EP3947257A1

EP3947257A1 - Beverage system for producing a beverage by means of a capsule

Info

Publication number: EP3947257A1
Application number: EP20713269.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Evgeni Rehfuss; Tim GLÄSSER
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2019-03-26
Filing date: 2020-03-19
Publication date: 2022-02-09
Also published as: US20220142393A1; WO2020193376A1; DE102019204156A1

Abstract

A beverage system (200) for producing a beverage on the basis of contents of a capsule (100) is described. The beverage system (200) comprises a capsule support for accommodating a capsule (100) and comprises a dispensing unit (206) for providing a beverage produced on the basis of the contents of the capsule (100). Furthermore, the beverage system (200) comprises a carbonizing source (301) which is configured to provide a carbonizing gas in the beverage system (200), at least one liquid container (320, 340) for receiving a liquid, and at least one carbonizer (321, 341) which is configured to carbonize liquid from the liquid container (320, 340) using carbonizing gas from the carbonizing source (301). The beverage system (200) furthermore comprises a liquid line which is configured to conduct non-carbonized liquid directly from the liquid container (320, 340) to the capsule (100), and a liquid line which is configured to conduct carbonized liquid from the carbonizer (321, 341) to the capsule (100).

Description

Beverage system for producing a beverage by means of a

capsule

The invention relates to a beverage system for producing a beverage based on the ingredients from a capsule.

In a capsule-based beverage system, the ingredients of a capsule introduced into the beverage system can be mixed with at least one other liquid (e.g. water) in order to provide a portion of a beverage. For the reliable production of mixed drinks, it is typically necessary that the contents of a capsule are transferred as completely as possible from the capsule into the mixed drink. Furthermore, when producing a mixed drink, contamination of the drink system with ingredients from a capsule should be avoided, in particular in order to be able to use the drink system in a cost-effective manner for the production of different mixed drinks.

The present document deals with the technical task of providing a beverage system by means of which a reliable and cost-efficient production of complex mixed drinks based on the ingredients of a capsule is made possible.

The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claim. Before advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent claims, described in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings.

According to one aspect of the invention, a beverage system for producing a beverage, in particular a mixed beverage, based on the ingredients of a capsule is described. In particular, the beverage system can process a capsule which contains ingredients for exactly one portion (for example for a glass) of an (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) drink. The beverage system can be used to produce a portion of a beverage from the (in particular from substantially all) ingredients of a capsule. The beverage system typically comprises a housing which at least partially encloses an interior of the beverage system. For example, the housing can be cuboid with four side walls, a floor and a top wall. The beverage system can be designed, for example, as a household appliance, in particular as a household appliance, which can be placed on a worktop in a kitchen and / or built into a built-in cabinet, for example.

The beverage system can be set up to accommodate a capsule described in this document. The beverage system comprises a capsule carrier for receiving a capsule. Furthermore, the beverage system comprises a dispensing unit for providing a beverage produced on the basis of the ingredients of the capsule. In addition, the beverage system comprises an opening means which is set up to open the one or more outlet openings of the capsule received by the capsule carrier, so that ingredients on the underside of the capsule can flow from the channel-shaped cavity of the capsule to the dispensing unit. The capsule and in particular the channel-shaped cavity can be arranged directly above the dispensing unit, so that the ingredients from the capsule and / or liquids from the beverage system can flow directly from the channel-shaped cavity to the dispensing unit (e.g. into a cup on the dispensing unit).

Furthermore, the beverage system comprises a carbonation source which is set up to provide a carbonation gas (in particular carbon dioxide gas) in the beverage system. The carbonation source can e.g. a container (e.g. a bottle or cartridge) with carbonation gas built into or inserted into the beverage system.

The beverage system further comprises at least one liquid container for holding a liquid. The liquid container can be installed permanently and / or non-removable in the beverage system. Furthermore, the inlet of the liquid container can be decoupled from environmental influences by a closable inlet valve. This can increase the shelf life of the liquid. In addition, the beverage system can comprise at least one carbonizer which is set up to carbonize liquid from the liquid container on the basis of carbonation gas from the carbonation source. The carbonizer is preferably arranged directly in the liquid container, so that the carbonized liquid in the carbonizer is cooled by the liquid in the liquid container. This enables a particularly efficient and / or compact structure of a beverage system.

The beverage system further comprises a liquid line which is set up to convey non-carbonized liquid directly from the liquid container to the dispensing unit. The liquid line can be arranged at the bottom of the liquid container in order to reliably remove liquid from the liquid container. The non-carbonized liquid can be pumped out of the liquid container and / or to the dispensing unit by means of a pump.

Furthermore, the beverage system comprises a liquid line which is set up to convey carbonized liquid from the carbonizer to the dispensing unit. The carbonized liquid typically has a certain excess pressure (e.g. a pressure of 5 bar or more). Thus, the carbonized liquid can be conducted in an efficient manner by opening a valve from the carbonizer to the dispensing unit (without using an additional pump).

A beverage system is thus provided with which a carbonated mixed beverage can be produced in an efficient manner.

The beverage system can comprise a pressure compensator on the liquid line for the carbonated liquid, which pressure compensator is set up to reduce the pressure of the carbonized liquid from the carbonator before it is provided at the dispensing unit. By reducing the pressure of the carbonized liquid it can be achieved that the carbonized liquid flows in a reliable and controlled manner at the dispensing unit into a vessel for the mixed drink (and in particular does not splash).

The beverage system can include a gas line that is configured to supply carbonation gas from the carbonation source to the liquid container guide in order to at least partially fill a cavity of the liquid container that is not filled with liquid with carbonation gas. An inert gas atmosphere of carbonizing gas can thus be formed on the surface of the liquid in the liquid container. This can increase the shelf life of the liquid. Furthermore, liquid vapors (in particular alcohol vapors) can be avoided in this way.

The beverage system can comprise a pressure throttle on the gas line between the carbonation source and the liquid container, which pressure throttle is set up to provide carbonation gas at a reduced pressure for filling the liquid container. In particular, the beverage system can be set up to provide carbonation gas at a relatively high pressure (possibly directly from the carbonation source) for carbonation of the liquid. Furthermore, by lowering the pressure, carbonizing gas can be provided at a reduced pressure, e.g. to create a gas atmosphere in the liquid container. This enables the efficient and multi-layered use of carbonation gas.

The beverage system can comprise a valve on the gas line between the carbonation source and the liquid container, which valve is set up to enable or prevent the supply of carbonation gas to the liquid container. In this way, a gas atmosphere can be set in the liquid container in a precise manner.

The beverage system can comprise a gas line which is set up to convey carbonation gas from the carbonation source to the liquid lines. In addition, the beverage system on the gas line between the carbonation source and the liquid lines can comprise a valve which is set up to enable or prevent the supply of carbonation gas to the liquid lines. Furthermore, the beverage system can comprise a control unit which is set up to open the valve in order to clean and / or flush the liquid lines with carbonation gas. For example, the control unit can cause the liquid lines to be flushed with carbonation gas following the production of a mixed drink. This enables high-quality production of mixed drinks over the long term. The beverage system can comprise a gas line which is set up to convey carbonation gas from the carbonation source to the capsule (in particular carbonation gas at a reduced pressure). Furthermore, the beverage system on the gas line between the carbonation source and the capsule can comprise a valve which is set up to enable or prevent the supply of carbonation gas to the capsule.

The control unit can be set up to open the valve for the production of a drink in order to flush ingredients out of the capsule by means of carbonation gas. Carbonizing gas can be pushed through the capsule in pulses. The control unit can be set up to determine operating data for the production of a beverage. The length or the duration of pulses of carbonizing gas for purging the capsule can then be set as a function of the operating data. For example, the length or the duration of the pulses can be adapted as a function of the amount of ingredients and / or as a function of the viscosity of the ingredients of the capsule. A particularly reliable production of a mixed drink is thus made possible.

The beverage system can include a (possibly manually) adjustable flow limiter on the gas line between the carbonation source and the capsule, which is set up to limit and / or limit the volume flow of carbonation gas that is used to flush the capsule adjust. Reliable operation of the beverage system can thus be made possible.

The beverage system can comprise an outlet valve which is set up to allow liquid to drain from the liquid container and / or from a liquid line. The outlet valve can be arranged below the liquid container. The provision of an outlet valve enables efficient cleaning of the beverage system.

As already explained above, the beverage system can comprise a pump which is set up to convey liquid from the liquid container via a liquid line to the dispensing unit, to the carbonator or in a circulating manner back to the Pump liquid container. Furthermore, the beverage system can comprise at least one valve which is set up to conduct liquid which has been pumped out of the liquid container by the pump selectively to the dispensing unit, to the carbonator or in a circulating manner back to the liquid container.

The control unit of the beverage system can be set up to control the pump and / or the valve as a function of an operating state of the beverage system. For example, the pump and the valve can be caused to circulate the liquid in order to prevent the liquid in the liquid container from freezing when the beverage system is not in the process of making a mixed beverage. On the other hand, the pump and the valve can be made to direct the liquid to the dispensing unit when a mixed drink is being prepared. Furthermore, the pump and valve can be made to direct the liquid to the carbonator to refill the carbonator. An efficient conduction of liquid within the beverage system is thus made possible.

The beverage system can be set up, based on carbonation gas from the carbonation source, to provide carbonation gas at a first pressure (e.g. 4 bar or more) in order to carbonize the liquid in the carbonizer, and carbonation gas at a second pressure ( eg 1 bar or less) to create an inert gas atmosphere in the liquid container, to clean a liquid line and / or to flush ingredients out of the capsule. The first pressure is higher than the second pressure. This enables the efficient use of carbonation gas within the beverage system.

The beverage system can include a cleaning mode (which can be activated, for example, by a user of the beverage system via a user interface), which allows carbonation gas from the carbonation source for cleaning through the liquid lines, through the carbonator and / or through the To direct liquid container. Permanent operation of the beverage system is thus made possible in an efficient manner.

As already stated above, the beverage system can comprise a pump which is set up to pump non-carbonized liquid from the liquid container. Furthermore, the beverage system can comprise a flow meter which is set up to record sensor data relating to a volume flow of non-carbonized liquid from the liquid container.

On the other hand, the beverage system can comprise a valve which is set up to enable or prevent a flow of carbonated liquid from the carbonator. Furthermore, the beverage system can comprise a flow meter which is set up to acquire sensor data relating to a volume flow of carbonized liquid from the carbonizer

The control unit of the beverage system can be set up to operate the pump and / or the valve as a function of the sensor data in order to produce a beverage. In particular, the pump can be made to pump a certain amount of non-carbonized liquid to the output unit. As an alternative or in addition, the valve can be made to let a certain amount of carbonated liquid through to the dispensing unit. A mixed drink can thus be produced in a precise manner.

In a preferred example, the beverage system has the components described in this document for two different liquids (for example for water and for an alcoholic liquid). In particular, the beverage system can include a first liquid container for receiving a first liquid, in particular water, and a first carbonizer which is set up to carbonize the first liquid from the first liquid container using carbonation gas from the carbonation source. Furthermore, the beverage system can comprise a second liquid container for receiving a second liquid, in particular alcohol, and a second carbonizer which is set up to carbonize the second liquid from the second liquid container using carbonation gas from the carbonation source . In addition, the beverage system can comprise liquid lines which are set up to convey liquid directly from the first liquid container, directly from the first carbonizer, directly from the second liquid container and directly from the second carbonizer to the dispensing unit. By providing several different liquids, particularly complex mixed drinks can be produced. It should be noted that all aspects of the system described in this document can be combined with one another in many different ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in many ways.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing. Show it

FIG. 1a shows a sectional view through a capsule with a valve in a closed state;

FIG. 1b shows a sectional view of the capsule from FIG. 1a with a valve in an open state;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary beverage system; and

Figure 3 exemplary modules of a beverage system.

As stated at the beginning, the present document deals with the reliable production of a beverage based on the ingredients of a capsule.

In this context, FIG. 1a shows an exemplary capsule, in particular an exemplary multi-chamber capsule 100. The capsule 100 shown in FIG. 1a comprises two chambers 110, 120, the chambers 110, 120 being formed by separate shells or vessels. The chambers 110, 120 can be used to store different ingredients separately from one another. By providing several chambers 110, 120 for different ingredients, the shelf life of the ingredients of a capsule 100 can be increased.

The capsule 100 can be used in a beverage system or a beverage machine for the production of mixed beverages. Alcoholic and / or non-alcoholic drinks can be produced. A portion of a beverage can be produced by bringing the ingredients (eg liquids) stored within a capsule 100 together with a liquid flow provided by the beverage system. If possible, contamination of the beverage system by ingredients from a capsule 100 should be avoided in order to avoid the To be able to use the beverage system in an efficient and convenient way for the production of a large number of portions of possibly different types of beverage.

The capsule 100 shown in FIG. 1 a comprises a capsule body 101, by which the one or more chambers 110, 120 of the capsule 100 are formed. The capsule body 101 can be covered by a lid 102, wherein the lid 102 can be formed by a sealing film. Furthermore, the capsule 100 comprises a valve 130, 140, the valve 130, 140 comprising a valve housing 140 (also generally referred to as a chamber wall) in which a closure part 130 is arranged. The valve housing 140 can be part of the capsule body 101 and can at least partially form the one or more chambers 110, 120. In particular, the valve housing 140 can each form at least one wall of the one or more chambers 110, 120. The closure part 130 can be moved within the valve housing 140 in order to open or close the valve 130, 140.

In the example shown in FIG. 1 a, the valve housing 140 encloses a (circular) cylindrical space in which the closure part 130 can be moved in a translatory manner in order to open or close the valve 130, 140. In particular, the valve 130, 140 can be opened when the closure part 130 is moved downwards and closed when the closure part 130 is moved upwards.

The valve housing 140 has a first inlet opening 111 for the first chamber 110 and a second inlet opening 121 for the second chamber 120 in an upper region or near an upper side of the capsule 100. An inlet opening 111, 112 can be used to supply a rinsing medium to a chamber 110, 120 in order to rinse the ingredients out of the chamber 110, 120. Alternatively or additionally, an inlet opening 112, 112 can be used to ventilate a chamber 110, 120 in order to enable the contents of a chamber 110, 120 to run out (possibly caused solely by the force of gravity).

Furthermore, the valve housing 140 has a first drain opening 112 for the first chamber 110 and a second drain opening 122 for the second chamber 120 in a lower region or near an underside of the capsule 100. Via an outlet opening ok

112, 112, the contents of a chamber 110, 120 can leak out of the chamber 110, 120.

The closure part 130 can be designed to close the openings 111, 112, 121, 122 of the one or more chambers 110, 120 in a closed state of the valve 130, 140. On the other hand, the openings 111, 112, 121, 122 can be opened by a movement of the closure part 130, so that the ingredients can run out of the one or more chambers 110, 120 (possibly using a flushing medium that flows into the one or more chambers 110 , 120 via which one or more inlet openings 112, 112 can be supplied). For this purpose, the closure part 130 can have a first opening 134 for opening the first chamber 110 and possibly a second opening 136 for opening the second chamber 120. The one or more openings 134, 136 (of the closure part wall) of the closure part 130 can be brought in front of the outlet openings 112, 122 of the valve housing 140 by a movement of the closure part 130, so that one or more outlet channels from the one or more chambers 110, 120 through the outlet openings 112, 122 and openings 134, 136 is created in a channel-shaped cavity of the closure part 130.

The closure part 130 can have a (cylindrical or channel-shaped) cavity which extends from an upper end 131 of the closure part 130 to a lower end 132 of the closure part 130. The cavity is enclosed by the closure part wall of the closure part 130, the openings 134, 136 being formed by openings in the closure part wall of the closure part 130. The cavity of the closure part 130 can be positioned within a beverage system above a container for a beverage in such a way that the ingredients flowing out of a chamber 110, 120 can flow directly from the channel-shaped cavity into the container without coming into contact with a component of the beverage system . Contamination of a beverage system can thus be avoided in an efficient and reliable manner.

FIG. 1 b shows the capsule 100 from FIG. In particular, FIG. 1b shows how a movement 150 of the closure part 130 moves an opening 134, 136 of the closure part 130 in front of an outlet opening 112, 122 of a chamber 110, 120 can be. Furthermore, FIG. 1b shows how a passage 133, 135 of the closure part 130 can be moved in front of an inlet opening 111, 121 of a chamber 110, 120. It can thus be achieved that the ingredients can flow out of one or more chambers 110, 120 via the channel-shaped cavity of the closure part 130 from the capsule 100. Possibly. For example, a rinsing medium can be fed into the chamber 110, 120 via an opening 133, 135 of the closure part 130 and via an inlet opening 111, 121 of a chamber 110, 120 in order to rinse the contents out of the chamber 110, 120.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary capsule or beverage system 200. The capsule system 200 comprises a control unit 201 which is set up to control the production process (of a portion) of a beverage. A capsule 100 can be transferred to the system 200 by a user (in a capsule receiving unit provided for this purpose in the system 200). The capsule can then, if necessary, be transferred to a processing position 232 in the interior of a housing of the capsule system 200 via optional conveying means (e.g. via a conveying carriage). The means of transport can be activated by the user (e.g. by pressing a button or directly by inserting the capsule 100). When the capsule 100 arrives at the processing position 232, the manufacturing process can then be initiated.

As part of the manufacturing process, the control unit 201 has the effect that an opening means 220 for opening the capsule 100 (for example a (hollow) needle or lance) is guided to the capsule 100. To this end, an actuator 204 can be activated which brings the opening means 220 up to the capsule 100 in order to open the capsule 100. Furthermore, a further actuator 203 can be activated in order to press a flushing medium (for example from a container 202 of the system 200) into the capsule 100 in order to flush at least one chamber 110, 120 in the capsule 100. By opening the capsule 100 and possibly by flushing one or more chambers 110, 120 of the capsule 100, the ingredients of the one or more chambers 110, 120 can flow out of the capsule 100. A cup 210 in which the beverage to be prepared is provided to the user can be positioned below a dispensing unit 206 of the system 200. The system 200 can be designed in such a way that an ingredient mixture 205 (which contains the ingredients and possibly a rinsing medium and / or one or more other liquids comprises) flow from the one or more chambers 110, 120 of the capsule 100 directly via the dispensing unit 206 into the cup 210.

The system 200 can also be configured to fill the cup 210 with further one or more liquids 215 (e.g. from a container 212) for the beverage to be created. The liquid 215 can e.g. Include alcohol. The liquid 215 can be transferred through the channel-shaped cavity 138 of the valve 130, 140 of a capsule 100 into the cup 210. A beverage can thus be reliably mixed.

With the capsule or beverage system 200 shown in FIG. 2, a mixed beverage can be produced in a reliable manner without contaminating the capsule or beverage system 200.

3 shows exemplary modules or components of a beverage system 200. The beverage system 200 illustrated in FIG. 3 comprises a first container 340, 202 for a first liquid (eg for water) and a second container 320, 212 for a second liquid (eg for an alcoholic liquid). The containers 320, 340 can be stainless steel containers. The containers 320, 340 can be used to hold a non-carbonized liquid. The (non-carbonized) liquid can be removed from the bottom of the respective container 320, 340.

The containers 320, 340 can each have a carbonizer 321, 341, which is each set up to carbonize liquid from the respective container 320, 340. The carbon dioxide for carbonation can be obtained from a C0 ₂ container 301 (for example an insertable cartridge or bottle). The carbon dioxide gas can have a pressure of 5 bar or more. The first container 340 has, for example, a holding volume of 10 liters or more (for example of 12 liters). The second container 320 has, for example, a storage volume of 2 liters or more (for example 4 liters). The first carbonizer 341 can have a volume of 1 liter or more (eg, 1.2 liters). The second carbonizer 321 can have a volume of 0.5 liters or more (eg 0.7 liters). A carbonized liquid can be provided in each case via the carbonizers 321, 341. The containers 320, 340 can each have a fill level sensor 335, 355 which is set up to record sensor data relating to the fill level of liquid in the respective container 320, 340. The sensor data can take place by means of a capacitive level measurement. In particular, the change in the capacitance between two measuring electrodes can be measured in order to acquire sensor data relating to the filling level of the container 320, 340.

Alternatively or additionally, the carbonizers 321, 341 can each have one

Filling level sensors 336, 356 in order to detect sensor data relating to the filling level of liquid in the respective carbonizer 321, 341. The level can e.g. can be recorded by means of one or two measuring electrodes.

The carbonizers 321, 341 can each have a pressure relief valve (not shown), a pressure relief valve being set up to reduce the pressure in the respective carbonizer 321, 341 (by releasing gas) when a limit pressure is reached or exceeded. The limit pressure can e.g. 11bar or more.

The carbonizers 321, 341 can each be arranged within the respective liquid container 320, 340 in order to effect cooling of the carbonized liquid in the respective carbonizer 321, 341 by the surrounding liquid.

The carbon dioxide gas can be provided from the C0 ₂ container 310 via a check valve, wherein the check valve can be integrated in the connection of the C0 _{2 line} to the carbonizer 321, 341. In a corresponding way, liquid can be provided from the respective container 320, 340 via a check valve (which can be integrated in the connection of the liquid line) in the respective carbonizer 321, 341.

A container 320, 340 may include a temperature sensor 334, 354, which is configured to acquire sensor data relating to the temperature of the liquid in the container 320, 340. The temperature sensor 334, 354 is preferably in the vicinity of the

Removal point of the liquid from the container 320, 340 arranged (for example at the bottom of the container 320, 340). The liquid can be filled into a container 320, 340 via a valve 332, 352. The valve 332, 352 can have a relatively large opening (for example DN10 or more, for example DN14) in order to enable the container 320, 340 to be filled quickly with liquid. The valve 332, 352 can be an (electrical) solenoid valve. By closing the valve 332, 352, the container 320, 340 can be closed off from environmental influences. In this way, the evaporation of liquid (especially alcohol) and / or the formation of algae (especially water) can be reduced and / or avoided. The valve 332, 352 can be opened (electrically) to allow a user to fill (non-carbonized) liquid into the container 320, 340.

The beverage system 200 can have a pump 323, 343 which is configured to pump (non-carbonized) liquid from a container 320, 340. The pump 323, 343 can be set up to pump idle or empty. The pump 323, 343 can be a (three-chamber) diaphragm pump. The pump 323, 343 can be used to continuously and / or repeatedly circulate the liquid in the container 320, 340 in order to prevent the liquid in the container 320, 340 from freezing. The pump 323, 343 can e.g. activated automatically when the temperature of the liquid reaches or falls below a certain temperature threshold (e.g. -10 ° C for alcohol). The circulation of the liquid can be effected by a corresponding adjustment of the distribution valve 325, 345 and the distribution valve 327, 347. Alternatively or in addition, the pump 323, 343 can be used to pump liquid from the container 320, 340 against the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas into the carbonizer 321, 341 (with the appropriate setting of the distribution valve 325, 345).

The pumping speed of the pump 323, 343 can be changed by adjusting the pulse width of PWM (pulse width modulated) signals. The pump speed can be selected to be relatively low, for example for the circulation of liquid, in order to keep the noise emission of the beverage system 200 low. On the other hand, the pumping speed can be adjusted in order to set the speed at which the liquid is pumped through the capsule 100 into a vessel 210 for a mixed drink. The pumping of liquid into or through the capsule 100 can be effected by a corresponding setting of the distribution valve 327, 347. The beverage system 200 may include a flow meter 324, 344 configured to measure the amount of (non-carbonated) liquid that is pumped from a container 320, 340. On the basis of the sensor data from the flow meter 324, 344, the amount of liquid that is supplied to a mixed drink can be measured. Furthermore, the sensor data of the flow meter 324, 344 can be used to determine the level of liquid in a carbonizer 321, 341. Furthermore, the remaining level of liquid in the container 320, 340 can be determined on the basis of the sensor data of the flow meter 324, 344 (for example if the level sensor 335, 355 can only detect whether a maximum level has been reached or not).

The beverage system 200 may include a flow meter 330, 350 configured to measure the amount of (carbonated) liquid that is pushed out of a carbonator 321, 341. On the basis of the sensor data of the flow meter 330, 350, the amount of (carbonated) liquid can be measured that is fed to a mixed drink. Furthermore, the sensor data of the flow meter 330, 350 can be used to determine the level of liquid in a carbonizer 321, 341.

The beverage system 200 may include a valve 329, 349 (eg, a solenoid valve) configured to be opened or closed to cause carbonated liquid from a carbonator 321, 341 to be directed to the capsule 100 or not . The valve 329, 349 is designed for a relatively high pressure (e.g. of 5 bar or more).

The beverage system 200 includes a pressure transducer or pressure compensator 328, 348 that is configured to reduce the pressure of the carbonated liquid from a carbonizer 321, 341. In particular, the pressure transducer or pressure compensator 328, 348 can be used to set the pressure at which the carbonated liquid is fed to the mixed beverage. The pressure transducer or pressure compensator 328, 348 can optionally be adjustable manually (for example in the context of manufacturing the beverage system 200). By adjusting the pressure of the carbonated liquid, the quality and reliability of the production of a mixed drink can be increased. The beverage system 200 can have a (manual) valve 322, 342 (eg a ball valve), with which liquid can be drained from a container 320, 340 in order to (completely) empty the container 320, 340. The valve 322, 342 is preferably arranged at the lowest point of the liquid circuit of the beverage system 200 in order to enable reliable emptying.

The beverage system 200 can include a heating unit 326, which is configured to heat a liquid from a container 320, 340 (in particular an alcoholic liquid). For example, the liquid from a container 320, 340 can be heated (e.g. to room temperature) if necessary (depending on the mixed beverage to be produced). On the other hand, heating of the liquid for certain mixed drinks can be prevented. The heating unit 326 can thus be activated if necessary in order to heat the liquid from a container 320, 340.

The beverage system 200 can comprise a pressure sensor 309 which is set up to record sensor data relating to the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas that is provided from the C0 ₂ container 301. On the basis of the sensor data from the pressure sensor 309, it can be determined whether the C0 ₂ container 301 still contains sufficient carbon dioxide gas or not. If it is recognized that there is insufficient carbon dioxide gas, a message can be output via a user interface of the beverage system 200 to the effect that the C0 ₂ container 301 should be refilled or replaced. This way, a consistently high quality of mixed drinks can be guaranteed. Furthermore, a reliable cleaning of the beverage system 200 by means of carbon dioxide gas can thus be made possible.

The valve 327, 347 (eg a solenoid valve) can cause (non-carbonized) liquid to be passed through the capsule 100 into the mixed beverage. The valve 329, 349 (eg a solenoid valve) can cause (carbonized) liquid to be passed through the capsule 100 into the mixed beverage. The valve 329, 349 is typically designed for a higher pressure than the valve 327, 347. Furthermore, the valve 329, 349 typically has a larger diameter (DN) than the valve 327, 347. The beverage system 200 can have a pressure regulator (eg a pressure throttle) 302 which is set up to set (in particular to reduce) the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas from the C0 ₂ container 301 to a specific target pressure (eg 5 bar). The pressure regulator 302 can, for example, be manually adjustable (as part of the manufacture of the beverage system 200). The pressure regulator 302 can create defined pressure conditions in the beverage system 200.

The beverage system 200 can have a pressure throttle 303 which is set up to reduce the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas to a reduced pressure (e.g. 0.1 to 0.3 bar). The carbon dioxide gas with reduced pressure can be used to create an inert atmosphere in a container 320, 340 (to increase the shelf life of a liquid) and / or to effect cleaning of the beverage system 200.

The reduced pressure carbon dioxide gas may be sent to a container 320, 340 via a distribution valve 304 (e.g., a solenoid valve) to create an inert gas atmosphere in the container 320, 340. In this way the shelf life of a liquid can be increased. Furthermore, it can be avoided in this way that liquid gas (in particular alcohol vapor) collects in a container 320, 340. Alternatively, the carbon dioxide gas can be fed to the valves 331, 351, 306 at the reduced pressure.

The beverage system 200 can include a cleaning valve 331, 351 which is configured to conduct carbon dioxide gas at reduced pressure through the liquid lines of the beverage system 200 after a mixed beverage has been produced. The liquid lines can be cleaned with carbon dioxide gas after a mixed drink has been produced. The carbon dioxide gas with reduced pressure can be passed into the liquid lines via a check valve 333, 353. The check valve 333, 353 can prevent liquid from getting into a line for carbon dioxide gas.

The beverage system 200 may include a valve 306 configured to direct carbon dioxide gas at reduced pressure through the capsule 100. The valve 306 can be opened during the preparation of a mixed drink to allow the carbon dioxide gas with to use reduced pressure as a flushing medium for flushing the ingredients out of a capsule 100. In this way, a capsule 100 can be emptied as completely as possible. The valve 306 can be opened in pulses, wherein the length of the pulses can depend on the mixed beverage to be produced. In particular, the length of the pulses can depend on the type and / or the amount of ingredients that are to be flushed out of the capsule 100. In this way the manufacturing process can be accelerated. In addition, the quality of the mixed drinks produced can be increased in this way.

The beverage system 200 can comprise an (adjustable) flow limiter 307, with which the flow rate of carbon dioxide gas for flushing a capsule 100 can be reduced. The speed of emptying or rinsing a capsule 100 can thus be adjusted. The flow limiter 307 can, if necessary, be set manually when the beverage system 200 is manufactured.

The beverage system 200 may have a pressure relief valve 310 that is configured to release carbon dioxide gas from the area with reduced pressure when the carbon dioxide gas with reduced pressure has a pressure which reaches a certain pressure threshold value (eg 0.7 bar) or exceeds. Safe operation of the beverage system 200 can thus be ensured.

The beverage system 200 may include a ventilation valve 305 that is closed during normal operation. The ventilation valve 305 is connected to the one or more containers 320, 340 via one or more lines. The ventilation valve 305 can be opened, in particular when a container 320, 340 is filled with liquid. Reliable filling of a container 320, 340 can thus be made possible.

The beverage system 200 can have a cooling unit (not shown) in order to cool a container 320, 340 (in particular the wall of a container 320, 340). For example, the first liquid (eg water) can be cooled to a temperature between 1 ° C and 5 ° C. The second liquid (e.g. alcohol) can be cooled to a temperature between -12 ° C and -8 ° C, for example. This increases the shelf life of the liquids. The beverage system 200 can comprise a sensor (not shown) which is set up to detect whether a vessel 210 is arranged on the dispensing unit 206 or not. The control unit 201 can be set up to prevent the production of a mixed beverage if it is recognized that there is no vessel on the dispensing unit 206. In this way, safe and convenient operation of the beverage system 200 can be made possible.

Furthermore, the control unit 201 can be set up to change the height of a vessel 210 in order to enable a safe and reliable production of a mixed drink. For this purpose, an (electrically) height-adjustable storage surface for a vessel 210 can be arranged on the output unit 206.

Furthermore, the beverage system 200 can have a sensor which is set up to record sensor data relating to the capacity of a vessel 210. The control unit 201 can be set up to determine on the basis of the sensor data whether or not the vessel 210 has a sufficiently large capacity for the mixed beverage to be produced. Possibly. For example, if it is determined that the vessel 210 does not have a sufficiently large capacity, the production of a mixed beverage can be suppressed. A mixed drink can thus be produced in a reliable manner.

By mixing a certain amount of a carbonized liquid with a certain amount of a non-carbonized liquid, the level of carbonation of the mixed drink can be adjusted in a precise manner.

The components described in this document for the first liquid (e.g. water) and for the second liquid (e.g. alcohol) can be identical for both liquids, which enables an efficient construction of a beverage system.

To produce a mixed drink, a user can insert a capsule 100 into a receptacle in a capsule holder of the beverage system 200. One or more parameters (eg degree of carbonation, amount of alcohol, temperature, etc.) can be entered via a user interface of the beverage system 200. The control unit 201 of the beverage system 200 can be set up, operating parameters for the production of a mixed drink (e.g. on the basis of user input and / or on the basis of stored data for different types of mixed drinks). The data for a mixed drink can be stored locally in the beverage system 200 or on an external storage unit (eg a cloud).

The capsule 100 can have a machine readable code (e.g. a 2D barcode). The beverage system can have a reading unit which is set up to read data from the code of the capsule 100. In particular, operating parameters for the beverage system 200 can be determined on the basis of the data from the code of a capsule 100.

The capsule 100 is opened by an opening means 220. Liquids can then be fed into the mixed drink one after the other. A preferred order is: 1) carbonated alcohol; 2) carbonated water; 3) non-carbonated alcohol; 4) non-carbonized water. The change from one liquid to the next takes place after the flow meter 324, 344 or 330, 350 has measured the amount of liquid required in each case for a mixed beverage. Furthermore, the valve 306 can be opened in a pulsed manner in order to flush the capsule 100 through and in this way to drive the ingredients (e.g. a syrup) out of the capsule 100. The sequential supply of the different liquids enables precise dosing of the liquids. Alternatively, the liquids can be supplied at least partially parallel to one another.

After the fluids have been supplied, the fluid lines can be cleaned by opening the valves 331, 351. Furthermore, dripping of liquid can be avoided in this way. Furthermore, by cleaning the liquid lines, precise dosing can be made possible during a subsequent production of a mixed drink.

After the production of a mixed drink, the opening means 220 can be raised again and the capsule 100 can, if necessary, be automatically moved into a waste container. Furthermore, the one or more carbonizers 321, 341 can be refilled automatically (from the respective liquid container 320, 340). The beverage system 200 can enable an automatic or semi-automatic cleaning process. A cleaning liquid can be circulated in the liquid circuit. Furthermore, rinsing with water can then be effected. The present invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are only intended to illustrate the principle of the proposed system.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Beverage system (200) for producing a beverage based on the ingredients of a capsule (100), wherein the beverage system (200) comprises,

- A capsule carrier for receiving a capsule (100);

- A dispensing unit (206) for providing a beverage produced on the basis of the ingredients of the capsule (100);

- An opening means (220) which is set up to open the capsule (100) received by the capsule carrier, so that ingredients from the capsule (100) can reach the dispensing unit (206);

- A carbonation source (301) which is set up to provide a carbonation gas in the beverage system (200);

- At least one liquid container (320, 340) for receiving a liquid;

- At least one carbonizer (321, 341) which is set up to carbonize liquid from the liquid container (320, 340) with the aid of carbonizing gas from the carbonizing source (301); and

- a liquid line which is set up to convey non-carbonized liquid directly from the liquid container (320, 340) to the dispensing unit (206); and

- A liquid line which is set up to convey carbonized liquid from the carbonizer (321, 341) to the output unit (206).

2. Beverage system (200) according to claim 1, wherein the beverage system (200) on the liquid line for the carbonated liquid comprises a pressure compensator (328, 348) which is set up to a pressure of the carbonated liquid from the carbonator (321 , 341) before provision at the output unit (206).

3. Beverage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage system (200) comprises a gas line which is configured to supply carbonation gas from the carbonation source (301) to the liquid container (320, 340) lead to a cavity not filled with liquid of the liquid container (320, 340) at least partially to be filled with carbonation gas.

4. Beverage system (200) according to claim 3, wherein the beverage system (200) on the gas line between the carbonation source (301) and the liquid container (320, 340) comprises a pressure throttle (303) which is set up, Provide carbonation gas at a reduced pressure for filling the liquid container (320, 340).

5. Beverage system (200) according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the beverage system (200) comprises a valve (304) on the gas line between the carbonation source (301) and the liquid container (320, 340), which is set up to enable or prevent the supply of carbonation gas to the liquid container (320, 340).

6. Beverage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein

- The beverage system (200) comprises a gas line which is set up to conduct carbonation gas from the carbonation source (301) to the liquid lines;

- The beverage system (200) on the gas line between the carbonation source (301) and the liquid lines comprises a valve (331, 351) which is set up to enable the supply of carbonation gas to the liquid lines or to prevent; and

- The beverage system (200) comprises a control unit (201) which is set up to open the valve (331, 351) in order to connect the liquid lines

Purge and / or purge carbonation gas.

7. Beverage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein

- The beverage system (200) comprises a gas line, which is set up to convey carbonation gas from the carbonation source (301) to the capsule (100);

- The beverage system (200) on the gas line between the carbonation source (301) and the capsule (100) comprises a valve (306) which is arranged to Enable or disable the supply of carbonation gas to the capsule (100); and

- The beverage system (200) comprises a control unit (201) which is set up to open the valve (306) for the production of a beverage in order to flush ingredients from the capsule (100) by means of carbonation gas.

8. Beverage system (200) according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (201) is set up

- Determine operational data for the production of a beverage; and

- to set a length of pulses of carbonizing gas for flushing the capsule (100) as a function of the operating data.

9. Beverage system (200) according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the beverage system (200) on the gas line between the carbonation source (301) and the capsule (100) comprises an adjustable flow limiter (307) which is set up to limit and / or adjust a volume flow of carbonizing gas that is used to flush the capsule (100).

10. Beverage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein

- The beverage system (200) comprises an outlet valve (322, 342) which is set up to allow liquid to drain from the liquid container (320, 340) and / or from a liquid line; and

- The outlet valve (322, 342) is arranged below the liquid container (320, 340).

11. Beverage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage system (200) comprises a pump (323, 343) which is set up to convey liquid from the liquid container (320, 340) via a liquid line to the dispensing unit (206), to the carbonator (321, 341) or in a circulating manner back to the liquid container (320, 340).

12. Beverage system (200) according to claim 11, wherein

- The beverage system (200) comprises at least one valve (325, 345, 327, 347) which is set up to dispense liquid that is discharged from the liquid by the pump (323, 343) Reservoir (320, 340) has been pumped selectively to the dispensing unit (206), to the carbonator (321, 341) or circulating back to the liquid reservoir (320, 340); and

- The beverage system (200) comprises a control unit (201) which is set up to control the pump (323, 343) and / or the valve (325, 345, 327, 347) as a function of an operating state of the beverage system (200).

13. Beverage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein

- The beverage system (200) is set up on the basis of carbonation gas from the carbonation source (301) to provide carbonation gas at a first pressure in order to carbonize the liquid in the carbonizer (321, 341), and carbonation gas to provide a second pressure to create an inert gas atmosphere in the liquid container (320, 340) in order to clean a liquid line and / or to flush contents out of the capsule (100); and

- the first pressure is higher than the second pressure.

14. Beverage system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage system (200) comprises a cleaning mode that allows carbonation gas from the carbonation source (301) for cleaning through the liquid lines, through the carbonator (341 , 342) and / or through the liquid container (340, 320).

15. Beverage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage system (200) comprises,

- A pump (323, 343) which is set up to pump non-carbonized liquid from the liquid container (320, 340);

- A flow meter (324, 344) which is set up to record sensor data relating to a volume flow of non-carbonized liquid from the liquid container (320, 340);

- A valve (329, 349), which is set up to enable or prevent a flow of carbonated liquid from the carbonizer (321, 341); - A flow meter (330, 350) which is set up to record sensor data relating to a volume flow of carbonized liquid from the carbonizer (321, 341); and

- A control unit (201) which is set up to operate the pump (323, 343) and / or the valve (329, 349) as a function of the sensor data in order to produce a drink.

16. Beverage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage system (200) comprises,

- A first liquid container (340) for receiving a first liquid, in particular water;

- A first carbonizer (341) which is set up to carbonize first liquid from the first liquid container (340) with the aid of carbonizing gas from the carbonizing source (301);

- A second liquid container (320) for holding a second liquid, in particular alcohol;

- A second carbonizer (321) which is set up to carbonize the second liquid from the second liquid container (320) with the aid of carbonizing gas from the carbonizing source (301); and

- Liquid lines, which are set up, liquid directly from the first liquid container (340), directly from the first carbonator (341), directly from the second liquid container (320) and directly from the second carbonator (321), respectively to the output unit (206).