NL2004367A

NL2004367A - Beverage dispensing system.

Info

Publication number: NL2004367A
Application number: NL2004367A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Hendrik Johan Dees; Koen Standaar; Tjalle Willem Biewenga
Original assignee: Sara Lee De Nv
Priority date: 2010-03-09
Filing date: 2010-03-09
Publication date: 2011-03-21
Also published as: NL2004367C2

Description

Beverage Dispensing System

The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing system.

It is well-known that beverage dispensing machines are supplied with replaceable cartridges containing powder products or concentrates for use in beverage preparation or containing ready-to-drink beverage products. A dispensing machine may perform a number of operations to deliver a cold or warm beverage to the user. The cartridges are replaced as needed by the machine operator.

In the prior art, it is typical for powder products or concentrates to be held at room temperature before being dosed on demand according to a desired dilution rate, mixed with hot or cold water in a mixer, and dispensed. Whereas, ready-to-drink products, like milk, are typically held in specialized storage conditions, such as under refrigeration, in order to achieve an adequate shelf-life for the product once its container seal has been opened for the first time. It is conventional practice for the inlets of the mixer to be provided with mechanical barriers that serve to isolate and protect the contents of the cartridges from microbial infection.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a beverage dispensing system, comprising: a cartridge comprising a housing for accommodating a beverage-related substance and an outlet; a dispenser comprising a dispensing assembly comprising a mixer having an inlet for water, an inlet for the beverage-related substance and an outlet; wherein the cartridge outlet is coupled to the substance inlet of the mixer and is constructed to provide a barrier for maintaining an aseptic environment within the housing as the substance is dispensed, in discrete doses, from the cartridge outlet.

Constructing the outlet of the cartridge such that it provides a barrier for maintaining an aseptic environment within the cartridge is advantageous in that (i) it enables specialized storage conditions within the system to be eliminated or the requirements therefor at least relaxed; and (ii) it enables the operator to remove, change and later put back cartridges, at will, without fear of contamination.

Accordingly, following from (i), in one embodiment, the dispenser comprises a dispenser housing within which the mixer and the cartridge are housed and the dispenser housing is not refrigerated.

Accordingly, following from (ii), although the flexibility is beneficial to the operator, such flexibility does leave open the possibility of intentional or unintentional improper use of the system. Thus, in one embodiment, the cartridge comprises information means containing system specification data pertaining to the use of the cartridge. In this way, proper use of the system can be enforced.

Also, in the prior art, it is typical for a dispensing machine to carry a range of cartridges which, if the dispensing machine is heavily used, will need to be frequently re-stocked. Accordingly, the design of the mechanical interface between a cartridge and the dispensing machine is a key design concern.

EP 1806314 discloses a beverage package that is removably dockable to a beverage dispensing machine. The beverage package comprises a container for a base liquid and a mixing device having an in-built pump. The pump is driven from the dispensing machine and the prepared beverage exits the mixing device from an outlet at the bottom of the mixing device.

According to a second aspect, the present invention may provide a cartridge for use in a beverage dispensing system, comprising: a housing for accommodating a beverage-related fluid substance and a driven element; a drive port via which a driving force may be delivered to the driven element; and a fluid outlet port via which the fluid substance may be expelled from the cartridge; wherein the fluid outlet port and the drive port are located on the same side of the housing.

By locating the required input (drive) port and the required output (fluid) port on the same side of the housing, the present invention enables both the couplings connecting the cartridge to a dispenser to be relatively short, direct couplings which is beneficial in terms of simplicity of design and reliability.

According to a third aspect, the present invention may provide a beverage dispensing system, comprising: a beverage cartridge according to the second aspect of the invention; and a dispenser comprising a dispensing assembly having a mixer; wherein the system comprises a drive coupling for transmitting force from the dispensing assembly to the driven element and a fluid coupling for conveying fluid substance from the housing to the dispensing assembly.

Preferably, the drive coupling has a longitudinal axis and the fluid coupling has a longitudinal axis, and said longitudinal axes are parallel.

By providing parallel couplings which are located on the same side of the housing, the design of the dispensing assembly may be compact (as compared with a system in which the couplings are connected via different sides of the cartridge). In addition, the present invention enables the dispenser and cartridge to be connected by a push-fit arrangement in which the push direction is in the direction of the longitudinal axes of the couplings.

The fluid coupling may comprise a dispenser connection part and a cartridge connection part, and the drive coupling may comprise a dispenser connection part and a cartridge connection part. For either coupling, the junction between the dispenser connection part and the cartridge connection part may be inside the housing cartridge, outside the cartridge housing or at the respective port. Further, for either coupling, either the dispenser connection part may be a male part and the cartridge connection part a female part, or vice versa.

In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge connection part of the fluid coupling and the cartridge connection part of the drive coupling both project from their associated ports.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive coupling delivers force as torque to the driven element.

In the context of the present invention, the beverage-related substance may comprise powder products or concentrates or the like for use in the preparation of a beverage, or alternatively, a ready-to-drink beverage product such as milk.

Further features of embodiments of the present invention are described in the following description and defined in the appended claims.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are hereafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view, in a first beverage dispensing system, of a cartridge connected to a dispensing assembly;

Figures 2 (a), (b) show a top view and a side view, respectively, of Figure 1;

Figures 3 (a), (b) show views of an alternative cartridge to that shown in Figure i;

Figures 4 (a), (b) show schematic side views of a cartridge before and after connection to a dispensing assembly in a second beverage dispensing system;

Figure 5 shows the format of data held on a strip; and

Figures 6 (a), (b), (c) show a perspective view, a front view and a top view, respectively, of part of a third beverage dispensing system.

A first beverage dispensing system 10 comprises a dispenser 12 having an external housing 15, the inside of which is not refrigerated. The dispenser 12 and the external housing 15 are not visible in Figure 1. Within the external housing, there is provided a plurality of dispensing assemblies, an exemplary one of which is shown in Figure 1 and generally designated 14. The dispensing assembly 14 comprises a water jet mixer 20 having a central mixing chamber 22 that has an inlet 24 to which hot water is supplied by a variable rate nozzle (not illustrated). The supply of water from the nozzle to the mixing chamber 22 is regulated by a water actuator 26. An air control actuator 28 regulates air flow into the mixing chamber 22 and hence determines the foam quality. The mixer 20 further comprises an inlet conduit 30 having a longitudinal axis f via which a beverage-related fluid substance is supplied as described in more detail below. The mixer 20 further comprises an outlet 32 via which a prepared beverage is dispensed. The dispensing assembly 14 further comprises a drive unit 58, comprising a motor, having a drive axle 60 having a longitudinal axis d.

The system 10 further comprises a disposable cartridge 50. The cartridge 50 comprises a plastic, fluid-tight container housing 52 shaped like a regular six-faced, oblong box having a cavity 51 formed in one of its faces 52a. The housing 52 accommodates a beverage-related fluid substance. In other embodiments (not shown), the fluid substance may be contained within a bag located within the housing 52; in such a case, the housing 52 need not be fluid tight. The beverage-related fluid substance may comprise coffee extracts, tea extracts, chocolate concentrates or ready-to-drink substances like milk. The wall of the cavity supports, on its inside surface, a pump 54. The wall of the cavity is provided with a drive port 53a and a fluid outlet port 53b. The pump 54 comprises a female drive connection part 54 (not shown) which is adapted to receive the end of the drive axle 60. The pump 54 further comprises a female fluid connection part 54 (not shown) which is adapted to receive the end of the inlet conduit 30. The pump 54 further comprises an inlet (not shown) through which fluid substance is drawn into the pump 54 from the interior of the housing 52 during operation.

The cartridge 50 further comprises an outlet 56. The outlet 56 is constructed to provide a barrier for maintaining an aseptic environment within the container. The outlet 56 could be provided with any valve structure capable of maintaining an aseptic environment within the housing 52. An aseptic value structure disclosed in the applicant’s co-pending application P88512NL00, which is incorporated herein by reference, is suitable.

The cartridge 50 may be connected to the dispensing assembly 14 by first positioning the cartridge 50 such that the drive axle 60 is in alignment with the drive port 53a, and the inlet conduit 30 is in alignment with the fluid outlet port 53b and then moving the cartridge 50 towards the dispensing assembly 19 along the axes f, d, whereby the drive axle 60 passes through the drive port 53a and is pushed into driving engagement with the female drive connection part of the pump 54, and the inlet conduit 30 passes through the fluid outlet port 53b and is pushed into engagement with the female fluid connection part of the container. The connection is most clearly visible in Figures 2 (a), (b). Thereafter, when the drive unit 58 is activated, the drive axle 60 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow R about its longitudinal axis d. The rotation of the axle 60 operates the pump which pumps the fluid substance from the cartridge 50 along the inlet conduit 30 to the dispensing assembly 14 where it is used in the preparation of a beverage.

It will be appreciated that by designing the cartridge 50 such that the external mechanical connections necessary for its operation are localized to the same side of the housing 52, the couplings between the dispenser assembly 14 and the cartridge 50 can be kept relatively short and direct which is beneficial in terms of design and reliability of those couplings, particularly the drive coupling. In addition, since the couplings both extend in one direction (along parallel axes), not only do the couplings themselves occupy a limited space, but they permit and encourage a compact design of the dispensing assembly 14 too. Furthermore, the parallel couplings enable the couplings to be established by a single push-fit operation connecting the constituent connection parts together substantially simultaneously.

When subsequently, parts similar to those described in relation to the first beverage system shown in Figures 1, 2 (a), (b) are referred to, the same reference numeral is used.

In a further embodiment of the above-described first beverage dispensing system, an alternative cartridge 50’ as illustrated in Figures 3 (a), (b) may be used. In this embodiment, the housing 52 comprises a carton, made from paperboard, having apertures cut-away in two adjoining faces, and a plastic interface fitting 80 adapted to be received within the apertures and close off the interior of the housing 52. As can be seen in Figure 3 (b), on its inside surface, the fitting 80 carries the pump 54 and is provided with a fluid inlet 54a via which fluid substance is drawn into the pump 54 in operation. As can be seen in Figure 3 (a), the fitting 80 is provided with a fluid outlet port 53b/ fluid connection part projecting from an exterior surface of the fitting 80 and a drive port 53a formed in the exterior surface of the fitting 80.

The cartridge 50’ operates in the same way as the cartridge 50. The cartridge 50’ has the additional convenience/advantage that it is mainly constructed from paperboard. By localizing the pump 54 and the input/output fluid flows to the fitting 80, the specification of the cardboard can be kept relatively low with the wear-and-tear of normal operation being absorbed by the sturdiness/rigidity of the fitting 80. For example, the reaction forces from a high torque pump will be greatly absorbed by the fitting 80, thereby protecting the integrity of the carton. In addition, since carton may have tendency to become wet and slack, the localization of the connection to the fitting 80 will benefit the ease with which an operator can change cartridges. The fitting 80 may be provided with guides to facilitate connection to a dispensing assembly 14.

Parts of a second beverage dispensing system 10 are shown in Figures 4 (a), (b). Referring to Figure 4 (a), the system 10 comprises a dispenser 12 having an external housing 15. The dispenser 12 comprises a plurality of dispensing assemblies 14, only one of which is shown by way of example. The dispensing assembly 14 is housed within an inner housing portion 16. The dispensing assembly 14 comprises a water jet mixer 20 having a central mixing region 22 that has an inlet 24 to which hot water is supplied and an inlet conduit 30 having a longitudinal axis f via which a beverage-related fluid substance is supplied as described in more detail later. The mixer 20 further comprises an outlet 32 via which a prepared beverage is dispensed. The dispensing assembly 14 further comprises a drive unit 58, comprising a motor, having a rotating drive axle 60 having a longitudinal axis d. The drive unit 58 and the mixer 20 are disposed to the rear of a recessed loading channel 16a formed in the inner housing portion 16 which opens to the interior of the housing 15. The longitudinal axes f, d of the inlet conduit 30 and the drive axle 60 extend along the longitudinal direction of the channel 16a.

Other details of the dispensing assembly 14 are similar to those described in relation to the first beverage dispensing system but have been omitted from the drawings for diagrammatic simplicity.

The system 10 further comprises a disposable cartridge 50. The cartridge 50 comprises an external housing 52 having a leading side 52a, a trailing side 52b, and four lateral sides 52c-f. Lateral side 52f is not visible in Figures 4 (a), (b) and so the reference numeral does not appear in the drawings. The cartridge 50 further comprises, located within the housing 52, a container (not shown) which accommodates a beverage-related fluid substance. The cartridge further comprises, located within the housing 52, a pump (not shown). The leading side 52a comprises two faces 52ai, and 52a2. A drive port 53a is provided in the face 52ai, and a fluid outlet port 53b is provided in the face 52a2. The pump comprises a female drive connection part (not shown) which is adapted to receive the end of the drive axle 60. The cartridge 50 further comprises a female fluid connection part 55 which projects outwardly from the face 52a2 and is adapted to receive the end of the inlet conduct 30.

The cartridge 50 may be connected to the dispensing assembly 14 by first positioning the cartridge 50 as shown in Figure 4 (a) and then pushing the cartridge 50 via its trailing side 52b into the channel 16a. Since there is a close match between the outer dimensions and shape of the lateral sides 52c-f and the inner profile of the channel 16a, the cartridge 50 is snugly received within the channel 16a. Continued pushing of the cartridge 50 slides it into the position shown in Figure 4 (b) in which the drive axle 60 has passed through the drive port 53a into driving engagement with the female drive connection part of the pump, and the inlet conduct 30 has entered into engagement with the female fluid connection part 55 at the fluid outlet port 53b, thereby putting the mixer 20 into fluid communication with the container. Thereafter, when the drive axle 60 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow R, a fluid substance from the cartridge 50 is pumped along the inlet conduct 30 to the dispensing assembly 14 where it is used in the preparation of a beverage.

It will be appreciated that such an arrangement allows an operator to load a fresh cartridge 50 simply by aligning the cartridge 50 with the loading channel 16a of one of the dispensing assemblies and then pushing it so that it slides into its operational position. Such a straightforward loading operation is readily achieved even in cramped conditions. As a result, the housing of a dispenser may be arranged to host a greater number of dispensing assemblies and the access to a given dispensing assembly may be relatively poor without placing too onerous a burden on the operator.

In other embodiments, instead of a pump, other types of driven element may be used. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid substance is stored with a pressurized head space and the driven element comprises a stirrer.

Referring to Figure 1, the first beverage dispensing system 10 further comprises a non-contact reading device 100 for reading information encoded on the cartridge 50. The non-contact reading device 100 may be a barcode reader operable to read a barcode imprinted on the exterior of the external housing. Alternatively, the non-contact reading device 100 may be an RFID reader operable to read a passive RFID tag. But, in this preferred embodiment, the non-contact reading device 100 comprises a magnetic strip reader operable to read a magnetic strip 70. For either the RFID or the magnetic strip technology, the strip or tag may be affixed to the outside of the housing 52, embedded within the wall of the housing 52, or located within pump 54 as shown in Figure 1.

The system 10 further comprises a controller 40 which co-ordinates the operation of the system as a whole and, in particular, the operation of the air control actuator 28, the drive unit 58 and the non-contact reading device 100.

Since the cartridge 50, by virtue of having an aseptic valve at its outlet, may be removed from the dispenser 12 to be replaced by a different cartridge 50 and then later returned to the dispenser 12 at the convenience of the operator, the strip 70 on the cartridge 50 is encoded with a set of data, on manufacture, which enables the controller 40 to track an individual cartridge 50 and ensure its proper use, including adherence to hygiene safety limits.

Figure 5 shows an exemplary data format 150 for the strip comprising a unique id field 155, a set of fields 170 related to the hardware specification of the dispenser with which the cartridge 50 should be used and a set of fields 185 related to the hardware specification of the cartridge 50 itself.

The unique i.d. field 155 contains a code which corresponds uniquely to the cartridge 50.

The field 172 contains data indicative of the cooling requirements of the dispenser 12 with which the cartridge 50 should be used. The data may comprise a parameter specifying whether cooling is required within the dispenser housing 15 and a temperature rating for the housing 15 setting the maximum temperature above which the temperature should not rise.

The field 174 contains data indicative of the type of docking station within the dispenser 12 to which the cartridge 50 may be docked. For cartridges 50 containing products for dilution, a docking station which includes a mixer 20 is essential. Cartridges 50, containing ready-to-drink products in which dilution is not required, may be docked in a docking station which is not equipped with a mixer 20.

The field 187 contains data indicative of the packaging type of the cartridge 50.

The field 189 contains data indicative of the pump type of the pump integrated within the cartridge 50.

The field 191 contains data indicative the valve type of the valve integrated within the cartridge 50.

The application of various data fields encoded on the strip 70 in enforcing proper use of the cartridge is now described with reference to the following examples.

Exarrmie 1 - unique id field 155

When a cartridge 50 is first loaded into the dispenser 12, the controller 40 reads the data on the strip 70 using the reader 100 and the unique identity code of the cartridge as well as the other associated data on the strip 70 is logged in the memory of the controller 40.

Although the cartridge 50 may be mechanically compatible with the dispenser 12, if the unique id code is not valid, then the controller 40 will not permit the use of the cartridge 50. Furthermore, if a batch of cartridges 50 has been found to be defective or contaminated, the unique identity codes of the batch can be communicated to the controller 40 to prevent their use.

The controller 40 records the time when the first dose of the ingredient within cartridge 50 is dispensed in its memory. And if the use of the cartridge 50 is attempted after a certain interval, the controller 40 does not permit dispensing and advises the user of the need to replace the cartridge 50.

Example 2 - cooling renuirement field 172

When a cartridge 50 is loaded into the dispenser 12, the controller 40, which has knowledge of the cooling environment within the housing 15, compares the parameters within the field 172 with the actual environment and makes a determination if the dispenser 12 meets the required specification or not. If it does not, then the operator is advised accordingly.

It will be appreciated that the provision of this field enables the manufacturer to provide dispensers which do not include refrigeration with the obvious cost benefits that that entails, while, at the same time, ensuring that cartridges containing ingredients which must be refrigerated cannot be used with it.

Example 3 - docking station field 174

When a cartridge 50 is loaded into the dispenser 12, the controller 40, which has knowledge of the docking station at which the cartridge has been docked, compares the parameters within the field 174 with the actual environment and makes a determination if the docking station meets the required specification or not. If it does not, then the operator is advised accordingly. For example, the cartridge 50 may include an ingredient which requires mixing with water, but the docking station may only be suitable for use with cartridges containing ready-to-drink ingredients for it may lack a water inlet.

Example 4 - packaging type field 187

When a cartridge 50 is loaded into the dispenser 12, the controller 40, which has knowledge of the current packaging type which it is able or authorised to dispense from, compares the parameters within the field 187 with that knowledge and makes a determination if the packaging meets the required specification or not. Although there might be mechanical compatibility which would allow the dispensing of all types of packaging from a given manufacturer, this data enables only desired combinations of dispenser and packaging to be used together. This may be useful, for example, when it is found that an old type of packaging does not provide an acceptable quality performance with a new type of dispenser. In this way, the operator is forced to use only approved combinations of hardware and the brand of the manufacturer of the dispenser and the brand of the cartridge supplier (which may be the same) are protected.

Example 5- pump type field 189

When a cartridge 50 is loaded into the dispenser 12, the controller 40, which has knowledge of the current pump types with which it is compatible, compares the parameters within the field 189 with that knowledge and makes a determination if the pump meets the required specification or not. Although there might be mechanical compatibility which would allow all pumps from a given manufacturer to be interfaced, this data enables only desired combinations of dispenser and pump to be used together. This may be useful, for example, when it is found that an old type of pump does not provide an acceptable quality performance with a new type of dispenser. In this way, the operator is forced to use only approved combinations of hardware and the brand of the manufacturer of the dispenser and the brand of the cartridge supplier (which may be the same) are protected.

This field can also contain data providing parameters indicative of how a pump should be driven.

Example 6 - valve type field 191

When a cartridge 50 is loaded into the dispenser 12, the controller 40, which has knowledge of the current valve types types with which it is compatible, compares the parameters within the field 189 with that knowledge and makes a determination if the valve meets the required specification or not. Although there might be mechanical compatibility which would allow all valves from a given manufacturer to be interfaced, this data enables only desired combinations of dispenser and valve to be used together. This may be useful, for example, when it is found that an old type of valve does not provide an acceptable quality performance with a new type of dispenser. In this way, the operator is forced to use only approved combinations of hardware and the brand of the manufacturer of the dispenser and the brand of the cartridge supplier (which may be the same) are protected.

This field can also contain data providing parameters indicative of how the valve should be operated.

A part of a third beverage dispensing system in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figures 6 (a), (b), (c).

In this embodiment, a dispensing assembly 14 comprises a mixer 20 having two inlet conduits 30a, 30b connected to a respective cartridge 50a, 50b. As an example, cartridge 50a may contain milk, and cartridge 50b may contain a coffee extract. In other respects, this embodiment is constructed and operates as per the above-described embodiments. Each cartridge 50a, 50b has its own strip 70a, 70b.

It will be appreciated that given the increased complexity of this dispenser the scope for inadvertent misuse of the system by the operator is far greater and consequential benefits of encoding control data onto the strips 70a, 70b to enforce proper use are proportionally greater.

Claims

A beverage delivery system comprising: a cartridge comprising a housing for storing a beverage related ingredient and an outlet; a dispensing device comprising a dispensing composition, the dispensing composition comprising a mixer with an inlet for water, an inlet for a beverage-related substance and an outlet; wherein the cartridge outlet is coupled to the substance inlet of the mixer and is designed to provide a seal for maintaining a sterile environment in the housing during dispensing of the substance in separate doses from the cartridge outlet.

A system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing device comprises a housing in which the mixing composition and the beverage cartridge are housed and wherein the dispensing housing is not cooled.

3. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the pattern comprises information means which contain a unique identity code for the pattern.

4. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the pattern comprises information means which contain system specification data associated with the use of the pattern.

A system according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a system controller operable to control the use of the pattern according to the data on the information means.

The system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the system specification data comprises data related to the hardware specification of the delivery device.

The system of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the system specification data comprises data related to the hardware specification of the cartridge.

The system of claim 6, wherein the system specification data comprises data indicative of the cooling requirements of the dispenser with which the cartridge is to be used.

The system of claim 6 or 8, wherein the system specification data comprises data indicative of the type of base station within the delivery device to which the cartridge is to be coupled.

The system of claim 7, wherein the system specification data comprises data indicative of the package type of the cartridge.

The system of claim 7 or 10, wherein the cartridge comprises a valve at its outlet and the system specification data includes data indicative of the valve type.

The system of claim 7, 10 or 11, wherein the cartridge comprises a pump and the system specification data includes data indicative of the pump type.

A system according to any one of claims 3 to 12, further comprising contactless reading means operable to read data from the information means.

A system according to claim 13, wherein the contactless readout means comprises a barcode reader, an RF / ID reader or a magnetic stripe reader.

A cartridge for use in a beverage delivery system, comprising: a housing for storing a beverage-related liquid substance and a driven element; a drive port through which a drive force can be delivered to the drive element; and a fluid outlet port through which the fluid substance can be ejected from the cartridge; wherein the fluid outlet port and the drive port are arranged on the same side of the housing.

The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the fluid outlet port and the drive port are mounted on a single wall of the housing.

A cartridge according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the housing comprises a cardboard box with an opening in which a fitting of plastic is provided, which comprises the drive port and the fluid outlet port.

The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the fluid outlet port and the drive port are mounted on a first and second wall of the housing on said same side of the housing.

A cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 18, comprising a connecting portion associated with the drive port for forming part of a drive coupling through which the driven element is driven, and a connecting portion associated with the fluid outlet port for forming part of a fluid coupling through which the liquid substance is ejected from the cartridge.

A cartridge according to claim 19, wherein each of the connecting portions is elongated with a longitudinal axis and wherein said connecting portions protrude from their associated ports in such a way that their respective longitudinal axes are parallel to each other.

The cartridge of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the driven element is a pump for ejecting the liquid substance from the cartridge.

A cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the driving force comprises a driving moment.

A beverage delivery system comprising: a beverage cartridge according to any of claims 15 to 22; and a dispenser comprising a dispenser composition with a mixer, the system comprising a drive clutch for transferring force from the dispenser assembly to the driven element and a fluid connector for transferring fluid substance from the housing to the dispenser assembly.

The system of claim 23, wherein the drive coupling has a longitudinal axis and the fluid coupling has a longitudinal axis and said longitudinal axes are parallel.

The system of claim 23 or 24, wherein the fluid coupling comprises a delivery device connection portion and a cartridge connection portion, and wherein the drive coupling comprises a delivery device connection portion and a cartridge connection portion.

The system of claim 25, wherein the connection is between one of said delivery device connection portions and one of said cartridge connection portions within the housing.

The system of claim 25, wherein the connection between one of said dispenser device connection portions and one of said cartridge connection portions is outside the housing.

The system of claim 25, wherein the connection between one of said delivery device connection portions and one of said cartridge connection portions is at the respective port.

A system according to any of claims 23 to 28, wherein the dispensing composition comprises an insertion channel into which the beverage cartridge is pushed to realize said couplings.

The system of any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the drive coupling releases force to the driven element as a moment.