Description

The present invention relates to a single-use container for a single portion substance such as a beverage concentrate, to a beverage dispensing apparatus and to a method of use of such disposable containers.

It is known to prepare beverages using disposable containers such as pouches holding therein a single portion substance, such as concentrated beverage. Generally, such a container is placed in a beverage dispensing apparatus at the moment when a beverage needs to be prepared. Next, the entire contents of the container are released and, together with a separately provided quantity of aqueous based mixing liquid such as water, dispensed into for example a glass. Then the used container is discarded.

US 2013/001 1521 relates to a capsule for holding in an interior space a portion of a product for preparing a food product in a food product preparation apparatus.

A problem of the above mentioned known capsule is that it requires a relatively large amount of space in a dispensing apparatus. Also, more material is needed so as to provide the required additional available space inside the capsule such that the portion of the product can be mixed with mixing liquid inside the capsule. Also, it is difficult to control the mixing behaviour.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage container which is compact and which can be manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.

Said object is achieved by means of the single-use container according to the invention, for a single portion substance, such as a beverage concentrate, wherein the container comprises:

- a holder having an interior space for holding the substance, wherein the holder is configured such that the volume of its interior space can be decreased, and

- a connector which is sealingly connected to the holder, which connector has a mixture outlet, a mixing liquid inlet, and a substance inlet which is in liquid communication with the interior space of the holder, wherein the container is configured such that the substance from the holder is released from the holder, through the substance inlet, into the connector, as a result of a decrease of the volume of the interior space, preferably caused by an external force, such as preferably due to mechanical pressing, applied to the holder, wherein the connector comprises

- a body part which is sealingly connected to the holder and in which the substance inlet is provided,

- a mixing chamber within the connector, which is in liquid communication with the substance inlet, the mixing liquid inlet and the mixture outlet, and which is configured for receiving therein substance through the substance inlet and mixing liquid through the mixing liquid inlet, and for releasing a mixture of substance and mixing liquid through the mixture outlet,

- an unblocking element which is movable between a passive position, in which the substance inlet is blocked such that substance cannot flow from the interior space of the holder, through the substance inlet, into the connector, and an unblocking position, in which substance is free to flow through the substance inlet, and

wherein the connector further comprises a movable part which is provided in a cavity of the body part such that it can move in the cavity, which movable part comprises the unblocking element.

Preferably, the movable part is accessible from outside the container, such that it can be operated from the outside, so as to at least move the movable part in such a manner that the unblocking element moves from its passive to its unblocking position. Preferably, the movable part is designed such that it can be slid into the cavity from outside the container, to a first depth in the cavity, so as to put the unblocking element in its passive position, wherein preferably the movable part is designed such that in use it slides from the first depth to a second depth deeper into the cavity so as to move the unblocking element from its passive to its unblocking position.

It is an advantage of the container according to the invention that because of the provision of a mixing chamber in the connector, to which mixing chamber substance and mixing liquid are supplied in use, no additional space and thus no additional material for mixing the substance with the mixing liquid needs to be provided within the holder. In addition, an adequate and predictable mixing behaviour can be achieved, in comparison with systems in which substance and mixing liquid are separately dispensed and externally mixed in some part of the dispensing machine, or even in a glass or other receptacle. Such an external mixing option is hard to control and reproduce since the substance such as beverage concentrate and mixing liquid are dispensed separately without controlled interaction. In use of the container according to the invention, the mixing process is to a large extent independent on the apparatus in which the container is used, and the receptacle such as a drinking glass in which the mixture is poured. Such a connector having a mixing chamber can be compact in design and cost-efficient. Using the unblocking element, a robust closure of the interior space of the holder is provided prior to the use of the container. Also, the use of the mentioned connector having a body part and a movable part, which movable part comprises the unblocking element, makes it possible to fill the holder, as part of the production process of the container, with substance very easily and hygienically. The invention makes it possible to fill the substance via the connector, while the movable part is not put in place yet. After the filling operation, any gas such as air can be released very easily from the holder by decreasing its volume very slightly. Then, the movable part can be placed within the cavity of the connector, such that the unblocking element is put in its passive position.

Additionally is noted that US 5,992,685 discloses a concentrate package including an integral concentrate container and a pump, mixer and nozzle unit. This package is used for the subsequent delivery of a plurality of individual small quantities so as to be able to dispense a plurality of individual beverages. The pump is used to take in a quantity of concentrate from the container each time so as to provide an individual beverage. The present invention does not relate to such packages for multiple use.

The movable part may in an embodiment be provided in the cavity such that it can move in the cavity by sliding the movable part with respect to the body part. Alternatively the movement may consist of or comprise rotation of the movable part with respect to the body part.

In an embodiment, the movable part at least partly bounds the mixing liquid inlet and/or the mixture outlet. Preferably, the mixing liquid inlet is bounded by the cavity and the movable part. Preferably, the movable part also comprises the mixing liquid inlet and/or the mixture outlet. The mixing liquid inlet may be formed by a channel within the movable part. Preferably, the movable part comprises both the mixing liquid inlet and the mixture outlet.

In an embodiment, the connector of the container has several mixing liquid inlets, preferably all being in liquid communication with the mixing chamber and preferably all being provided in the movable part. As a result of the use of several mixing liquid inlets, several different mixing liquids may be used, such as water and steam.

In an advantageous embodiment, the substance inlet is provided in a bottom of the cavity separating the interior space of the holder and the cavity, and wherein preferably the mixing liquid inlet and/or, preferably and, the mixture outlet, is/are provided at a free end face of the movable part remote from the bottom of the cavity.

In an embodiment, the mixing chamber is formed by a recess in the body part of the connector, which recess is sealingly covered by a cover element, which cover element has a through hole forming the substance inlet, wherein the cavity is in fluid connection with the mixing chamber.

In an embodiment, the substance inlet and the mixing fluid inlet are fluidly connected to the mixing chamber via a single fluid passage, preferably between the cavity and the mixing chamber.

In an embodiment, the container has an outer seal, covering at least the mixing liquid inlet and the mixture outlet. Preferably, the outer seal is sealingly fixed to the body part so as to close off the cavity, wherein the movable part, including the mixing liquid inlet and/or the mixture outlet, is/are located within the cavity. This ensures a highly hygienic sealing of the parts of the container which come into contact with liquid.

Preferably, the unblocking element is formed by a free end of the movable part, preferably by a protrusion on the movable part, and wherein the body part and the movable part are configured such that the unblocking element moves from its passive position to its unblocking position when the movable part slides further into the cavity, wherein at least in the unblocking position the unblocking element extends through the substance inlet into the interior space of the holder. In an embodiment, the unblocking element blocks substance flow through the substance inlet by a sealing engagement with a sealing edge of the substance inlet. In an alternative embodiment, the substance inlet is sealed off by an inner seal, wherein upon movement to the unblocking position, the unblocking element pierces through the inner seal. Such an embodiment having an unblocking element piercing through the inner seal, is less preferably, however. The reason is that it is more difficult to guarantee a very high level of hygiene.

In an embodiment, the unblocking element is configured to be only movable for a single instance from the passive position to the unblocking position. This can be achieved by a snap-like provision at the substance inlet, for example.

In an advantageous embodiment, in its unblocking position, the unblocking element functions as a substance flow limiter in that the unblocking element defines the cross-sectional area of the substance inlet, which cross- sectional area is predetermined, preferably in dependence on the type of substance which is or at least is intended to be held in the holder. This way, the movable part, which includes the unblocking element, may be chosen based on the type of substance which is filled or to be filled in the holder. For example, for a substance having a relatively high viscosity, the unblocking element may be designed such that it leaves open a relatively large cross-sectional flow area, while for a substance having a relatively low viscosity, the unblocking element may be designed such that it leaves open a relatively small cross-sectional flow area. Said area may also or alternatively be chosen based on the required mixture ratio or mixing behaviour, such as flow rate, of substance and mixing liquid, for example.

Preferably, the mixing chamber is enclosed by the body part and the movable part.

In an advantageous embodiment, the mixing chamber is provided with static mixing elements that defines a labyrinth-like flow path for substance and mixing liquid through the mixing chamber. As a result, a very high degree of mixing can be achieved which is in particular of advantage for substances of a relatively high viscosity.

Preferably, the holder is a pouch. A pouch can be made in a very cost-efficient manner and its volume, i.e. the volume of its interior space, can be decreased in an easy manner such as by compressing it using some actuator, or using compressed air, for example. In a highly preferred embodiment, the container is configured such that the mixture is released from the mixture outlet as a result of an external force on the holder in combination with a pressurized supply of mixing liquid through the mixing liquid inlet. The pressure on the substance resulting from the external force and the pressure of the mixing liquid are above ambient pressure.

In an embodiment, the container, preferably the connector thereof, has a machine readable identification element, preferably on an outer surface thereof. Such an identification element, which is to be read out by a reading element of the dispensing apparatus in use, can be used for preparation, user and inventory control. User control may be for parental control purposes such as to control time limits or quantity limits on soft-drinks, protection codes for alcoholic drinks, and maximum allowable nutritional consumption. The identification element may be used in order to detect the type of container and/or the type of substance held in the holder of the container. This information may be used to set the volume of mixing liquid required for the particular container holding the substance, for example.

The machine readable identification element may for example comprise an RFI D tag or a barcode or QR code.

In the mentioned embodiment wherein, in its unblocking position, the unblocking element functions as a substance flow limiter, the mutual position of the unblocking element and the substance inlet, determining the degree of resistance for the flow, in the unblocking position may be set in accordance with a predetermined value of said degree of resistance. The predetermined value is preferably determined based on information contained in the machine readable identification element.

The container may be provided with locking means to lock the mutual position of the movable part and the body part, such as in passive position and/or in the unblocking position of the unblocking element. The locking means may be formed as a snap connection. As a result, for example, an unintended movement of the movable part from the unblocking position to the passive position, or, for example, an unintended movement from the passive position away from the unlocking position, and/or an unintended release of the movable part from the cavity, can be effectively avoided.

The interior space of the holder of the container may have several individual compartments for mutually different substances such as coffee concentrate and milk. In the unblocking position of the unblocking element, substance may flow from said individual compartments via the substance inlet into the mixing chamber. In a further embodiment, the connector may have several substance inlets, each connecting the mixing chamber of the connector to one of the several compartments of the holder, wherein the unblocking element may have several individual unblocking element parts, each arranged for blocking or unblocking one of the substance inlets. Upon movement of the movable part, the several individual unblocking elements may be arranged to unblock their associated inlets at the same time or subsequently.

Preferably, the container also comprises the single portion substance, wherein the substance preferably is a beverage concentrate intended to be mixed with aqueous based liquid as the mixing liquid, such as water or carbonated water, for example hot, cold or at ambient temperature, so as to obtain a beverage as the mixture.

The preparation volume, or, the total volume of mixture having the substance and a predetermined amount of mixing liquid, is preferably in the range of about 25 - 1000 ml, more preferably in the range of 75 - 750 ml, and even more preferably in the range of 100 - 400 ml.

The invention also relates to a mixture dispensing apparatus, comprising a container receiving chamber for receiving therein a container according to the present invention, wherein the apparatus has a connector receptacle, in which the connector of the container can be positioned, and an actuator element, which is configured for at least substantially completely decreasing the volume of the interior space of the holder, i.e. emptying the interior space of the holder, at least when a container is placed in the container-receiving chamber.

Preferably, the apparatus has an unlocking mechanism which is configured to force the movable part of the connector further into the cavity of the body part of the connector, so as to move the unblocking element, from its passive position, to its unblocking position.

Preferably, the connector receptacle has a support for the movable part, in which support a mixing liquid supply outlet is provided, which outlet is in liquid communication with the mixing liquid inlet of the connector, wherein the unlocking mechanism is configured to move the body part in the direction of the support, at least when a connector is positioned against the support. Preferably, the connector receptacle has several mixing liquid supply outlets. In this way, different mixing liquids can be separately provided. Depending on the container and the positioning of the mixing liquid supply inlet(s) thereof, one or another or several mixing liquids may be supplied to that container.

In an advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has a guide for guiding the receptacle from a loading position, in which a container can be loaded to or unloaded from the receptacle, to an operating position, in which the container is received in the container-receiving chamber.

Preferably, in the operating position, a mixing liquid supply inlet of the receptacle is connected to a mixing liquid supply duct of the apparatus, while in the loading position, said inlet is free from said duct so that any residual mixing liquid can freely flow out of the receptacle through said inlet.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to apply a negative force onto the holder such as to prevent release of any substance from the holder, immediately prior to the application of a positive force of the holder so as to decrease the volume of the interior space of the holder.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may be arranged to supply steam to the mixture, or to the mixing liquid inlet, so as for example to add an amount of foam to the mixture.

The apparatus may have several combinations of a container receiving chamber, a container receptacle, and an actuator element, so as to increase the capacity of the apparatus, and preferably so as to be able to prepare a single beverage using substance from more than one container at the same time.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may be arranged for preparing a single beverage using more than one container subsequently loaded into a single receptacle.

The invention further relates to a combination of a container according to the invention and an apparatus according to the invention.

The present invention will be elucidated hereinbelow by means of a description of a number of preferred embodiments of substance containers according to the invention with reference to the following figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view, obliquely from below, of a first preferred embodiment of a container according to the invention, wherein connector components are shown in unassembled state, Figure 2 is sectional view along the line 11-11 of figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view, obliquely from above, of a connector component of the container of figure 1 ,

Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line l l-l l of figure 1 , in assembled condition of the connector,

Figure 5 is a three-dimensional view, obliquely from above, of a further embodiment of a connector component for use in the container of figure 1 ,

Figure 6 is a three-dimensional view, obliquely from below, of a first preferred embodiment of a dispensing apparatus according to the invention, shown in combination with part of the container of figure 1 ,

Figure 7 is a three-dimensional view, of a connector of a second preferred embodiment of a container according to the invention, and

Figure 8a and 8b show sectional views along the line VII I-VII I of figure 7, in two respective operating states of the container.

Figure 1 shows a container 1 , being a preferred embodiment of a single-use container according to the invention. The container 1 has a holder 2 which is only displayed schematically. The holder 2 has an interior space 3 for holding therein the substance, wherein the holder 2 is configured such that the volume of its interior space can be decreased. In the present example, the holder 2 is a pouch. The holder 2 of the container 1 holds a beverage concentrate intended to be mixed with water as mixing liquid so as to obtain a beverage as a mixture. The container 1 also comprises a connector 4 which comprises a body part 6 which is sealingly connected to the holder 2 at the location of the part 17 of the body part 6 having grooves on the circumferential surface. The sealing connection may be realized by (plastic) welding or gluing, for example. The body part 6 has a cavity 7. The cavity 7 has a bottom 8 and a circumferential wall 9. The bottom 8 forms the boundary between the interior space 3 of the holder 2 and the cavity 7 of the connector. The bottom 8 is provided with a through hole forming a substance inlet 10 which is in liquid communication with the interior space 3 of the holder 2.

The holder 2 in the form of a pouch is configured such that the substance from the holder 2 is released from the holder 2, through the substance inlet 10, into the connector 4, as a result of a decrease of the volume of the interior space under the influence of an external force applied to the holder 2. The connector 4 also comprises a movable part 12. The movable part 12 has a cross-sectional outer shape that is designed to slidingly fit in the cavity 7. As is shown in the figures, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 7 and the movable part 12 is oval, at least in the present example. The movable part 12 of the connector 4 has a mixture outlet 14, a mixing liquid inlet 16, and an unblocking element 20 in the form of a protrusion on the top of the movable part 12 facing the bottom 8 of the cavity 7. The unblocking element 20 is provided in line with the substance inlet 10 and is movable between a passive position, in which the substance inlet 10 is blocked such that substance cannot flow from the interior space 3 of the holder 2, through the substance inlet 10, into the connector 4, and an unblocking position, in which substance is free to flow through the substance inlet 10. The unblocking element is designed to function as a valve, wherein a tapered sealing edge 24 is in sealing contact with a corresponding tapered sealing edge 26 of the substance inlet 10, at least in the passive position of the unblocking element. Alternatively one of the unblocking element and the inlet 10 may be provided with a sealing element such as an O-ring, and the other one of the unblocking element and the inlet may have a cylindrical outer or inner surface, respectively, configured to be in sealing contact with the O-ring in the passive position. The mixing liquid inlet 16 and the mixture outlet 14 are both provided at a free end face of the movable part 12 facing away from the bottom 8 of the cavity 7.

The movable part is provided with locking means in the form of a protrusion 41 which forms a snap connection with a corresponding protrusion 42 on the wall 9 of the cavity. Upon inserting the movable part 12 in the cavity 7, the protrusion 41 moves past protrusion 42 such that the movable part 12 cannot be removed from the cavity 7 any longer, at least without the use of some removal tool. Further locking means, preferably in the form of protrusions, may be provided on the wall 9 of the cavity, for example so as to keep the unblocking element 20 in its unblocking position.

The body part 6 and the movable part 12 are configured such that the unblocking element 20 moves from its passive position to its unblocking position when the movable part 12 slides further into the cavity 7. The body part 6 and the movable part 12 are made of a polymer material, preferably of PP, PE or PET, and preferably injection mouldable. The used material, and its properties regarding oxygen barrier, liquid barrier, micro organism barrier, temperature resistance in case of hot drinks, not giving taste, color to concentrate/mixture, food grade, bio- degradability, and so on, may be chosen in dependence of the substance to be filled in the holder of the container. Said parts are configured such that when a force is exerted on the movable part 12 in the direction of the bottom of the cavity 7, the unblocking element 20 moves into the interior space 3 holder, due to the slightly resilient nature of the material of the bottom 8 of the body part 6 and the unblocking element. That means, the sealing edge 24 moves past the sealing edge 26. In the unblocking position, the unblocking element 20 extends through the substance inlet 10 into the interior space 3 of the holder 2. Movement of the movable part 12 is limited by the end face 28 of the movable part 12 that faces the bottom 8 of the cavity that comes into contact with the bottom 8 of the cavity 7. The unblocking element 20 has a cavity 30 on its side, just below the sealing edge 24. The movable part 12 also has a cavity, which forms a mixing chamber 32 which is in contact with the cavity 30. The mixing chamber 32 also is connected to the mixing liquid inlet 16, via a channel 33 extending between the mixing chamber 32 and the mixing liquid inlet 16. See also figure 4. The mixing chamber 32 also is connected to the mixture outlet 14. Thus, the mixing chamber 32 in enclosed by the body part 6 and the movable part 12, as shown in figure 4, and is configured for receiving substance through the substance inlet 10 and mixing liquid through the mixing liquid inlet 16, and for releasing a mixture of substance and mixing liquid through the mixture outlet 14.

In its unblocking position, the unblocking element 20 functions as a substance flow limiter in that the unblocking element 20, more specifically its cavity 30, defines the cross-sectional area of the substance inlet 10, which cross-sectional area is predetermined in dependence on the type of substance which is held in the holder 2. For example, for a substance having a relatively high viscosity the unblocking element 20 would be designed such that it leaves open a relatively large cross-sectional flow area, while for a substance having a relatively low viscosity the unblocking element 20 would be designed such that it leaves open a relatively small cross-sectional flow area. Said area may also or alternatively be chosen based on the required mixture ratio of substance and mixing liquid.

In an alternative embodiment, a movable part 1 12 as shown in figure 5 is provided. Parts having the same or at least a similar function, are given the same reference signs as with the above described movable part 12, but to which 100 is added. In use of the movable part 1 12, a mixing chamber is provided in a space between surface 129 of the movable part, and end face 128, similar to end face 28, of the movable part 1 12. That is, in use end face 128 is in contact with the bottom 8 of the cavity 7 when the unblocking element 120 is in its unblocking position. The mixing chamber 132 is configured such that substance and mixing liquid entering the mixing chamber 132, at the location of cavity 130, both have to flow around unblocking element 120, through labyrinth-like channels 152 defined by mixing elements 150, to the chamber 1 15 in connection with the mixture outlet 1 14. Due to these labyrinth-like channels 152 within the mixing chamber 132, a very high degree of mixing is achieved in a very simple manner.

In use, mixture is released from the mixture outlet 14, 1 14 as a result of said external force on the holder 2 in combination with a pressurized supply of mixing liquid through the mixing liquid inlet 16, 1 16.

The connector 4 also has a machine readable identification element 60 on an outer surface thereof. This element 60 can be read by a reading element 85 (see figure 6) of a dispensing apparatus. Based on information of the element 60, settings like mixing liquid quantity and pressure of the apparatus may be adjusted so as to obtain an optimal mixture using the particular container 1.

Figure 6 shows, schematically, a connector receptacle 72 of a dispensing apparatus 70 being a preferred embodiment of a dispensing apparatus according to the invention. The apparatus 70 comprises a container receiving chamber 71 for receiving therein a container according to the invention. In figure 6 only the connector 4 of the container 1 is shown. The apparatus 70 has a connector receptacle 72, into a cavity 74 of which the connector 4 of the container 1 can be positioned. The apparatus also has an actuator element 75 which can be moved in the direction of the arrow 76 so as to decrease the volume of the interior space of the holder of the container 1 in use. Movement of the actuator element 75 is arranged by an electric motor coupled to a spindle. Alternatively the actuator element may be moved hydraulically of mechanically in another manner. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator element can be moved perpendicular to the direction of the arrow 76, i.e. sideways, to squeeze out the holder.

The apparatus 70 has an unlocking mechanism 78 which is configured to cause the movable part 12 of the connector 4 to slide further into the cavity of the body part 6 of the connector 4, so as to move the unblocking element 20 to its unblocking position. In figure 6 only one part of the unlocking mechanism 78 is shown. The mechanism is however arranged to engage the connector 4 on both sides thereof. To that end, the mechanism 78 can move in the direction 79 towards the connector 4, through openings 73 in the receptacle 72, until it engages a recess 1 1 of the body part 6 of the connector 4. Then it moves downwards, at least in the view of figure 6, in the direction of arrow 80. By doing so, the body part 6 of the connector 4 moves downwards, while the movable part 12 is supported on a support 81 (see figure 4) for the movable part 12, in which support 81 a mixing liquid supply outlet 82 is provided which is in liquid communication with the mixing liquid inlet 16 of the connector and in which support a mixture channel 83 is provided which is in line with the mixture outlet 14 of the connector 4. The unlocking mechanism is configured to move the body part 6 in the direction of the support 81 , at least when a connector is positioned against the support. By controlling the movement of the unlocking mechanism, the degree of resistance of the unblocking element, functioning as a flow limiter, can be set.

The apparatus 1 also has a guide 86 for guiding the receptacle 72 from a loading position, in which position the receptacle 72 is shown in figure 6, to an operating position on the right side of the loading position, at least in the view of in figure 6. In the operating position, the receptacle 72 is in line with the container receiving chamber 71 . Also the reader 85 is in close proximity to the identification element 60 of the connector 4, and the mechanism 78 is in line with the opening 1 1 of the receptacle 72. In the loading position, a container 1 can be placed in, and removed from, the receptacle 72. In the operating position, its substance can be released. In the operating position, a mixing liquid supply inlet 82a of the receptacle 72 is connected to a mixing liquid supply duct 87 of the apparatus 70. When moving from the operating position to the loading position, said inlet 82a disconnects from the duct 87. As a result, any residual mixing liquid can freely flow out of the receptacle through the inlet 82a. This increases the hygienic character of the apparatus, in particular in case that the apparatus is used for preparation of mixtures using a variety of different substances, such as for example different soft drink concentrates.

Figure 7, 8a and 8b show a container 200, being a further preferred embodiment of a single-use container according to the invention. Parts having the same or at least a similar function in comparison to container 1 are given the same reference signs, but to which 200 is added.

The container 200 has a holder 202, only schematically shown in figure 8a, which is the same as holder 2. The container 1 also comprises a connector 204. The container 200, preferably the connector of the container, may have an identification element. The connector 2014 comprises a body part 206 which is sealingly connected to the holder 202. The body part 206 has a cavity 207. The cavity 207 is formed as a through hole having a circumferential wall 209. A mixing chamber 232 is provided in the side of the body part 206 facing the holder 202. The mixing chamber 232 is connected to the cavity 207 through the opening 239 in the circumferential wall 209 of the cavity 207. An end face 228 of the body part, surrounding the mixing chamber 232, is covered by a cover plate 213 which is sealingly connected, such as by gluing, to the end face 228. A hole is provided in the cover 213, which forms the substance inlet 210 of the connector 2014. The cover plate 213 thus forms the boundary between the interior space holder 202 and the mixing chamber 232 of the connector 204. Said hole forming the substance inlet 210 is thus in liquid communication with the interior space of the holder 202. In the embodiment shown in figures 7-8b, the hole 210 is in line with the cavity 207.

The connector 204 also comprises a movable part 212. The movable part 212 has a cross-sectional outer shape that is designed to slidingly fit in the cavity 207. The movable part 212 of the connector 204 partly bounds the mixing liquid inlet 216. The movable part 212 has an unblocking element 220 in the form of a thickened end portion of the movable part 212. Said thickened end portion 220 provides the sliding fit of the movable part 212 in the cavity 207. The unblocking element 220 is provided in line with the substance inlet 10 and is movable between a passive position (figure 8a), in which the substance inlet 210 is blocked, and an unblocking position (figure 8b), in which substance is free to flow from the interior space of the holder 202, through the substance inlet 210, via the opening 239, into the mixing chamber 232 of the connector 4. In the unblocking position, the thickened end portion of the movable part 212 is moved past the opening 239 and past the cover 213, into the interior space of the holder 202.

The mixing chamber 232 is configured such that substance and mixing liquid entering the mixing chamber 232, at the location of opening 239, both have to flow through labyrinth-like channels defined by mixing elements 250, to the mixture outlet 214. The mixture outlet 214 is a though hole through the body part 206, closed off by the cover 213 at the side of the holder 202 and having an opening 237 in its circumferential wall which provides a fluid connection between the mixing chamber and the outlet 214.