CN116507577A - Cartridge system, beverage preparation machine and method for manufacturing a cartridge system - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge system for producing a beverage is proposed, wherein the cartridge system can be inserted into a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge system having a cartridge and a cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridge, the cartridge comprising a reservoir filled with a beverage substance, wherein the cartridge receptacle has a mixing chamber which can be fluidically connected to the reservoir and a fluid supply into the mixing chamber, wherein the cartridge has a cartridge wall, wherein the cartridge system has a sealing element for closing the reservoir, characterized in that a seal is formed between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle by means of a sealing means.

Description

Cartridge system, beverage preparation machine and method for manufacturing a cartridge system

Technical Field

The invention is based on a cartridge system for producing a beverage, wherein the cartridge system can be inserted into a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge system having a cartridge and a cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridge, the cartridge comprising a reservoir filled with a beverage substance, wherein the cartridge receptacle has a mixing chamber which can be fluidically connected to the reservoir and a fluid supply into the mixing chamber, wherein the cartridge has a cartridge wall.

Background

Such systems are known from the prior art, for example from documents WO2017/121802A1, WO2017/121801A1, WO2017/121799A1, WO2017/121798A1, WO2017/121797A1, WO2017/121796A1 and WO2019/002293A1, and for the manufacture of drinks from pre-dispensed cartridges. Making beverages with such a system is extremely comfortable for the user, as the user only has to insert the cartridge and press the start button. The beverage preparation machine then assumes its production in a fully automated manner, i.e. in particular the beverage substance is mixed with a predetermined amount of fluid, in particular cold and carbonated water, and is led into a drinking vessel. In this way, in particular, a mixed beverage can be produced for the user more easily, more quickly and at less expense. The user can here choose from a large number of different cartridges, so that the user can produce different beverages according to his preference.

It is a challenge to store beverage substances in cartridges safely and stably, especially also before use of the cartridge system (Kartuschensystem) in a beverage preparation machine. The important point here is that the freshness and quality of the beverage material is maintained. At the same time, a reliable and reproducible beverage production process should be achieved by the cartridge system.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a cartridge system for producing a beverage that can be inserted into a beverage preparation machine, with which improved storage of beverage substances and/or high-quality beverage preparation can be achieved.

The task is solved by a cartridge system according to claim 1. Compared with the prior art, the cartridge system according to the invention has the following advantages: an advantageous seal or sealing is formed between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle. Advantageously, the transition between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle can be sealed by means of the sealing means in such a way that no unintended liquid leakage occurs there, in particular when preparing the beverage, even when rapid beverage preparation is carried out using relatively high pressures. In this way, liquid and/or beverage substances can advantageously be prevented from escaping unintentionally from the mixing chamber of the cartridge receptacle during beverage preparation. Thereby, the extraction time can be reduced without risking a compromise of taste in the beverage to be produced. The sealing means in addition to or alternatively to their function as a seal advantageously serve to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the cartridge, the sealing element and/or the cartridge receptacle. For the sealing device, different suitable materials are considered, for example different rubber types and/or plastics or other materials.

According to the invention, it is particularly conceivable that the sealing means is arranged partially or completely between the upper side of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge and the cartridge receiver, so that the sealing means seals off the transition between the cartridge receiver and the cartridge, in particular in the region of the sealing element of the cartridge. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the sealing means to be arranged and/or configured between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle in the region of the connecting means of the cartridge, in particular between the sealing element of the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle.

The cartridge preferably has glass. The cartridge preferably has a body made of glass. It is preferably conceivable that the entire cartridge is made of glass, and is particularly preferably constructed as a glass cartridge and/or a glass bottle.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that the cartridge is made entirely or partly of plastic.

Alternatively, it is conceivable for the cartridge to have a body made of aluminum, which in its typical wall region preferably has a wall thickness of between 0.01 and 0.5mm, preferably between 0.01 and 0.2mm, particularly preferably between 0.03 and 0.1mm and very particularly preferably substantially 0.05mm, in particular with an error tolerance of a maximum of 15%. The body made of aluminum may be manufactured by drawing or flow extrusion, for example.

The cartridge is preferably constructed such that it withstands up to 12 bar, preferably up to 10 bar, particularly preferably up to 8 bar, and very particularly preferably up to 6 bar of internal pressure (at a temperature of 20 ℃ and an external pressure of 1 bar) without bursting apart. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the cartridge to have a pressure resistance of less than 6 bar, whereby costs can be reduced. Cartridges with low pressure resistance are particularly useful for applications containing no or low amounts of CO ₂ Is a concentrate of (a). The reservoir preferably comprises a volume of between 10 and 500 ml, particularly preferably between 30 and 90 ml and very particularly preferably substantially 60 ml. In particular, the cartridge system has a liquid beverage substance, which is preferably carbonated. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the liquid beverage substance does not contain carbonic acid. Particularly preferably, the liquid beverage material comprises a concentrated beverage, in particular a syrup.

According to the invention, it is conceivable that the cartridge receptacle is understood as a mixing cap of a cartridge system.

Advantageous embodiments and improvements of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the description with reference to the figures.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing means is configured as part of the sealing element and/or that the sealing means is a separate element from the sealing element, which element is arranged in particular between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle. Thus, the sealing means may be of one-piece construction with the sealing element or may be constructed as a separate component from the sealing element.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing means is provided with a sealing ring, a full-face sealing means with holes and/or foam. In particular, it is conceivable for the sealing means to be embodied in the form of an O-ring, which is arranged in particular partially or completely between the sealing element and the cartridge receptacle. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the sealing means is configured in its entirety with a hole/recess for puncturing. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the sealing means to be configured as part of the sealing element and/or to be connected to the sealing element, in particular at the upper side of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge. In particular, it is conceivable that the sealing means comprise a foam (or foaming region) of the sealing element, which foam is arranged at the upper side of the sealing element, in particular in the peripheral region of the sealing element. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for sealing means, for example O-rings and/or foam, to be arranged and/or embodied between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle, in particular between the sealing element of the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle, in the region of the connecting means of the cartridge. Alternatively or additionally, an additional seal between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle can be achieved, for example, by implementing the cartridge receptacle with a two-component plastic.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing means is configured as an insert part, for example an insertable O-ring, which is located between the cartridge, in particular the end face of the cartridge that is directed in the direction of the cartridge receptacle, and the cartridge receptacle. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable to implement the sealing means as part of the sealing element, in particular by means of injection molding of a multicomponent plastic, preferably of a two-component plastic. According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing means may be constructed in one piece with (as part of) the sealing element. In particular, the sealing element and the sealing means can be jointly implemented by means of two-component injection molding. The sealing element particularly preferably comprises a plastic cap. Preferably, the region of the sealing means may be made of a different plastic than the rest of the sealing element. For example, it is conceivable that the area of the sealing means is made of a softer plastic than the rest of the sealing element. In particular with plastics, it is thus possible, for example, to produce a relatively hard sealing element which at the same time has a region which is less hard to construct than the sealing means. It is conceivable here for the sealing means (in particular as a component of the sealing element) to be embodied as a region of the sealing element which is directed in the direction of the cartridge receiver, in particular as a region of the sealing element which adjoins the cartridge receiver.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the sealing means is configured as part of the cartridge receiving section, in particular by means of injection molding of a multicomponent plastic, preferably a two-component plastic. Thus, it is conceivable that the sealing means is constructed in one piece with the cartridge receiver or part of the cartridge receiver (i.e. as an integral part of the cartridge receiver). In particular, the cartridge receiver (or at least a part of the cartridge receiver) and the sealing means can be jointly implemented by means of two-component injection molding. Preferably, the region of the sealing means can be made of a different plastic than the remainder of the cartridge receiving portion. For example, it is conceivable that the region of the sealing means is made of a softer plastic than the remainder of the cartridge receiver. It is conceivable here for the sealing means (in particular as a component of the cartridge receiver) to be embodied as a region of the cartridge receiver which is directed in the direction of the end face of the cartridge wall, in particular as a region of the cartridge receiver which adjoins the end face of the cartridge wall and/or the sealing element.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing element can be arranged on the cylinder wall, wherein the cylinder wall in particular does not comprise a flange for arranging the sealing element. It is conceivable here to fix, in particular to adhere, seal, weld and/or press the sealing element (in particular if no flange has to be present for this purpose at the cartridge) at the cartridge. The sealing element seals the reservoir of the cartridge filled with the beverage substance in the initial state of the cartridge system. Preferably, the sealing element ensures that the beverage substance remains in the reservoir before the beverage manufacturing process starts and is hermetically sealed there for a long shelf life and a constant aroma. In particular, it is conceivable that the sealing element is fixed to the cylinder wall in the opening region of the cylinder, preferably if the cylinder does not have a special flange for this purpose.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is alternatively provided that the cartridge wall comprises a flange for receiving the sealing element. It is thereby conceivable to achieve an advantageous arrangement of the sealing element for sealing the body of the reservoir or cartridge. Preferably, the sealing element ensures that the beverage substance remains in the reservoir before the beverage manufacturing process starts and is hermetically sealed there for a long shelf life and a constant aroma. By means of the flange, the sealing element can be placed with high stability and tightness at the cartridge, so that by means of the flange and the sealing element, high internal pressures can also be enclosed in the cartridge. Thus, beverage substances, in particular liquid beverage substances, can be enclosed in the reservoir at a relatively high pressure. It is thus possible to preserve beverage substances with a higher carbonic acid content in the reservoir without the risk of the tightness of the reservoir, i.e. in particular the sealing element becoming unsealed due to carbonic acid and gas and/or liquid leaking out in case of vibrations, for example, during transport or storage of the cartridge system. The higher carbonic acid content in turn has a positive effect not only on the taste of the beverage to be produced, but also on the minimum shelf life of the cartridge. Some beverage substances here require a particularly high internal pressure in the reservoir of the cartridge for maintaining their freshness and quality, which internal pressure is provided, for example, by pre-carbonation. It is furthermore advantageous that the reservoir can be emptied at a relatively high pressure during the beverage production process without undesired unsealing, for example in the fixing region of the sealing element at the cartridge. In this way, the extraction time can be reduced without the risk of compromising the taste of the beverage to be produced. At the same time, it is advantageously possible that the flange does not negatively influence the preparation speed of the beverage in the beverage preparation machine.

It is conceivable that the sealing element can be crimped particularly advantageously around the flange, whereby a particularly pressure-stable seal is obtained. This is particularly advantageous for beverage substances enclosed in the reservoir at high internal pressures. Furthermore, advantageously, the flange can form an enlarged region for receiving the sealing element. This is advantageous, for example, for the placement of sealing elements which are designed as sealing films.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flange is configured as an access region of the cylinder wall, in particular at the edge of the cylinder wall. The flange is therefore preferably configured as an end region of the cylinder wall. The upper side of the flange, in particular the side of the flange facing away from the main region of the cartridge and/or the bottom of the cartridge, is preferably configured, in particular as an annular end surface, in the opening region of the cartridge. The end face may be configured perpendicular to the central axis of extension of the barrel or may have an angle other than 90 ° with respect to the central axis of extension. It is conceivable, for example, for the upper side and/or the end face of the flange to be inclined downward in the radial direction from the inside to the outside (i.e. with increasing distance from the central extension axis) toward the bottom of the barrel, in particular in the case of an opening angle of between 15 ° and 0 ° to the radial axis, preferably in the case of an opening angle of between 10 ° and 0 °, particularly preferably in the case of an opening angle of 7 °. It is conceivable that the upper side and/or the end face of the flange does not decline and therefore has an angle of 0 ° with respect to the radial axis. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the upper side and/or the end face of the flange slopes down in the radial direction from the outside inwards (i.e. with decreasing distance from the central extension axis) towards the bottom of the cartridge, in particular in the case of an opening angle with the radial axis of between 15 ° and 0 °, preferably in the case of an opening angle of between 10 ° and 0 °, particularly preferably in the case of an opening angle of 7 °. The radial axis is directed in a radial direction and perpendicular to the axis of extension of the center of the cartridge. The radial axis is thus arranged in particular perpendicular to the axial direction of the cartridge.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the flange is formed as a radially outwardly protruding region of the cylinder wall. Thus, the flange comprises a ridge of the cylinder wall protruding radially outwards perpendicular to the axis of extension of the centre of the cylinder.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the flange is formed entirely on the cylinder wall, in particular around the entire circumference of the cylinder wall. Particularly preferably, it is envisaged according to an embodiment of the invention that the flange extends all around the opening of the cartridge. The sealing element is provided for closing the opening of the cartridge and can be fastened to the cartridge for this purpose by means of a flange. It is preferably conceivable that the opening is circular in configuration. Preferably, the opening can have a diameter of between 10 and 50mm, particularly preferably between 15 and 30mm, even more particularly preferably at least 18mm (in particular with a maximum error tolerance of 15%). Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the opening has a diameter of less than/equal to 10mm or greater than/equal to 50 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the flange is formed by means of a thickened region of the cylinder wall. The cylinder wall therefore preferably has a higher wall thickness in the region of the flange than in the region adjoining the flange.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is possible for the outer diameter of the flange, in particular from one outer side of the flange to the opposite outer side of the flange, to be between 15 and 55mm, preferably between 20 and 35mm, particularly preferably at most 29mm (in particular with a maximum of 15% manufacturing tolerances).

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is possible for the flange to have a recess on its outer side, which recess surrounds in particular in the circumferential direction. The recess is in particular configured as a radial thinned portion of the flange. Such a thinned portion is particularly advantageous if the cartridge or cartridge wall is made of or by means of plastic. It is particularly advantageous if two rings of the flange, in particular one ring being arranged above the recess and one ring being arranged below the recess, are reinforced by one or more vertical bridges in order to be able to absorb the crimping forces in an advantageous manner.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cartridge comprises a main body, in particular of cup-shaped design, wherein the main body is constructed by means of a cartridge wall which is closed on one side by a cartridge bottom, wherein the main body comprises in particular a reservoir. The cylinder wall and the cylinder bottom are in particular of one-piece construction. It is preferably conceivable that the cylinder wall is configured cylindrically at least in the main region of the cylinder wall. The cartridge wall and the cartridge bottom may preferably be formed by glass bottles. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the cylinder wall and the cylinder bottom are formed from plastic or metal.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cylinder wall comprises a secondary region which is arranged adjacent to the flange in the direction of the cylinder bottom, wherein the cylinder wall has a smaller wall thickness in the secondary region than in the flange region. The flange thus preferably protrudes radially outwards beyond the secondary region and forms a widened access region for the cartridge. Thereby, an advantageous positioning of the sealing element can be achieved. In particular, a particularly stable connection can be achieved by crimping the sealing element around the flange.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the upper side of the flange facing away from the bottom of the cylinder and/or the end face of the flange arranged at the upper side is transitioned into the inner side of the cylinder at its radially inner end by means of a first radius of curvature "M" and optionally by means of an additional straight region and/or by means of a first chamfer. The first radius of curvature M and/or the first chamfer is particularly advantageous in preventing the sealing element from being torn open accidentally in this region, since there is thus no sharp edge which can come into contact with the sealing element.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable for the upper side and/or the end face of the flange to be transitioned at its radially outer end into the outer side of the flange by means of a second radius of curvature "N" and/or by means of a second chamfer, wherein the outer side extends circumferentially around the barrel. The second radius of curvature N and/or the second chamfer can particularly advantageously improve the crimping of the sealing element around the flange.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable for the outer side of the flange to transition into the lower side of the flange at its lower end, in particular at its end opposite the upper side of the flange, by means of a third radius of curvature "O" and/or by means of a third chamfer. It is advantageously possible to improve the crimping of the sealing element around the flange particularly advantageously by means of the third radius of curvature "O" and/or the third chamfer.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the underside of the flange has a lower opening angle "K" (in particular with a manufacturing tolerance of 15% maximum) of between 20 ° and 90 ° (inclusive), preferably between 30 ° and 80 ° (inclusive), particularly preferably between 50 ° and 70 ° (inclusive) with respect to the axis of extension of the centre of the barrel. For example, it is conceivable for the lower opening angle "K" to be 60 ° (in particular with a maximum production tolerance of 15%).

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the secondary region of the cylinder wall is formed adjacent to the underside of the flange. It is conceivable that the fourth radius of curvature "P" and/or the fourth chamfer is configured as a transition between the underside of the flange and the secondary region.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cartridge wall has a connecting means, in particular a circumferential connecting means, for connecting the cartridge to the cartridge receptacle, wherein the connecting means comprise in particular one or more latching recesses and/or one or more latching projections and/or one or more undercuts and/or external threads. Preferably, a stable and cost-effective connection between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle is thereby achieved. In particular, the flange for receiving the sealing element is an additional element which is configured separately from the connecting means and which is particularly advantageously not part of the connecting means. It is alternatively contemplated according to the present invention that the cartridge does not have such a flange. It is particularly advantageous if the connecting means, in particular the latching means, comprise flattened regions by means of which the torsion-proof structure of the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle is formed. In the case of a cartridge having a flange and in the case of a flange that is a separate region from the connecting means, a circular crimp cap can advantageously be used as sealing element, which crimp cap is crimped around, in particular, the circular flange, in spite of such a flattening of the connecting means. In the case of a cartridge without a flange for receiving the sealing element, a circular crimp cap can advantageously be used as the sealing element, which crimp cap is crimped around an in particular circular access region of the cartridge wall, despite such a flattening of the connecting means. It is conceivable that the cartridge has a flattened portion over its entire height or that the cartridge is configured cylindrically (or with a rounded bottom surface over its entire height). Alternatively, it is conceivable for the cartridge to have a flattened portion only over a part of its height, for example only in the region of the main body of the cartridge, wherein the opening region of the cartridge, in particular the opening around the cartridge which is closed off by the sealing element, is of circular design. Combinations are also conceivable. For example, it is conceivable for a partial region of the barrel to be embodied in a cylindrical fashion, and for the other partial region to be embodied with a flattened portion. It is conceivable that the connecting means have a flattened portion and that the remainder of the cartridge is partially or completely cylindrical or is also partially or completely flattened.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting means is configured at a distance from the flange, wherein the connecting means is arranged offset from the flange, in particular in the direction of the bottom of the cartridge. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the connecting means to be arranged in the access region of the cartridge, in particular in the absence of a flange.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting means are arranged offset in the direction of the cartridge bottom adjacent to the secondary region. The secondary region (which in particular has a smaller wall thickness or thickness than the flange) is therefore preferably arranged between the connecting means and the flange and separates the flange from the connecting means. The flange is preferably provided for receiving the sealing element, while the connecting means are provided for establishing a connection with the cartridge receptacle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the connecting means for connecting the cartridge with the cartridge receiving portion comprise a flange and/or that the flange comprises connecting means for connecting the cartridge with the cartridge receiving portion. It is thus particularly conceivable that the flange provided for positioning the sealing element at the cartridge is part of the connecting means. For example, it is conceivable that the connecting means is constructed entirely or partly by a flange.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridge receiver comprises a mating connection means, which is in particular complementary to the connection means, in particular one or more further latching depressions and/or one or more further latching projections and/or one or more further undercuts and/or internal threads, wherein the mating connection means is preferably connected to the connection means in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-fitting manner. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the wall of the cartridge receiving portion is crimped around the cartridge. It is particularly advantageous if both the connecting means and the mating connecting means each comprise flattened regions, by means of which the torsion-proof structure of the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle is formed. In the case of a cartridge having a flange and in the case of a flange that is a separate region from the connecting means, a circular crimp cap can advantageously be used as sealing element, which crimp cap is crimped around, in particular, the circular flange, in spite of such a flattening of the connecting means. In the case of cartridges without a flange for receiving the sealing element, a circular cap can advantageously be used as the sealing element, in spite of such a flattened portion of the connecting means, which cap is fastened to the cartridge wall, in particular at the circular access region.

It is contemplated according to one embodiment of the present invention that the cartridge and/or cartridge receiver may be implemented with or without a flattened portion. For example, it is possible to embody the cartridge and/or the cartridge receptacle with a flattening at its periphery, in particular in the circumferential direction, so that the relative orientation of the cartridge, the intermediate cap and/or the cartridge receptacle is preset by the flattening. In this way, for example, torsion prevention can be achieved. Alternatively, the cartridge and/or the cartridge receptacle can also be configured without a flattening, in particular a circular shape, in the circumferential direction.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is particularly conceivable for the cartridge receiver to be screwed onto the cartridge by means of an internal thread and an external thread. The threaded connection is preferably designed such that screwing together with the subsequent latching is effected, so that the subsequent unscrewing or the subsequent unscrewing is prevented by the latching and/or a fixed relative orientation of the cartridge receiver relative to the cartridge is made possible. For this purpose, anti-torsion structures can be formed at the cartridge and/or the cartridge receptacle, for example vertical grooves and/or vertical projections and/or vertical ribs and/or one or more latching hooks at the periphery.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridge has a sealing element, wherein in particular the body is closed by the sealing element on a side of the body opposite the cartridge bottom in the initial state of the cartridge system. Advantageously, the sealing element ensures that the beverage substance remains in the reservoir before the beverage manufacturing process starts and is hermetically sealed there for a long shelf life and a constant aroma.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing element is crimped, glued, sealed, welded and/or screwed to the cartridge by means of a flange. In particular, the sealing element is crimped, glued, sealed and/or welded to the cartridge by means of a peripheral fastening region of the sealing element and by means of a flange. By pressing the sealing element around the flange, a particularly pressure-stable fastening of the sealing element at the cartridge can be achieved, so that even over a long period of time relatively high internal pressures can be reliably enclosed in the interior space of the cartridge. Thus, a particular advantage is obtained by crimping the sealing element at the flange. However, it is also conceivable to use other connection methods than crimping for positioning the sealing element at the cartridge by means of the flange. The sealing element can thus be glued or sealed or welded to the flange, for example. Hereby, a particularly advantageous flexibility in terms of use of the cartridge is obtained. In particular, it is contemplated that the cartridge may be combined with different sealing elements (and/or methods for placement of the sealing elements at the cartridge) without requiring structural modification of the cartridge. This increases the possibilities of use and scalability of the cartridge or cartridge system in a particularly cost-effective manner.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing element is crimped, glued, sealed, welded and/or screwed onto the wall of the cartridge, preferably in the absence of a flange at the cartridge for this purpose. In particular, the sealing element is crimped, glued, sealed and/or welded to the cartridge by means of a peripheral fastening region of the sealing element. By pressing the sealing element against the opening area of the cylinder wall, a pressure-stable fastening of the sealing element to the cylinder can be achieved, so that even over a long period of time relatively high internal pressures can be reliably enclosed in the interior of the cylinder. However, it is also conceivable to use other connection methods than crimping for positioning the sealing element at the cartridge. The sealing element can thus be glued or sealed or welded to the cylinder wall, for example. Hereby, a particularly advantageous flexibility in terms of use of the cartridge is obtained. In particular, it is contemplated that the cartridge may be combined with different sealing elements (and/or methods for placement of the sealing elements at the cartridge) without requiring structural modification of the cartridge. This increases the possibilities of use and scalability of the cartridge or cartridge system in a particularly cost-effective manner.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing element comprises a crimp cap.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the crimp cap is provided to comprise a metal, preferably aluminum. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the crimp cap comprises plastic and/or iron white and/or other sheet material.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a crimp cap is fixed at the flange of the cartridge, in particular in the initial state of the cartridge system, wherein the crimp cap is crimped in particular at the flange of the cartridge. The fastening region of the crimp cap is preferably crimped around the flange. By means of the flange, a particularly advantageous crimp connection can be produced. The crimped connection is particularly advantageous if an overpressure is built up in the reservoir of the cartridge, in particular by pre-carbonation of the beverage substance. For example, it is conceivable to build up an overpressure of several bars in the cartridge, for example an overpressure of up to 12 bar, 11 bar or 5 bar. The closure of the body of the cartridge by the sealing element must reliably withstand such an overpressure. For this purpose, the crimping of the sealing element around the flange of the cartridge is particularly advantageous, since such a connection can also enclose such a high overpressure in the body of the cartridge reliably and over a relatively long time. The overpressure due to the pre-carbonation can be used to preserve and preserve the different beverage substances in the cartridge. Furthermore, the pre-carbonation of the beverage substance and the sealing of the beverage substance in the cartridge with a corresponding overpressure may facilitate the taste of the beverage produced by the beverage substance. In particular, alternatively to the construction of the sealing element by means of a crimp cap, the sealing element can be constructed by means of or by means of a threaded cap, wherein the threaded cap preferably has a seal and a hole and/or a punch for piercing. The access region of the cartridge is preferably threaded for screwing on the threaded connection cap. It is conceivable that the threaded connection cap is screwed onto the cartridge, wherein the cartridge receiver is preferably fixed at the cartridge and/or the threaded connection cap after the threaded connection cap has been screwed on. For example, the threaded connection cap may have plastic and/or metal.

It is conceivable according to an embodiment of the invention that the sealing element comprises or is constructed as a plastic cap. For example, the plastic cap may be snapped onto the cartridge, in particular onto the cartridge by means of a flange, or be fixed at the flange by thermal deformation, for example by means of ultrasound. For variants of the invention in which the cartridge does not have a flange, it is conceivable that the plastic cap is snapped onto the cartridge, in particular onto the cartridge wall, or is fixed thereto by thermal deformation, for example by means of ultrasound. The plastic cap preferably comprises a hole or a punch with a sealing film applied, sealed or welded on the inside or outside. If the sealing film is applied internally, it is conceivable that, after the plastic cap has been applied at the cartridge, the sealing film is additionally sealed (e.g. welded) in both directions, in order to prevent water from entering between the plastic cap and the sealing film during pasteurization, in case sealing layers are provided on both sides.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the plastic cap of the sealing element is constructed by means of injection molding. Thus, the plastic cap is preferably an injection component. It is conceivable here for the plastic cap to be designed as a crimp cap, a snap cap or a screw cap. It is conceivable that the plastic cap has a weakening for the puncture leading through. The weakened portion is preferably a region of the plastic cap with a reduced wall thickness or thickness. The weakening is preferably configured such that the sealing element can be opened and/or penetrated by a puncture in the region of the weakening. It is conceivable that the weakening occurs as a thinned region of the plastic cap during the construction of the plastic cap, in particular during injection molding. The weakening is thus particularly preferably produced in the case of injection molding of the plastic cap, so that no further post-treatment of the plastic cap is required for producing the weakening.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the weakening is configured as a full-face, in particular circular-face weakening in a plastic cap. Alternatively, other geometries for the weaknesses are also conceivable. For example, it is conceivable for the weakening to be configured as a ring or as a circular line.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is possible to arrange a sealing layer, in particular a lacquer and/or a laminated or co-extruded plastic, which preferably comprises polypropylene and/or another plastic, on the underside of the sealing element, preferably the crimp cap, which is directed in the direction of the cartridge. The sealing layer is arranged in particular between the flange and the sealing element. An advantageous sealing is achieved by means of the sealing layer. Alternatively, it is additionally or alternatively possible to arrange a seal between the sealing element and the flange, in particular the end face of the flange. For example, it is conceivable for the seal to be annular in design. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the seal is completely constructed, i.e. in particular as a closed, in particular disk-shaped seal. With this seal, an additionally improved seal can be achieved. In particular, in the case of cartridges that do not comprise a flange for receiving the sealing element, it is conceivable that a sealing layer is arranged in particular between the cartridge wall and the sealing element. An advantageous sealing can be achieved by means of the sealing layer. Alternatively, it is additionally or alternatively possible to provide a seal between the sealing element and the cylinder wall, in particular the end face of the cylinder wall. For example, it is conceivable for the seal to be annular in design. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the seal is completely constructed, i.e. in particular as a closed, preferably disk-shaped seal. With this seal, an additionally improved seal can be achieved.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable for the cartridge, in particular in its inlet region, preferably at the flange, to have a coating, which comprises in particular metal and/or plastic. For example, it is contemplated that the coating may have tin tetrachloride, one or more plastics, and/or other materials that may result in improved sealing properties. It is conceivable that the coating is applied to the cartridge, in particular to the access area of the cartridge, by means of a hot-end coating, a cold-end coating, an access coating and/or a plasma-based coating. Preferably, such a coating is envisaged for a cartridge made partly or entirely of glass. By means of such refining of the glass, sealing properties and adhesion properties can be improved, so that particularly advantageous sealing properties for the cartridge can be achieved. The sealing element is preferably fixed at the cartridge after the coating has been applied. In the case of cartridges without flanges, it is however conceivable for the coating to be applied to the cartridge wall in the region of the opening.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is possible to apply a protective lacquer on the upper side of the sealing element, in particular of the crimp cap, facing away from the cartridge.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing element comprises a sealing membrane. It is possible that the sealing element is configured completely as a sealing film or that only a part of the sealing element is configured as a sealing film. For example, it is conceivable that a portion of the sealing element configured as a crimp cap comprises a sealing membrane.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing film comprises a plastic film, an aluminum film or a multilayer film composed of plastic and/or aluminum. Alternatively or additionally, it is contemplated that the sealing film comprises foam, paper, and/or other materials. Combinations of plastics, and/or aluminum, and/or paper, and/or foam, and/or other materials are also contemplated.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing film is fixed at the flange of the cartridge, in particular in the initial state of the cartridge system, wherein the sealing film is preferably glued, sealed and/or welded at the flange of the cartridge. Preferably, the sealing film is at least substantially flat in this case in the mounted state on the cartridge. In particular, the sealing film is connected to the upper side of the flange (which faces away from the cartridge) and thus in particular to the end face of the flange. Preferably, for this purpose the peripheral fastening region of the sealing element is glued, sealed and/or welded to the flange of the cylinder wall. Advantageously, it is conceivable to fix the sealing film at the flange by means of induction welding. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to fix the sealing membrane at the flange by means of conductive welding. In the variant in which the sealing membrane is directly connected to the flange, the sealing element preferably has no additional sealing body, while the opening of the body of the cartridge is tightly closed directly and in particular only by the sealing membrane.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing film is fastened to the wall of the cartridge, in particular in the initial state of the cartridge system, wherein the sealing film is preferably glued, sealed and/or welded to the wall of the cartridge. It is preferably conceivable here for the cartridge not to have a flange for fastening the sealing element. Preferably, the sealing film is at least substantially flat in this case in the mounted state on the cartridge. In particular, the sealing membrane is connected to the end face of the cylinder wall. Preferably, the circumferential peripheral fastening region of the sealing element is glued, sealed and/or welded to the cylinder wall for this purpose. Advantageously, it is conceivable to fix the sealing membrane to the cylinder wall by means of induction welding. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to fix the sealing membrane at the cylinder wall by means of conductive welding. In the variant in which the sealing membrane is directly connected to the cylinder wall, the sealing element preferably has no additional sealing body, while the opening of the body of the cylinder is tightly closed directly and in particular only by the sealing membrane.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable for the sealing element to have a sealing body, in particular a rigid or semi-rigid sealing body, with a pre-press in which a partial region of the sealing body is partially pressed. This means that the partial region is not completely punched out of the sealing element, but only partially punched out, so that in the initial state of the cartridge the partial region remains connected in one piece with the rest of the sealing element in its corner regions. Thus, the reservoir remains hermetically sealed in the initial state. The size of the punch preferably corresponds substantially to the through-opening which is to be produced in the sealing element by the piercing afterwards. Preferably, the partial stamping in the edge region of the partial region forms a theoretical breaking point with respect to the remainder of the sealing body, which is at least partially torn when the partial region is in contact with the piercing of the cartridge receptacle, in order to release the through-opening. Since the partial region is stamped out of the sealing body, it has essentially the same dimensions or diameter as the through opening in which the puncture is also arranged for this purpose during beverage manufacture. The disconnected partial regions are thereby advantageously prevented from reaching the mixing chamber via the through openings. The use of a pre-press in the sealing body is particularly advantageous, for example, if the sealing element is configured as a crimp cap. Depending on the material used and the material thickness of the sealing element and the configuration, if any, of the puncture, it is also conceivable according to an embodiment of the invention to dispense with the pre-punch and the theoretical breaking point. It is conceivable that the sealing body is made of one or more metals, in particular aluminum. Particularly preferably, the sealing body is arranged at the cartridge by means of a flange. In particular, it is conceivable that the sealing body is crimped, glued, sealed and/or welded at the flange of the cartridge. Particularly preferably, the sealing body is configured as a crimp cap and crimped at the flange of the cartridge. It is conceivable that the sealing body has a pre-penetrating partial region. It is preferably conceivable that the sealing body is arranged at the wall of the cartridge, which for this purpose has no flange. In particular, it is conceivable for the sealing body to be crimped, glued, sealed and/or welded to the wall of the cartridge. Particularly preferably, the sealing body is configured as a crimp cap and crimped onto the wall of the cartridge.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable for the sealing element to have a particularly rigid or semi-rigid sealing body with a through opening. It is conceivable that the sealing body is made of one or more metals, in particular aluminum. Particularly preferably, the sealing body is arranged at the cartridge by means of a flange. Alternatively, it is possible for the sealing body to be fastened to the wall of the cartridge, in particular if the cartridge does not have a flange. In particular, it is conceivable that the sealing body is crimped, glued, sealed, welded and/or screwed at the flange of the cartridge. It is particularly advantageously conceivable for the sealing body to be configured as a crimp cap and to be crimped at the flange of the cartridge. The through-opening is in particular formed in the sealing body either centrally or offset relative to the center. The sealing body is in particular of disk-shaped and/or annular design. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the sealing body is also configured in a cup-like manner, wherein the circumferential portion extending from the bottom of the cup is crimped around the collar of the cylinder wall. The portion protruding from the bottom of the cup is arranged in particular on the outside of the cylinder wall. It is preferably conceivable that the part of the sealing body which protrudes from the cup bottom and which is crimped around the flange is covered by the cartridge receiver. The sealing element is preferably configured here as a cup-shaped crimp cap. The sealing body preferably has a wall thickness of between 0.09 and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, particularly preferably between 0.15 and 0.25 mm and very particularly preferably substantially 0.2 mm in its typical wall region, in particular with an error tolerance of 15% at maximum.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the sealing membrane closes the through opening of the sealing body in the initial state of the cartridge system. Preferably, the sealing film is a plastic film, an aluminum film or a multilayer film made of plastic and/or aluminum. In this way, a tight sealing of the reservoir is achieved despite the through-going opening in the sealing body, wherein the sealing membrane can be easily penetrated by the puncture of the cartridge receiver during the beverage manufacturing process in order to transfer the beverage substance from the reservoir into the mixing chamber of the cartridge receiver as quickly as possible. According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the circumferential edge of the sealing film is fixed, in particular firmly glued, firmly sealed and/or firmly welded to the sealing body. In this case, the sealing membrane itself is not directly connected to the flange of the cartridge. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the sealing membrane is additionally connected to the cartridge, in particular to the flange of the cartridge. For example, it is conceivable to additionally fix the sealing film at the barrel, in particular at the flange, by welding (in particular induction welding) after crimping, in order to improve the sealing again. For example, the sealing body may be configured as a crimp cap and crimped to the flange of the cartridge or screwed onto the cartridge as a threaded connection cap. It is conceivable that the sealing body is crimped or screwed onto the cartridge by means of its hole/punch for puncturing, wherein the hole/punch is closed by the sealing membrane. The sealing body may have a sealing film on its inner or outer side. For example, the sealing film may be applied, sealed or welded to the sealing body. If the sealing film is located in a cap-shaped sealing body, it is possible for the sealing film, in particular after crimping or screwing the sealing body onto the cartridge, to additionally seal or weld in both directions or on both sides of the sealing film, in particular with the aid of sealing layers arranged on both sides, in order to prevent water from entering between the sealing body and the sealing film during pasteurization. It is therefore conceivable that the sealing film is preferably preassembled in a cap-shaped sealing body and that induction welding is carried out in both directions after crimping or screwing the sealing body onto the cartridge. For this purpose, it is advantageously possible for the sealing film to have sealing layers, in particular sealing lacquers, laminated or co-extruded plastic layers or the like, on both sides. In this way, it is possible to prevent moisture from reaching between the cap and the seal, and in particular between the sealing body and the sealing film, particularly advantageously, for example, when pasteurizing after filling and sealing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cartridge receiver has a basic structure which is at least partially and in particular completely made of plastic. In this way, a cost-effective production is advantageously achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the basic structure has a cup-shaped design, the open side of which is oriented in the direction of the cartridge, wherein at the bottom side opposite the cartridge a beverage discharge opening and an outwardly open piercing guide are configured, and wherein at the bottom side or side wall of the basic structure a fluid supply is configured. Such cartridge receptacles have the following advantages: the fluid supply does not open into the reservoir of the cartridge, but into a mixing chamber separate from the reservoir. Thereby preventing back-flow contamination of the beverage preparation machine by the fluid supply during the beverage making process. For this purpose, the reservoir is not flushed by the fluid flow-through, but rather the beverage substance and the fluid reach the mixing chamber of the cartridge receptacle separately from one another. The fluid is directed into the mixing chamber and the beverage substance is transferred into the mixing chamber independently of the fluid. In particular, for this purpose, a movably mounted puncture is arranged in the puncture guide, wherein the puncture is movable between a retracted position, in which it is spaced apart from the sealing element and in particular the sealing membrane (or sub-region), and a removed position, in which it punctures the sealing element and in particular the sealing membrane (or partly or completely tears the sub-region of the sealing element) and protrudes into the reservoir. Thus, in the initial state of the cartridge system, the puncture is in the retracted position, so that the reservoir is tightly sealed by the sealing element and in particular the sealing membrane, and can be transferred from the retracted position into the removed position for opening the sealing element of the cartridge. In the removed position, the sealing element is penetrated by the puncture, or the pre-punch is torn open, so that the beverage substance passes alongside the sealing element into the mixing chamber through at least one side channel, in particular at the puncture. Thus, a simple and reliable opening of the cartridge previously sealed against aroma is achieved in the beverage preparation machine. Furthermore, it has been shown that: preventing back-flow contamination of the beverage preparation machine, in particular because no overpressure is generated in the reservoir directly acting on the fluid supply. Advantageously, the configuration of the mixing chamber which can be reversibly inserted into the cartridge receptacle in 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 beverage substances is effectively avoided, since only a part of the replaceable disposable or reusable cartridge system comes into contact with the beverage substances.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the outer wall of the puncture has at least one side channel for guiding the beverage substance in the direction of the mixing chamber when the sealing element is pierced.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cartridge system and in particular the cartridge receiver have at least one support structure which supports the sealing film in the direction of the cartridge receiver and in particular in the direction of the mixing cartridge. In this way, tearing of the sealing membrane is prevented, especially in case of pressure build-up within the reservoir during the beverage manufacturing process. The support structure comprises in particular a pillar-shaped, bridge-shaped, grid-shaped or column-shaped structure which protrudes from the bottom of the mixing chamber in the direction of the reservoir and against which the sealing membrane can rest in part.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the piercing comprises a cylindrical or frustoconical base part and a piercing part extending in the direction of the reservoir, wherein the piercing part is configured in the form of a beveled truncated cone. Preferably, the piercing section is furthermore configured such that the chamfer of the beveled truncated cone faces substantially towards the reservoir, wherein the oval periphery of the chamfer forms at least in part a cutting edge for penetrating the sealing element. It has been shown that the cutting plane produced by the chamfer through the truncated cone cuts the sealing element on the one hand easily and with sufficiently little effort and on the other hand does not separate chips or loose segments from the sealing element, which would otherwise contaminate the beverage in an undesired manner. The sealing element penetration advantageously looks such that at the side of the perforated cutting edge which projects most towards the reservoir, the material of the sealing element is cut with a smooth cut, whereas in the area of the cut-out of the perforation, the cut-out material of the sealing element remains connected to the rest of the sealing element and is preferably rolled up or folded.

Preferably, the puncture comprises a middle portion arranged between the base portion and the puncture portion, which middle portion is configured in a truncated cone, wherein a surrounding shoulder (Absatz) is configured between the base portion and the middle portion, and wherein a surrounding edge is configured between the puncture portion and the middle portion. Advantageously, a stable puncture is thus formed. The configuration of the edges has the following advantages: if the side channel extends onto the rim, the side channel has an increased input on the reservoir side and thus facilitates the transfer of the beverage substance in the direction of the mixing chamber. The shoulder is used for stopping on a stopping part of the puncture guiding part when the puncture is in the moving-out position, so that the movement of the puncture moving out towards the cylinder direction is limited.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cartridge receiver has a plurality of side channels, wherein each side channel extends parallel to the puncture in the region of the puncture section and in the region of the intermediate section. In particular, the side channels are each formed in the form of a groove open on one side, which is introduced into the outer surface of the puncture. Preferably, the side channel is at least partially formed in the peripheral region of the puncture that is located behind with respect to the cutting plane. This has the following advantages: the side channel is arranged at the side of the sealing element penetration where the cut is made in the material, but not at the opposite side, where the cut material is still connected to the rest of the sealing element. Thus, the beverage substance can flow relatively unimpeded into the side channel.

It is conceivable that the cross section of the side channels and/or the number of side channels is adapted to the viscosity of the beverage substance, whereby the side channels control or restrict the flow of the beverage substance in the direction of the mixing chamber. In the case of high viscosity, a plurality of side channels and/or side channels with a larger cross section are used, while in the case of low viscosity fewer side channels and/or side channels with a smaller cross section are provided. Thus, there is a mating cartridge receptacle for each cartridge.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the puncture has an anti-twist structure in the form of a bridge portion protruding radially from the base portion. In an advantageous manner, the puncture is thus prevented from twisting when transferring from the retracted position into the removed position. It is furthermore ensured that the side channel is arranged on the side of the puncture facing away from the beverage outflow of the mixing chamber and in particular facing the fluid supply. In this way, an improved mixing of the beverage substance and the fluid within the mixing chamber is achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the puncture has an integrated compressed air line which is a cartridge unloading device, wherein the compressed air line extends along the puncture, in particular from a first end of the puncture to a second end of the puncture. Thus, in an advantageous manner, three functions are integrated into the puncture: 1. the piercing comprises a piercing portion for penetrating the sealing element and thus opening the cartridge; 2. the puncture comprises a side channel to enable transfer of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber; 3. the puncture comprises an integrated compressed air line for blowing compressed air into the reservoir, thereby pressing the beverage substance under pressure into the mixing chamber.

Preferably, a compressed air coupling for coupling to a compressed air source is configured at the second end, while a compressed air discharge for blowing compressed air into the reservoir is configured at the first end. In the sense of the present invention, the cartridge unloading device integrated into the cartridge receiver therefore initially comprises only one compressed air line through which compressed air can be introduced from the outside into the reservoir. The cartridge receptacle is configured such that the beverage substance is pressed from the reservoir into the mixing chamber by compressed air. The compressed air is in particular provided by the beverage preparation machine. It is conceivable that the compressed air source is directly coupled to the compressed air coupling once the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine. This has the following advantages: back-flow contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine is effectively avoided, since the cartridge unloading means is under overpressure, in particular immediately upon insertion of the cartridge system, and thus migration of beverage substance in the direction of the compressed air line and in particular in the direction of the compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine is prevented. The beverage substance can thus move from the reservoir only in the direction of the mixing chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the compressed air outlet is configured as an opening in the tangential plane. This has the following advantages: air flowing into the reservoir is blown in at the side of the puncture facing away from the side channel, so that the extraction of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber is not hindered. Preferably, a swirl is thus built up in the reservoir, which swirl facilitates the emptying of the reservoir with little residue.

The compressed air connection is in particular designed as an opening in the base part, wherein the base part is arranged in the cartridge receiver in such a way that the compressed air connection is accessible from outside the cartridge receiver. In this way, the coupling of the compressed air line to the compressed air source is facilitated.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the piercing guide has a guide portion with an internal guide channel for receiving the piercing, wherein the guide channel of the guide portion is of substantially cylindrical or frustoconical design, and wherein a circumferential stop is provided at an end of the guide portion facing the cartridge, which stop limits the movement of the piercing in the direction of the reservoir, wherein the stop comprises in particular a region with a reduced diameter. Thus, advantageously, a reliable guidance of the puncture needle when moving from the retracted position into the removed position is achieved. Preferably, a groove corresponding to the bridge is formed in the wall of the guide channel as a torsion-preventing structure, so that an accidental torsion of the puncture is prevented. The guide part is preferably arranged in the mixing chamber and here protrudes from the bottom of the mixing chamber in the direction of the cartridge.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the puncture is embodied as a plastic part, and in particular as a plastic injection part. In this way, a cost-effective production is achieved. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable in principle to form the puncture as a metal part and/or as ceramic and/or as another suitable material.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the piercing point is configured such that it can be displaced from the retracted position into the removed position by a triggering element of the beverage preparation machine when the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the mixing chamber has a beverage outlet through which a beverage formed by mixing the beverage substance with the fluid is output, wherein the cartridge system is preferably configured such that the beverage can be introduced directly from the beverage outlet into the portable container. Advantageously, thereby neither the beverage substance nor the produced beverage is in contact with the components of the beverage preparation machine, so that almost any (back) contamination of the beverage preparation machine is prevented. The fluids are supplied separately to the mixing chamber. Preferably, the fluid is introduced into the mixing chamber under pressure. In particular, the fluid is provided by a beverage preparation machine. It is conceivable that the fluid source is directly coupled with the corresponding fluid coupling of the cartridge receiving portion once the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine. The fluid connection is in this case in fluid connection with the mixing chamber via a fluid line. This has the following advantages: back-flow contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine is effectively avoided, since the fluid coupling is immediately under pressure, in particular when placed in the cartridge system, and thus migration of beverage substances in the direction of the fluid line and in particular in the direction of the fluid source of the beverage preparation machine is prevented. The beverage substance and the beverage can thus move from the mixing chamber only in the direction of the beverage outflow. The fluid comprises in particular water, preferably chilled and/or carbonated drinking water under pressure.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the mixing chamber is provided with a mixing structure. The mixing structure advantageously ensures improved mixing of the beverage substance and the fluid. For this purpose, in particular the mixing structure is designed such that the fluid flowing into the mixing chamber generates a swirl. It is conceivable that the mixing structure comprises one or more mixing bridges which are arranged in the region of the fluid supply at the bottom of the mixing chamber and extend substantially perpendicularly to the inflow direction of the fluid. Thus, the mixing bridge acts as a barrier for the fluid, thereby swirling the fluid and achieving better mixing with the beverage substance.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the fluid supply is fed with a fluid which is cooled by a cooling assembly, wherein the cooling assembly is part of the beverage preparation machine or part of a separate refrigerator operatively connected to the beverage preparation machine. Thus, advantageously, a cold beverage can be manufactured even if the cartridge is not cooled and has, for example, room temperature. Integration of the system into existing refrigerators has the following advantages: existing cooling assemblies of refrigerators can be easily used together in beverage preparation machines in an efficient manner. Especially in the case of so-called "side-by-side" refrigerators (also commonly referred to as american refrigerators), there is enough installation space in front to integrate the system. It is envisaged that the beverage preparation machine is a retrofit kit for such a refrigerator. The cooling assembly preferably comprises a compressor cooling unit, an absorber cooling unit or a thermoelectric cooler.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the fluid supply is fed with a fluid which is incorporated into the carbonic acid by means of a carbonator. It is envisaged that the carbonator is part of a beverage preparation machine and wherein the carbonator comprises a device for CO ₂ Cartridge receptacle and method for introducing CO ₂ A supply of carbon dioxide-incorporating fluid in the cartridge. Advantageously, with the aid of this system, soft drinks incorporating carbonic acid can thus also be produced. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the carbonator to have an external CO ₂ And a coupling portion.

Another subject of the invention is a beverage preparation machine comprising a cartridge system according to one embodiment of the invention. The cartridge system may be inserted into a beverage preparation machine. In the state in which the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the beverage can be prepared. After the preparation is completed, the cartridge system may be removed again from the beverage preparation machine.

A further subject matter of the invention is a method for producing a cartridge system according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein in a first method step a cartridge wall of the cartridge is constructed, wherein in a second method step a sealing element is fixed at the cartridge, wherein in a third method step the cartridge is connected to the cartridge receiver, wherein before, during and/or after the third method step a seal is constructed between the cartridge and the cartridge receiver by means of a sealing means.

According to an embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is provided that the sealing means are configured and/or arranged at an upper side of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge before and/or during a third method step, in particular before, during and/or after a second method step.

It is conceivable for the sealing means to be formed as part of the sealing element and/or to be connected to the sealing element, in particular before, during and/or after the second method step. It is preferably possible for the sealing means to comprise a foam, with which the foaming region of the sealing element is formed at the upper side of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge. By means of the sealing means, an improved seal can be formed between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle during or after the third method step. For this purpose, the sealing means preferably cooperate in a third method step with a region of the cartridge receptacle.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the sealing means is arranged between the cartridge and the cartridge receiver, in particular between the upper side of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge and the cartridge receiver, before and/or during the third method step, preferably after the second method step. The sealing means is preferably a separate element from the sealing element, which element is arranged in particular between the sealing element and the cartridge receptacle. It is preferably possible that the sealing means comprise a sealing ring, in particular an O-ring, which is arranged between the cartridge and the cartridge receiver, in particular between the upper side of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge and the cartridge receiver, before and/or during the third method step. By means of the sealing means, an improved seal can be formed between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle during or after the third method step. For this purpose, the sealing means preferably cooperate with a region of the cartridge receptacle in a third method step.

Alternatively or additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is conceivable that sealing means, for example O-rings and/or foam, are arranged between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle in the region of the connecting means of the cartridge. It is possible that the sealing means are arranged between the sealing element of the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle in the region of the connecting means of the cartridge.

According to one embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is provided that in a first method step a cylinder wall of the cylinder is constructed, which comprises a flange, wherein in a second method step the sealing element is fixed to the cylinder by means of the flange. It is preferably possible for the flange to be formed in one piece with the remainder of the cylinder wall. For example, both may be made of glass, and in particular a portion of a glass cartridge. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the flange to be a separate element from the remainder of the cylinder wall, which element is connected, in particular sealingly connected, to the remainder of the cylinder wall in a first step. Alternatively, it is possible that the cylinder wall has no flange and is produced in the first method step without such a flange. In this case, the sealing element is preferably fastened to the cylinder wall in a second method step.

According to an embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is provided that the cartridge receiver is manufactured by injection molding of plastic in an intermediate step performed before the third method step. Advantageously, therefore, that part of the cartridge system which is not subjected to high pressure loading by the introduction of compressed air is manufactured from plastic by a cost-effective manufacturing method, so that the total manufacturing costs can be kept low.

According to one embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is provided that in a further intermediate step which is carried out before or after the third method step, a puncture is produced and is carried into the puncture guide of the cartridge receiver.

According to one embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is provided that in a further intermediate step carried out before the second method step, the sealing element and/or the sealing body of the sealing element is punched and/or cut out of a sheet material, in particular an aluminum sheet material, and/or from a sealing film, preferably a plastic film, an aluminum film or a multilayer film made of plastic and/or aluminum. In the case of aluminum sheet material, the sheet material is then drawn in such a way, in particular before or during the second method step, that the sealing body of the sealing element formed from aluminum sheet material or the entire sealing element preferably has a wall thickness of between 0.09 and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, particularly preferably between 0.15 and 0.25 mm and very particularly preferably substantially 0.2 mm, in particular with a maximum error tolerance of 15%. It is also conceivable to use thicker wall thicknesses, in particular wall thicknesses exceeding 0.5 mm. For example, it is conceivable that the wall thickness is thicker than 0.5 mm in the region of the sealing element which is not provided with a piercing for piercing, wherein the sealing element has a pre-punch/weakening for piercing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is conceivable that in a further intermediate step, a partial region in the sealing body is partially punched for the construction of the pre-punch. Thus, by pre-stamping the through-going opening after definition, which is closed in the initial state by the partial area still joined to the rest of the sealing body and which is opened only by the piercing spike directly before or during beverage production.

According to one embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is provided that the sealing element is molded around the flange of the cylinder wall before or during the second method step. Such shaping can be carried out both in variants in which the sealing element comprises a sealing body made of rigid or semi-rigid aluminium, in particular a crimp cap, and in variants in which the sealing element consists of only a sealing film. Alternatively, it is conceivable to shape the sealing element around the cylinder wall of the cylinder wall before or during the second method step, in particular for variants in which the cylinder has no flange.

According to an embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is provided that the sealing element is crimped and/or screwed at the flange during the second method step. In this way, a particularly advantageous arrangement of the sealing element on the cartridge, which is also able to withstand the high internal pressure in the cartridge, can be achieved. In particular, if the sealing element comprises a sealing body made of rigid or semi-rigid aluminium, the sealing body is preferably crimped to the flange of the cartridge wall. Alternatively, it is conceivable to crimp and/or screw the sealing element at the cartridge wall during the second method step, in particular for variants of the cartridge without a flange.

According to one embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is provided that the sealing element is glued, sealed and/or welded to the flange during the second method step. Preferably, the sealing element is designed as a sealing film. Bonding, sealing and/or welding is particularly preferred if the sealing element consists of only a sealing film. Alternatively, it is conceivable to bond, seal and/or weld the sealing element to the cylinder wall during the second method step, in particular for variants of the cylinder without a flange.

Alternatively or additionally, according to an embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is conceivable that in a further intermediate step a through-opening is produced in the sealing element, in particular drilled, punched or laser-processed into the sealing element, wherein the through-opening is closed in a further intermediate step that follows with a sealing film, wherein the sealing film is preferably glued, welded and/or sealed to the sealing element. This embodiment relates to a variant in which the sealing element comprises a sealing body made of rigid or semi-rigid aluminium. The sealing body is provided with a through opening which is closed in a later intermediate step by a penetrable sealing membrane. The sealing membrane may be arranged and fixed not only at the sealing body on one side of the mixing chamber, but also at the sealing body on one side of the reservoir. The creation of the through-opening may take place during the construction of the sealing element.

Alternatively or additionally, according to an embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is conceivable that during or after the first method step, a connecting means, in particular a latch depression, a latch projection, a undercut, or an external thread, is formed in the cylinder wall. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is conceivable that prior to the third method step and in particular during injection molding of the cartridge receiver, a counterpart connection means, in particular a snap-lock depression, a snap-lock projection, a undercut, or an internal thread, is produced at the cartridge receiver. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to crimp the wall of the cartridge receptacle around the cartridge.

In a first method step, the cartridge or at least the particularly cup-shaped body of the cartridge is preferably produced from glass. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable to manufacture the cartridge from plastic and/or metal, in particular aluminum. In a variant in which the body or the barrel is made of aluminium, it is conceivable that the body or the barrel is manufactured by drawing or flow extrusion. Preferably, the body is cup-shaped with a cylindrical wall, which is closed on one side by a bottom, wherein the wall and the bottom are in particular formed in one piece. It is conceivable that the cylinder wall and the cylinder bottom consist of one piece and preferably both consist of glass. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the cartridge is manufactured from a plurality of individual components. For example, it is conceivable that the cylinder wall and the cylinder bottom are separate components which are connected, in particular sealingly connected, to one another, for example in a first method step.

The advantages and designs already described in connection with the cartridge system according to the invention or in connection with one embodiment of the cartridge system according to the invention may be applied to the method for manufacturing a cartridge system according to the invention and the beverage preparation machine according to the invention. The advantages and designs already described in connection with the beverage preparation machine according to the invention or in connection with one embodiment of the beverage preparation machine according to the invention can be applied to the cartridge system according to the invention and the method for manufacturing a cartridge system according to the invention. The advantages and designs already described in connection with the method according to the invention for manufacturing a cartridge system or in connection with one embodiment of the method according to the invention for manufacturing a cartridge system may be applied to the cartridge system according to the invention and to the beverage preparation machine according to the invention.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention emerge from the drawing and from the following description of preferred embodiments with the aid of the drawing. The drawings herein illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the basic concepts of the invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a cartridge system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of the cartridge along the cross-sectional plane B-B shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3a shows a schematic detailed view of the access area of the cartridge along the section plane B-B shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3b shows a schematic detailed view of the access area of the cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the cartridge taken along the section plane B-B shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a cut-away cartridge of a cartridge system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6a and 6b show schematic perspective views of a cut-away cartridge for a cartridge system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a cut-away cartridge for a cartridge system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a cut-away cartridge of a cartridge system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9a, 9b and 9c show a perspective view, a schematic cross-sectional view and a general functional principle of a cartridge system according to an exemplary first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10a, 10b and 10c show schematic diagrams of a cartridge system according to an exemplary second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 11a, 11b and 11c show schematic views of a cartridge system according to an exemplary third embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a cut-away sealing element according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

In the different figures, identical components are always provided with identical reference numerals and are therefore also generally mentioned or only mentioned once respectively.

In fig. 1a schematic side view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The cartridge 2 comprises a cup-shaped hollow body 2' by means of which a reservoir 6 for a beverage substance 7 is constructed. The cup-shaped configuration means here that the body 2' has a cartridge bottom 2' "(not shown in the drawing) and a cartridge wall 2", which protrudes from the cartridge bottom 2' "at right angles (in particular in the direction of the cartridge receptacle 10, not shown). The cylinder wall 2″ is at least partially cylindrical and is configured circumferentially, while the cylinder bottom 2' "has a circular design in this example. The body 2' of the cartridge 2 or the cartridge 2 itself is preferably constructed by or at least by means of a glass bottle. The reservoir 6 of the cartridge 2 can be filled with a beverage substance 7. Fig. 1 furthermore shows a central extension axis 100 of the cartridge 2, which represents the axial direction of the cartridge 2, and a radial axis 110, which is perpendicular to the central extension axis 100 and represents the radial direction. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the flange 4 has connecting means 20, for example external threads.

On the side opposite the cartridge bottom 2' "in the axial direction, the cartridge 2 has an opening 90 which can be closed off with the sealing element 18. For the installation and fixation of the sealing element 18, the cartridge 2 has a flange 4 which is formed as a widened access region to the cartridge wall 2″ at the edge 2″ of the cartridge wall 2″. Thus, the opening 90 of the cartridge 2 is surrounded by the flange 4. Furthermore, the cartridge 2 comprises a connecting means 20 formed by a latching projection 20' and a further latching projection 20 ". The connection means 20 are configured for connecting the cartridge 2 with the cartridge receiver 10. Furthermore, the radial extent of the latching projections 20', 20″ is not constant around the circumference of the cartridge 2. In particular, the radial extent of the latching projections 20', 20″ is greater on one side of the barrel than on the opposite side (see fig. 2).

In fig. 2, a schematic cross-section of the cartridge 2 shown in fig. 1 is shown along the cross-section plane B-B shown in fig. 1. The radial extent of the latching projections 20', 20″ is not constant around the circumference of the cartridge 2. In particular, the radial extent of the latching projections 20', 20″ is greater on one side of the barrel (right side in fig. 2) than on the opposite side (left side in fig. 2). Thus, a flattened portion is configured in an area of the connection device 20. Hereby, an anti-twist for the cartridge 2 in the cartridge receiver 10 is achieved, whereby a fixed relative orientation is advantageously constructed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10 when the cartridge 2 is connected to the cartridge receiver 10. For this purpose, the cartridge receiver 10 has corresponding mating connection means with a flattened portion, in particular a latch recess (not shown) with a depth that varies around the circumference of the latch recess. Since the flange 4 is a separate region from the connecting means 20, it is advantageously possible to use a circular crimp cap 180 as sealing element 18, which is crimped around, in particular, the circular flange 4, despite such a flattening of the latching means (or connecting means 20).

Fig. 3a shows a schematic sectional view of the cartridge 2 shown in fig. 1 along the sectional plane B-B shown in fig. 1, wherein only the upper region of the cartridge 2 is shown in an enlarged detail view. The flange 4 constitutes an end of the cartridge 2 opposite the cartridge bottom 2' "in the axial direction and is configured around the opening 90 of the cartridge 2. The opening 90 is preferably configured round and preferably has a diameter 90' of at least 18 mm. In the embodiment shown, the diameter 90' of the opening is 22mm (especially with a maximum manufacturing tolerance of 15%). Other values for diameter 90' are also contemplated.

The outer diameter 91 of the flange 4 (from the outer side 4"" to the outer side 4 "") is preferably a maximum of 29 mm (especially with a maximum of 15% manufacturing tolerances). However, other values for the outer diameter 91 are also contemplated.

The end face 4″ of the flange 4 is embodied on the upper side 4 'of the flange 4 facing away from the cartridge bottom 2' ". The end face 4″ transitions into the inner side of the barrel 2 at its radially inner end by means of a first radius of curvature M. The first radius of curvature M is particularly advantageous in preventing the sealing element 18 from being accidentally torn in this region. In the embodiment shown, the first radius of curvature M is 0.6mm (in particular with a manufacturing tolerance of 15% maximum). However, other values for the first radius of curvature M are also conceivable.

The end face 4″ or the upper side 4 'of the flange 4 is not arranged parallel to the radial axis 110, but rather slopes downward in the radial direction from the inside to the outside (i.e. with increasing distance from the central extension axis 100) towards the bottom 2' ". Thus, the end face 4″ has an upper opening angle L with respect to the radial axis 110. In the embodiment shown, the opening angle l=7°. However, other values for the opening angle L are also conceivable. The end face 4″ can also be configured in particular perpendicularly to the axis of extension 100 of the center of the cartridge, i.e. parallel to the radial axis 110. The parallel orientation of the end face 4″ to the radial axis 110 (i.e., in particular with an opening angle l=0°) is particularly advantageous if the sealing element 18 is designed as a sealing film 18″ and is fastened to the end face 4″ of the flange 4, for example by induction welding.

The upper side 4' or end face 4″ of the flange 4 transitions with a second radius of curvature N into an outer side 4″ of the flange 4 in its radially outer end, wherein the outer side 4″ extends circumferentially around the cylinder 2. The outer side 4"" of the flange 4 extends in particular parallel to the central extension axis 100. Thanks to the second radius of curvature N, the crimping of the sealing element 18 around the flange 4 can be improved in a particularly advantageous manner, since no sharp edges are present. In the embodiment shown, the second radius of curvature N has a radius of 1.3mm (in particular with a maximum manufacturing tolerance of 15%). But alternatively other values for the second radius of curvature N are also contemplated. The outer side 4"" of the flange 4 transitions at its lower end into the lower side 4""' of the flange 4 with a third radius of curvature O. The third radius of curvature O can improve the crimping of the sealing element 18 around the flange 4 in a particularly advantageous manner. In the embodiment shown, the third radius of curvature O has a radius of 0.5mm (in particular with a maximum manufacturing tolerance of 15%). But alternatively other values for the third radius of curvature O are also contemplated.

The underside 4""' of the flange 4 has a lower opening angle K of 60 ° relative to the central extension axis 100 (and thus an angle of 30 ° relative to the radial axis 110). But alternatively other values for the lower opening angle K of 60 ° are also conceivable.

A secondary region 5 of the cylinder wall 2″ is formed adjacent to the underside 4""' of the flange 4. The fourth radius of curvature P is configured as a transition between the underside 4""' of the flange 4 and the secondary region 5. In the embodiment shown, the fourth radius of curvature P has a radius of 0.7mm (in particular with a maximum manufacturing tolerance of 15%). But alternatively other values for the fourth radius of curvature P are also contemplated.

The height 4' "of the flange 4, including the region formed by the fourth radius of curvature P, is 6.1mm in the embodiment shown (in particular with a manufacturing tolerance of 15% maximum). However, other values for the height 4' "are also contemplated. Due to its height 4' ", the flange 4 can be used particularly advantageously for fixing the sealing element 18 crimped around the flange 4 at the cartridge 2.

The connecting means 20 of the cartridge 2, by means of which a connection to the cartridge receptacle 10 can be established, are configured offset from the flange 4 in the axial direction (i.e. parallel to the central extension axis 100) in the direction of the cartridge bottom 2' ". The connecting means 20 and the flange 4 are thus separate and in particular spaced apart elements. The secondary region 5 of the cartridge wall 2″ is arranged in the axial direction between the connecting means 20 and the flange 4. The secondary region 5 adjoins the flange 4 at its upper end and the latching projection 20' at its lower end, so that a depression is formed between the flange 4 and the connecting element 20 by the secondary region 5. In the secondary region 5, the wall thickness of the cylinder wall 2″ is smaller than in the region of the flange 4, so that the flange 4 protrudes from the secondary region 5 in the radial direction. The distance 20 '"of the connecting element 20, in particular of the latching projection 20', from the upper edge of the flange 4 formed by the end face 4″ is 7.9mm (in particular with a maximum production tolerance of 15%).

In fig. 3b a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge 2 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The embodiment shown in fig. 3b is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 3a, except that the flange 4 has a surrounding recess 9 at its outer side 4'. The recess 9 is in particular configured as a radial thinning of the flange 4. The flange 4, which is configured as a thickened region of the cylinder wall 2", is thus locally thinned. Such a thinned portion is particularly advantageous if the cartridge 2 or cartridge wall 2 "is made of plastic. It is particularly advantageously conceivable that the two rings of the flange 4, which are formed by the recess 9 of the flange 4 (above and below the recess 9), are reinforced by one or more vertical bridges in order to be able to advantageously absorb the crimping forces.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the cartridge 2 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 3a, taken along the section plane B-B.

In fig. 5 a schematic perspective cut-away view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The opening 90 of the cartridge 2 is closed by the sealing element 18 embodied as a crimp cap 180. The crimp cap 180 is crimped around the flange 4 of the barrel 2 and thereby secured at the barrel 4. The sealing element 18 is formed here around both the upper side 4' of the flange 4 and the outer side 4″ of the flange and around the region of the flange 4 with the radii of curvature N and O. The sealing element 18 ends in the region of the underside 4""' of the flange 4. In this way, a particularly advantageous closure of the cartridge 2 can be achieved. The crimped sealing element 18 also withstands the high internal pressures that can be built up in the cartridge 2, in particular in the reservoir 6. Hereby it is achieved that the beverage material 7 is enclosed in the reservoir 6 under high pressure and thus an advantageous pre-carbonation for many beverage materials is achieved. The crimp cap 180 is preferably made of metal, particularly aluminum. On the underside of the crimp cap 180, i.e. on the side of the crimp cap 180 facing in the direction of the can 2, a coating, in particular a sealing layer, such as paint and/or a laminated or co-extruded plastic, is preferably arranged. The sealing layer is arranged in particular between the flange 4 and the crimp cap 180. By means of the sealing layer, an advantageous sealing can be achieved. Alternatively, additionally or alternatively, it is possible to arrange a seal between the crimp cap 180 and the flange 4. For example, it is conceivable for the seal to be of annular or overall design (i.e. of closed design, in particular of disk-shaped design). The seal may be brought into the crimp cap 180, and in particular sealed, glued and/or foamed therein. By means of this seal, an additionally improved seal can be achieved. It is also conceivable to apply a protective lacquer on the upper side of the crimp cap 180 facing away from the barrel 2.

In fig. 6a and 6b, a schematic perspective cut-away view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. As also in the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the sealing element 18 or the sealing body of the sealing element 18 is configured as a crimp cap 180. The sealing element 18, i.e. the crimp cap 180, comprises a pre-stamp or pre-punch 18', which is configured at the center of the crimp cap 180. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the pre-punch 18' to be configured offset from the center of the sealing element 18. By means of the pre-punch 18', in particular the edge of the pre-punch 18', a theoretical breaking point of the sealing element 18 is advantageously formed, which is torn off when the sealing element 18 comes into contact with the puncture 73. Thus, an advantageously defined opening can be created in the sealing element 18. It is conceivable that a sealing layer, in particular lacquer and/or a laminated or co-extruded plastic, which preferably comprises polypropylene and/or another plastic, is preferably arranged on the underside of the crimp cap 180, i.e. on the side of the crimp cap 180 facing in the direction of the cartridge 2. The sealing layer is in particular arranged between the flange 4 and the crimp cap 180. By means of the sealing layer, an advantageous sealing can be achieved. The pre-embossing or pre-stamping 18 'is preferably designed such that the sealing layer remains undamaged by the pre-embossing or pre-stamping 18'. Alternatively, additionally or alternatively, it is possible to arrange a seal between the crimp cap 180 and the flange 4. For example, it is conceivable for the seal to be of annular or overall design (i.e. of closed design, in particular of disk-shaped design). The seal may be brought into the crimp cap 180, in particular sealed, glued and/or foamed. By means of this seal, an additionally improved seal can be achieved. It is also conceivable to apply a protective lacquer on the upper side of the crimp cap 180 facing away from the barrel 2.

In fig. 7 a schematic perspective cut-away view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. As in the embodiment also shown in fig. 5, the sealing element 18 or the sealing body of the sealing element 18 is configured as a crimp cap 180. The sealing element 18, i.e. the crimp cap 180, comprises a central through opening 18' ", in particular a hole. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the through-opening 18' "to be configured offset from the center of the sealing element 18. The through opening 18' "of the sealing element 18 is closed by a sealing membrane 18", not shown. The sealing membrane 18″ can be connected to the crimp cap 180 here at a lower side of the crimp cap 180 that points in the direction of the barrel 2, or can be connected to the crimp cap 180 at an upper side facing away from the barrel 2. Thus, the sealing membrane 18″ closes the through opening 18' "in the initial state of the cartridge system 1. When the sealing element 18 is in contact with the puncture 73, the sealing membrane 18 "is pierced. Thus, an advantageously defined opening may be created in the sealing element 18. It is conceivable to arrange a sealing layer, in particular paint and/or a laminated or co-extruded plastic, which preferably comprises polypropylene and/or another plastic, on the underside of the crimp cap 180 facing in the direction of the barrel 2. The sealing layer is in particular arranged between the flange 4 and the crimp cap 180. Alternatively, additionally or alternatively, it is possible to arrange a seal between the crimp cap 180 and the flange 4. For example, it is conceivable for the seal to be of annular or overall design (i.e. of closed design, in particular of disk-shaped design). The seal may be brought into the crimp cap 180, in particular sealed, glued and/or foamed. By means of this seal, an additionally improved seal can be achieved. It is also conceivable to apply a protective lacquer on the upper side of the crimp cap 180 facing away from the barrel 2. Alternatively to the illustrated crimp cap 180, it is also conceivable for the sealing element 18 to be configured as a threaded cap. Both variants (crimp cap 180 or threaded cap) may additionally be sealed in the direction of flange 4 and/or in the direction of crimp cap 180 or threaded cap for improved sealing.

In fig. 8 a schematic perspective cut-away view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The opening 90 of the cartridge 2 is closed in this case by the sealing element 18 embodied as a sealing membrane 18 ". The sealing film 18 "is fixed to the upper side 4' of the flange 4, in particular at the end face 4" of the flange 4. Here, the edge region of the sealing film 18″ is arranged on the upper side 4' of the flange 4 and is fastened to the flange 4 in this edge region. Preferably, the edge region of the sealing film 18″ is fixed to the upper side 4' of the flange by welding, in particular by induction welding. However, other methods, in particular adhesive methods, may also be used to fix the sealing film 18 "at the flange 4. The sealing element 18 embodied as a sealing membrane 18″ can be embodied in a particularly cost-effective manner and can be used particularly advantageously for beverage substances 7 for which a relatively low pressure, in particular a low overpressure or no overpressure, is sufficient in the reservoir 6. The sealing film 18″ is in particular constructed as a plastic film, as a metal film (in particular as an aluminum film) or as a multilayer film composed of plastic and/or aluminum (and/or one or more other metals). As shown in fig. 8, it is possible that the sealing membrane 18″ may protrude at the periphery beyond the flange 4. In this way, particularly advantageous tolerance compensation can be achieved.

As can be seen in fig. 5 to 8, another particular advantage is that the flange 4 can be used for the placement of different sealing elements 18, in particular without structural changes to the cartridge. In this way, a particularly cost-effective and versatile use of the cartridge profile design is possible, since a combination with different sealing elements 18 and fastening methods for the sealing elements 18 at the cartridge 2 can be achieved, so that the cartridge can be used particularly advantageously for beverage substances 7 having different requirements.

In fig. 9a, 9b and 9c are shown a perspective view, a schematic cross-sectional view and a general functional principle of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The cartridge system 1 shown is provided for placement in a beverage preparation machine (not shown) for preparing a beverage 70. For this purpose, cartridge system 1 has a cartridge 2 filled with beverage substance 7 and a cartridge receptacle 10 connected to cartridge 2. Within the beverage preparation machine, a corresponding beverage 70 is produced by means of the beverage substance 7 and an additional water source (hereinafter referred to as fluid source 41). The cartridge 2 is preferably filled with a pre-metered quantity of beverage substance 7, which is required for producing a target single serving of beverage, for example, a desired cup filling of the beverage 70. The beverage material 7 is in particular a liquid and carbonic acid containing beverage concentrate in the form of a syrup.

In principle, a plurality of different cartridge systems 15 are provided, in particular, whose cartridges 2 or reservoirs 6 are filled with different beverage substances 7 for producing different beverages 70. If a user of the system 1 wants to drink a specific beverage 70, the user need only select a cartridge system 1 from a plurality of different cartridge systems 1 containing the respective beverage substance 7 for producing the desired beverage 70, insert it into the holding unit of the beverage preparation machine and initiate the beverage manufacturing process at the beverage preparation machine, for example by pressing a start button, touching a touch-sensitive display accordingly, by gesture or voice control or by a suitable application on a mobile phone. It is also conceivable that the beverage making process starts automatically when a new cartridge system 1 is identified to be placed in the holding unit. In each of the foregoing cases, the desired beverage 70 is then automatically produced, directed into a drinking vessel, and thus provided to the user. The used cartridge system 1 is then removed and disposed of. The beverage preparation machine is now in turn ready for filling any new cartridge system 1 to produce further beverage 70.

The beverage substance 7 preferably comprises a liquid pre-mixed ingredient for a soft drink, such as a caffeine-containing, carbonic acid-containing, fruit-containing and/or sugar-containing soda and juice, a beer (mix) drink or other alcoholic or non-alcoholic (mix) drink.

The cartridge system 1 comprises a cartridge 2, for example a cartridge 2 configured according to one or more of fig. 1 to 8. The area around the flange 4 of the cartridge is not shown in detail in figures 9a to 9 c. Alternatively, the cartridge 2 does not comprise the flange 4.

Advantageously, the seal between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10 is constructed by means of the sealing means 14. The area surrounding the sealing means 14 is not shown in detail in fig. 9a to 9 c.

The cartridge 2 is fixedly or reversibly connected to the cartridge receiver 10. In particular, after the manufacture of the body 2', after filling the cartridge 2 with the beverage substance 7 and after and/or during closing of the reservoir 6 by application of the sealing element 18, the cartridge receiver 10 is connected to the cartridge 2. For this purpose, the cylinder wall 2″ preferably has a circumferential connecting means 20, in particular in the form of one or more circumferential latching projections 20', 20″ or latching depressions. The cartridge receiver 10 optionally has mating connection means 21 complementary to the connection means 20, in particular in the form of one or more circumferential latching projections and/or latching depressions, which snap into the connection means 20 when the cartridge 2 is connected to the cartridge receiver 10. The torsion-proof structure for the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10 is preferably constructed by the connecting means 20 and/or by further elements. It is conceivable that the cartridge wall 2″ and the cartridge receiver 10 are additionally glued, welded and/or pressed to each other. In particular, it is conceivable to provide an additional seal between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10, for example by means of an O-ring, which is arranged in particular in the region of the connecting element 20, in particular embedded between the latching projections 20', 20″. Alternatively or additionally, an additional sealing of the cartridge receiver 10 can also be achieved, for example, by using a two-component plastic. Thus, even if the cylinder wall has a relatively large tolerance of, for example, ±0.3mm, an advantageous sealing can preferably be achieved.

The cartridge 2 is preferably constructed such that it withstands up to 12 bar, preferably up to 10 bar, particularly preferably up to 8 bar, and very particularly preferably up to 6 bar of internal pressure (at a temperature of 20 ℃ and an external pressure of 1 bar) without bursting. The reservoir 6 preferably comprises a volume of between 10 and 500 ml, particularly preferably between 30 and 90 ml and very particularly preferably substantially 60 ml.

Cartridge receiver 10 has a mixing chamber 8 which is in fluid connection with reservoir 6 during beverage production, so that beverage substance 7 can be transferred at least partly from reservoir 6 into mixing chamber 8 by means of a cartridge unloading device of cartridge receiver 10. To this end, the cartridge unloading device comprises a compressed air line 40. The compressed air line 40 is connected at one end to a compressed air connection 42 which can be connected to a compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine in order to introduce compressed air into the compressed air line 40, while the other end opens into a compressed air outlet which opens in the direction of the reservoir 6 and introduces compressed air into the reservoir 6. The introduction of compressed air causes: the beverage substance 7 is pressed into the mixing chamber 8. It is contemplated that the compressed air line 40 extends inside the puncture 73 from an external compressed air coupling 42 for coupling to a compressed air source up to a compressed air discharge 43 in the tip region of the puncture.

Furthermore, a fluid supply 12 of the cartridge receiver 10 (which is fed by a fluid source of the beverage preparation machine) opens into the mixing chamber 8. It is contemplated that the fluid supply has a quick coupling with which the fluid supply 12 may be coupled to a fluid source of the beverage preparation machine. For example, the quick coupling may be configured such that when the cartridge system 1 is placed in the holding unit, a fluid connection between the fluid source and the mixing chamber 8 is automatically established by the fluid supply 12. During the beverage making process, fluid, in particular chilled and carbonated beverage water, passes from the fluid supply 12 through the fluid connection into the mixing chamber 8. Furthermore, during the beverage making process, as described above, the beverage substance 7 arrives from the reservoir 6 into the mixing chamber 8. By mixing the beverage substance 7 with the fluid in the mixing chamber 8, a beverage 70 is formed, which then leaves the mixing chamber 8 through the beverage outflow 11.

The cartridge receiver 10 has a beverage outflow 11 through which the beverage 70 produced in the mixing chamber 8 leaves the mixing chamber 8 and is directed in particular directly into a drinking vessel (not shown), i.e. without the components of the beverage preparation machine coming into contact with the beverage 70. In this way, back-flow contamination of the beverage preparation machine is prevented. The drinking vessel is in particular arranged directly below the beverage outflow 11.

After the beverage production process has ended, the cartridge system 1 is removed from the holding unit, so that the beverage maker can be loaded with a new and unused cartridge system 1. Cartridge receiver 10 may optionally be reused by disengaging it from the used cartridge 2 by disengaging the snap lock connection and clamping it to a new cartridge 2. It is envisaged that the cartridge 2 may also be reused. In particular, it is contemplated that the cartridge may be filled with new beverage substance 7 and may be sealed with the sealing element 18.

In order to establish a fluid connection between the reservoir 6 and the mixing chamber 8, the cartridge receiver 10 has a piercing guide 80 in which the piercing pin 73 is movably supported. The sealing element 18 is penetrated by transferring the movable puncture 73 between a retracted position, in which the puncture 73 is spaced apart from the sealing element 18 (see fig. 9 b), and a removed position, in which the puncture 73 punctures the sealing element 18 (see fig. 9 c) and protrudes into the reservoir 6.

The outer wall of the puncture 73 is provided with a plurality of side channels 71 for guiding the beverage substance 7 from the reservoir 6 towards the mixing chamber 8 when the sealing element 18 is pierced. The side channels 71 are configured in the form of open-sided slots extending parallel to one another. After piercing the sealing element 18, the side channel 71 is in fluid connection with the reservoir 6, so that the beverage substance 7 can flow around the edge of the pierced sealing element 18 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8.

The cross section of the side channels 71 and/or the number of side channels 71 is preferably adapted to the viscosity of the beverage substance 7, so that the side channels 71 control or limit the flow of the beverage substance 7 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8. In the case of high viscosity, a plurality of side channels 71 and/or side channels 71 with a larger cross section are used, while in the case of low viscosity fewer side channels 71 and/or side channels 71 with a smaller cross section are provided.

Also integrated into the puncture 73 is a compressed air line 40 which acts as a cartridge unloading device. When the puncture 73 is in the removed position, the compressed air line 40 opens into the reservoir 6 at the end of the puncture 73. At the side of the puncture 73 facing away from the reservoir 6 in particular, a compressed air coupling 42 is provided, which is thus accessible from outside the cartridge receiver 10 and can be coupled to a compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine.

Preferably, the puncture 73 is transferred from the retracted position into the removed position upon or after the cartridge system 10 is placed into the beverage preparation machine, or after the beverage manufacturing process has started, preferably by a fixed trigger element of the holding unit against which the puncture 73 is pressed. The puncture 73 is preferably constructed as a plastic part, and particularly preferably as a plastic injection molded part.

It is preferably conceivable that once the cartridge system 1 is placed in the beverage preparation machine or the beverage manufacturing process is started, and in particular before the sealing element 18 is pierced, both the fluid source and the compressed air source are coupled directly to the fluid supply 12 or the compressed air coupling 42. In this way, back-flow contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine is effectively avoided, since the fluid supply 12 and the cartridge unloading means are under overpressure, in particular immediately upon insertion of the cartridge system 1, and thus migration of the beverage substance 7 in the direction of the fluid source or the compressed air source is prevented. Thus, once the sealing element 18 is opened, the beverage substance 7 can move from the reservoir 6 only in the direction of the mixing chamber 8 (see fig. 9 c).

Cartridge receiver 10 includes a base structure 10' with a cup-shaped design. The open side of this cup-shaped design is directed in the direction of the cartridge 2 and at least partly receives the cartridge 2, in particular the rim 2 "of the cartridge wall 2" with the flange 4 and the connecting means 20. On the opposite bottom side 10", the basic structure 10' has a beverage discharge opening 11 and an outwardly open thorn guide 80. The fluid supply 12 is constructed at a side wall 10 '"of the basic structure 10'. The basic structure 10' is in particular constructed as a plastic part, and particularly preferably as a plastic injection molded part.

In fig. 10a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The cartridge system 1 comprises a cartridge 2 and a cartridge receiver 10 configured as a mixing cap with a mixing chamber 8. It is possible that, as shown, the cartridge 2 has a flattened portion 2"" "at its periphery at one side, and the cartridge receiving portion 10 also has a flattened portion 10" "" at one side. By means of the flattened portions 2"", 10"", a fixable orientation of the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10 can be advantageously achieved, in particular in a beverage preparation machine. In this way and/or with the aid of further means, a torsion-proof structure can be constructed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10. The cartridge 2 does not comprise a flange 4. The sealing element 18 is fixed, for example glued, sealed, welded and/or crimped, to the cylinder wall 2 'of the cylinder 2, in particular to the end face of the cylinder wall 2'. The sealing element 18 may comprise a sealing membrane and/or a semi-rigid or rigid sealing body, for example a crimp cap. In the initial state of the cartridge system 1, the sealing element 18 seals the reservoir 6 of the cartridge 2. At the cylinder wall 2' there is also provided a connecting means 20 for connecting the cylinder 2 and the cylinder receptacle 10. In the embodiment shown, the connection means 20 are configured as external threads. The cartridge receiver 10 comprises mating connection means 21 complementary to the external thread of the cartridge 2, which are configured as internal threads. The cartridge receiver 10 is screwed onto the cartridge 2 by means of internal and external threads, in particular with anti-rotation, to prevent accidental unscrewing of the cartridge receiver 10 from the cartridge 2 and/or to achieve a fixable orientation between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10. Advantageously, an additional seal is formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10 by means of the sealing means 14. The connection between cartridge 2 and cartridge receiver 10 is particularly advantageously sealed by sealing means 14, so that no liquid escapes at the transition between cartridge 2 and cartridge receiver 10 when the beverage is prepared. The sealing means 14 are also advantageously used to compensate for tolerances. This tolerance compensation is particularly advantageous when using the glass cylinder 2.

Fig. 10B shows an enlarged view of the cartridge receiver 10 and the region of the cartridge 2 marked with the letter "B" in fig. 10 a. A sealing means 14 is arranged between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10. In particular, the sealing means 14 are arranged partially or completely between the projection region 10″ of the cartridge receiver 10, which projects inwardly beyond the end face or upper side formation of the cartridge wall 2', and the sealing element 18. In the embodiment shown, the sealing means 14 is configured as a sealing ring 14', in particular an O-ring. The sealing ring 14 'thus rests on the sealing element 18 and/or on the upper side or end face of the cylinder wall 2'. Alternatively to the use of O-rings, it is also conceivable for the sealing means 14 to be configured overall with holes/recesses for puncturing the puncture 73. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the sealing means 14 to be embodied overall without a hole/recess for puncturing 73. Alternatively or in addition to the sealing ring 14', other sealing means 14 for sealing the mixing chamber 8, i.e. in particular for sealing the transition of the cartridge 2 to the cartridge receptacle 10, are also conceivable. For example, the sealing element 18 may have a foaming region or foam at its upper side facing away from the cartridge 2 (i.e. at the side facing the cartridge receiver 10, in particular facing the protruding region 10 ""), the foaming region or foam is responsible for the additional sealing.

In fig. 10c a schematic top view of the cartridge receiver 10 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 10a and 10b is shown.

In fig. 11a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The cartridge system comprises a cartridge 2 and a cartridge receiver 10 configured as a mixing cap with a mixing chamber 8. It is possible that, as shown, the cartridge 2 has a flattened portion 2"" "at its periphery at one side, and the cartridge receiving portion 10 also has a flattened portion 10" "" at one side. By means of the flattened portions 2"", 10"", a fixable orientation of the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10 can be advantageously achieved, in particular in a beverage preparation machine. In this way and/or with the aid of further means, a torsion-proof structure can be constructed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10. The cartridge 2 comprises a flange 4. The sealing element 18 is fixed, for example glued, sealed, welded and/or crimped, at the flange 4. The sealing element 18 may comprise a sealing membrane and/or a semi-rigid or rigid sealing body, for example a crimp cap. The sealing element 18 is in particular sealingly fastened to the cartridge 2 by means of the flange 4, preferably by means of an end face of the flange 4. In the embodiment shown in fig. 11a, the flange 4 is simultaneously configured as a connecting means 20 for connecting the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10. In this case, the connecting means 20 of the cartridge are therefore not in particular elements independent of the flange 4. The cartridge receiver 10, in particular by means of the flange 4, is pushed onto and/or snapped onto the cartridge 2. It is possible for the cartridge receiver 10 to have mating connection means 21 complementary to the flange 4 for this purpose. Preferably, an additional seal is formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10 by means of the sealing means 14. The connection between cartridge 2 and cartridge receiver 10 is particularly advantageously sealed by sealing means 14, so that no beverage leaks out at the transition between cartridge 2 and cartridge receiver 10 when preparing the beverage. The sealing means 14 are also advantageously used to compensate for tolerances. This tolerance compensation is particularly advantageous when using the glass cylinder 2.

Fig. 11b shows an enlarged view of the cartridge receiver 10 and the region of the cartridge 2 marked with the letter "D" in fig. 11 a. A sealing means 14 is arranged between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receiver 10. In particular, the sealing means 14 are arranged partially or completely between the projection region 10″ of the cartridge receiver 10, which projects inwardly beyond the end face 4″ or the upper side 4' of the flange 4, and the sealing element 18. In the embodiment shown, the sealing means 14 is configured as a sealing ring 14', in particular an O-ring. Thus, sealing ring 14' rests on sealing element 18 above flange 4 and +.

Or on the upper side 4' of the flange 4. Alternatively to the use of O-rings, it is also conceivable for the sealing means 14 to be configured overall with holes/recesses for puncturing the puncture 73. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the sealing means 14 to be embodied overall without a hole/recess for puncturing 73. Alternatively or in addition to the sealing ring 14', other sealing means 14 for sealing the mixing chamber 8, i.e. in particular for sealing the transition of the cartridge 2 to the cartridge receptacle 10, are also conceivable. For example, the sealing element 18 may have a foaming region or foam at its upper side facing away from the cartridge 2 (i.e. at the side facing the cartridge receiver 10, in particular facing the protruding region 10 ""), the foaming region or foam is responsible for the additional sealing.

In fig. 11c a schematic top view of the cartridge receiver 10 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 11a and 11b is shown.

In fig. 12 a schematic perspective view of a sealing element 18 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The sealing element 18 is configured as a plastic cap and has one or more plastics. The plastic cap may be constructed, for example, by means of injection molding. It is conceivable here for the plastic cap to be designed as a crimp cap, a snap cap or a screw cap, i.e. for example, to be crimped, snapped or screwed onto the cartridge. The sealing element 18, in particular the plastic cap, has a weakening 18"", for guiding the puncture 73 therethrough. In particular, the weaknesses 18"" are areas of the plastic cap having a reduced thickness as compared to adjacent areas of the plastic cap. The weakening 18 "is preferably produced as a thinned region of the plastic cap during construction of the plastic cap, for example during injection, so that no further post-treatment of the plastic cap is required to produce the weakening. The plastic cap shown in fig. 12 can be used as a sealing element 18, for example in combination with the different embodiments of the sealing means 14 described above, for example in combination with an annular or full-face sealing means 14, which is constructed as a separate insert part or as part of the sealing element 18 or as part of the cartridge receiver 10 by means of a two-component injection molding construction.

List of reference numerals

1 barrel system

2 cylinder

2' body

2' cylinder wall

2' "bottom of cylinder

2"" edges of cylinder wall

2' flattening part of cylinder

4 flange

Upper side of 4' flange

Side of 4' flange

Height of 4' "flange

4"" outside of flange

4' underside of flange

5 sub-regions

6 accumulator

7 beverage substances

8 mixing chamber

9 concave portion

10 cartridge receiver

10' basic structure

10' bottom side

Sidewalls of the 10' "basic structure

10"" protruding region

10' flattening of cartridge receiver

11 beverage outflow portion

12 fluid supply

14 sealing device

14' sealing ring

18 sealing element

Pre-stamped part of 18' sealing element

18' seal film

Through openings of 18' "sealing elements

18"" weaknesses of sealing element

20 connector

20' latch boss

20 "further latch projections

Distance of 20' "connector

21 mating connection device

40 compressed air pipeline

42 compressed air connection

43 compressed air discharge portion

71 side channel

70 beverage

73 puncture

80 thorn guide part

90 openings of

Diameter of 90' opening

Outer diameter of 91 flange

100 center axis of extension

110 radial axis

180 crimping cap

Lower open angle of K flange

Upper open angle of L flange

M first radius of curvature

N second radius of curvature

O third radius of curvature

P fourth radius of curvature

Claims (39)

1. Cartridge system (1) for producing a beverage (70), wherein the cartridge system (1) can be inserted into a beverage preparation machine, having a cartridge (2) and a cartridge receiver (10) connected to the cartridge (2), the cartridge comprising a reservoir (6) filled with a beverage substance (7), wherein the cartridge receiver (10) has a mixing chamber (8) which can be fluidically connected to the reservoir (6) and a fluid supply (12) which opens into the mixing chamber (8), wherein the cartridge (2) has a cartridge wall (2 "), wherein the cartridge system (1) has a sealing element (18) for closing the reservoir (6), characterized in that a seal is formed between the cartridge (2) and the cartridge receiver (10) by means of a sealing means (14).

2. The cartridge system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing means (14) is configured as part of the sealing element (18), and/or wherein the sealing means (14) is an element separate from the sealing element (18), in particular arranged between the cartridge (2) and the cartridge receptacle (10).

3. Cartridge system (1) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the sealing means (14) has a sealing ring (14'), a full-face sealing means (14) with holes and/or foam.

4. Cartridge system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (18) is positionable at the cartridge wall (2 "), wherein the cartridge wall (2") in particular does not comprise a flange (4) for positioning the sealing element (18).

5. A cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge wall (2 ") comprises a flange (4) for seating the sealing element (18).

6. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the flange (4) is configured as an access area of the cartridge wall (2 "), in particular at an edge (2" ") of the cartridge wall (2").

7. Cartridge system (1) according to any of claims 5 or 6, wherein the flange (4) is configured as a radially outwardly protruding region of the cartridge wall (2 ").

8. Cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the flange (4) is configured at the cartridge wall (2 ") circumferentially, in particular around the entire circumference of the cartridge wall (2").

9. Cartridge system (1) according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the flange (4) is formed by means of a thickened area of the cartridge wall (2 ").

10. Cartridge system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge comprises a body (2 '), in particular of cup-shaped construction, wherein the body (2') is constructed by means of a cartridge wall (2 ") closed on one side by a cartridge bottom (2 '"), wherein the body (2') in particular comprises the reservoir (6).

11. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the cartridge wall comprises a secondary region (5) arranged adjacent to the flange (4) towards the cartridge bottom (2' "), wherein the cartridge wall (2") has a smaller wall thickness in the secondary region (5) than in the flange (4) region.

12. Cartridge system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge wall (2 ") has connection means (20), in particular circumferential connection means, for connecting the cartridge (2) with the cartridge receiver (10), wherein the connection means (20) comprise in particular one or more snap-lock recesses, and/or one or more snap-lock projections, and/or one or more undercuts, and/or an external thread.

13. The cartridge system (1) according to claim 12, wherein the connecting means (20) is configured spaced apart from the flange (4), wherein the connecting means (20) are arranged offset from the flange (4), in particular in the direction of the cartridge bottom (2').

14. Cartridge system (1) according to any of claims 12 or 13, wherein the connecting means are arranged offset adjacent to the secondary region (5) in the direction of the cartridge bottom (2' ").

15. Cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the cartridge receiver (10) comprises a counter-connecting means (21), which is in particular complementary to the connecting means (20), in particular one or more further snap-lock recesses, and/or one or more further snap-lock projections, and/or one or more further undercuts, and/or an internal thread, wherein the counter-connecting means (21) is preferably connected with the connecting means (20) in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-fitting manner.

16. The cartridge system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge (2) has a sealing element (18), wherein in particular the body (2 ') is closed by the sealing element (18) on a side of the body opposite the cartridge bottom (2' ") in an initial state of the cartridge system (1).

17. Cartridge system (1) according to any of claims 5 to 16, wherein the sealing element (18) is crimped, glued, sealed, welded and/or screwed to the cartridge (2) by means of the flange (4).

18. The cartridge system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element comprises a crimp cap (180).

19. The cartridge system (1) of claim 18, wherein the crimp cap (180) comprises a metal, preferably aluminum.

20. The cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the crimp cap (180) is fixed at a flange (4) of the cartridge (2), in particular in an initial state of the cartridge system (1), wherein the crimp cap (180) is in particular crimped at the flange (4) of the cartridge (2).

21. The cartridge system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element comprises a sealing membrane (18 ").

22. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 21, wherein the sealing film (18 ") comprises a plastic film, an aluminium film or a multilayer film consisting of plastic and/or aluminium.

23. The cartridge system (1) according to any of claims 21 or 22, wherein the sealing membrane (18 ") is fixed at the flange (4) of the cartridge (2) in an initial state of the cartridge system (1), wherein the sealing membrane (18") is preferably glued, sealed and/or welded at the flange (4) of the cartridge (2).

24. Cartridge system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge receiver (10) has a basic structure (10') which is at least partially and in particular completely made of plastic.

25. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the basic structure (10 ') has a cup-shaped design with an open side oriented in the direction of the cartridge (2), wherein at a bottom side (10 ") opposite the cartridge (2) a beverage discharge opening (11) and an outwardly open thorn guide (80) are configured, and wherein at the bottom side (10") or a side wall (10 ' ") of the basic structure (10 ') a fluid supply (12) is configured.

26. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 25, wherein a movably supported puncture (73) is arranged within the puncture guide (80), wherein the puncture (73) is movable between a retracted position, in which the puncture (73) is spaced apart from the sealing element (18), and a removed position, in which the puncture (73) punctures the sealing element (18) and protrudes into the reservoir (6).

27. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 26, wherein the outer wall of the puncture (73) has at least one side channel (71) for guiding beverage substance (7) towards the mixing chamber (8) when the sealing element (18) is pierced.

28. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 27, wherein the puncture (73) has an integrated compressed air line (40), wherein the compressed air line (40) extends inside the puncture (73) from an external compressed air coupling (42) for coupling to a compressed air source up to a compressed air discharge (43) in the tip region of the puncture and is configured for blowing compressed air into the reservoir (6).

29. Cartridge system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing chamber (8) has a beverage outflow (11) through which a beverage (70) formed by mixing a beverage substance (7) with a fluid is output, wherein the cartridge receiving portion (10) is preferably configured such that the beverage (70) can be introduced directly from the beverage outflow (11) into a portable container.

30. A beverage preparation machine comprising a cartridge system (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

31. Method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1), which is a cartridge system according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein in a first method step a cartridge wall (2 ") of the cartridge (2) is constructed, wherein in a second method step a sealing element (18) is fixed at the cartridge (2), wherein in a third method step the cartridge is connected with the cartridge receiver (10), wherein before, during and/or after the third method step a seal is constructed between the cartridge (2) and the cartridge receiver (10) by means of a sealing means (14).

32. Method according to claim 31, wherein the sealing means (14) are configured and/or arranged at an upper side of the sealing element (18) facing away from the cartridge (2) before and/or during a third method step, in particular before, during and/or after a second method step.

33. Method according to any one of claims 31 or 32, wherein in a first method step a cylinder wall (2 ") of the cylinder (2) comprising a flange is constructed, wherein in a second method step the sealing element (18) is fixed at the cylinder (2) by means of the flange (4).

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the cartridge receiver (10) is manufactured by injection molding of plastic in an intermediate step performed before a third method step.

35. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein in a further intermediate step performed before or after the third method step, a puncture (73) is made and brought into a puncture guide (80) of the cartridge receiving portion (10).

36. Method according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein in a further intermediate step performed before the second method step the sealing element (18) and/or the sealing body of the sealing element (18) is punched out and/or cut out of a sheet material, in particular an aluminum sheet material, and/or from a sealing film (18 "), preferably a plastic film, an aluminum film or a multilayer film composed of plastic and/or aluminum.

37. A method according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the sealing element (18) is shaped around the flange (4) of the cartridge wall (2 ") before or during the second method step.

38. Method according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the sealing element (18) is crimped and/or screwed at the flange (4) during a second method step.

39. Method according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein the sealing element (18) is glued, sealed and/or welded at the flange (4) during the second method step.