Beverage preparation equipment and beverage vending machines

Abstract

A beverage preparation machine (1) for preparing an instant beverage, comprising a conveying device (3), a mixing chamber (10'), at least one pump (23), at least one heat exchanger (24), at least one valve (25) and a control device (28), the mixing chamber (10') having at least two injection connections (20, 21) for injecting jets (29, 31) of a liquid medium into the mixing chamber (10'), and the at least two injection connections (20, 21) for injecting jets (29, 31) of a liquid medium into the mixing chamber (10'). The mixing chamber (10') has a plurality of chamber portions (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) arranged in series, and the inner diameters (inner diameters) of the chamber portions (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) decrease from the chamber inlet (11) of the mixing chamber (10') to the chamber outlet (17) of the mixing chamber (10'). The successively arranged chamber portions (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) are all formed with a conical inner surface, and the mixing chamber (10') has an asymmetrical structure without a mixer wheel / mixing wheel with a first chamber (100) and a second chamber (110) arranged in succession, the chamber axis (10a) of the first chamber (100) and the chamber axis (10b) of the second chamber (110) being offset from each other by a predetermined offset (10c) and thus being eccentrically arranged with respect to each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage preparation device according to the preamble of claim 1. The present invention also relates to a beverage vending machine according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0002] Such beverage preparation machines are used to prepare beverages by dissolving so-called instant or beverage powders, such as milk powder, cocoa powder, chocolate powder, coffee powder, tea powder, etc., in liquid media, mainly water, at various temperatures.

[0003] EP 1 859 715 illustrates an apparatus for automatically dissolving and, in particular, foaming instant powders, in particular milk powders, in hot water.

[0004] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a beverage preparation device 1' according to the prior art.

[0005] The beverage preparation device 1' comprises a mixing chamber 2, a conveying device 3, a mixer chamber 4 with a mixer wheel 5, and a mixer drive 6. The mixing chamber 2 comprises a hollow cylindrical chamber section 2a, which is covered at its upper side by a suction hood 2b and merges at its lower side into a pipe section 2c via a conical bottom. The pipe section 2c is bent at a right angle at its free end and connected to the mixer chamber 4. In the mixer chamber 4, the mixer wheel 5 is arranged on the shaft of the mixer drive 6 so that it is rotatably driven by the mixer drive 6. The mixer chamber 4 is fitted over a holder 7 attached to the mixer drive 6. The holder 7 is inserted into the mixer chamber 4 in a bowl-like shape. The bottom wall of the holder 7 comprises a bearing and a bearing seal 8 for the shaft. A further housing seal 8a seals the edge of the holder 7 against the annular wall of the mixer chamber 4.

[0006] During operation of the beverage preparation machine 1', the instant powder IP is transported from the storage container 3b via a chute 3c by a transport device 3 equipped with a transport element 3a, e.g., a screw conveyor, through an opening in the suction hood 2b into the chamber section 2a of the mixing chamber 2. The instant powder IP then falls from above into the chamber section 2a and is mixed with the added water. Water is injected into the chamber section 2a via a lateral inlet 2d, which penetrates the chamber wall and opens into the chamber section 2a. The added water and the added instant powder IP are transported through the pipe section 2c into the mixer chamber 4. In the mixer chamber 4, a mixer wheel 5 rotated by a mixer drive 6 causes intensive mixing in the lower region of the pipe section 2c opening into the mixer chamber 4. The instant powder IP dissolves in the added water. The mixed product is then delivered via an outlet 9 connected to the mixer chamber 4. The resulting water vapor is sucked in by the suction hood 2b.

[0007] The ever increasing comfort in operating, cleaning and maintaining beverage preparation machines calls for improvements to current configurations.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved beverage preparation machine in which component, installation and maintenance costs are significantly reduced or at least maintained.

[0009] The present invention solves this problem by a beverage preparation device having the features of claim 1 and a beverage vending machine according to claim 15.

[0010] The idea of ​​the invention is to provide a mixing chamber with two inlets for a liquid medium, for example water, for dissolving the instant powder in the medium.

[0011] The beverage preparation device for preparing instant beverages according to the present invention, which comprises a conveying device, a mixing chamber, at least one pump, at least one heat exchanger, at least one valve and a control device, is advantageous in that the mixing chamber has at least two injection connections for respectively injecting a jet of liquid medium into the mixing chamber, and the at least two injection connections are arranged at a distance from each other in the direction of the chamber axis of the mixing chamber.

[0012] A particular advantage is that the instant powder is mixed with and dissolved in the medium only by the injection of two jets of liquid medium: the instant powder is dissolved by the two liquid mediums (mainly cold or hot water) and the mechanical forces in the medium caused by the injection.

[0013] In a particularly preferred configuration, it is envisaged that the mixing chamber has a mixer wheel / mixing wheel-less design, and additional components, such as a mixer wheel with an associated drive motor, are advantageously not required. The absence of a drive motor leads to other advantages.

[0014] A beverage vending machine comprises at least one such beverage preparation device and may be, for example, a coffee machine, a stand-alone coffee machine, a fully automatic coffee machine, etc.

[0015] The method according to the invention for preparing an instant beverage using a mixing chamber comprises the method step (S1) of providing a beverage preparation device having a mixing chamber with at least two injection connections; the method step (S2) of supplying a first liquid medium to a first injection connection and injecting the first medium with a first jet into a first chamber part of the mixing chamber; the method step (S3) of introducing an instant powder into the first chamber part of the mixing chamber, premixing the introduced instant powder with the first medium injected by the first injection connection and transporting this premix further downwards in the mixing chamber through the second chamber part and into a third chamber part; and the method step (S4) of supplying a second liquid medium to the second injection connection and injecting the second medium with a second jet into the third chamber part of the mixing chamber, forming a vortex, whereby the instant powder is thoroughly mixed with and dissolved in the first and second media, thereby preparing the instant beverage.

[0016] A liquid medium is preferably simply injected into the first chamber section via the first inlet connection. This advantageously results in circumferential cleaning of the inner walls and absorption of the instant powder. The powder is then transported to the lower region of the chamber, where another liquid medium flows into the third chamber section via the second inlet connection. This advantageously results in the formation of a vortex. In the vortex, final mixing of the medium and the instant powder occurs, during which the instant powder is completely dissolved in the medium. The finished product is then transported by gravity to the outlet.

[0017] Advantageous refinements of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0018] In a particularly preferred configuration, the mixing chamber has a plurality of chamber sections arranged in series, the inner diameter of which decreases from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet of the mixing chamber, and the decrease in diameter advantageously increases the flow rate of the mixture flowing through.

[0019] Advantageously, the successively arranged chamber sections are formed with alternating cylindrical and conical inner surfaces.

[0020] In a particularly preferred configuration, all successively arranged chamber sections are formed with a conical inner surface.

[0021] Advantageously, the mixing chamber is formed as a one-piece hollow body that is rotationally symmetrical about the chamber axis, since this is easy to manufacture and no additional seals are required between the chamber sections. The mixing chamber can also be described as seal-free, since there are no wear parts.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mixing chamber has an asymmetrical structure with a first chamber and a second chamber arranged in series, the chamber axes of the first chamber and the second chamber being offset from each other by a predetermined offset and thus eccentric to each other, which has the advantage that if the instant powder flows through the chamber directly into the chamber outlet when the injection unit is not activated and adheres there, the chamber will not be blocked so quickly.

[0023] In this case, the first chamber of the mixing chamber is formed with a flat part having a bottom with an inner surface, and the bottom is arranged inclined slightly inwardly with respect to the chamber axis of the second chamber at an angle α extending in the circumferential direction with respect to the horizontal, the angle α having a value in the range of 5° to 10°, preferably 7.5°. This is advantageous because the instant powder filled into the upper chamber through the chamber inlet first falls onto the inner surface of the bottom of the flat part.

[0024] The mixing chamber can be made of metal, plastic, or a combination of metal and plastic, and can be formed without seals, which can be advantageously done by injection die casting. Furthermore, plastic saves weight.

[0025] In another embodiment, a first of the at least two injection connections has a through-opening leading into a first chamber part of the mixing chamber, and a second of the at least two injection connections has a through-opening leading into a third chamber part of the mixing chamber. Due to the shape of the through-openings, an advantageous adaptation of the jet of the injected medium can be achieved.

[0026] An advantageous increase in the flow velocity of the injected jet at the through-opening of the second injection connection can be achieved by the through-opening of the second injection connection having a smaller inner diameter than the through-opening of the first injection connection, which can have an advantageous effect on vortex formation.

[0027] In a further configuration, it is envisaged that the first and second inlet connections can be supplied with one medium or several different media simultaneously or with a time lag, in a pre-adjusted or adjustable manner, via a common valve or independently via separate valves. The advantage in this case is that the inlet can be connected and disconnected and thus metered.

[0028] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first and second inlet connections can be supplied independently of one another via separate valves with one medium or several different media simultaneously or staggered in time, pre-adjusted or adjustably. In this way, for example, three different media (instant powder, water and, for example, milk or other taste additives) can be mixed and dissolved in the mixing chamber.

[0029] One configuration envisages the mixing chamber being arranged upright and having a chamber outlet facing vertically downwards, which is advantageous as this allows the liquid to move by gravity.

[0030] In one alternative configuration, the chamber outlet is connected to a curved outlet conduit, which advantageously extends the range of use, and it can be particularly advantageous if the outlet conduit is rotatable about the axis of the chamber outlet.

[0031] One further configuration envisages that the chamber outlet is connected to a valve unit having at least one valve, which can advantageously allow for controlled outflow of the beverage.

[0032] In another configuration, the valve unit may have at least two valves, at least one of which is a cleaning valve whose outlet is directed into the used water delivery system, and at least one of which is a drinking valve whose outlet delivers the beverage prepared in the mixing chamber. This advantageously ensures that the user never receives a poorly mixed beverage or purified water in their beverage container. The mixing chamber may also be flushed for light cleaning immediately after purchasing the product. This flushing is then also guided directly to the outlet via the open first valve. If the mixing chamber is to be cleaned with a cleaning agent, the cleaning agent may also be guided directly to the outlet via the open first valve, without being guided through the beverage outlet or the second valve.

[0033] The valve unit may be configured, for example, as a 3 / 2-way directional valve, which is available commercially at low cost and of high quality.

[0034] In another embodiment, the mixing chamber can be inserted into the beverage preparation device and removed from it again, with the correct seating of the mixing chamber in the holder being detected by a limit switch and / or a reed contact. This offers several advantages. This allows the mixing chamber to be simply snapped onto the holder, which simplifies installation and removal. If the mixing chamber has a handle, it can be easily handled.

[0035] In one embodiment, the mixing chamber has at least one flow guide element disposed in the chamber interior, which advantageously allows for easy influence of the flow direction of the injected medium and the vortex. Such a flow guide element may be an edge, a wall, or the like.

[0036] A further configuration envisages that the mixing chamber has at least one deflection wall mounted in the interior space of the chamber, the deflection wall being arranged in the forward section of the conveying flow of the injected medium, in this way the conveying flow can be advantageously deflected to a specific target area, which is the target area of ​​the instant powder to be filled, thus enabling improved mixing and dissolution.

[0037] In one alternative configuration (not included in the present invention), at least one flow-driven impeller device is arranged in the mixing chamber. In this way, the mixing and dissolution of the instant powder in the injected medium can be enhanced. Another advantage is that no additional drive device for the impeller device is required.

[0038] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one impeller device has at least one impeller supported on a pivot bearing and having a plurality of protrusions formed as teeth, edges, vanes and / or blades, since in this way the protrusions formed as teeth, edges, vanes and / or blades can easily crush the incompletely melted instant powder IP that is filled and located in the vortex, thereby ensuring that the instant powder IP is completely melted.

[0039] In one configuration of the method, the first and / or second medium are pumped from at least one source and warmed, heated or cooled by a heat exchanger, which advantageously allows for the preparation of many different instant beverages.

[0040] One alternative configuration of the method envisages that the conical configuration of the second chamber section increases the flow rate of the first medium containing the premixed instant powder in the second chamber section, and the conical configuration of the fourth chamber section increases the flow rate of the instant beverage flowing through the fourth chamber section, which is a simple measure but advantageous for the flow behavior of the medium and the instant powder dissolved therein.

[0041] Another advantageous embodiment of the method is achieved by cleaning the mixing chamber daily with cleaning tablets, removing the mixing chamber from the beverage preparation device after a definable operating time and cleaning it in a wash-down machine. In this way, cleaning is significantly simplified compared to the prior art. Cleaning can be carried out extremely easily using cleaning tablets. This allows for a so-called clean-in-place (CIP) function. In this way, cleaning can be carried out daily depending on the geometry of the mixing chamber. After a specific period of time, for example 7 days, the mixing chamber can be simply removed from its holder and cleaned, for example in a wash-down machine.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the method, a valve unit with at least one valve connected to the chamber outlet is configured so that during the cleaning process, the cleaning liquid accumulates up to the upper edge of the mixing chamber when the valve is closed and then flows out when the valve is opened, thereby enabling simple and effective cleaning.

[0043] A further configuration envisages a valve unit with at least two valves connected to the chamber outlet, controlled in such a way that the first ml volume of the prepared instant beverage is first guided directly to the outlet via the first valve, which is opened as a flushing valve, and then the first valve is closed and the second valve for the beverage is opened, which advantageously makes it possible to prevent the user from receiving an incorrectly or poorly prepared beverage.

[0044] For further advantageous quality of the prepared beverage, the second valve is closed again just before the supply of the beverage is finished, and then the first valve is opened to guide the last ml volume of the beverage to the outlet.

[0045] In one alternative embodiment of the method (which is not included in the present invention), it is envisaged that at least one flow-driven impeller device arranged in the mixing chamber comprises an impeller having a plurality of protrusions formed as teeth, edges, vanes or / and blades to enhance mixing of the instant powder with the injected medium, which advantageously breaks up and dissolves any lumps of instant powder that may occur. In addition, water can be pumped out of the chamber.

[0046] The beverage preparation device according to the method may be any beverage preparation device as described above.

[0047] The present invention provides yet another advantage.

[0048] No mixer or mixer motor is required; -Mixing and dissolving are carried out only by two jets of liquid medium; the chamber portion has an inner diameter that decreases over the extension from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet; The main mixing of the instant powder with the medium and the dissolution of the instant powder in the medium takes place in a vortex in the lower chamber section; the injection of the medium is not completely tangential to the respective inner wall of the corresponding chamber section; -Covering the wall is unnecessary, No air nozzles are required in the media supply line.

[0049] The invention will now be explained in more detail on the basis of an embodiment with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a beverage preparation device according to the prior art; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a beverage preparation device according to the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a beverage preparation device according to the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a mixing chamber. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a mixing chamber. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mixing chamber shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the mixing chamber shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mixing chamber shown in FIG. 7 taken along line VIII-VIII. [Figure 9] 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mixing chamber shown in FIG. 7 taken along line IX-IX. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the mixing chamber shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of the mixing chamber shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another mixing chamber. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another mixing chamber. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another mixing chamber. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another mixing chamber. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another mixing chamber. [Figure 17a] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another mixing chamber. [Figure 18] 10 is a schematic diagram showing variations of the chamber outlet. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a schematic diagram showing variations of the chamber outlet. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an intake hood. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an intake hood. [Figure 22]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an intake hood. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an intake hood. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an intake hood. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing the suction hood shown in FIGS. 20 to 24 provided in the mixing chamber. [Figure 26] FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing the suction hood shown in FIGS. 20 to 24 provided in the mixing chamber. [Figure 27] FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing the suction hood shown in FIGS. 20 to 24 provided in the mixing chamber. [Figure 28] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a mixing chamber equipped with an impeller device. [Figure 29] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a mixing chamber equipped with an impeller device. [Figure 30] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a mixing chamber equipped with an impeller device. [Figure 31] 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method according to the present invention; [Figure 32] 1 is a schematic diagram showing one variant of a beverage preparation device according to the invention; [Figure 33] 1 is a schematic diagram showing one variant of a beverage preparation device according to the invention; [Figure 34] 1 is a schematic diagram showing one variant of a beverage preparation device according to the invention;

[0051] FIG. 1 has already been described above.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a beverage preparation device 1 according to the invention. Figure 3 shows a variant of the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

[0053] The dashed box symbolizes the frame R of the housing of a beverage vending machine which includes the beverage preparation device 1. The frame R may also be the housing of a so-called stand-alone beverage machine.

[0054] The beverage preparation machine 1 comprises a conveying device 3, a mixing chamber 10, a pump 23, a heat exchanger 24, a valve 25 and a control device .

[0055] The conveying device 3 has already been described in relation to Figure 1. In the configuration shown, the conveying member 3a is arranged horizontally and is rotatably driven by a drive device 3d, for example an electric motor.

[0056] The mixing chamber 10 is formed as a one-piece hollow body, rotationally symmetrical about the chamber axis 10a, and is manufactured, for example, from plastic as an injection-molded part. The mixing chamber 10 is arranged vertically here. The mixing chamber 10 has two injection connections 20, 21, which are spaced apart in the direction of the chamber axis 10a.

[0057] The mixing chamber 10 has five chamber sections 12-16 located in succession in the direction of the chamber axis 10a, starting from the upper end of the mixing chamber 10 with the chamber inlet 11 to the lower end with the chamber outlet 17. In this case, the inner diameters of the chamber sections 12-16 decrease. The five chamber sections 12-16 are arranged in succession with alternating cylindrical and conical inner surfaces. In other words, hollow cylinders and hollow truncated cones alternate.

[0058] In one variant of the mixing chamber 10, not shown but easily conceivable, all chamber parts 12 to 16 are formed conically.

[0059] There is no dead space inside the mixing chamber 10.

[0060] The first chamber part 12 is a hollow cylinder having a circular cross section. Starting from the chamber inlet 11, a first injection connection 20 is attached in the first upper third of the first chamber part 12, in this example having a connection axis 20a, the through-opening of which opens into the first chamber part 12. This will be explained in more detail below. Here, the connection axis 20a runs perpendicular to the chamber axis 10a.

[0061] The first chamber portion 12 is followed by a second chamber portion 13 having a conical shape which tapers downwards before transitioning into a third chamber portion 14 .

[0062] The third chamber part 14, like the first chamber part 12, is configured as a hollow cylinder with a circular cross section, the diameter of the third chamber part 14 being smaller than the diameter of the first chamber part 12. A second injection connection 21 is provided in the middle region of the third chamber part 14, which here has a connection axis 21a extending perpendicularly to the chamber axis 10a. This second injection connection 21 also has a through-opening that opens into the third chamber part 14.

[0063] The lower end of the third chamber portion 14 is joined to a fourth conical chamber portion 15 which tapers downwardly to a fifth hollow cylindrical chamber portion 16 of circular cross section. The diameter of the fifth chamber portion 16 is smaller than the diameter of the third chamber portion 14 and smaller than the diameter of the first chamber portion 12.

[0064] The lower end of the fifth chamber section 16 forms a chamber outlet 17 having the smallest diameter of the mixing chamber 10. The chamber outlet 17 is again concentric with the chamber axis 10a and thus, like the fifth chamber section 16, is positioned vertically. Via this chamber outlet 17, the beverage 18 prepared in the mixing chamber 10 flows out either directly as a finished product or, for example, via a separate outlet into a collection vessel 19 provided for the beverage 18, as will be explained further below. The preparation of the beverage 18 will be explained in more detail further below.

[0065] The inlet connections 20, 21 are used for injecting a medium, in this example water, from a source 22. The source 22 may be, for example, a domestic water network, a domestic water supply, a tank, etc. The source 22 is connected to a pump 23 of the beverage preparation device 1 via a supply line 22a. A shut-off device (not shown), for example a manually and / or electromagnetically displaceable valve, may be inserted in this supply line 22a.

[0066] The pump 23 is connected via a pump line 23a to a heat exchanger 24, which has a heater and / or a cooler. The heat exchanger 24 is connected via a line 24a to a valve 25, which is a solenoid valve in this case. The outlet of the valve 25 branches into a first supply line 26, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 leads to the first inlet connection 20, and a second supply line 27, which leads to the second inlet connection 21.

[0067] In the variant shown in Fig. 3, a dedicated valve 25a, 25b is provided for each inlet connection 20, 21. In this case, the line 24a coming from the heat exchanger 24 branches into a first line 24b and a second line 24c. The first line 24b is connected to the first valve 25a. The second valve 25b is connected to the second line 24c. The first valve 25a is connected to the first inlet connection 20 via a first supply line 26, and the second valve 25b is connected to the second inlet connection 21 by a second supply line 27.

[0068] In one variant, not shown but easily conceivable, the inlet connections 20, 21 are each supplied with a different medium. That is, for example, the first inlet connection 20 can be supplied with water, as already shown in FIG. 3. Separately, the second inlet connection 21 can be connected to a second installation (supply source 22, pump 23, heat exchanger 24, pipelines) and can be supplied with another medium, for example juice or a taste substance. In this way, three different media (instant powder IP, water and, for example, milk) can be mixed with one another in the mixing chamber 10.

[0069] The control device 28 is used to control the electrical components, namely the drive 3d of the conveying device 3, the pump 23, the heat exchanger 24, the valves 25, 25a, 25b, possibly shut-off valves and further electrical components which will be described further below. An operating unit with operating and notification elements or a display is not shown but can be easily imagined.

[0070] During operation of the beverage preparation device 1, a medium, for example water, flows from a supply 22 under the pressure of a pump 23 into the heat exchanger 24, which heats or cools the medium depending on the type of beverage, and from there flows either through one valve 25 (Figure 2) into the two inlet connections 20 and 21, or through a first valve 25a into the first inlet connection 20 and through a second valve 25b into the second inlet connection 21 (Figure 3).

[0071] In the case of two valves 25a, 25b, it is possible to use only one of the injection connections 20, 21, in which case the other injection connection remains unused by opening or not connecting the corresponding valve 25a, 25b.

[0072] The medium is then injected into the first chamber part 12 of the mixing chamber 10 via the first injection connection 20. A second injection connection 21 injects another medium, here water, into the third chamber part 14. The drive 3d of the conveying device 3 rotates the conveying member 3a, which conveys the instant powder IP from the storage container via the chamber inlet 11 into the first chamber part 12 of the mixing chamber 10. In the first chamber part 12, a premixing of the instant powder IP with the water introduced via the first injection connection 20 takes place, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0073] The instant powder IP thus premixed then flows together with the injected water from the first chamber portion 12 through the narrowing second chamber portion 13, whereupon the flow rate increases and the powder flows into the third chamber portion 14.

[0074] In the third chamber part 14, the premix of instant powder IP and water is subjected to intensive final mixing by further injection of water via the second injection connection 21, during which the instant powder IP is completely dissolved in the medium, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0075] Finally, the finished mixture, or finished product, continues to flow downwards under gravity through the tapering fourth chamber section 15, where the product flows at an increased rate into the fifth chamber section 16. The mixed finished beverage 18 then flows further under gravity from the chamber outlet 17 into a collection vessel 19.

[0076] Figure 4 shows a longitudinal cross section of the mixing chamber 10. Figure 5 shows a side view of the mixing chamber 10 shown in Figure 4, seen in the V direction.

[0077] The first chamber section 12 of the mixing chamber 10 shows the injection opening 20b of the first injection connection 20. The injection opening 20b extends through the wall of the first chamber section 12 and here perpendicular to the chamber axis 10a. However, it is also possible for the injection connection 20, and thus the connection axis 20a of the injection opening 20b, to form an angle of more or less than 90° with respect to the chamber axis 10a. In other words, the water introduced via the first injection connection 20 can then be injected upward at a slight incline toward the chamber inlet 11 or downward at a slight or greater incline toward the second chamber section 13. This can be achieved, for example, by a displaceable injection opening 20b and / or a displaceable guide surface.

[0078] The injection opening 21b of the second injection connection 21 extends through the wall of the third chamber part 14 and has a smaller width than the injection opening 20b of the first injection connection 20. This injection opening 21b is also arranged with a connection axis 21a, here perpendicular to the chamber axis 10a. Here too, the connection axis 21a of the injection connection 21 and thus of the injection opening 21b can form an angle of more or less than 90° with the chamber axis 10a.

[0079] In the illustrated example, the respective injection streams or injection jets of the injection connections 20, 21 are directed so as to impinge laterally on the inner walls associated with the respective chamber sections 12, 14, respectively.

[0080] The injection opening 20b of the first injection connection 20 and / or the injection opening 21b of the second injection connection 21 may be arranged so that the injection jet is directed towards the inner wall of each chamber portion 12, 14 located on the opposite side.

[0081] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the mixing chamber 10 shown in FIGS. 4-5, together with a schematic diagram of the injection areas and flow distribution within the mixing chamber 10.

[0082] The first jet 29 first extends from the injection opening 20b of the first injection connection 20 in the direction of the plane of the connection axis 20a of the first injection connection 20, perpendicular to the chamber axis 10a, flows around the inner wall of the first chamber part 12, and disperses so as to rotate along the inner wall of the first chamber part 12 around the chamber axis 10a.

[0083] The premixing of the instant powder IP fed into the first chamber section 12 depends on the filling position and filling type of the instant powder IP. If the filling position is aligned with the chamber axis 10a, only little premixing occurs in the first chamber section 12, because the injected medium with its transport flow 30 initially remains in the wall region of the first chamber section 12. Only in the second conical chamber section 13 does mixing begin in the transport flow 30a.

[0084] In this filling position, if the filling pattern is configured such that the instant powder IP is filled over a large area, premixing takes place already earlier, namely in the central region of the first chamber part 12 .

[0085] Premixing can also be enhanced if the loading location of the instant powder IP is located in the edge region or directly above the jet 29 .

[0086] It is possible that the filling position and / or the filling type may be configured to be manually and / or electrically displaceably adjustable.

[0087] In this case, instant powder IP (see Figures 2 and 3) introduced through the chamber inlet 11 is premixed with the injected water. A carrier flow 30, 30a is formed and flows downwards, rotating about the chamber axis 10a, through the second conical chamber section 13 and into the third chamber section 14, where the flow velocity of the carrier flow 30, 30a is increased.

[0088] A second jet 31 is injected into the fourth chamber part 15 through an injection opening 21b (see FIG. 4) of the second injection connection 21, which extends perpendicular to the chamber axis 10a in the direction of the plane of the connection axis 21a of the second injection connection 21. This causes a main zone including a vortex zone 33 to be formed in the mixing zone 32.

[0089] 7 and 10 show schematic side views of the mixing chamber 10 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, respectively.

[0090] Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-section of the mixing chamber 10 as viewed from above, along the line VIII-VIII shown in Figure 7, in a section of the connection axis 20a of the first injection connection 20, perpendicular to the chamber axis 10a. In the projection on the drawing plane of Figure 8, the connection axis 20a runs through the through-opening of the first injection connection 20 as a secant of an imaginary circle in the inner wall of the first chamber part 12. Figure 8 also clearly shows that the walls of the conical second chamber part 13, the third chamber part 14, the conical fourth chamber part 15 and the fifth chamber part 16 are arranged concentrically with respect to the chamber axis 10a.

[0091] Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the mixing chamber 10 from above, taken along the line IX-IX shown in Figure 7, in a section of the connection axis 21a of the second injection connection 21, perpendicular to the chamber axis 10a. The through-opening of the second injection connection 21 is here formed with an inner diameter that is significantly smaller than the inner diameter of the through-opening of the first injection connection 20. Figure 9 shows the third chamber part 14, the fourth conical chamber part 15 and the fifth chamber part 16.

[0092] 10, 11 and 12 correspond to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, with the flow behavior shown in FIGS.

[0093] Figure 11 shows a cross section of the first chamber part 12 along the line XI-XI shown in Figure 10. The jets 29 are indicated diagrammatically as flow lines and initially run parallel to the connection axis 20a of the first injection connection 20. The jets 29 then impinge on the inner wall of the first chamber part 12 and flow as transport flows 30 and 30a around the inner wall of the first chamber part 12 in a rotating manner around the chamber axis 10a (see Figure 6).

[0094] Figure 12 shows the flow behavior in the third chamber section 14 in a cross section taken along line XII-XII in Figure 10. The inner diameter of the third chamber section 14 is significantly reduced compared to the chamber sections 13 and 12 located above it. The jet 31 impinges on the inner wall of the third chamber section 14 from the small through-opening of the second injection connection 21 at a correspondingly high flow velocity and is caused to rotate at high speed around the chamber axis 10a. A powerful vortex is then formed in the vortex zone 33 (see Figure 6).

[0095] 13 to 17a show schematic views of another mixing chamber 10', which is shown in a schematic perspective view in FIG. 13. FIG. 14 shows a view of the connection openings of the injection connections 20, 21 of the another mixing chamber 10'. FIG. 15 shows a cross-section of the another mixing chamber 10' along line XV-XV shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 shows another side view of the another mixing chamber 10', looking at the injection connections 20, 21 from the side. FIG. 17 shows a plan view of the another mixing chamber 10', looking into the another mixing chamber 10' through the chamber inlet 11. FIG. 17a shows one variant of the another mixing chamber 10'.

[0096] The functional principle of the alternative mixing chamber 10' corresponds to the above-described functional principle of the mixing chamber 10 shown in Figures 2 to 12. There are only minor differences with regard to the instant powder IP during filling.

[0097] Unlike the mixing chamber 10 shown in Figures 2 to 12, the alternative mixing chamber 10' has an asymmetrical structure.

[0098] The asymmetrical construction resides in that a first or upper chamber 100 having a chamber axis 10a is asymmetrically disposed relative to and connected to a second or lower chamber 110. The lower chamber 110 has a chamber axis 10b, but the chamber axis 10b does not extend on the chamber axis 10a of the upper chamber 100. Thus, the upper and lower chambers 100, 110 are not concentrically disposed as in the case of the mixing chamber 10 shown in Figures 2 to 12.

[0099] 13 further shows the configuration of the chamber inlet 11 of the mixing chamber 10'. The chamber inlet 11 of the mixing chamber 10 described above may also be configured in this manner.

[0100] In the upper region of the chamber inlet 11, the circumferential wall of the chamber 100, starting from the end face 11a and moving downwards into the chamber 100, reduces its radial thickness by approximately half, thereby forming a kind of circumferential web as an edge 11b with an end face 11a and a step 11d. The inner diameter of edge 11b is thus larger than the inner diameter of the chamber 100. A notch 11c is formed in edge 11b, extending parallel to the chamber axis 10a. The notch 11c extends from the end face 11a of edge 11b to step 11d and serves as a centering means for the cover hood 200, which will be described in more detail below.

[0101] Figure 15 shows a structure including a chamber portion of another mixing chamber 10', and Figure 14 defines the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 15 in a vertical plane of the chamber axis 10a along line XV-XV.

[0102] The chamber axis 10a of the upper chamber 100 and the chamber axis 10b of the lower chamber 110 are offset from each other by a predetermined offset 10c, so that the chambers 100 and 110 are arranged eccentrically with respect to each other.

[0103] The upper chamber 100 has a larger inner diameter and a larger outer diameter than the lower chamber 110. In the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 15, the alternative mixing chamber 10' may be considered to be divided into an area A located to the left of the chamber axis 10b of the lower chamber 110 and an area B located to the right of the chamber axis 10b of the lower chamber 110.

[0104] In the left-hand region A, the division of the chamber portions 12 to 16 proceeds in the same manner as in the case of the mixing chamber 10 shown in FIGS.

[0105] In the right-hand region B, the lower chamber 110 has the same chamber portions 14 to 16 as in the mixing chamber 10 shown in Figures 2 to 12. The upper chamber 100 also has two chamber portions 120 and 130 that are arranged consecutively when viewed from above, i.e., from the chamber inlet 11, as in the mixing chamber 10 shown in Figures 2 to 12.

[0106] However, the upper chamber portion 120 of the upper chamber 100 in region B is shorter than the chamber portion 12 in region A in the direction of the chamber axis 10a. The upper chamber portion 130 of the upper chamber 100 in region B is longer than the chamber portion 13 in region A in the direction of the chamber axis 10a.

[0107] Chamber portion 130 is formed with a planar portion 34 having a bottom 34a with an inner surface 34b. Bottom 34a joins an outwardly convex, curved, circumferentially extending wall portion 140 of chamber portion 130 to an outwardly concave wall portion 150 of chamber portion 130.

[0108] The bottom 34a is provided with an opening 160, here circular, which forms an inlet into the lower chamber 110 and is located in the chamber portion 13,130.

[0109] The bottom portion 34a is inclined slightly inward, i.e., toward the chamber axis 10b of the lower chamber, at an angle α extending circumferentially relative to the horizontal. The angle α has a value ranging from 5° to 10°, preferably from 7° to 8°. This is clearly shown in a side view in FIG. 16 and in a top view in FIG. 17 of the bottom portion 34a with the upward-facing inner surface 34b. As can be seen in FIG. 17, the bottom portion 34a is arranged in a sickle shape around the opening 160 of the lower chamber 110. The sickle-shaped bottom portion 34a is inclined as it extends circumferentially toward the chamber axis 10b of the lower chamber 110.

[0110] It is also possible that the plane portion 34 with the bottom 34a is formed as an insert.

[0111] Next, we will explain the differences in filling instant powder IP.

[0112] In the case of the alternative mixing chamber 10', the instant powder IP is filled into the upper chamber 100 via the chamber inlet 11, whereby the instant powder IP falls onto a target area 34c on the inner surface 34b of the bottom 34a of the flat part 34. This target area is offset by a small distance from the chamber axis 10a towards the injection connections 20, 21. This is clearly shown in Figure 17a.

[0113] This has the advantage that if instant powder IP flows into the chamber 100 when the injection part is not activated, the chamber 100 will not be blocked so quickly, as may occur when the storage container 3b is filled with instant powder IP. In such a case, the instant powder IP may fall down to the chamber outlet 17 and adhere thereto in the mixing chamber 10 shown in Figures 2 to 12. Such adhesion may lead to blockage, which may result in overflow of the mixing chamber 10.

[0114] In another variant of the mixing chamber 10', a deflection wall 38 is formed in the interior of the chamber 100 on the side of the injection connections 20, 21, facing the injection connections 20, 21. The deflection wall 38 is arcuate, has an outer surface 38a, and extends from the bottom surface 34b to the chamber inlet 11. A tight connection is formed between the deflection wall 38, the bottom surface 34b, and the inner wall of the chamber 100. The deflection wall 38, together with the bottom surface 34b and the inner wall of the chamber 100, thus defines an interior space 38b. This interior space 38b can be closed from above by a cover wall (not shown).

[0115] As already shown in FIG. 11 , the injected medium jet 29 flows through the first inlet connection 20 into the chamber 100 and becomes the transport streams 30 and 30a. The transport stream 30a then flows towards the outer surface 38a of the deflecting wall 38. In this way, the generated vortex is slightly broken down. As a result, the transport stream is deflected towards the center of the chamber 100 in the direction of the chamber axis 10a as transport stream 30b into the target area 34c for the falling instant powder IP. This has the advantage that the transport stream 30b is directed as a vortex precisely to the point in the target area 34c where the instant powder IP will fall into the chamber 100.

[0116] The position of the deflecting wall 38 may be variably configured. For example, depending on how the instant powder IP falls into the chamber 100, the deflecting wall 38 can be arranged so that the conveying flow 30b is precisely directed onto the target area 34c of the falling instant powder IP. This is the case, for example, in a machine variant with two instant powder IP storage containers for two different types of instant powder IP. In this case, two chutes for the instant powder IP may be provided, and different target areas 34c are formed.

[0117] The deflection wall 38 may be formed as a simple edge. It is also possible that the deflection wall 38 is an insert.

[0118] The deflection walls 38 form so-called flow guide elements. Further flow guide elements may be provided at various points within the mixing chamber 10, 10' to guide the flow and / or vortex direction towards a target.

[0119] 18 and 19 show schematic diagrams of variations of the chamber outlet 17 of the mixing chambers 10 and 10'.

[0120] In Figure 18, instead of a chamber outlet 17 guided vertically straight downwards, a bent outflow conduit 170 is provided. The outflow conduit 170 has a first straight vertical conduit section 170a and a second horizontal conduit section 170b. The first conduit section 170a connects the outflow conduit 170 to the chamber outlet 17 and is connected to the second conduit section 170b via an angle section 170c, which in this example is a 90° elbow joint.

[0121] In this way, the beverage 18 no longer flows vertically downwards, but rather towards the rear or towards a particular side in a bent channel 18a over a bent conduit section 170 below the final reduction in the diameter of the mixing chamber 10, 10'. Such an outlet conduit 170 is possible both in the mixing chamber 10 shown in Figures 2 to 12 and in other asymmetric mixing chambers 10'. The outlet conduit 170 may of course have a deflection angle other than 90°. It is also conceivable that the outlet conduit 170 is arranged rotatable about the chamber axis 10a or 10b, so that the outlet conduit 170 can be rotated to any side.

[0122] 18 also shows a handle 35 attached to one side of the mixing chamber 10, 10'. In this example, the handle 35 is attached to the side opposite the injection connections 20, 21. This allows for easy handling of the mixing chamber 10, 10' during removal and insertion.

[0123] In Figure 19 a cross section of a mixing chamber 10 with a valve unit 180 is shown. Of course, another mixing chamber 10' is also possible.

[0124] The valve unit 180 is connected to the chamber outlet 17 via a supply 180a.

[0125] The valve unit 180 includes a first valve 181 and a second valve 182. Both valves 181 and 182 are connected to a supply 180a via supplies 180b and 180c, respectively. Each valve 181 and 182 further includes a dedicated outlet 181a and 182a.

[0126] Here, for example, the first valve 181 is provided as a flushing valve, with its outlet 181a leading directly into the water supply system, while the second valve 182 serves as a drinking valve, with its outlet 182a leading to a drinking container.

[0127] By means of the valve unit 180 it is possible to achieve a better flushing process and / or cleaning of the mixing chamber 10, 10' or the beverage preparation device 1. Thereby, the first ml volume of the prepared instant beverage may first be guided directly to the outlet via the opened first valve 181. The first valve 181 is then closed and the second valve 182 for the beverage 18 is opened. The second valve 182 is then closed again just before the supply of the beverage 18 is finished and then the first valve 181 is opened and the last ml volume of the beverage 18 is guided to the outlet.

[0128] In this way, it is possible to ensure that the user never receives a poorly mixed beverage or purified water in their beverage container. The mixing chamber 10, 10' may also be flushed for light cleaning immediately after purchasing the product. This flushing is then also guided directly to the outlet via the opened first valve 181. If the mixing chamber 10, 10' is cleaned with a cleaning agent, the cleaning agent may also be guided directly to the outlet via the opened first valve 181, without being led out through the beverage outlet or the second valve 182. Other process advantages are also possible.

[0129] In one simplified configuration, the valve unit 180 may have only one valve 181. In this case, the cleaning liquid may be accumulated up to the upper edge of the mixing chamber 10, 10' with the valve 181 closed, but then be discharged forward via the normal outlet. This is not shown, but is easily imagined.

[0130] Valve unit 180 may be configured, for example, as a 3-port 2-position directional valve or may have a similar configuration. Control of valve unit 180 may be performed by a control device. Valve control may be activated automatically and / or manually. It is also contemplated that valve unit 180 may include a manually operable auxiliary valve that can be used in the event of a power outage.

[0131] 20 to 24 show schematic diagrams of the suction hood 200. Fig. 20 shows a front view. Fig. 21 shows a side view of the suction hood 200, and Fig. 22 shows the connection side of the suction hood 200. Fig. 23 shows a plan view. Fig. 24 shows a perspective view.

[0132] The intake hood 200 has a downwardly protruding wall 201, and mounted thereon a joining portion 202 with two connecting portions 203, and a reinforcing portion 204. The reinforcing portion 204 may be optional.

[0133] The connecting portion 202 is semicircular arc-shaped. The connecting portions 203 are attached tangentially to both ends of the connecting portion 202, parallel to each other. The internal space of the connecting portion 203 is connected to the internal space of the connecting portion 202, and the connecting portion 202 itself is open downwards. The connecting portion 202 and the connecting portion 203 form a U-shape, in which the two connecting portions 203 are connected to the arc-shaped reinforcing portions 204 on opposite sides. Both the arc-shaped reinforcing portions 204 and the arc-shaped connecting portions 202 have the same outer diameter.

[0134] The outer diameter of the wall 201 is smaller than the outer diameter of the arc-shaped connecting portion 202. As a result, a protruding portion 206 is formed between the wall 201 and the connecting portion 202.

[0135] The coupling portion 202 , the transition region between the connecting portion 203 and the coupling portion 202 , and the arc-shaped reinforcing portion 204 define a substantially circular through opening 207 with a center point 208 .

[0136] A protrusion 205 extends downward on the outer surface of the wall 201 from a protruding portion 206 of the coupling portion 202 , is integrally formed opposite the U-shaped opening, and projects radially outward from the wall 201 .

[0137] Figures 25 to 27 show schematic views of the suction hood 200 shown in Figures 20 to 24 inserted into the mixing chamber 10, 10'. Figure 25 shows a top view, Figure 26 shows a side view, and Figure 27 shows a rear view.

[0138] The suction hood 200 is fitted or inserted into the chamber 100 so that the wall 201 is received in the notch 11c of the edge 11b inside the chamber inlet 11. In this case, the projection 206 of the suction hood 200 rests on the end face 11a of the mixing chamber 10, 10'.

[0139] The projection 205, together with the recess 11c in the edge 11b of the chamber inlet 11 of the chamber 100 of the mixing chamber 10, 10', forms a centering means for the suction hood 200, with the projection 205 being form-fittingly received in the recess 11c in the edge 11b. The suction hood 200 is positioned relative to the mixing chamber 10, 10' so that the connection 203 faces the side of the mixing chamber 10, 10' on which the injection connections 20, 21 are arranged.

[0140] The through opening 207 of the intake hood 200 is arranged above the chamber inlet 11, with the chamber axis 10a here running through a center point 208 of the through opening 207. It is also possible that the chamber axis 10a and the center point 208 are not positioned one above the other, but are offset from each other.

[0141] On the side of the connecting parts 20, 21, 203, a holding part 36 is arranged, as shown in Fig. 27. This holding part 36 is here formed in a circular shape with cross reinforcement and serves to attach a magnet. This magnet may be screwed, glued or clamped to the holding part 36. The role of such a magnet is to actuate a magnetically sensitive switching element, for example a reed switch, when the mixing chamber 10, 10' is inserted into the corresponding machine.

[0142] Furthermore, a sealing element 37 is provided below the chamber outlet 17 in this example. When the mixing chamber 10, 10' is installed, the mixing chamber 10, 10' is inserted into the corresponding machine. The sealing element 37 then fits over a silicone part (not shown) arranged in the machine, thereby creating a sealing surface. On the one hand, this sealing surface prevents the instant beverage from flowing out at this point, and on the other hand, it prevents air from being drawn into the chamber outlet 17, which could deteriorate the flow characteristics of the instant beverage.

[0143] To ensure that the mixing chamber 10, 10' is inserted into the machine, a guide device is attached to the machine, which cooperates with a guide unit 210 (see Figures 32 and 34). The guide device is used to ensure that the mixing chamber 10, 10' can only be inserted into the machine in a predetermined position with its guide unit 210. During the subsequent insertion process, the mixing chamber 10, 10' is automatically centered and is located in the correct final position at the end of the insertion process. This is advantageous, since it allows for reliable handling and trouble-free installation of the mixing chamber 10, 10'.

[0144] 28-30 show schematic views of mixing chambers 10, 10' equipped with an impeller device 300, however, the impeller device 300 is not part of the present invention.

[0145] In FIG. 28, a first embodiment of an impeller device 300 is shown in two different positions.

[0146] The impeller device 300 includes an impeller 301 having a bearing 302 and an axis 303, and a plurality of protrusions 304. The impeller 301 is supported by the bearing 302 so as to be rotatable about the axis 303. The protrusions 304 are formed as teeth and / or edges, and are disposed on one disk surface 301a of the impeller 301 and protrude axially from the disk surface 301a. The protrusions 304 may be disposed on both disk surfaces 301a, 301b, or / and may be disposed so as to surround the impeller 301 in the radial direction.

[0147] The disk faces 301a, 301b may have grooves molded into them with corresponding edges.

[0148] The upper disc face 301 a now faces upwards towards the chamber inlet 11 , and the lower disc face 301 b faces towards the chamber outlet 17 .

[0149] In the first position, the impeller 301 is located in the chamber part 130 of the upper chamber 100 and is mounted by means of bearings 302 on the flat part 34 of the bottom 34a of the mixing chamber 10' into which the instant powder IP to be filled falls. The axis 303 extends substantially parallel to the chamber axes 10a, 10b, with the disk surfaces 301a, 301b being positioned perpendicular to the chamber axes 10a, 10b.

[0150] The rotatable impeller 301 is driven by a vortex in the mixing chamber 10'. The vortex is formed by a jet of medium injected via the first inlet connection 20, as described above. The impeller 301 is therefore not driven directly by the jet, but is instead set in rotation by the vortex flow acting on the protrusions 304.

[0151] The protrusions 304 formed as teeth and edges break up any clumps of instant powder IP that are filled and not yet completely dissolved in the vortex.

[0152] In the second position, the impeller 301 is located in the chamber section 14 / 15 of the lower chamber 110 in the outlet region before the chamber outlet 17.

[0153] In this case, the jet from the inlet opening 21b of the second inlet connection 21 is directed tangentially onto the protrusion 304 of the impeller 301 and directly drives the impeller 301. It is also possible for the vortex to cause the impeller 301 to rotate.

[0154] The bearing 302 is attached to the wall of the lower chamber 110 by means of a holder 305, here for example in the form of a support rod.

[0155] In the illustrated example, the axis 303 extends parallel to the chamber axis 10b, with the disk faces 301a, 301b extending perpendicular to the chamber axis 10b.

[0156] In one variant (not shown), the axis 303 of the impeller 301 is arranged in the chamber section 14 / 15 at right angles to the chamber axis 10b. The jet from the inlet opening 21b of the second inlet connection 21 is also directed tangentially towards the protrusion 304 of the impeller 301. The disk surfaces 301a, 301b here lie in a plane extending parallel to the plane in which the chamber axis 10b lies. Of course, the impeller 301 may also be arranged in an inclined position, in which the planes of the disk surfaces 301a, 301b lie at an angle to the plane containing the chamber axis 10b.

[0157] FIG. 29 shows a second embodiment of an impeller device 300 that is not part of the present invention.

[0158] The impeller 301 is a type of turbine located directly in the outlet area (chamber sections 13, 14, 15). The impeller 301 has airfoils 306 as protrusions 304 (see FIG. 28), which are positioned and shaped to form turbine blades.

[0159] In the illustrated example, the axis 303 of the impeller 301 extends parallel to or aligned with the chamber axis 10a.

[0160] The impeller 301 is attached to, for example, a shaft 307, and the shaft 307 is rotatably supported at both ends by bearings 302. In other words, the impeller 301 can rotate around an axis 303 or the chamber axis 10a.

[0161] The bearing 302 is attached here to the wall of the lower chamber 110 by means of a holder 305, for example a type of rod system of several support bars.

[0162] The vanes 306 forming the turbine blades are supplied directly with a jet of water from the injection opening 21b of the second injection connection 21, which causes the impeller 301 to rotate about its axis 303. The turbine blades are geometrically designed to pump water towards the chamber outlet 17. Thus, water is additionally pumped out of the chamber.

[0163] FIG. 30 shows a third embodiment of an impeller device 300 that is not part of the present invention.

[0164] The impeller 301 is configured similarly to an up-shot turbine with blades 308 as projections 304 and is laterally rotatably supported in a bearing 302 above the chamber outlet 17 in the lower constriction. The impeller axis 303 lies perpendicular to the chamber axes 10a, 10b.

[0165] The jet from the injection opening 21b of the second injection connection 21 is also directed tangentially towards the blades 308 of the impeller 301, causing the impeller 301 to rotate, which hopefully slightly breaks up the instant powder IP for better mixing.

[0166] In Figure 31 a schematic flow chart of a method according to the invention for preparing a beverage using a beverage preparation device 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0167] In a first method step S1, a beverage preparation device 1 is provided which comprises an integral mixing chamber 10, 10' with two injection connections 20, 21.

[0168] In a second method step S2, a first medium is supplied to the first inlet connection 20 and injected into the first chamber part 12 of the mixing chamber 10, 10′ with a first jet 29. The first medium is pumped from a source 22 by a pump 23 and is warmed, heated or cooled by a heat exchanger 24.

[0169] In a third method step S3, the instant powder IP is introduced into the first chamber part 12 of the mixing chamber 10, 10′, where it is premixed with a first medium injected by the first injection connection 20 and is further transported by the first medium in the mixing chamber 10, 10′ downwards through the second chamber part 13 and into the third chamber part 14. In the second chamber part 13, the flow rate of the first medium containing the premixed instant powder IP is increased due to the conical configuration of the second chamber part 13.

[0170] In a fourth method step S4, a second medium is injected via the second inlet connection 21 in a second jet 31 into the third chamber part 14 of the mixing chamber 10, 10' to form a vortex, thereby thoroughly mixing the instant powder IP with the medium and preparing a beverage therein, which is then dispensed via the vertically positioned fifth chamber part 16. This dispensing takes place after the beverage thus prepared has flowed through the fourth chamber part 15, where the flow rate of the beverage is increased due to the conical configuration of the fourth chamber part 15.

[0171] It is extremely easy to install the mixing chamber 10, 10' together with the beverage preparation device 1 in a beverage vending machine, a freestanding structure, a coffee machine, etc. The mixing chamber 10, 10' does not have seals as wear parts between the chamber sections 12-16 and 120-130, i.e. it is a sealless system.

[0172] Cleaning is easily possible using cleaning tablets, which allows for a so-called clean-in-place (CIP) function. Due to the geometric shape of the mixing chambers 10, 10', cleaning with the tablets can be carried out daily. After a certain period of time, for example 7 days, the mixing chambers 10, 10' can be simply removed from their holders (not shown here) and cleaned, for example in a wash-down machine. This is made significantly easier by the handle 35 (see FIG. 18).

[0173] To monitor the correct seating of the mixing chamber 10, 10' in the holder, for example a limit switch, a reed contact or the like can be used so that the beverage preparation device 1 can only be operated again if the mixing chamber 10, 10' is correctly inserted again.

[0174] Figures 32 to 34 show schematic diagrams of one variant of a beverage preparation device 1 according to the invention, with Figure 32 showing a side view, Figure 33 showing a cross-sectional view, and Figure 34 showing a plan view into the mixing chamber 10' through the chamber inlet 11.

[0175] The modified versions of the beverage preparation device 1 shown in Figures 32 to 34 differ from those shown in Figures 15 / 26 to 27 in the following respects.

[0176] The handle 35 has approximately the same length as the mixing chamber 10' in the direction of the chamber axis 10a. The handle 35 is attached to the mixing chamber 10' by three arms 35a-c, and the lowest arm 35c is attached to the wall of the lower chamber 110. In the illustrated example, the handle 35 is integrally formed with the mixing chamber 10' by its arms 35a-c.

[0177] A holder 36 for mounting a magnet is arranged in the center of the mixing chamber 10 ′, in the upper region below the chamber inlet 11 .

[0178] The sealing portion 37 at the chamber outlet 17 is connected to and reinforced by two ribs 209 on the outer wall of the lower chamber 110 .

[0179] The guide unit 210 has one guide projection 211 on each side of the mixing chamber 10'. Each guide projection 211 protrudes from the wall of the mixing chamber 10' and corresponds to a guide device, not shown but easily imaginable, in the machine to which it is to be correspondingly arranged. Each guide projection 211 has a front end 211a facing the pouring connections 20, 21 and a rear end 211b facing the handle 35. The front end 211a tapers relative to the rear end 211b not only in the direction of the chamber axis 10a but also in the direction of the connection axes 20a, 21a. Furthermore, the front end 211a protrudes a shorter length from the mixing chamber 10' relative to the rear end 211b. In this way, the insertion of the beverage preparation device 1 into the guide device is facilitated.

[0180] Within the lower chamber 110, a web 220 is disposed on the inner wall 1 facing the handle 35. The web 220 protrudes from the inner wall and extends from the chamber section 15 to the chamber outlet 17 in the chamber sections 15 and 16 of the lower chamber 110.

[0181] The web 220 has, for example, a width of about 2 mm and a thickness of 0.6 mm. The 0.6 mm thickness extends to the outlet. The 2 mm width may be in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 mm. The 0.6 mm thickness may even be in the range of 0.4 to 1 mm.

[0182] The webs 220 are used to affect further mixing of the exiting flow in the lower chamber 110 .

[0183] This construction of the mixing chamber 10' of the beverage preparation device 1 according to the invention is free of a mixer wheel / mixing wheel: no drive, for example an electric motor, for such a mixer wheel / mixing wheel (impeller unit) is required.

[0184] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but can be varied within the scope of the claims.

[0185] For example, it is conceivable that the filling of the instant powder IP into the mixing chamber 10, 10' can be effected by means of a (variable) vibration of the chute or by vibration of the conveying device 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] 1,1' Beverage Preparation Equipment 2 Mixing chamber 2a chamber part 2b Intake hood 2c pipe section 2d supply section 3. Conveyor equipment 3a Conveying member 3b Storage container 3c Shoot 3D drive unit 4 Mixer Room 5 Mixer Wheel 6 Mixer drive unit 7 Holder 8 Bearing seal 8a Housing seal 9 exit 10,10' mixing chamber 10a,10b Chamber axis 10c deviation 11 Room entrance 11a End face 11b Edge 11c notch 11d Stepped section 12~16 chambers 17 room exit 18 Beverages 18a Flow path 19 Collection container 20,21 Injection connection 20a, 21a Connection axis 20b,21b Injection opening 22 Source 22a Supply pipeline 23 Pump 23a Pump conduit 24 Heat exchanger 24a,24b,24c pipe 25, 25a, 25b valves 26,27 Supply pipeline 28 Control Device 29,31 Jet 30, 30a, 30b Transport flow 32 Mixed area 33 Vortex region 34 Plane part 34a bottom 34b Inside 34c target area 35 Handle 36 Holding part 37 Seal part 38 Turning Wall 38a Exterior 38b Interior space 100,110 rooms 120,130 rooms 140,150 wall part 160 aperture 170 Outflow conduit 170a,170b Conduit part 170c angle part 180 Valve Unit 180a,180b,180c supply section 181,182 valve 181a,182a Exit 200 Intake Hood 201 Wall 202 Joining part 203 Connection 204 Reinforcement part 205 Protrusion 206 Overhang 207 Through opening 208 Center point 209 Ribs 210 Guide unit 211 Guide protrusion 211a,211b end 220 Web 300 Impeller device 301 Impeller 302 Bearings 303 axis 304 Protrusion 305 Holding body 306 Wings 307 Axis 308 Blade A,B area IP Instant Powder R Frame S1~S4 Method steps α angle

Claims

1. A beverage preparation device (1) for preparing an instant beverage, comprising: A conveying device (3), a mixing chamber (10'); at least one pump (23); at least one heat exchanger (24); At least one valve (25); A control device (28) It is equipped with The mixing chamber (10') has at least two injection connections (20, 21) for injecting jets (29, 31) of liquid medium into the mixing chamber (10'), the at least two injection connections (20, 21) being spaced apart from one another in the direction of the chamber axis (10a) of the mixing chamber (10'); In the beverage preparation device (1), the mixing chamber (10') has a plurality of chamber sections (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) arranged in series, and the inner diameters of these chamber sections (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) decrease from a chamber inlet (11) of the mixing chamber (10') to a chamber outlet (17) of the mixing chamber (10'). The successively arranged chamber sections (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) are all formed with a conical inner surface, the mixing chamber (10') has an asymmetric structure without a mixer wheel / mixing wheel, with a first chamber (100) and a second chamber (110) arranged successively, the chamber axis (10a) of the first chamber (100) and the chamber axis (10b) of the second chamber (110) being offset from each other by a predetermined offset (10c) and thus being arranged eccentrically with respect to each other, the first chamber (100) of the mixing chamber (10') is formed with a flat portion (34) having a bottom (34a) with an inner surface (34b), the bottom (34a) being inclined slightly inward with respect to the chamber axis (10b) of the second chamber (110) at an angle α extending circumferentially with respect to the horizontal, the angle α having a value in the range of 5° to 10°, preferably 7° to 8°; Beverage preparation device (1).

2. 2. The beverage preparation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mixing chamber (10') is manufactured from a metal material, a plastic, or a combination of a metal material and a plastic, and is formed without seals.

3. The plurality of chamber portions (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 120, 130) are composed of a first chamber portion (12, 120), a second chamber portion (13, 130), a third chamber portion (14), a fourth chamber portion (15) and a fifth chamber portion (16) that are arranged consecutively from the chamber entrance (11) to the chamber exit (17), and the first chamber portion (12, 120) and the second chamber portion (13, 130) together form the first chamber (100), and the third chamber portion (16) 3. The beverage preparation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first chamber portion (14), the fourth chamber portion (15) and the fifth chamber portion (16) together form the second chamber (110), and wherein a first injection connection portion (20) of the at least two injection connections (20, 21) has a through opening opening into the first chamber portion (12, 120), and a second injection connection portion (21) of the at least two injection connections (20, 21) has a through opening opening into the third chamber portion (14).

4. 4. The beverage preparation device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the through opening of the second pouring connection (21) has an inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the through opening of the first pouring connection (20).

5. 5. The beverage preparation device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first filling connection (20) and the second filling connection (21) can be supplied with one medium or several different media simultaneously or with a time lag, in a pre-adjusted or adjustably manner, via one common valve (25) or independently of one another via respective separate valves (25a, 25b).

6. 6. The beverage preparation device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first filling connection (20) and the second filling connection (21) can be supplied independently of one another via separate valves (25a, 25b) with one medium or a plurality of different media simultaneously or staggered in time, in a pre-adjusted or adjustably manner.

7. 7. The beverage preparation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mixing chamber (10') is arranged upright and has a chamber outlet (17) facing vertically downwards.

8. 8. The beverage preparation device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the chamber outlet (17) is connected to a bent outflow conduit (170).

9. 9. The beverage preparation device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the chamber outlet (17) is connected to a valve unit (180) having at least one valve (181).

10. 10. The beverage preparation device (1) of claim 9, wherein the valve unit (180) has at least two valves (181, 182), at least one valve (181) of the at least two valves (181, 182) being a flush valve whose outlet (181a) is led into a used water delivery system, and at least one valve (182) of the at least two valves (181, 182) being a beverage valve whose outlet (182a) delivers the beverage (18) prepared in the mixing chamber (10').

11. 11. The beverage preparation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mixing chamber (10') is insertable into the beverage preparation device (1) and removable from the beverage preparation device (1), and the correct seating of the mixing chamber (10') in the holding part is detected by a limit switch and / or a reed contact.

12. 12. The beverage preparation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one flow guide element is arranged in the mixing chamber (10') within the interior space of the first and second chambers (100, 110).

13. 13. The beverage preparation device (1) of claim 12, wherein the mixing chamber (10') has at least one deflection wall (38) mounted in the interior space of the first chamber (100), the deflection wall (38) being arranged in the forwarding part of the conveying flow (30, 30a, 30b) of the injected jet (29, 31) of medium.

14. A beverage vending machine comprising at least one beverage preparation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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