Cartridge System, Beverage Preparation Machine, and Process For Manufacturing a Cartridge System

Abstract

Proposed is a cartridge system for making a beverage, the cartridge system being insertable into a beverage preparation machine and comprising: a cartridge that includes a reservoir filled with a beverage substance; and a cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridge; the cartridge receptacle includes a mixing chamber fluidically connectable to the reservoir, and a fluid feed line extending into the mixing chamber; the cartridge includes a cartridge wall, and the cartridge system includes a sealing element for closing the reservoir; characterized in that a seal between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle is formed by a sealing means.

Claims

1. A cartridge system for making a beverage, wherein the cartridge system can be inserted into a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge system comprising: a. a cartridge comprising a reservoir filled with a beverage substance; and b. a cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridge, wherein the cartridge receptacle comprises: a mixing chamber, which can be brought into fluidic connection with the reservoir; and a fluid feed opening into the mixing chamber; wherein the cartridge has a cartridge wall; wherein the cartridge system has a sealing element for closing the reservoir; wherein a seal is formed between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle with the aid of a sealing means; wherein the sealing element is formed with the aid of or by a screw cap; wherein the screw cap has a seal and a bore; wherein a mouth region of the cartridge has a thread for screwing on the screw cap; wherein the screw cap is screwed onto the cartridge; and wherein the cartridge receptacle is secured on the cartridge and/or the screw cap after the screw cap has been screwed on.

2. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing means is designed as part of the sealing element, and/or wherein the sealing means is an element which is separate from the sealing element and is arranged, between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle.

3. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing means has a sealing ring, a full-area sealing means with a bore, and/or a foam.

4. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing element can be mounted on the cartridge wall, wherein the cartridge wall comprises, no flange for mounting the sealing element.

5. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cartridge wall comprises a flange for mounting the sealing element.

6. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flange is designed as a mouth region of the cartridge wall at an edge of the cartridge wall.

7. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flange is designed as a radially outward-projecting region of the cartridge wall.

8. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flange is formed in a fully circumferential manner on the cartridge wall around the entire circumference of the cartridge wall.

9. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flange is formed with the aid of a thickened region of the cartridge wall.

10. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises a main body of a cup-shaped design, wherein the main body is formed with the aid of the cartridge wall, which is closed on one side by a cartridge base, and wherein the main body comprises the reservoir.

11. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cartridge wall comprises a secondary region which is arranged adjacent to a flange in a direction of the cartridge base, and wherein the cartridge wall has a smaller wall thickness in the secondary region than in a region of the flange.

12. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cartridge wall has a connecting means for connecting the cartridge to the cartridge receptacle, wherein the connecting means comprises one or more latching grooves, and/or one or more latching beads, and/or one or more undercuts, and/or an external thread.

13. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the connecting means is formed at a distance from a flange of the cartridge wall, wherein the connecting means is arranged offset from the flange in a direction of the cartridge base.

14. The cartridge system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the connecting means is arranged adjacent to a secondary region of the cartridge wall, offset in the direction of the cartridge base.

15.-29. (canceled)

30. A beverage preparation machine, comprising the cartridge system as claimed in claim 1.

31. A process for manufacturing the cartridge system as claimed in claim 1, comprising: in a first process step, forming the cartridge wall of the cartridge; in a second process step, securing a sealing element on the cartridge; and in a third process step, connecting the cartridge to the cartridge receptacle; wherein a seal is formed between the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle before, during and/or after the third process step with the aid of a sealing means.

32. The process as claimed in claim 31, wherein the sealing means is formed and/or arranged on an upper side of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge before the third process step and/or during the third process step and before, during, and/or after the second process step.

33. The process as claimed in claim 31, wherein, in the first process step, the cartridge wall of the cartridge, comprising a flange, is formed, and wherein, in the second process step, the sealing element is secured on the cartridge with the aid of the flange.

34. The process as claimed in claim 31, wherein, in an intermediate step carried out before the third process step, the cartridge receptacle is produced by injection molding of plastic.

35.-39. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0098] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a cartridge of a cartridge system according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the cartridge along the section plane B-B shown in FIG. 1.

[0100] FIG. 3a shows a schematic detail view of the mouth region of the cartridge along the section plane B-B shown in FIG. 1.

[0101] FIG. 3b shows a schematic detail view of the mouth region of the cartridge according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a cartridge sectioned along the section plane B-B shown in FIG. 1.

[0103] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a sectioned cartridge of a cartridge system according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] FIGS. 6a and 6b show schematic perspective views of a sectioned cartridge for a cartridge system according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a sectioned cartridge for a cartridge system according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a sectioned cartridge of a cartridge system according to a further illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 9c show a perspective illustration, a schematic sectional view, and the general operating principle of a cartridge system according to an illustrative first embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] FIGS. 10a, 10b and 10c show schematic views of a cartridge system according to an illustrative second embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] FIGS. 11a, 11b and 11c show schematic views of a cartridge system according to an illustrative third embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] FIG. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a sectioned sealing element according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0111] In the various figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference signs and are therefore each generally also mentioned only once.

[0112] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge 2 comprises a cup-shaped hollow main body 2′, with the aid of which a reservoir 6 for a beverage substance 7 is formed. Here, “of cup-shaped design” means that the main body 2′ has a cartridge base 2′″ (illustrated at the bottom in the drawing) and a cartridge wall 2″ projecting at a right angle (in particular in the direction of the cartridge receptacle 10, not illustrated) from the cartridge base 2′″. In this case, the cartridge wall 2″ is of at least partially cylindrical and encircling design, while the cartridge base 2′″ in this example has a circular configuration. The main body 2′ of the cartridge 2 or the cartridge 2 itself is preferably formed by or at least with the aid of a glass bottle. The reservoir 6 of the cartridge 2 can be filled with a beverage substance 7. FIG. 1 furthermore illustrates a central axis of extent 100 of the cartridge 2, which represents an axial direction of the cartridge 2, and a radial axis 110, which is perpendicular to the central axis of extent 100 and represents a radial direction. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the flange 4 to have the connecting means 20, for example an external thread.

[0113] On a side opposite the cartridge base 2′″ in the axial direction, the cartridge 2 has an opening 90, which can be closed by a sealing element 18. In order to attach and secure the sealing element 18, the cartridge 2 has a flange 4, which is designed as a widened mouth region of the cartridge wall 2″ at an edge 2″″ of the cartridge wall 2″. The opening 90 of the cartridge 2 is thus surrounded by the flange 4. Furthermore, the cartridge 2 comprises a connecting means 20, which is formed by a latching bead 20′ and a further latching bead 20″. The connecting means 20 is designed for connecting the cartridge 2 to a cartridge receptacle 10. Furthermore, the radial extent of the latching beads 20′, 20″ is not constant around the circumference of the cartridge 2. In particular, the radial extent of the latching beads 20′, 20″ on one side of the cartridge is greater than on the opposite side (see FIG. 2).

[0114] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic sectional view of the cartridge 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 along the section plane B-B shown in FIG. 1. The radial extent of the latching beads 20′, 20″ is not constant around the circumference of the cartridge 2. In particular, the radial extent of the latching beads 20′, 20″ on one side of the cartridge (right-hand side in FIG. 2) is greater than on the opposite side (left-hand side in FIG. 2). Thus, a flattened portion is formed in one region of the connecting means 20. As a result, a twist prevention means for the cartridge 2 is implemented in the cartridge receptacle 10, and therefore, when the cartridge 2 is connected to the cartridge receptacle 10, a fixed relative orientation is advantageously formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10. For this purpose, the cartridge receptacle 10 has corresponding mating connecting means with a flattened portion, in particular latching grooves with depths which vary around the circumference of the latching grooves (not illustrated). Since the flange 4 is a region which is separate from the connecting means 20, despite this flattening of the latching means (or of the connecting means 20), it is nevertheless advantageously possible to use a circular crimp cap 180 as a sealing element 18, which is crimped around the flange 4, which is, in particular, circular.

[0115] FIG. 3a illustrates a schematic sectional view of the cartridge 2 shown in FIG. 1 along the section plane B-B shown in FIG. 1, only the upper region of the cartridge 2 being illustrated in an enlarged detail view. The flange 4 forms the end of the cartridge 2 opposite the cartridge base 2′″ in the axial direction and is formed around the opening 90 of the cartridge 2. The opening 90 is preferably of circular design and preferably has a diameter 90′ of at least 18 mm. In the embodiment illustrated, the diameter 90′ of the opening is 22 mm (with, in particular, a manufacturing tolerance of at most 15%). Other values for the diameter 90′ are also conceivable.

[0116] The outer diameter 91 of the flange 4 (from outer side 4″″ to outer side 4″″ of the flange 4) is preferably at most 29 mm (with, in particular, a manufacturing tolerance of at most 15%). However, other values for the outer diameter 91 are also conceivable.

[0117] An end face 4″ of the flange 4 is formed on the upper side 4′ of the flange 4, which faces away from the cartridge base 2′″. At its radially inner end, the end face 4″ merges, by way of a first radius of curvature M, into an inner side of the cartridge 2. The first radius of curvature M particularly advantageously prevents the sealing element 18 from being able to tear open unintentionally in this region. In the illustrated embodiment, the first radius of curvature M is 0.6 mm (with, in particular, a manufacturing tolerance of at most 15%). However, other values for the first radius of curvature M may also be considered.

[0118] The end face 4″ or the upper side 4′ of the flange 4 is not arranged parallel to the radial axis 110 but falls in the radial direction from the inside to the outside (that is to say with increasing distance from the central axis of extent 100) in the direction of the cartridge base Thus, the end face 4″ has an upper opening angle L with respect to the radial axis 110. In the embodiment shown, the opening angle L=7°. However, other values for the opening angle L are also conceivable. In particular, the end face 4″ can also be formed perpendicularly to the central axis of extent 100 of the cartridge, that is to say can run parallel to the radial axis 110. A parallel course of the end face 4″ to the radial axis 110 (that is to say, in particular, with an opening angle L=0°) is particularly advantageous if the sealing element 18 is designed as a sealing film 18″ and is secured on the end face 4″ of the flange 4, for example by inductive welding.

[0119] In its radially outer end, the upper side 4′ or the end face 4″ of the flange 4 merges with a second radius of curvature N into an outer side 4″″ of the flange 4, wherein the outer side 4′″″ extends circumferentially around the cartridge 2. The outer side 4′″″ of the flange 4 extends, in particular, parallel to the central axis of extent 100. Crimping of a sealing element 18 around the flange 4 can be improved in a particularly advantageous manner by means of the second radius of curvature N since no sharp edge is present. In the illustrated embodiment, the second radius of curvature N has a radius of 1.3 mm (with, in particular, a manufacturing tolerance of at most 15%). However, other values for the second radius of curvature N may also be considered as alternatives. In its lower end, the outer side 4′″″ of the flange 4 merges with a third radius of curvature O into a lower side 4′″″ of the flange 4. It is possible for the crimping of a sealing element 18 around the flange 4 to be improved in a particularly advantageous manner by the third radius of curvature O. In the illustrated embodiment, the third radius of curvature O has a radius of 0.5 mm (with, in particular, a manufacturing tolerance of at most 15%). However, other values for the third radius of curvature O may also be considered as alternatives.

[0120] The lower side 4′″″ of the flange 4 has a lower opening angle K of 60° with respect to the central axis of extent 100 (and thus an angle of 30° with respect to the radial axis 110). Other values for the lower opening angle K of 60° may also be considered as alternatives.

[0121] A secondary region 5 of the cartridge wall 2″ is formed adjacent to the lower side 4″″ of the flange 4. A fourth radius of curvature P is formed as a transition between the lower side 4″″ of the flange 4 and the secondary region 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth radius of curvature P has a radius of 0.7 mm (with, in particular, a manufacturing tolerance of at most 15%). However, other values for the fourth radius of curvature P may also be considered as alternatives.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the height 4′″ of the flange 4, including the region formed by the fourth radius of curvature P, is 6.1 mm (with, in particular, a manufacturing tolerance of at most 15%). However, other values for the height 4′″ may also be considered. By virtue of its height 4′″, the flange 4 can be used particularly advantageously to secure a sealing element 18, which is crimped around the flange 4, on the cartridge 2.

[0123] The connecting means 20 of the cartridge 2, by means of which a connection to the cartridge receptacle 10 can be produced, is designed to be offset from the flange 4 in the axial direction (that is to say parallel to the central axis of extent 100) in the direction of the cartridge base 2′″. The connecting means 20 and the flange 4 are thus separate elements and, in particular, elements that are spaced apart from one another. The secondary region 5 of the cartridge wall 2″ is arranged between the connecting means 20 and the flange 4 in the axial direction. At its upper end, the secondary region 5 is adjacent to the flange 4 and, at its lower end, is adjacent to the latching bead 20′, with the result that a groove is formed between the flange 4 and the connecting means 20 by the secondary region 5. Here, the wall thickness of the cartridge wall 2″ is less in the secondary region 5 than in the region of the flange 4, so that the flange 4 protrudes in the radial direction starting from the secondary region 5. The spacing 20′″ of the connecting element 20, in particular of the latching bead 20′, from the upper edge, formed by the end face 4″, of the flange 4 is 7.9 mm (with, in particular, a manufacturing tolerance of at most 15%).

[0124] FIG. 3b illustrates a schematic sectional view of a cartridge 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3b is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, with the difference that the flange 4 has an encircling indentation 9 on its outer side 4′″. In particular, the indentation 9 is designed as a radial thinning of the flange 4. The flange 4, which is designed as a thickened region of the cartridge wall 2″, is thus locally thinned. Such thinning is advantageous particularly if the cartridge 2 or the cartridge wall 2″ is produced from plastic. It is particularly advantageously conceivable for the two rings of the flange 4 which are formed by the indentation 9 of the flange 4 (above and below the indentation 9) to be reinforced by one or more vertical webs in order to be able to advantageously absorb crimping forces.

[0125] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a cartridge 2 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3a cut along section plane B-B.

[0126] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the opening 90 of the cartridge 2 is closed by a sealing element 18 designed as a crimp cap 180. The crimp cap 180 is crimped around the flange 4 of the cartridge 2 and thereby secured on the cartridge 4. In this case, the sealing element 18 surrounds both the upper side 4′ of the flange 4 and the outer side 4″″ of the flange and is formed around the regions of the flange 4 with the radii of curvature N and O. The sealing element 18 ends in the region of the lower side 4″″ of the flange 4. Particularly advantageous closure of the cartridge 2 can thereby be achieved. The crimped sealing element 18 withstands even high internal pressures, which can be formed inside the cartridge 2, in particular in the reservoir 6. It is thus possible to enclose a beverage substance 7 under high pressure in the reservoir 6 and thus to accomplish pre-carbonation, which is advantageous for many beverage substances. The crimp cap 180 is preferably produced from a metal, in particular from aluminum. A coating, in particular a sealing layer, such as, for example, a lacquer and/or a laminated or coextruded plastic, is/are arranged on the lower side of the crimp cap 180, that is to say the side of the crimp cap 180 which faces in the direction of the cartridge 2. In particular, the sealing layer is arranged between the flange 4 and the crimp cap 180. With the aid of the sealing layer, advantageous sealing is possible. It is optionally possible in addition or as an alternative for a seal to be arranged between the crimp cap 180 and the flange 4. It is conceivable, for example, for the seal to be of annular design or of full-area design (that is to say continuous, in particular in the form of a disk). The seal can be introduced into the crimp cap 180, in particular sealed, adhesively bonded and/or foamed. With the aid of the seal, additionally improved sealing is possible. It is furthermore conceivable for a protective lacquer to be applied to the upper side of the crimp cap 180, the side which faces away from the cartridge 2.

[0127] FIGS. 6a and 6b show schematic perspective sectional views of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the sealing element 18 or a sealing body of the sealing element 18 is designed as a crimp cap 180. The sealing element 18, that is to say the crimp cap 180, comprises a pre-stamping or pre-punching 18′ which is formed centrally on the crimp cap 180. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the pre-punching 18′ to be designed to be offset from the center of the sealing element 18. By means of the pre-punching 18′, in particular by means of the edge of the pre-punching 18′, a predetermined breaking point of the sealing element 18 is advantageously formed, which breaking point is torn open when the sealing element 18 comes into contact with a piercing spike 73. An advantageously defined opening can thus be produced in the sealing element 18. It is conceivable preferably for a sealing layer, in particular a lacquer and/or a laminated or coextruded plastic, preferably comprising polypropylene and/or some other plastic, to be arranged on the lower side of the crimp cap 180, that is to say the side of the crimp cap 180 which faces in the direction of the cartridge 2. In particular, the sealing layer is arranged between the flange 4 and the crimp cap 180. With the aid of the sealing layer, advantageous sealing is possible. The pre-stamping or pre-punching 18′ is preferably designed in such a way that the sealing layer remains uncompromised by the pre-stamping or pre-punching 18′. It is optionally possible in addition or as an alternative for a seal to be arranged between the crimp cap 180 and the flange 4. It is conceivable, for example, for the seal to be designed in the form of a ring or over the entire area (that is to say continuous, in particular in the form of a disk). The seal can be introduced into the crimp cap 180, in particular sealed, adhesively bonded and/or foamed. With the aid of the seal, additionally improved sealing is possible. It is furthermore conceivable for a protective lacquer to be applied to the upper side of the crimp cap 180, the side which faces away from the cartridge 2.

[0128] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the sealing element 18 or a sealing body of the sealing element 18 is designed as a crimp cap 180. The sealing element 18, that is to say the crimp cap 180, comprises a central through-opening 18′″, in particular a bore.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the through-opening 18′″ to be designed to be offset from the center of the sealing element 18. The through-opening 18′″ of the sealing element 18 is closed by a sealing film 18″ (not illustrated). In this case, the sealing film 18″ can be connected to the crimp cap 180 on the lower side of the crimp cap 180, the side facing in the direction of the cartridge 2, or on the upper side of the crimp cap 180, the side facing away from the cartridge 2. In the initial state of the cartridge system 1, the sealing film 18″ thus closes the through-opening 18′″. In the event of contact between the sealing element 18 and a piercing spike 73, the sealing film 18″ is pierced. An advantageously defined opening can thus be produced in the sealing element 18. It is conceivable for a sealing layer, in particular a lacquer and/or a laminated or coextruded plastic, preferably comprising polypropylene and/or some other plastic, to be arranged on the lower side of the crimp cap 180, the side facing in the direction of the cartridge 2. In particular, the sealing layer is arranged between the flange 4 and the crimp cap 180. It is optionally possible in addition or as an alternative for a seal to be arranged between the crimp cap 180 and the flange 4. It is conceivable, for example, for the seal to be designed in the form of a ring or over the entire area (that is to say continuous, in particular in the form of a disk). The seal can be introduced into the crimp cap 180, in particular sealed, adhesively bonded and/or foamed. With the aid of the seal, additionally improved sealing is possible. It is furthermore conceivable for a protective lacquer to be applied to the upper side of the crimp cap 180, the side which faces away from the cartridge 2. As an alternative to the crimp cap 180 shown, a design of the sealing element 18 as a screw cap would also be conceivable. To improve sealing, both variants (crimp cap 180 or screw cap) can additionally be sealed in the direction of the flange 4 and/or in the direction of the crimp cap 180 or screw cap.

[0129] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a cartridge 2 for a cartridge system 1 according to a further illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the opening 90 of the cartridge 2 is closed by a sealing element 18 designed as a sealing film 18″. The sealing film 18″ is secured on the upper side 4′ of the flange 4, in particular to the end face 4″ of the flange 4. In this case, an edge region of the sealing film 18″ is arranged on the upper side 4′ of the flange 4 and is secured on the flange 4 in this edge region. The edge region of the sealing film 18″ is preferably secured on the upper side 4′ of the flange by welding, in particular by inductive welding. However, it is also possible to use other methods, in particular adhesive bonding methods, for securing the sealing film 18″ on the flange 4. A sealing element 18 designed as a sealing film 18″ can be designed in a particularly cost-saving manner and can be used particularly advantageously for beverage substances 7 for which a comparatively low pressure, in particular a low overpressure or no overpressure, within the reservoir 6 is sufficient. The sealing film 18″ is designed, in particular, as a plastic film, metal film (in particular aluminum film) or as a multilayer film of plastic and/or aluminum (and/or one or more further metals). As shown in FIG. 8, it is possible for the sealing film 18″ to project beyond the flange 4 at the periphery. Particularly advantageous tolerance compensation can thereby be achieved.

[0130] As can be seen in FIGS. 5 to 8, it is a further particular advantage that the flange 4 can be used for the attachment of different sealing elements 18, in particular without structural changes to the cartridge and being necessary. This makes possible particularly cost-effective and versatile use of a cartridge design since combination with different sealing elements 18 and methods of securing the sealing elements 18 on the cartridge 2 becomes possible, thus enabling the cartridge to be used to particular advantage for beverage substances 7 having different requirements.

[0131] FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 9c show a perspective illustration, a schematic sectional view, and the general operating principle of a cartridge system 1 according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] The cartridge system 1 depicted is intended for insertion into a beverage preparation machine (not illustrated) in order to prepare a beverage 70. For this purpose, the cartridge system 1 has the cartridge 2, which is filled with a beverage substance 7, and a cartridge receptacle 10 connected to the cartridge 2. Within the beverage preparation machine, a corresponding beverage 70 is created with the aid of the beverage substance 7 and an additional water source, referred to as fluid source 41 in the following text. The cartridge 2 is in this case preferably filled with a pre-portioned quantity of beverage substance 7 which is necessary for creating a specific drinking portion, for example a drinking glass filling of the desired beverage 70. The beverage substance 7 is, in particular, a liquid and carbonated beverage concentrate in the form of syrup.

[0133] In principle, there is in particular a plurality of different cartridge systems 1 available, the cartridges 2 or reservoirs 6 of which are filled with different beverage substances 7 for making different beverages 70. When the user of the system 1 wishes to drink a particular beverage 70, all he needs to do is choose, from the plurality of different cartridge systems 1, that cartridge system 1 which contains the corresponding beverage substance 7 for making the desired beverage 70, insert it into a retaining unit of the beverage preparation machine and start the beverage making process at the beverage preparation machine, for example by pressing a start button, by touching a touch sensitive display in an appropriate manner, by gesture or voice control, or by means of a suitable application on a cell phone. It is also conceivable for the beverage making process to start automatically when the insertion of a new cartridge system 1 into the retaining unit is detected. In each of the abovementioned cases, the desired beverage 70 is then produced automatically, conveyed into a drinking vessel and thus provided to the user. Subsequently, the used-up cartridge system 1 is removed and disposed of. The beverage preparation machine is now ready once again to be filled with any desired new cartridge system 1 in order to produce a further beverage 70.

[0134] The beverage substance 7 comprises preferably liquid premixing constituents for soft drinks, such as caffeinated, carbonated, fruity and/or sugary sodas and juices, beer (mixed) drinks, or other alcoholic or nonalcoholic (mixed) drinks.

[0135] The cartridge system 1 comprises a cartridge 2, for example a cartridge 2 designed according to one or more of FIGS. 1 to 8. The region around the flange 4 of the cartridge is not illustrated in detail in FIGS. 9a to 9c. Alternatively, the cartridge 2 does not comprise a flange 4.

[0136] Advantageously, a seal is formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10 with the aid of a sealing means 14. The region around the sealing means 14 is not illustrated in detail in FIGS. 9a to 9c.

[0137] The cartridge 2 is connected fixedly or reversibly to the cartridge receptacle 10. The cartridge receptacle 10 is connected to the cartridge 2, in particular after the production of the main body 2′, after the filling of the cartridge 2 with the beverage substance 7 and after and/or during the closing of the reservoir 6 by the application of the sealing element 18. For this purpose, the cartridge wall 2″ preferably has encircling connecting means 20, in particular in the form of one or more encircling latching beads 20′, 20″ or latching grooves. The cartridge receptacle 10 optionally has mating connecting means 21 complementary to the connecting means 20, in particular in the form of one or more encircling latching beads and/or latching grooves, which latch into the connecting means 20 when the cartridge 2 is connected to the cartridge receptacle 10. The connecting means 20 and/or further elements preferably form a twist prevention means for the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10. It is conceivable for the cartridge wall 2″ and the cartridge receptacle 10 additionally to be adhesively bonded, welded and/or pressed together. It is conceivable, in particular, for an additional seal to be formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10, for example with the aid of an O-ring which is arranged, in particular, in the region of the connecting means 20, in particular inserted between the latching beads 20′, 20″. Alternatively or in addition, the additional sealing can be accomplished, for example, by embodying the cartridge receptacle with the aid of a two-component plastic. As a result, an advantageous seal can preferably also be achieved if the cartridge wall has a comparatively large tolerance of, for example, ±0.3 mm.

[0138] The cartridge 2 is preferably designed in such a way that it can withstand an internal pressure of up to 12 bar, preferably up to 10 bar, particularly preferably up to 8 bar and very particularly preferably up to 6 bar, without bursting (at a temperature of 20° C. and an external pressure of 1 bar). The reservoir 6 preferably comprises a volume of between 10 and 500 milliliters, particularly preferably between 30 and 90 milliliters and very particularly preferably substantially 60 milliliters.

[0139] The cartridge receptacle 10 has a mixing chamber 8 which is fluidically connected to the reservoir 6 during the beverage production process, such that, with the aid of a cartridge emptying device of the cartridge receptacle 10, the beverage substance 7 can be transferred at least partially out of the reservoir 6 into the mixing chamber 8. For this purpose, the cartridge emptying device comprises a compressed-air line 40. One end of the compressed-air line 40 is connected to a compressed-air connection 42 which can be connected to a compressed-air source of the beverage preparation machine in order to introduce compressed air into the compressed-air line 40, while the other end leads into a compressed-air outlet which is open in the direction of the reservoir 6 and introduces compressed air into the reservoir 6. The introduction of the compressed air causes the beverage substance 7 to be pushed into the mixing chamber 8. It is conceivable for the compressed-air line 40 to extend in the interior of the piercing spike 73 from the outer compressed-air connection 42, for connection to a compressed-air source, to a compressed-air outlet 43 in the region of a tip of the piercing spike.

[0140] A fluid feed 12 of the cartridge receptacle 10, which is supplied by a fluid source of the beverage preparation machine, also leads into the mixing chamber 8. It is conceivable for the fluid feed to have a quick coupling, by way of which the fluid feed 12 can be connected to the fluid source of the beverage preparation machine. The quick coupling can be configured for example such that, when the cartridge system 1 is inserted into the retaining unit, a fluidic connection is automatically established between the fluid source and the mixing chamber 8 via the fluid feed 12. During the beverage production process, fluid, in particular cooled and carbonated drinking water, passes from the fluid feed 12 into the mixing chamber 8 via this fluidic connection. Furthermore, during the beverage production process, beverage substance 7 passes from the reservoir 6 into the mixing chamber 8, as described above. As a result of the beverage substance 7 being blended with the fluid in the mixing chamber 8, the beverage 70 is formed, which then leaves the mixing chamber 8 through a beverage outlet 11.

[0141] The cartridge receptacle 10 has the beverage outlet 11, through which the beverage 70 produced within the mixing chamber 8 leaves the mixing chamber 8, and is conveyed in particular directly into the drinking vessel (not depicted), i.e. without parts of the beverage preparation machine coming into contact with the beverage 70. In this way, back-contamination of the beverage preparation machine is prevented. The drinking vessel is arranged in particular directly beneath the beverage outlet 11.

[0142] Following completion of the beverage making process, the cartridge system 1 is removed from the retaining unit, such that the beverage production machine can be fitted with a new and unused cartridge system 1. The cartridge receptacle 10 can optionally be reused by being separated from the used cartridge 2 by releasing the latching connection, and being clip-fastened onto a new cartridge 2. It is conceivable for the cartridge 2 also to be reusable. In particular, it is conceivable that the cartridge can be filled with a new beverage substance 7 and sealed with a sealing element 18.

[0143] To establish the fluidic connection between the reservoir 6 and the mixing chamber 8, the cartridge receptacle 10 has a spike guide 80, in which a piercing spike 73 is displaceably mounted. The sealing element 18 is perforated by the displaceable piercing spike 73 being transferred between a retracted position, in which the piercing spike 73 is away from the sealing element 18 (cf. FIG. 9b), and an extended position, in which the piercing spike 73 pierces the sealing element 18 (cf. FIG. 9c) and projects into the reservoir 6.

[0144] The outer wall of the piercing spike 73 is provided with the plurality of lateral channels 71 for conveying the beverage substance 7 from the reservoir 6 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8 when the sealing element 18 is pierced. The lateral channels 71 are configured in the form of grooves that are open on one side and extend parallel to one another. Following the piercing of the sealing element 18, the lateral channels 71 become fluidically connected to the reservoir 6, such that the beverage substance 7 can flow around the edges of the pierced sealing element 18 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8.

[0145] The cross section of the lateral channels 71 and/or the number of the lateral channels 71 is in this case preferably adapted to the viscosity of the beverage substance 7, such that the lateral channels 71 control or limit the flow of the beverage substance 7 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8. At a high viscosity, a plurality of lateral channels 71 and/or lateral channels 71 with a relatively large cross section are used, while, at a lower viscosity, fewer lateral channels 71 and/or lateral channels 71 with a smaller cross section are provided.

[0146] Also integrated into the piercing spike 73 is the compressed-air line 40, which acts as the cartridge emptying device. The compressed-air line 40 leads into the reservoir 6 at the end of the piercing spike 73 when the piercing spike 73 is in the extended position.

On a side of the piercing spike 73 that is in particular remote from the reservoir 6, the compressed-air connection 42 is formed, which is thus accessible from outside the cartridge receptacle 10 and is connectable to the compressed-air source of the beverage preparation machine.

[0147] Preferably, the piercing spike 73 is transferred from the retracted position into the extended position during or after the insertion of the cartridge system 10 into the beverage preparation machine or after the starting of the beverage making process, preferably by a fixed release element of the retaining unit, against which the piercing spike 73 is pushed. The piercing spike 71 is preferably configured as a plastic part and particularly preferably as an injection-molded plastic part.

[0148] It is preferably conceivable for both the fluid source and the compressed-air source to be coupled directly to the fluid feed 12 and to the compressed-air connection 42, respectively, as soon as the cartridge system 1 is inserted into the beverage preparation machine or a beverage making process is started, and in particular before the sealing element 18 is pierced. In this way, back-contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine is effectively avoided because the fluid feed 12 and the cartridge emptying device are under overpressure, in particular immediately upon insertion of the cartridge system 1, and this prevents the beverage substance 7 from traveling in the direction of the fluid source and compressed-air source, respectively. The beverage substance 7 can thus move only in the direction of the mixing chamber 8 from the reservoir 6 (see FIG. 9c) as soon as the sealing element 18 is opened.

[0149] The cartridge receptacle 10 comprises a basic structure 10′ with a cup-shaped configuration. The open side of this cup-shaped configuration points in the direction of the cartridge 2 and at least partially accommodates the cartridge 2, in particular the edge 2″″ of the cartridge wall 2″ with the flange 4 and the connecting means 20. On an opposite bottom side 10″, the basic structure 10′ has the beverage outlet opening 11 and the outwardly open spike guide 80. The fluid feed 12 is formed on a side wall 10′″ of the basic structure 10′. In particular, the basic structure 10′ is configured as a plastic part and particularly preferably as an injection-molded plastic part.

[0150] FIG. 10a shows a schematic sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge system 1 comprises the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10, which is designed as a mixing cap with a mixing chamber 8. It is possible, as illustrated, for the cartridge 2 to have a flattened portion 2″″″ on one side on its circumference and for the cartridge receptacle 10 likewise to have a flattened portion 10″″″ on one side. With the aid of the flattened portions 2″″″, 10″″″, an advantageously definable orientation of the cartridge 2 and of the cartridge receptacle 10 in the beverage preparation machine is possible, in particular. In this way and/or with the aid of further means, a twist prevention means can be formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10. The cartridge 2 does not comprise a flange 4. The sealing element 18 is secured, for example adhesively bonded, sealed, welded and/or crimped, on the cartridge wall 2′ of the cartridge 2, in particular to an end face of the cartridge wall 2′. Here, the sealing element 18 can comprise a sealing film and/or a semi-rigid or rigid sealing body, for example a crimp cap. In the initial state of the cartridge system 1, the sealing element 18 seals the reservoir 6 of the cartridge 2. Furthermore, a connecting means 20 for connecting the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10 is formed on the cartridge wall 2′. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting means 20 is designed as an external thread. The cartridge receptacle 10 comprises a mating connecting means 21, which is complementary to the external thread of the cartridge 2 and is designed as an internal thread. The cartridge receptacle 10 is screwed onto the cartridge 2 by means of the internal thread and the external thread, in particular with a reverse rotation prevention means, in order to prevent unwanted unscrewing of the cartridge receptacle 10 from the cartridge 2 and/or to achieve a definable orientation between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10.

Advantageously, an additional seal is formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10 with the aid of a sealing means 14. The sealing means 14 seals the connection between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10 in a particularly advantageous way, ensuring that no liquids emerge at the transition between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10 during the preparation of a beverage. The sealing means 14 advantageously also serves to compensate for tolerances. This tolerance compensation is of particular advantage when a glass cartridge 2 is used.

[0151] FIG. 10b shows an enlarged illustration of the region of the cartridge receptacle 10 and of the cartridge 2 which is marked with the letter “B” in FIG. 10a. The sealing means 14 is arranged between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10. In particular, the sealing means 14 is arranged partially or completely between a projection region 10″″ of the cartridge receptacle 10, said projection region being formed inwardly over the end face or upper side of the cartridge wall 2′, and the sealing element 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing means 14 is designed as a sealing ring 14′, in particular as an O-ring. The sealing ring 14′ thus rests on the sealing element 18 and/or on the upper side or end face of the cartridge wall 2′. As an alternative to the use of an O-ring, a full-area design of the sealing means 14 with a bore/aperture for the piercing spike 73 would also be conceivable. Alternatively, a full-area design of the sealing means 14 without a bore/aperture for the piercing spike 73 would also be conceivable. Alternatively or in addition to the sealing ring 14′, other sealing means 14 for sealing the mixing chamber 8, that is to say in particular the transition of the cartridge 2 to the cartridge receptacle 10, are also conceivable. For example, it is possible for the sealing element 18 to have a foamed region or a foam on its upper side facing away from the cartridge 2 (that is to say the side facing the cartridge receptacle 10, in particular the projection region 10″″), which provides for the additional sealing.

[0152] FIG. 10c shows a schematic plan view of the cartridge receptacle 10 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10a and 10b.

[0153] FIG. 11a shows a schematic sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge system 1 comprises the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10, which is designed as a mixing cap with a mixing chamber 8. It is possible, as illustrated, for the cartridge 2 to have a flattened portion 2″″″ on one side on its circumference and for the cartridge receptacle 10 likewise to have a flattened portion 10″″″ on one side. With the aid of the flattened portions 2″″″, 10″″″, an advantageously definable orientation of the cartridge 2 and of the cartridge receptacle 10 in the beverage preparation machine is possible, in particular. In this way and/or with the aid of further means, a twist prevention means can be formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10. The cartridge 2 comprises a flange 4. The sealing element 18 is secured on the flange 4, for example by adhesive bonding, sealing, welding and/or crimping. Here, the sealing element can comprise a sealing film and/or a semi-rigid or rigid sealing body, for example a crimp cap. The sealing element 18 is secured leaktightly on the cartridge 2, in particular with the aid of the flange 4, preferably with the aid of the end face of the flange 4. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11a, the flange 4 is simultaneously designed as a connecting means 20 for connecting the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10. In this case, the connecting means 20 of the cartridge 2 is thus, in particular, not an element separate from the flange 4. The cartridge receptacle 10 is pressed and/or latched onto the cartridge 2, in particular with the aid of the flange 4. It is possible for the cartridge receptacle to have a mating connecting means 21 complementary to the flange 4 for this purpose. An additional seal is preferably formed between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle with the aid of a sealing means 14. The sealing means 14 seals the connection between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10 in a particularly advantageous way, ensuring that no liquids emerge at the transition between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle during the preparation of a beverage. The sealing means 14 advantageously also serves to compensate for tolerances. This tolerance compensation is of particular advantage when a glass cartridge 2 is used.

[0154] FIG. 11b shows an enlarged illustration of the region of the cartridge receptacle 10 and of the cartridge 2 which is marked with the letter “D” in FIG. 11a. The sealing means 14 is arranged between the cartridge 2 and the cartridge receptacle 10. In particular, the sealing means 14 is arranged partially or completely between a projection region 10″″ of the cartridge receptacle 10, said projection region being formed inwardly over the end face 4″ or upper side 4′ of the flange 4, and the sealing element 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing means 14 is designed as a sealing ring 14′, in particular as an O-ring. The sealing ring 14′ thus rests above the flange 4 on the sealing element 18 and/or on the upper side 4′ of the flange 4. As an alternative to the use of an O-ring, a full-area design of the sealing means 14 with a bore/aperture for the piercing spike 73 would also be conceivable. Alternatively, a full-area design of the sealing means 14 without a bore/aperture for the piercing spike 73 would also be conceivable. Alternatively or in addition to the sealing ring 14′, other sealing means 14 for sealing the mixing chamber 8, that is to say in particular the transition of the cartridge 2 to the cartridge receptacle 10, are also conceivable. For example, it is possible for the sealing element 18 to have a foamed region or a foam on its upper side facing away from the cartridge 2 (that is to say the side facing the cartridge receptacle 10, in particular the projection region 10″″), which provides for the additional sealing.

[0155] FIG. 11c shows a schematic plan view of the cartridge receptacle 10 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11a and 11b.

[0156] FIG. 12 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a sealing element 18 according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The sealing element 18 is designed as a plastic cap and comprises one or more plastics. The plastic cap can be formed with the aid of injection molding, for example. It is conceivable here for the plastic cap to be designed as a crimp cap, latching cap or screw cap, i.e. for it to be possible, for example, for it to be crimped, latched or screwed onto a cartridge. The sealing element 18, in particular the plastic cap, has a weakening 18″″ for the passage of the piercing spike 73. The weakening 18″″ is, in particular, a region of the plastic cap which has a reduced thickness in comparison with the adjacent regions of the plastic cap. The weakening 18″″ is preferably produced during the formation of the plastic cap, for example during injection molding, as a thinned region of the plastic cap, and therefore no further post-processing of the plastic cap is necessary to produce the weakening. The plastic cap shown in FIG. 12 can be combined as a sealing element 18, for example with the various embodiments of sealing means 14 described above, e.g. with an annular or full-area sealing means 14 which is designed as a separate insert or with the aid of two-component injection molding as part of the sealing element 18 or as part of the cartridge receptacle 10.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0157] 1 Cartridge system [0158] 2 Cartridge [0159] 2′ Main body [0160] 2″ Cartridge wall [0161] 2′″ Cartridge base [0162] 2″″ Edge of the cartridge wall [0163] 2″″″ Flattened portion of the cartridge4 Flange [0164] 4′ Upper side of the flange [0165] 4″ End face of the flange [0166] 4″ Height of the flange [0167] 4″″ Outer side of the flange [0168] 4″″″ Lower side of the flange [0169] 5 Secondary region [0170] 6 Reservoir [0171] 7 Beverage substance [0172] 8 Mixing chamber [0173] 9 Indentation [0174] 10 Cartridge receptacle [0175] 10′ Basic structure [0176] 10″ Bottom side [0177] 10′″ Side wall of the basic structure [0178] 10″″ Projection region [0179] 10″″″ Flattened portion of the cartridge receptacle [0180] 11 Beverage outlet [0181] 12 Fluid feed [0182] 14 Sealing means [0183] 14′ Sealing ring [0184] 18 Sealing element [0185] 18′″ Pre-punching of the sealing element [0186] 18″ Sealing film [0187] 18″″ Through-opening of the sealing element [0188] 18″″ Weakening of the sealing element20 Connecting means [0189] 20′ Latching bead [0190] 20″ Further latching bead [0191] 20′″ Spacing of the connecting means [0192] 21 Mating connecting means [0193] 40 Compressed-air line [0194] 42 Compressed-air connection [0195] 43 Compressed-air outlet [0196] 71 Lateral channel [0197] 70 Beverage [0198] 73 Piercing spike [0199] 80 Spike guide [0200] 90 Opening [0201] 90′ Diameter of the opening [0202] 91 Outer diameter of the flange [0203] 100 Central axis of extent [0204] 110 Radial axis [0205] 180 Crimp cap [0206] K Lower opening angle of the flange [0207] L Upper opening angle of the flange [0208] M First radius of curvature [0209] N Second radius of curvature [0210] O Third radius of curvature [0211] P Fourth radius of curvature