Mixing device for beverage dispenser

Abstract

FIELD: food industry.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a mixing device for a beverage dispenser. The mixing device for mixing a powder and a liquid for use in a beverage dispenser comprises a mixing chamber comprising an inlet for the powder; a drain for a cleaning liquid; an inlet for the liquid; and an outlet for the mixing chamber for releasing the mixed powder; a chamber wall having a first base end and a second upper end, wherein at least one side wall extends upward between the base end and the upper end, wherein the outlet for the mixing chamber is located at the base end, and the inlet for the powder is located in the direction of the upper end; wherein the drain for the cleaning liquid is located vertically between the inlet for the powder and the outlet for the mixing chamber, and the inlet for the liquid is located vertically between the drain for the cleaning liquid and the outlet for the mixing chamber, a beverage dispenser comprises such a mixing device, and a method is also proposed for cleaning such a mixing device.EFFECT: ability to clean the mixing device without dismantling.24 cl, 5 dwg

Description

[0001] Field of application of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a mixing device for a beverage dispenser. Preferably, the mixing device is designed to be cleaned without disassembling it, directly in the beverage dispenser.

[0003] Prerequisites for the creation of the invention

[0004] Coffee dispensers that prepare and dispense coffee beverages are well known in the art. Many of these well-known devices can dispense beverages containing dry powders mixed with a liquid, such as water or milk. Such powders can include chocolate powder or various flavored powders. Mixing the powders is typically accomplished in some form of mixing chamber, where the powder and liquid are introduced and mixed to produce the final product.

[0005] To maintain the quality of drinks, the mixing device must be cleaned regularly.

[0006] The present invention is directed to an improved mixing device and associated beverage dispenser.

[0007] Statement of the invention

[0008] The present invention provides a mixing device, a beverage dispenser and a method for cleaning the mixing device in accordance with the attached claims.

[0009] The present invention provides a mixing device for mixing a powder and a liquid for use in a beverage dispenser, wherein the mixing device may comprise a mixing chamber containing an inlet for the powder; an inlet for the liquid; and an outlet of the mixing chamber for discharging the mixed powder.

[0010] The mixing chamber may further comprise a drain. The drain may be a cleaning fluid drain. The cleaning fluid drain may be a common drain. The common drain may be configured to receive excess cleaning fluid from the mixing chamber.

[0011] The outlet of the mixing chamber and / or the outlet for the mixed powder of the mixing device may be in fluid communication with the outlet channel of the beverage dispenser, so that the mixed powder can be supplied to the outlet channel of the beverage dispenser. In addition, the outlet of the mixing chamber and / or the outlet for the mixed powder of the mixing device may be selectively in fluid communication with a drain so that the cleaning liquid can be drained through the outlet of the mixing chamber and / or the outlet for the mixed powder. The beverage dispenser may be configured to selectively change the configuration to connect the outlet of the mixing chamber and / or the outlet for the mixed liquid to a drain or an outlet channel, depending on the function implemented by the beverage dispenser, i.e., the cleaning function or the beverage preparation function.

[0012] Equipping the mixing device with a cleaning fluid drain allows for cleaning without disassembling the device. The cleaning fluid drain can be connected to a drain pipe or the external drain of a beverage dispenser.

[0013] The mixing chamber may include an air inlet for allowing air to enter the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber may include a chamber wall. The air inlet may be formed by the chamber wall or provided within the chamber wall. The air inlet may be an opening through the chamber wall or partially defined by the chamber wall.

[0014] The mixing device may be located (or inserted) in the beverage dispenser in a position in which the upper edge of the chamber wall is separated from the opposite surface of the beverage dispenser. The gap may form an air inlet. The gap may allow the mixing device to move relative to the housing of the mixing device to allow the mixing device to be installed. The air inlet may be defined by an air flow channel for admitting air into the mixing chamber. The air inlet may be the only air inlet that is configured to pass air into the mixing chamber used. Thus, the mixing chamber may be substantially sealed, except for the air inlet, the powder inlet, the mixing chamber outlet, and the liquid inlet.

[0015] The mixing chamber may further comprise an outlet channel for removing air from the mixing chamber. The air inlet may be configured to replace air displaced through the outlet channel. The outlet channel may comprise a drain for cleaning fluid. The outlet channel may be in fluid communication with a negative pressure source, such as a fan.

[0016] The presence of an air inlet allows for induced air flow through the mixing chamber to promote the removal of moisture vapor from the mixing chamber and prevent moisture vapor from escaping into the powder inlet and the powder source beyond. The presence of an air inlet at the top edge of the mixing chamber wall allows the chamber wall to be closed as much as possible to prevent powder escaping, while simultaneously providing positive air flow through the mixing chamber for removal.

[0017] The presence of a cleaning fluid drain inside the outlet channel makes it possible to clean the inlet of the outlet channel with a flow of cleaning fluid and can reduce the number of connections required for the mixing chamber.

[0018] The mixing chamber may further comprise a chamber wall having a first base end and a second upper end. The chamber wall may comprise at least one side wall extending upward between the base end and the upper end. A mixing chamber outlet may be provided at the base end. A powder inlet may be provided in the direction of the upper end. The chamber wall may comprise a base portion and a side wall portion. The side wall portion may extend from the peripheral edge of the base portion. The mixing chamber may be circular in cross-section and may be substantially cylindrical. The base portion may be conical to create a funnel having a mixing chamber outlet at its lower portion.

[0019] The outlet of the mixing chamber may be an opening through which the powder mixed with the mixing liquid may exit the mixing chamber and the mixing device. In some embodiments, the outlet of the mixing chamber may be an outlet for the mixing liquid in the mixing device. In other embodiments, the outlet of the mixing chamber may comprise or be connected to a funnel (i.e., a channel). The funnel may be connected to a chamber with a stirrer, which may be configured to further mix and / or foam the mixed powder before flowing out of the mixing device. Thus, the mixing device may further comprise a chamber with a stirrer and / or a stirrer. The stirrer may have an impeller for mixing or foaming the mixed liquid.

[0020] The cleaning fluid drain may be located near the powder inlet. The cleaning fluid drain may be a drain for excess cleaning fluid and may be located at an upper level. The cleaning fluid drain may comprise an opening in the chamber wall. The opening may create a channel for the fluid to pass through and exit the mixing chamber. The drain opening may comprise an outlet opening. The cleaning fluid drain may be located, relative to the vertical orientation of the mixing chamber, between the powder inlet and the outlet of the mixing chamber. Thus, the upper portion of the mixing chamber may comprise a powder inlet and a cleaning fluid drain below the powder inlet, as well as an outlet opening of the mixing chamber below the cleaning fluid drain.The fluid inlet can be positioned vertically between the cleaning fluid drain and the mixing chamber outlet. Having the cleaning fluid drain at the top allows the mixing chamber to be filled with cleaning fluid during cleaning before discharging it through the cleaning fluid drain.

[0021] The mixing chamber may be configured to be substantially sealed below the level of the cleaning fluid drain during the cleaning operation, so that the mixing chamber can be filled with cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet. For example, the outlet channel of the mixing chamber or the connecting channel may be configured to be closed during the cleaning operation. The cleaning fluid drain may provide for the drainage of excess cleaning fluid received and retained in the mixing chamber. The excess drain may be an open hole in the side wall of the chamber. The excess drain may be configured to allow the cleaning fluid to fall from the mixing chamber under the action of gravity. Therefore, a drain pipe connected to the cleaning fluid outlet may provide a downward channel for the fluid.

[0022] The cleaning fluid drain may be configured to connect to the external drain of the beverage dispenser. The connection between the cleaning fluid drain and the external drain may be provided by a drain pipe. The cleaning fluid drain and / or the drain pipe for draining the cleaning fluid may include a valve to isolate the drain from the mixing chamber. The valve may be a pinch valve.

[0023] The outlet of the mixing chamber may comprise a funnel. The funnel may extend from the outlet of the mixing chamber and terminate in a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber may connect the mixing device to the beverage dispenser. The mixing chamber may be in fluid communication with or comprise an agitator. The agitator may be an impeller. The mixing device may further comprise an outlet for the mixed powder below the outlet of the mixing chamber. The chamber containing the agitator may have a powder outlet.

[0024] The funnel may comprise an adapter from a vertical flow path to a horizontal flow path. The mixing chamber may be configured to be mounted on the beverage dispenser in a horizontal direction. The funnel and / or the mixing chamber and / or the mixing chamber may comprise an outlet for the mixed liquid of the mixing device. The outlet for the mixed liquid may be configured to drain liquid from the mixing chamber and / or the mixing chamber. The fluid may be a cleaning fluid or a liquid with a mixed powder, or a mixing liquid. The outlet for the mixed liquid may be configured to connect to the external drain of the beverage dispenser. The connection between the outlet for the mixed liquid and the external drain may be carried out through a channel / pipe. The channel / pipe may comprise a valve for isolating the outlet for the mixed liquid from the external drain.The valve may be a pinch valve. The external drain may be formed by the outlet channel of the beverage dispenser. The outlet of the mixing chamber of the mixing device may be referred to as a low-level cleaning fluid drain. In some embodiments, the mixing device may be equipped with a separate low-level cleaning fluid drain and a mixed fluid outlet.

[0025] The mixing device can be installed inside the beverage dispenser in the mixing device body.

[0026] The liquid inlet may comprise a first liquid inlet and a second liquid inlet. The first liquid inlet may be a mixing liquid inlet configured to receive the mixing liquid from the beverage dispenser. The second liquid inlet may be a cleaning liquid inlet configured to receive a flow of cleaning liquid from the beverage dispenser. The liquid inlet may be a combined liquid inlet configured to receive the mixing liquid for mixing with the powder and the cleaning liquid for filling the mixing chamber during the cleaning procedure. The beverage dispenser may be configured to dispense the cleaning liquid or the mixing liquid in accordance with a predetermined operating mode.

[0027] As noted above, the mixing device may further comprise an air inlet. The air inlet may be configured to admit air into the mixing chamber. In particular, the air inlet may be configured to admit air to replace the air displaced through the outlet channel. The mixing device may further comprise an outlet channel for removing air from the mixing chamber. The outlet channel may be configured to be connected to a source of negative air pressure to create an air flow from the air inlet to the applicable outlet channel. The outlet channel may comprise a drain for cleaning fluid.

[0028] An air inlet may be formed at the upper end of the mixing chamber wall. The air inlet may be formed by a gap between the chamber wall and the opposite wall of the mixing device housing of the beverage dispenser. The inlet may be located near the powder inlet. The powder inlet may be formed radially inward of the air inlet. The air inlet may be annular and may surround the powder inlet. The air inlet may be formed by an end of the side wall that is remote from the base. The gap between the chamber wall and the opposite wall of the mixing device housing may be from 5 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 1 mm, or more preferably from 1 mm to 2 mm.The air inlet may be formed by a cutout in the chamber wall, which reduces the height of the chamber wall to create a gap between the chamber wall and the opposite wall of the mixing device housing. The cutout may follow an arc of the chamber wall. The arc may be less than 180 degrees, preferably less than 120 degrees, and more preferably 90 degrees or less. The cutout may be circular. The cutout may be centered on the outlet channel.

[0029] The powder inlet may be formed by the open end of the mixing chamber. The open end may be defined by the end edge of the side wall and / or the top wall of the chamber and / or the inner wall of the chamber.

[0030] The powder inlet and / or the upper end of the chamber wall can be sealed to the mixing device body. The powder inlet can be configured to receive a powder inlet funnel. The open end of the mixing chamber can be configured to receive the powder inlet funnel. The powder inlet funnel can be configured to be inserted into the powder inlet after the mixing device is inserted into the mixing device body. The powder inlet funnel can be sealed within the powder inlet.

[0031] The liquid inlet may include a liquid inlet channel that extends tangentially to a wall of the chamber, such as a side wall.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a beverage dispenser is provided comprising any mixing device according to the present invention. The beverage dispenser can dispense a consumable liquid to a person. The beverage dispenser can dispense one or more of coffee, tea, chocolate, and / or soup. The beverage dispenser can be a vending machine.

[0033] A beverage dispenser may comprise a mixing device housing in which a mixing device is located. The beverage dispenser may comprise a cleaning liquid source and a mixing liquid source. The beverage dispenser may be configured to connect the cleaning liquid source and the mixing liquid source to a liquid inlet. The beverage dispenser may comprise an external drain. The external drain may be connected or configured to connect to the cleaning liquid drain. The external drain may be connected or configured to connect to a mixed powder outlet such that the mixed powder outlet can function as a drain.

[0034] The mixing device body may comprise a plurality of ports for connecting to the inlet and outlet openings of the mixing device. The ports may comprise one or more of a powder inlet port, a liquid inlet port, a cleaning liquid drain port, an outlet port, and a mixed powder outlet port. Two or more ports may be configured to receive corresponding inlet or outlet openings in a common direction. The common direction may be in a horizontal plane. Two or more ports may be provided on a common wall or in a common plane of the mixing device body. The two or more ports may include a liquid inlet and a stirrer port, and, optionally, an outlet port.

[0035] The mixing device may comprise a plurality of inlet and / or outlet openings on the same side so that the mixing device can be inserted into the beverage dispenser from a single direction. A liquid inlet, optionally a chamber with a stirrer, and optionally an outlet channel may be provided on a first side of the mixing device. An outlet for the mixed powder and / or a drain for the cleaning liquid may be provided on a second side of the mixing device. The first and second sides may be opposite each other. The mixing device may be removably mounted within the housing of the mixing device or may be permanently fixed within the housing of the mixing device.By removable installation, it is meant that the mixing device can be easily removed manually by the end user, as opposed to requiring, for example, the use of a tool to remove one or more retaining fasteners for maintenance or repair purposes.

[0036] The mixing device may be attached to the beverage dispenser only by means of a connection provided by one or more inlet or outlet openings.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for cleaning a mixing device in a beverage dispenser is provided, comprising: filling the mixing chamber with a cleaning liquid; and allowing the cleaning liquid to drain from a cleaning liquid drain. The cleaning liquid drain may be a drain for excess cleaning liquid. The method may further include draining the cleaning liquid from a mixed powder outlet and / or a low-level drain. The method may further include changing the configuration of the mixed powder outlet so that it is connected to an external drain of the beverage dispenser, thereby being configured as a low-level drain for the cleaning liquid. The method may further include functionally inserting the mixing device into the beverage dispenser before use.

[0038] In one embodiment, the (autonomous) cleaning method may include closing the outlet to isolate the supply fluid source so that the device can enter the cleaning mode. Preferably, all subsystems can then be flushed to remove any remaining supply fluid from the supply fluid circuit. Cleaning fluid can then be supplied to the supply fluid circuit. This can come from a cleaning fluid reservoir. The device can heat the cleaning fluid to a temperature of at least 50°C, preferably at least 60°C, preferably at least 70°C, and most preferably about 75°C. The device can circulate the cleaning fluid through all subsystems at the elevated temperature for a selected period of time, for example, at least 2 minutes, preferably at least 3 minutes, preferably at least 4 minutes, and more preferably at least 5 minutes.The cleaning fluid can then be drained from the supply circuit. It is preferable to flush all subsystems to remove any remaining cleaning fluid. The outlet can then be opened to return the unit to supply mode.

[0039] The device can be used in intermediate flush mode, in which the outlet can be closed to isolate the source of the supplied liquid, allowing the device to enter intermediate flush mode. Preferably, all subsystems can then be flushed to remove any residual supplied liquid from the supply circuit. After this, the outlet can be opened to return the device to dispensing mode.

[0040] One skilled in the art will understand that, except where mutually exclusive, a feature described with respect to any aspect, embodiment, or example described herein may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect, embodiment, or example. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and / or in combination with any other feature described herein.

[0041] Brief description of graphic materials

[0042] For a better understanding of the invention, one or more embodiments of the invention will be described below, solely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying graphic materials, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 shows an example of a mixing device for mixing powder in a beverage dispenser;

[0044] Figure 2 is a rear view of the mixing device shown in Figure 1;

[0045] Figure 3 shows a horizontal projection view of the mixing device;

[0046] Figure 4 shows the mixing device body and various connecting holes for the mixing device; and

[0047] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a beverage dispenser that contains a mixing device.

[0048] Detailed description of the invention

[0049] Figure 1 shows an example of a mixing device 10 located inside the body of a beverage dispenser 500.

[0050] The mixing device 10 of the described embodiment is designed to mix a dry powder, such as chocolate powder, or some other flavor additives for a beverage, coffee, tea, soup, etc., and a liquid, such as water or milk, and is configured to receive a flow of cleaning liquid directly on site. Thus, the mixing device 10 can be installed inside the beverage dispenser 500 and used in the preparation of one or more beverages (which may be referred to as drinks) during cleaning without the need to remove it from the beverage dispenser 500. Furthermore, the mixing device 10 can be cleaned without the need for the user to move it or change the configuration of the mixing device 10, thereby reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing the degree of automation of the cleaning process and the convenience of the beverage dispenser 500.

[0051] The term "beverage dispenser" can refer to any machine used to prepare and dispense consumable liquids, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, or soup. A beverage dispenser can also be a vending machine.

[0052] The term "powder" referred to herein may include the term "dry edible powder," which refers to a solid powder suitable for ingestion by humans or animals. The powder may contain a certain amount of moisture, but preferably it will be less than 10% by weight, more preferably less than 6% by weight, more preferably less than 5% by weight, and most preferably less than 3% by weight. The type of dry food powder preferably corresponds to the type of beverage concentrate. The dry food powder may comprise any suitable, preferably soluble beverage powder, such as instant coffee, tea, fruit, milk, cream, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, soup ingredients, and combinations thereof. For example, when the mass is obtained from coffee extract, the dry food powder is preferably a regular coffee powder, such as spray-dried coffee powder, having a moisture content of from 1 to 6% by weight.

[0053] The powdered material may be in any form, including tablet form, and may be processed by any means suitable for use in a beverage preparation machine. For example, the powder may be processed by spray drying, agglomeration, freeze-drying, granulation, or pressing into a soluble tablet containing the beverage ingredient powder.

[0054] As best seen in Figures 1-4, the mixing device 10 comprises a mixing chamber 12 (which may be referred to as a mixing bowl) located within the housing 14 of the mixing device. The mixing chamber 12 may have an inlet 16 for powder, a drain 18 for cleaning liquid, an inlet 20 for liquid, and an outlet 22 of the mixing chamber for draining the powder mixed with the liquid received from the inlet 20 for liquid.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a rear view of the mixing chamber 12 facing the mixing chamber 36, which is in fluid communication with the outlet 22 of the mixing chamber 12, the outlet 24 for the mixed powder and the outlet channel 26, while Figure 3 shows a top view of the mixing chamber 12, which shows the inlet 16 for powder, the inlet 20 for liquid and the outlet 22 of the mixing chamber 12. Figure 4 shows the connection of the various inlet openings and outlet openings of the mixing device.Thus, an air outlet 27 is shown, which is connected to the outlet channel 20 and is in fluid communication with a source of negative pressure, such as an exhaust fan 27', a stirrer 23, which is connected to the stirrer housing 36, an outlet pipe 24a for mixed powder and an inlet opening 17 for powder, which may include a funnel located inside the inlet opening 16 for powder.

[0056] The liquid inlet 20 may be configured to supply liquid for mixing with the powder and / or supply cleaning liquid for cleaning the mixing chamber 12. In the following description, the liquid inlet 20 is a combined liquid inlet 20 that is separately connected to a source of mixing liquid and a source of cleaning liquid. In some embodiments, the cleaning liquid and the mixing liquid may be the same, for example, water. In some embodiments, there may be separate liquid inlets for the mixing liquid and the cleaning liquid.

[0057] The outlet channel 26 is optional and is provided to ventilate the mixing chamber 12 during the mixing process and / or the cleaning process. The air inlet 28 can also be further formed and configured to allow air, moved through the outlet channel 26 or otherwise, to enter the mixing chamber 12. The presence of the outlet channel 26 and the air inlet 28 allows for the regulation of the air flow through the mixing chamber, thereby minimizing the powder exit from the mixing chamber 12 and / or preventing the exit of liquid (e.g., liquid or vapor) from the mixing chamber into the powder inlet 17.

[0058] The outlet channel 24 for the mixed powder is in fluid communication with the outlet channel 46 of the beverage dispenser 500. One or more drains of the mixing device 10 may also include an outlet opening 24 for the mixed powder. The outlet opening 24 for the mixed powder may allow any liquid to be removed from the mixing chamber 12 into the external drain 40 of the beverage dispenser 500. The drained liquid may be residues from the mixing process or cleaning liquid. One or more drains may also include a drain 18 for cleaning liquid, which is designed to drain the cleaning liquid from the upper level. The drain 18 for cleaning liquid can be considered a drain for excess cleaning liquid, through which the cleaning liquid flows under the action of gravity when the height of the cleaning liquid reaches the overflow level.

[0059] The mixing chamber 12 may comprise a chamber wall 30 that forms an internal volume for receiving powder from the powder inlet 16 and mixing liquid from the liquid inlet 20. The resulting powder and mixing liquid may be mixed in the internal volume defined by the chamber wall 30 before being discharged from the mixing chamber 12 as a mixed powder stream through the mixing chamber outlet 22.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, the wall 30 of the chamber comprises a base portion 30a, which is located at the lower, first end of the wall 30 of the mixing chamber, and an upper, second end. The side wall 30b extends from the base portion 30a to the upper end. In the embodiment shown, the base portion 30a narrows to form a funnel that ends in the outlet opening 22 of the mixing chamber, in the form of an outlet funnel 32, into which the mixed powder from the mixing chamber 12 can flow. The funnel 32 extends from the outlet opening 22 of the mixing chamber 12 to the end, which is connected to an optional stirrer 23 provided in the housing 14 of the mixing device.

[0061] The outlet funnel 32 is optional, but it is advantageous because it allows the mixed powder to be received from the mixing chamber 12 and delivered to the smaller mixed powder outlet 24. The funnel 32 may include a transition from vertical to horizontal, as shown. If the funnel 32 is missing, the outlet 22 of the mixing chamber 12 may be directly connected to a correspondingly positioned mixed powder outlet pipe 24a or the mixing chamber 36.

[0062] The side wall 30b in the illustrated embodiment extends vertically upward from the peripheral edge of the base portion 30a to the end that forms the upper end of the mixing chamber 12. The side wall 30b may be purely vertical or may be inclined to the vertical and contain various sections or portions that extend in different directions. Thus, the side wall 30b may contain one or more curved sections when viewed in section and / or, as shown, include one or more steps, tapered portions and / or shoulder portions. In addition, the side wall 30b and the base portion 30a may be formed as a single solid wall having a tapering profile. The taper angle of the base portion 30a in the drawings is shown to be approximately 30 degrees, but this is not limiting, and other angles are possible. The side wall 30b may be substantially cylindrical.

[0063] The powder inlet 16 is formed at the upper end of the mixing chamber 12 by an opening that creates a powder flow path from the outside of the mixing chamber 12 to the internal volume. The powder inlet 16 may be any suitable opening and may be located above the mixing chamber 12. Thus, as shown, in some embodiments, the upper end of the mixing chamber 12 may be open so that some amount of powder can settle into the internal volume from above, preferably under the action of gravity. The powder inlet 16 may be located centrally relative to the mixing chamber 12 such that the center of the powder inlet 16 is coaxial with the internal volume and / or the central longitudinal axis of the mixing chamber 12.The powder inlet 16 may be limited by the end of the side wall 30b and / or the horizontally extending upper part of the chamber wall 30 and / or the mixing chamber 12.

[0064] The side wall 30b of the described embodiment is shown as ending in an upper edge that optionally includes a tapering cone. The side wall 30b also includes a cutout at the uppermost edge that provides separation from the opposite upper wall of the housing 14 of the mixing device, thereby providing an air inlet 28 that extends along an arc of approximately 90 degrees. The cutout is shown as curved, having a constant radius when viewed from the rear in Figure 2, and located in the center of the outlet channel 26. It should be understood that other positions, sizes, and shapes of the air inlets 28 are possible. For example, the air inlet 28 can be formed by a common separation between the upper edge of the side wall 30b and the cover of the mixing device chamber.

[0065] In some embodiments, the upper edge of the side wall 30b may extend inward toward the center of the mixing chamber 12, thereby forming a portion of the upper wall that overhangs and partially covers the interior volume of the mixing chamber 12. The radially extending flange may end with an axially extending annular flange, forming an inwardly directed skirt that limits and thereby defines the extent of the powder inlet opening 16. The combination of the side wall 30b, the upper wall, and the axial flange may give the wall of the chamber 30 an inverted J-shape in cross-section. The axially extending wall may be referred to as the inner wall of the mixing chamber.

[0066] The powder inlet 16 is configured to receive a certain amount of powder from a powder source, such as a hopper 54, as shown in Figure 5. As noted above, in the embodiment shown in Figures 2a-2c, the powder inlet 16 is located above the mixing chamber 12 and, therefore, the powder can be fed at least partially under the action of gravity. Therefore, once the powder is released from the hopper 54 to a point above the powder inlet 16 in the mixing chamber, gravity can cause the powder to fall into the mixing chamber 12 for mixing.

[0067] The hopper 54 may be close to the inlet opening 16 for powder, but it should be understood that in some embodiments there may be a connecting channel that extends between the mixing chamber 12 and the remotely located hopper 54. The hopper 54 and / or the connecting channel may contain a metering device that extracts the required amount of powder from the hopper 54 into the mixing chamber 12.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, the boundary between the powder source and the powder inlet 16 may comprise a powder inlet funnel 34. The powder inlet funnel 34 may be configured to direct the powder into the mixing chamber 12 and / or align or receive within the powder inlet 16 of the mixing chamber 12. In the embodiment shown, the powder inlet funnel 34 is provided with a flange that extends inward (in the axial downward direction) from the housing 14 of the mixing device into the volume of the mixing chamber 12.

[0069] The mixing chamber 12 can be arranged to tightly accommodate the powder inlet funnel 34 in order to minimize the powder exit from the mixing chamber 12 during the settling or mixing of the powder. In some embodiments, the powder inlet funnel 34 can be matingly connected to the wall 30 of the chamber. Except for the air inlet 28 (if any), the powder inlet funnel 34 can be tightly inserted into the wall 30 of the chamber in some embodiments or it can be inserted freely, thereby forming a passage for the air flow between them to draw air into the internal volume under the influence of the negative pressure provided by the outlet channel 26, and / or for some degree of movement between the mixing device 10 and the housing 14 of the mixing device, to simplify the installation.It should be understood that the cut-out inlet opening shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4 reduces the chord height of the chamber wall 30, which may facilitate the installation of the wall of the chamber used.

[0070] The mixing chamber 12 comprises an inlet 20 for liquid and, as noted, the liquid can be any suitable liquid with which the powder can be mixed, and can be or may contain, for example, milk or water. With regard to the direction of the flow of powder, which passes from the inlet 16 for powder to the outlet 22 of the mixing chamber, the inlet 20 for liquid can be configured to supply liquid between the inlet 16 for powder and the outlet 22 of the mixing chamber so that the liquid and powder can converge and mix within the internal volume. The introduction of liquid downstream of the powder allows them to be properly mixed before the outlet 22 of the mixing chamber. The inlet 20 for liquid can be designed as an opening or nozzle having a flow channel that passes through the wall 30 of the chamber, for example, the side wall 30b.

[0071] To facilitate mixing, the liquid inlet 20 can be provided with an initial flow path at an angle to the powder flow path so as to ensure proper mixing of the powder and liquid upon collision of the powder and liquid. The liquid path can be perpendicular to the direction of powder flow. For example, when the powder is introduced from above and falls vertically into the volume of the mixing chamber 12, as shown in the described embodiment, the liquid can be introduced with a predominantly horizontal component (which can be completely horizontal). In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the liquid inlet 20 can extend tangentially into the mixing chamber 12 to create an annular flow around the side wall 30b and / or the base portion 30a, thereby providing improved mixing flow with the powder around the circumference of the mixing chamber 12.Since the tangential velocity of the liquid is reduced due to mixing, the mixed powder can flow under the action of gravity into the outlet 22 of the mixing chamber.

[0072] Thus, as shown in Figure 3, the inlet opening 16 for liquid may include a pipeline 20a, which extends to the wall 30 of the chamber and connects with it tangentially to the circular side wall 34. The pipeline 20a forms a path for the liquid, which passes through the wall 30 of the chamber, so that the liquid is introduced tangentially with respect to the inner surface of the wall 30 of the chamber. The pipeline 20a is located vertically between the inlet opening 16 for powder and the outlet opening 22 of the mixing chamber and, as shown, may be located above the base part 30a.

[0073] The liquid inlet channel formed by the pipeline 20a may be configured to be received in a corresponding liquid inlet opening 21 provided in the mixing device body 14 of the beverage dispenser 500. The pipeline 20a may be connected to the liquid inlet opening 21 using known methods. For example, the pipeline 20a may be sized to sealingly enter the liquid inlet opening 21. The liquid inlet port 21 may comprise one or more elastically deformable sealing elements, such as rings, that slidably receive the outer surface of the pipeline 20a, so that the mixing device 10 can be easily connected to the beverage dispenser 500 by the user, who will not have the need to additionally connect (or disconnect) the liquid inlet pipeline 20a manually.

[0074] It should be understood that the liquid inlet 20 will be connected to the source of the liquid to be used, and the liquid may be under pressure when entering the mixing chamber 12. The pressure may be created, for example, by the main water supply system or an internal pump.

[0075] As shown, the outlet 22 of the mixing chamber can be located at the lowest point of the mixing chamber 12 and is configured to receive the mixed powder. The outlet 22 of the mixing chamber in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a tubular outlet funnel 32 that transfers the flow of the mixed powder from a vertical trajectory to a horizontal one. Thus, the tubular outlet funnel 32 comprises a first vertical part that is connected to the mixing chamber 12 and a second horizontal part that extends from the vertical part to the mixing chamber 36 of the mixing device 10. The mixing chamber 36 can be configured to receive or communicate via fluid with the impeller 23, which is provided in the housing 14 of the mixing device of the beverage dispenser 500.

[0076] The mixed powder outlet 24 may be in fluid communication with the outlet channel of the beverage dispenser 500, which discharges the mixed powder into the beverage receiving tank 48. Since the mixing chamber 36 is located at the lowest part of the mixing device, it may also contain the mixed powder outlet 24. The mixed powder outlet 24 may be configured to drain residual mixed powder or cleaning liquid, depending on the process being performed. The mixed powder outlet 24 may be connected to the external drain 40 via a suitable tube, such as the mixed powder outlet tube 24a.The external drain 40 may be a dedicated drain connected to a waste disposal system, such as a container or main drain, or it may be formed by a discharge channel 46 that delivers the discharged liquid to a drip tray or a temporary drain located under the discharge channel during the cleaning procedure. The discharge pipe 24a for the mixed powder may comprise a valve 42 (see Figure 5) configured to close the pipe 24a, which allows the mixing chamber to be filled with cleaning liquid.

[0077] The mixing chamber 36 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 may have a wider cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet funnel 32 of the mixing chamber. The wider cross-sectional area allows the stirrer 23 to be placed inside the chamber, and also makes it possible to place the outlet opening 24 for the mixed powder inside the mixing chamber 36 and to place it at the lowest point of the mixing device 10.

[0078] The transition between the mixing chamber 36 and the outlet funnel 32 of the mixing chamber can be formed by widening the outlet funnel 32 or by stepwise changing the relative diameters of the funnel 32 and the mixing chamber 36, or by using a conical section. Essentially, as shown in the drawings, the outlet funnel 32 can comprise a first tubular element having a first diameter, and the mixing chamber 36 can be provided with a second tubular element having a second, larger diameter. The outlet funnel 32 and the mixing chamber 36 can be arranged coaxially.

[0079] The stirrer 23 may be configured to further stir and / or foam the mixed powder obtained within the mixing chamber 36, as is known in the art. Furthermore, the stirrer 23 may be configured to provide a pumping action to initiate and / or expel liquid from the outlet 24 for the mixed powder. Liquid drainage from the outlet 24 may be achieved additionally or alternatively by gravity and / or siphon action.

[0080] The connection of the tube 24a with the outlet 24 for the mixed powder can be provided on the part of the mixing device 10 that faces backward from the chamber 36 with the stirrer. In this way, the outlet 24 can be accessible for the user's action after the mixing device 10 is installed in the housing 14 of the mixing device, so that the tube 24a can be connected to the outlet 24 after the mixing device 10 is installed inside the beverage dispenser 500. Thus, as shown, the outlet 24 for the low-level mixed powder is provided on the radial part of the wall of the chamber 36 with the stirrer that faces backward and towards the user inserting the mixing device 10 into the beverage dispenser 500.

[0081] The mixing device 10 can be detachably attached to the beverage dispenser 500. Thus, the mixing device 10 can comprise one or more fastening elements or attachment points that are used to attach the mixing device 10 to the beverage dispenser 500 (or its intermediate structure). The mixing device 10 shown in Figures 1-4 is provided with a plurality of attachment points, each of which is provided by connecting one or more, or outlet channels of the mixing device 10 to the beverage dispenser 500. Thus, the connection of the mixing device 10 can be realized by connecting one or more of the mixing chamber 36, the inlet pipeline 20a for liquid and the outlet channel 26 to the corresponding ports 23, 21 and 27 provided in the housing 14 of the device.The connections may be made using any suitable fastening known in the art, such as an interference fit, a push-fit connector, a bayonet connection, or a screw thread. Furthermore, in some embodiments, additional standard mechanical fasteners may be provided, and in some embodiments, the mixing device 10 may be permanently secured within the beverage dispenser 500.

[0082] To facilitate installation of the mixing device 10 in the beverage dispenser 500, in which the mixing device 10 is detachably secured, the mixing device 10 may comprise one or more handles. The handle may extend from the outer surface of the mixing chamber 12 and be console-shaped. The handle may be curved to facilitate gripping by the user. It should be understood that other handle and / or gripping element configurations are also possible.

[0083] To install the mixing device 10 on the beverage dispenser, it may be necessary for the powder inlet funnel 34, which extends vertically, to be inserted into the mixing chamber 12. Thus, the powder inlet funnel 34 can be inserted after installing the mixing device 10, or it may be necessary to insert it vertically into the mixing chamber 12 before establishing the connection of the various inlet and outlet openings, which can be joined horizontally. To achieve this, the powder inlet funnel 34 can freely enter the powder inlet opening 16, so that the mixing device 10 can be appropriately manipulated, for example, by rocking / rotating, to ensure the necessary horizontal connection after receiving the inlet funnel 34.

[0084] More generally, to clean the mixing chamber 12 and / or the mixing device 10, the mixing device 10 may be provided with an inlet 20' for cleaning liquid and a drain 18 for cleaning liquid. The mixing chamber 12 is designed to be cleaned in place without removal.

[0085] The cleaning fluid inlet 20' may be any suitable inlet through which a suitable cleaning fluid can be supplied. The cleaning fluid may be hot or cold water, or steam, and may contain one or more cleaning agents, such as, for example, detergent.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning liquid inlet 20' is a liquid inlet 20 used to supply liquid for mixing with the powder. Thus, the cleaning liquid may be water, the same water used for mixing with the powder. Alternatively, the beverage dispenser 500 may be configured to connect the liquid inlet 20, 20' to alternative liquid sources, depending on the use in any particular case. For example, the liquid inlet 20 may be connected to a source of cold water for mixing with the powder during beverage preparation and connected to a source of cleaning liquid for cleaning the device.It should be understood that the piping system in front of the liquid inlet 20, 20' may comprise any suitable combination of piping and / or valves necessary to connect the mixing liquid and cleaning liquid to the mixing device 10.

[0087] As noted, the mixing device 10 may have one or more drains for receiving the spent cleaning fluid. The drain may be the aforementioned lower-level mixed powder outlet 24 or its equivalent, located, for example, below the flow path of the mixed powder. Additionally or alternatively, the drain may be a cleaning fluid drain 18.

[0088] The cleaning liquid drain 18 in the embodiment is located closer to the upper end of the mixing chamber 12, so that the mixing chamber 12 can be filled with cleaning liquid before it reaches the upper-level cleaning liquid drain 18, which is configured to act as a drain for excess cleaning liquid. Essentially, during use, the mixing chamber 12 can receive cleaning agent from the cleaning liquid inlet 20' so as to fill the mixing chamber until a portion of the cleaning liquid drain 18 is submerged. A continuous flow of cleaning liquid can pass through the mixing chamber 12 and exit the cleaning liquid drain 18 over a predetermined period of time, so that a suitable level of cleanliness can be achieved.After this, the flow of cleaning fluid can be stopped, and the lower-level mixed powder outlet 24 is opened to allow the cleaning fluid to drain from the mixing chamber 12 and the mixing device as a whole. After the cleaning cycle, the mixing device 10 can be further rinsed with clean water.

[0089] The drain 18 for the cleaning liquid (which may be called the excess drain) may be located near the inlet opening 16 for the powder, so that the cleaning liquid is supplied as close as possible to the powder source and covers as much of the area that may be contaminated as possible. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the drain 18 for the cleaning liquid is provided near the upper end of the mixing chamber 12 and is an opening in the side wall 30b of the mixing chamber 12. Thus, as can be seen, the mixing devices 10 may comprise, in the powder flow direction (vertical): an inlet opening for the powder; a drain for the cleaning liquid; an inlet opening for the cleaning liquid; and an outlet opening of the mixing chamber. As noted above, the stirrer 23 and the mixing chamber 36 may be provided in the downstream flow path.

[0090] As in the case of the outlet 24 for the mixed powder, the drain 18 for the excess can be connected to the drain via one or more channels, such as a drain tube 18a, which is connected to the external drain 40 of the beverage dispenser 500. The drain tube 18a can contain a valve that prevents the exit or entry of liquid into the mixing chamber 12 when necessary, or can be permanently open. In use, the valve can be a pinch valve, which is configured to compress the drain tube 18a to prevent the flow of liquid or, optionally, gas through it. Any of the drains for the cleaning liquid, the drain 18 or the external drain 40, or both, or the corresponding piping system can contain a shut-off valve. In some embodiments, the tube 24a and the drain tube 18a can be combined so as to form a common drain pipe after the mixing device 10.

[0091] To prevent water vapor from entering the powder hopper 54 and to help prevent the unintentional release of powder from the mixing device 10 into the surrounding housing 14 of the mixing device, the mixing device 10 may comprise an outlet channel 26 and an air inlet 28. The outlet 26 may be connected to a negative pressure source or at least be in fluid communication with a negative pressure source, such as a fan 27', which may be provided by the exhaust system 52 of the beverage dispenser 500. Thus, when the negative pressure source is operating, air, moisture and / or powder can be removed from the interior of the mixing chamber 12 into a suitable external ventilation opening.

[0092] In order to create the necessary air flow and prevent air from being sucked in through the powder hopper 54, the mixing device 10 may comprise an air inlet 28. The air inlet 28 may be any suitable structure or opening through which air can be sucked in during the vacuuming of the mixing chamber 12. As described above, the air inlet 28 is provided by dividing the end of the wall 30 of the mixing chamber and the opposite wall of the housing 14 of the mixing device by a cutout. However, the division may be an annular division that completely extends around the end of the wall 30 of the chamber, or may be provided with one or more openings in the wall 30 of the chamber. One or more openings may be provided in the wall 30 of the chamber or between the uppermost edge of the wall 30 of the chamber and the opposite wall of the housing 14 of the mixing device.For example, the side wall 30b may comprise a plurality of teeth or recesses to provide a discontinuous separation between the side wall 30b and the housing 14.

[0093] The outlet 26 may be located under the inlet 16 for powder and under any funnel or flanges that extend into the mixing chamber 12. The outlet 16 may be located above the drain 18 for cleaning liquid so that the cleaning liquid does not enter the outlet channel 26. However, in some embodiments, the cleaning liquid may enter the outlet channel 26, which may additionally provide a drain 18 for the cleaning liquid.

[0094] The gap size between the upper edge of the chamber wall 30 and the opposite wall of the housing 14 of the mixing device may be on the order of millimeters in order to provide the necessary air flow and / or freedom of movement for installing or removing the mixing device 10. In some embodiments, the gap between the chamber wall and the opposite wall of the housing 14 of the mixing device may be from 5 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 1 mm, or more preferably from 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0095] As shown in Figure 4, the housing 14 of the mixing device may contain a number of ports that correspond to the various inlet and outlet openings of the mixing device 10. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, an inlet port 17 for powder, an inlet port 21 for liquid, a stirrer 23 and an outlet port 27 for air are provided. It should be understood that the inlet port 17 for powder may comprise an inlet funnel 34 for powder, described above. As noted above, the outlet opening 24 for mixed powder and the drain 18 for excess are connected through separate tubes 18a, 24a, however, in some embodiments, corresponding ports may be provided in the wall of the housing 14 of the mixing device.

[0096] Two or more ports may be located in the same plane or on the same side in the same direction, so that the mixing device 10 can be attached to the ports by an insert from one direction. Thus, as shown in Figure 5, a plurality of ports, namely, a liquid inlet port 21, a stirrer 23, and an air outlet port 27, are located on a common wall of the housing 14 of the mixing device. The stirrer 23 and the outlet port 27 can be located directly vertically above each other. The liquid inlet port 21 can be offset to one side of the stirrer 23 and the outlet port 27 to provide a tangential connection of the liquid inlet channel 20a with the mixing chamber 12. According to the above, the mixing device 10 can be configured to provide a plurality of connections on the same side.Thus, as shown in the figure, the inlet 20 for liquid, the chamber 36 with the stirrer, and the outlet channel 26 are located on the machine-facing side of the mixing device 10 and are configured to be inserted in a generally, for example, horizontal direction. In some embodiments, the outlet 24 for the mixed powder and the drain 18 for the cleaning liquid may be provided on the second side of the mixing device 10. The first and second sides may be opposite each other.

[0097] Figure 5 shows a beverage dispenser 500, in which the mixing device 10 of the present invention can be used. The beverage dispenser 500 can be any machine for preparing hot drinks, such as, for example, a coffee, hot chocolate or soup vending machine, as noted above. The mixing device 10 is located inside the housing 14 of the mixing device, which contains a housing in which the mixing device 10 used can be inserted and placed. The housing 14 of the mixing device can contain ports that provide various inlet and outlet openings for the mixing device 10. Thus, an inlet port 17 for powder, an inlet port 21 for liquid and a stirrer 23 are shown. Also shown are connection points for a lower-level outlet 24 for mixed powder and a drain hole 18 for cleaning liquid, which are connected to tubes 24a and 18a, respectively.As noted above, tube 24a provides fluid communication with outlet channel 42 and may include a shut-off valve, which may be a pinch valve 42, as shown, so that the mixing device can be filled with cleaning fluid. Drain tube 18a is connected to external drain 40. External drain 40 may be a dedicated drain that is connected to a waste collection system, such as a container or a main drain.

[0098] The outlet 24 may be configured to drain the cleaning liquid from the mixing device 10. The drain may be an outlet channel 46 or an external drain 40, or an outlet channel 46 may be provided that delivers the drained liquid to a drip tray or a temporary drain placed under the outlet channel during the cleaning procedure. In some embodiments, the outlet channel may be temporarily connected to the external drain via a drain pipe 40'. The drain pipe 40' may be provided with a temporary liquid collection device, as described in WO 2018 / 208156, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0099] The exhaust system 52 may comprise a source of negative pressure, such as a fan 27', which draws air from the mixing device 10.

[0100] The powder hopper 54 comprises a container in which powder can be stored and delivered to the powder inlet 16 of the mixing device 10 through a connecting channel. The channel may comprise one or more valves 58 or other means for dispensing a predetermined amount of powder from the hopper 54 to the powder inlet 16 through the powder inlet port 17. In some embodiments, the hopper 54 can be directly connected to the dispensing device 10 or to the housing 14 of the dispensing device.

[0101] The cleaning liquid can be supplied from the cleaning system 60. The cleaning system 60 can contain a source of a cleaning agent, such as a detergent, however, as noted above, in some embodiments, the cleaning agent can only include steam or hot or cold water. As such, the cleaning system 60 can contain a water heater and / or a source of water, which can be supplied from the main connection 66. The channel 62 connecting the cleaning system 60 to the inlet 20' for the cleaning liquid can contain a valve 64 to isolate the cleaning liquid from the mixing device when it is not in use.

[0102] The inlet 20 for the mixing liquid may be in fluid communication with a source of liquid (for example, water), for example, with a connection to the line 66 through the channel 68. The channel 68 may include a valve 70 and may be connected to the channel 62 in front of the mixing device 10 so that only one channel is connected to the inlet 207 for the cleaning liquid and the inlet 20 for the mixing liquid.

[0103] The beverage dispenser 500 may comprise a controller 72, which is configured to control various parts of the beverage dispenser 500 to enable beverage dispensing and cleaning processes upon user command. Thus, although not shown, the controller 72 is connected to each of the elements of the beverage dispenser 500 to enable the actuation and measurement required during beverage preparation or the cleaning process. The controller 72, actuators, and sensors provided on the various elements and communication lines for sending and receiving commands or data to and from the sensors are conventional, well known in the art, and are not described in detail here.

[0104] The controller 72 may comprise a user interface. The user interface may be configured to receive commands from the user and / or to provide a display for providing information to the user. The user interface may, for example, comprise an output display 74 and an input device 76, such as an input device with a touch screen or one or more buttons that enable the user to select options or control the machine.

[0105] The controller 72 may be configured to provide the user with the ability to select the type of beverage to be dispensed or to select a cleaning operation, for example, and / or may be configured to, for example, provide stock levels in the device or an operating mode.

[0106] The controller 72 may include a timer and / or scheduler that enables cleaning operations to be performed at predetermined times and / or according to a predetermined schedule. Thus, the controller 72 may be configured to automatically perform the cleaning operation without user interaction. Due to the configuration of the mixing device 10, the user is not required to perform any specific actions regarding the cleaning operation of the mixing device 10, so cleaning can be scheduled according to a preferred time of day or week.

[0107] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the beverage dispenser 500 may include a number of other components conventional in the art. For example, the beverage dispenser 500 may include a coffee maker, a water heater, a coffee hopper, a milk dispenser, a milk frother, and so on.

[0108] When used, the user can insert the mixing device 10 into the beverage dispenser 500 and connect the various inlet and outlet ports. As noted above, the insertion of the mixing device 10 requires a vertical movement to align the powder inlet port 17 and the powder inlet port 16 before rotating / rocking the mixing device 10 toward the wall of the device body, so that the liquid inlet 20 and the liquid inlet port 21; the mixing chamber 36 and the stirrer 23; and the outlet channel 26 and the outlet port 27 can be connected in the horizontal direction. The tubes 18a and 24a can be connected on site (if necessary), after which the mixing device 10 is ready for use.

[0109] As noted above, the beverage dispensing device 500 may comprise a controller configured to control the mixing device 10 as needed. The operation of the mixing device 10 includes starting the exhaust system to remove air from the outlet channel 26 while sucking air through the inlet 28, introducing a predetermined amount of powder into the mixing chamber 12 through the inlet 16 for powder, introducing a mixing liquid through the inlet 20 for liquid so that mixing can occur, and the mixed powder can exit the outlet 22 of the mixing chamber and enter the mixer 23 for delivery to the receiving tank for the beverage.

[0110] After a predetermined number of uses or a predetermined duration, the controller can control the cleaning system to supply cleaning liquid into the mixing chamber 12 through the inlet 20' for cleaning liquid. The outlet 24 for mixed powder can be closed while the cleaning liquid is supplied to the mixing chamber 12 so that it is filled to the level of the drain 18 for cleaning liquid, through which the used cleaning liquid flows out into the external drain 40 or continues to flow into another component of the cleaning circuit. After a sufficient amount of cleaning liquid has passed through the mixing chamber 12 or after a predetermined period of time has passed, the outlet 24 for mixed powder (or a special low-level drain) can be opened to drain the cleaning liquid that remains in the mixing chamber 12.The flow of cleaning fluid can be turned off to allow the liquid to drain, or it can be maintained to allow a continuous flow of cleaning fluid through the mixing chamber and then through the piping that forms the cleaning circuit or drain. The cleaning process may also include one or more rinse cycles to flush away any remaining cleaning fluid with clean water.

[0111] The mixing device of the present invention can be easily installed by the user in a beverage dispenser. In some embodiments, the positions of the inlet and outlet openings allow for installation from one direction. In some embodiments, providing drain connections on the opposite side of the inlet and outlet openings may allow for connecting the drains after insertion into the beverage dispenser.

[0112] The mixing device can be used to prepare one or more drinks. Furthermore, the mixing device can be cleaned without removing it from the beverage dispenser. Furthermore, cleaning the mixing device requires no additional user interaction, such as moving or reconfiguring it. Therefore, automated cleaning eliminates the need for user interaction with the mixing device after installation.

[0113] Another advantage of the mixing device according to the present invention is the presence of an exhaust system and an air inlet. Providing an air inlet channel around the edge of the mixing chamber wall and / or around the powder inlet channel allows for the creation of an air flow in the chamber to prevent liquid from escaping from the powder inlet and / or powder from leaking from the mixing chamber in an uncontrolled manner. Furthermore, the presence of an air inlet between the upper edge of the mixing chamber and the opposite surface of the mixing device body essentially limits the internal volume of the mixing chamber. The presence of an outlet channel in the mixing chamber for discharging into the mixing chamber can create a positive air flow through the air inlet, for example, a gap separating the chamber wall and the mixing device body, to minimize powder leakage.

[0114] The mixing device may include a stirrer, but it should be understood that this is optional and depends on the type of beverage being prepared. Thus, in some embodiments, the mixing device 10 may not include a stirrer or mixing chamber, and the outlet of the mixing chamber may be a mixed powder outlet (and optionally a bottom drain) of the mixing device.

[0115] One or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Various variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection provided by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mixing device for mixing a powder and a liquid for use in a beverage dispenser, comprising: a mixing chamber containing: powder inlet; drain for cleaning liquid; liquid inlet; and mixing chamber outlet for discharging mixed powder; a chamber wall having a first base end and a second upper end, wherein at least one side wall extends upward between the base end and the upper end, wherein the outlet opening of the mixing chamber is located at the base end, and the inlet opening for the powder is located in the direction of the upper end; wherein the drain for the cleaning liquid is located vertically between the inlet opening for the powder and the outlet opening of the mixing chamber, and the inlet opening for the liquid is located vertically between the drain for the cleaning liquid and the outlet opening of the mixing chamber.

2. The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the drain for the cleaning liquid is located near the inlet for the powder.

3. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the drain for the cleaning liquid comprises an opening in the side wall.

4. A mixing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning liquid drain provides for draining excess cleaning liquid received and retained in the mixing chamber.

5. A mixing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drain for the cleaning liquid is adapted to be connected to an external drain of the beverage dispenser.

6. A mixing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet of the mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the drain via a channel for draining the cleaning liquid, the channel comprising a shut-off valve.

7. The mixing device of claim 6, wherein the valve is a pinch valve.

8. A mixing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet of the mixing chamber comprises a funnel.

9. A mixing device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a chamber with a stirrer after the outlet of the mixing chamber.

10. A mixing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid inlet is configured to receive a mixing liquid for mixing with the powder and a cleaning liquid for filling the mixing chamber during the cleaning procedure.

11. A mixing device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an air inlet.

12. A mixing device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an outlet channel for removing air from the mixing chamber.

13. The mixing device according to claim 12, wherein the outlet channel is configured to be connected to a source of negative air pressure to provide air flow from the mixing chamber.

14. A mixing device according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the outlet channel comprises a drain for cleaning liquid.

15. A mixing device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the powder inlet is located radially within the air inlet.

16. A mixing device according to any one of paragraphs 11-15, if it is dependent on paragraph 2, in which the air inlet is provided at the upper end of the wall of the mixing chamber.

17. The mixing device according to claim 16, in which the air inlet is formed by a cutout in the end of the side wall, which is remote from the base.

18. A mixing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the powder inlet is formed by an open end of the mixing chamber.

19. The mixing device according to claim 18, wherein the open end is formed by the end of the side wall.

20. A mixing device according to any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the open end is adapted to receive a powder inlet funnel of a beverage dispenser.

21. A mixing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid inlet comprises a liquid inlet channel that extends tangentially to the side wall.

22. A beverage dispenser comprising a mixing device according to any of the preceding claims.

23. A method for cleaning a mixing device according to any one of paragraphs 1-21 in a beverage dispenser, comprising: functional insert of the mixing device into the beverage dispenser; filling the mixing chamber with cleaning liquid until the cleaning liquid is drained; and Providing an opportunity for the cleaning liquid to drain from the cleaning liquid drain.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the cleaning fluid drain is an excess drain.

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