Fully automatic beverage machine for producing protein-rich mixed drinks

Abstract

Automatic beverage dispenser for the production of a protein-rich mixed beverage (1) from at least one homogeneous protein powder (3), wherein the automatic beverage dispenser comprises: - at least one drinking vessel (16) for receiving the protein-rich mixed drink (1), - at least one powder container (6) for receiving the protein powder (3), wherein a powder conveying channel (9) with a protein powder dosing unit (11) for controllable supply of the protein powder (3) into the drinking vessel (16) is connected to the powder container (6), - a liquid line (8) with a liquid metering valve (10) for the controllable supply of a drinkable beverage base liquid (4) into the drinking vessel (16), - a control and regulation unit (12) which is connected to the protein powder dosing unit (11) and the liquid dosing valve (10) for their control, and - the drinking vessel (16) has a vessel base (18) with an integrated agitator (20) for preparing the protein-rich mixed drink (1) in the drinking vessel (16) by mixing the protein powder (3) supplied to the drinking vessel (16) and the beverage base liquid (4) supplied to the drinking vessel (16), characterized in that - the fully automatic beverage dispenser has a drinking vessel holder (19) with an integrated agitator drive (21), wherein the drinking vessel holder (19) has a socket that fits the base (18) of the drinking vessel (16) in which the drinking vessel (16) can be locked for coupling the agitator (20) to the agitator drive (21), - the control and regulation unit (12) is connected to the agitator drive (21) for its control, - the drinking vessel holder (19) has a drinking vessel detector (19.1) connected to the control and regulation unit (12) for verifying the locking of the drinking vessel (16) in the drinking vessel holder (19), wherein the control and regulation unit (12) is configured, when the locking is verified, to prepare the protein-rich mixed drink (1) in the drinking vessel (16) by controlled release of the protein powder dosing unit (11) and the liquid dosing valve (10) and by controlled activation of the agitator drive (21).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fully automatic beverage dispenser for the production of protein-rich mixed drinks, which is particularly suitable for use in fitness and wellness studios, but also for use in private and commercial environments.

[0002] Protein-rich mixed drinks, often called protein shakes, are typically made using a blender. The protein, usually in powdered instant form, is added to the blender along with water or milk and then blended to create the protein shake. After transferring the protein shake to a drinking vessel, the blender must be thoroughly cleaned each time.

[0003] In fitness and wellness studios, where large quantities of the popular protein shakes are frequently consumed, this conventional method of preparing the protein shakes can be inconvenient, as it ties up staff who are then unavailable for training support or other services. Therefore, there is a particular need in such studios for a less time-consuming method of preparing protein shakes.

[0004] To meet these needs, the fully automatic machine known from DE 20 2019 004 102 U1 can be used to produce a protein shake. The machine, referred to therein as a fully automatic machine, has a mixing or stirring cup into which protein powder and a drinkable base liquid, i.e., water or milk, are automatically dispensed. A lid with a built-in stirrer, designed to fit the mixing cup, is lowered onto the filled cup, and the contents are then mixed using the stirrer. The finished protein shake is then dispensed from the mixing cup into a drinking vessel. The fully automatic machine according to DE 20 2019 004 102 U1 is designed to process instant protein in pressed form, i.e., as pellets or tablets.To convert the instant protein powder into the form required for mixing, this fully automatic machine has a grinder located beneath a hopper for the protein tablets. The powdered protein is then dispensed directly into the mixing bowl. However, mixing in the bowl and transferring the powder to the drinking vessel largely corresponds to the conventional method of preparing protein shakes. For hygienic reasons, the mixing bowl must therefore be cleaned in the usual way before reuse by removing it and washing it manually. These steps are still relatively time-consuming and necessarily tie up staff time when preparing protein shakes in a service establishment.

[0005] DE 10 2021 110 280 B4 further describes a fully automatic beverage machine with an integrated agitator for producing a protein-rich mixed drink; the agitator is cleaned after the mixed drink is produced by at least one rinsing cycle using a cleaning fluid. This design of the fully automatic beverage machine ensures the rapid and hygienic preparation of a variety of mixed drinks, but requires a relatively complex design.

[0006] DE 10 2010 047 766 A1 discloses a device for preparing liquid or semi-liquid drinks and foods, in particular baby food, comprising a vessel, a filling device for supplying a predetermined quantity of powder to the vessel, a liquid reservoir, a conveying device on the liquid reservoir for supplying the vessel with liquid, a first stirring element arranged in the vessel, a first drive for moving the stirring element and a magnetic coupling between the stirring element and the drive.

[0007] EP 3 376 923 B1 describes a beverage preparation system consisting of a mobile device and a device for heating, mixing, and dispensing a beverage. The device includes a drinking container with a base and side walls that form an interior for mixing the beverage. Inside the container is a mixing unit driven by a motor located beneath the container. A heating device is also integrated to warm the liquids in the container, along with a temperature sensor to measure the liquid temperature. The entire preparation process is controlled by a control system that regulates both the heating and mixing units. The control system receives information from a mobile device via a communication interface, particularly regarding the type of beverage ingredients placed in the container.

[0008] CN 2 06 080 173 U discloses a stirring unit with magnetic drive technology and a laterally heated wall. The unit consists of a base, a container, and two powerful magnets that initiate a stirring motion by driving the rotating axis of the output. An induction coil enables electromagnetic heating of the container's side wall, resulting in uniform heating.

[0009] US 2001 / 0036124A1 describes a drinking container suitable for beverages such as coffee, tea, or soup, featuring both an inner and outer surface. The container has an integrated, motorized stirring unit located in the lower part of the housing and powered by a small, battery-operated motor.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide a fully automatic beverage dispenser with lower technical complexity for the production of a protein-rich mixed drink, which can be operated with minimal supervision or with only minimal supervision and without transferring the mixed drink when producing protein-rich mixed drinks.

[0011] This problem is solved by a fully automatic beverage dispenser for producing a protein-rich mixed drink with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the fully automatic beverage dispenser are listed in claims 2 to 9.

[0012] According to the invention, the fully automatic beverage dispenser for producing a protein-rich mixed drink from at least one homogeneous protein powder comprises at least one drinking vessel for receiving the protein-rich mixed drink, at least one powder container for receiving the protein powder, a liquid line with a liquid metering valve for the controllable supply of a potable beverage base liquid into the drinking vessel, and a control and regulation unit. A powder conveying channel with a protein powder metering unit for the controllable supply of the protein powder into the drinking vessel is connected to the powder container; for this purpose, the protein powder exits the powder conveying channel at a protein powder outlet directed into the drinking vessel. The control and regulation unit is connected to the protein powder metering unit and the liquid metering valve for their control. Preferably, drinking water or milk is used as the beverage base liquid.The protein powder dosing unit allows the amounts of protein powder and base liquid added to the drinking vessel to be controlled as needed.

[0013] The drinking vessel has a base with an integrated stirrer for preparing the protein-rich mixed drink in the drinking vessel; that is, the mixed drink is produced in the drinking vessel by mixing the protein powder supplied to the drinking vessel and the base liquid also supplied to the drinking vessel.

[0014] The fully automatic beverage dispenser also features a cup holder with an integrated agitator drive. The cup holder has a socket that fits the base of the cup, allowing the cup to be locked into place and connected to the agitator drive. The control unit is connected to the agitator drive for its operation.

[0015] The agitator integrated into the base of the drinking vessel typically comprises an agitator inside the vessel, a coupling element on the vessel side for connecting the agitator to the agitator drive, and an agitator shaft connecting the agitator and the coupling element on the vessel side. The agitator shaft is guided or supported in the base of the vessel and—in the case of an agitator shaft that passes through the base of the vessel—is provided with a shaft seal to prevent liquid from escaping the drinking vessel.

[0016] The agitator drive integrated into the drinking vessel holder has a drive-side coupling element which is connected to a drive motor via a drive shaft. After the drinking vessel is locked in the holder, the two shaft axes are aligned coaxially; the vessel-side and drive-side coupling elements are now coupled in such a way that a rotation of the drive shaft initiated by the drive motor is directly transmitted to the agitator shaft.

[0017] According to the invention, the drinking vessel holder has a drinking vessel detector connected to the control unit for verifying that the drinking vessel is locked in the drinking vessel holder. Once the locking mechanism is verified, the control unit is configured to prepare the protein-rich mixed drink in the drinking vessel by controlled release of the protein powder dosing unit and the liquid dosing valve, as well as by controlled activation of the agitator drive.

[0018] The control unit serves to control the actuators of the fully automatic beverage dispenser, i.e., in particular the agitator drive, the protein powder dosing unit, and the liquid dosing valve, and to acquire and process signals from sensors, for example, to acquire and process signals from the drinking vessel detector or input signals from operating elements. The control unit is connected to the individual dispenser components in the usual manner; it also includes the generally known elements for operating the beverage dispenser, which are therefore not described in detail here. Power is supplied in a known manner, preferably via an electrical connection.

[0019] The fully automatic beverage dispenser allows for the quick and easy preparation of protein-rich mixed drinks. When used as intended, the protein powder and base liquid added to the drinking vessel are mixed for a predetermined time using the mixer's agitator. This mixing time is designed, for example, to ensure the finished drink has a specific consistency. The mixing time can be preset using buttons connected to the control unit. These buttons allow for settings such as a short mixing time of 10 seconds for a liquid consistency or a longer time of 30 seconds for a creamy consistency. The finished drink is then dispensed into the drinking vessel.

[0020] The drinking vessel detector allows the brewing process to be triggered as soon as the drinking vessel is locked into the drinking vessel holder. This ensures quick and safe operation of the fully automatic beverage machine without the need for time-consuming operating procedures.

[0021] For hygienic reasons, the drinking vessel must be cleaned before reuse. Cleaning can be done, for example, in a dishwasher. For efficient operation with frequent use of the beverage dispenser – for example, in fitness and wellness studios, but also in private and commercial settings – several identical drinking vessels can be provided or included with the dispenser. This allows for the quick preparation of a variety of mixed drinks. Naturally, cleaning several drinking vessels simultaneously in the dishwasher is more efficient. The option of dishwasher cleaning also ensures that the typically high hygiene standards for processing protein-rich foods are easily met.

[0022] The liquid line can be connected to an internal liquid tank of the fully automatic beverage dispenser, preferably filled with drinking water, and / or to an external drinking water supply. As an alternative to drinking water, the liquid tank can also be filled with other beverage base liquids (for example, milk). A drinking water main or an external drinking water container can serve as an external drinking water supply. Furthermore, a heating device can be integrated into the liquid line to warm or heat the beverage base liquid supplied to the drinking vessel.

[0023] The agitator and the agitator drive can be detachably connected or coupled to each other for torque transmission by means of positive-locking or friction-locking coupling elements or by means of magnetically interacting coupling elements. Positive-locking or friction-locking (mechanical) couplings, i.e., for example, in a jaw coupling, a Hirth coupling, or a friction wheel coupling, typically require an agitator shaft to penetrate the vessel bottom and therefore a suitable shaft seal. With a magnetic coupling, the coupling element on the vessel side can be mounted in the vessel bottom in such a way that the agitator shaft does not penetrate the vessel bottom – and therefore no shaft seal is required.

[0024] When the agitator is magnetically coupled to the agitator drive, an electromagnetic design is particularly preferred for the drive-side coupling element. The electromagnet in the coupling element is activated during the mixing process and deactivated when it is finished. This allows the drinking vessel to be easily removed from the drinking vessel holder at the end of the mixing process. The electromagnetic coupling can also be used to fully or partially lock the drinking vessel in place.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the fully automatic beverage dispenser further comprises at least one storage container for an instant protein product and a grinder connected to the storage container for producing homogeneous protein powder from the instant protein product. The grinder is connected to the powder container for transporting the protein powder from the grinder to the powder container. An advantage of integrating the grinder is that the instant protein products can be used largely independently of the commercially available dosage form. Thus, powdered instant protein products can be used just as easily as instant protein products in the form of granules, pellets, tablets, tabs, or similar compressed tablets. The processing of the homogeneous, fine-grained protein powder emerging from the grinder contributes significantly to the consistent quality of the mixed beverage during its preparation.

[0026] The fully automatic beverage dispenser can have multiple powder containers to hold several protein powders, each with a different composition, and / or multiple reservoirs for holding the protein instant products. This allows for the optional dispensing of different protein powders with various flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. Furthermore, one of the powder or reservoir containers can contain a neutral protein powder or protein instant product, while the other containers can hold complementary flavorings or concentrates. If a grinder is integrated into the beverage dispenser, it can be configured to grind the different protein instant products together and dispense them into a single powder container, or alternatively, each protein instant product can be ground individually and dispensed into a separate powder container.

[0027] In a configuration intended for home use, the fully automatic beverage dispenser measures approximately 40 to 60 cm in width, 25 to 40 cm in depth, and 40 to 70 cm in height. When using drinking water as the base liquid, the drinking vessel has a target capacity of approximately 0.6 to 0.7 liters; when using milk as the base liquid, drinking vessels with a capacity approximately 20 to 70% larger are preferred due to foaming.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the fully automatic beverage dispenser according to the invention, the stirrer has a rotating stirring element in the form of a propeller or a flat plate. By selecting the direction of rotation, it is possible, in conjunction with the propeller as the stirring element, to generate an upward or downward trending, swirling rotational flow in the drinking vessel.

[0029] Preferably, the powder conveying channel is designed as a vertical or as an inclined channel element, for example as a pipe, between the powder container and the protein powder outlet of the powder conveying channel.

[0030] The powder conveying channel can also have a portioning unit with a portioning compartment that can be adjusted in size along the powder conveying channel for dosing the protein powder into the drinking vessel.

[0031] Alternatively, the powder conveying channel can also have a portioning unit with several optionally releaseable locking slides arranged along the powder conveying channel at different positions for dosing the protein powder into the drinking vessel.

[0032] Both designs of the powder conveying channel as a portioner allow for additional options for dosing the protein powder into the drinking vessel, beyond the control of the protein powder dosing unit.

[0033] In the version with multiple powder containers and their respective powder dispensing channels, each channel can have a separate portioning unit. This design allows for the creation of a customized blend of different protein powders. The fully automatic beverage dispenser can, for example, have two powder containers, one filled with a vanilla-flavored instant protein product and the other with a chocolate-flavored instant protein product. The user can then select their desired flavor or a blend of both flavors by adjusting the portioning units of the powder dispensing channels.

[0034] In another design of the fully automatic beverage dispenser with multiple powder containers, each container has a size-adjustable outlet opening that leads into the powder channel. By adjusting the size of these outlet openings, the proportions of the individual protein powders can be adjusted.

[0035] The fully automatic beverage vending machine may also be equipped with a cup holder for storing several drinking vessels.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the drinking vessel can have a shell that is detachable from and connectable to the base; that is, the base and the shell are two separable parts of the drinking vessel. The detachable connection can be a screw connection, for example, similar to a screw cap. Separating the shell from the base allows for better or more targeted cleaning. For example, the shell can be cleaned particularly thoroughly in a dishwasher, while the base can be cleaned more gently to protect the integrated stirring mechanism.

[0037] The drinking vessel may also be equipped with a matching lid with which the drinking vessel can be closed, for example with a screw cap.

[0038] Furthermore, the fully automatic beverage dispenser may be equipped with a data acquisition device connected to the control unit for contactless data acquisition from coded packaging labels. The control unit is configured to enable or disable the function of the fully automatic beverage dispenser depending on the detected code of one of the coded packaging labels.

[0039] This version of the fully automatic beverage dispenser is designed for use with a protein powder product unit that includes a packaging unit filled with protein powder, to which a coded packaging label is attached. The code of this label can be read by the beverage dispenser's data acquisition unit. This design ensures that only high-quality protein powder is used in the preparation of the protein-rich mixed drink.

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the schematic drawings, wherein identical or similar features are provided with the same reference numerals; to this end, the following are shown: Fig. 1: the fully automatic beverage machine in a side view, partly shown as a sectional view, Fig. 2: the divisible drinking vessel in cross-sectional view, and Fig. 3: The divisible drinking vessel locked in the drinking vessel holder in cross-sectional view.

[0041] The fully automatic beverage machine according to Fig. 1 has a size that roughly corresponds to that of a larger fully automatic coffee machine for home use, i.e., it has dimensions ranging from 40 to 60 cm in width, 25 to 40 cm in depth, and 40 to 70 cm in height.

[0042] The funnel-shaped storage container 5 is filled with the instant protein product 2. The protein product 2 is ground in the mechanical grinder 7 located below the storage container 5, producing a homogeneous, fine-grained protein powder 3. The protein powder 3 ejected from the grinder 7 enters the powder container 6 by gravity. The protein powder dosing unit 11 then dispenses the protein powder 3 into the powder conveying channel 9; from there, it exits the drinking vessel 16 at the protein powder outlet 9.1.

[0043] In this embodiment, the liquid line 8 carries only drinking water as the beverage base liquid 4. If required, the beverage base liquid 4 can be heated by means of the heating device 13. The liquid line 8 is supplied with drinking water either from the internal liquid tank 14 or externally via the drinking water connection 15. By means of the liquid metering valve 10, the beverage base liquid 4 is introduced from the liquid line 8 into the drinking vessel 16 via the liquid outlet 8.1 by means of volume-controlled metering.

[0044] In the drinking vessel 16, the protein powder 3 and the beverage base liquid 4 are mixed to form the protein-containing mixed drink 1.

[0045] To prevent splashing during feeding and mixing, a protective cover 17 is provided. For the same reason, the liquid line 8 is arranged coaxially at its outlet end within the vertically aligned powder conveying channel 9, i.e., the liquid outlet 8.1 is located axially approximately in the center of the powder conveying channel 9. This also intensifies the mixing of the beverage base liquid 4 and the protein powder 3 when fed into the drinking vessel 16.

[0046] The drinking vessel 16 has the vessel base 18 with the integrated agitator 20, which consists of the vessel-internal agitator 20.1, the vessel-side external coupling element 20.3 and the agitator shaft 20.2 connecting the two.

[0047] The drinking vessel 16 is inserted into the drinking vessel holder 19 with its base 18. The agitator drive 21 is integrated into the drinking vessel holder 19; this consists of the drive motor 21.1, the drive-side coupling element 21.3 and the drive shaft 21.2 connecting the two.

[0048] With the drinking vessel 16 or vessel base 18 inserted and locked in the drinking vessel holder 19, the agitator shaft 20.2 and the drive shaft 21.2 are aligned coaxially with each other. The vessel-side coupling element 20.3 and the drive-side coupling element 21.3 engage positively, forming a claw coupling. The drinking vessel detector 19.1 serves to verify the correct locking of the vessel base 18 in the drinking vessel holder 19.

[0049] The control and regulation unit 12 is connected in the usual way to the sensors and actuators of the fully automatic beverage dispenser, for example the drive motor 21.1, the drinking vessel detector 19.1, the heating unit 13, as well as the liquid metering valve 10 and the protein powder metering unit 11, by electrical lines.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a disassemblable version of the drinking vessel 16. The vessel shell 16.1, which can be made of glass, for example, has a threaded end 16.2 at its bottom end, which serves to screw into the threaded end 18.1 on the base 18 of the vessel, which is separate from the vessel shell 16.1.

[0051] The Fig. Figure 3 shows the drinking vessel 16 formed by screwing together the vessel wall 16.1 and the vessel base 18, according to the diagram in Fig. 2. The design shown is as follows: after insertion or locking in the drinking vessel holder 19. The coupling of the agitator 20 with the agitator drive 21 is carried out according to the description in Figure 2. Fig. 1. Reference symbol list 1 high-protein mixed drink 2 Protein Instant Product 3 protein powders 4. Beverage base liquid 5 storage containers 6 powder containers 7 grinder 8 Liquid line 8.1 Liquid outlet 9 Powder conveying channel 9.1 Protein Powder Outlet 10 Liquid metering valve 11 protein powder dosing units 12 Control and regulation unit 13 Heating system 14 Liquid tank 15 Drinking water connection 16 Drinking vessel 16.1 Vascular mantle 16.2 Sheath thread 17 protective covers 18 Container bottom 18.1 Counter thread 19 Drinking vessel holders 19.1 Drinking vessel detector 20 agitator 20.1 Stirrer 20.2 Stirrer shaft 20.3 Vessel-side coupling element 21 Agitator drive 21.1 Drive motor 21.2 Drive shaft 21.3 drive-side coupling element

Claims

[1] Automatic beverage dispenser for the production of a protein-rich mixed beverage (1) from at least one homogeneous protein powder (3), wherein the automatic beverage dispenser comprises: - at least one drinking vessel (16) for receiving the protein-rich mixed drink (1), - at least one powder container (6) for receiving the protein powder (3), wherein a powder conveying channel (9) with a protein powder dosing unit (11) for controllable supply of the protein powder (3) into the drinking vessel (16) is connected to the powder container (6), - a liquid line (8) with a liquid metering valve (10) for the controllable supply of a drinkable beverage base liquid (4) into the drinking vessel (16), - a control and regulation unit (12) which is connected to the protein powder dosing unit (11) and the liquid dosing valve (10) for their control, and - the drinking vessel (16) has a vessel base (18) with integrated agitator (20) for preparing the protein-rich mixed drink (1) in the drinking vessel (16) by mixing the protein powder (3) supplied to the drinking vessel (16) and the beverage base liquid (4) supplied to the drinking vessel (16), characterized by , that - the fully automatic beverage dispenser has a drinking vessel holder (19) with an integrated agitator drive (21), wherein the drinking vessel holder (19) has a socket that fits the base (18) of the drinking vessel (16) in which the drinking vessel (16) can be locked for coupling the agitator (20) to the agitator drive (21), - the control and regulation unit (12) is connected to the agitator drive (21) for its control, - the drinking vessel holder (19) has a drinking vessel detector (19.1) connected to the control and regulation unit (12) for verifying the locking of the drinking vessel (16) in the drinking vessel holder (19), wherein the control and regulation unit (12) is configured, when the locking is verified, to prepare the protein-rich mixed drink (1) in the drinking vessel (16) by controlled release of the protein powder dosing unit (11) and the liquid dosing valve (10) and by controlled activation of the agitator drive (21). [2] Fully automatic beverage dispenser according to claim 1, characterized by , that the fully automatic beverage machine also features: - at least one storage container (5) for holding an instant protein product (2), and - a grinding unit (7) connected to the storage container (5) for the formation of the homogeneous protein powder (3) from the protein instant product (2), wherein the grinding unit (7) is connected to the powder container (6) for the transport of the protein powder (3) from the grinding unit (7) to the powder container (6). [3] Fully automatic beverage dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the powder conveying channel (9) has a portioning unit with several selectively releaseable locking slides arranged along the powder conveying channel (9) at different positions for dosing the protein powder (3) into the drinking vessel (16). [4] Fully automatic beverage dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the fully automatic beverage dispenser has several of the powder containers (6) for receiving several of the protein powders (3) each with a different composition, wherein each of the powder containers (6) has a size-adjustable outlet opening. [5] Fully automatic beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that for coupling the agitator (20) to the agitator drive (21), the agitator (20) and the agitator drive (21) have interlocking form-fit or friction-fit coupling elements (20.3, 21.3). [6] Fully automatic beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that for coupling the agitator (20) to the agitator drive (21), the agitator (20) and the agitator drive (21) have magnetically interacting coupling elements (20.3, 21.3), wherein the drive-side coupling element (21.3) is designed as an electromagnet. [7] Fully automatic beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the drinking vessel (16) has a vessel shell (16.1) that can be detached from the vessel base (18) and connected to it. [8] Fully automatic beverage dispenser according to claim 7, characterized by, that the detachable connection between the vessel base (18) and the vessel shell (16.1) is a screw connection. [9] Fully automatic beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the fully automatic beverage dispenser has a data acquisition device connected to the control and regulation unit (12) for contactless data acquisition of coded packaging labels, wherein the control and regulation unit (12) is configured to enable or disable the function of the fully automatic beverage dispenser depending on the detected coding of one of the coded packaging labels.

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