), such as a capsule, pod, pad, bottle, flow bag, container, or the like. Alternatively, container C may be a multi-dose container, having, for example, a large storage compartment for holding multiple doses of ingredient, and a dosing and mixing chamber that can receive a dose at a time from the ingredient transferred from the storage compartment. Figures 15A-15D describe one embodiment of a container support for the beverage preparation machine 1. This container support 7 is not described in full detail, as it is of a type known in the prior art and comprises a seat 8 for supporting the container C. As shown in Figures 15A-15B, the beverage preparation machine 1 may be provided with a first locking means 52 for selectively locking / unlocking the container C with respect to the container support 7 when the container C is received in its seat 8 of said container support 7. In the embodiment according to Figures 15A-15D, the container support 7 is fixed with respect to the fluid processing device 10. In a first preferred embodiment of the beverage preparation machine, shown in Figures 15A-15D and 16A-16B, the fluid processing device 10 is movable with respect to the container C, which is fixed with respect to its container support 7 and to the beverage preparation machine 1. In this specific embodiment of Figures 15A-15D, the movement means 54, 64 of the beverage preparation machine 1 comprise the first drive means 54 (Figures 16A-16B) for moving the fluid processing device 10 with respect to the container C between at least the fluid inlet position and the beverage dispensing position and vice versa. In this specific embodiment of Figures 15A-15D, the first locking means 52 of the container C with respect to the container support 7 comprises a first gear and / or lever mechanism 56.In this specific embodiment of Figures 15A-15D, the first gear and / or lever mechanism 56 consists of at least one lever 78 that can rotate about a respective hinge 80 obtained in a fixed portion of the beverage preparation machine 1. The first gear and / or lever mechanism 56 is therefore movable with respect to a fixed portion of the beverage preparation machine 1, and at least one tooth 58, provided on the lever 78, can be selectively engaged with at least one corresponding hole 60 (Figures 15C-15D) provided in the container C. The container C is detachable from the container support 7 and, therefore, from the beverage preparation machine 1, only in the unengaged position of the tooth 58 with respect to the corresponding hole 60.It should be noted that this embodiment of the first gear and / or lever mechanism 56 is described and illustrated for explanatory purposes only, and additional embodiments of this first gear and / or lever mechanism could be provided. In the embodiment of Figures 16A-16B, which shows a fluid processing device 10 that is movable with respect to the vessel C, the first drive means 54 comprises a second gear and / or lever mechanism 62 connected to the fluid processing device 10. In this specific embodiment of Figures 16A-16B, the second gear and / or lever mechanism 62 consists of a plurality of gears 74 that drive at least one rod 76 connected to the fluid processing device 10. The second gear and / or lever mechanism 62 is configured to move the fluid processing device 10 with respect to the vessel C along the vertical axis A of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12.More specifically, as shown in Figures 16A-16B, the rotation of gears 74 causes a corresponding vertical movement of rod 76, which, in turn, vertically moves the fluid processing device 10 along axis A between the engaged position in Figure 16A (i.e., the fluid introduction position in Figures 7A-7C) and the disengaged position in Figure 16B (i.e., the non-operating state in Figures 6A-6C). Furthermore, the rotation of gears 74 and the corresponding vertical movement of rod 76 also causes the fluid processing device 10 to move vertically along axis A to reach the first intermediate position in Figures 8A-8C (i.e., the intermediate position where the Venturi effect is activated) and, if necessary, the second intermediate position in Figures 9A-9C (i.e., the intermediate position where the Venturi effect is not activated).It should be noted that this embodiment of the second gear and / or lever mechanism 62 is described and illustrated for explanatory purposes only, and additional embodiments of this second gear and / or lever mechanism could be provided. In a second preferred embodiment of the beverage preparation machine 1, shown in Figures 17A-17B and 18, the fluid processing device 10 is fixed with respect to the container support 7, and the container C is movable with respect to the container support 7 and the fluid processing device 10. In this specific embodiment, the movement means 54, 64 of the beverage preparation machine 1 comprise a second drive means 64 for moving the container C with respect to the fluid processing device 10. More specifically, since in this embodiment of the beverage preparation machine 1 the container C is only movable with respect to the fluid processing device 10, the movement means 54, 64 are configured to move said container C, starting from the non-operating state of Figures 6A-6C, between the fluid inlet position and the beverage dispensing position and vice versa. In the embodiment of Figures 17A-17B and Figure 18, which shows a vessel C that is movable with respect to the fluid processing device 10, the second drive means 64 comprises a vessel support device 66 and a third gear and / or lever mechanism 68. In this specific embodiment of Figures 17A-17B and 18, the third gear and / or lever mechanism 68 consists of a plurality of gears 82 that are set in rotation to drive a rotational and translational movement of a linkage 84. The vessel support device 66 is driven by the third gear and / or lever mechanism 68 to move the vessel C with respect to the vessel support 7 and with respect to the fluid processing device 10 along the vertical axis A of the needle-shaped fluid processing body 12.As shown in Figure 18, the container support device 66 is provided with a second locking means 72 comprising, for example, at least one pin 70 selectively engageable with at least one corresponding hole 60 provided in the container C. Operationally, the rotation of the gears 82 causes the rotational and translational movement of the link 84, which is connected to the second locking means 72 (as shown in Figure 18). In turn, the rotational and translational movement of the link 84 causes a vertical movement, i.e., along the vertical axis A, of the container support device 66 and its respective second locking means 72.Since the pins 70 of the second locking means 72 engage with the corresponding holes 60 provided in the container C, this container C is therefore moved vertically with respect to the fluid processing device 10 (which is fixed) between all the positions shown in Figures 6A-9C. It should be noted that the container C is removable from the container support 7 and therefore from the beverage preparation machine 1 only in the unengaged position of the pin 70 with respect to the corresponding hole 60. It should also be noted that in this embodiment, other locking means could be provided instead of the second locking means 72 of Figure 18.For example, the first locking means 52 shown in Figures 15A-15C, where a movable fluid processing device 10 and a fixed vessel C are shown, can also be used instead of the second locking means 72 in connection with the third gear and / or lever mechanism 68 of Figures 17A-17B and 18, where a fixed fluid processing device 10 and a movable vessel C are shown. For the same reason, the second locking means 72 shown in Figures 17A-37. 17B and 18 can also be used in place of the first locking means 52 in connection with the first gear and / or lever mechanism 52 of Figures 15A-15C. Finally, it should be noted that this embodiment of the third gear and / or lever mechanism 68 is also described and illustrated for explanatory purposes only, and additional embodiments of this third gear and / or lever mechanism could be provided. Last but not least, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, in addition to a first container support and fluid processing device as described in detail above, the beverage preparation machine 1 comprises a second container support and fluid processing device (not illustrated in the figure). Preferably, the second fluid processing device is fluidly connected to the same fluid circulation system that is also connected to the first fluid processing device described above. This has the advantage that the machine is less complex and less expensive to manufacture and operate. However, a second, independent fluid circulation system, manufactured similarly to the first, may of course be included in the same beverage preparation machine. In this embodiment, a preferred configuration is that the first container adapted to be inserted into the first container holder and processed with the first fluid processing device is a sachet (one embodiment of which is described above) constructed to hold a soluble ingredient for mixing with a fluid (e.g., water). This ingredient is, for example, a dairy composition, tea-based compositions, chocolate-based compositions, soups, fruit compositions such as smoothies, and the like. The sachet may also contain a tea leaf ingredient or a soluble or herbal infusion ingredient. Generally, fluid processing in the sachet-type container is carried out at a low pressure, as described above. The second container, adapted to be inserted into the second container holder and processed with the second fluid processing device, is preferably a rigid or semi-rigid container, such as a capsule or pod, containing an ingredient adapted to be extracted at a higher fluid pressure than the fluid pressure used with the first fluid processing device. This ingredient is typically roasted and ground coffee, which is extracted according to coffee extraction techniques known in the art by circulating pressurized water through it. The fluid circulating through the coffee grounds is preferably, but not necessarily, hot water (generally, hot water for coffee extraction is circulated through the ingredient at a temperature between 75 and 95 °C). However, room temperature water, or even cold water, may be used for the preparation known as "cold brew coffee."In this case, the container support is preferably an infusion chamber comprising two movable elements relative to each other, allowing the chamber to be opened to insert or remove the container, and then closed to extract the ingredient contained within it. No further details are provided in this description, as such infusion chambers are known in the field of beverage machines. To control the preparation of different ingredients, the beverage machine comprises a control panel (either attached to said machine housing, or on a remote device) and a control chip board that is capable of operating the fluid processing devices and the fluid circulation system for simultaneous or sequential preparation of beverages from the first and second container. It should be understood that several changes and modifications to the currently preferred embodiment of the beverage preparation machine 1 described herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A beverage preparation machine (1) comprising: a fluid circulation system for a fluid substance; the fluid circulation system comprising at least one fluid source (2), at least one fluid pump (3) and at least one fluid circulation conduit (6); at least one container support (7) adapted to receive a corresponding container (C);and at least one fluid processing device (10) that is part of the fluid circulation system and comprises a fluid processing body (12) which in turn comprises at least one inlet means (18) for introducing the fluid substance into the container (C) for the preparation of a beverage product by mixing the fluid substance with an ingredient contained in the container (C), the beverage preparation machine (1) being characterized in that the fluid processing body (12) further comprises at least one outlet means (20) for dispensing the beverage product from the container (C), characterized in that at least one movement means (54;64) is provided for separately moving the at least one fluid processing device (10) and the container (C) relatively from each other between: a fluid introduction position, wherein the fluid processing body (12) protrudes into the internal volume of the container (C) to introduce the fluid substance thereinto, and a beverage dispensing position, wherein the fluid processing body (12) is at least partially withdrawn from the internal volume of the container (C) to permit dispensing the beverage product from the container (C) through at least one outlet means (20).; 2. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid processing body (12) is a needle-shaped fluid processing body (12), comprising at least one end portion (26; 28) configured to pierce, penetrate and / or tear a specific portion or wall of the container (C) prior to the introduction of the fluid substance into the container (C).
3. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the fluid processing body (12) further comprises at least one sealing means (22) which, in the fluid introduction position, engages with the container (C) to block the dispensing of the beverage product from the container (C) and, in the beverage dispensing position, does not engage with the container (C) to allow dispensing of the beverage product from the container (C).
4. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fluid processing body (12) further comprises: an inlet portion (14), characterized in that at least one inlet means (18) for introducing the fluid substance into the container (C) is provided in the inlet portion (14); an outlet portion (16), wherein at least one outlet means (20) for dispensing the beverage product from the container (C) is provided in the outlet portion (16); a first end portion (26) provided in the inlet portion (14), the first end portion (26) being configured to open a portion of the container (C); a second end portion (28) provided in the outlet portion (16), the second end portion (28) being configured to dispense the beverage product;and at least one inlet conduit (30) disposed within the fluid processing body (12), the at least one inlet conduit (30) being in fluid communication with the first end portion (26) and with a second inlet conduit (36) of the fluid processing device (10), wherein the at least one inlet means (18) and at least one outlet means (20) are separated from each other, wherein the at least one inlet means (18) comprises the at least one inlet conduit (30) and the first end portion (26), and wherein the at least one outlet means (20) comprises at least the second end portion (28).; 5. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one outlet means (20) comprises at least one outlet conduit (32) that is distinct from the at least one inlet conduit (30), which is provided on the outer surface of the fluid processing body (12) and which is in fluid communication with the second end portion (28).
6. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the fluid processing device (10) further comprises at least one air or gas inlet orifice (24) that is in fluid communication with at least one inlet means (18), characterized in that the at least one movement means (54; 64) is further configured to separately move the at least one fluid processing device (10) and the container (C) relative to each other in at least one of the following positions: a first intermediate position, wherein the at least one air or gas inlet orifice (24) is located outside the internal volume of the container (C) and the at least one sealing means (22) is not engaged with the container (C), and a second intermediate position, wherein the at least one air or gas inlet orifice (24) is located within the internal volume of the container (C) and the at least one sealing means (22) is not yet engaged with the container (C).
7. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a first locking means (52) for selectively locking / unlocking the container (C) with respect to the at least one container support (7) when the container (C) is received in the at least one container support (7), while the at least one container support (7) is fixed with respect to the at least one fluid processing device (10), and characterized in that the at least one movement means (54; 64) comprises a first drive means (54) for moving the at least one fluid processing device (10) with respect to the container (C) between at least the fluid introduction position and the beverage dispensing position and vice versa.
8. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first locking means (52) comprises a first gear and / or lever mechanism (56) that is movable with respect to a fixed portion of the beverage preparation machine (1) and is provided with at least one tooth (58) selectively engageable with at least one corresponding hole (60) provided in the container (C), characterized in that the container (C) is detachable from at least one container support (7) and thus from the beverage preparation machine (1), in the unengaged position of at least one tooth (58) with respect to at least one corresponding hole (60).
9. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first drive means (54) comprises a second gear and / or lever mechanism (62) connected to at least one fluid processing device (10), characterized in that the second gear and / or lever mechanism (62) is configured to move the at least one fluid processing device (10) with respect to the container (C) along a vertical axis (A).
10. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any claim 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one movement means (54; 64) comprises a second drive means (64) for moving the container (C) with respect to the at least one fluid processing device (10) between the fluid introduction position and the beverage dispensing position and vice versa, while the at least one fluid processing device (10) is fixed with respect to the at least one container support (7).
11. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second drive means (64) comprises a container support device (66) and a third gear and / or lever mechanism (68), the container support device (66) being driven by the third gear and / or lever mechanism (68) to move the container (C) with respect to the at least one container support (7) and with respect to the at least one fluid processing device (10) along a vertical axis (A).
12. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the container support device (66) is provided with a second locking means (72) comprising at least one pin (70) selectively engageable with at least one corresponding hole (60) provided in the container (C), characterized in that the container (C) is detachable from at least one container support (7) and therefore from the beverage preparation machine (1), in the unengaged position of the at least one pin (70) with respect to the at least one corresponding hole (60).
13. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any claim 1 to 12, characterized in that the container (C) is made of a flexible material and is provided internally, in the portion thereof that is coupled by the at least one fluid processing device (10), with an additional layer (L) of a substantially rigid material.
14. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 13 characterized in that the substantially rigid layer (L) is provided, in the portion of the container (C) that is coupled by the at least one fluid processing device (10), with a hole having a cross-sectional shape that is compatible with the cross-sectional shape of the fluid processing body (12), characterized in that the hole is closed by a predefined portion of the flexible material of the container (C) in the non-operating state of the at least one fluid processing device (10), and wherein the hole is opened by the fluid processing body (12) in the fluid introduction position.
15. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any claim 1 to 14, characterized in that, in the beverage dispensing position, the fluid substance is simultaneously introduced into the container (C) by the fluid processing body (12) when the beverage product is dispensed from the container (C).