US20130112576A1

US20130112576A1 - Container and device comprising such a container

Info

Publication number: US20130112576A1
Application number: US13/695,833
Authority: US
Inventors: Stefan Hother; Alexandra Merz; Thomas Hagen; David Zogg; Claudio Schödler
Original assignee: Brita SE
Current assignee: Brita SE
Priority date: 2010-10-22
Filing date: 2011-10-21
Publication date: 2013-05-09
Also published as: AU2011316899A1; US20130316411A1; AU2011316899B2; CA2789333C; MY159783A; CN103270164B; WO2012054806A3; CA2836686A1; EA024224B1; TWI576434B; EA201390593A1; TW201231669A; CA2789333A1; CA2836686C; US20190203235A1; CN103270164A; US11618910B2; WO2012054806A2

Abstract

A container with a cover wall, provided with at least one cover wall region which can be pierced to form a supply opening for supplying a liquid, a bottom wall, provided with at least one bottom wall region which can be pierced to form a discharge opening, at least one first chamber, in which a basic product is present, and a second chamber, in which an adjustment element is arranged that can be displaced from a position of rest to a puncturing position opening the piercable bottom wall region. The adjustment element is provided with at least one through-channel with an inlet opening and with an outlet opening opposite the piercable bottom wall region. The adjustment element is provided with a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid and the basic product. The mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the first chamber in the puncturing position of the adjustment element.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a container comprising a cover wall, provided with at least one cover wall region which can be pierced to form a supply opening for supplying a liquid, a bottom wall, provided with at least one bottom wall region which can be pierced to form a discharge opening, at least one first chamber, in which a basic product is present a second chamber, in which an adjustment element is arranged that can be displaced from a position of rest to a puncturing position opening the piercable bottom wall region, wherein the adjustment element is provided with at least one through-channel with an inlet opening and with an outlet opening opposite the piercable bottom wall region. The invention also relates to a device, in particular a beverage machine, in which such containers are used.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In beverage machines, particularly in coffee machines, disposable containers or disposable packaging, for example in capsule form, are used which are sealed by means of one or two foils, and which contain, for example, coffee or other substances, like flavourings, in powder or liquid form. These disposable containers are inserted into the beverage machine, the contents of the disposable container are combined with a liquid, e.g. water, and this preparation is subsequently dispensed as a beverage that is ready to drink. The used disposable container is subsequently removed from the beverage machine and disposed of.
EP 0 451 980 B1 discloses a sealed packaging containing one or more powder, pasty or liquid comestible preparation ingredients. Water is supplied to these ingredients through an inlet opening. The finished preparation is dispensed through an outlet nozzle in the bottom area that is provided with a displaceable plug. To dispense the finished preparation, the bottom wall of the package, consisting of a foil, is pierced from below in the area of the outlet nozzle by a connecting piece that is part of the machine, which pushes the plug upwards against an intermediate wall after entering the outlet nozzle. This intermediate wall has a will section provided with predetermined breaking lines which is ruptured by the plug, thus releasing the preparation. It flows downward out of the packaging through a central flow channel in the plug and subsequently through the connecting piece of the machine.
This packaging has the disadvantage that the bottom outlet has to be opened by the connecting piece of the machine, so that the connecting piece comes into contact with the finished preparation. To satisfy the rigorous hygiene requirements that such a device has to meet nowadays, it is necessary to clean this connecting piece every time before a new package is inserted.
US 2004/0115317 A1 describes a cartridge filled with for example, ground coffee, the bottom wall of which is pierced from the inside. Positioned above the bottom wall is a cup-shaped intermediate bottom which is termed an internal plunger, the dimensions of the intermediate bottom being adjusted to the interior dimensions of the cartridge. The powder resides between the intermediate bottom and the cover wall of the cartridge. The intermediate bottom has an outlet nozzle which is embodied as a cutting element. If water is introduced under pressure through the cover wall into the interior of the cartridge, the intermediate bottom is pushed downwards, whereby the cutting element pierces the bottom wall and opens up the outlet.
This cartridge satisfies the hygiene requirements, but the operability of the cartridge is not always ensured. It is essential in this embodiment that the water pressure, and hence the pressure acting on the intermediate bottom, be high enough even from the start of introduction that the bottom wall can be pierced. Jamming of the displaceable intermediate bottom in the process cannot be ruled out. In addition, since the intermediate bottom has a multitude of openings, liquid may penetrate the space between the bottom wail and the intermediate bottom, due to which the pressure on the intermediate bottom after the beginning of the feeding process can be reduced relatively rapidly, and because of this the bottom wall cannot be pierced reliably any more.
Known from WO 2008/132571 are capsules containing certain amounts of a soluble beverage. The capsule has a cover foil which is perforated in the beverage machine by a connecting piece through which a solvent liquid under pressure, for example water, is led to the interior of the capsule.
The capsule is subdivided essentially into four chambers. The liquid supplied is first fed into a distribution chamber and from there led into a storage chamber, where the quantity of the soluble beverage is present. In this storage chamber, the soluble beverage mixes with the liquid supplied and the beverage prepared is subsequently collected in a collection chamber, from where it is dispensed through an opening in the bottom wall of the capsule.
A displaceable perforator for opening the bottom wall is positioned in a central chamber of the capsule, the perforator being pressed against the bottom wall by the connecting piece such that the bottom wall is torn open.
A through-channel positioned inside the perforator is aligned with the outlet opening of the collection chamber in the process, so that the liquid prepared can be dispensed downwards from the capsule.
This capsule, however, has the disadvantage that complicated built-in parts are required to separate the different chambers. A distribution chamber positioned before the storage chamber is required to lead the liquid into the storage chamber as uniformly as possible and to guarantee homogeneous mixing in the storage chamber. With this method it cannot be ruled out that part of the soluble beverage will initially be dispensed unmixed or highly concentrated. Even the collection chamber provided for homogenisation purposes cannot wholly rule out this disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a container that has a simple construction, functions reliably and guarantees a homogeneous end product. It is also an object of the invention to provide a device, in particular a beverage machine, in which such a container can be used.
This problem is solved with a container in which the adjustment element is provided with a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid and the basic product, wherein the mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the chamber in the puncturing position of the adjustment element.
The container is configured such that the liquid and the basic product are first combined in the mixing chamber.
The term container is understood to mean reusable containers and packaging as well as disposable containers and packaging.
Moving the mixing chamber into the adjustment element has the advantage that the basic product in the first chamber can be continuously added to the liquid, leading to a homogeneous end product. The mixing of basic product and liquid, particularly the admixing of the basic product in proportion to volume, does not take place in the first chamber, where the basic product is, but in a separate mixing chamber, which is positioned downstream of the first chamber.
Arranging the mixing chamber inside the adjustment element has the additional advantage that, due to the displaceability of the adjustment element, the mixing chamber can be made accessible to the basic product only at the time of use. The basic product remains captured in the first chamber up until the time of use.
Especially when the basic product, like syrup for example, has a tendency to agglutinate, the mixing chamber and passages, openings or connection channels, as the case may be are kept away from the basic product, which could otherwise impair the operability of, for example, the adjustment element.
The formation of only two chambers inside the container simplifies the design and production of the container.
The two chambers are preferably delimited by a common cover wall and a common bottom wall.
The only movable component is the adjustment element, which is preferably constructed in the shape of a piston or tube. The adjustment element is preferably arranged in the second chamber in a slidingly and/or sealingly guided manner.
The through-channel of the adjustment element is provided with an inlet opening, which is preferably arranged opposite the piercable cover wall region. In this embodiment a linear through-channel is created, which preferably extends vertically through the adjustment element.
Inlet and outlet opening are positioned in an opposing manner on the adjustment element. The liquid flowing through this through-channel forms the main flow, into which the basic product is led, preferably sideways, as a secondary flow.
The term piercable is understood to mean that the wall region in question can be opened in any way. The opening of the wall region may for example take place through incising or cutting open, pricking, puncturing or tearing.
Preferably, the adjustment element is movable from the position of rest to the puncturing position using a connecting and dispensing means, which may be a combined connecting and dispensing means. Such connecting and dispensing means are components of a device into which the container can be inserted. Such a device may be a beverage machine, wherein the connecting and dispensing means may be, for example, a connecting piece. The cover wall of the container is opened by means of such a connecting and dispensing means, which is preferably provided with at least one cutting and/or poking device.
The liquid can be supplied to the mixing chamber of the adjustment element by means of the connecting and dispensing means. The liquid is thereby preferably introduced initially into the through-channel of the adjustment element, from where the liquid reaches the mixing chamber. The liquid is preferably transported to the connecting and dispensing means, for example by means of a liquid pump. This liquid pump is preferably designed for high flow rates and low pressures. The liquid is then supplied to the connecting and dispensing means under almost no pressure.
The embodiment of the adjustment element with through-channel and mixing chamber has the additional advantage that the liquid, which is introduced from the outside via the connecting and dispensing means that is part of the machine, can also be fed under no pressure, i.e. without additional pressure apart from the hydrostatic pressure. Inside the container, and particularly inside the adjustment element, there are no obstacles which could under certain circumstances lead to congestion, so that the liquid can flow unobstructed through the container. The diameter of the through-channel of the adjustment element is preferably larger than or equal to the diameter of the channel of the connecting and dispensing means. The liquid introduced from the outside is fed into the adjustment element and then mixed with the basic product in the mixing chamber of the adjustment element. The finished product is dispensed from the adjustment element.
To lead the basic product out of the first chamber and supply it to the mixing chamber of the adjustment element, the first chamber is provided with means for supplying a pressurising gas. These means may facilitate direct or indirect supply of the pressurising gas into the first chamber. Air is preferably used as the pressurising gas which can be introduced into the first chamber.
Air at atmospheric pressure is also understood to be a pressurising gas. Depending on the consistency of the basic product, it may be sufficient when the container is used to just open the first chamber, e.g. by pricking, so that air can flow into the first chamber and the basic product can, for example, drain away from the first chamber.
It is preferred to lead a gas with a pressure above atmospheric pressure into the first chamber. For this purpose, the associated device is preferably provided with a compressed gas pump.
By expelling the basic product out of the first chamber using a pressurising gas it is possible to regulate the amount of basic product fed into the mixing chamber of the adjustment element independently of the flow rate of the liquid. In this way it is possible to regulate the amount of basic product fed into the mixing chamber and hence to set the concentration of the basic product in the finished product in a targeted manner.
The leading of the basic product out of the first chamber is independent of the pressure and speed of the liquid. Leading the liquid through the adjustment element is decoupled from leading the basic product out.
Preferably at least one chamber wall in which at least one connection opening is provided is arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber. The basic product is fed through the connection opening into the second chamber where the movable adjustment element with the mixing chamber is located. According to one embodiment, the amount of basic product dispensed per unit of time can be set via the size of the cross-section of the connection opening and/or the number of connection openings. Depending on the type of basic product and/or the pressure of the pressurising gas, the setting of the quantity per unit of time can thus additionally be effected via the connection opening.
The connection opening is preferably positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the first chamber. This has the advantage that if possible, no residues of the basic product remain in the first chamber and that the basic product is dispensed completely. The bottom wall of the first chamber is preferably identical to the bottom wall of the disposable container.
The adjustment element may close off the connection opening in its position of rest, and open up the connection opening in its puncturing position. This has the advantage that the basic product is kept captured in the first chamber until the time of use of the container, and that the basic product cannot unintentionally enter the second chamber. Only when the container is inserted and used e.g. in a beverage machine, and the adjustment element is moved into its puncturing position, which may be effected, for example, by a connecting piece that is, part of the machine, is the connection opening opened up. The basic product is led from the first chamber and supplied to the mixing chamber of the adjustment element, there being different embodiments as far as the configuration of the mixing chamber is concerned.
In a first embodiment, a section of the through-channel forms the mixing chamber. In this case, the basic product is introduced at a location in the through-channel, where the mixing then takes place. For this purpose, the adjustment element is preferably provided with at least one connection channel, which leads into the mixing chamber, wherein the inlet opening of the connection channel is positioned opposite the connection opening in the puncturing position of the adjustment element.
In a further embodiment, the connection channel comprises an annular groove or annular channel in the outer surface of the adjustment element. Such an annular groove is preferably used for distributing the basic product around the through-channel and supplying it from there to the through-channel via two or more connection channels. In this embodiment as well, a section of the through-channel forms the mixing chamber.
Instead of by means of the size of the cross-section of the connection opening and/or the number of connection openings with their cross-section sizes, the amount of basic product led out of the first chamber per unit time may, in another embodiment, be set via the size of the cross-section of the connection channel and/or the number of connection channels with their cross-section sizes. This embodiment has the advantage that containers with uniform connection openings can be used and that the dosing can be implemented via adjustment elements with different connection channels.
In accordance with a further embodiment, the mixing chamber may be positioned adjacent the through-channel. The mixing chamber may be directly adjacent the through-channel or connected to it via through-channels. In this embodiment, the mixing takes place substantially in this mixing chamber, wherein a section of the through-channel can also participate in the mixing.
In this embodiment, the liquid can flow from the through-channel into the mixing chamber, and there intermix with the basic product which has been introduced.
The mixing chamber has to be dimensioned accordingly to allow for the inflow of the liquid out of the through-channel into the mixing chamber. Preferably, the mixing chamber can be constructed in such a way that it surrounds the through-channel at least partially. Particularly preferably, the mixing chamber is an annular chamber.
In the puncturing position of the adjustment element, the mixing chamber is preferably positioned opposite the connection opening in the chamber wall.
To make possible an inflow of liquid into this adjacent mixing chamber, the latter is preferably connected to the through-channel via windows. Depending on the liquid and the basic product, the size of the windows has to be chosen in such a way as to guarantee the inflow of the liquid into the mixing chamber.
The first chamber is preferably provided with means for introducing a pressurising gas into the first chamber.
The means for introducing a pressurising gas preferably comprise at least one piercable cover wall region in the area of the first chamber. This piercable cover wall region can be pricked, for example, with a needle or something similar so that air can stream into the first chamber, or punctured by a connecting and dispensing means of a beverage machine, so that a supply opening is formed. The pressurising gas can be supplied directly to the first chamber in this embodiment.
In accordance with a different embodiment, the means for introducing a pressurising gas comprises at least one inlet opening in the chamber wall. According to this embodiment, the cover wall in the region of the first chamber remains closed. The pressurising gas can be introduced, for example, via a connecting and dispensing means which that part of the machine, through which the liquid is also supplied to the container. In this embodiment the pressurising gas is introduced into the second chamber and from there into the first chamber via the inlet opening in the chamber wall. This embodiment has the advantage that a pressure connection element that is part of the machine cannot come into contact with the basic product in supplying the pressurising gas, and that high hygiene requirements can thus be met.
Both the connection opening and the inlet opening in the chamber wall can be formed as channels, for example if the chamber wall is thick-walled.
The inlet opening is preferably arranged adjacent the cover wall. Since, for reasons to do with the filling process, complete filling of the first chamber should not take place, a free space remains between the basic product and the cover wall. The pressurising gas can therefore be introduced into this free space.
Preferably, the adjustment element closes off the inlet opening in its position of rest and opens up the inlet opening in its puncturing position. This has the advantage that the basic product is kept captured in the first chamber up to the time of use of the container and cannot enter the second chamber unintentionally. Only when the disposable container is used and the adjustment element is moved into its puncturing position, which may be effected, for example, by a connecting piece which is part of the machine, is the inlet opening opened to introduce the pressurising gas into the first chamber.
The adjustment element is preferably provided with at least one passage for pressurising gas. In this embodiment the pressurising gas is initially introduced into the adjustment element and then led from there through the passage for pressurising gas and the inlet opening in the chamber wall into the first chamber. Especially in case of pressurising gas at a high pressure, improved sealing between adjustment element and pressurising gas connection can be achieved.
In the puncturing position of the adjustment element, the passage for pressurising gas is preferably positioned opposite the inlet opening in the chamber wall.
The first chamber is preferably only partially filled with the basic product. In this way, a free space remains between basic product and cover wall, into which the pressurising gas can be introduced.
The first chamber is preferably filled with the basic product up to below the inlet opening through which the pressurising gas is introduced.
The cover wall is preferably provided with a foil in at least the piercable cover wall region. The foil is preferably a sealing foil which tightly seals the interior of the container so that the basic product cannot egress. This foil can be opened with a cutting and/or poking device, e.g. a connecting piece which is part of the machine. The foil is thereby cut or torn open, for example, whereby a supply opening is created in the foil, through which the liquid and/or the pressurising gas can be led into the interior of the container.
In a further embodiment, the cover wall can be provided with a cover plate which has at least one predetermined breaking line in at least the piercable cover wall region. Such a cover plate can be used instead of a foil and is also opened at the designated place or places with predetermined breaking lines using a cutting and/or poking device. A platelet is thereby punched out of the cover plate, wherein the platelet preferably remains connected via a hinge-like section to the cover plate even after opening. Dropping off of the platelet into the interior of the container is thereby avoided. The interior is thus not contaminated by the platelet. Accidental blocking of flow openings in the chamber wall by platelets falling down can also be prevented effectively in this way.
Advantageously, the bottom wall is also provided with a foil in at least the piercable area. This foil is preferably positioned in the region of the second chamber in which the adjustment element is movably arranged. The adjustment element is preferably pushed downwards by a connecting piece which is part of the machine, and opens the foil by means of its cutting and/or poking device. In this way, the discharge opening is formed in the bottom wall.
The cutting and/or poking device of the adjustment element is preferably formed in such a way that no parts of the foil are cut out or can tear off, which could drop into the collection container, e.g. a beaker or something similar, which is provided below the container, e.g. in a beverage machine. Such a cutting and/or poking device can also be provided with the connecting and dispensing means.
Just like the cover wall, the bottom wall can be provided with a bottom plate which has at least one predetermined breaking line in at least the piercable bottom wall region. In this embodiment, just as described in connection with a cover wall, it can advantageously be provided that the broken-out platelet remains connected with the bottom plate.
The adjustment element is preferably provided at the end adjacent the cover wall with connecting means, capable of cooperating with a connecting piece which is part of the machine. The connecting piece engages the adjustment element at its connecting means and moves the adjustment element from its resting position to its puncturing position. A liquid is thereby also introduced into the through-channel of the adjustment element by means of the connecting piece. A pressurising gas can also be introduced via this connecting piece.
The connecting means of the adjustment element is preferably provided with an inlet piece and a sealing seat positioned inside the inlet piece. This sealing seat can be constructed as an annular bead. The sealing seat is required to enable the liquid to flow into the through-channel without any loss. The cross-section of the channel of the connecting piece is preferably the same as the cross-section of the through-channel in the adjustment element.
A basic product is understood to mean a powder and/or liquid product, which may consist of one or more components. The basic product may, for example, be a syrup, a concentrate or an extract. The basic product is mixable with the externally supplied liquid, and is preferably soluble in the liquid.
The basic product may be a foodstuff, a nutritional supplement, a dietary foodstuff, a pharmaceutical product or a cleaning agent.
The type of liquid is selected in dependence on the type of basic product. The associated device in which the container can be used is designed and equipped to suit the respective intended use.
Preferably this device is a beverage machine in which containers, particularly disposable containers, can be used, with the contents of which, for example, drinking water can be altered in taste.
The device is provided with a receiving part for a container and a connecting and dispensing means with which the container is piercable, and with which at least a liquid can be supplied to the container.
The connecting and dispensing means is preferably constructed for supplying both liquid and pressurising gas. The device is preferably provided with a liquid tank from which the liquid can be transported or drained and supplied to the connecting and dispensing means when needed. The device is also provided with a compression device, e.g. a pump, for providing a pressurising gas, particularly compressed air.
The container and/or the adjustment element are preferably made of plastic. Manufacturing may be by injection moulding. The container with its peripheral wall, chamber wall and bottom wall can be manufactured in one piece, wherein the bottom wall may be formed entirely or partially on the single-piece container.
The two components, container and adjustment element, are combined, the container is filled, and it is subsequently sealed, for example, with sealing foils as cover wall and/or bottom wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are further detailed below with reference to the drawings. Herein:

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a container,

FIG. 2 a bottom perspective view of a container according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 a cross-section of the container according to FIGS. 1 and 2, together with a connecting piece which is part of the machine,

FIG. 4 the embodiment of a container shown in FIG. 3 with inserted connecting piece,

FIGS. 5-6 another embodiment of a container with a connecting piece,

FIGS. 7-8 another embodiment of a container with connecting piece,

FIG. 9 a side view of an adjustment element in accordance with a further embodiment,

FIG. 10 a cross-section of the adjustment element shown in FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 a schematic view of a beverage machine with container and connecting piece, and

FIG. 12 shows the beverage machine shown in FIG. 11 with inserted connecting piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIGS. 1 and 2, a container 10 that is preferably used as a disposable container is shown in two perspective views. The container 10 is provided with a cover wall 40, a peripheral wall 30 and a bottom wall 50. In the embodiment shown here, the cover wall 40 consists of a foil 41 which is attached to an annular bead 32 of the peripheral wall 30.
The bottom wall 50 consists of a ring plate 52 and a centrally positioned foil 54. Both the cover wall 40 and the bottom wall 50 or the foil 54 are provided with a piercable wall region 43, 56.
The bottom wall 50 is additionally provided with two annular ribs 60 and with radial ribs 62 between the two annular ribs 60.
FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross-section of the container 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein only one annular rib 60 and no radial ribs 62 are displayed.
The interior of the container 10 is subdivided into a first chamber 12 and a second chamber 18. In the embodiment shown here, the chamber 18 is arranged centrally and surrounded by the annular first chamber 12. This particular arrangement is rotationally symmetrical. Other embodiments, such as asymmetrical arrangements, are also possible. The two chambers are separated by a chamber wall 20. The peripheral wall 30, the ring plate 52, the annular rib 60 and the chamber wall 20 are manufactured in one piece, for example by injection moulding.
A basic product 14, which can consist of a consumable liquid, is present in the first chamber 12. Above the surface level of the basic product there is a free space 16 containing air or a protective gas. An adjustment element 100, which is in its position of rest in FIG. 3, is present in the second chamber 18.
Above the container 10 there is shown, also in cross-section, a connecting piece 200, which can be moved in the direction of the arrow from an upper to a lower position along an axis 104, and which can penetrate the second chamber 18. By means of this connecting piece 200, the adjustment element 100 is moved downwards so that it can puncture the foil 54 of the bottom wall 50. The axis 104 also forms the longitudinal axes of the connecting piece 200 and the adjustment element 100.
The container 10 is provided with a cover wall 40, which consists of a foil 41. This foil 41 is sealingly mounted on the annular collar 32 of the peripheral wall 30 and on the annular collar 22 of the chamber wall 20, so that the chambers 12 and 18, and thus the content of the container, i.e. the basic product 14, are hermetically sealed. The cover wall 40 is provided with the piercable cover wall region 43 in the region of the second chamber 18.
The bottom wall 50 comprises the ring plate 52 with an annular rib 60, to the end face of which the foil 54, which also has a piercable wall region 56 in the region of the second chamber 18, is attached. The adjustment element 100 located in the second chamber 18 has a base body 102 that is formed in the shape of a piston or tube, and which is subdivided into an upper section 192 and a lower section 194. The outer surface 103 of the adjustment element 100 is sealingly fitted against the chamber wall 20. The adjustment element 100, which is in its position of rest, abuts the annular collar 22 of the chamber wall 20 with the end faces of its upper section 192.
Located in the centre of the adjustment element 100 is a through-channel 170 which has an inlet opening 171 and an outlet opening 179. The through-channel 170 has a connection section 178 below the inlet opening 171, the connection section comprising a first section of larger diameter 178 a and a second section of larger diameter 178 b. The connecting piece 200 engages in this connection section 178 (cf. FIG. 4), wherein the first section 178 a facilitates insertion.
This connection section 178 transitions via a transition section 177, which forms a sealing seat 198, into the upper section 172 of the through-channel 170, which has a smaller diameter compared to the connection section 178. This is followed by a section forming the mixing chamber 176, and then by the lower section 174. The sections 172,174 and 176 all have the same diameter.
In the horizontal direction, two connection channels 180 with inlet opening 182 and outlet opening 184 are formed in the adjustment element 100, the connection channels extending from the outer surface 103 to the mixing chamber 176 in the through-channel 170. The basic product is fed into the through-channel 170 and thus into the mixing chamber 176 via these connection channels 180. This will be explained in more detail in connection with FIG. 4. The connection channels 180 are located between the upper section 192 and the lower section 194 of the adjustment element 100.
A cutting and/or poking device 110 is positioned at the lower end of the adjustment element 100 in the region of the outlet opening 179, the cutting and/or poking device being constructed as a tip in the embodiment shown here.
Connection openings 24 are located in the chamber wall 20 adjacent to the bottom wall 50, which connection openings connect the first with the second chamber. In the position of rest of the adjustment element 100 displayed in FIG. 3, these connection openings 24 are closed by the lower section 194 of the adjustment element 100. As can be seen in FIG. 4, these connection openings 24 are opened in the puncturing position of the adjustment element 100 so that these connection openings 24 align with the opposing inlet openings 182 of the connection channels 180, which allows the basic product 14 located in the first chamber 12 to drain away.
Located in the upper area of the chamber wall 20 below the cover wall 40 are inlet openings 26, through which a pressurising gas can be introduced into the free space 16 located above the basic product 14 in the first chamber 12. These inlet openings 26 are also closed by the upper section 192 of the adjustment element 100 in the resting position of the adjustment element 100 and opened in the puncturing position (FIG. 4), so that a pressurising liquid can be introduced.
The connecting piece 200 is provided with a flange part 202, the flange part having a top side 204 and a bottom side 206. The connecting piece 200 also has a tube part 208 protruding from the flange part 202, the tube part having at its bottom end another cutting and/or poking device 210 in the form of a conical tip. The connecting piece 200 has a first through-channel 212 through which a liquid can flow, the liquid coming, for example, from a storage tank, not shown. Adjacent the first through-channel 212, a second through channel 214, through which a pressurising gas can be introduced is located in the flange part. Sealing elements 220 in the lower area of the flange part 202 are provided for sealing purposes.
FIG. 4 shows the puncturing position of the adjustment element 100. When the connecting piece 200 of the machine is moved downwards in the direction of the arrows, the cutting and/or poking device 210 pierces the cover wall 40 in the area of the piercable section 43 of foil 41, whereby a supply opening 46 is formed. The tube part 208 engages in the connection section 178 of the adjustment element 100 and fits against the sealing seat 198. The two through- channels 212 and 170 have the same diameter and are in alignment with one another.
With the piercing of the cover wall 40, the foil 41 is upped open and the foil ends 41 a,b protrude into the second chamber 18.
The adjustment element 100 cuts through the foil 54, whereby the discharge opening 59 and the foil ends 54 a,b, which also depend from the fixed part of the foil 54, are formed. In both, cases no tearing off of pieces of foil that could contaminate the interior of container 10 or drop into a vessel situated under the container 10 occurs.
The two connection channels 180 are at the level of the connection openings 24, so that the basic product 14 from the first chamber 12 can enter the connection channels 180 and subsequently reach the mixing chamber 176. Mixing of the basic product 14 with the liquid introduced via the through-channel 212 and the upper section 172 of the through-channel 170 takes place in the mixing chamber 176. This liquid supplied from above forms the main flow to which the basic product is supplied as a secondary flow. The mixing chamber 176 defines the area where the two flows are brought together. Both components subsequently flow into the lower section 174 of the through-channel, where further mixing of the two components can take place.
To expel the basic product out of the first chamber 12, a pressurising gas, for example air, is introduced into the second chamber 18 via the second through-channel 214 of the connecting piece 200. The sealing elements 220 rest on top of the cover wall 40. The pressurising gas flows from the second chamber 18 through the inlet opening 26 into the free space 16 and expels the basic product 14 downwards (see arrows) and through the connection openings 24. Through regulation of the pressurising gas it is possible to regulate the quantity fed through the connection openings 24 into the connection channels 180, so that the concentration of the basic product in the liquid can be set.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show another embodiment in which the bottom wall 50 is additionally provided with annular ribs 60. The chamber wall further possesses a shoulder 28, so that the second chamber 18 has an upper section of smaller diameter 29 a and a lower section of larger diameter 29 b. The outer diameter of the adjustment element 100 present in the second chamber is adapted to this embodiment of the chamber wall 20. The adjustment element 100 thus possesses a shoulder 109 that is complementary to the shoulder 28, the shoulder 109 serving as a stop when the adjustment element 100 is inserted into the second chamber 12.
In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjustment element 100 is provided with passages for pressurising fluid 160 and an outer annular groove 162 or annular channel in the connection section 178. In the position of rest displayed in FIG. 5, the passages for pressurising fluid 160 are located above the inlet opening 26, which are dosed by the inlet piece 196 of the adjustment element 100. Apart from the first through-channel 212, the connecting piece 200—just like in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4—has a second through-channel 214 for the pressurising fluid, which is provided at its bottom end with an annular groove 215 or annular channel through which the pressurising fluid is discharged in a horizontal direction. When, as shown in FIG. 6, the connecting piece 200 engages at the adjustment element 100, the annular groove 215 is positioned opposite the passages for pressurising fluid 160, whilst the passages and/or the annular groove 162 are positioned opposite the inlet openings 26, so that the pressurising fluid can be introduced into the first chamber 12.
The adjustment element 100 possesses an annular channel, in particular an annular groove 186, which is connected with the through-channel 170 via two connection channels 180. It is also possible for just one connection channel 180 or more than two connection channels 180 to be provided. Because the cross-section of the connection channel 180 or the sum of the cross-sections of the connection channels 180 is smaller than the sum of the cross-sections of the connection openings 24, the dosing of the basic product 14 introduced into the through-channel 170, and hence the mixing chamber 176, takes place via the connection channels 180. The annular groove 186 has the advantage that the adjustment element 100 does not need to be aligned with respect to the connection openings 24 on insertion into the second chamber 12.
The puncturing position of the adjustment element 100 is shown in FIG. 6.
A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, differing from the embodiments described so far, in that the cover wall 40 does not consist of a foil, but of the cover plate 42. The foil located in the bottom wall 50 has also been replaced by a corresponding bottom plate 55.
This cover plate 42 is provided with two piercable cover wall regions 43 and 47 which are delimited by predetermined breaking lines 44. The bottom plate 55 is also provided with a piercable area 56 with predetermined breaking lines 58.
The connecting piece 200 is modified insofar as the second through-channel 214 for introducing the pressurising gas is positioned laterally with respect to the tube part 208 in a tube part 209 with a cutting and/or poking device 211. If the connecting piece 200—as shown in FIG. 6—is lowered, the tube part 208 engages the connection section 178 of the adjustment element 100, wherein the piercable cover wall region 43 is punctured. A platelet 45 is thereby punched out, which remains hanging from the cover plate 42 due to its hinge-like connection.
The tube part 209 with the cutting and/or poking device 211 punctures the piercable cover wall region 47 in the area of the first chamber 12 and similarly punches a platelet 45 out of the cover wall plate 42, which also remains hanging from the cover plate 42. The pressurising gas is introduced directly into the chamber 12 through the supply opening 48 created in this way via the second through-channel 214. The downward movement of the adjustment element 100 also punctures the bottom wall in the area of the piercable bottom wall region 56, thereby also releasing here a platelet 57, which remains hanging from the bottom plate 56.
FIGS. 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of the adjustment element 100, in which the mixing chamber 176 is arranged adjacent the through-channel 170. It can be seen in FIG. 9 that the upper and lower sections 192, 194 of the adjustment element 100 are respectively formed by an upper and lower cylinder, wherein the cutting and/or poking device 110 is positioned on the underside of the lower cylinder 194. The two cylinders are connected to each other via three bars 190, between which windows 188 are formed. The windows 188 have cross-sections which are clearly larger than the cross-sections of the connection opening 24, so that the liquid flowing in from above can enter this area and thus fill the mixing chamber 176. The basic product 14 introduced via the connection opening 24 of the chamber wall 20 thus enters this mixing chamber 176 directly, and is subsequently dispensed downwards through the lower section of the through-channel 170. The mixing with the liquid can also be continued in the through-channel 170, depending on the consistency of the basic product.
Inside the upper cylinder 192, an inlet piece 196 with an annular bead 197 facing inwards is positioned in the connection section 178 as a connecting means, the inlet piece forming the sealing seat 198 for the connecting piece (not shown).
The upper section 192 of the adjustment element 100 has two sealing beads 120, 122 located, respectively, at the upper end and the lower end at the outer surface 103 adjacent to the mixing chamber 176. The lower section 194 also has two sealing beads 124, 126 at the outer surface 103, located adjacent to the mixing chamber 176 and at the lower end, respectively.
FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a beverage machine 300 in which a container 10—shown in exaggerated size—is inserted into a receiving device 340. The beverage machine 300 has a housing 310 and is subdivided into a first housing part 320 and a second housing part 330 which is arranged laterally. Positioned above the container 10 is a connecting and dispensing means 200 a in the form of a connecting piece 200, which is movably arranged inside the beverage machine 300. Underneath the container 10 there is a vessel 345.
In FIG. 11, a container 10 and a connecting piece 200 as described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6 are shown. The connecting piece 200 is connected to a storage tank 350 in the second housing part 330, in which, for example, water 354 is present. This water is supplied to the connecting piece 200 via a connecting line 352 and as the case may be a filtration device 356, by means of a liquid pump 355.
In addition, a pressurising gas line 360 is provided which has a compressed gas pump 362, the compressed gas pump drawing air from the outside. The connecting line 352 is attached to the through-channel 212 of the connecting piece 200 and the pressurising gas channel is connected to the through-channel 214 of the connecting piece.
The connecting piece 200 is guided in a tubular guide element 322 and moved in a vertical direction by means of an actuation device, not shown. The lines 352 and 360 have flexible sections 353 and 361.
When the connecting piece 200 has been inserted into the container 10, as shown in FIG. 12, air is introduced via the pressurising gas line and the basic product 14 is expelled out of the first chamber 12 so that it reaches the mixing chamber 176. The finished product is dispensed downwardly and collected by the vessel 345.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 disposable container
12 first chamber
14 basic product
16 free space
18 second chamber
20 chamber wail
22 annular collar
24 connection opening
26 inlet opening
28 shoulder
29 a section of smaller diameter
29 b section of smaller diameter
30 peripheral wall
32 annular collar
40 cover wall
41 foil
41 a,b foil end
42 cover plate
43 piercable cover wall region
44 predetermined breaking line
45 platelet
46 supply opening
47 piercable cover wall region
48 supply opening
50 bottom wall
52 ring plate
54 foil
54 a,b foil end
55 bottom plate
56 piercable bottom wall region
57 platelet
58 predetermined breaking line
59 discharge opening
60 annular rib
62 radial rib
100 adjustment element
102 base body
103 outer surface
104 axis
106 first end
108 second end
109 shoulder
110 cutting and/or poking device
120 sealing bead
122 sealing bed
124 sealing bead
126 sealing bead
160 passage for pressurising gas
162 annular groove
170 through-channel
171 inlet opening
172 upper section
174 lower section
176 mixing chamber
177 transition section
178 connection section
178 a first section of large diameter
178 b second section of large diameter
179 outlet opening
180 connection channel
182 inlet opening
184 outlet opening
186 annular groove, annular channel
188 window
190 bar
192 upper section
194 lower section
198 sealing seat
200 connecting piece
200 a connecting and dispensing means
202 flange part
204 top side
206 bottom side
208 tube part
209 tube part
210 cutting and/or poking device
211 cutting and/or poking device
212 first through-channel
214 second through-channel
215 annular groove
220 sealing element
300 beverage machine
310 housing
320 first housing part
322 tubular guide element
330 second housing part
340 receiving device
345 vessel
350 storage tank
352 connecting line
353 flexible section
354 water
355 liquid pump
356 filtration device
360 pressurising gas line
361 flexible section
362 compressed gas pump

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container, comprising:

a cover wall, provided with at least one cover wall region which can be pierced to form a supply opening for supplying a liquid,

a bottom wall, provided with at least one bottom wall region which can be pierced to form a discharge opening,

at least one first chamber, in which a basic product is present,

a second chamber, in which an adjustment element is arranged that can be displaced from a position of rest to a puncturing position opening the piercable bottom wall region,

wherein the adjustment element is provided with at least one through-channel with an inlet opening and with an outlet opening opposite the piercable bottom wall region,

wherein the adjustment element is provided with a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid and the basic product, and

wherein the mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the first chamber in the puncturing position of the adjustment element.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the through-channel of the adjustment element is provided with an inlet opening which is arranged opposite the piercable cover wall region.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment element is movable from the position of rest to the puncturing position by means of a connecting and dispensing means.

4. The container according to claim 3, wherein the liquid can be supplied to the mixing chamber of the adjustment element by means of the connecting and dispensing means.

5. The container according to claim 1, wherein at least one chamber wall is arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber, in which at least one connection opening is provided.

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment element closes of the connection opening in its position of rest and opens up the connection opening in its puncturing position.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein a section of the through-channel forms the mixing chamber.

8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the mixing chamber is arranged adjacent the through-channel.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber is provided with means for introducing pressurising gas into the first chamber.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the means for introducing a pressurising gas comprises at least one piercable cover wall region in the region of the first chamber.

11. The container according to claim 9, wherein the means for introducing a pressurising gas comprises at least one inlet opening in the chamber wall.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment element closes off the inlet opening in its position of rest and opens up the inlet opening in its puncturing position.

13. The container according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment element is provided with at least one passage for pressurising gas.

14. A device, including a receiving device for receiving the container according to claim 1, with at least one connecting and dispensing means with which the container is piercable and with which at least one liquid can be supplied to the container.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the connecting and dispensing means is formed for supply of liquids and pressurising gas.

16. A container, comprising:

at least one first chamber, in which a basic product is present,

wherein at least one chamber wall is arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber, in which at least one connection opening is provided,

wherein the adjustment element is provided with a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid and the basic product,

wherein the mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the first chamber in the puncturing position of the adjustment element, and

wherein the adjustment element closes off the connection opening in its position of rest and opens up the connection opening in its puncturing position.

17. The container according to claim 16,

wherein the mixing chamber lies opposite the connection opening in the chamber wall in the puncturing position.

18. The container according to claim 16,

wherein the adjustment element is provided with at least one connection channel, which leads into the mixing chamber, wherein an inlet opening of the connection channel lies opposite the connection opening in the puncturing position of the adjustment element.