Beverage preparation equipment and beverage vending machines

Abstract

A beverage preparation apparatus (1) for preparing instant beverages, comprising a conveying device (3), a mixing chamber (10'), at least one pump (23), at least one heat exchanger (24), at least one valve (25), and a control device (28), wherein the mixing chamber (10') has at least two injection ports (20, 21) for injecting jets (29, 31) of liquid media into the mixing chamber (10'), wherein at least two injection ports (20, 21) The mixing chambers (10') are arranged at intervals along the direction of the cavity axis (10a), wherein the mixing chamber (10') has cavity portions (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) arranged sequentially, wherein the inner diameter (net diameter) of these cavity portions (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) decreases from the cavity inlet (11) of the mixing chamber (10') to the cavity outlet (17) of the mixing chamber (10'). The sequentially arranged cavity portions (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) are all constructed with conical inner surfaces, and the mixing cavity (10') has an asymmetrical structure without a stirrer / mixing wheel, comprising a first cavity (100) and a second cavity (110) arranged sequentially. The cavity axis (10a) of the first cavity (100) and the cavity axis (10b) of the second cavity (110) are moved relative to each other by an offset (10c) and are therefore arranged eccentrically relative to each other. A beverage vending machine is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a beverage preparation apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1. This invention also relates to a beverage vending machine according to the preamble of claim 15. Background Technology

[0002] Such beverage preparation devices are used to prepare beverages by dissolving so-called instant powders or beverage powders in a liquid medium, primarily in water at varying temperatures. Examples of instant powders include milk powder, cocoa powder, chocolate powder, coffee powder, tea powder, and so on.

[0003] EP 1 859 715 B1 illustrates a device for the automatic dissolution of instant powders (especially milk powder) in hot water, and particularly for foaming.

[0004] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a beverage preparation apparatus 1' according to the prior art.

[0005] The beverage preparation apparatus 1' has a mixing chamber 2, a conveying device 3, and a stirring chamber 4 with a stirring wheel 5 and a stirring driver 6.

[0006] The mixing chamber 2 includes a hollow cylindrical cavity portion 2a, whose top surface is covered by a suction shroud 2b and whose bottom surface transitions into a conical pipe portion 2c via a tapered base. The pipe portion 2c is vertically bent at its free end and connected to the agitator chamber 4. In the agitator chamber 4, the agitator wheel 5 is rotatably driven onto the shaft of the agitator driver 6. The agitator chamber 4 is inserted into a holder 7, which is fitted onto the agitator driver 6. The holder 7 is inserted into the agitator chamber 4 in a canister shape. Its bottom wall has a support for the shaft and a bearing seal 8. Another housing seal 8a seals the edge of the holder 7 against the surrounding wall of the agitator chamber 4.

[0007] In the case of operating the beverage preparation apparatus 1', instant powder IP is conveyed from the storage container 3b through the opening of the suction hood 2b via a conveying device 3 with a conveying element 3a (e.g., with a screw) into the chamber portion 2a of the mixing chamber 2a via a slide 3c. The instant powder IP thus falls from above into the chamber portion 2a and mixes with the injected water. The injection of water into the chamber portion 2a is achieved through a side inlet (Zulauf) 2d, which passes through the chamber wall into the chamber portion 2a. The injected water and the supplied instant powder IP are conveyed to the stirrer chamber 4 through the pipe portion 2c. In the stirrer chamber 4, intense mixing occurs in the lower region of the pipe portion 2c, which leads into the stirrer chamber 4, by the stirrer wheel 5 rotated by the stirrer driver 6. Here, the instant powder IP dissolves in the injected water. The product thus mixed is given through the outlet (Ablauf) 9 connected to the stirrer chamber 4. Water vapor formed is extracted through the suction hood 2b.

[0008] There is a need to improve existing implementation schemes in order to continuously enhance comfort during the operation, cleaning, and maintenance of beverage preparation equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the present invention has the objective of creating an improved beverage preparation apparatus in which the costs of components, assembly and maintenance are significantly reduced or at least maintained.

[0010] The present invention solves this task by a beverage preparation apparatus having the features of claim 1 and by a beverage vending machine according to claim 15.

[0011] The inventive idea is as follows: a mixing chamber is provided with a liquid medium, such as water, injected twice for dissolving the instant powder in the medium.

[0012] A beverage preparation apparatus according to the invention, comprising a conveying device, a mixing chamber, at least one pump, at least one heat exchanger, at least one valve, and a control device, is characterized in that the mixing chamber has at least two injection ports into which jets of liquid media are respectively injected, wherein the at least two injection ports are arranged at a distance from each other in the direction of the cavity axis of the mixing chamber.

[0013] A particular advantage is that the mixing and dissolution of the instant powder with the medium are achieved solely through the injection of two jets of liquid medium. The instant powder is dissolved in the medium by two liquid media (primarily cold or hot water) and by the mechanical force generated during injection.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mixing chamber is configured without an agitator / mixing wheel. Additional components (e.g., an agitator wheel with an attached drive motor) are advantageously not necessary. Because the drive motor is not required, another advantage arises.

[0015] A beverage vending machine has at least one such beverage preparation device. For example, a beverage vending machine may be a coffee machine, a stand-alone coffee machine, a fully automatic coffee machine, or something similar.

[0016] A method according to the invention for preparing an instant beverage using a mixing chamber includes the following process steps: (S1) providing a beverage preparation apparatus having a mixing chamber with at least two injection ports; (S2) loading a first liquid medium into the first injection port and injecting the first medium into a first chamber portion of the mixing chamber in a first jet; (S3) inputting instant powder into the first chamber portion of the mixing chamber, premixing the input instant powder with the first medium injected through the first injection port, and further conveying the premixed powder downward through a second chamber portion to a third chamber portion in the mixing chamber; and (S4) loading a second liquid medium into the second injection port and injecting the second medium into a third chamber portion of the mixing chamber in a second jet, generating eddies for complete mixing of the instant powder with the first and second media, and dissolving the instant beverage in the media.

[0017] Through the first injection port, the liquid medium is advantageously and simply injected into the first chamber section. This is responsible for the advantageous rinsing of the inner wall and the absorption of the instant powder. The powder is then further conveyed to the lower region of the chamber. Here, another liquid medium enters the third chamber section through the second injection port. This is advantageously responsible for forming a vortex. The final mixing of the medium and the instant powder takes place in the vortex, wherein the instant powder is completely dissolved in the medium. By gravity, the finished product is then conveyed to the outlet.

[0018] Advantageous improvements of the invention are described by way of the dependent claims.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mixing chamber has sequentially arranged chamber portions, wherein the inner diameter (net diameter) of these chamber portions decreases from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet. This reduction in diameter allows for a favorable increase in the flow rate of the mixture flowing through it.

[0020] The following is advantageous, with the cavity portions arranged sequentially having alternating cylindrical and conical inner surfaces.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cavity portions arranged sequentially are each constructed with a conical inner surface.

[0022] It is advantageous that the mixing chamber is constructed as a one-piece hollow body with rotational symmetry about its axis, as this is easy to manufacture and additional seals between the chamber sections are unnecessary. The mixing chamber can be described as seal-free because there are no wear parts.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mixing chamber has an asymmetrical structure with a first chamber and a second chamber arranged sequentially, wherein the axis of the first chamber and the axis of the second chamber are moved relative to each other by an offset and are thus arranged eccentrically. This results in the advantage that the chamber will not become clogged so quickly if the instant powder, when injected unactivated, passes directly through the chamber to the outlet and adheres therein.

[0024] Here, the first chamber of the mixing chamber is constructed with a surface portion having a bottom with an inner surface, wherein the bottom is arranged slightly inward toward the axis of the second chamber at an angle α relative to the horizontal line, wherein the angle α has a value in the range of 5° to 10°, preferably 7.5°. This is advantageous because the instant powder filled into the upper chamber through the chamber inlet first falls onto the inner surface of the bottom of the surface portion.

[0025] The mixing chamber can be made of metal, plastic, or a combination of metal and plastic and has an open-cell structure. This can be advantageously achieved using injection molding or die casting. Plastic also saves weight.

[0026] In another embodiment, the first injection port of at least two injection ports has a channel opening leading into a first cavity portion of the mixing chamber, and the second injection port of at least two injection ports has a channel opening leading into a third cavity portion of the mixing chamber. This channel opening design allows for advantageous matching of the jet of the injected medium.

[0027] The advantageous increase in the velocity of the injected jet at the channel opening of the second injection port can be achieved by having a smaller inner diameter at the channel opening of the second injection port compared to that of the channel opening of the first injection port. Therefore, vortex formation can be advantageously influenced.

[0028] In another embodiment, the first and second injection ports are configured such that they can be loaded with a medium or different media independently of each other, simultaneously or at time offsets, via a common valve or correspondingly via separate valves, pre-programmed or adjustable. The advantage here is that the injection is openable and closable and therefore configurable.

[0029] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the first and second injection ports can be loaded with a medium or different media independently and simultaneously, or at time offsets, via separate valves. In this way, for example, three different media (instant powder, water, and, for example, milk or other flavor additives) can be mixed and dissolved in the mixing chamber.

[0030] One embodiment is configured such that the mixing chamber is arranged vertically and has a chamber outlet pointing vertically downwards. This is advantageous because the liquid is thus moved by gravity.

[0031] In another embodiment, the cavity outlet is connected to a curved outlet pipe. This advantageously expands the application range. Particularly advantageously, the outlet pipe is rotatable about the axis of the cavity outlet.

[0032] Another embodiment is configured such that the cavity outlet is connected to a valve unit having at least one valve. This allows for the advantageous, controlled outflow of the beverage.

[0033] In another embodiment, the valve unit may have at least two valves, at least one of which is a cleaning valve whose outlet is directed to the domestic water discharge system, and at least one of which is a beverage valve whose outlet discharges the beverage prepared in the mixing chamber. It is advantageously possible in this way that the user never obtains a poorly mixed beverage or plain water in their drinking vessel. Similarly, the mixing chamber can be rinsed directly after product dispensing for easy cleaning purposes. This rinsing is then also directly introduced into the outlet through the opened first valve. When the mixing chamber is cleaned with a cleaning agent, the cleaning agent can also be directly introduced into the outlet via the opened first valve without needing to be discharged through the beverage outlet or the second valve.

[0034] The valve unit can be configured, for example, as a 3 / 2 directional valve. Such valves are readily available on the market at low cost and with high quality.

[0035] In another embodiment, the mixing chamber can be inserted into and removed from the beverage preparation device, wherein the correct positioning of the mixing chamber in the holder is achieved by a limit switch and / or reed contacts. Several advantages are obtained here. Assembly / disassembly is thus easy because easy insertion of the mixing chamber into the holder is possible. When the mixing chamber has a handle, advantageously easy operation of the mixing chamber is made possible.

[0036] In one embodiment, at least one flow guiding element is arranged in the inner chamber of the mixing cavity. This advantageously and easily allows the flow direction to be influenced by the injected medium and the eddies. Such a flow guiding element can be an edge, a wall, or the like.

[0037] Another embodiment is configured such that the mixing chamber has at least one installed deflector wall within its inner chamber, arranged in the direction of the jet of injected medium. In this way, the jet can be advantageously deflected to a defined target area, which is the target area for the rapidly dissolving powder being filled, and thus improved mixing and dissolution can be made possible.

[0038] In another embodiment, however not part of the invention, at least one impeller device is arranged in the mixing chamber, which is flow-driven. In this way, the mixing and dissolution of the rapidly dissolving powder in the injected medium can be enhanced. Another advantage is that an additional drive for the impeller device is not required.

[0039] Furthermore, it is advantageous that at least one impeller device has at least one impeller supported in a rotating bearing and having protrusions configured as teeth, edges, vanes and / or blades, because in this way it can be easily made possible that the protrusions configured as teeth, edges, vanes and / or blades break up the injected and incompletely dissolved fast-dissolving powder IP in the vortex, thereby causing it to dissolve completely.

[0040] In one embodiment of the method, the first and / or second medium can be delivered from at least one source by means of a pump and heated, cooled, or refluxed through a heat exchanger. Thus, many different instant beverages can be advantageously prepared.

[0041] Another embodiment of the method is configured such that the flow rate of the first medium carrying the instant powder premixed therein in the second chamber is increased through the conical structure of the second chamber, and the flow rate of the instant beverage flowing through the fourth chamber is increased through the conical structure of the fourth chamber. This is a simple measure, yet it is advantageous for the flow behavior of the medium and the instant powder dissolved therein.

[0042] Another advantageous embodiment of the method has thus been created, in which the mixing chamber is cleaned daily with a cleaning pad and removed from the beverage preparation device after a defined operating time and cleaned in a dishwasher. In this way, cleaning is significantly simplified compared to the prior art. This cleaning can be achieved extremely easily using a cleaning pad. Therefore, a so-called cleaning-in-place (CIP) function can be realized. Daily cleaning is thus possible due to the geometry of the mixing chamber. During a defined period (e.g., 7 days), the mixing chamber can be easily removed from its support and cleaned, for example, in a dishwasher.

[0043] In another embodiment of the method, a valve unit connected to the outlet of the chamber, having at least one valve, is controlled such that, during the cleaning process, the cleaning fluid accumulates and acts on the upper edge of the mixing chamber when the valve is closed, and flows out after acting by opening the valve. This makes easy and efficient cleaning possible.

[0044] Another embodiment is configured such that a valve unit connected to the outlet of the cavity, equipped with at least two valves, is controlled such that a first volume of the prepared instant beverage, in ml, is first directly guided into the outlet through a first valve (which acts as a cleaning valve) that is opened; then the first valve closes and a second valve for the beverage is opened. Therefore, it is advantageously possible that the user will not receive an incorrect or poorly prepared beverage.

[0045] To further enhance the quality of the prepared beverage, the second valve can be closed again immediately before the beverage is finished dispensing, and the first valve can be opened immediately afterward, so as to guide the final volume of the beverage, in ml, into the outlet.

[0046] In another embodiment of the method, however not part of the invention, at least one flow-driven impeller device arranged in the mixing chamber enhances the mixing of the instant powder and the injected medium by having protrusions configured as teeth, edges, vanes, and / or blades. This advantageously breaks up and dissolves any possible clumps of the instant powder. Furthermore, water can be additionally supplied from the chamber.

[0047] The beverage preparation apparatus of this method can be the beverage preparation apparatus described above.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention offers additional advantages.

[0049] - A mixer or mixer motor is not necessary.

[0050] Mixing and dissolving are achieved using only two jets of liquid medium.

[0051] - The cavity portion has a decreasing inner diameter as it extends from the cavity inlet to the cavity outlet.

[0052] The main mixing of the instant powder and the medium, as well as the dissolution of the instant powder in the medium, takes place in a vortex within the lower cavity.

[0053] - The injection of the medium is not completely tangential to the corresponding inner wall of the associated cavity portion.

[0054] - Covering walls are not necessary.

[0055] - An air nozzle is not required in the media supply line. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, using embodiments as an example.

[0057] in:

[0058] Figure 1 A schematic view of a beverage preparation apparatus according to the prior art is shown.

[0059] Figure 2-3 : A schematic view of an embodiment of a beverage preparation apparatus according to the present invention is shown;

[0060] Figure 4-5 A schematic diagram of the mixing chamber is shown.

[0061] Figure 6 : Shows according to Figure 4-5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mixing chamber;

[0062] Figure 7 ,10: Shows according to Figure 4-6 A schematic side view of the mixing chamber;

[0063] Figure 8-9 10-12: Shows along according to Figure 7 The mixing cavity lines Vlll-Vlll and IX-IX and along according to Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of lines IX-IX and XX of the mixing cavity;

[0064] Figure 13-17a A schematic diagram of another mixing chamber is shown;

[0065] Figure 18-19 : A schematic diagram showing the changes at the cavity outlet;

[0066] Figure 20-24 A schematic view of the suction shield is shown.

[0067] Figure 25-27 : Shows the situation at the mixing chamber according to Figure 20-24 A schematic view of the suction shield;

[0068] Figures 28-30 A schematic view of a mixing chamber with an impeller is shown.

[0069] Figure 31 A schematic flowchart of the method according to the present invention is shown; and

[0070] Figures 32-34 : A schematic view showing a variation of the beverage preparation apparatus according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Figure 1 As described above.

[0072] Figure 2 A schematic illustration of an embodiment of the beverage preparation apparatus 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 The text shows the data based on... Figure 2 Variations of the embodiments.

[0073] The dashed box symbolically represents the frame R of the outer casing of a beverage vending machine with beverage preparation device 1. Frame R can also be the casing of a so-called stand-alone beverage machine.

[0074] The beverage preparation apparatus 1 includes a conveying device 3, a mixing chamber 10, a pump 23, a heat exchanger 24, a valve 25, and a control device 28.

[0075] Conveying equipment 3 has been connected with Figure 1 The description is related. In the embodiment shown herein, the delivery element 3a is arranged horizontally and is rotatably driven by a driver 3d (e.g., an electric motor). The mixing chamber 10 is constructed as a one-piece hollow body with rotational symmetry about the chamber axis 10a and is manufactured, for example, from plastic as an injection molded part. The mixing chamber 10 is arranged vertically here. It has two injection ports 20, 21, which are arranged at a distance from each other in the direction of the chamber axis 10a.

[0076] The mixing chamber 10 has five consecutive chamber portions 12 to 16 extending from its upper end with the chamber inlet 11 to its lower end with the chamber outlet 17 along the direction of the chamber axis 10a. Here, the inner diameter (net diameter) of these chamber portions 12 to 16 decreases. These five chamber portions 12 to 16 are arranged alternately with cylindrical and conical inner surfaces. In other words, hollow cylinders and hollow truncated cones alternate.

[0077] In a variant of the mixing cavity 10 that is not shown but is easily conceived, all cavity portions 12 to 16 are conically constructed.

[0078] There is no dead zone in the mixing chamber 12.

[0079] The first cavity portion 12 is a hollow cylinder with a circular cross-section. For example, in its upper first third, starting from the cavity inlet 11, a first injection port 20 with an interface axis 20a is installed, its channel opening leading into the first cavity portion 12. This will be described in more detail below. Here, the interface axis 20a extends perpendicular to the cavity axis 10a.

[0080] A second cavity portion 13 with a conical shape is connected to the first cavity portion 12, and the cylindrical shape gradually tapers downward and then transitions into the third cavity portion 14.

[0081] The third cavity portion 14, like the first cavity portion 12, is constructed as a hollow cylinder with a circular cross-section, wherein the diameter of the third cavity portion 14 is smaller than the diameter of the first cavity portion 12. A second injection port 21 with an interface axis 21a extending perpendicularly to the cavity axis 10a is provided in the middle region of the third cavity portion 14. Similarly, the second injection port 21 has a channel opening that leads into the third cavity portion 14.

[0082] The lower end of the third cavity portion 14 is connected to the conical fourth cavity portion 15, which gradually tapers downward and is connected to the fifth cavity portion 16, which has a hollow cylindrical cross-section. The diameter of the fifth cavity portion 16 is smaller than the diameter of the third cavity portion 14 and also smaller than the diameter of the first cavity portion 12.

[0083] The lower end of the fifth chamber portion 16 forms a chamber outlet 17 with the minimum diameter of the mixing chamber 10. The chamber outlet 17 is also concentric with the chamber axis 10a and is therefore vertically upright like the fifth chamber portion 16. Through this chamber outlet 17, the beverage 18 prepared in the mixing chamber 10 is discharged as a finished product directly or, for example, via another outlet as described further below, into a collection container 19 provided for this purpose. The preparation of the beverage 18 will be described in further detail below.

[0084] Injection ports 20 and 21 are used for injecting a medium (which in this example is water from source 22). Source 22 may be, for example, a domestic water supply network, a residential water supply, a water tank, or the like. Source 22 is connected to pump 23 of beverage preparation apparatus 1 via feed pipe 22a. A shut-off device (not shown), such as a manually or / and electromagnetically adjustable valve, may be engaged in feed pipe 22a.

[0085] Pump 23 is connected to heat exchanger 24 via pump pipe 23a. Heat exchanger 24 provides heating and / or cooling. Heat exchanger 24 is connected to valve 25 via pipe 24a. Valve 25 is a solenoid valve here. Its outlet is located at... Figure 2In one embodiment, it branches into a first supply pipe 26 leading to a first injection interface 20 and a second supply pipe 27 leading to a second injection interface 21.

[0086] According to Figure 3 In a variant, each injection port 20, 21 is associated with its own valves 25a, 25b. Here, the pipe 24a from the heat exchanger 24 branches into a first pipe 24b and a second pipe 24c. The first pipe 24b is connected to the first valve 25a. The second valve 25b is connected to the second pipe 24c. The first valve 25a is connected to the first injection port 20 via a first supply pipe 26, while the second valve 25b is connected to the second injection port 21 via a second supply pipe 27.

[0087] In a variant not shown but easily conceivable, injection interfaces 20 and 21 are loaded with different media. Thus, for example, the first injection interface 20 can be as already shown... Figure 3 Water is supplied as shown in the diagram. A second injection port 21 can thus be separately connected to a second facility (source 22, pump 23, heat exchanger 24, pipe) and loaded with another medium, such as juice or flavoring agent. It is possible in this way that three different media (instant powder IP, water, and, for example, milk) are mixed together in the mixing chamber 10.

[0088] Control device 28 is used to control electrical components, namely the drive 3d of conveying device 3, pump 23, heat exchanger 24, valves 25, 25a, 25b and possible shut-off valves, and others, which will be described below. Operating units with operating elements and message elements or displays are not shown, but can be easily imagined.

[0089] In the case of operating the beverage preparation apparatus 1, the medium (e.g., water) is pumped from source 22 under pressure by pump 23 to a heat exchanger 24 that heats or cools the medium according to the type of beverage, and from there via a valve 25 ( Figure 2 () to reach the two injection ports 20 and 21, or via the first valve 25a to reach the first injection port 20 and via the second valve 25b to reach the second injection port 21. Figure 3 ).

[0090] In the case of two valves 25a and 25b, it is possible that only one of the injection ports 20 and 21 is used, while the other remains unused by not opening or not closing its auxiliary valves 25a and 25b.

[0091] The medium is then injected into the first chamber portion 12 of the mixing chamber 10 through the first injection port 20. The second injection port 21 injects another medium (again, water) into the third chamber portion 14. The driver 3d of the conveying device 3 rotates the conveying element 3a, which conveys the instant powder IP from the storage container 11 through the chamber inlet 11 into the first chamber portion 12 of the mixing chamber 10. Premixing of the instant powder IP with water introduced from the first injection port 20 takes place in the first chamber portion 12. This will be described in more detail below.

[0092] The premixed instant powder IP then flows from the first chamber section 12 through the narrowed second chamber section 13 (where the flow rate is increased) to the third chamber section 14 as injected water is injected.

[0093] In the third chamber section 14, the premix consisting of instant powder IP and water is vigorously mixed by injecting additional water through the second injection port 21, wherein the instant powder IP is completely dissolved in the medium. This will be described in more detail below.

[0094] Finally, the completed mixture, that is, the finished product, flows further down by gravity through the gradually narrowing fourth chamber section 15 (where the flow rate of the product is further increased) into the fifth chamber section 16. From the chamber outlet 17, the then mixed and finished beverage 18 flows further by gravity into the collection container 19.

[0095] Figure 4 A longitudinal section of the mixing chamber 10 is shown. Figure 5 The text shows according to... Figure 4 Side view V of the mixing chamber 10.

[0096] The injection opening 20b of the first injection port 20 is shown in the first cavity portion 12 of the mixing chamber 10. The injection opening 20b extends perpendicularly through the wall of the first cavity portion 12 to the cavity axis 10a. However, it is also possible that the interface axis 20a of the injection port 20 and therefore the injection opening 20b is at an angle relative to the cavity axis 10a, which is greater than or less than 90°. In other words, water introduced through the first injection port 20 can be injected, however, at a slightly upward angle toward the cavity inlet 11 or similarly at a slightly or greater downward angle toward the second cavity portion 13. This can also be achieved, for example, by an adjustable injection opening 20b and / or an adjustable guide surface.

[0097] The injection opening 21b of the second injection interface 21 extends through the wall of the third cavity portion 14 and has a width smaller than that of the injection opening 21a of the first injection interface 20. Similarly, this injection opening 21b is arranged with its interface axis 21a perpendicular to the cavity axis 10a. It is also possible here that the interface axis 21a of the injection interface 21 and therefore the injection opening 21b is at an angle relative to the cavity axis 10a, which is greater than or less than 90°.

[0098] In the example shown, the respective injection streams or injection jets of the injection ports 20, 21 are oriented such that they respectively encounter the adjacent inner walls of the respective cavity portions 12, 14 on their sides.

[0099] The injection opening 20b of the first injection port 20 and / or the injection opening 21b of the second injection port 21 can also be arranged such that the injection jet is oriented toward the opposing inner walls of the respective cavity portions 12, 14.

[0100] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 4-5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mixing chamber 10, with a schematic illustration of the injection region and flow distribution inside the mixing chamber 10.

[0101] The first jet 29 from the injection opening 20b of the first injection interface 20 first extends perpendicularly to the cavity axis 10a in the direction of the plane of the interface axis 20a of the first injection interface 20, washes the inner wall of the first cavity portion 12, and is distributed on the inner wall of the first cavity portion 12 in a rotating manner around the cavity axis 10a.

[0102] The premixing of the instant powder IP introduced into the first chamber section 12 depends on the filling location and form of the instant powder IP. When the filling location is arranged aligned with the chamber axis 10a, only minimal premixing occurs in the first chamber section 12 because the injected medium, with its delivery flow 30, is initially retained in the wall region of the first chamber section 12. Initial mixing in the delivery flow 30a only occurs in the conical second chamber section 13.

[0103] When the filling position is constructed in such a way that the instant powder IP is filled over a large area, premixing has already taken place earlier, that is, in the middle region of the first cavity portion 12.

[0104] Premixing can also be enhanced when the filling location of the instant powder IP is arranged in the edge region or directly above the jet 29.

[0105] It is possible that the filling position and / or filling form can be adjustable, and can be adjusted manually or / and electrically.

[0106] Here, the rapidly dissolving powder IP (see [reference]) is introduced through cavity inlet 11. Figure 2 ,3) Premixed with the injected water. This forms a delivery flow 30,30a, which flows downward through the conical second cavity portion 13 about the cavity axis 10a into the third cavity portion 14 and increases its velocity thereon.

[0107] In the fourth cavity portion 15, the second jet 31 flows from the injection opening 21b of the second injection port 21 (see...). Figure 4 It is injected into the cavity, and extends perpendicularly to the cavity axis 10a in the direction of the plane of the interface axis 21a of the second injection interface 21. As a result, a main region with a vortex region 33 is formed in the mixing region 32.

[0108] Figure 7 and 10 Accordingly, it was displayed based on Figures 4 to 6 A schematic side view of the mixing chamber 10.

[0109] Figure 8 Showing along according to Figure 7 The line Vllll-Vllll is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mixing chamber 10 from above, perpendicular to the cavity axis 10a, in the cross-sectional plane of the interface axis 20a of the first injection interface 20. The interface axis 20a extends through the channel opening of the first injection interface 20, serving as the inner wall of the first cavity portion 12. Figure 8 The secant of a virtual circle projected onto a drawing plane. Figure 8 Furthermore, the walls of the conical second cavity portion 13, the third cavity portion 14, the conical fourth cavity portion 15, and the fifth cavity portion 16, arranged concentrically on the cavity axis 10a, can be clearly identified.

[0110] Along according to Figure 7 The line IX-IX is perpendicular to the cavity axis 10a in the cross-sectional plane of the interface axis 21a of the second injection interface 21, viewed from above into the mixing cavity 10. Figure 9 The second injection interface 21 is shown in the diagram. The channel opening of the second injection interface 21 is constructed with an inner diameter that is significantly smaller than the inner diameter of the channel opening of the first injection interface 20. Figure 9 The third cavity portion 14, the conical fourth cavity portion 15, and the fifth cavity portion 16 are shown.

[0111] Figure 10 , 11 and 12 and Figure 7 , 8 It matches 9, where, in Figure 11 and 12 The flushing behavior is shown in the diagram.

[0112] Figure 11 Showing along according to Figure 10Line XI-XI passes through the cross-section of the first cavity portion 12. The jet 29 is schematically shown as a stream and initially travels parallel to the interface axis 20a of the first injection port 20. The jet 29 then hits the inner wall of the first cavity portion 12, where it is flushed as transport streams 30 and 30a rotating around the cavity axis 10a (see [link]). Figure 6 ).

[0113] Along according to Figure 10 In the cross-sectional diagram of line Xll-Xll, Figure 12 The flushing behavior in the third cavity portion 14 is shown. The inner diameter of the third cavity portion 14 is significantly smaller than that of the cavity portions 13 and 12 above it. The jet 31, with a correspondingly higher flow velocity, encounters the inner wall of the third cavity portion 14 from the smaller channel opening of the second injection port 21 and is subjected to rapid rotation about the cavity axis 10a. A strong vortex is formed here in the vortex region 33 (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0114] Figures 13 to 17a A schematic illustration of another mixing chamber 10' is shown, which is in Figure 13 A schematic perspective view is shown in the middle. Figure 14 A view of the additional mixing chamber 10' on the interface openings of the injection interfaces 20 and 21 is shown. Figure 15 An additional mixing chamber 10' is shown along the [path] according to [the diagram]. Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of line XV-XV. In Figure 16 Another side view shows a separate mixing chamber 10', in which injection ports 20, 21 are visible from the side.

[0115] Figure 17 A top view of the other mixing chamber 10' is shown through the line of sight passing through the chamber inlet 11. Figure 17a Another variant of the mixing chamber 10' is shown in the figure.

[0116] The working principle of the other mixing chamber 10' is based on... Figures 2 to 12 The working principle of the mixing chamber 10 described above is consistent. There are only minor differences regarding the instant powder IP in the filling case.

[0117] Distinguished from Figures 2 to 12 The mixing chamber 10 has an asymmetrical structure, and the other mixing chamber 10' has an asymmetrical structure.

[0118] The asymmetrical structure is such that a first or upper cavity 100 with cavity axis 10a is arranged asymmetrically with and connected to a second or lower cavity 110. The lower cavity 110 has a cavity axis 10b, which, however, does not extend along the cavity axis 10a of the upper cavity 100. Therefore, the upper cavity 100 and the lower cavity 110 are not as asymmetrically arranged according to… Figures 2 to 12 In the case of the mixing chamber 10, they are arranged concentrically.

[0119] In addition, Figure 13 The diagram shows one design for the cavity inlet 11 of the mixing cavity 10'. The cavity inlet 11 of the mixing cavity 10 described above can also be implemented in this manner.

[0120] In the upper region of the cavity inlet 11, the surrounding wall of the cavity 100 extends downward from the end face 11a into the cavity 100, where its radial thickness is reduced by approximately half. A surrounding tab is formed as an edge 11b with the end face 11a and a step 11d. In this way, the inner diameter of the edge 11b is larger than the inner diameter of the cavity 100. In the edge 11b, a notch 11c is formed extending parallel to the cavity axis 10a. The notch 11c extends from its end face 11a into the step 11d in the edge 11b and acts as a center for the cover 200, which will be described in more detail below.

[0121] Figure 15 The diagram shows an additional mixing cavity 10' in its cavity portion, wherein... Figure 14 Along line XV-XV will be based on Figure 15 The cross-sectional view is defined in the plane perpendicular to the cavity axis 10a.

[0122] The cavity axis 10a of the upper cavity 100 and the cavity axis 10b of the lower cavity 110 are moved relative to each other by an offset of 10c. Cavities 100 and 110 are thus arranged eccentrically relative to each other.

[0123] The upper cavity 100 has a larger inner diameter and a larger outer diameter than the lower cavity 110. According to... Figure 15 In the cross-sectional view, the additional mixing cavity 10' can be considered to be divided into region A, which is located to the left of the cavity axis 10b of the lower cavity 110, and region B, which is located to the right of the cavity axis 10b of the lower cavity 110.

[0124] In region A on the left, the division of cavity 12 to 16 is as follows: Figures 2 to 12 In the case of the mixing chamber 10, it extends as such.

[0125] In right region B, the lower cavity 110 has the same characteristics as in the following... Figures 2 to 12 In the case of mixing cavity 10, the same cavity portions 14 to 16 are present. Similarly, the upper cavity 100 is as described in... Figures 2 to 12In the case of the mixing chamber 10, there are two chamber portions 120 and 130, which are arranged sequentially when viewed from above, that is, from the direction of the chamber inlet 11.

[0126] The upper cavity portion 120 of the upper cavity 100 in region B is shorter than the cavity portion 12 in region A in the direction of the cavity axis 10a. The upper cavity portion 130 of the upper cavity 100 in region B is longer than the cavity portion 13 in region A in the direction of the cavity axis 10a.

[0127] The cavity portion 130 is constructed with a surface portion 34, which has a bottom 34a with an inner surface 34b. The bottom 34a connects the outwardly convex, curved surrounding wall portion 140 of the cavity portion 130 with the outwardly concave wall portion 150 of the cavity portion 130.

[0128] The bottom 34a has a circular opening 160, which forms an entrance into the lower cavity 110 and is located in the cavity portions 13, 130.

[0129] The bottom 34a is arranged slightly inward at an angle α relative to the horizontal line, that is, inclined relative to the cavity axis 10b of the lower cavity. The angle α has a value in the range of 5° to 10°, preferably 7° to 8°. This is in... Figure 16 The middle side view and in Figure 17 The bottom 34a is shown in a top view toward its upward-pointing inner surface 34b. The bottom 34a is arranged in a crescent shape around the opening 160 of the lower cavity 110, as if... Figure 17 As is known. The crescent-shaped bottom 34 slopes around the cavity axis 110b of the lower cavity 110.

[0130] The following is equally possible: that is, the surface portion 34 with the bottom 34a is configured as a usable portion.

[0131] The following explains the differences in the case of filling with instant powder IP.

[0132] The instant powder IP is filled into the upper cavity 100 through the cavity inlet 11 in a separate mixing cavity 10', such that it falls into the target region 34c on the inner surface 34b of the bottom 34a of the surface portion 34. This target region is offset at small intervals from the cavity axis 10a toward the side of the injection ports 20, 21. This is in Figure 17a It is displayed in the middle.

[0133] This has the advantage that cavity 100 will not become clogged so quickly if the instant powder IP were injected unactivated into cavity 100 at once. This can happen when storage container 3b is filled with instant powder IP. In such a case, the instant powder IP, according to Figures 2 to 12In the case of mixing chamber 10, the substance falls into the chamber outlet 17 and adheres there. Such adhesion may cause blockage, in which case the mixing chamber 10 may overflow.

[0134] In another variation of the mixing chamber 10', a deflection wall 38 is formed within the internal geometry of the chamber 100, located on the sides of the injection ports 20, 21, opposite to them. The deflection wall 38 is arched, having an outer surface 38a and extending from the bottom surface 34b to the chamber inlet 11. Here, the deflection wall 38 is tightly connected to the bottom surface 34b and the inner wall of the chamber 100. The deflection wall 38, together with the bottom surface 34b and the inner wall of the chamber 100, defines the inner chamber 38b. This inner chamber 38b can also be closed from above by a top cover wall (not shown).

[0135] As in Figure 11 As shown, the jet 29 of the injected medium extends into the cavity 100 through the first injection port 20 and becomes transport streams 30 and 30a. Transport stream 30a then flows against the outer surface 38b of the deflection wall 38. In this way, the generated eddies are slightly disrupted. The transport stream is thus deflected as transport stream 30b relative to the center of the cavity 100 in the direction toward the cavity axis 10a into the target region 34c where the instant powder IP falls. This has the advantage that the transport stream 30b is precisely deflected as a eddy in the target region 34c, where the instant powder IP falls into the cavity 100.

[0136] The positioning of the deflection wall 38 can also be designed variably. For example, depending on how the instant powder IP falls into the cavity 100, the deflection wall 38 can be arranged such that the conveying flow 30b is precisely deflected into the target area 34c of the falling instant powder IP. This is, for example, in a machine variant with two storage containers for two different types of instant powder IP. Here, two chutes for the instant powder IP can be provided, in which another target area 34c is formed.

[0137] The deflection wall 38 can also be constructed as a simple edge. It is equally possible that the deflection wall 38 is the part in use.

[0138] The deflection wall 38 forms a so-called flow guiding element. Additional flow guiding elements may be provided at different locations in the mixing chambers 10, 10' to guide the flow and / or eddies in a targeted manner in their direction.

[0139] Figure 18 and 19 A schematic diagram showing a variant of the cavity outlet 17 of mixing cavities 10 and 10' is shown.

[0140] exist Figure 18 In this design, a curved outlet pipe 170 is provided as an alternative to the vertically downward-directed cavity outlet 17. The outlet pipe 170 has a straight, vertical first pipe portion 170a and a horizontal second pipe portion 170b. The first pipe portion 170a connects the outlet pipe 170 to the cavity outlet 17 and to the second pipe portion 170b via an angled portion 170c. In this example, the angled portion 170c is a 90° angled arc.

[0141] In this manner, the outflow of beverage 18 no longer proceeds vertically downwards, but rather flows backwards or toward a defined side via an arc-shaped pipe section 170 below the final decrease in diameter of the mixing chambers 10, 10', within a curved flow path 18a. Such an outlet pipe 170 not only... Figures 2 to 12 This is possible in the case of mixing chamber 10, and also in the case of another asymmetric mixing chamber 10'. The outlet pipe 170 can naturally also have a deflection angle other than 90°. It is also conceivable that the outlet pipe 170 is rotatably arranged about the cavity axis 10a or 10b, so that it can be twisted toward any side.

[0142] also, Figure 18 A handle 35 is shown, which is mounted on the side of the mixing chambers 10, 10'. In this example, the handle 35 is mounted on the side away from the interfaces of the injection ports 20, 21. This facilitates the operation of the mixing chambers 10, 10' during insertion and removal.

[0143] exist Figure 19 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a mixing chamber 10 with a valve unit 180. It is also possible that there is another mixing chamber 10'.

[0144] Valve unit 180 is connected to cavity outlet 17 via inlet 180a.

[0145] Valve unit 180 has a first valve 181 and a second valve 182. The two valves 181 and 182 are respectively connected to inlet 180a via inlets 180b and 180c. In addition, each valve 181 and 182 has its own outlet 181a and 182a.

[0146] Here, for example, a first valve 181 is provided as a cleaning valve, whose outlet 181a is directly directed to the domestic water discharge system. A second valve 182 is used as a beverage valve, whose outlet 182a is directed to a drinking vessel.

[0147] The valve unit 180 allows for a better rinsing process and / or cleaning of the mixing chambers 10, 10' or the beverage preparation apparatus 1. Therefore, a first volume (in ml) of the prepared instant beverage can be directly directed to the outlet via the open first valve 181. The first valve 181 is then closed and a second valve 182 for the beverage 18 is opened. The second valve 182 is subsequently closed again immediately before the end of the beverage 18 delivery, wherein the first valve 181 is then opened to direct the final volume (in ml) of the beverage 18 to the outlet.

[0148] In this manner, it is possible that the user will never obtain a poorly mixed beverage or plain water in their drinking vessel. Similarly, the mixing chambers 10, 10' can be rinsed directly after product supply for easy cleaning purposes. This rinsing is then directed directly to the outlet via the open first valve 181. When the mixing chambers 10, 10' are cleaned with detergent, they can also be directed directly to the outlet via the open first valve 181, without needing to be discharged through the beverage outlet or the second valve 182. Further process advantages are conceivable.

[0149] In a simplified embodiment, valve unit 180 may also consist of only valve 181. In this case, the cleaning fluid can then accumulate and act on the upper edge of the mixing chambers 10, 10' when valve 181 is closed. Subsequently, the cleaning fluid is discharged forward through the normal outlet. This is not shown, but can be easily imagined.

[0150] Valve unit 180 may be configured, for example, as a 3 / 2 directional valve or have a similar structure. Control of valve unit 180 can be achieved through a control device. Valve control can be triggered automatically and / or manually. It is also conceivable that valve unit 180 may be equipped with an additional manually operable valve, which can still be used even in the event of a current interruption.

[0151] Figure 20-24 A schematic view of the suction shield 200 is shown. Figure 20 The front view is shown in the image. Figure 21 The side view is shown and Figure 22 The interface side of the suction cover 200 is shown. Figure 23 The image shows a top view. Figure 24 A perspective view is displayed.

[0152] The suction cover 200 includes a downwardly projecting wall 201, a connecting portion 202 with two interfaces 203 mounted thereon, and a reinforcing portion 204. The reinforcing portion 204 may be optional.

[0153] The connecting portion 202 is semi-circular. Interfaces 203 are tangentially mounted parallel to each other at the ends of the connecting portion 202. The inner chamber of interface 203 connects to the inner chamber of the connecting portion 202, and is itself open downwards. The connecting portion 202 and interface 203 form a U-shape, wherein the two interfaces 203 are connected to an arc-shaped reinforcing portion 204 on their opposite sides. Both the arc-shaped reinforcing portion 204 and the arc-shaped connecting portion 202 have the same outer diameter.

[0154] The outer diameter of the wall 201 is smaller than the outer diameter of the arc-shaped connecting portion 202. This forms a protrusion 206 between the wall 201 and the connecting portion 202.

[0155] The connecting portion 202, the transition area between the interface 203 and the connecting portion 202, and the arc-shaped reinforcing portion 204 define a generally circular channel opening 207 with a center 208.

[0156] The protruding nose 205, which extends downward from the protrusion 206 of the connecting portion 202 on the outside of the wall 201, is molded relative to the U-shaped opening and protrudes radially outward from the wall 201.

[0157] Figure 25-27 The image shows the parts inserted into the mixing chambers 10, 10' according to... Figure 20-24 A schematic view of the suction hood 200. Figure 25 Showing a top view, Figure 26 A side view is shown and Figure 27 The rear view is displayed.

[0158] The suction cover 200 is positioned or inserted into the cavity 100 such that the wall 201 is accommodated in the notch 11c of the edge 11b within the cavity inlet 11. Here, the protrusion 206 of the suction cover 200 is placed on the end face 11a of the mixing cavities 10, 10'.

[0159] The nose 205 and the notch 11c of the edge 11b of the cavity inlet 11 of the cavity 100 of the mixing chambers 10 and 10' form the center of the suction shield 200, wherein the nose 205 is shape-fitted into the notch 11c of the edge 11b. The suction shield 200 is positioned relative to the mixing chambers 10 and 10' such that the interface 203 points relative to the side of the mixing chambers 10 and 10', and the injection interfaces 20 and 21 are arranged thereon.

[0160] The channel opening 207 of the suction shroud 200 is arranged above the cavity inlet 11, wherein the cavity axis 10a extends through the center 208 of the channel opening 207. It is also possible that the cavity axis 10a and the center 208 do not overlap but are displaced.

[0161] As in Figure 27 As exemplarily shown, a bracket 36 is arranged on the side of the interfaces 20, 21, 203. This bracket 36 is circularly constructed with intersecting reinforcements and is used to accommodate a magnet. The magnet can be screwed, glued, or clamped to the bracket 36. The function of such a magnet is to trigger a magnetically sensitive switching element, such as a reed switch, when the mixing chambers 10, 10' are inserted into the associated machine.

[0162] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the cavity outlet 17 in this example is provided with a sealing portion 37. In the case of installing the mixing cavities 10, 10', it is moved into an auxiliary machine. Here, the sealing portion 37 is moved onto a silicone component (not shown) arranged in the machine, thereby creating a sealing surface. This sealing surface prevents the instant beverage from flowing out at this location and also prevents air from being drawn out of the cavity outlet 17. Such air extraction would worsen the outflow behavior of the instant beverage.

[0163] For safe insertion of the mixing chambers 10, 10' into the machine, a guide device is installed in the machine, which is connected to the guide unit 210 (see...). Figure 32 and 34 These components work together. The guiding device ensures that the mixing chambers 10, 10', with their guiding units 210, can be inserted into the machine in only one position. During further insertion, the mixing chambers 10, 10' are automatically centered and positioned correctly at the end of the insertion process. This is advantageous because it enables safe operation and error-free installation of the mixing chambers 10, 10'.

[0164] Figures 28-30 A schematic view of a mixing chamber 10, 10' with an impeller device 300 is shown, which is not part of the present invention.

[0165] exist Figure 28 The image shows a first embodiment of the impeller device 300 in two different locations.

[0166] The impeller assembly 300 includes an impeller 301 with a support 302 and a shaft 303, and a protrusion 304. The impeller 301 is rotatably supported about the shaft 303 by means of the support 302. The protrusion 304 is configured as teeth and / or edges, and is arranged on and axially projecting from the disc surface 301a of the impeller 301. The protrusion 304 may also be arranged on both disc surfaces 301a, 301b and / or radially circumferentially around the impeller 301.

[0167] The disc surfaces 301a and 301b may also have shaped grooves with corresponding edges.

[0168] The upper disc surface 301a points upwards toward the cavity inlet 11, and the lower disc surface 301b points toward the cavity outlet 17.

[0169] In the first position, the impeller 301 is located in the cavity portion 130 of the upper cavity 100 and is mounted on the surface portion 34 of the bottom 34a of the mixing cavity 10' by a support 302, onto which the instant powder IP to be filled falls. The axis 303 extends substantially parallel to the cavity axes 10a, 10b, wherein the disc surfaces 301a, 301b are perpendicular to the cavity axes 10a, 10b.

[0170] The rotatable impeller 301 is driven by eddies in the mixing chamber 10'. The eddies are generated by a jet of medium injected through the first injection port 20, as described above. Therefore, the impeller 301 is not driven by a direct jet, but rotates by means of the flow of eddies acting on the protrusion 304.

[0171] The protrusions 304, constructed with teeth and edges, break up the rapidly dissolving powder IP that has not yet fully dissolved in the vortex, when it clumps together.

[0172] In the second position, the impeller 301 is located in the outlet region before the cavity outlet 17 in the cavity portion 14 / 15 of the lower cavity 110.

[0173] Here, the jet from the injection opening 21b of the second injection port 21 is oriented tangentially toward the protrusion 304 of the impeller 301 and directly drives the impeller 301. It is equally possible that the impeller 301 is rotated by a vortex.

[0174] The support 302 is mounted here on the wall of the lower cavity 110 in the form of a retainer 305, for example, a support rod.

[0175] In the example shown, axis 303 extends parallel to cavity axis 10b, while disc surfaces 301a and 301b extend perpendicular to cavity axis 10b.

[0176] In a variant not shown, the axis 303 of the impeller 301 is arranged perpendicular to the cavity axis 10b in the cavity portion 14 / 15. The jet from the injection opening 21b of the second injection port 21 is also oriented tangentially toward the protrusion 304 of the impeller 301. The disc surfaces 301a and 301b are located in a plane extending parallel to the cavity axis 10b. Of course, the impeller 301 can also be arranged in an inclined position, in which the planes of the disc surfaces 301a and 301b are inclined to the plane with the cavity axis 10b.

[0177] exist Figure 29 The image shows a second embodiment of the impeller device 300 that is not part of the present invention.

[0178] The impeller 301 is a turbine directly arranged in the outlet region (cavity portions 13, 14, 15). The impeller 301 has blades 306 as protrusions 304 (see...). Figure 28 The arrangement and shaping of these elements make them form turbine blades.

[0179] In the example shown, the axis 303 of the impeller 301 extends parallel to or is aligned with the cavity axis 10a.

[0180] The impeller 301 is a turbine directly arranged in the outlet region (cavity portions 13, 14, 15). The impeller 301 has blades 306 as protrusions 304 (see...). Figure 28 ), which are arranged and shaped in such a way that they form turbine blades.

[0181] In the example shown, the axis 303 of the impeller 301 extends parallel to or is aligned with the cavity axis 10a.

[0182] Impeller 301 is fixed to shaft 307, for example, and is rotatably supported at its end in support 302. Thus, impeller 301 is rotatable about axis 303 or cavity axis 10a.

[0183] The support 302 is mounted here on the wall of the lower cavity 110 along with a retainer 305, for example, in the form of a connecting rod of a support rod.

[0184] The blades 306 forming the turbine blades are directly loaded with a jet from the injection opening 21b of the second injection port 21, thereby causing the impeller 301 to rotate about the axis 303. The turbine blades are geometrically designed such that they are conveyed in the direction of the cavity outlet 17. Therefore, water is additionally conveyed from the cavity.

[0185] Figure 30 A third embodiment of the impeller device 300, which is not part of this invention, is shown.

[0186] The impeller 301 is constructed as a protrusion 304, similar to an upwardly driven watermill wheel with blades 308, and is laterally rotatably supported in a support 302 above the cavity outlet 17 in a narrow lower section. The impeller axis 303 is perpendicular to the cavity axes 10a, 10b.

[0187] The jet from the injection opening 21b of the second injection port 21 is also oriented tangentially toward the blades 308 of the impeller 301 and rotates the impeller 301. As a result, the instant powder IP should be slightly broken up and better mixed.

[0188] Figure 31 A schematic flowchart of the method according to the invention for preparing a beverage using the beverage preparation apparatus 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0189] In the first method step S1, a beverage preparation apparatus 1 is provided with a one-piece mixing chamber 10, 10' having two injection ports 20, 21.

[0190] In the second method step S2, the first injection port 20 is loaded with a first medium and injected into the first chamber portion 12 of the mixing chambers 10, 10' in a first jet 29. The first medium is delivered from the source 22 by means of a pump 23 and heated, cooled or refrigerated by a heat exchanger 24.

[0191] In the third method step S3, the instant powder IP is input into the first chamber portion 12 of the mixing chambers 10, 10' and premixed with the first medium injected through the first injection port 20, and further conveyed downward through the second chamber portion 13 into the third chamber portion 14 within the mixing chambers 10, 10'. In the second chamber portion 13, the flow rate of the first medium containing the premixed instant powder IP is increased by the conical structure of the second chamber portion 13.

[0192] In the fourth method step S4, the second medium in the second jet 31 is injected into the third chamber portion 14 of the mixing chambers 10, 10' through the second injection port 21, generating a vortex. As a result, the instant powder IP is completely mixed with the medium and formed into a beverage, which is then output through the vertically erected fifth chamber portion 16. This output is achieved after the beverage, thus prepared, flows through the fourth chamber portion 15, where its flow rate is increased by the conical structure of the fourth chamber portion 15.

[0193] The mixing chambers 10, 10' and the beverage preparation device 1 are designed for easy assembly in beverage vending machines, stand-alone embodiments, coffee machines, etc. The mixing chambers 10, 10', between chamber portions 12 to 16 and 120 to 130, are vulnerable parts and lack seals. Therefore, it is a sealless system.

[0194] Cleaning can be achieved easily using a cleaning pad, thus enabling a so-called Clean in Place (CIP) function. Due to the geometry of the mixing chambers 10,10', daily cleaning can be achieved using the pad. At defined intervals, such as 7 days, the mixing chambers 10,10' can be easily pulled out of their (not shown here) supports and can be cleaned, for example, in a dishwasher. This is achieved via the handle 35 (see...). Figure 18 It becomes significantly easier.

[0195] To monitor the correct placement of the mixing chambers 10, 10' within their supports, limit switches, reed contacts, or similar devices can be used. Therefore, the beverage preparation apparatus 1 can only be restarted once the mixing chambers 10, 10' have been correctly inserted again.

[0196] Figures 32-34 A schematic view of a variant of the beverage preparation apparatus 1 according to the present invention is shown, wherein, Figure 32 A side view is shown. Figure 33 The cross-sectional view is shown in the figure. Figure 34 A top view is shown through the line of sight from the mixing chamber inlet 11 to the mixing chamber 10'.

[0197] Beverage preparation device 1 in Figures 32-34 The variant shown differs from the one in the following points: Figure 15 The illustrations in / 26-27.

[0198] The handle 35 has almost the same length as the mixing chamber 10' in the direction of the cavity axis 10a. The handle 35 is mounted on the mixing chamber 10' with three arms 35a-c, wherein the lowermost arm 35c is fixed to the wall of the lower cavity 110. In the example shown, the arms 35 are constructed as a single piece with the mixing chamber 10' with their arms 35a-c.

[0199] The support 36 for accommodating the magnet is arranged in the upper region below the cavity inlet 11 at the middle of the mixing cavity 10'.

[0200] The sealing portion 37 at the cavity outlet 17 is reinforcedly connected to the outer wall of the lower cavity 110 by two ribs 209.

[0201] The guide unit 210 has a guide protrusion 211 on each side of the mixing chamber 10'. Each guide protrusion 211 protrudes from the wall of the mixing chamber 10' and corresponds to a guide device (not shown but easily imagined) in the associated machine. Each guide protrusion 211 has a front end 211a pointing to the injection ports 20, 21 and a rear end 211b pointing to the handle 35. The front end 211a tapers towards the rear end 211b not only in the direction of the chamber axis 10a but also in the direction of the port axes 20a, 21a. Furthermore, the front end 211a protrudes from the mixing chamber 10' with a shorter length towards the rear end 211b. In this way, it facilitates the insertion of the beverage preparation device 1 into the guide device.

[0202] In the lower cavity 110, a tab 220 is arranged on the inner wall 1 pointing to the handle 35. The tab 220 protrudes from the inner wall and extends from the cavity portion 15 to the cavity outlet 17 in the cavity portion 15 of the lower cavity 110.

[0203] The tab 220, for example, has a width of approximately 2 mm and a thickness of 0.6 mm. The 0.6 mm thickness extends into the outlet. The 2 mm width can be in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 mm. The 0.6 mm thickness can more precisely be in the range of 0.4 to 1 mm.

[0204] The splice 220 is used to influence the outlet flow in the lower cavity 110 for further mixing.

[0205] The mixing chamber 10' of the beverage preparation apparatus 1 according to the invention does not include a stirrer / mixing wheel. A drive device, such as an electric motor, for such a stirrer / mixing wheel (impeller unit) is unnecessary.

[0206] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be modified within the scope of the claims.

[0207] Therefore, it is conceivable, for example, that the filling form of the instant powder IP into the mixing chambers 10, 10' can be achieved by means of (variable) vibration of the slide or by the vibration of the conveying device 3.

[0208] Figure Labels

[0209] 1.1' Beverage preparation apparatus

[0210] 2. Mixing chamber

[0211] 2a cavity section

[0212] 2b Suction Shield

[0213] 2c Pipe Section

[0214] 2D Import

[0215] 3. Conveying equipment

[0216] 3a Conveying element

[0217] 3b Storage Container

[0218] 3C Slide

[0219] 3D driver

[0220] 4. Stirring chamber

[0221] 5. Agitator wheel

[0222] 6 Mixer Drivers

[0223] 7. Retaining components

[0224] 8. Bearing seals

[0225] 8a Housing seal

[0226] 9. Discharge outlets

[0227] 10,10' mixing chamber

[0228] 10a, 10b cavity axes

[0229] 10c offset

[0230] 11. Cavity entrance

[0231] 11a end face

[0232] 11b Edge

[0233] 11c notch

[0234] 11d staircase

[0235] Cavity 12-16

[0236] 17. Cavity outlet

[0237] 18 Beverages

[0238] 18a Flow path

[0239] 19 Collection Container

[0240] 20,21 Injection Interface

[0241] 20a, 21a interface shaft

[0242] 20b, 21b injection opening

[0243] 22 Sources

[0244] 22a Feed pipe

[0245] 23 pumps

[0246] 23a Pump Pipeline

[0247] 24 Heat Exchanger

[0248] Pipes 24a, 24b, 24c

[0249] 25, 25a, 25b valves

[0250] 26,27 Supply pipe

[0251] 28 control devices

[0252] 29,31 jets

[0253] 30, 30a, 30b conveyor flow

[0254] 32 Mixed Area

[0255] 33 Vortex Region

[0256] 34 Surface portion

[0257] 34a Bottom

[0258] 34b Inner Surface

[0259] 34c Target Area

[0260] 35 handles

[0261] 36 supports

[0262] 37 Sealing section

[0263] 38 Deflection Wall

[0264] 38a Outer surface

[0265] 38b Interior

[0266] 100, 110 cavities

[0267] 120, 130 cavity sections

[0268] 140, 150 wall section

[0269] 160 opening

[0270] 170 Export Pipeline

[0271] 170a, 170b piping sections

[0272] 170c Angle Section

[0273] 180 valve unit

[0274] 180a, 180b, 180c (Imported)

[0275] 181, 182 valves

[0276] 181a, 182a discharge outlets

[0277] 200 suction shield

[0278] 201 wall

[0279] 202 Connection Part

[0280] 203 Interface

[0281] 204 Enhanced Section

[0282] 205 Protruding nose

[0283] 206 Protrusion

[0284] 207 Channel Opening

[0285] 208 Center

[0286] 209 Ribs

[0287] 210 Guide Unit

[0288] 211 Guide protrusion

[0289] 211a, 211b ends

[0290] 220 stitching

[0291] 300 impeller equipment

[0292] 301 Impeller

[0293] 302 support

[0294] 303 axis

[0295] 304 raised

[0296] 305 retainer

[0297] 306 wing

[0298] 307 axis

[0299] 308 blade

[0300] Range A, B

[0301] IP Instant Powder

[0302] R framework

[0303] S1-S4 Process Steps

[0304] α angle

Claims

1. A beverage preparation apparatus (1) for preparing instant beverages, comprising a conveying device (3), a mixing chamber (10'), at least one pump (23), at least one heat exchanger (24), at least one valve (25), and a control device (28), in, The mixing chamber (10') has at least two injection ports (20, 21) for injecting jets (29, 31) of liquid medium into the mixing chamber (10'), wherein the at least two injection ports (20, 21) are arranged at a distance from each other in the direction of the cavity axis (10a) of the mixing chamber (10'). The mixing chamber (10') has sequentially arranged chamber portions (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130), wherein the inner diameter of these chamber portions (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) decreases from the chamber inlet (11) of the mixing chamber (10') to the chamber outlet (17) of the mixing chamber (10'). Its features are, The sequentially arranged cavity portions (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) are all constructed with conical inner surfaces, and the mixing cavity (10') has an asymmetrical structure without a stirrer / mixing wheel, with a first cavity (100) and a second cavity (110) arranged sequentially, wherein the cavity axis (10a) of the first cavity (100) and the cavity axis (10b) of the second cavity (110) are moved relative to each other by an offset (10c) and are therefore arranged eccentrically to each other. The first cavity (100) of the mixing cavity (10') is constructed with a surface portion (34) having a bottom (34a) with an inner surface (34b), wherein the bottom (34a) is arranged slightly inward toward the cavity axis (10b) of the second cavity (110) at a circumferential angle α relative to the horizontal line, wherein the angle α has a value in the range of 5° to 10°.

2. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle α has a value in the range of 7° to 8°.

3. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mixing chamber (10') is made of metal, plastic, or a combination of metal and plastic and is constructed without a seal.

4. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first injection port (20) of the at least two injection ports (20, 21) has a channel opening that leads into a first cavity portion (12, 120) of the mixing cavity (10'), and the second injection port (21) of the at least two injection ports (20, 21) has a channel opening that leads into a third cavity portion (14) of the mixing cavity (10').

5. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The channel opening of the second injection interface (21) has a smaller inner diameter than the channel opening of the first injection interface (20).

6. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first injection port (20) and the second injection port (21) can be loaded with a medium or different media independently of each other, simultaneously or at time offset, via a common valve (25) or correspondingly via separate valves (25a, 25b), either by a preset or adjustable method.

7. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first injection port (20) and the second injection port (21) can be loaded with a medium or different media independently of each other, simultaneously or at time offset, via respective individual valves (25a, 25b) via a preset or adjustable method.

8. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mixing chamber (10') is arranged vertically and has a chamber outlet (17) pointing vertically downward.

9. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cavity outlet (17) is connected to a curved outlet pipe (170).

10. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cavity outlet (17) is connected to a valve unit (180) having at least one valve (181).

11. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The valve unit (180) has at least two valves (181, 182), wherein at least one valve (181) is a cleaning valve whose outlet (181a) is directed to the domestic water discharge system, and at least one valve (182) is a beverage valve whose outlet (182a) discharges the beverage (18) prepared in the mixing chamber (10').

12. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mixing chamber (10') can be inserted into the beverage preparation device (1) and can be removed from the beverage preparation device (1) again, wherein the correct placement of the mixing chamber (10') in the support is obtained by a limit switch and / or a reed contact.

13. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one flow guiding element is arranged in the mixing chamber (10') within the inner chamber of the chamber (100, 110).

14. The beverage preparation apparatus (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The mixing chamber (10') has at least one installed deflection wall (38) in the inner chamber of the chamber (100), which is arranged in the direction of the delivery flow (30a, 30b, 30c) of the jet (29, 31) of the injected medium.

15. A beverage vending machine having at least one beverage preparation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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