EP4017828A1

EP4017828A1 - Cartridge system and method for producing a cartridge system

Info

Publication number: EP4017828A1
Application number: EP20761562.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marc KRÜGER; Günter EMPL
Original assignee: Freezio AG
Current assignee: Freezio AG
Priority date: 2019-08-22
Filing date: 2020-08-24
Publication date: 2022-06-29
Also published as: JP2022546296A; US20220287495A1; BR112022003207A2; IL290148A; AU2020332067A1; WO2021032892A1; KR20220047642A; CA3149694A1; CN114302857A

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge system (1) for producing a beverage (70), wherein the cartridge system (1) can be introduced into a beverage preparation machine (3). The invention also relates to a cartridge (2) which comprises a reservoir (6) filled with a beverage substance (7) and to a cartridge receiving area (10) connected to the cartridge (2). The cartridge receiving area (10) has a mixing chamber (8) which can be fluidically connected to the reservoir (6) and a fluid feed line (12) which opens into the mixing chamber (8). The mixing chamber (8) has a beverage discharge (11), through which the beverage (70) made of the mixture of the beverage substance (7) and the fluid supplied by the fluid feed line (12) in the mixing chamber (8) is dispensed, said beverage discharge (11) comprising a tubular line piece (30). The invention is characterized in that the line piece (30) is designed such that the main extension direction (31) of the line piece (30) runs at an angle α (33) to the longitudinal axis (32) of the cartridge (2).

Description

DESCRIPTION

title

Cartridge system and method for producing a cartridge system

State of the art

The present invention is based on a cartridge system for producing a beverage, the cartridge system being insertable in a beverage preparation machine, a cartridge which comprises a reservoir filled with a beverage substance, and a cartridge holder connected to the cartridge, the cartridge holder having one with the The reservoir has a mixing chamber that can be brought into fluid connection and a fluid feed opening into the mixing chamber, the mixing chamber having a beverage outlet through which the beverage formed from a mixing of the beverage substance with the fluid supplied by the fluid feed in the mixing chamber is dispensed and wherein the beverage outlet is a tubular Line piece includes.

Such systems are known from the prior art, for example from the publications WO 2017/121 802 A1, WO 2017/121 801 A1, WO 2017/121 801 A1, WO 2017/121 799 A1, WO 2017/121 798 A1, WO 2017 / 121 797 A1, WO 2017/121 796 A1 and WO 2019/002 293 A1 are known and are used to produce beverages from pre-portioned cartridges. The production of beverages with such systems is extremely convenient for the user, since he only needs to insert a cartridge and press a start button. The beverage preparation machine then takes on the production of the same in a fully automated manner, that is to say in particular that the beverage substance is mixed with a predetermined amount of liquid, in particular cold and carbonated water, and is passed into a drinking vessel. In this way, mixed drinks in particular can be made much easier, faster and with less effort for the user. The user can choose from a large number of different cartridges so that he can produce different drinks as he wishes.

A major challenge with such systems is to be able to produce a multitude of different drinks with just a single Ge beverage preparation machine and different cartridge systems, each of which is prepared visually and in terms of taste. For example, with some types of drinks, there is a light one Foaming on the surface of the beverage produced is desirable, as in the case of beer, for example, while foaming is avoided in other drinks, such as tea. In addition, it must be ensured that with those types of beverages that tend to foam strongly, such as beer and sparkling wine, there is no excessive foam formation when the beverage produced is poured into the user's glass or drinking vessel.

Disclosure of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge system for producing a drink in a drink preparation machine, in which the production of a visually and tastefully appealing drink is achieved and in particular the different foaming of different beverage substances is taken into account.

This object is achieved by a cartridge system according to claim 1.

The cartridge system according to the invention has the advantage over the prior art that the line piece and thus the beverage outlet runs at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, ie is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis. This has the effect that the beverage dispensing jet emerging from the beverage outlet in the direction of the drinking vessel hits the surface of the beverage at an angle. This prevents excessive foaming. It has been shown that in particular an angle α runs between 5 and 85 degrees, preferably between 15 degrees and 75 degrees and particularly preferably between 25 and 65 degrees. The term “tubular line piece” means in particular that the line piece has a channel which is closed perpendicular to the direction of flow and through which the beverage can leave the mixing chamber. This channel can initially have any cross-sectional shape and does not necessarily have to be circular.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the angle a is between 40 and 85 degrees, preferably between 60 and 85 degrees and particularly preferably between 70 and 80 degrees, in particular if the beverage substance comprises beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine . These beverage substances tend to form excessively strong foam, which means that if the beverage dispensing jet is directed vertically into the drinking vessel, too much foam is created in the drinking vessel. would show. The implementation of the angle a within the aforementioned limits advantageously leads to reduced foam formation and thus to a visually appealing drink in the drinking vessel. In particular, an angle a between 70 and 80 degrees leads to the beverage dispensing jet being directed against the wall of the drinking vessel, which greatly reduces the formation of foam. The angle α is very particularly preferably approximately 75 ± 2 degrees.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the angle a is between 20 and 60 degrees, preferably between 25 and 55 degrees, particularly preferably between 30 and 50 degrees and very particularly at substantially 40 degrees, especially if the beverage substance is a in particular contains sugar-containing and non-alcoholic syrups or a concentrate containing caffeine. These “flatter” angles between the main direction of extent and the longitudinal axis ensure that the beverage dispensing jet is oriented somewhat “more vertically” in the case of beverage substances that are less prone to foam formation, such as sugar-containing and non-alcoholic syrups or concentrates containing caffeine which promotes light and gentle foam formation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the angle α changes, in particular reduced or enlarged, along the main direction of extent of the line section. It is conceivable that in the case of strongly foaming beverage substances, such as beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine, a smaller angle a between 20 and 60 degrees and then a larger angle a between 70 and 80 degrees is implemented in the main flow direction of the drink To direct the beverage dispensing jet accordingly. It is conceivable that the tubular line piece thus has a kink or curve in its course.

According to a further object of the present invention or a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge system according to the preamble of claim 1 or the cartridge system described above is vorgese hen, wherein the line piece has an inner cross-section perpendicular to its main direction of extent, which has an oval, circular, angular, triangular, square, five-cornered, hexagonal, octagonal, trapezoidal, star-shaped, slot-shaped and / or ring-shaped in shape. In this way, too, the different foaming behavior of different beverage substances can be taken into account. It is conceivable that the shape of the cross section preferably changes along the main direction of extent of the line section, in particular from an angular or slot-shaped shape to one round or oval shape. In this way, a comparatively open cross-section with an oval, circular, square or polygonal shape can be used, especially with strongly foaming beverage substances, such as beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine, while with low-foaming beverage substances, such as sugary and not in particular -Alcohol-containing syrup or caffeine-containing concentrates, a triangular, slit-shaped or ring-shaped shape is realized.

The line piece preferably has an inner contour for breaking up foam bubbles, preferably in the form of an edge or point extending in the direction of the extent of the flake. In an advantageous manner, the foam bubbles break on contact with such particularly sharp-edged edges or points, whereby the foam formation or the proportion of foam is reduced. This is particularly advantageous in the case of strongly foaming beverage substances, such as substances containing or similar to beer, tea or sparkling wine. It is conceivable that the shape of the inner contour changes along the direction of extension of the flake. In the case of a star-shaped inner cross section, the edges of the star preferably form the inner contour for breaking up the foam bubbles.

According to a further subject matter of the present invention or a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge system according to the preamble of claim 1 or the cartridge system described above is provided, the line piece having a cross-section perpendicular to its direction of extension, the cross-sectional area of which extends along the downward direction of the line section changes, in particular reduced or increased. The cross-sectional area comprises in particular between 5 and 200 square millimeters, preferably between 10 and 150 square and particularly preferably between 25 and 125 square millimeters. It is conceivable that the cross-sectional area increases if the beverage substance comprises substances containing or similar to beer, tea or sparkling wine. In the case of a change in the cross-section, in particular the shape or the surface, in the sense of the present invention, the direction of flattening is determined in particular by the course of the lower wall of the line section.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the cross-sectional area is between 50 and 200 square millimeters, preferably between 75 and 150 square millimeters, in particular if the beverage substance comprises beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is further provided that the cross-sectional area is between 10 and 125 square millimeters, preferably between 50 and 100 square millimeters is, in particular if the beverage substance contains a particularly sugar-containing and non-alcoholic syrup or a caffeinated concentrate. Advantageously, the larger opening cross-section in the case of strongly foaming beverage substances such as beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine, leads to reduced foam formation in the drinking vessel, while in the case of low-foaming beverage substances, such as in particular sugar-containing and non-alcoholic syrup or caffeine-containing concentrates, the smaller one Cross-section leads to a low and appealing foam formation.

According to a further subject matter of the present invention or a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge system according to the preamble of claim 1 or the cartridge system described above is provided, the line piece having a length parallel to its main direction of extent that is between 2 and 40 Millimeters, preferably between 3 and 20 millimeters, particularly preferably between 4 and 15 millimeters.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the length is between 10 and 30 millimeters and preferably between 10 and 20 millimeters, especially if the beverage substance comprises substances containing or similar to beer, tea or sparkling wine. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is further provided that the length is between 2 and 30 millimeters and preferably between 5 and 10 millimeters, especially if the beverage substance contains a particularly sugar-containing and non-alcoholic syrup or a caffeinated concentrate. Advantageously, in the case of highly foaming beverage substances, such as beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine, the greater length ensures reduced foam formation in the drinking vessel, while in the case of low-foaming beverage substances, such as sugar-containing and non-alcoholic syrups or caffeinated concentrates, the shorter length leads to a low and appealing foam formation.

In principle, the particular procedure is that the shape of the cross-section and / or the angle a and / or the cross-sectional area and / or the length is in each case designed as a function of the beverage substance.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that mixing and / or swirling elements are arranged within the line section. An additional swirling and mixing of the beverage and in particular the beverage substance with the fluid can thus preferably take place in the line piece. On Such a mixing and / or swirling element can in particular be implemented in the form of a Prallele element, on which the beverage flow impacts when passing through the pipe and thus ensures additional swirling. This is particularly advantageous in the case of low-foaming beverage substances, such as, in particular, sugar-containing and non-alcoholic syrups or concentrates containing caffeine.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the beverage outlet consists exclusively of the tubular line piece. In this embodiment, the cartridge system and in particular the beverage preparation machine advantageously have no additional components through which the beverage is directed in the direction of the drinking vessel. The beverage coming from the mixing chamber flows exclusively through the tubular line piece and from there directly as a beverage delivery jet into the drinking vessel or on a wall of the drinking vessel.

According to a further subject matter of the present invention or a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge system according to the preamble of claim 1 or the cartridge system described above is provided, the line piece having an air-permeable and, in particular, porous wall penetrated by at least one relief opening . In an advantageous manner, pressure relief already takes place in the line section, whereby a more continuous pressure reduction takes place and increased foam formation is prevented. In the case of strongly foaming beverage substances, such as substances containing or similar to beer, tea or sparkling wine, the more continuous pressure reduction in the line section advantageously ensures reduced foam formation in the drinking vessel. The porosity of the wall and / or the number of relief openings in the wall and / or the diameter of the relief openings along the main direction of extent of the line piece preferably changes or decreases.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the further line piece has an inner contour for breaking up foam bubbles, preferably in the form of an edge or point extending in the main direction of extent. As already stated above in connection with the line piece, the further line piece could alternatively or additionally also be provided with such an inner contour for breaking up the foam bubbles. Advantageously, the foams break open when they come into contact with such particularly sharp-edged edges or points, as a result of which the foam formation or the proportion of foam is reduced. This is particularly the case with highly foaming beverage substances such as beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine advantageous. It is conceivable that the shape of the inner contour changes along the main direction of extent. In the case of a star-shaped inner cross section, the edges of the star preferably form the inner contour for breaking up the foam bubbles.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the further line piece has an air-permeable and, in particular, porous wall or wall penetrated by at least one relief opening. In an advantageous manner, pressure relief already takes place in the line section, whereby a more continuous pressure reduction takes place and increased foam formation is prevented. In the case of strongly foaming beverage substances, such as substances containing or similar to beer, tea or sparkling wine, the more continuous pressure reduction in the line section advantageously ensures reduced foam formation in the drinking vessel. The porosity of the wall and / or the number of relief openings in the wall and / or the diameter of the relief openings along the main direction of extent of the line piece preferably changes or decreases.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the further line piece has an air-permeable and, in particular, porous wall or wall penetrated by at least one relief opening. It is conceivable that the porosity of the wall and / or the number of relief openings in the wall and / or the diameter of the relief openings changes and preferably increases along the main direction of extent.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the beverage outlet comprises a further line piece, which connects to the tubular line piece in the direction of flow. In this variant, the beverage outlet is in particular built in two parts from the line piece and the other line piece.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the further line piece is designed as a duct piece open on one side, which is designed in particular to be open at the top. In this way, a large pressure loss is already achieved at the transition from the line piece to the other line piece, so that excessive foaming is prevented, in particular if the beverage substance comprises beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the further line piece as a closed channel with an inner cross-section perpendicular to its main direction of extent, which is oval, circular, angular, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, trapezoidal , sternför shaped, slot-shaped and / or annular shape.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the further line piece is designed such that a main direction of extent of the further line piece runs at an angle β to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, the angle β being unequal to the angle α. It is conceivable that the angle ß is greater than the angle α, especially if the beverage substance includes beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine, and that the angle β is smaller than the angle α, especially if the beverage substance is particularly sugary and not -contains alcoholic syrup or a concentrate containing caffeine. In particular, it is provided that the angle α is between 10 and 60 degrees, preferably between 2 and 55 degrees, particularly preferably between 3 and 50 degrees and the angle β between 40 and 85 degrees, preferably between 60 and 85 degrees and particularly preferably between 70 and 80 degrees, especially if the substance of the beverage includes substances containing or similar to beer, tea or sparkling wine.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the further line section has a length parallel to its main direction of extent, which comprises between 2 and 40 millimeters, preferably between 3 and 20 millimeters, particularly preferably between 4 and 15 millimeters.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the line piece has a length parallel to its main direction of extent, which is between 2 and 10 millimeters, and the further line piece has a length parallel to its main direction of extent, which is between 10 and 20 millimeters, in particular if the beverage substance comprises beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the beverage outlet has a flow resistance which is adapted to the beverage substance. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the line section has a flow resistance which differs from a flow resistance of the further line section, wherein the flow resistance of the line section is preferably greater than the flow resistance of the further line section, in particular if the beverage substance contains or is similar to beer Substances, tea or sparkling wine.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the cartridge comprises a bowl-shaped main body. The cup-shaped main body is preferably produced by deep drawing, which advantageously enables a comparatively inexpensive and rapid production. In particular, the cartridge is therefore inevitably hermetically sealed on one side, as a result of which a particularly stable design of the cartridge is realized. Preferably, the Hauptkör is cup-shaped with a cylindrical cartridge wall which is closed on one side by egg NEN cartridge base, wherein the cartridge wall and the cartridge base are in particular formed in one piece. It is conceivable that the cartridge wall and the cartridge base consist of one piece and, in particular, both consist of aluminum by deep-drawing the main body from an aluminum sheet.

As an alternative to deep-drawing, the main body can also be formed by bending an aluminum sheet into a cylindrical tube and then gluing, welding and / or pressing the butt sides of the aluminum sheet bent to form the tube, so that a main body with a longitudinal seam is created. In addition, the cartridge base is shaped as a separate cover body, in particular by deep-drawing another aluminum sheet. This Kartuschenbo designed as a separate cover body can then be slipped over that end of the cartridge wall bent to the tube which faces away from the cartridge holder and there circumferentially glued, welded and / or pressed with the cartridge wall. In particular, the cover body is crimped onto the tubular cartridge wall to form the cartridge base.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the main body is closed by a sealing element in its starting position on its side opposite the cartridge base. The sealing element advantageously ensures that the beverage substance remains within the reservoir before the start of the beverage production process and is hermetically sealed there for a long shelf life and a constant aroma. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the sealing element has an in particular rigid or semi-rigid sealing body with a through opening. The sealing element is made in particular of aluminum and is attached to the main body. It is conceivable that the sealing body is crimped, glued, clamped, welded and / or pressed to the main body on the main body. The through opening is either centrally or offset to the center in the sealing body ausgebil det. The sealing body is thus designed in the form of a disk and / or ring. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the sealing body is also cup-shaped, the circumferential part protruding from the cup base running parallel to the cartridge wall and being pressed or crimped with this part of the cartridge wall. The part protruding from the bottom of the cup is arranged in particular on the inside of the cartridge wall in order to give the cartridge an aesthetically pleasing external appearance.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the sealing element has a sealing film which closes the passage opening in the starting position of the cartridge system, the sealing film preferably being a plastic film, an aluminum film or a multilayer film made of plastic and / or aluminum. In this way, despite the through opening in the sealing body, a hermetic sealing of the reservoir is achieved, with the sealing film being easily perforated by a piercing spike (see below) of the cartridge receptacle during the beverage production process in order to transfer the beverage substance from the reservoir into the mixing chamber as quickly as possible To transfer cartridge holder. A peripheral edge of the sealing film is preferably attached to the sealing element, in particular glued, sealed and / or welded firmly.

According to a preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the sealing element comprises a sealing film, preferably a plastic film, an aluminum film or a multilayer film made of plastic and / or aluminum, which is particularly attached to the edge of the cartridge wall. In this embodiment, the sealing element has no additional sealing body, but the opening of the Hauptkör pers is hermetically sealed directly and in particular exclusively by the sealing film, which is attached directly to the edge of the cartridge wall. For this purpose, a peripheral, peripheral fastening area of the sealing element is preferably crimped, glued, sealed and / or welded to the cartridge wall and in particular to the edge of the cartridge wall. It is conceivable that the fastening area extends on the inside or the outside of the cartridge wall at least partially parallel to the cartridge wall. In this case, the sealing film is also designed or shaped like a cup. It is conceivable that the sealing film is also deep-drawn in this shape.

According to a preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that on the edge of the cartridge wall an in particular circumferential connec tion means, in particular a locking bead, a locking bead or an undercut, for connecting the cartridge to the cartridge receptacle. Preferably, the cartridge receptacle is a complementary mating connector to the connector, in particular a further locking bead, a locking bead or an undercut, which is positively, non-positively and / or cohesively connected to the connector. A stable and inexpensive connection between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle can thus be achieved.

According to a preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the fastening area is at least partially arranged between the connecting means and the mating connecting means and, in particular, is clamped, welded and / or glued in. Advantageously, the sealing element, in particular the edge of the sealing body or the edge of the sealing film, is additionally fixed between the connecting means and the counter-connecting means, that is to say from both sides, during the beverage production process. A comparatively large overpressure can thus be generated within the reservoir without the risk of the sealing element becoming detached from the cartridge wall. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the fastening area is rich on the inside of the cartridge wall so that the edge of the cartridge wall is arranged between the fastening area and the cartridge receptacle.

In this case, the connecting means is arranged between the fastening means and the counter-connecting means. This also enables a particularly stable connection to be achieved between the main body, cartridge receptacle and sealing element. In addition, in this embodiment too, the preferably circumferential connecting means and / or mating connecting means can be designed as a locking bead, locking bead, undercut or the like. It is particularly preferably provided that both the fastening area of the sealing body and the edge area of the sealing film are arranged between the connec tion means and the mating connection means.

According to a preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the cartridge receptacle has a basic structure, which preferably is at least partially and in particular completely made of plastic. In this way, inexpensive production is advantageously achieved. The basic structure has in particular a cup-shaped configuration, the open side of which is directed in the direction of the cartridge, with a beverage outlet opening and an outwardly open mandrel guide being formed on a bottom side opposite the cartridge, and with one on the bottom side or a side wall of the basic structure Fluid supply is ausgebil det. This cartridge receptacle has the advantage that the fluid supply does not open into the reservoir of the cartridge, but into the mixing chamber separated from the reservoir. This prevents recontamination of the beverage preparation machine from the fluid supply during the beverage production process. For this purpose, the reservoir is not flushed through by the fluid, but rather the beverage substance and the fluid ge long separate from each other in the mixing chamber of the cartridge holder. The fluid is fed directly into the mixing chamber, while the beverage substance is transferred into the mixing chamber independently of the fluid. In particular, a slidably mounted piercing mandrel is arranged for this purpose within the mandrel guide, the piercing mandrel between a retracted position in which the piercing mandrel is spaced apart from the sealing foil and an extended position in which the piercing mandrel pierces the sealing foil and extends into the reservoir protrudes, is displaceable. In the initial state of the cartridge system, the piercing spike is in the retracted position so that the reservoir is hermetically sealed by the sealing film, and can be transferred from the retracted position to the extended position to open the sealing element of the cartridge. In the extended position, the sealing element is perforated by the piercing spike, so that the beverage substance passes through, in particular, at least one side channel on the piercing spike past the sealing element into the mixing chamber. A simple and reliable opening of a previously aroma-tight cartridge in a beverage preparation machine is thus made possible. In addition, it has been shown that back contamination of the beverage preparation machine is prevented, especially since no overpressure acting directly on the fluid supply is generated in the reservoir. The design of the mixing chamber in the cartridge receptacle, which can be reversibly inserted into the beverage preparation machine, advantageously ensures that the mixing chamber is part of the exchangeable cartridge system. In this way, contamination of the beverage preparation machine by the beverage substance is effectively avoided because only parts of the replaceable disposable or reusable cartridge system come into contact with the beverage substance.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the cartridge system and in particular the cartridge receptacle at least one Has support structure which supports the sealing film in the direction of the cartridge receptacle and in particular special in the direction of the mixing cartridge. In this way, the sealing film is prevented from tearing, particularly when pressure builds up in the reservoir during the beverage production process. The support structure comprises in particular a columnar, bridge, grid or cylindrical structure which protrudes from the bottom of the mixing chamber in the direction of the reservoir and on which the sealing film partially rests.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the piercing mandrel comprises a cylindrical or frustoconical base part and a piercing part extending in the direction of the reservoir, the piercing part being designed in the form of an obliquely cut truncated cone. The piercing part is preferably also designed in such a way that an inclined cut surface of the inclined truncated cone essentially faces the reservoir, the oval circumference of the cut surface at least partially constituting a cut edge for perforating the sealing element. It has been shown that the cut surface, which is created by an oblique cut through the truncated cone, on the one hand cuts the sealing element easily and with sufficient effort and, on the other hand, does not separate any chips or loose pieces from the you telement, which would otherwise unwanted the drink Would pollute the wise. The sealing element perforation advantageously looks such that on that side of the piercing mandrel on which the cutting edge protruding maximally in the direction of the reservoir is formed, the material of the sealing element is severed with a smooth cut, while the cut material is in the area of the cut surface of the piercing part of the sealing element is still connected to the rest of the sealing element and is preferably rolled up or folded up.

The erecting mandrel preferably comprises an intermediate part which is arranged between the base part and the piercing part and which is designed in the shape of a truncated cone, a circumferential shoulder being formed between the base part and the intermediate part and a circumferential edge being formed between the piercing part and the intermediate part. A stable piercing spike is thus advantageously formed. The formation of the edge has the advantage that the side channels, if they extend over the edge, have an enlarged inlet on the reservoir side and thus the transfer of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber is made easier. The shoulder is used to strike against a stop of the mandrel guide when the piercing mandrel is in the opened position, so that the extension movement of the piercing mandrel in the direction of the cartridge is limited. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the cartridge receptacle has a plurality of side channels, each side channel extending parallel to the piercing spike in the area of the piercing part and in the area of the intermediate part. The side channels are each designed in particular in the form of a groove that is open on one side and made in the outer surface of the piercing spike. The side channels are preferably formed at least partially in a circumferential area of the piercing mandrel that is rearward to the cut surface. This has the advantage that the side channels are arranged on that side of the sealing element perforation on which a cut was made in the material, and not on the opposite side on which the cut-off material is still connected to the remaining sealing element. The beverage substance can thus flow into the side channels relatively unhindered.

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, so that the side channels control or limit the flow of the beverage substance in the direction of the mixing chamber. In the case of a high viscosity, several side channels or side channels with a larger cross section are used, while in the case of a lower viscosity fewer side channels or side channels with a smaller cross section are provided. There is therefore a suitable cartridge holder for each cartridge.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the piercing spike has an anti-twist device in the form of a web protruding radially from the base part. A twisting of the piercing spike during the transfer from the retracted position to the extended position is thus advantageously prevented. In addition, it is ensured that the side channels are arranged on that side of the piercing spike which faces away from the beverage outlet of the mixing chamber and in particular faces 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 present invention it is provided that the piercing mandrel has an integrated compressed air line, which is the cartridge discharge device, the compressed air line extending along the piercing mandrel in particular from a first end of the piercing mandrel to a second end of the piercing mandrel . Thus, three functions are advantageously integrated into the piercing spike: 1. The piercing spike includes the piercing part to perforate the sealing element and thus open the cartridge 2. The piercing spike includes the side channels to enable the beverage substance to be transferred into the mixing chamber 3. The piercing spike comprises the integrated compressed air line to blow compressed air into the reservoir, thereby forcing the beverage substance under pressure into the mixing chamber.

A compressed air connection for connection to a compressed air source is preferably configured at the second end and a compressed air outlet for blowing compressed air into the reservoir is configured at the first end. In the context of the present invention, the cartridge unloading device integrated in the cartridge receptacle thus initially comprises only one compressed air line, through which compressed air can be introduced from the outside into the reservoir. The cartridge receptacle is designed such that the beverage substance is pressed out of the reservoir into the mixing chamber by the compressed air. The compressed air is provided in particular by the beverage preparation machine. It is conceivable that a compressed air source is coupled directly to the compressed air connection as soon as the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine. This has the advantage that back-contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine is effectively avoided because the cartridge discharge device is under pressure immediately when the cartridge system is inserted, thus preventing beverage substance from flowing in the direction of the compressed air line and in particular in the direction of the compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine wanders. The beverage substance can therefore only move in the direction of the mixing chamber starting from the reservoir.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the compressed air outlet is designed as an opening in the cut surface. This has the advantage that the air flowing into the reservoir is blown on a side of the piercing spike facing away from the side channels, so that the drainage of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber is not hindered. A vortex thus preferably forms in the reservoir, which favors an almost complete emptying of the reservoir.

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

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the mandrel guide has a guide part with an internal guide channel for receiving the piercing mandrel, the guide channel of the guide part being essentially cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped and wherein at one end of the guide part facing the cartridge a circumferential stop is formed which the Movement of the piercing mandrel in the direction of the reservoir is limited, the stop particularly comprising an area with a reduced diameter. In this way, reliable guidance of the piercing spike during the movement from the retracted position into the extended position is advantageously achieved. Preferably, a groove corresponding to the web is formed within the wall of the guide channel as an anti-twist device, so that undesired twisting of the piercing spike is prevented. The guide part is preferably arranged in the mixing chamber and protrudes from a base of the mixing chamber in the direction of the cartridge.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the piercing spike is formed as a plastic part and in particular as a plastic injection-molded part. In this way an inexpensive lowering position is made possible. In principle, however, it would also alternatively be conceivable to design the piercing spike as a metal part.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the piercing spike is designed in such a way that it can be transferred from the retracted position to the extended position when the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine by a trigger element of the beverage preparation machine.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the mixing chamber has a beverage outlet through which the beverage formed by mixing the beverage substance with the fluid is dispensed, the cartridge system preferably being designed such that the beverage is dispensed from the beverage outlet can be introduced directly into a portable vessel. Advantageously, neither the beverage substance nor the beverage produced comes into contact with part of the beverage preparation machine, so that almost any (re) contamination of the beverage preparation machine is prevented. The fluid is fed separately to the mixing chamber. The fluid is preferably introduced into the mixing chamber under pressure. The fluid is provided in particular by the beverage preparation machine. It is conceivable that a fluid source is coupled directly to a corresponding fluid connection of the cartridge receptacle as soon as the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine. The fluid connection is in fluid connection with the mixing chamber via a fluid line. This has the advantage that back-contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine is effectively avoided because the fluid connection is under pressure immediately when the cartridge system is inserted, thus preventing beverage substance from flowing in the direction of the fluid line and in particular in the direction of the fluid source the beverage preparation machine wanders. The beverage substance and the beverage can therefore only move in the direction of the beverage outlet starting from the mixing chamber. The fluid includes in particular water, preferably pressurized, cooled and / or carbonated drinking water.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the mixing chamber is provided with mixing structures. The mixing structures ensure in an advantageous manner for an improved mixing of beverage substance and fluid. For this purpose, the mixing structures are designed in particular in such a way that the fluid flowing into the mixing chamber is swirled. It is conceivable that the mixing structure comprises one or more mixing webs which are arranged in the area of the fluid supply at the bottom of the mixing chamber and extend essentially perpendicular to the inflow direction of the fluid. The mixing webs thus act as barriers for the fluid, whereby the fluid is whirled up and better mixing with the beverage substance is achieved.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the fluid supply is fed with fluid which is cooled by a cooling unit, the cooling unit being part of the beverage preparation machine or a separate refrigerator that is operatively connected to the beverage preparation machine. Cold drinks can thus advantageously be produced even if the cartridge is not cooled and, for example, is at room temperature. The integration of the system in an existing refrigerator has the advantage that the existing cooling unit of the refrigerator for the beverage preparation machine can easily be used in an efficient manner. Particularly in the case of so-called “side-by-side” refrigerators (often also referred to as American refrigerators), there is sufficient installation space in the front to integrate the system. It is conceivable that the beverage preparation machine is a retrofit set for such a refrigerator. The cooling unit preferably comprises a compressor cooling unit, an absorber cooling unit or a thermoelectric cooler.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the fluid supply is fed with fluid, which is carbonated by a carbonizer. It is conceivable that the carbonizer is part of the beverage preparation machine and the carbonizer has a receptacle for a C0 ₂ cartridge and a feed device for adding CO2 to the fluid from the C0 ₂ cartridge. Advantageously, carbonated soft drinks can also be produced with the system. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the carbonizer has an external CCV connection.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention emerge from the drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not restrict the essential inventive concept.

Brief description of the drawings

Figures 1a to 1d show a perspective illustration, a schematic sectional view and the general functional principle of a cartridge system according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a cartridge system according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a cartridge system according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 4a and 4b show schematic views of a cartridge receptacle of a cartridge system according to an exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 5a and 5b show schematic views of a cartridge receptacle of a cartridge system according to an exemplary fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of a cartridge system according to an exemplary sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a schematic detailed view of a cartridge system according to an exemplary seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention

In the various figures, the same parts are always given the same reference numerals and are therefore usually only named or mentioned once.

FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d show a perspective illustration, a schematic sectional view and the general functional principle of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

The cartridge system 1 shown is intended to be used in a beverage preparation machine (not shown) in order to prepare a beverage 70. For this purpose, the cartridge system 1 has a cartridge 2 which is filled with a beverage substance 7 and a cartridge holder 10 connected to the cartridge 2. Within the Ge beverage preparation machine 3, a corresponding beverage 70 is produced with the aid 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-portioned amount of beverage substance 7, which is necessary to produce a targeted drink portion, for example a drinking glass filling of the desired beverage 70. The beverage substance 7 is in particular a liquid and carbonated or carbonic acid-free beverage concentrate in the form of syrup.

In particular, there are a plurality of different cartridge systems 1 available, the cartridges 2 or reservoirs 6 of which are filled with different beverage substances 7 for producing different drinks 70. If the user of the system 1 would like to drink a certain drink 70, he only needs to select the cartridge system 1 from the plurality of different cartridge systems 1 that contains the corresponding drink substance 7 for producing the desired drink 70 and insert it into a holding unit of the drink preparation machine and start the beverage production process on the beverage preparation machine, for example by pressing a start button, correspondingly touching a touch-sensitive display, by gesture or voice control or by means of a suitable application on a mobile phone. It is also conceivable that the beverage production process starts automatically, when the insertion of a new cartridge system 1 into the holding unit is recognized. In each of the aforementioned cases, the desired beverage 70 is then automatically generated, passed into a drinking vessel and thus made available to the user. Then the consumed cartridge system 1 is removed and disposed of. The beverage preparation machine 3 is now ready again to be filled with any new cartridge system 1 in order to produce another beverage 70.

The beverage substance 7 preferably comprises liquid pre-mix components for soft drinks, such as caffeinated, carbonated, fruit and / or sugary lemonades, syrups, concentrates and juices, non-carbonated drinks, beer (mixed) drinks, sparkling wine, or others alcoholic or non-alcoholic (mixed) drinks.

The cartridge system 1 comprises a cartridge 2 in the form of a cylindrical Behäl age. The container is hollow and thus contains a reservoir 6 for the beverage substance 7. The cartridge 2 is formed by a main body 2 'which is made in particular of plastic or aluminum and is cup-shaped. Cup-shaped here means that the main body 2 ‘has a cartridge base 2‘ "(shown in the drawing above) and a cartridge wall 2 protruding from the cartridge base 2‘ "at right angles in the direction of the cartridge receptacle 10. The cartridge wall 2 ″ is cylindrical and circumferential, while the cartridge base 2 ″ in this example has a circular and disk-shaped configuration. The main body 2 is deep-drawn during its production (preferably from an aluminum sheet) and optionally punched out (optionally deep-drawn first and then punched out or vice versa) so that the cartridge base 2 ‘" and the cartridge wall 2 "are integrally connected to one another. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the main body 2 'is deep-drawn from a plastic film or injection molded from plastic during its production. In principle, however, a cartridge made of glass would also be conceivable.

On a side opposite the cartridge base 2 ′ ″ in the axial direction, the main body 2 ′ is closed by a sealing element 18. In the first embodiment, the sealing element 18 exclusively comprises a particularly thin sealing film 18 ″, which closes the reservoir 6, so that the beverage substance 7 is aroma-tight. The outer circumferential edge area of the sealing element 18 is attached circumferentially to the edge 2 ″ ″ of the cartridge wall 2 ″. The sealing element 18 is preferably glued, sealed or welded here to the edge 2 "" of the cartridge wall 2 ". The sealing film 18 ″ comprises in particular a plastic film, an aluminum film or a multilayer film made of plastic and / or aluminum. The cartridge 2 is permanently or reversibly connected to the cartridge receptacle 10. The cartridge receptacle 10 is connected to the cartridge receptacle 10 by applying the sealing element 18, in particular after the main body 2 'has been manufactured (deep-drawn and punched), after the cartridge 2 has been filled with the beverage substance 7 and after the reservoir 6 has been closed. For this purpose, the cartridge wall 2 ″ optionally has circumferential connecting means 20, in particular in the form of a circumferential locking bead. The cartridge receptacle 10 optionally has complementary connecting means 21 to the connecting means 20, in particular in the form of a circumferential locking bead, which engages in the locking pins when the cartridge 2 is connected to the cartridge receptacle 10. It is conceivable that the cartridge wall 2 ″ and the cartridge receptacle 10 are additionally glued, welded and / or pressed together.

The cartridge is preferably designed such that it withstands an internal pressure of up to 10 bar, particularly preferably up to 8 bar and very particularly preferably up to 6 bar without bursting (at a temperature of 20 ° C and an external pressure of 1 bar) , on. The cartridge 2 is then preferably designed such that it withstands an internal pressure of up to 10 bar, particularly preferably up to 8 bar and very particularly preferably up to 6 bar without bursting (at a temperature of 20 ° C. and an external pressure of 1 bar ). The reservoir 6 preferably comprises a volume between 10 and 500 milliliters, particularly preferably between 30 and 90 milliliters and very particularly preferably essentially 60 milliliters.

The cartridge receptacle 10 has a mixing chamber 8 which is in fluid connection with the reservoir 6 during the beverage production process, so that at least some of the beverage substance 7 can be transferred from the reservoir 6 into the mixing chamber 8 with the aid of a cartridge unloading device of the cartridge receptacle 10. For this purpose, the cartridge discharge device comprises a compressed air line 40. One end of the compressed air line 40 is connected 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 is open in the direction of the reservoir 6 and introduces compressed air into the reservoir 6. The introduction of the compressed air causes the beverage substance 7 to be pressed into the mixing chamber 8.

A fluid feed 12 of the cartridge receptacle 10, which is fed by a fluid source of the beverage preparation machine 3, also opens into the mixing chamber 8. Conceivable is that the fluid supply has a quick coupling with which the fluid supply 12 can be connected to the fluid source of the beverage preparation machine. The quick coupling can be designed, for example, in such a way that when the cartridge system 1 is inserted into the holding unit, a fluid connection is automatically established between the fluid source and the mixing chamber 8 via the fluid supply 12. During the beverage production process, fluid, in particular cooled and carbonated drinking water, passes from the fluid supply 12 into the mixing chamber 8 via this fluid connection. Furthermore, during the beverage production process, beverage substance 7 passes from the reservoir 6 into the mixing chamber 8, as described above. By mixing the beverage substance 7 with the fluid in the mixing chamber 8, the beverage 70 is formed, which then leaves the mixing chamber 8 through a beverage outlet 11.

The cartridge receptacle 10 has the beverage outlet 11 through which the beverage 70 produced within the mixing chamber 8 leaves the mixing chamber 8 and in particular is directed directly into the drinking vessel (not shown), ie without parts of the beverage preparation machine in contact with the beverage 70 arrive. In this way, back contamination of the beverage preparation machine is prevented. The drinking vessel is arranged directly below the beverage outlet 11 in particular.

The beverage outlet 11 is in particular formed exclusively by a tubular line piece 30. The line piece 30 is designed in the form of a closed channel with a circular cross-section 34 (see FIG. 1d). The channel extends in a straight line along a fluff extension direction 31 which runs at an angle α to the longitudinal axis 32 of the cartridge 2. The angle α is between 5 and 85 degrees, preferably between 15 degrees and 75 degrees and particularly preferably between 25 and 65 degrees.

In the present example according to the first embodiment, the beverage substance 7 comprises, for example, a particularly sugar-containing and non-alcohol-containing syrup or a caffeine-containing concentrate. The angle a 33 is therefore in particular between 20 and 60 degrees, preferably between 25 and 55 degrees, particularly preferably between 30 and 50 degrees and very particularly essentially 40 degrees in order to promote a visually appealing slight foam formation in the drinking vessel.

Optionally, 30 mixing and / or turbulence elements are arranged within the line section. The line section 30 has a length 35 parallel to the main direction of extent 31, which is between 2 and 40 millimeters, preferably between 3 and 20 millimeters, particularly preferably between 4 and 15 millimeters. The length 35 is preferably between 2 and 30 millimeters and preferably between 4 and 20 millimeters, since the beverage substance 7 located in the cartridge 2 contains a particularly sugar-containing and non-alcohol-containing syrup or a caffeinated concentrate.

After the beverage production process has ended, the cartridge system 1 is removed from the holding unit, so that the beverage production machine can be equipped with a new and unused cartridge system 1. The cartridge holder 10 can optionally be reused by separating it from the used cartridge 2 by loosening the locking connection and clipping it onto a new cartridge 2.

To establish the fluid connection between the reservoir 6 and the mixing chamber 8, the cartridge holder 10 has a mandrel guide 80 in which a piercing mandrel 73 is displaceably mounted. The sealing element 18 is achieved by transferring the displaceable piercing mandrel 73 between a retracted position in which the piercing mandrel 73 is spaced from the sealing element 18 (see FIG. 1b) and an extended position in which the piercing mandrel 73 pierces the sealing element 18 (See FIG. 1c) and protrudes into the reservoir 6, perforated.

The outer wall of the piercing spike 73 is provided with the plurality of side channels 71 for guiding the beverage substance 7 from the reservoir 6 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8 when the sealing element 18 is pierced. The side channels 71 are designed in the form of grooves that run parallel to one another and are open on one side. After the sealing element 18 has been pierced, the side channels 71 come into fluid connection with the reservoir 6, so that the beverage substance 7 can flow around the edges 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. With a high viscosity, several side channels 71 and / or side channels 71 with a larger cross section are used, while with a lower viscosity fewer side channels 71 and / or side channels 71 with a smaller cross section are provided. The compressed air line 40, which functions as a cartridge discharge device, is also integrated in the piercing spike 73. The compressed air line 40 opens into the reservoir 6 at the end of the piercing mandrel 73 when the piercing mandrel 73 is in the extended position.

The compressed air connection 42 is formed on a side of the piercing spike 73, in particular facing away from the reservoir 6, and is thus accessible from outside the cartridge receptacle 10 and can be connected to the compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine.

The piercing mandrel 73 is preferably transferred from the retracted position to the extended position during or after the insertion of the cartridge system 10 into the beverage preparation machine or after the start of the beverage production process, preferably by a fixed release element of the holding unit against which the piercing mandrel 73 is pressed . The piercing spike 71 is preferably designed as a plastic part and particularly preferably as a plastic injection-molded part.

It is preferably provided that both the fluid source and the compressed air source are coupled directly to the fluid supply 12 or the compressed air connection 42 as soon as the cartridge system 1 is inserted into the beverage preparation machine or a beverage production process is started and in particular before the sealing element 18 is pierced . In this way, a back-contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine is effectively avoided because the fluid supply 12 and the cartridge discharge device are under overpressure, especially immediately when the cartridge system 1 is inserted, thus preventing beverage substance 7 from migrating in the direction of the fluid source or compressed air source . The beverage substance 7, starting from the Re reservoir 6, can therefore only move in the direction of the mixing chamber 8 (see FIG. 1c) as soon as the sealing element 18 is opened.

The cartridge holder 10 comprises a basic structure 10 'with a cup-shaped design. The open side of this cup-shaped configuration points in the direction of the cartridge 2 and at least partially accommodates the cartridge 2, in particular the edge 2 "" of the cartridge wall 2 ". On an opposite bottom side 10 ″, the basic structure 10 ′ has the beverage outlet opening 11 and the mandrel guide 80 that is open to the outside. The fluid supply 12 is formed on a side wall 10 ″ of the basic structure 10 ‘. The basic structure 10 ‘is designed in particular as a plastic part and particularly preferably as a plastic injection molded part.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. The second Embodiment is the same as the first embodiment illustrated and explained with reference to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d, whereby, in contrast to the first embodiment, the beverage substance 7 according to the second embodiment comprises, for example, beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine.

The angle a 33 is therefore in particular between 40 and 85 degrees, preferably between 60 and 85 degrees and particularly preferably between 70 and 80 degrees, so that excessive foam formation in the drinking vessel is prevented. The length 35 is preferably between 10 and 30 millimeters and preferably between 15 and 25 millimeters.

In addition, it would be conceivable that the shape of the cross section 34 or the area of the cross section 34 changes in the first and / or second embodiment along the direction of extension 31 of the line section 30.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is the same as the first and second embodiments illustrated and explained with reference to FIGS. 1 a to 1d and 2, with the difference that the beverage outlet 11 in the third embodiment comprises, in addition to the pipe section 30, a further pipe section 37 which extends in the direction of flow of the Beverage 70 to the line piece 30 closes.

The direction of extension 38 of the further line section 37 runs at an angle ß 39 to a longitudinal axis 32 of the cartridge 2. In the transition area between the line piece 30 and the further line section 37, a kink is provided because the angle ß 39 is not equal to the angle a 33. In the present example according to the third embodiment, the beverage substance 7 comprises beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine. The angle ß 39 is therefore greater than the angle a 33 in order to avoid excessive foam formation in the drinking vessel. It is conceivable that the angle α 33 is between 10 and 60 degrees, preferably between 2 and 55 degrees, particularly preferably between 3 and 50 degrees, while the angle β 39 between 40 and 85 degrees, preferably between 45 and 80 degrees and particularly preferred is between 50 and 70 degrees.

The further line section 37 has in particular a length parallel to its direction of extension 38, which is between 2 and 40 millimeters, preferably between 3 and 20 millimeters, particularly preferably between 4 and 15 millimeters. This optionally includes Another line piece 37 an upward, so in the direction of the cartridge 2, one-sided open NEN channel.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show a schematic view of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment illustrated and explained with reference to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d, the difference being that the line piece 30 in the fourth embodiment has an inner cross section 34 perpendicular to its main direction of extent 31 with a cross-sectional area 35 which increases along the main direction of extent 31.

The angle a 33 is between 70 and 80 degrees and in the present example in particular 76 degrees, so that the beverage dispensing jet emerging from the line piece 30 is directed as possible against a wall of the drinking vessel (not shown) in order to prevent excessive foaming of the drink , since the beverage substance 7 in this case in turn comprises beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine.

The main direction of extent 31 of the line section 30 is determined in particular by the lower wall / underside 47 of the channel or of the line section 30.

The inner cross-section 34 of the line section 30 has a cross-sectional area 35 which is in particular round, oval or rectangular (with rounded corners). The cross-sectional area at the beginning 45 of the channel is in particular between 25 and 35 square millimeters, preferably approximately 30 square millimeters. The cross-sectional area is at the end 46 of the channel, that is to say at the exit point of the beverage dispensing jet, in particular between 70 and 90 square millimeters, preferably approximately 77 square millimeters.

The length of the line section 30 is in particular between 5 and 15 millimeters, preferably about 10 millimeters.

In the cartridge receptacle 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the interior of the line piece 30 is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber 8 through an inner opening 44. This inner opening 44 has a diameter of 7.5 to 8.5 millimeters.

In FIGS. 5a and 5b, schematic views of a cartridge receptacle 10 of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary fifth embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. TI

The fifth embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment illustrated and explained with reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the difference being that the line piece 30 has an inner contour 90 which extends partially along the main direction 31 of the line piece 30. This inner contour has a star-shaped inner cross section, so that the cross section of the line section 34 is also formed in a star shape in this area. The inwardly protruding edges 91 of the inner contour 90 form edges or points (in cross section) for breaking up the foam bubbles of the beverage, which is accompanied by reduced foam formation.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The sixth embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment illustrated and explained with reference to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the difference being that the wall of the line section 30 is provided with a plurality of relief openings 92. It is conceivable that the diameter or the number of the relief openings 92 increases along the main direction of extension 31, that is, in the direction from the mixing chamber to the drinking vessel.

In an advantageous manner, a more continuous pressure reduction takes place in the line piece 30, whereby an increased foam formation is advantageously avoided in the case of strongly foaming beverage substances such as beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine, for reduced foam formation in the drinking vessel.

Alternatively, the wall could also be made porous, with the porosity increasing along the main direction of extent 31.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic detailed view of a cartridge system 1 according to an exemplary seventh embodiment of the present invention.

The sixth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment illustrated and explained with reference to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d, the cross section of the line section 30 being seen in FIG. 7 - as in FIG. 1d. In contrast to the first embodiment, a baffle element 93 is arranged in the line piece 30 in the sixth embodiment. This baffle element 93 serves as an additional mixing and / or swirling element and ensures additional swirling when the drink is passed through the line piece 30, in that the flow of the beverage liquid hits the baffle element 93. On this way, particularly in the case of low-foaming beverage substances, such as, in particular, sugar-containing and non-alcoholic syrups or caffeinated concentrates, an additional foam formation is advantageously induced. The impact element 93 is bound to the wall of the line section 30 via lateral webs 94 in order to hold the impact element 93 in the center of the line section 30.

List of reference symbols

1 cartridge system

2 cartridge

2 main body

2 cartridge wall

Cartridge base

2 Edge of the cartridge wall

6 reservoir

7 beverage substance

8 Mixing chamber 10 Cartridge holder 10 Basic structure 10 Bottom side

10 Side wall of the basic structure

11 Beverage outlet

12 fluid supply

18 sealing element

18 through opening

18 sealing foil

18 sealing body

20 lanyards

21 Mating Lanyards

22 support structure

23 longitudinal seam

24 cover bodies

30 Tubular line piece

31 Main direction of extent of the line section

32 Longitudinal axis of the cartridge

33 angle a

34 Cross section of the line section

35 cross-sectional area

36 Length of the pipe section

37 Another line section

38 Main direction of extent of the further line section

39 angle ß

40 compressed air line 42 Compressed air connection

43 Compressed air outlet

44 Inner opening

45 beginning of channel 46 end of channel

47 Underside of the channel / pipe section 71 Side channel 70 Beverage 73 Piercing spike 80 Spike guide

90 inner contour

91 edge

92 relief port

93 impact element 94 webs

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Cartridge system (1) for producing a beverage (70), the cartridge system (1) being insertable into a beverage preparation machine (3), a cartridge (2) which comprises a reservoir (6) filled with a beverage substance (7) and a cartridge receptacle (10) connected to the cartridge (2), the cartridge receptacle (10) having a mixing chamber (8) which can be brought into fluid connection with the reservoir (6) and a fluid supply (12) opening into the mixing chamber (8) , wherein the mixing chamber (8) has a Ge beverage outlet (11) through which the beverage (70) formed from a mixture of the Ge beverage substance (7) with the fluid supplied through the fluid supply (12) in the mixing chamber (8) is dispensed , wherein the Ge drink outlet (11) comprises a tubular line piece (30), characterized in that the line piece (30) is designed such that a main direction of extent (31) of the line piece (30) at an angle a (33) to a Longitudinal ac sleeve (32) of the cartridge (2).

2. cartridge system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the angle a (33) between 5 and 85 degrees, preferably between 15 degrees and 75 degrees and particularly before given between 25 and 65 degrees.

3. cartridge system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle a (33) between 40 and 85 degrees, preferably between 60 and 85 degrees and particularly preferably between 70 and 80 degrees, especially if the beverage substance (7) is beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine.

4. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle a (33) is between 20 and 60 degrees, preferably between 25 and 55 degrees, particularly preferably between 30 and 50 degrees and very particularly at substantially 40 degrees, in particular if the beverage substance (7) contains a particularly sugary and non-alcoholic syrup or a concentrate containing kof.

5. cartridge system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle a (33) along the main direction of extent (31) of the line piece (30) changes, in particular decreased or increased.

6. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the line piece (30) has an inner cross-section (34) perpendicular to its main direction of extent (31), which has an oval, circular, angular, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, trapezoidal, star-shaped, slot-shaped and / or annular shape.

7. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the line piece (30) has a nenkontur (90) for breaking up foam bubbles, preferably in the form of egg ner extending in the main direction of extension edge (91) or tip.

8. Cartridge system according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the shape of the cross section (34) or the inner contour (90) changes along the main direction of extension (31) of the line piece (30), in particular from an angular or slot-shaped shape to a round or oval shape.

9. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the line piece (30) has an inner cross section (34) perpendicular to its main direction of extent (31), the cross-sectional area (35) of which extends along the main direction of extent ( 31) of the line piece (30) changes, in particular reduced or enlarged.

10. cartridge system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the cross-sectional area (35) between's 5 and 200 square millimeters, preferably between 10 and 150 square millimeters and particularly preferably between 25 and 125 square millimeters.

11. cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the cross-sectional area (35) between 50 and 200 square millimeters, preferably between 75 and 150 square millimeters, especially if the beverage substance (7) beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine.

12. Cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the cross-sectional area (35) is between 10 and 125 square millimeters, preferably between 50 and 100 square millimeters, especially if the beverage substance (7) is a particularly sugary and non- Contains alcoholic syrup or a concentrate containing caffeine.

13. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the line piece (30) has a length (35) parallel to its main direction of extent (31), between 2 and 40 millimeters, preferably between 3 and 20 millimeters, particularly preferably between 4 and 15 millimeters.

14. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the length (35) is between 10 and 30 millimeters and preferably between 10 and 20 millimeters, in particular if the beverage substance (7) comprises beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine.

15. Cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the length (35) is between 2 and 30 millimeters and preferably between 5 and 10 millimeters, in particular when the beverage substance (7) is particularly sugar-containing and non-alcoholic Contains syrup or a concentrate containing caffeine.

16. Cartridge system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of the cross section (34) and / or the angle a (33) and / or the cross-sectional area (35) and / or the length (36) and / or the inner contour (90 ) is designed as a function of the beverage substance (7).

17. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein mixing and / or turbulence elements, in particular at least one baffle element (93) are arranged within the line piece (30).

18. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage outlet (11) consists exclusively of the tubular line piece (30).

19. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the line piece (30) has an air-permeable and in particular porous wall penetrated by at least one relief opening (92).

20. Cartridge system according to claim 19, wherein the porosity of the wall and / or the number of relief openings (92 in the wall and / or the diameter of the relief openings (92) changes and preferably increases along the main direction of extension (31).

21. Cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the beverage outlet (11) comprises a further line piece (37) which connects in the direction of flow to the tubular line piece (30).

22. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 21, wherein the further line piece (37) is designed as a channel piece that is open on one side and is designed in particular to be open at the top.

23. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 22, wherein the further line piece (37) as a closed channel with an inner cross-section perpendicular to its main direction of extent (38), which is oval, circular, angular, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal , octagonal, trapezoidal, star-shaped, slot-shaped and / or annular shape.

24. Cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the further line piece (37) is designed such that a main direction of extent (38) of the further line piece (37) at an angle β (39) to a longitudinal axis (32 ) the cartridge (2) runs, the angle ß (39) not equal to the angle a (33).

25. Cartridge system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the angle ß (39) is greater than the angle α (33), in particular if the beverage substance (7) comprises beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine.

26. Cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 24 or 25, wherein the angle ß (39) is smaller than the angle a (33), especially if the beverage substance (7) is a particularly sugary and non-alcoholic syrup or a Contains caffeinated concentrate.

27. Cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the angle a (33) between 10 and 60 degrees, preferably between 2 and 55 degrees, particularly preferably between 3 and 50 degrees and the angle ß (39) between 40 and 85 degrees, preferably between 60 and 85 degrees and particularly preferably between 70 and 80 degrees, in particular if the beverage substance (7) comprises beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine.

28. Cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the further line piece (37) has a length parallel to its main direction of extent (38) which is between 2 and 40 millimeters, preferably between 3 and 20 millimeters, particularly preferably between 4 and 15 millimeters.

29. The cartridge system (1) according to claim 28, wherein the line piece (30) has a length (35) parallel to its main direction of extent (31), which is between 2 and 10 millimeters, and the further line piece (37) is one to be ner Main direction of extent (38) has a parallel length which is between 10 and 20 millimeters, especially if the beverage substance (7) comprises beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine.

30. Cartridge system (1) according to one of claims 21 to 29, wherein the further line piece (37) has an inner contour (90) for breaking up foam bubbles, preferably in the form of an edge (91) or point extending in the main direction of extent.

31. The cartridge system according to claim 30, wherein the shape of the inner contour (90) changes along the main direction of extent (31) of the further line section (37), in particular from an angular or slot-shaped shape to a round or oval shape.

32. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the further line piece (37) has an air-permeable and in particular porous wall or wall penetrated by at least one relief opening (92).

33. The cartridge system according to claim 32, wherein the porosity of the wall and / or the number of relief openings in the wall and / or the diameter of the relief openings along the main direction of extension changes and preferably increases.

34. Cartridge system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage outlet (11) has a flow resistance which is adapted to the beverage substance (7).

35. cartridge system (1) according to claim 34, wherein the line piece (30) has a flow resistance which differs from a flow resistance of the further line piece (37), wherein the flow resistance of the line piece (30) is preferably greater than the flow resistance of the Another line piece (37) is, in particular if the beverage substance (7) comprises beer-containing or beer-like substances, tea or sparkling wine.