Patent Application
20090217823
The invention relates to a system for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, provided with an exchangeable holder and an apparatus provided with a fluid dispensing device which is detachably connected with the holder for in use dispensing under pressure at least an amount of first fluid such as a liquid and/or a gas, in particular such as water and/or steam, to the exchangeable holder, wherein the exchangeable holder is provided with at least one storage space which is filled with a second fluid such as a concentrate, wherein the holder is further provided with at least a first mixing chamber, at least one outflow opening which is in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber for dispensing the beverage from the first mixing chamber, wherein in use at least one fluid communication between the storage space and the first mixing chamber for dispensing the second fluid to the first mixing chamber is present, wherein the holder comprises at least one inlet opening which in use is detachably connected with an outlet opening of the fluid dispensing device for supplying the first fluid to the first mixing chamber, wherein the fluid dispensing device is arranged for supplying the first fluid under pressure to the first mixing chamber, so that in the first mixing chamber the first fluid and the second fluid mix together for obtaining beverage which thereupon leaves the exchangeable holder via the outflow opening.
Such a system is known.
In the known system, the apparatus is provided with a fluid dispensing device with an outlet opening which can be detachably connected with the inlet opening of the exchangeable holder for dispensing the first fluid to the first mixing chamber. In use, after connecting the outlet opening with the inlet opening, the first fluid is spouted into the first mixing chamber, where this fluid mixes with a second fluid which is for instance already present in the first mixing chamber or is introduced into the first mixing chamber simultaneously with the first fluid.
A disadvantage of the known system is that the discharge opening of the nozzle can only be positioned inaccurately, or with little accuracy, in front of the inlet opening of the holder, so that the first fluid, in use, is inaccurately supplied from the fluid dispensing device into the first mixing chamber. As a result, it is possible that the first fluid chiefly hits an inner wall of the first mixing chamber adjacent the inlet opening of the first mixing chamber. The first fluid will then flow along an inner wall as the first mixing chamber is being filled. In this way, no optimum mixing of the first and the second fluid is obtained, so that the beverage eventually prepared does not possess the desired properties or quality.
The object of the invention is to provide a system with which this disadvantage can be prevented. More specifically, the object of the invention is to provide a system in which the discharge opening of the fluid dispensing device can be positioned accurately before the inlet opening of the holder, whereby in use the first fluid can be supplied into the first mixing chamber in a desired manner, whereby a proper mixing of the first and the at least second fluid is obtained.
To achieve this objective, the holder of the system according to the invention is further provided with a stop against which a fluid supply element of the fluid dispensing device forming at least a part of the outlet opening abuts in use, such that in use the first fluid is supplied through the inlet opening of the holder into the first mixing chamber and then, along a certain path within the first mixing chamber, does not hit any inner walls of the first mixing chamber. By means of such a stop, the fluid supply element forming at least a part of the outlet opening, upon each renewed use of the system, is positioned in the same manner before the inlet opening of the holder. In use, the outlet opening comes to lie in the desired position before the inlet opening of the holder, after which the fluid dispensing device can supply the first fluid under pressure to the first mixing chamber. Since during the supply of the first fluid to the first mixing chamber the fluid, along a certain path within the first mixing chamber, does not hit any inner walls of the first mixing chamber, the first fluid forms a jet which ends up with a particular speed in the first mixing chamber. Because the jet, after traversing the certain path, strikes an inner wall somewhere in the first mixing chamber with a particular speed, this jet will be rebounded, which causes whirls in the first and/or second fluid, which promotes a proper mixing. Preferably, in use, the outlet opening is situated before the inlet opening of the holder, while using the outlet opening a jet of the first fluid is formed which spouts direct into the first mixing chamber. According to a further elaboration of the invention, the inlet opening of the holder preferably also forms an inlet opening of the first mixing chamber.
The certain path which the first fluid travels in the first mixing chamber preferably has a length of at least one-third of a length of the first mixing chamber viewed in a direction of the entering fluid. This minimum length of the certain path provides for a better rebound, resulting in better whirls for further promoting a proper mixing of the beverage. Also, the minimum length of the certain path ensures that air can be drawn into the jet of the first fluid, so that an airy beverage or a beverage provided with a froth layer can be prepared. The above-mentioned inner wall is preferably an inner wall of the first mixing chamber that is situated opposite the inlet opening of the first mixing chamber, which inner wall of the first mixing chamber is first hit by the entering first fluid. Preferably, the inner wall extends substantially perpendicularly to the direction of the path which the entering first fluid follows within the first mixing chamber. Such an inner wall receives the jet of the first fluid that is spouted into the first mixing chamber with a particular speed, whereby the inner wall provides for the rebound of the jet, which further promotes turbulence in the first fluid, the second fluid and/or the beverage.
In a further elaboration of the invention, the stop extends substantially parallel between a first wall bounding the first mixing chamber and a second wall, situated opposite the first wall, bounding the first mixing chamber, while preferably a distance from the stop to the first wall and a distance from the stop to the second wall are substantially equal, or a distance from a plane through the stop to a plane through the first wall is substantially equal to a distance from the plane through the stop to a plane through the second wall.
Such a positioning of the stop provides that the outlet opening of the fluid supply element is favorably situated relative to both the first and the second wall bounding the mixing chamber at the time of supply of the first fluid to the first mixing chamber, so that the chance of the fluid hitting an inner wall of the first mixing chamber adjacent the inlet opening is further reduced. Also in the event of small tolerances in the dimensions of the exchangeable holder, for instance in the thickness of the stop, the outlet opening will be positioned relative to the inlet opening such that the first fluid, even then, is supplied to the first mixing chamber without hitting the inner walls along the certain path.
According to a further elaboration of the invention, the outlet opening is formed at least for a part by the fluid supply element, provided on the apparatus, having a first fluid channel, while in use adjacent an end of the fluid channel a first nozzle is provided for dispensing the first fluid. Such a nozzle accomplishes a desired shape of the jet of fluid, the behavior of the jet of fluid being determined by the nozzle, so that no unexpected deflection or otherwise unwanted direction of entry of the jet of fluid occurs. Also, by varying the diameter of the nozzle, the kind of jet can be determined, for instance a strong jet or a mist. In this way, the first fluid is spouted into the inlet opening in a manner desired for the beverage to be prepared.
According to a further elaboration of the invention, the first nozzle may be formed at least for a part by a groove and/or channel provided in a side of the stop situated opposite the fluid supply element, substantially transversely to the fluid channel, while the groove and/or the channel extends from the fluid channel to the inlet opening. Such a nozzle is simple to manufacture because it is manufactured with the exchangeable holder. Further, such a nozzle does not need to be cleaned since, along with the exchangeable holder, it is taken from the system after preparation of the beverage. For a next beverage to be prepared, a new nozzle is used which is provided in the new exchangeable holder.
In another elaboration of the invention, the first nozzle may be formed at least for a part by a groove, which is provided in a side of the fluid supply element situated opposite the stop, substantially transversely to the fluid channel, and a side of the stop situated opposite the fluid supply element, while the groove extends from the fluid channel as far as an outermost side of the fluid supply element. Such a nozzle is relatively easy to clean. What is also accomplished by this construction of the nozzle is that instances of clogging of the nozzle are comparatively rare. Such a nozzle provides that with each exchangeable holder, the first fluid is spouted from the fluid supply element into the first mixing chamber in the same manner.
In a further elaboration of the invention, the stop comprises an abutment surface which has substantially an equal shape and equal dimensions to the side of the fluid supply element situated opposite the stop. Thus, the fluid supply element fits onto the stop in just a single manner and/or position, which further promotes accurate positioning of the nozzle relative to the inlet opening of the first mixing chamber.
According to a further elaboration of the invention, the stop is provided with a notch or a protrusion, which notch or protrusion is situated substantially opposite the groove in the side of the fluid supply element situated opposite the stop and substantially connects to circumferential edges of the groove for forming a larger or a smaller nozzle, respectively. Through such a notch or protrusion that may be provided in the exchangeable holder, the diameter of the nozzle can be adjusted. In this way, it is possible to supply more or less fluid to the first mixing chamber during a same unit of time. For instance, in preparing a particular beverage, it may be desired to supply more fluid to the first mixing chamber in a shorter period than when preparing a different beverage. Owing to the notch, or the protrusion, being provided in the exchangeable holder, always the right nozzle is formed that is needed for the concentrate present in the holder, for preparing the associated beverage.
In a further elaboration of the invention, the system is provided with at least one gas supply opening which is, or can be set, in fluid communication for supplying gas, such as air or CO2, to the beverage in the system. Such a gas supply opening is for instance favorable for preparing a beverage with a fine-bubble froth layer or, for instance, a carbonated beverage. Preferably, such a gas supply opening can be formed by a second fluid channel provided in the fluid supply element, with the first fluid channel being arranged for supplying the first fluid, for instance water or steam, while the second fluid channel is arranged for supplying gas, for instance air or CO2.
In a further elaboration of the invention, an end of the second fluid channel is situated substantially above an end of the first nozzle in an outermost sidewall of the fluid supply element viewed from the side of the fluid supply element situated opposite the stop. If the fluid supply element is placed on the stop in the proper manner, both the first fluid, for instance hot water, and simultaneously also air can be supplied to the first mixing chamber. In this way, for instance a frothy hot cocoa can be prepared if a cocoa concentrate is provided in the storage space.
According to a further elaboration of the invention, slidably around the fluid supply element, a closing means is provided, which closing means is slidable from an open position in which the end of the second fluid channel and the end of the first nozzle are open, to a closed position in which one of the ends is closed to supply only the first fluid to the first mixing chamber or to supply only gas, such as air or CO2, to the first mixing chamber, respectively. According to a further elaboration of the invention, it is then preferred that the stop is provided with a cam, the cam being arranged to bring the closing means in use to a desired position and to keep it in a desired position. Depending on the kind of concentrate comprised by the exchangeable holder, for instance, there may or may not be a cam provided on the stop. If the concentrate merely requires that, in preparing the beverage, water be supplied to the concentrate, the cam on the stop will be arranged such that the outlet opening is closed to air. If both air and water are to be added to the concentrate, no cam will be provided on the stop of the exchangeable holder, or, for instance, a cam which is arranged such that the end of the second fluid channel and the end of the first nozzle are open.
In another embodiment of the invention, an end of the second fluid channel may be situated in the same plane in which the first fluid channel extends and be situated adjacent the end of the first fluid channel. It is possible that, according to a further elaboration of the invention, an end of the second fluid channel is in fluid communication with the first nozzle. Both the first fluid, for instance the hot water, and the air are supplied to the first mixing chamber via the same nozzle. Here, the stop, in a further elaboration of the invention, can comprise a closing cam which in use at least partly closes the fluid communication between the second fluid channel and the first nozzle. This closing cam may for instance be provided if only the first fluid is desired for preparing the beverage, for instance tea, where no froth layer is desired.
In a further embodiment of the invention, adjacent the end of the second fluid channel, a second nozzle is provided for dispensing gas, such as air or CO2, to the first mixing chamber. According to a further elaboration of the invention, the second nozzle may be formed at least for a part by a groove and/or channel, provided in a side of the stop situated opposite the fluid supply element, substantially transversely to the second fluid channel, while the groove and/or the channel extends from the second fluid channel to the inlet opening, while the first and second nozzles are situated substantially next to each other viewed from the side of the stop situated opposite the fluid supply element. The second nozzle, too, like the first nozzle when it is manufactured in this way, is replaced when exchanging the holder.
It is also possible, according to a further elaboration of the invention, that the second nozzle is formed at least for a part by a groove, which is provided in a side of the fluid supply element situated opposite the stop, substantially transversely to the second fluid channel, and a side of the stop situated opposite the fluid supply element, while the groove extends from the fluid channel as far as an outermost side of the fluid supply element, while the nozzles are situated substantially next to each other, viewed from the side of the fluid supply element situated opposite the stop. The second nozzle, too, is easy to manufacture in this way and also easy to clean, which is favorable to hygienic aspects of the system.
In a further elaboration of the invention, rotatably about the fluid supply element, a closing means may be provided which is rotatable from an open position, in which an end of the second nozzle and an end of the first nozzle are open, to a closed position, in which one of the ends is closed to supply only the first fluid to the first mixing chamber or to supply only gas, such as air or CO2, to the first mixing chamber, respectively. Such a closing means works in a same manner as the slidable closing means mentioned earlier. This closing means, too, can be positioned such that, for instance depending on the concentrate in the exchangeable holder, only the first fluid can be supplied, only air can be supplied or both can be supplied to the first mixing chamber simultaneously.
According to a further elaboration of the invention, the stop comprises at least one of a notch and/or a protrusion which in use is situated opposite at least one of the grooves of the first and second nozzles, while the at least one notch and/or protrusion substantially connects to circumferential edges of the respective grooves for respectively enlarging, reducing or closing the at least one nozzle. Such notches and/or protrusions provide an enlarged or reduced nozzle which, depending on the kind of concentrate in the holder, supplies a desired quantity of first fluid and/or gas in a particular unit of time to the first mixing chamber. Depending on the beverage to be prepared, the magnitude, more in particular the diameter of the nozzle, can be determined. If for instance the second fluid is a coffee concentrate and the first fluid is hot water and a cup of coffee with a slight froth layer is to be prepared, the second nozzle can be chosen to be relatively small by providing for instance a relatively large protrusion on the stop opposite the second nozzle. For instance for preparing a frothy cocoa from a cocoa concentrate and hot water, the second nozzle can be relatively large, for instance with a comparable diameter to the first nozzle. A large amount of air is then supplied to the first mixing chamber simultaneously with the hot water, so that the first and the second fluid mix and simultaneously are provided with much air in order to obtain the frothy composition.
Further, for preparing the beverage, a user of the system does not need to perform any extra operations to regulate the supply of the first fluid and/or the gas, such as air, to the first mixing chamber, since this is automatically done by the construction of the stop.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, between the side of the fluid supply element situated opposite the stop, and the side of the stop situated opposite the fluid supply element, a sealing is provided. Such a sealing forms a fluid-tight closure between the fluid supply element and the first mixing chamber and prevents leakage of the first fluid and/or air to other parts of the apparatus. Also, no loss of the fluid occurs during the supply of the fluid to the first mixing chamber. In this way, an accurate dosing of the first fluid is ensured, so that the beverage obtains the desired concentration.
In a further elaboration of the invention, the sealing comprises at least one sealing groove and a sealing edge fitting into the sealing groove, while the sealing groove extends adjacent the circumferential edge of the side of the fluid supply element situated opposite the stop and the sealing edge extends adjacent the circumferential edge of the side of the stop situated opposite the fluid supply element, or vice versa. In use, when the fluid supply element has been placed on the stop, the sealing edge falls into the sealing groove, thereby forming the sealing.
According to a further elaboration of the invention, the system may be provided with a control device for controlling the fluid dispensing device. Such a control device can for instance be arranged such that the fluid dispensing device independently supplies the first fluid and the gas to the first mixing chamber. Thus, for instance, first the first fluid may be supplied and after that an amount of air. It is also possible, however, that the fluid dispensing device is controlled to supply the first fluid and the air simultaneously. It is clear that also a different order of supply of the first fluid and air can be effected by the control.
In a further elaboration of the invention, the stop is rigid. Such a stop has as an advantage that the stop does not deform when the fluid supply element is placed on it, which limits deviations in the positioning of the outlet opening relative to the inlet opening of the first mixing chamber. In another embodiment of the invention, in use, under the stop, a retainer member is provided, such that when the fluid supply element is situated on the stop, the stop cannot deform. When the stop is not rigid, the retainer member can be placed under the stop, such that the stop retains its shape when the fluid supply element is placed on it. In this way, too, deviations in the positioning of the outlet opening relative to the inlet opening will be limited.
The invention further relates to an exchangeable holder arranged to be connected with an apparatus provided with a fluid dispensing device for in use dispensing under pressure at least a first fluid such as a gas and/or liquid to the exchangeable holder for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, wherein the exchangeable holder is provided with at least one storage space which is filled with a second fluid such as a concentrate, wherein the holder is further provided with at least a first mixing chamber, at least one outlet opening which is in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber for dispensing the beverage from the first mixing chamber, wherein in use at least one fluid communication between the storage space and the first mixing chamber for dispensing the second fluid to the first mixing chamber is present, wherein the holder comprises at least one inlet opening which, in use, is detachably connected with an outlet opening of the fluid dispensing device for supplying the first fluid to the first mixing chamber, wherein the fluid dispensing device is designed for supplying the first fluid under pressure to the first mixing chamber, so that in the first mixing chamber the first fluid and the second fluid mix together for obtaining the beverage which thereupon leaves the exchangeable holder via the outflow opening, wherein the holder is further provided with a stop against which a fluid supply element of the fluid dispensing device forming at least a part of the outlet opening abuts in use, such that in use the first fluid is supplied through the inlet opening of the holder into the first mixing chamber and then, along a certain path within the first mixing chamber, does not hit any inner walls of the first mixing chamber.
Such an exchangeable holder has the same advantages and effects as those mentioned in connection with the system described above.
Finally, the invention relates to an apparatus for use in a system as described above. Such an apparatus provides equal advantages to those mentioned in connection with the above-described system.
Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.
The invention will now be further elucidated with reference to the drawing, in which
a shows a first embodiment of a system for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption;
b shows the system according to
c shows the system according to
a shows a top plan view of an exchangeable holder;
b shows a partly perspective view of the exchangeable holder from
a-3d schematically show cross sections A-A′ of different embodiments of the holder and the fluid supply element from
a shows a schematic cross section B-B′ of an embodiment of the holder and the fluid supply element from
b shows a perspective bottom view of a fluid supply element;
c shows a perspective view of a part of the holder; and
Reference is first made to
The exchangeable holder 2 is provided with at least one storage space 8, which is filled with a second fluid, such as a beverage, a concentrate or a powder. In this example, the storage space 8 is formed by a rigid wall. However, this is not requisite. In this example, a concentrate for preparing coffee is involved. The holder 2 is further provided with at least a first mixing chamber 10 and at least one outflow opening 12, which is in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber 10. The holder 2 is further provided with a fluid communication 14 between the storage space 8 and the first mixing chamber 10. The holder 2 is furthermore provided with at least one inlet opening 16, which is detachably connected with an outlet opening 18 of the fluid dispensing device 6. In
In this example, the system is further provided with a restriction 20 which is included in a fluid flow path 22 which extends, via the outlet opening 18 of the fluid dispensing device 6, the inlet opening 16 and the first mixing chamber 10, from the fluid dispensing device 6 to the outflow opening 12.
More particularly, it holds in this example that the restriction 20 is included in a fluid flow path 22 which extends, via the outlet opening 18 of the fluid dispensing device 6 and the inlet opening 16 of the exchangeable holder 2, from the fluid dispensing device 6 to the first mixing chamber 10.
The storage space 8 forms at least a part of a dosing device 24 as will be further explained hereinafter. In this example, this dosing device 24 is further provided with a needle 24 which, in use, is pierced through a wall of the storage space 8 for supplying a third fluid to the second fluid in the storage space 8 for dispensing the second fluid in a dosed manner to the first mixing chamber 10. In this example, the dosing device 24 is further provided with a fluid dispensing unit 32 which is connected to the needle 28. The fluid dispensing unit 32 and the needle 28 form part of the apparatus 4. The fluid dispensing unit 32 is detachably connected, in this example at least via the needle 28, with the holder 2.
The apparatus 4 is further provided with a control device 34 for controlling the fluid dispensing device 6 and the fluid dispensing unit 32. To control the fluid dispensing device 6 and the fluid dispensing unit 32, the control device 34 generates control signals ŝ which are supplied to the fluid dispensing device 6 and the fluid dispensing unit 32. In this example, the control device 34 is designed for controlling the fluid dispensing device 6 and the fluid dispensing unit 32 independently of each other.
The system 1 described up to this point works as follows. For the purpose of preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, the exchangeable holder 2 is placed in the apparatus 4. Here, the storage space 8 of the exchangeable holder 2 is placed under the needle 28. Also, as shown in
Since in the system 1 according to the invention both the dosing of the concentrate over time and the dosing of the hot water over time can be regulated well, it can be provided that the concentration of the amount of concentrate in the beverage can be accurately determined. Furthermore, it can be provided that the beverage which, during its preparation, leaves the outflow opening 12, is of constant quality, i.e., the concentration of the concentrate in the beverage that is dispensed can be kept substantially constant during dispensing, if so desired. The fact is that in this example, the flow rate of the water and the flow rate of the concentrate that are supplied to the first mixing chamber 10 can each, if so desired, be controlled independently of each other. Therefore, it holds in this example, that the system 1 is designed such that the fluid dispensing device 6 and the dosing device 24 can supply, independently of each other, the first fluid and the second fluid, respectively, to the first mixing chamber 10. This implies that the magnitude of the flow rate of the first fluid and the period during which the first fluid is dispensed are independent (in this example through control of the control device) of the magnitude of the flow rate of the second fluid and the period during which the second flow is dispensed.
It further holds in this example that the dosing device 24 is a controllable and active dosing device for supplying the second fluid to the first mixing chamber by applying an increased pressure or force to the second fluid. Herein, an active dosing device is understood to mean that the second fluid flows through the fluid communication from the storage space to the first mixing chamber as a result of an excess pressure or force applied on the side of the storage space.
In the example, the system 1 is further provided with an air inlet opening 42. The air inlet opening 42 ensures that air is supplied to the first mixing chamber 10 so that, in use, air is beaten into the beverage for obtaining a beverage with a fine-bubble froth layer. Thus, a café crème can be obtained. In this example, the air inlet opening 42 is in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber 10 downstream of the restriction 20. In this example, the air inlet opening 42 terminates, via a fluid communication 44, in the fluid flow path 22. In this example it therefore holds that the air inlet opening 42 and the restriction 20 each form part of the apparatus 4. However, this is not requisite. It will be clear that the air inlet opening 42 and/or the restriction 20 can form part of the exchangeable holder 2.
After the beverage, in this example coffee with a fine-bubble froth layer, has been prepared, the control device 34 stops the fluid dispensing device 6. The control device 34 also ensures that the third fluid is no longer supplied to the second fluid in the storage space, and that the needle 28 is retracted from the respective wall of the storage space 8, i.e., in a direction opposite that of the arrow Pa. Here, it may be that the control device 34 first provides that the dispensing of the second fluid to the first mixing chamber is stopped and that after that, the supply of the first fluid (in this example water) is stopped. Thus, the risk of the second fluid contaminating, for instance, the restriction 20 is reduced.
c shows a situation where the needle 28 is pierced through a wall of the storage space 8 and the third fluid is supplied under pressure to the second fluid in the storage space 8. The situation shown occurs at the moment at which the control device 34 will stop the supply of hot water to the first mixing chamber 10, will no longer cause the third fluid to be supplied to the second fluid in the storage space 8, and will cause the needle 28 to be retracted from the respective wall of the storage space 8 so that the holder 2 may thereupon be taken from the apparatus 4 again.
After this, a user can remove the exchangeable holder 2 and, if a new amount of beverage is to be prepared, place a new exchangeable holder in the apparatus 4. The new exchangeable holder may be provided with an entirely different type of second fluid, such as, for instance, a milk concentrate. When, with the aid of the new exchangeable holder, milk is prepared in a manner comparable to that as described for the preparation of coffee based on coffee concentrate, no trace of the previously prepared type of beverage will be found in the milk prepared. The reason is that the first mixing chamber 10 forms part of the exchangeable holder and when a new exchangeable holder is placed in the apparatus 4, also an entirely new and hence clean first mixing chamber is placed in the holder. Accordingly, there can be no contamination involved.
In the example of
In the example of
Reference is now made to
a shows a top plan view of an exchangeable holder according to an embodiment of the invention. The holder 102 in this example comprises a blister package and may for instance be a disposable package, with a first portion 102a being preferably a deep-drawn part, for instance from a plastic, and a second portion (not shown) being a covering (see
The holder 102 has two storage spaces 108, 109, which both can comprise different second fluids, for instance concentrates, for instance a coffee concentrate and a milk concentrate for preparing for instance cappuccino or café au lait. It is noted that in the example shown, the holder 102 has two outflow openings 112.
The holder is further provided with a stop 117, against which a fluid supply element (not shown) of the fluid dispensing device 6 (see
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
In
In
Such a closing means may also be provided in the embodiment of the invention as represented in
In
In
Finally,
It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described. Various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The stop of the exchangeable holder may for instance be provided with at least one groove and/or channel for forming at least one nozzle, arranged for operatively cooperating with a fluid channel that is provided in the fluid supply element. The groove and/or the channel is then provided in a side of the stop situated opposite the fluid supply element, substantially transversely to the fluid channel, and extends from the fluid channel to the inlet opening. In such an embodiment of the holder, it is not necessary that a groove is provided in the fluid supply element. The fluid supply element can therefore be made of relatively simple design and along with the exchangeable holder the nozzle is replaced, so that it does not need to be cleaned. Evidently, the nozzle may be formed in the stop by merely a groove, merely a channel or a combination of a groove and a channel, extending from an end of the at least one fluid channel to the inlet opening of the first mixing chamber to spout fluid into the first mixing chamber. Further, it is clear that different shapes of the groove and/or the channel also belong to the invention.
Further, an exchangeable holder, instead of comprising one or two storage spaces for a further second fluid, may also comprise more than two storage spaces for several possibly different second fluids. The second fluids may for instance be miscible with and/or soluble in the first fluid. In the example, the storage spaces were filled with coffee concentrate and/or milk concentrate. Other fluids, whether or not based on concentrate, are also conceivable. To be considered here, for instance, are a squash or powder for preparing a lemonade. When through the second fluid channel of the fluid supply element CO2 is supplied to the first mixing chamber, a carbonated lemonade can be prepared. The apparatus may further be provided with additional storage spaces which may for instance be filled with additives such as, for instance, soluble powders or concentrates. These powders too may be supplied to the first mixing chamber for instance through displacement using a third fluid, or by emptying the respective storage space through squeezing. Here, for instance, flavor enhancers, sugars, cocoa and the like can be involved. Also, milk powder and/or milk creamer can be considered. Generally, it holds that the second fluid, apart from being a liquid such as a concentrate, can also be a powder and the like, which is for instance soluble in the first fluid or miscible with the first fluid, for instance soluble in a liquid such as water. Also, a second fluid in the storage space may comprise both a concentrate and a powder, whether or not in mixed form.
Such variants are each and all understood to fall within the framework of the invention. The temperature of the first fluid can vary. For instance, the first fluid can also consist of water at room temperature, or cold water. Also, the temperature of the first fluid which is supplied to the holder for preparing a beverage may vary over time. Further, the gas supply opening may be arranged for supplying air or CO2 to the first mixing chamber. However, it is also possible for steam to be supplied to the first mixing chamber through the gas supply opening. The control device can control the fluid dispensing device for dispensing the first fluid and/or the gas to the first mixing chamber through the fluid supply element, but may also control any closing means for closing at least one outlet opening. The control device can also control the fluid supply element for the positioning thereof on the stop.
The volume of a storage space may for instance vary from 5 to 150 ml, more particularly from 6 to 50 ml. A passage opening of the restriction can for instance vary from 0.4 to 1.5 mm, more particularly from 0.6 to 1.3 mm, still more particularly from 0.7 to 0.9 mm. The pressure at which, in use, the liquid dispensing device dispenses the first fluid can vary from 0.6 to 12 bar, more particularly from 0.7 to 2 bar, preferably from 0.9 to 1.5 bar. The period during which the first fluid is supplied to the first mixing chamber for preparing the beverage can vary from 2 to 90 seconds, more particularly from 10 to 50 seconds. The size of the air inlet opening, when this is fully opened, can vary from, for instance, 0.005 to 0.5 mm2.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1031622 | Apr 2006 | NL | national |
| 1032090 | Jun 2006 | NL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NL2007/050161 | 4/19/2007 | WO | 00 | 1/29/2009 |
