WO2021101376A1

WO2021101376A1 - Device for preparing a beverage

Info

Publication number: WO2021101376A1
Application number: PCT/NL2020/050724
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacobus Petrus Maria Dessing
Original assignee: Blender Brothers Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2019-11-19
Filing date: 2020-11-19
Publication date: 2021-05-27
Also published as: NL2024262B1; EP4061189A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for preparing a beverage, in particular an iced beverage, comprising at least one drinking cup holder configured for releasably holding at least one drinking cup and at least one mixing element, comprising a mixing shaft and a mixing head, configured to mix beverage ingredients within the drinking cup.

Description

Device for preparing a beverage

The invention relates to a device for preparing a beverage, in particular an iced beverage. The invention further relates to an assembly of such device and a drinking cup positioned within the drinking cup holder. The invention also relates to the use of such device. Further the invention relates to a sealing element for use in a device for preparing a beverage.

The preparation of iced or frozen beverages such as milkshakes, smoothies, frappes, lassis or further coffee, fruit and/or yoghurt drinks often requires a one or more beverage ingredients, such as fruit, yoghurt, syrup and/or coffee in combination with ice. The ice can be present in the form of for example ice nuggets, ice flakes and/or frozen fruit. Such beverages can for example be made by introducing the separate ingredients into a drinking cup and subsequently mixing or blending said ingredients into a liquid or semi-liquid drink. High mixing speeds, or blending speeds, need to be used in order to be able to sufficiently crush the ice. Typically, the known beverage preparation devices comprise an ice supply unit, a flavor dispensing unit, a mixing unit for mixing the ice and flavoring ingredients and a control unit which is responsive to user input. In case the device also constitutes a single-dose vending device, typically the device also comprise an accommodation space for a dinking cup into which the prepared beverage is dispensed.

A first object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for preparing an iced or frozen beverage.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for preparing and dispensing an iced or frozen beverage into a drinking cup in a relatively clean and efficient manner.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for preparing and dispensing an iced or frozen beverage into a drinking cup in a relatively clean and efficient manner, wherein drinking cups with different heights can be used. At least one of this objects can be achieved by providing a device for preparing a beverage, in particular an iced beverage, comprising:

- at least one drinking cup holder configured for releasably holding at least one drinking cup, the drinking cup holder comprising: o at least one support surface whereupon a drinking cup can be positioned, and o at least one closing element, wherein the closing element and the support surface are mutually displaceable between an opened state, wherein the drinking up can be positioned in or removed from the drinking cup holder, and a closed state, wherein the drinking cup is held in place by the drinking cup holder,

- at least one mixing element, comprising a mixing shaft and a mixing head, configured to mix beverage ingredients within the drinking cup in the closed state of the drinking cup holder, wherein the closing element of the drinking cup holder, comprises at least one resilient sealing element configured for sealingly closing the drinking cup in a substantially liquid tight manner in the closed state of the drinking cup holder.

Preferably, the drinking cup holder, in particular the closing element, comprises: a suspension structure for mounting the mixing element, and at least one resilient sealing element comprising a lower section configured for sealingly closing the drinking cup in a substantially liquid tight manner in the closed state of the drinking cup holder, and an upper section connected to the suspension structure, wherein a diameter of the upper section is smaller than a diameter of the lower section. Preferably, the upper section of the closing sealing element is configured to enclose a part of the suspension structure, preferably a part of the suspension structure enclosing a part of the mixing shaft. The difference in diameters results in the favourable situation that a downward force can be exerted to a center region of the sealing element, defined by the diameter of the upper section, wherein said downward force is transmitted to the drinking cup via the (larger) lower section.

This not only leads to a relatively compact and efficient way to transfer forces during closing and in closed state of the closing element, but also allows the sealing element to deform in between the upper section and the lower section. This deformation not only leads to a firm engagement of the sealing element onto the drinking cup to prevent fouling, but also allows different cups with different heights to be used in the device according to the invention. The height difference between the cups can at least partially be compensated by deformation of the sealing element, as will be explained below in more detail.

Preferably, the upper section is configured to be clamped onto the suspension structure. This clamping effect can be realized, for example, by stretching the upper section and by inserting the suspension structure into said upper section and to subsequently allow the upper section to exert a clamping pressure onto the suspension structure, in particular due to the upper section’s inclination to return to the original condition. It is also conceivable that a clamping collar or other securing element is applied to secure the upper section to the suspension structure.

Preferably, at least part of the sealing element is substantially dome-shaped and/or (convergingly) tapered in upward direction. In cross-section, at least part of the sealing element may have a curved shaped, although it is also imaginable that a more angular (step-like) cross-section is applied.

The device comprises preferably a stationary housing, and wherein the closing element is connected to the stationary housing, such that the closing element is displaceable, preferably in vertical direction, with respect said stationary housing. More preferably, the closing element is connected, preferably by means of a spindle, to a second drive motor to vertically displace the closing element with respect to the stationary housing. This means that the sealing element is configured to undergo a twofold vertical displacement: a first displacement realized by vertical displacement of the closing element as such, wherein the sealing element does not have to be deformed, and a second displacement in case the upper section of the sealing element is pushed in downward direction while the lower section of the sealing element is prevented to be displaced in downward direction, e.g. in case the lower section engages an upper rim of a drinking cup. Hence, the sealing element has two degrees of freedom to be displaced in vertical direction, which provides the device flexibility during use.

In the the closed state, the sealing element is preferably configured to exert a downward force onto the drinking cup, in particular an upper edge of the drinking cup. Here, the vertical distance between the lower section of the sealing element and the upper section of the sealing element is preferably adjustable by deformation of the sealing element, preferably by deformation of a middle section of the sealing element, positioned in between the lower section and the upper section, in particular during displacement of the closing element between the opened and closed state. Preferably, the shortest vertical distance between the lower section of the sealing element and at least a part of the housing is adjustable during displacement of the closing element from the opened state to the closed state, and/or the shortest vertical distance between the lower section of the sealing element and at least a part of the housing and/or the upper section of the sealing element is reducable with at least 2 cm, preferably at least 2.5 cm, during displacement of the closing element from the opened state to the closed state. This value typically allows the closing element to co-act with drinking cups with different heights. Preferably, the horizontal distance between an outer diameter of the upper section of the sealing element and an inner diameter of the lower section of the sealing element is at least 3 cm, preferably at least 4 cm. This minimum value is commonly favourable to realize a smooth deformation of the sealing element. Preferably, the sealing element comprises a middle section, positioned in between the lower section and the upper section, which is configured to be deformed, in particular to become more curved, in the closed state of the closing element. The engagement under bias is favourable in order to stabilize the drinking cup as well as to prevent fouling by splashing, during operation (blending) of the device. The material thickness of the lower section of the sealing element preferably exceeds the material thickness of the upper section and/or middle section of the sealing element. A more robust lower section typically leads to less deformation and hence a more stable engagement of the drinking cup, while a more lean upper and/or middle section leads to a desired increased flexibility in this/these section(s).

As mentioned above, the device according to the present invention benefits of a relatively simple configuration wherein (frozen) beverages can be prepared in an efficient, clean, and secure manner. Due to the special drinking cup holder, and in particular the closing element, comprising a resilient sealing element, it is achieved that the drinking cup as such can be closed in a direct and liquid tight manner. This is for example beneficial during use of the device, since it can be prohibited that liquid will be discarded from the drinking cup during mixing of the beverage. Mixing is typically done with relatively high mixing speeds, typically in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 rpm, more particularly approximately 14,000 rpm, wherefore it will typically happen that the content of the drinking cup will splash from the cup during preparation. This splashing effect is undesirable from multiple points of view, as it results in waste of the beverage and causes fouling of the drinking cup, the device as such, and possibly also the direct environment of the device. The use of a sealing element according to the present invention can prevent such spillage and fouling. In further prior art devices it is attempted to overcome this problem for example by making use of a closing door which closes an accommodating space containing a drinking cup in order to prevent the environment surrounding the device to be fouled. However, this still results in fouling of the device as such, and typically also of the drinking cup as such, which is considered undesirable from a practical, economic, and hygienic point of view. The resilient sealing element according to the present invention can ensure that the drinking cup is substantially hermetically sealed and engaged during preparation of a beverage, thereby preventing fouling of the (outer side of the) drinking cup, and of the device as such, apart from the fact that the sealing element as such will typically be exposed to the beverage during the mixing process, and will therefore be fouled to some extent; other components of the device, however, remain free any of fouling due to the beverage preparation process. Further, due to the sealingly closing of the drinking cup it is enables that relatively high mixing speeds can be used. This is in particular beneficial when relatively hard ingredients, such as ice and/or frozen fruit have to be mixed and crushed. The sealing element is typically configured for medium-tight closure of the drinking cup. The sealing element is configured for providing sealingly closing the drinking cup on a temporary base.

Further, the combination of the drinking cup holder comprising both a support surface and a closing element which are mutual displaceable enables that the drinking cup can be enclosed, preferably clampingly enclosed, between the drinking cup holder parts. Therefore, a steady positioning of the drinking cup in the drinking cup holder can be achieved. The invention thus also relates to an embodiment wherein a drinking cup can be clampingly engaged between the closing element and the support surface of the drinking cup holder. The latter embodiment is in particular applicable if a relatively solid drinking cup is used. By clamping, and typically also be sealingly closing as such, a force is commonly exerted by the drinking cup holder, in particular (at least) the sealing element, onto the drinking cup, which leads to a sealing effect, and which keeps the drinking cup content as good as possible within the drinking cup during mixing. This engagement under bias is also referred to as a pretension which is present between the drinking cup holder and the drinking cup in the closed state of the drinking cup holder.

The invention also relates to a device which further comprises at least one supply container configured for preserving at least one beverage ingredient, and at least one supply channel for supplying at least one beverage ingredient into the drinking cup. In a further preferred embodiment, the device may comprise at least one dosing element for dosing at least one beverage ingredient which is to supplied into the drinking cup via the supply channel. The dosing element is preferably connected to and/or integrated with the closing element, which allows an efficient dispensing of beverage ingredients to the drinking cup, and which also allows dispensing of beverage ingredients to the drinking cup in the closed state of the drinking cup holder, which reduces the risk of splashing of ingredients during dispensing. The supply container used may for example be of the so called bag in box type of system. It is conceivable that the supply channel is also configured for cleaning purposes. Hence, the supply channel may be attached to a reservoir containing cleaning liquid such that the supply channel can be flushed with said cleaning liquid, typically after the preparation of a beverage. Preferably, the discharge opening of the at least one supply channel is positioned within a volume enclosed by the sealing element. At least a part of the supply channel is preferably defined by and/or incorporated within the suspension structure. This allows at least one beverage ingredient to be added to the drinking cup while the drinking cup is positioned in the drinking cup holder, preferably in a closed state of the closing element.

It is beneficial if the sealing element is at least partially and preferably entirely made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer. A non-limiting example of a material whereof the sealing element can be made is rubber, in particular silicone rubber. Said materials are relatively inexpensive, and benefit of being relatively easy to handle. A further benefit of the preferred material silicone rubber is that this material can withstand several temperatures varying from -55 to 300 °C, such that both hot beverage ingredients, such as coffee, and cold, such as ice, would not affect the functionality of the sealing element. Further non-limiting examples of elastomers whereof the sealing element could possibly be made are a natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM) and/or a fluoroelastomer.

Preferably, the sealing element is at least partially compressible. It is beneficial if the sealing element is at least partially compressible as this on the one hand ensures a good seal on the cup and on the other hand allows the use of several cup sizes.

Typically, the sealing element will engage a top section of the drinking cup during the closed state of the drinking cup holder, and commonly a top surface and/or (in)side surface of an upper rim (top edge or circumferential edge) of the drinking cup. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing element comprises at least one circumferential groove configured for receiving a part of the drinking cup, preferably at least a part of the top section of the drinking cup, in particular the upper rim (top edge) of the drinking cup. When the top edge of the drinking cup is received within the circumferential groove, typically, part of the sealing element encloses the circumferential edge of the drinking cup. Here, the sealing element typically engages the drinking cup in a multilateral manner, wherein typically a top surface of the top edge as will as an inner side and/or outer side of the drinking cup is also engaged by the drinking cup holder. The sealing element, and in particular the circumferential groove, may comprise a circumferential (inner) lip which is configured to be received within the drinking cup. In case more circumferential concentric grooves (with different diameters) are applied, the sealing element may be used with different drinking cups having different diameters of the upper circumferential edge. Typically, the or each circumferential groove is enclosed by an outer lip and an inner lip of the sealing element. The inner lip is preferably configured to engage, preferably under bias, an inner surface of the side wall of the drinking cup. The (vertical) length of the inner lip may be defined as the vertical distance between a top surface of the circumferential groove and a lower surface of the inner lip, which is preferably at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm. The outer lip preferably encloses extends in a direction which enclosed an angle of less than 45 degrees with a horizontal plane. The presence of the circumferential groove, and in particular the circumferential (inner) lip, could ensure that the top edge of the drinking cup remains clean after blending. This is beneficial from hygienic point of view and it may prevent the need of an additional cleaning step prior to serving of the beverage. Due to the resilient nature of the sealing element, the sealing element will simply adapt to the shape and dimension of the circumferential edge of the drinking cup which is to be received in the groove. This may contribute to the sealing performance of the sealing element as such since a further improved sealing of the drinking cup may be obtained using this preferred embodiment. The thickness of the groove may for example be adapted for the type of drinking cups which are to be used. This also applies to the depth of the groove. Typically, the groove has a thickness between circa 1 and 5 mm and/or a depth between circa 1 and 5 mm.

In another preferred embodiment, the sealing element, in particular the lower section of the sealing element, comprises a laterally protruding flange which is clamped by another part of the closing element. Such flange may further contribute to the sealing performance of the sealing element, and secures a correct positioning and holding in place of the sealing element. The flange is preferably positioned at a distance from the circumferential groove, if applied. The flange is preferably a circumferential flange. It is beneficial is the flange is positioned within the device such that the flange is clampingly engaged at both sides by part of the drinking cup holder, in particular by the closing element of the drinking cup holder.

It is for example also conceivable that the sealing element comprises a laterally protruding flange which is clamped by an upper clamping element and a lower clamping element of the closing element, wherein the lower clamping element is preferably made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer.

It is possible that at least part of the sealing element is substantially dome-shaped. A dome-shaped sealing element is relatively easy to handle as well as to deform when exerting a sealing force onto the drinking cup. The dome-shaped sealing element may in fact form a lid for the drinking cup. This shape can also sufficiently withstand pressure difference in the drinking cup during mixing. It is further conceivable that the mixing element comprises a stationary housing which partially encloses the mixing shaft. Typically, at least one (ball) bearing is applied between the stationary housing and the mixing shaft. Preferably, the sealing element comprises a neck portion which is configured to enclose a part of the stationary housing of the mixing element. If such neck portion is applied, it is beneficial if said neck portion is clampingly engaged around at least part of the mixing element, and in particular part of the mixing shaft, by means of a collar. The collar may be formed by an annular element (clamping ring), which is typically made of metal. The neck portion of the sealing element may form a top section of the dome-shaped sealing element. In a further preferred embodiment of the sealing element protrudes a neck portion from a substantially dome-shaped bottom part of the sealing element. It may be beneficial if the collar is releasably attached to the neck portion of the sealing element.

The drinking cup holder may be configured to engage the drinking cup under bias (pretension), in a closed state of the drinking cup holder. In this manner, a relatively strong engagement between the drinking cup holder and the drinking cup can be obtained.

Preferably, as already indicated above, the sealing element is configured to engage the drinking cup under bias, in a closed state of the drinking cup holder. Hence, the sealing element is kept in position in a relatively simple but reliable manner.

Further, it may contribute to the provision of sufficient closing of the drinking cup by the sealing element. Typically, in this embodiment, at least part of the closing element encloses at least part of the resilient sealing element. The sealing element may for example be oversized with respect to an inner volume defines by the closing element wherein the sealing is to be received. At least a part of the sealing element may also be deformed in the closed state of the drinking cup holder, with respect to the initial shape of the sealing element in the opened state of the drinking cup holder.

In a further embodiment, the device comprises a sensor configured to measure the force exerted by the drinking cup holder onto the drinking cup and/or to measure the deformation of the sealing element. This sensor may be e.g. a force sensor, such as a strain gauge, of an optical sensor. The use of a sensor may be beneficial the measure and monitor that sufficient pressure is exerted onto the drinking cup in order to secure a relatively tight sealing effect during preparation of the beverage, while simultaneously preventing the drinking cup to be damaged by the drinking cup holder due to an excessive amount of pressure exerted on the drinking cup. Moreover, the use of a sensor also facilitates to use differently sized drinking cups in the device according to the invention, in particular drinking cups with different heights.

In a possible embodiment, (at least a part of) the sealing element is configured to be accommodated within the drinking cup, in the closed state of the drinking cup holder. In this manner, a substantially liquid tight sealing can be obtained in the closed state of the drinking cup holder whilst preventing that liquid can reach the upper edge of the drinking cup. Moreover, in this manner the upper edge of the drinking cup can be kept clean during the beverage preparation process. This may be beneficial for from hygienic point of view.

It is also conceivable that the support surface comprises at least one support element configured for engaging at least part of the drinking cup. This embodiment enables more stable positioning of the drinking cup upon the support surface. It is beneficial if at least one support element encloses and/or engages at least part of a lower circumference of the drinking cup. Preferably, at least one support element is configured for providing a vertical support for at least part of the drinking cup. The presence of at least one support element is for example beneficial during use of the device. Since high mixing speeds can be used, it is undesirable that the drinking cup is unstably positioned upon the support surface. Hence, at least one support element may provide a more stable and reliable embodiment of the device according to the present invention. At least a part of the support surface may be formed by the resilient material, such as rubber. It is also conceivable that the support surface and/or the support element comprises at least one locking element for temporarily locking the drinking cup with respect to the support surface and/or the support element. Hence, if the sealing element is to be removed after preparation of the beverage, the locking element may ensure that the drinking cup is not lifted from the support surface.

It is possible that the drinking cup holder, and in particular the closing element of the drinking cup holder, comprises a substantially cylindrical cover substantially entirely enclosing a circumferential wall of the drinking cup in the closed state of the drinking cup holder. The presence of a substantially cylindrical cover results in the formation of a chamber wherein the drinking cup can be received. The chamber, thus the support surface, the cover and the closing element and/or the sealing substantially fully enclose the drinking cup during preparation of a beverage. Said components may even form a fully closed chamber when the device is in position for beverage preparation. The cover may provide further protection for splashing of liquid, for example in case the sealing element was not properly attached to the drinking cup. It provided also a more safe configuration since the cover can prohibit that a user can come into direct contact with the drinking cup and or mixing element during preparation of a beverage. The cover can also act as a distance element to keep the closing element at a predetermined distance from the support surface.

The substantially cylindrical cover may for example be a hollow cylinder. The substantially cylindrical cover can be made of any suitable material. However, the cover is preferably relatively rigid. It is also conceivable that the cover is made of a thermally insulating material. Typically, the substantially cylindrical cover is (directly or indirectly) connected to the closing element. A top section of the cover may be clamped by the closing element, and in particular clamped in between the lower clamping part of the closing element and the sealing element of the closing element. In the closed state of the drinking cup holder, the cover may be urged towards the support surface by the closing element, such that the cover, either directly or indirectly, engages the support surface under bias. Further, the bottom section of the cover may be provided with a resilient washer for providing a substantially liquid tight closure between the cover and the support surface. It is conceivable that part of sealing element, and in particular a flange thereof if applied, is present in between the cover and closing element. Hence, it is also possible that at least part of the substantially cylindrical cover is enclosed between part of a wall of the closing element and part of the sealing element. Typically the cylindrical cover is positioned near an inner wall of the closing element. Possibly, the closing element encloses at least part of the cover, in particular an upper circumferential edge of the cover. It is further beneficial if the substantially cylindrical cover comprises a resilient washer for providing a liquid tight closure between the covering element and the support surface. Such washer is preferably present at the outer end of the cover at distance from the closing element. The washer can be made of any suitable resilient material. The washer can for example be made of an elastomer, in particular silicone rubber. If the sealing element comprises a groove for receiving part of a drinking cup, it is beneficial if the sealing element comprises a secondary circumferential groove which encloses said circumferential groove which is configured for receiving a circumferential edge of the drinking cup, wherein the secondary circumferential groove is configured for receiving a circumferential edge of the substantially cylindrical cover. It is also conceivable that the drinking cup holder, and in particular the closing element, defines a receiving space present between an inner wall of the closing element and an outer wall of the sealing element configured for receiving at least part of circumferential edge of the substantially cylindrical cover. The secondary groove is preferably present at a predetermined distance from the (inner) groove which is configured for receiving part of a drinking cup.

In a beneficial embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the drinking cup holder, and in particular the closing element, comprises at least one overflow conduit configured for regulating overflow and/or venting, wherein a part of said overflow conduit is preferably connected to and/or preferably formed by either the suspension structure and/or the sealing element. Such overflow conduit can enable venting of the drinking cup during preparation of a beverage if required. This might for example be necessary in case gas is building up in the beverage during and/or after preparation, or when liquid ingredients are added to the cup just before mixing. Building up of gas in the beverage in the drinking cup can be dangerous in the pressure inside the cup gets above a certain threshold value as this might lead to the sealing element coming off and/or damaging of the drinking cup. It is also conceivable that the overflow conduit is used for regulating overflow of liquid present in the drinking cup. This may for example also occur during preparation of a beverage. It is also conceivable that overflow occurs if too much beverage ingredients are provided in the drinking cup. An overflow conduit may then prevent for example that the sealing element comes off due to the overflow. The presence of at least one overflow conduit may contribute to the safety of the device and to the use thereof.

A preferred embodiment of the device comprises a drinking cup holder, and in particular a support surface thereof, which comprises at least one cleaning nozzle and at least one drain, wherein the at least one cleaning nozzle is configured for spraying a cleaning liquid, typically water, within the drinking cup holder to clean the drinking cup holder, and wherein the drain is configured to drain cleaning liquid after use. The drain is preferably centrally located in or close to the support surface such that liquid can be drained in an efficient manner. If a substantially cylindrical cover is applied, the device can be cleaned in an efficient manner by making use of at least one cleaning nozzle, which may spray and optionally fill the entire space enclosed by the drinking cup holder with cleaning liquid, such as water. In case no cylindrical cover would be applied, then it would be preferred to move the closing element and the support surface towards each other, typically by lowering the closing element, such that the closing element makes direct contact with the support surface to subsequently clean the support surface and (an inner side of) the closing element.

As will be clear from the above, the space enclosed by the support surface, the optional cover and the closing element and/or sealing element can be cleaned by spraying cleaning liquid upwardly. The cleaning liquid can and typically also will be used to clean at least part of the mixing element. At least one of the nozzles can for example be a rotating nozzle, a fog spray nozzle, a straight jet spray nozzle and/or a flat spray nozzle. However, said examples are non-limiting, any further suitable nozzle could be used. It would be beneficial if the nozzle is configured to spray cleaning liquid such that it directly reached the sealing element. It is also conceivable that the device comprises multiple cleaning nozzle wherein the cleaning nozzles enclose at least one drain.

It is further possible that the mixing element is connected to a first (electric) drive motor, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the mixing element with a rotation speed of between 12,000 and 16,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), preferably approximately 14,000 rpm. Hence, an automated mixing by the mixing element can be obtained. The device according to the invention may further comprise an electronic control unit for controlling the electrical components.

It would further be beneficial if the supply channel comprises at least one dosing element for dosing at least one beverage ingredient. Hence, the supply of at least one beverage ingredient can be regulated in a relatively simple manner. It is conceivable that the device comprises multiple supply channels, wherein each supply channel is configured for supplying at least one beverage ingredient. Typically, though not necessarily, each supply channel comprises its own dosing element. Dosing of ingredients is typically time-controlled, wherein the dosing element will be opened for a predefined period of time after which the dosing element will be closed again. One or more pumps may be applied to urge the ingredients through the supply channel(s) towards the dosing element(s). It is further beneficial if the device comprises at least one reservoir and/or supply for ice, for example in the form of nuggets. When it is referred to ice nuggets also nugget ice, ice flakes and/or ice cubes can be meant. Nugget ice typically consist for 70% of ice and the remaining 30% of water. The mixing element, and in particular the mixing head, is configured to blend or crush the provided ice. Preferably, the device is configured to dose ice nuggets into a drinking cup which is supported by the support surface, preferably when the support surface is positioned in an initial position wherein the support surface is positioned at a distance from a footprint defined by the closing element.

In a preferred embodiment, the drinking cup holder, in particular the closing element, comprises at least one guiding structure , wherein at least a part of the closing element, in particular said upper clamping element and said lower clamping element and the lower section of the sealing element, is/are vertically displaceable along the guiding structure, during displacement of the closing element between the opened state and the closed state. Preferably, the guiding structure comprises a plurality of guiding pins fixedly connected to the suspension structure, and more preferably, each guiding pin is provided with a helical spring enclosing said guiding pin for dampening the movement of the lower section of the sealing element towards the suspension structure during displacement of the closing element from the opened state to the closed state. Preferably, the upper clamping element and/or the lower clamping element are provided with through-holes, wherein each through- hole is configured to enclose a part of one of the guiding pins. The application of such a guiding structure allows that a part of the closing element can be moved in downward direction over a relatively great distance, without necessarily moving the (lower section of the) sealing element over the same distance. This limited uncoupling facilitates an easy control of the device as drinking cups with different heights can be handled by the device without having to adjust further settings. In the closed state of the drinking cup holder the cover preferably, either directly or indirectly, surrounds at least a part of the support surface, wherein preferably a distance is present between the cover and the support surface. Preferably, the diameter of the cover is larger than the diameter of the support surface, and wherein the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the base component. This prevents that the support surface is accidentally clamped by the closing element, which could - dependent on the embodiment of the device - lead to damaging of the device.

Preferably, the device comprises a base component, in particular a drain plate, positioned at a lower level than the support surface and/or configured to support the supper surface, and wherein the bottom section of the cover is provided with a resilient washer configured, in the closed state of the closing element, to engage said base component under bias for providing a substantially liquid tight closure between the cover and the base element. Preferably, the base component, in particular the drain plate, comprises at least one cleaning nozzle and at least one drain, wherein the at least one cleaning nozzle is configured for spraying a cleaning liquid within the closing element to clean the closing element (in closed position), and wherein the drain is configured to drain cleaning liquid after use. During cleaning(-in-place) of the closing element, it is favourable in case the support element is removed from the space to be cleaned. This can e.g. be realized in case the support surface is configured to be displaced between a blending position, wherein the support surface overlaps with a footprint of the closing element, and an initial position, in particular a prefilling position, wherein the support surface is positioned at a distance from said footprint of the closing element. Said footprint is a virtual vertical projection of the closing element. In this respect, one may also indicate that in the blending position, the support surface is positioned directly underneath the closing element, while in the initial position, the support surface is not positioned directly underneath the closing element. Preferably, the support surface is horizontally displaceable between the blending position and the initial position. Preferably, the device comprises a third drive motor to displace the support surface between the blending position and the initial position. In the blending position, the support surface is typically configured to be supported by a base component of the device. In the initial position, or one or more initial positions, a new drinking cup can be loaded onto the support surface and, preferably ice nuggets or other ingredients can be added to the new drinking cup prior to moving the support surface to the blending position.

It is beneficial if the drinking cup holder comprises at least one (other) guiding structure, wherein the closing element is vertically displaceable between the opened state and the closed state of the drinking cup holder, along the guiding structure and with respect to the support surface. The closing element can for example be positioned at a first predetermined distance from the support surface in an initial condition wherein a drinking cup is to be positioned upon the support surface. It is also conceivable that the closing element is rotatably displaceable with respect to the support surface. The closing element may for example be pivotably displaced with respect to the support surface. It is preferred that the guiding structure is also configured to position the closing element at such distance from the support surface that the sealing element engages and preferably seals the drinking cup. The displacement of the closing element along guiding structure may for example be electrically controlled and/or may be driven by means of an electromotor. It is also conceivable that the guiding structure is manually controllable, which might for example be practical for cleaning purposes. If the mixing element is connected to the closing element, it is beneficial if the closing element is displaceable away from the support surface up to a distance wherein the mixing element can no longer come into contact with the content of the drinking cup. It is however also conceivable that the mixing element is (vertically) displaceable itself, for example with respect to the closing element. Said embodiments may result in a state of the drinking cup holder wherein the drinking cup can be easily removed from the device. The closing element may also be connected to a second drive motor to vertically displace the closing element along the guiding structure. The guiding structure typically comprises two or more substantially vertical guiding rails along which the closing element is displaceable. It is imaginable and typically also preferred that also the mixing element and, if applied, the cylindrical cover are displaced during displacement the closing element along the guiding structure.

Possibly, the closing element and the support surface are configured such that they clampingly engage and/or enclose the drinking cup, in particular in a vertical orientation. This position is typically applied during preparation of a beverage. The term closing can therefore also be interpreted as putting the device into a state for preparation of a beverage. Within the meaning of this invention, closing and sealing are not necessarily similar actions. Closing of the drinking cup holder is basically related to the action of providing the drinking cup holder in a position for drink preparing where sealing of the drinking cup within this context means the actual closing of the drinking cup, such that direct contact between the inner side and outer side of the drinking cup is impeded.

The invention further relates to an assembly of a device according to the present invention and a drinking cup positioned within the drinking cup holder. Preferably, the drinking cup is configured to withstand compression in axial direction, at least to some extent. This means that the drinking cup is rigid or semi-rigid, at least in axial direction to allow the closing element to exert a downward (clamping) pressure onto drinking cup. Preferably, the drinking cup is at least partially made of thermoplastic material, and preferably is at least partially made of a laminated material comprising at least one thermoplastic layer and at least one paper-based layer. The diameter of the upper rim of the drinking cup may vary, but is preferably situated between 80 and 100 mm, and is more preferably approximately 90 mm. The volume of the drinking cup may also vary, but typically varies between 200 and 500 ml.

The invention also relates to the use of a device according to the present invention.

Further the invention relates to a sealing element configured for use in a device according to the present invention, and as described above. It is conceivable that the sealing element is manufactured for a specific range of drinking cups, and that the sealing element is interchangeable. Hence, the device may possibly comprise a multiple interchangeable sealing elements. The invention also relates to a sealing element which is configured to be releasably attached to another part of the closing element of the device.

The invention also relates to a device for preparing a beverage, in particular an iced beverage, comprising at least one drinking cup holder configured for releasably holding at least one drinking cup, at least one supply container configured for preserving at least one beverage ingredient, at least one supply channel for supplying at least one beverage ingredient into a drinking cup, at least one mixing element, comprising a mixing shaft and a mixing head, configured to mix the beverage ingredients, and at least one resilient sealing element which is configured for sealingly closing a drinking cup. All above described preferred embodiments can be combined with this embodiment.

The mixing process can also be referred to as blending or liquidizing. Hence, the mixing element is configured to mix, puree, and/or emulsify consumables. When it is referred to a beverage, consumable liquids or semi-liquids are meant. The drinking cup may for example be a single serve (disposable) drinking cup.

However, the drinking cup may also be a relatively solid (reusable) preparation cup. The sealing element could also be referred to as sleeve. Typically, the mixing element is brought into the drinking cup before beverage preparation.

The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of the following non-limitative clauses.

1 . Device for preparing a beverage, in particular an iced beverage, comprising:

- at least one mixing element, comprising a mixing shaft and a mixing head, configured to mix beverage ingredients within the drinking cup in the closed state of the drinking cup holder, wherein the closing element of the drinking cup holder, comprises at least one resilient sealing element configured for sealingly closing the drinking cup in a substantially liquid tight manner in the closed state of the drinking cup holder, and wherein, preferably, the closing element comprises a suspension structure for mounting the mixing element, and wherein, preferably, said at least one resilient sealing element comprising a lower section configured for sealingly closing the drinking cup in a substantially liquid tight manner in the closed state of the drinking cup holder, and an upper section connected to the suspension structure, wherein, more preferably, a diameter of the upper section is smaller than a diameter of the lower section.

2. Device according to clause 1 , wherein the upper section of the closing sealing element is configured to enclose a part of the suspension structure, preferably a part of the suspension structure enclosing a part of the mixing shaft.

3. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the upper section is configured to be clamped onto the suspension structure.

4. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein at least part of the sealing element is substantially dome-shaped and/or convergingly tapered in upward direction.

5. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the device comprises a stationary housing, and wherein the closing element is connected to the stationary housing, such that the closing element is displaceable, preferably in vertical direction, with respect said stationary housing.

6. Device according to clause 5, wherein the closing element is connected, preferably by means of a spindle, to a second drive motor to vertically displace the closing element with respect to the stationary housing.

7. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein, in the closed state, the sealing element is configured to exert a downward force onto the drinking cup, in particular an upper edge of the drinking cup.

8. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the vertical distance between the lower section of the sealing element and the upper section of the sealing element is adjustable by deformation of the sealing element, preferably by deformation of a middle section of the sealing element, positioned in between the lower section and the upper section, in particular during displacement of the closing element between the opened and closed state.

9. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the shortest vertical distance between the lower section of the sealing element and at least a part of the housing is adjustable during displacement of the closing element from the opened state to the closed state.

10. Device according to clause 8 or 9, wherein the shortest vertical distance between the lower section of the sealing element and at least a part of the housing and/or the upper section of the sealing element is reducable with at least 2 cm, preferably at least 2.5 cm, during displacement of the closing element from the opened state to the closed state.

11 . Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the sealing element comprises a middle section, positioned in between the lower section and the upper section, which is configured to be deformed, in particular to become more curved, in the closed state of the closing element.

12. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the material thickness of the lower section of the sealing element exceeds the material thickness of the upper section of the sealing element.

13. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the horizontal distance between an outer diameter of the upper section of the sealing element and an inner diameter of the lower section of the sealing element is at least 3 cm, preferably at least 4 cm.

14. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the drinking cup holder comprises a substantially cylindrical cover for substantially entirely enclosing a circumferential wall of the drinking cup in the closed state of the drinking cup holder.

15. Device according to any of the previous clauses, further comprising: at least one supply container configured for preserving at least one beverage ingredient, at least one supply channel for supplying at least one beverage ingredient into the drinking cup.

16. Device according to clause 15, wherein the a discharge opening of the at least one supply channel is positioned within a volume enclosed by the sealing element.

17. Device according to clause 15 or 16, wherein at least a part of the supply channel is defined by and/or incorporated within the suspension structure.

18. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the sealing element is at least partially and preferably entirely made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer, such as rubber.

19. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the sealing element comprises at least one circumferential groove for receiving an upper circumferential edge of the drinking cup.

20. Device according to clause 19, wherein the circumferential groove is enclosed by an outer lip and an inner lip of the sealing element.

21 . Device according to clause 20, wherein the inner lip is configured to engage, preferably under bias, an inner surface of the side wall of the drinking cup.

22. Device according to clause 20 or 21 , wherein the vertical distance between a top surface of the circumferential groove and a lower surface of the inner lip is at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm.

23. Device according to one of clauses 20-22, wherein the outer lip encloses extends in a direction which enclosed an angle of less than 45 degrees with a horizontal plane. 24. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the sealing element, in particular the lower section of the sealing element, comprises a laterally protruding flange which is clamped by another part of the closing element.

25. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the sealing element, in particular the lower section of the sealing element, comprises a laterally protruding flange which is clamped by an upper clamping element and a lower clamping element of the closing element, wherein the lower clamping element is preferably made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer.

26. Device according to clause 25, wherein a top section of the cover is clamped by the closing element, and in particular clamped in between the lower clamping element of the closing element and the sealing element of the closing element.

27. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the drinking cup holder, in particular the closing element, comprises at least one guiding structure , wherein at least a part of the closing element, in particular said upper clamping element and said lower clamping element and the lower section of the sealing element, is/are vertically displaceable along the guiding structure, during displacement of the closing element between the opened state and the closed state.

28. Device according to clause 27, wherein the guiding structure comprises a plurality of guiding pins fixedly connected to the suspension structure.

29. Device according to clause 28, wherein each guiding pin is provided with a helical spring enclosing said guiding pin for dampening the movement of the lower section of the sealing element towards the suspension structure during displacement of the closing element from the opened state to the closed state.

30. Device according to clause 29, wherein the upper clamping element and/or the lower clamping element are provided with through-holes, wherein each through- hole is configured to enclose a part of one of the guiding pins. 31 . Device according to any of the previous clauses , wherein, in the closed state of the drinking cup holder the cover, either directly or indirectly, surrounds at least a part of the support surface, wherein preferably a distance is present between the cover and the support surface.

32. Device according to clause 31 , wherein the diameter of the cover is larger than the diameter of the support surface, and wherein the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the base component.

33. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein device comprises a base component, in particular a drain plate, positioned at a lower level than the support surface and/or configured to support the supper surface, and wherein the bottom section of the cover is provided with a resilient washer configured, in the closed state of the closing element, to engage said base component under bias for providing a substantially liquid tight closure between the cover and thebase element.

34. Device according to clause 33, wherein the base component, in particular the drain plate comprises at least one cleaning nozzle and at least one drain, wherein the at least one cleaning nozzle is configured for spraying a cleaning liquid within the drinking cup holder to clean the drinking cup holder, and wherein the drain is configured to drain cleaning liquid after use.

35. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the support surface is configured to be displaced between a blending position, wherein the support surface overlaps with a footprint of the closing element, and an initial position, in particular a prefilling position, wherein the support surface is positioned at a distance from said footprint of the closing element.

36. Device according to clause 35, wherein the support surface is horizontally displaceable between the blending position and the initial position.

37. Device according to clause 35 and 36, wherein the device comprises a third drive motor to displace the support surface between the blending position and the initial position. 38. Device according to one of clauses 35-37, wherein, in the blending position, the support surface is configured to be supported by a base component of the device.

39. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the mixing element comprises a stationary housing which partially encloses the mixing shaft, and wherein the sealing element comprises a neck portion which is configured to enclose at least a part of the housing of the mixing element.

40. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the device comprises a clamping collar which clamps the sealing element, in particular a neck portion and/or upper section of the sealing element, against the mixing element, in particular a housing of the mixing element.

41 . Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the drinking cup holder is configured to engage the drinking cup under bias, in a closed state of the drinking cup holder.

42. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the sealing element is configured to engage the drinking cup under bias, in a closed state of the drinking cup holder.

43. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the device comprises a sensor to measure the force exerted by the drinking cup holder onto the drinking cup and/or to measure the deformation of the sealing element.

44. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the sealing element is configured to be accommodated within the drinking cup, in the closed state of the drinking cup holder.

45. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the support surface encloses an accommodating space for accommodating a part of the drinking cup. 46. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the drinking cup holder, and in particular the closing element, comprises an overflow conduit configured for regulating overflow and/or venting, wherein a part of said overflow conduit is connected to and/or formed by either the suspension structure and/or the sealing element.

47. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the mixing element is connected to a first drive motor, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the mixing element with a rotation speed of between 12,000 and 16,000 revolutions per minute (rpm).

48. Device according to any of the previous clauses, wherein the supply channel comprises at least one dosing element for dosing at least one beverage ingredient.

49. Device according to any of the previous clauses, comprising at least one reservoir and/or supply for ice nuggets, wherein the device is configured to dose ice nuggets into a drinking cup which is supported by the support surface, preferably when the support surface is positioned in an initial position, wherein the support surface is positioned at a distance from a footprint defined by the closing element.

50. Assembly of a device according to any of the previous clauses, and a drinking cup positioned within the drinking cup holder.

51 . Assembly according to clause 50, wherein the drinking cup is configured to withstand compression in axial direction.

52. Assembly according to clause 50 or 51 , wherein the drinking cup is at least partially made of thermoplastic material, and preferably is at least partially made of a laminated material comprising at least one thermoplastic layer and at least one paper-based layer.

53. Use of a device according to any of the clauses 1-52. 54. Sealing element for use in a device according to any of clauses 1 -52, wherein the sealing element is configured to be releasably attached to another part of the closing element of the device.

The present invention will be explained further on the basis of the non-limiting embodiment examples presented in the following figures. Herein show:

- figures 1 a and 1 b a possible embodiment of a device according to the present invention;

- figures 2a and 2b cross sections of the device shown in figures 1 a and 1 b;

- figures 3a and 3b a device according to the invention when using different dimensions of drinking cups; and

- figures 4a-4d a possible embodiment of a sealing element according to the present invention.

Similar reference signs correspond to similar or equivalent elements within these figures.

Figures 1a and 1 b show a possible embodiment of a device 1 according to the present invention. Figure 1a show a perspective side view, where figure 1b shows a cross sectional front view of the device 1. The device 1 is configured for preparing a beverage, in particular an iced beverage. The device 1 comprises a drinking cup holder 2 configured for releasably holding at least one drinking cup 3. The drinking cup holder 2 comprises a support surface 4 whereupon a drinking cup can be positioned and a closing element 5 for closing the drinking cup 3. The closing element 5 is displaceable with respect to the support surface 4. The device 1 comprises a stationary housing 17. The closing element 5 is connected to the stationary housing 17, such that the closing element 5 is displaceable, preferably in vertical direction, with respect said stationary housing 17. The device 1 , and in particular the drinking cup holder 2, comprises a primary guiding structure 8 and the closing element 5 is vertically displaceable along the primary guiding structure 8 with respect to the support surface 4. The primary guiding structure 8 could comprise a spindle 18. In the shown embodiment, the closing element 5 is connected by means of the spindle 18 to a second drive motor 21 to vertically displace the closing element 5 with respect to the stationary housing 17. Further, the device 1 comprises a mixing element 6, which mixing element 6 comprising a mixing shaft 6a and a mixing head 6b, configured to mix beverage ingredients within the drinking cup 3. The device 1 , and in particular the closing element 5, comprises a resilient sealing element 7 which is configured for sealingly closing the drinking cup 3 in a liquid tight manner. The sealing element 7 is configured of a sealing material, in particular an elastomer, more in particular silicone rubber. The sealing element 7 is enclosed by a clamping collar 15 which is configured to clampingly hold the sealing element 7 in position. The device 1 typically comprises at least one supply container (not shown) configured for preserving at least one beverage ingredient and at least one supply channel for supplying at least one beverage ingredient into the drinking cup 3. Further, the closing element 2 comprises an overflow conduit 9 configured for regulating overflow and/or venting. The support surface 4 comprises a support element 4a configured for engaging at least part of the drinking cup 3, the support element 4a in particular encloses a lower circumference of the cup 3. The drinking cup holder 2 comprises a substantially cylindrical cover 10 for enclosing the drinking cup 3. The cover 10 is connected to the closing element 5. The sealing element 7 comprises a laterally protruding flange which is clamped by an upper clamping element 5a and a lower clamping element 5b of the closing element 5. This is shown in more detail in the further figures. The closing element 5 of the drinking cup holder 2 comprises a suspension structure 20 for mounting the mixing element 6. The device 1 , and in particular a guiding structure 25, comprises a plurality of guiding pins 19 fixedly connected to the suspension structure 20. Each guiding pin 19 is provided with a helical spring 22 enclosing said guiding pin for dampening the movement of the lower section of the sealing element towards the suspension structure during displacement of the closing element from the opened state to the closed state. The upper clamping element 5a and the lower clamping element 5b are provided with through-holes, wherein each through-hole is configured to enclose a part of one of the guiding pins 19. Part of the upper clamping element 5a and the lower clamping element 5b and preferably also the lower section L of the sealing element 7, are vertically displaceable along the guiding structure 25 during displacement of the closing element 5 between the opened state and the closed state. The support surface 4 comprises in the shown embodiment two cleaning nozzles 11 and a drain 12, wherein each cleaning nozzle 11 is configured for spraying a cleaning liquid and wherein the drain 12 is configured to drain said cleaning liquid. In particular, the device 1 comprises a base component 23 or a drain plate 23, positioned at a lower level than the support surface 4 and/or configured to support the support surface 4, and wherein the bottom section of the cover 10 is provided with a resilient washer 13 configured, in the closed state of the closing element 5, to engage said base component 23 under bias for providing a substantially liquid tight closure between the cover 10 and the base element 23. In the blending position, the support structure 4 can be supported by the base component 23. The support surface 4 is configured to be displaced between a blending position, wherein the support structure 4 overlaps with a footprint of the closing element 5, and an initial position, in particular a prefilling position, wherein the support structure 4 is positioned at a distance from said footprint of the closing element 5. The support structure 4 is typically displaceable in a horizontal plane. Optionally, the device 1 comprises a third drive motor to displace the support structure 4 between the blending position and the initial position.

Figures 2a and 2b show cross sections of the device 1 as shown in figures 1a and 1b. Figure 2a shows the device 1 in a closed configuration and figure 2b shows an open configuration of the device 1. The cylindrical cover 10 comprises a resilient washer 13 for providing a liquid tight closure between the cover 10 and the support surface 4. It can further be seen that the sealing element 7 engages the closing element 5, in particular a wall of the closing element 5. The sealing element 7 in particular engages the closing element 5 under radial pretension. The position of the closing element 5 and the sealing element 7 is adjustable by means of adjusting elements 14. In the shown embodiment the adjusting elements 14 are present in the form of springs in combination with a screw and bold construction. A bearing 16 is present to guide the mixing shaft 6a. The upper section U of the sealing element 7 clampingly encloses a part of the suspension structure 20.The cover 10 is configured to engage the base element 23 through the intervention of a resilient washer 13. Further, the closing element 2 comprises an overflow conduit 9 configured for regulating overflow and/or venting.

Figures 3a and 3b show an equivalent device 1 to the ones shown in the previous figures, wherein figure 3a and 3b shown in more detail how the sealing element 7 is positioned within the drinking cup holder 2. The figures show the effect of the sealing element 7 when using a different type of drinking cup 3a, 3b. Figure 3a shows the use of a first drinking cup 3a having a first height H1 and figure 3b shows the use of a second drinking cup 3b having a second height H2. First height H1 is smaller than second height H2. It can be seen that the mixing element 6 is received in the drinking cups 3a, 3b. The drinking cups 3a, 3bare basically received in the chamber enclosed by the support surface 4, the cover 10 and the closing element 5 in combination with the sealing element 7. Part of the cover 10 is enclosed between part of an inner wall of the closing element 5 and an outer wall of the sealing element 7. The cover 10 is in the shown embodiments not in contact with the support surface 4. The cover 10 surrounds part of the support surface 4, but a distance G is present between the cover 10 and the support surface 4. The cover 10 is configured to engage the base element 23 through the intervention of a resilient washer 13. The height of the closing element 5 within the drinking cup holder 2 is adjustable via the application of the the cover 10 is provided with a resilient washer 13 configured, in the closed state of the closing element 5, to engage said base component 23 under bias for providing a substantially liquid tight closure between the cover 10 and the base element 23. such that drinking cups 3a, 3b with difference volumes can be used. The figures show a closed state, such that the sealing element 7 exerts a downward force onto the drinking cup 3a, 3b, in particular an upper edge of the drinking cup 3a, 3b. It can be seen that the vertical distance between the lower section L of the sealing element 7 and the upper section U of the sealing element 7 is adjustable by deformation of the sealing element 7. It can be seen that in figure 3b, the middle section M of the sealing element 7 is substantially deformed when compared to the situation in figure 3a. Also the guiding pins 19 are in a compressed configuration in the situation of figure 3b. This can be explained by the use of the larger drinking cup 3b, causing the closing element 5 to exert a downward pressure onto the drinking cup 3b. Due to the presence of the helical springs 22, which enclose the guiding pins 19, the movement of the lower section of the sealing element 7 towards the suspension structure 20 during displacement of the closing element 5 from the opened state to the closed state is dampened. The drinking cups 3a, 3b are typically semi-rigid and configured to withstand compression in axial direction. The cover 10 surrounds part of the support surface 4, but a distance G is present between the cover 10 and the support surface 4. The figures in fact show a gap G between the support surface 4 and the cover 10. This can be explained by the diameter of the cover 10 being larger than the diameter of the support surface 4. Figures 4a-4d show a possible embodiment of a sealing element 7 according to the present invention. Figures 4a and 4c show a perspective view, where figure 4b shows a bottom view and figure 4d shows a cross section. The sealing element 7 is partially dome-shaped and includes a neck portion 7a. Further, the sealing element 7 comprises a flange 7b. The flange 7b is configured to be enclosed by part of the drinking cup holder (not shown), in particular the closing element of the drinking cup holder. The neck portion 7a is configured to enclose at least part of the mixing element, in particular at least part of the mixing shaft of the mixing element of the device according to the present invention. The sealing element 7 further comprises a comprises a circumferential groove 7c for receiving a circumferential edge of a drinking cup. The sealing element, and in particular the circumferential groove, comprises a circumferential lip 7e which is configured to be received within the drinking cup. It can also be said that the circumferential groove 7c is enclosed by an outer lip 7f and an inner lip 7e of the sealing element 7. The inner lip 7e is configured to engage an inner surface of the side wall of the drinking cup.

The sealing element 7 also comprises a secondary circumferential groove 7d configured for receiving a circumferential edge of the covering element or cover. As mentioned above, the sealing element 7 is typically configured of a sealing material, in particular an elastomer, more in particular silicone rubber. Further, the resilient sealing element 7 comprising a lower section L configured for sealingly closing the drinking cup in a substantially liquid tight manner in the closed state of the drinking cup holder, and an upper section U which is configured to be connected to the suspension structure. The diameter of the upper section U, which is formed by the neck portion 7a, is smaller than the diameter of the lower section L. The sealing element 7 also comprises a middle section M, positioned in between the lower section L and the upper section U. The middle section M is configured to be deformed during use. The material thickness of the lower section L exceeds the material thickness of the upper section U. The vertical distance D between a top surface of the circumferential groove 7c and a lower side of the inner lip 7e is at least 2 mm. The outer lip 7f extends in a direction which enclosed an angle a of less than 45 degrees with a horizontal plane.

The ordinal numbers used in this document, like “first”, “second”, and “third” are used only for identification purposes. The expression “horizontal” and “vertical” are also used for indicating a common direction during normal use of most embodiments of the device according to the invention, but may deviate in alternative embodiments. Moreover, these directional expressions should not be interpreted to strictly. Typically, the device is placed onto a horizontal surface of a desk or floor. Consequently, in a typical situation the closing element will be displaced in vertical direction (perpendicular to the aforementioned horizontal direction), while e.g. the support surface may be displaceable in horizontal direction parallel to the plane defined by the horizontal surface of the desk or floor.

It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the embodiment examples presented and described here, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the appended claims, which will be obvious to a person skilled in the art. It is conceivable that various inventive concepts and/or technical measures of the embodiment variants described above may be combined completely or partially without departing from the inventive concepts described in the appended claims.

The verb "comprise" and conjugations thereof used in this patent specification mean not only "comprise", but also the expressions "include", "consist essentially of", "formed by", and conjugations thereof.

Claims

1. Device for preparing a beverage, in particular an iced beverage, comprising:

- at least one mixing element, comprising a mixing shaft and a mixing head, configured to mix beverage ingredients within the drinking cup in the closed state of the drinking cup holder, wherein the closing element of the drinking cup holder comprises:

- a suspension structure for mounting the mixing element, and

- at least one resilient sealing element comprising a lower section configured for sealingly closing the drinking cup in a substantially liquid tight manner in the closed state of the drinking cup holder, and an upper section connected to the suspension structure, wherein a diameter of the upper section is smaller than a diameter of the lower section.

2. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the upper section of the sealing element is configured to enclose a part of the suspension structure, preferably a part of the suspension structure enclosing a part of the mixing shaft.

3. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the upper section is configured to be clamped onto the suspension structure.

4. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least part of the sealing element is substantially dome-shaped and/or convergingly tapered in upward direction.

5. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the device comprises a stationary housing, and wherein the closing element is connected to the stationary housing, such that the closing element is displaceable, preferably in vertical direction, with respect said stationary housing.

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the closing element is connected, preferably by means of a spindle, to a second drive motor to vertically displace the closing element with respect to the stationary housing.

7. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein, in the closed state, the sealing element is configured to exert a downward force onto the drinking cup, in particular an upper edge of the drinking cup.

8. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the vertical distance between the lower section of the sealing element and the upper section of the sealing element is adjustable by deformation of the sealing element, preferably by deformation of a middle section of the sealing element, positioned in between the lower section and the upper section, in particular during displacement of the closing element between the opened and closed state.

9. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shortest vertical distance between the lower section of the sealing element and at least a part of the housing is adjustable during displacement of the closing element from the opened state to the closed state.

10. Device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the shortest vertical distance between the lower section of the sealing element and at least a part of the housing and/or the upper section of the sealing element is reducable with at least 2 cm, preferably at least 2.5 cm, during displacement of the closing element from the opened state to the closed state.

11 . Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sealing element comprises a middle section, positioned in between the lower section and the upper section, which is configured to be deformed, in particular to become more curved, in the closed state of the closing element.

12. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the material thickness of the lower section of the sealing element exceeds the material thickness of the upper section of the sealing element.

13. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the horizontal distance between an outer diameter of the upper section of the sealing element and an inner diameter of the lower section of the sealing element is at least 3 cm, preferably at least 4 cm.

14. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the drinking cup holder comprises a substantially cylindrical cover for substantially entirely enclosing a circumferential wall of the drinking cup in the closed state of the drinking cup holder.

15. Device according to any of the previous claims, further comprising:

- at least one supply container configured for preserving at least one beverage ingredient,

- at least one supply channel for supplying at least one beverage ingredient into the drinking cup.

16. Device according to claim 15, wherein the a discharge opening of the at least one supply channel is positioned within a volume enclosed by the sealing element.

17. Device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein at least a part of the supply channel is defined by and/or incorporated within the suspension structure.

18. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sealing element is at least partially and preferably entirely made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer, such as rubber.

19. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sealing element comprises at least one circumferential groove for receiving an upper circumferential edge of the drinking cup.

20. Device according to claim 19, wherein the circumferential groove is enclosed by an outer lip and an inner lip of the sealing element.

21 . Device according to claim 20, wherein the inner lip is configured to engage, preferably under bias, an inner surface of the side wall of the drinking cup.

22. Device according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the vertical distance between a top surface of the circumferential groove and a lower surface of the inner lip is at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm.

23. Device according to one of claims 20-22, wherein the outer lip encloses extends in a direction which enclosed an angle of less than 45 degrees with a horizontal plane.

24. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sealing element, in particular the lower section of the sealing element, comprises a laterally protruding flange which is clamped by another part of the closing element.

25. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sealing element, in particular the lower section of the sealing element, comprises a laterally protruding flange which is clamped by an upper clamping element and a lower clamping element of the closing element, wherein the lower clamping element is preferably made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer.

26. Device according to claim 25, wherein a top section of the cover is clamped by the closing element, and in particular clamped in between the lower clamping element of the closing element and the sealing element of the closing element.

27. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the drinking cup holder, in particular the closing element, comprises at least one guiding structure , wherein at least a part of the closing element, in particular said upper clamping element and said lower clamping element and the lower section of the sealing element, is/are vertically displaceable along the guiding structure, during displacement of the closing element between the opened state and the closed state.

28. Device according to claim 27, wherein the guiding structure comprises a plurality of guiding pins fixedly connected to the suspension structure.

29. Device according to claim 28, wherein each guiding pin is provided with a helical spring enclosing said guiding pin for dampening the movement of the lower section of the sealing element towards the suspension structure during displacement of the closing element from the opened state to the closed state.

30. Device according to claim 29, wherein the upper clamping element and/or the lower clamping element are provided with through-holes, wherein each through- hole is configured to enclose a part of one of the guiding pins.

31 . Device according to any of the previous claims , wherein, in the closed state of the drinking cup holder the cover, either directly or indirectly, surrounds at least a part of the support surface, wherein preferably a distance is present between the cover and the support surface.

32. Device according to claim 31 , wherein the diameter of the cover is larger than the diameter of the support surface, and wherein the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the base component.

33. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein device comprises a base component, in particular a drain plate, positioned at a lower level than the support surface and/or configured to support the supper surface, and wherein the bottom section of the cover is provided with a resilient washer configured, in the closed state of the closing element, to engage said base component under bias for providing a substantially liquid tight closure between the cover and the base element.

34. Device according to claim 33, wherein the base component, in particular the drain plate, comprises at least one cleaning nozzle and at least one drain, wherein the at least one cleaning nozzle is configured for spraying a cleaning liquid within the drinking cup holder to clean the drinking cup holder, and wherein the drain is configured to drain cleaning liquid after use.

35. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support surface is configured to be displaced between a blending position, wherein the support surface overlaps with a footprint of the closing element, and an initial position, in particular a prefilling position, wherein the support surface is positioned at a distance from said footprint of the closing element.

36. Device according to claim 35, wherein the support surface is horizontally displaceable between the blending position and the initial position.

37. Device according to claim 35 and 36, wherein the device comprises a third drive motor to displace the support surface between the blending position and the initial position.

38. Device according to one of claims 35-37, wherein, in the blending position, the support surface is configured to be supported by a base component of the device.

39. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mixing element comprises a stationary housing which partially encloses the mixing shaft, and wherein the sealing element comprises a neck portion which is configured to enclose at least a part of the housing of the mixing element.

40. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the device comprises a clamping collar which clamps the sealing element, in particular a neck portion and/or upper section of the sealing element, against the mixing element, in particular a housing of the mixing element.

41. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the drinking cup holder is configured to engage the drinking cup under bias, in a closed state of the drinking cup holder.

42. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sealing element is configured to engage the drinking cup under bias, in a closed state of the drinking cup holder.

43. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the device comprises a sensor to measure the force exerted by the drinking cup holder onto the drinking cup and/or to measure the deformation of the sealing element.

44. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sealing element is configured to be accommodated within the drinking cup, in the closed state of the drinking cup holder.

45. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support surface encloses an accommodating space for accommodating a part of the drinking cup.

46. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the drinking cup holder, and in particular the closing element, comprises an overflow conduit configured for regulating overflow and/or venting, wherein a part of said overflow conduit is connected to and/or formed by either the suspension structure and/or the sealing element.

47. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mixing element is connected to a first drive motor, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the mixing element with a rotation speed of between 12,000 and 16,000 revolutions per minute (rpm).

48. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the supply channel comprises at least one dosing element for dosing at least one beverage ingredient.

49. Device according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one reservoir and/or supply for ice nuggets, wherein the device is configured to dose ice nuggets into a drinking cup which is supported by the support surface, preferably when the support surface is positioned in an initial position, wherein the support surface is positioned at a distance from a footprint defined by the closing element.

50. Assembly of a device according to any of the previous claims, and a drinking cup positioned within the drinking cup holder.

51 . Assembly according to claim 50, wherein the drinking cup is configured to withstand compression in axial direction.

52. Assembly according to claim 50 or 51 , wherein the drinking cup is at least partially made of thermoplastic material, and preferably is at least partially made of a laminated material comprising at least one thermoplastic layer and at least one paper-based layer.

53. Use of a device according to any of the claims 1-52.

54. Sealing element for use in a device according to any of claims 1-52, wherein the sealing element is configured to be releasably attached to another part of the closing element of the device.