Apparatus and method for preparing a solution from an active substance and a solvent and supplying the solution to a beverage preparation machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for preparing a solution from an active substance and a solvent and for supplying the solution to a beverage preparation machine (15), in particular a coffee machine, comprising a dissolving chamber (4) for receiving the active substance (8), a supply device (12) for supplying a specific amount of the active substance (8) to the dissolving chamber (4), and a liquid line system (1, 13) which is coupled to the dissolving chamber (4) and has a solvent line (1) which can be connected to a solvent supply (20) for supplying the solvent, and a discharge line (13) which is connected to the dissolving chamber (4) and can be connected to the beverage preparation machine (15). In order to achieve complete dissolution of the active substance in the solvent and an optimal concentration, and a uniform concentration profile over the volume of the solution, the device comprises a piston unit (5, 6, 18) which comprises a first piston (6) which can be introduced into the dissolving chamber (4), a second piston, and a connecting line (18) which is arranged between the first piston (6) and the second piston (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a solution from an active substance and a solvent and supplying the solution to a beverage preparation machine according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a method for preparing an active substance solution and supplying the active substance solution to a beverage preparation machine. Background Technology

[0002] Cleaning devices integrated into beverage preparation machines (e.g., semi-automatic or fully automatic coffee machines) are known from the prior art. During operation and after the beverage preparation machine is turned off, the cleaning device is used in a predetermined cleaning cycle to clean, for example, coffee and milk carriers containing coffee and milk residues and impurities, thereby maintaining the beverage preparation machine in good hygienic conditions at all times. The cleaning cycle can be started manually by the operator or automatically by the beverage preparation machine's control system.

[0003] Cleaning devices for automated beverage preparation machines are known in the prior art, which utilize a cartridge filled with detergent. Such cleaning devices are known (e.g., from DE 10 2015 108 438 A1), in which the cartridge filled with detergent is connected to a liquid supply source in the beverage preparation machine for hot beverage preparation, so that liquid (particularly water) is supplied to the cartridge and dissolves the solid detergent contained therein. It can be ensured that the operator of the beverage preparation machine will not come into contact with the corrosive detergent, as the corrosive detergent is stored in a sealed manner in the cartridge. However, the dissolution of the detergent in the cartridge in the liquid supplied to the cartridge is often incomplete, because the water passing through the cartridge cannot completely convert the solid detergent into a liquid detergent solution. This makes it difficult to accurately measure the amount of detergent required to complete the cleaning cycle or the required detergent concentration in the detergent solution produced by dissolving the detergent in liquid for this purpose. Furthermore, from the perspective of avoiding waste, cleaning devices with detergent cartridges have disadvantages, as the empty cartridges, typically with plastic casings, are disposable and must be discarded.

[0004] Another apparatus for cleaning a coffee machine is known from DE 10 2011 054 601 A1. This coffee machine has a water tank, a heating element, a brewing unit, and a water piping system. The water piping system has a water pump for conveying water from the water tank through the water piping system. The cleaning apparatus includes a chamber for a descaling agent and / or a cleaning agent, which can be connected to or is connected to the water piping system such that water from the water tank can be conveyed through the chamber to the coffee machine's water piping system by means of the coffee machine's water pump. This cleaning apparatus is designed to allow for the complete dissolution and mixing of the descaling agent and / or cleaning agent, as the reagent located in the chamber dissolves in an aqueous solution by introducing and conveying water through the chamber, and the aqueous solution is conveyed from the chamber to the coffee machine's water piping system, particularly for cleaning the brewing unit and / or the heating element with the cleaning agent solution. However, even with such an apparatus, it is difficult to accurately measure the amount of cleaning agent required for the cleaning process or the concentration of the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent solution.

[0005] To accurately measure the specific amount of cleaning agent required for performing the cleaning process in a beverage preparation machine, cleaning devices with cleaning agent metering devices are known in the prior art, wherein solid cleaning agents (e.g., cleaning agents in powder, granule, solid, or tablet form) are supplied to the metering device. For example, a beverage machine (particularly a coffee machine) is known from EP 1 210 894 B1, which has a supply device for solid cleaning agents (particularly in extruded form), wherein a separate metering device for automatic metering of the cleaning agent is provided. The feeding device includes a storage container for the solid cleaning agent and a feeding unit having a movable feeding chamber through which a predetermined amount of cleaning agent can be conveyed from the storage container to the outlet.

[0006] Another cleaning system for automatic beverage dispensers, particularly coffee machines, is known from EP 2 584 946 B1. This system includes a cleaning device for periodically cleaning beverage-contacting parts using a cleaning fluid. To generate the cleaning fluid, a solid cleaning agent (particularly in spherical or tablet form) is dissolved in the cleaning fluid within the cleaning device. The cleaning device includes a controlled metering device with a metering barrier that releases cleaning balls or tablets stored in a storage container into a discharge trough with a metering opening. Two counter-rotating metering screws are arranged between the storage container and the discharge trough, through which the cleaning balls or tablets can be individually conveyed into the discharge trough.

[0007] The cleaning apparatus known in the prior art has a metering device for metering the supply of solid cleaning agent. On the one hand, it can operate the cleaning agent simply and safely, and on the other hand, it can accurately measure the amount of cleaning agent required for the cleaning process and accurately measure the concentration of active substances of the cleaning agent in the cleaning liquid generated by dissolving the solid cleaning agent.

[0008] In beverage preparation machines, in addition to cleaning solutions, other types of solutions of active substances in solvents are required, such as descaling solutions, aroma or flavoring solutions, and powder or granule solutions, such as milk, sugar, or chocolate powder in liquid solvents (e.g., water or milk). Therefore, there is a further need for equipment for preparing solutions of active substances and solvents and supplying such solutions to the beverage preparation machine. This equipment ensures that the active substances are uniformly mixed or completely dissolved in the solvent, have a precise concentration of active substances, and safely supplies the solution to the beverage preparation machine.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for equipment for generating a solution from an active substance and a solvent and supplying the resulting solution to a beverage preparation machine. This equipment should be capable of completely dissolving the active substance in the solvent to achieve an optimal concentration of the active substance in the solution. The active substance is supplied, for example, in powder or tablet form via a metering device, and has a uniform concentration distribution across the volume of the dosed solution. Specifically, the active substance in the solution should be completely dissolved or uniformly mixed. Furthermore, the consumption of the active substance should be minimized. This equipment can be fully automatically controlled by the beverage preparation machine's control unit to automatically execute, for example, pre-programmed cleaning or production cycles to produce beverages with a precise dosage of the amount of active substance required for the cleaning or production cycle, achieving the optimal concentration of the active substance in the solution within the required dosage for the cleaning or production cycle. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for generating solutions from active substances and solvents and supplying said solutions to a beverage preparation machine, wherein different solutions can be generated from different active substances and solvents and delivered to the beverage preparation machine. The active substances should be obtained in solid form, such as powder or tablets, or in liquid form, and the solutions should be prepared using different solvents in liquid form, particularly water or milk. In particular, complete dissolution and optimal concentration of the active substances in the solvent should be achieved, with a uniform concentration distribution across the solution volume. The apparatus can be fully automatically controlled by the control unit of the beverage preparation machine so as to enable, for example, fully automatic execution of pre-programmed processes, such as cleaning or descaling processes or beverage preparation processes, with precise concentrations of the active substances and the required solution volume for the corresponding process.

[0011] These tasks are addressed by an apparatus having the features of claim 1 for preparing a solution from an active substance and a solvent and supplying the solution to a beverage preparation machine, and a method having the features of claim 30 for supplying the active substance solution to a beverage preparation machine. Furthermore, a beverage preparation machine equipped with the apparatus according to the invention helps to solve this problem. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus, the beverage preparation machine equipped with said apparatus, and the method can be found in the dependent claims.

[0012] The device according to the invention includes a dissolution chamber for receiving the active substance and a liquid pipeline system coupled to the dissolution chamber, the liquid pipeline system including a solvent pipeline that can be connected to a solvent supply source for supplying the solvent and an exhaust pipeline that can be connected to the dissolution chamber and to the beverage preparation machine, wherein a piston unit is provided, the piston unit including a first piston and a second piston that can be inserted into the dissolution chamber and a connecting pipeline disposed between the first piston and the second piston.

[0013] Liquid solvent (particularly water, milk, or alcohol) can be supplied to the dissolution chamber via the solvent line to dissolve a predetermined amount of the active substance in the active substance solution therein. In this regard, the first piston, insertable into the dissolution chamber, allows for good and uniform mixing of the active substance in the active substance solution, and the piston also closes the active substance inlet to the first chamber, through which the active substance is supplied when the piston is inserted into the dissolution chamber in the operating position. When the first piston is in its operating position within the dissolution chamber, the solvent can be introduced into the dissolution chamber via the solvent line to dissolve a certain amount of the active substance in the active substance solution within the dissolution chamber. For this purpose, the first piston is preferably movably arranged within the dissolution chamber between an upper basic position, in which the first piston is pulled out of the dissolution chamber, and in the lower operating position, in which the first piston is located within the dissolution chamber. This achieves complete dissolution and uniform mixing of the active substance in the solution, as well as a uniform concentration of the active substance in a predetermined volume of solution. Furthermore, since the active substance inlet of the chamber is closed by the piston inserted into the dissolution chamber, it ensures that no other active substance can enter the chamber during the dissolution or mixing of the active substance.

[0014] The active substance may be, for example, a cleaning agent or detergent or a beverage ingredient, such as sugar, syrup or other concentrate, milk or chocolate powder, flavoring or flavoring agent or an alcoholic beverage.

[0015] According to the invention, the first piston is part of a piston unit comprising a first piston, a second piston, and a connecting line disposed between and connecting the two pistons. In this configuration, the second piston is preferably movably disposed in a pre-chamber, which is located upstream of the dissolution chamber, as seen in the flow direction of the solvent supplied via the solvent line, and is fluidly connected to the dissolution chamber via the connecting line. Movement of the second piston in the pre-chamber is transmitted to the first piston via the connecting line. Therefore, the solvent line is preferably connected to an inlet connection of the pre-chamber. This arrangement allows the first piston and the second piston, connected to the first piston via the connecting line, to move automatically within the dissolution chamber and the pre-chamber, respectively, when solvent is introduced into the pre-chamber via the solvent line. The pressure of the introduced solvent moves the second piston in the pre-chamber from its basic position to its operating position, specifically from the top to the bottom, and the first piston thereby also moves to its operating position. At the same time, the solvent can flow from the pre-chamber into the dissolution chamber through the connecting line to fill the dissolution chamber with solvent and dissolve a certain amount of active material in the solvent or mix it with the solvent to produce an active material solution.

[0016] To preload the piston unit, it preferably includes a spring element that preloads the second piston in the pre-chamber in its basic position. When solvent is introduced into the pre-chamber, the spring element is compressed by the pressure of the solvent flow, counteracting its restoring force, resulting in the second piston and the first piston reaching their respective operating positions. The spring element is conveniently arranged between the first piston and the second piston, particularly around the tubular connecting line, and is preferably supported on a support in the pre-chamber. The support is preferably arranged in the end region of the pre-chamber, particularly at the bottom of the pre-chamber, and the spring element extends between the end faces, particularly the lower end face, of the support and the second piston. Due to this arrangement, the spring element preloads the first piston and the second piston in the unloaded state, which holds the first piston and the second piston in their respective basic positions, with the first piston pulled out of the dissolution chamber in its basic position and the second piston in its basic position at its (upper) limit position in the pre-chamber, wherein the second piston abuts against the (upper) stop of the pre-chamber.

[0017] To ensure the first piston safely moves to its operating position when solvent is introduced through the solvent line, and to maintain the first piston in that operating position during solvent introduction, the anterior chamber preferably has a larger cross-section, particularly a larger diameter, than the dissolution chamber, and correspondingly, the second piston also preferably has a larger cross-section, particularly a larger diameter, than the first piston. Because the cross-section of the first piston is larger than that of the second piston, the reaction force exerted on the first piston (particularly on its lower end face) by the solvent introduced into the dissolution chamber is less than the force exerted on the second piston (particularly on its upper end face) by the pressure of the solvent flow. As a result, as long as solvent is introduced via the solvent line, both the first and second pistons remain in their operating positions.

[0018] Preferably, at least one valve, particularly a shut-off valve and / or control valve (especially a pressure control valve) and / or pressure reducer, is arranged in the solvent line. The shut-off valve arrangement allows the solvent line to be opened and closed, thereby allowing solvent to be introduced into the device and stopping the solvent supply. The presence of a pressure regulating valve and / or pressure reducer in the solvent line allows a predetermined pressure of the solvent flow to be set, preferably in the range of 3 to 10 bar.

[0019] To seal the first chamber and the front chamber, the first piston and the second piston preferably each have at least one sealing element, the sealing element of the first piston sealingly abutting against the inner wall of the dissolution chamber, and the sealing element of the second piston sealingly abutting against the inner wall of the front chamber.

[0020] To supply a predetermined amount of active ingredient, the dissolving chamber preferably has at least one active ingredient inlet, conveniently located in the upper region or upper end of the dissolving chamber. The active ingredient inlet, or each active ingredient inlet, includes an opening in the wall of the dissolving chamber through which the active ingredient can be introduced into the dissolving chamber. The active ingredient may be in the form of tablets or spheres, or it may be in the form of granules, powder, or liquid.

[0021] Preferably, in its operating position, the first piston is positioned within the dissolution chamber to such an extent that the entrance to the dissolution chamber for the active substance is blocked. This ensures that the active substance is not introduced into the dissolution chamber during the introduction of solvent, thereby ensuring accurate measurement of the amount of active substance in the dissolution chamber and accurate concentration of the active substance in the solution.

[0022] The active material inlet is conveniently connected to a dispenser or feeding device to feed a predetermined amount of active material into the dissolution chamber. The dispenser or feeding device is preferably a dispenser through which solid active material (e.g., in the form of balls or tablets) stored in a storage container can be individually supplied to the active material inlet. Such a feeding device is known, for example, from EP 2 584 946 B1. This ensures accurate metering of the amount of active material introduced into the dissolution chamber via the active material inlet. For example, a predetermined number of active material balls or tablets can be introduced into the dissolution chamber, thereby producing different concentrations of active material in a dose of active material solution predetermined by the available volume of the dissolution chamber, depending on the number of balls or tablets.

[0023] To discharge the active substance solution generated in the dissolution chamber into the discharge line of the liquid line system connected to the beverage preparation machine, the device preferably includes a compressed gas line that can be connected to a compressed gas source. Preferably, for this purpose, the pre-chamber is connected to the pressurized gas line, which conveniently leads to the pre-chamber from the top or upper side. Optionally, the compressed gas line may also lead to the solvent line. After the solvent supply is completed, preferably after the active substance in the active substance solution has completely dissolved, compressed gas (pressurized gas) (e.g., compressed air) can be introduced into the device through the compressed gas line, particularly into the pre-chamber, and then into the dissolution chamber via the connecting line, to force the active substance solution generated in the dissolution chamber into the discharge line connected to the dissolution chamber.

[0024] A shut-off valve and / or control valve are preferably arranged in the discharge line to open and close the discharge line or to allow setting a specific flow cross-section in the discharge line. The volumetric flow rate of the discharged active substance solution and / or the pressure in the dissolution chamber can be regulated by the control valve arranged in the discharge line.

[0025] Depending on the location of the shut-off valve or control valve in the discharge line, the device can operate in continuous or batch mode. In continuous operation, the shut-off valve or control valve in the discharge line is at least partially open, while solvent continuously passes through the dissolution chamber, whereby the active substance in the dissolution chamber dissolves or mixes in the active substance solution, and the active substance solution is discharged directly and continuously to the beverage preparation machine through the open discharge line. In this case, it is advantageous to use a control valve in the discharge line because the flow cross-section in the discharge line can be adjusted by the location of the control valve. By changing the flow cross-section in the discharge line, the volumetric flow rate of the active substance solution and the concentration of the active substance in the active substance solution can be adjusted. The port arranged in the connecting line ensures that the piston unit, in particular the first piston, remains in a predetermined operating position, regardless of the location of the control valve in the discharge line.

[0026] In batch operation, the shut-off valve or control valve in the discharge line is closed, while solvent is supplied to the dissolution chamber via the solvent line at a predetermined pressure. To set a specific pressure for the solvent flow, a pressure control valve and / or pressure reducer is preferably provided in the solvent line. The precise position of the first piston in the dissolution chamber can be set during batch operation of the device, where the discharge line is closed in the operating position, by means of the pressure of the solvent flow. Therefore, the position of the first piston in the operating position determines the volume of the active substance solution produced in the first chamber by dissolving or mixing the active substance. Thus, the position of the first piston in the operating position determines the volume of the dose of the active substance solution supplied by the device for operation in the beverage preparation machine. After the active substance in the active substance solution has dissolved or mixed completely, the water supply is stopped by closing the shut-off valve or control valve in the discharge line, and the dose of the active substance solution located in the dissolution chamber is supplied to the beverage preparation machine by introducing compressed gas (e.g., compressed air) into the dissolution chamber when the valve in the discharge line is open. The volumetric flow rate of the active substance solution supplied to the beverage preparation machine can be adjusted by the position of the control valve arranged in the discharge line.

[0027] To control operations (e.g., cleaning operations) within the beverage preparation machine, the device is preferably coupled to a control unit of the beverage preparation machine, which automatically initiates operations (e.g., cleaning or descaling operations or the production of beverages selected by the operator) at predetermined times and / or events (e.g., when the beverage preparation machine is turned on or off, after the operator selects a beverage, or after a predetermined number of beverages have been removed). In this case, various such processes can also be set or programmed in the control unit, each preferably assigned a specific dose and / or concentration of the active substance solution required to perform the process in the beverage preparation machine. Preferably, the control unit is programmable, allowing the operator to individually set specific operations and cycles according to their needs or based on the beverages produced by the beverage preparation machine.

[0028] To control the device, the valves located in the solvent line and the discharge line are connected to the control device. This means that when the active ingredient solution is supplied to the beverage preparation machine, the control device can be used to open and close the solvent line and the discharge line, or to set a specific pressure of the solvent flow and / or a specific volumetric flow rate of the active ingredient solution in the solvent line. Furthermore, the control device is preferably also connected to a valve in the pressurized gas source and / or the pressurized gas line to control the supply of pressurized gas. If the active ingredient inlet is connected to a distributor or feeder, the distributor or feeder is also conveniently controlled by the control device.

[0029] When a warm or hot solvent is supplied to the dissolving chamber, in which the solid active substance is dissolved, particularly rapid and complete dissolution of the solid active substance in the active substance solution can be achieved. Therefore, the solvent line is preferably connected to a solvent supply source that provides heated solvent, particularly with a temperature between 40°C and 100°C. The solvent supply source is thus conveniently connected to the boiler or continuous flow heater of the beverage preparation machine, which generates, for example, hot water or hot milk for beverage preparation. In a preferred embodiment, the front chamber is connected to the boiler or the flow heater via the solvent line, providing heated solvent at a temperature of at least 40°C. The solvent supply source is connected to the boiler or the flow heater via the solvent line.

[0030] In the method according to the invention for supplying an active substance solution to a beverage preparation machine, particularly a beverage preparation machine equipped with the device according to the invention, a solution of active substance and solvent is first prepared in a dissolving chamber. A specific amount of active substance is metered into the dissolving chamber, and then the solvent is supplied to the dissolving chamber via a solvent line connectable to a solvent supply source. As a result, the active substance is dissolved in the solvent to form an active substance solution, which is then supplied to the beverage preparation machine via a discharge line connected to the dissolving chamber. In this method, according to the invention, after the active substance has been metered into the dissolving chamber, a first piston is introduced into the dissolving chamber, and the pressure generated by the introduced solvent forces it into the dissolving chamber.

[0031] Preferably, the temperature of the solvent introduced into the dissolution chamber is at least 40°C, preferably above 60°C, and particularly between 60°C and 100°C. This improves the efficiency of the dissolution process in the dissolution chamber. Furthermore, the solvent introduced into the dissolution chamber preferably has a pressure of at least 3 bar, preferably between 3 bar and 10 bar, and particularly between 4 bar and 6 bar. Due to the pressure of the introduced solvent, the first piston is pressed into the dissolution chamber and held in the operating position as long as the solvent is supplied at a predetermined pressure.

[0032] To perform this method, the dissolution chamber is preferably fluidly connected to the pre-chamber, and a solvent line for transporting solvent is connected to the pre-chamber to supply solvent to both the pre-chamber and the dissolution chamber. The first piston is thus connected to the second piston via the connecting line, wherein the second piston is movably arranged in the pre-chamber. In this configuration, after metering a specific amount of active material, solvent is introduced into the dissolution chamber, and during solvent supply, the first piston is introduced into the dissolution chamber and held in its operating position. The incoming solvent thus first presses the second piston into the pre-chamber, and the pressure generated by the introduced solvent is transmitted from the second piston to the first piston, causing the first piston in the dissolution chamber to enter its operating position. Therefore, after the first piston is introduced into its operating position, solvent flows into the first chamber through the connecting line connecting the first and second pistons. The connecting line (particularly tubular) preferably extends through the first and second pistons to establish a fluid connection between the dissolution chamber and the pre-chamber.

[0033] When solvent is supplied through the solvent line, the first piston is thus pressed into the dissolution chamber by the pressure generated by the introduced solvent flow. This pressure acts first on the second piston, particularly on its upper surface, and is then transmitted from the second piston to the first piston. In this case, the cross-section of the second piston (on which the solvent flow pressure acts) is preferably larger than the cross-section of the first piston (on which the back pressure acts), the back pressure being generated by the solvent flowing into the dissolution chamber via the connecting line.

[0034] After an active substance solution is generated by dissolving or mixing the active substance in a solvent already supplied to the dissolving chamber, the solvent supply is first stopped, and then compressed gas (especially compressed air) is introduced into the dissolving chamber to force the active substance solution from the dissolving chamber into the discharge line, thereby supplying it to the beverage preparation machine. In continuous operation, the active substance solution generated in the dissolving chamber can also be fed into the discharge line while the solvent is still being fed.

[0035] Once the active substance solution has been completely transferred to the discharge line, the introduction of pressurized gas into the dissolution chamber is stopped, and the second piston automatically moves out of the dissolution chamber to its basic position due to the restoring force of the spring element.

[0036] When the first piston is in its basic position outside the dissolution chamber, the active substance is introduced into the dissolution chamber through its active substance inlet, and when the first piston is in its operating position inside the dissolution chamber, the active substance inlet is blocked. This prevents the active substance from entering the dissolution chamber during the generation of the active substance solution.

[0037] The method is preferably automatically controlled by a control device, which specifically controls the valves in the solvent pipeline and / or the solvent supply source connected thereto, the dispenser or feeding device for dispensing a defined amount of active substance, the compressed gas source for introducing compressed gas into the dissolution chamber, and the valves in the discharge pipeline, in order to perform the steps described above for preparing the active substance solution and supplying the active substance solution to the beverage preparation machine.

[0038] In this case, the control device is preferably configured or programmable in such a way that the operation of the beverage preparation machine is performed automatically after a predetermined event, which depends particularly on the operation of the beverage preparation machine, and / or is performed after selection by the operator via the communication interface of the beverage preparation machine or at a predetermined time, wherein the active substance solution generated during operation can be used in the beverage preparation machine, for example, to produce a beverage or to perform cleaning or descaling operations.

[0039] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a beverage preparation machine, particularly a coffee machine, in which hot milk and warm or cold milk foam can preferably be prepared via an integrated milk module, wherein the beverage preparation machine is equipped with the device according to the invention. Preferably, the device according to the invention is integrated into the beverage preparation machine, or can be inserted as a replaceable module. In this case, the device is conveniently connected to a brewing device for brewing hot beverages and / or a milk module for heating and / or foaming milk, as well as a piping system, so that the generated active substance solution can be supplied to the brewing device and / or the milk module and the piping system, the piping system conveying the beverage and beverage ingredients. Attached Figure Description

[0040] These and other advantages, applications, and features of the present invention arise from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrate:

[0041] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the device in its basic position according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 : Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the equipment in different positions during the start and execution of a cycle used to prepare an active substance solution and transfer it to a beverage preparation machine, wherein... Figure 2 (a) shows the device in its basic position, in which active material is supplied; Figure 2 (b) shows an apparatus in an operating position, wherein a solvent is supplied and an active substance is dissolved therein to form an active substance solution; Figure 2 (c) shows the device in the operating position, wherein the active substance solution is discharged, and Figure 2 (d) shows the device in its basic position, where it is ready to receive active material for subsequent cycles;

[0043] Figure 3 : A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the device in the basic position according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1The illustrated device includes a dissolving chamber 4 and a front chamber 3. A first piston 6 is movably disposed in the dissolving chamber 4, and a second piston 5 is movably disposed in the front chamber 3. Both the dissolving chamber 4 and the front chamber 3 are hollow cylindrical designs and each has cylindrical walls. The dissolving chamber 4 extends vertically from its upper opening to its lower, funnel-shaped opening, and leads to a discharge line 13 connected to the dissolving chamber 4. The first piston 6 can be inserted into the dissolving chamber 4 through its upper opening. The front chamber 3 is disposed above the dissolving chamber 4 and also extends between its upper and lower ends, with a bottom having a central opening at its lower end. An inlet port is disposed at the upper end of the front chamber 3, to which the solvent line 1 is connected. The solvent line 1 is part of the device's liquid piping system, which includes the solvent line 1 and the discharge line 13. The solvent line 1 is connected to a solvent supply source 20 that provides solvent (e.g., water). The solvent can be heated and preferably has a temperature of at least 40°C, particularly in the range between 60°C and 100°C. For example, if a cleaning agent solution is to be produced from a solvent, heating the solvent is advantageous because its effectiveness is enhanced at higher temperatures. Furthermore, the efficiency of the dissolution process is increased at these temperatures. A shut-off valve 10 is arranged in the solvent line 1 for opening and closing the solvent line 1. Instead of the shut-off valve, or in addition to the shut-off valve, a control valve and / or pressure regulator may also be arranged in the solvent line 1.

[0045] A stop 21 is arranged in the upper region of the anterior chamber 3. This stop 21 can be formed, for example, by an annular flange protruding from the wall of the anterior chamber 3 into the interior of the chamber. A second piston 5 is movably arranged in the anterior chamber 3 and can move within the anterior chamber 3 between a basic position a and an operating position b. Figure 1 In the basic position a shown, the upper side of the second piston 5 rests against the stop member 21, while... Figure 2 In the operating position shown in b, the lower side of the second piston 5 rests against the bottom of the fore-chamber 3 or is at least near the bottom.

[0046] from Figure 1 As can be seen, the front chamber 3 has a larger cross-section than the dissolution chamber 4, and in particular, a larger diameter. Therefore, the second piston 5 also has a larger cross-section than the first piston 6, and in particular, a larger diameter.

[0047] The first piston 6 and the second piston 5 are each cylindrical or disc-shaped and are connected to each other via a connecting line 18, which extends through the first piston 6 and the second piston 5 and through a central opening at the bottom of the pre-chamber 3. The connecting line 18 thus provides a fluid connection between the dissolution chamber 4 and the pre-chamber 3. A port 11 is preferably arranged in the connecting line 18.

[0048] A spring element 7 (e.g., a coil spring) is arranged in the front chamber 3, extending between the lower side of the second piston 5 and the bottom of the front chamber 3. Figure 1As shown, the spring element 7 is specifically arranged around the connecting line 18. A support 19 is formed at the bottom of the pre-chamber 3, on which the spring element 7 is supported. The second piston 5 in the pre-chamber 3 is preloaded in its (above) basic position a by the spring element 7. Therefore, the first piston 6, which is connected to the second piston 5 via the connecting line 18, is also in its (above) basic position a, in which the first piston 6 is pulled out of the melting chamber 4.

[0049] The first piston 6 and the second piston 5 each have at least one circumferential sealing ring 17, 17' on their outer circumference. When the second piston 5 moves from its (above) basic position a to its (below) operating position b in the front chamber 3 and the first piston 6 moves simultaneously into the dissolution chamber 4, the sealing ring 17 of the first piston 6 abuts against the inner side of the wall of the dissolution chamber 4, and the sealing ring 17' of the second piston 5 abuts against the inner side of the wall of the front chamber 3.

[0050] The first piston 6 and the second piston 5, together with the connecting line 18 and the spring element 7, form a piston unit. This piston unit is preloaded in the basic position a by the spring element 7 and can be moved from the basic position a to the operating position b by applying an external force.

[0051] An active substance inlet 12 is located in the upper region of the dissolution chamber 4. The active substance inlet 12 includes a lateral opening (not shown) in the wall of the dissolution chamber 4 through which, for example, a tablet or spherical active substance 8 can be introduced into the dissolution chamber 4. To feed a predetermined amount of active substance 8 into the dissolution chamber 4, the active substance inlet 12 is connected to a dispenser or feeding device that feeds the active substance 8 into the dissolution chamber 4 through the active substance inlet 12. Preferably, the active substance 8 is in the form of tablets or spheres, which are individually fed into the dissolution chamber 4 via the dispenser or feeding device. Several tablets or spheres of active substance 8 may also be introduced into the dissolution chamber 4 via the active substance inlet 12, such as… Figure 1 Two active material spheres 8 are shown, located at the lower funnel-shaped end of the dissolution chamber 4. However, the active material can also be in the form of powder, granules, or liquid.

[0052] In the upper region, compressed gas line 2 leads to the front chamber 3. Compressed gas line 2 includes a check valve 9 and is connected upstream of the check valve 9 to a compressed gas source 16, which provides compressed gas, such as compressed air. Compressed gas source 16 may also provide other food-grade gases at pressure instead of compressed air. For this purpose, compressed nitrogen or compressed carbon dioxide could also be considered instead of compressed air. Compressed gas source 16 may be formed, for example, by a compressor that draws in ambient air and compresses it to a predetermined pressure.

[0053] A discharge line 13, connected to the lower end of the pre-chamber 4, is coupled to the beverage preparation machine 15, and specifically to the liquid line system of the beverage preparation machine 15, to direct the active substance solution generated in the equipment into the liquid line system of the beverage preparation machine 15. At least one valve is provided in the discharge line 13 for opening and closing the discharge line 13. Preferably, the discharge line 13 includes a control valve 14 with an adjustable flow rate cross-section.

[0054] Figure 1 The illustrated device is conveniently arranged within the housing of the beverage preparation machine 15. Preferably, the device is inserted into the housing of the beverage preparation machine 15 as a replaceable module. Therefore, the solvent supply source 20 and the compressed gas source 16 are preferably components of the beverage preparation machine 15, which on the one hand can be used to produce beverages in the beverage preparation machine, for example, to provide hot water or hot milk, and to provide compressed gas (especially compressed air), and on the other hand can supply solvent to the device via solvent line 1 and compressed gas via compressed gas line 2. Therefore, the solvent supply source 20 can be specifically formed from a boiler or continuous flow heater of the beverage preparation machine 15 that provides hot water.

[0055] A control device is provided for controlling the equipment. This control device specifically controls valves 10 and 14 in solvent line 1 and discharge line 13, and supplies compressed gas from compressed gas source 16 via compressed gas line 2 and introduces active substance 8 into dissolution chamber 4 via active substance inlet 12. Therefore, the control device can conveniently be a component of the control system of beverage preparation machine 15, configured to initiate a process in beverage preparation machine 15 after or at a specific time or event, for which beverage preparation machine 15 needs to produce an active substance solution in the equipment. The specific time or event depends particularly on beverage production in beverage preparation machine 15 and can be selected, for example, by an operator via a communication interface.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In the middle, it is available Figure 1 The various stages of the cycle in which the equipment produces a solution from active substances and solvents are shown through different locations on the equipment, where... Figure 2 The stages shown are performed continuously in a cycle to produce an active substance solution in the equipment in continuous or batch operation and to transfer it to a beverage preparation machine.

[0057] exist Figure 2 In diagram a, the device is shown in its basic position a, which corresponds to... Figure 1The view. To initiate the cycle of generating a solution from the active substance and solvent, with the compressed gas source 16 turned off or the compressed gas line 2 closed and valves 10 and 14 closed, a predetermined amount of active substance 8 (e.g., a certain number of active substance tablets or beads) is first added to the dissolution chamber 4 through the active substance inlet 12. Then, as... Figure 2 As shown in b, valve 10 in solvent line 1 is opened. Furthermore, control valve 14 in discharge line 13 is at least partially opened, and specifically set to a predetermined flow cross-section. As a result, preferably, warm solvent (e.g., water having a temperature of 40°C to 80°C and a predetermined solvent flow pressure (preferably greater than 3 bar, particularly 3 bar to 10 bar)) flows from solvent line 1 into the upper region of pre-chamber 3. Therefore, if necessary, the pressure of the solvent flow can be set to a specific value by a pressure regulating valve or pressure reducer in solvent line 1. Because the pressure of the solvent flow acts on the upper end face of the second piston 5, the second piston 5 in pre-chamber 3... Figure 2 The basic position shown in a moves to... Figure 2 In operating position b, as shown in Figure b, the second piston 5 in the anterior chamber 3 is located near the bottom. Since the second piston 5 is connected to the first piston 6 via connecting line 18, the first piston 6 also... Figure 2 As shown in figure a, its basic position a (in which the first piston 6 is pulled out of the melting chamber 4) moves to Figure 2 The operating position shown in b is (in this position, the first piston 6 is at a certain height within the dissolution chamber 4). For example... Figure 2 As shown in b, the first piston 6 is thus positioned above the sphere of active substance 8 located in the dissolution chamber 4. The first piston 6 to Figure 2 The movement of its operating position b, as shown in b, closes the active material inlet 12, and in particular the opening on the wall of the dissolution chamber 4, so that no more active material can enter the area below the first piston 6 in the dissolution chamber 4.

[0058] Solvent flowing into the front chamber 3 via solvent line 1 flows into the dissolution chamber 4 through port 11 in connecting line 18. Dissolution chamber 4 is connected to the front chamber 3 via connecting line 18 in a fluid conduction manner. Since the cross-section of the first piston 6 is larger than that of the second piston 5, the reaction force exerted on the first piston 6 by the solvent introduced into the dissolution chamber 4 is less than the force exerted on the second piston 5 by the pressure of the solvent flow. Therefore, as long as pressurized solvent is introduced via solvent line 1, the first piston 6 and the second piston 5 are each held in their operating position b. Thus, port 11 ensures a sufficiently high pressure upstream of port 11 to hold the piston unit in its operating position b.

[0059] As the solvent flows into the dissolution chamber 4 from the region below the first piston 6, the spheres of the active substance 8 located in the dissolution chamber 4 dissolve in the solvent to form an active substance solution. The concentration of the active substance 8 in the active substance solution is determined by the amount of active substance in the dissolution chamber 4 and the volumetric flow rate of the solvent flowing through it, which depends on the flow rate cross-section set in the discharge line 13.

[0060] The closed active substance inlet 12 ensures that no more active substance is added to the active substance solution in the dissolution chamber 4 during the dissolution of active substance 8.

[0061] Therefore, for a given flow cross-section in the discharge line 13 and a given amount of active substance 8 in the dissolution chamber 4, a given concentration of active substance is established in the active substance solution, which continuously flows into the discharge line 13 and is thereby delivered to the beverage preparation machine 15, and in particular to the liquid line system of the beverage preparation machine 15.

[0062] The temperature and pressure of the solvent flow introduced into dissolution chamber 4 ensure complete dissolution and uniform mixing of active ingredient 8 in the active ingredient solution. After a sufficient amount of active ingredient solution has been supplied for the operation performed in the beverage preparation machine, valve 10 of solvent line 1 is closed, thereby stopping the solvent supply. Then, as... Figure 2 As shown in Figure c, compressed gas (especially compressed air) is introduced into the upper region of the pre-chamber 3 via compressed gas line 2. The pressure of the compressed gas is preferably greater than 1 bar, particularly between 1.5 bar and 3 bar. The pressure of the introduced compressed gas flowing from the pre-chamber 3 into the dissolution chamber 4 via connecting line 18 forces the remaining amount of active substance solution still in the dissolution chamber 4 into the discharge line 13.

[0063] Instead of the continuous operation described above, the device can also operate in a batch mode, in which a predetermined dose of active substance solution with a certain concentration is first generated in the dissolution chamber, and then supplied to the beverage preparation machine 15 through the discharge line 13. In this batch operation, the volume of the dose of active substance solution generated is determined by the position of the first piston 6 in its operating position b within the first chamber 4, as this position determines the volume of the dissolution chamber 4 below the first piston 6 where the active substance 8 is located. Therefore, when the discharge line 13 is closed, the position of the first piston 6 in its operating position within the dissolution chamber 4 can be adjusted by the pressure of the solvent flow introduced via the solvent line 1. Thus, the volume of the dose of active substance solution in the dissolution chamber 4 can be changed by the pressure of the solvent flow. Therefore, when the active substance 8 is dissolved or mixed in the solvent, a certain concentration of active substance 8 is generated in the formed active substance solution, which is determined by the predetermined amount of active substance 8 in the dissolution chamber 4 and the volume of the dissolution chamber 4 below the first piston 6.

[0064] After the active substance 8 is dissolved and mixed in a certain amount of solvent located in the dissolution chamber 4, the resulting amount of active substance solution is supplied to the beverage preparation machine 15 via the discharge line 13 by opening the discharge line 13 (specifically, opening valve 14) while simultaneously closing valve 10 in the solvent line 1, and compressed gas is introduced into the dissolution chamber 4 via the compressed gas line 2. In this case, the dosage of the active substance solution is such that the active substance in the solution has a certain concentration, which can be adjusted by the amount of active substance 8 supplied to the dissolution chamber 4 during the preparation of the active substance solution and the pressure of the solvent flow. The control valve 14 arranged in the discharge line 13 can advantageously set a specific volumetric flow rate of the active substance solution entering the discharge line 13 from the dissolution chamber 4 when discharging the active substance solution.

[0065] In continuous or batch operation of the equipment, after the active substance solution is delivered from the dissolution chamber 4 to the liquid pipeline system of the beverage preparation machine 15, the cycle ends and the equipment returns to its basic position a by stopping the supply of pressurized gas via the pressurized gas line 2 with the valve 10 closed (either by shutting off the pressurized gas source 16 or by closing the pressurized gas line 2 with a valve). This causes the piston unit, including the first piston 6, the second piston 5, and the connecting line 18, to move back to its basic position a, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown in d. During this process, due to the restoring force of the spring element 7, the piston unit automatically enters the basic position a, wherein the second piston 5 abuts against the stop 21 of the front chamber 3, and the first piston 6 is pulled out of the dissolution chamber 4 at least to the extent that the first piston 6 is above the active material inlet 12, particularly above the opening in the wall of the dissolution chamber 4, such as... Figure 2 As shown in d. In this basic position a of the device, the dissolution chamber 4 can again be used to receive a predetermined amount of active substance 8, and in particular to receive a predetermined amount of spheres or tablets of active substance 8, and the device can be used for subsequent cycles.

[0066] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in its basic position. This embodiment corresponds to... Figure 1 In addition to the arrangement of compressed gas pipeline 2, the equipment also includes compressed gas pipeline 2 in... Figure 3 In this embodiment, the gas does not flow into the front chamber 3 but into the solvent line 1. In this case, another check valve 9' is provided in the solvent line 1 to prevent compressed gas from flowing out of the compressed gas line 2 in the direction of the solvent supply source 20. In this embodiment, after the active material has been completely dissolved or mixed in the active material solution, when the valve 10 in the solvent line 1 is opened, pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source 16 is introduced into the solvent line 1 via the pressurized gas line 2 to force the active material solution in the dissolution chamber 4 into the discharge line 13. Figure 3 Implementation examples and Figure 1 The difference in the embodiment is that the structure of the anterior chamber 3 is simpler.

[0067] The apparatus according to the invention enables rapid and complete dissolution and uniform mixing of the active substance in the solvent, particularly due to the pressure and temperature of the solvent supplied via solvent line 1. Furthermore, it ensures precise feeding of a predetermined amount of active substance 8 and maintenance of a specific concentration of active substance in the solution, thereby allowing precise control of the active substance concentration, particularly via the pressure of the solvent flow supplied through solvent line 1. In this respect, the apparatus has a simple and compact design and does not require motor control to transfer the apparatus from its basic position a to its operating position b and back. The features and advantages of the invention described with respect to the apparatus also relate to the method, and vice versa.

Claims

1. An apparatus for generating a solution from an active substance and a solvent and supplying said solution to a beverage preparation machine (15), characterized in that, The device includes - A dissolution chamber (4) for receiving the active substance (8); -The anterior chamber (3) is arranged upstream of the dissolution chamber (4); - A supply device (12) for supplying a specific amount of the active substance (8) into the dissolution chamber (4); - A liquid pipeline system (1, 13) comprising a solvent pipeline (1) that can be connected to a solvent supply source (20) for supplying the solvent, and an outlet pipeline (13) that can be connected to the dissolving chamber (4) and to the beverage preparation machine (15); - Piston unit (5, 6, 18), the piston unit (5, 6, 18) includes a first piston (6) insertable into the melting chamber (4), a second piston (5) movably arranged in the front chamber (3), and a connecting line (18) arranged between the first piston (6) and the second piston (5); -The first piston (6) is movable between a basic position (a) and an operating position (b), in which the first piston (6) is withdrawn from the dissolution chamber (4) and in the operating position (b) the first piston (6) is located in the dissolution chamber (4); - wherein the anterior chamber (3) is in fluid communication with the dissolution chamber (4) via the connecting pipe (18); and -The connecting line (18) connects the first piston (6) and the second piston (5) so that the movement of the second piston (5) is transmitted to the first piston (6).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piston unit (5, 6, 18) includes a spring element (7) arranged between the first piston (6) and the second piston (5).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spring element (7) is supported on a support (19) in the anterior chamber (3) and extends between the support (19) and the second piston (5), wherein the support (19) is arranged or formed at the bottom of the anterior chamber (3).

4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spring element (7) applies a preload to the first piston (6) in an unloaded state, wherein the preload holds the first piston (6) in the basic position (a), and wherein the first piston (6) is able to move from the basic position (a) to the operating position (b) under the bias generated by the spring element (7) when solvent is supplied through the solvent line (1).

5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The anterior chamber (3) has a stop (21) arranged in the upper region of the anterior chamber (3), wherein when the first piston (6) is in the basic position (a), the second piston (5) abuts against the stop (21).

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front chamber (3) has a larger cross-sectional diameter than the dissolution chamber (4) and / or the second piston (5) has a larger cross-sectional diameter than the first piston (6).

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first piston (6) includes at least one sealing element (17), wherein the sealing element (17) of the first piston (6) abuts against the inner wall of the dissolution chamber (4), and the second piston (5) includes at least one sealing element (17'), wherein the sealing element (17') of the second piston (5) abuts against the inner wall of the front chamber (3).

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The supply device (12) is arranged in the upper region or upper end of the dissolution chamber (4), wherein the supply device (12) includes an opening in the wall of the dissolution chamber (4) and a feeding device configured to feed the active substance into the dissolution chamber (4) through the opening.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first piston (6) is located in the operating position (b) in the dissolution chamber (4), such that the inlet into the dissolution chamber (4) from the opening is blocked.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pre-chamber (3) is fluidly connected to a pressurized gas line (2), wherein the pressurized gas line (2) can be connected to a pressurized gas source (16) and leads to the pre-chamber (3) or the solvent line (1).

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, Both the dissolution chamber (4) and the anterior chamber (3) extend in a vertically extending longitudinal direction.

12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the shut-off valve (10), the control valve, and the pressure reducer is arranged in the solvent line (1), and at least one of the shut-off valve and the control valve (14) is arranged in the discharge line (13).

13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pre-chamber (3) is connected to a solvent supply source (20) that provides a solvent at a temperature between 40°C and 100°C.

14. A beverage preparation machine (15), characterized in that, Includes the device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is coupled to a brewing apparatus for brewing hot beverages and / or an apparatus for frothing milk.

15. A method for producing an active substance solution and supplying said active substance to a beverage preparation machine (15), characterized in that, The beverage preparation machine (15) includes equipment for generating a solution from active substances and solvents, wherein a) The device includes: -Dissolution chamber (4); -The anterior chamber (3) upstream of the dissolution chamber (4); - A solvent line (1) that can be connected to a solvent supply source (20) and is fluidly connected to the pre-chamber (3); - The discharge line (13) is connected to the dissolving chamber (4) and is connected to the beverage preparation machine (15); - First piston (6); - A second piston (5) is movably arranged in the anterior chamber (3); - Connecting line (18), which connects the first piston (6) and the second piston (5) and fluidly connects the front chamber (3) and the dissolution chamber (4); b) and the steps described in the apparatus used to produce a solution of the active substance and the solvent: - A specific amount of active substance (8) is delivered to the dissolution chamber (4) according to a metering ratio; - The solvent is supplied to the dissolution chamber (4) via the solvent line (1), the dissolution chamber (4) and the connecting line (18), whereby the active substance (8) is dissolved in the solvent to form the active substance solution. - The active substance solution is supplied from the dissolution chamber (4) to the beverage preparation machine (15) via the discharge line (13); -In this process, after the active material has been metered into the dissolution chamber (4), the first piston (6) is introduced and forced into the dissolution chamber (4) by the pressure generated by the introduced solvent.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The solvent is first guided into the pre-chamber (3) via the solvent line (1), and then from the pre-chamber (3) into the dissolution chamber (4) via the connecting line (18).

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, After the active substance solution is produced in the dissolution chamber (4), the solvent supply is first stopped, and then the active substance solution is forced from the dissolution chamber (4) into the discharge line (13) by introducing pressurized gas into the dissolution chamber (4).

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