EP1861193B1 - Device for mixing mixable and unmixable liquids and/or for creating emulsions - Google Patents

Abstract

A device is provided for mixing mixable and unmixable liquids and/or producing emulsions, which has a first connection to a pressure-operated system and second connection for supplying the liquid to be admixed and which is sucked in by the flow of the pressurized liquid.

Description

Described is a device for mixing immiscible and immiscible liquids and / or for the production of emulsions, with a first connection to a pressure-operated system and a second connection for supplying the liquid to be mixed in such a way that the liquid to be mixed by the flow of the Pressed liquid is sucked.

Devices for mixing miscible and immiscible liquids and / or for producing emulsions are known from the prior art. EP 1 197 269 A1 discloses such a device with a homogenizer and an inlet region through which the substances enter the homogenizer. The inlet area should also have a current limiter for controlling the inflow, and a device for admixing substances should be arranged between the current limiter and the homogenizer. This device should allow a simple and safe mixing of substances, in particular difficult to mix substances. DE 17 84 189 A discloses a device for supplying air and liquid additives, in particular care or washing essences, in a liquid-carrying line, such as a water pipe, by means of a Venturi nozzle. The device off US 4,974,634 A also serves the addition of a precisely determinable amount of liquid additive, in particular fertilizer, in a pressurized water flow by means of a venturi.

Personal care products, drinks from concentrates, detergents and other liquids, which must be mixed intensively, must be obtained, especially when mixed in the household. In particular, the production of cosmetic products is hardly feasible in the household, as this homogeneous emulsions must be prepared. Cosmetic finished products contain a number of chemical substances and emulsifiers, which make a long shelf life of the cosmetic possible. For people with sensitive skin, however, these chemical additives are often not beneficial.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device which can also be used in the household, which can be connected to a valve operated with pressure and mixes a second liquid into the liquid emerging from the pressure system, preferably drinking water from the domestic water line.

This object is achieved by a device with a feature combination of claim 1. Here is an apparatus for mixing immiscible and immiscible liquids and / or for the production of emulsions, with a first connection to a system operated by pressure and a second connection for supplying the liquid to be mixed such that the liquid to be mixed by the flow of the Is created, comprising a mixing unit which communicates via the first port with the pressure-operated system in connection to generate a negative pressure for sucking the liquid to be mixed, wherein the mixing unit is formed of a sleeve which obliquely is incorporated to the axis of the mixing device and having inlet bores and outlet bores, and wherein in the mixing unit a vortex chamber is formed which on the one hand tangential inlets and on the other hand has a supply bore for supplying the zuzumischenden medium.

The good mixing of the liquid together can be done by a strong vortex flow in the vortex chamber. The tangential inlets of the Vortex chambers are used for vacuum generation and mixing of liquids. In addition to the effective generation of negative pressure, there is the advantage that in the vortex chamber the liquids are mixed so intensively that no further additional turbulence generation is necessary for mixing the liquids.

Particularly configured embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the subsequent claims to the main claim.

The device according to the invention can be used in the shower or bath or on a hand wash basin by mixing oils or concentrates into the shower water or bath water or hand washing water. Also for the preparation of beverages from juice concentrates and beverage bases the device is usable. For this purpose, the device can be connected to a corresponding valve.

The liquid to be mixed is advantageously provided by a specially provided container. For easy handling, this container is easily replaceable.

In order to ensure easy handling when replacing the containers containing the liquid to be admixed, in particular in the household, an embodiment is particularly advantageous in which the connecting tube of the container is introduced obliquely into the device for mixing the liquid. Since the container is hereby pivotally attached to the mixing device, damage to the container or the mixing device is largely prevented, especially during showering.

Alternatively, attachment of the container via magnetic lock or other locks and plug systems is possible.

The device for mixing the liquids can be screwed directly to the corresponding fitting or connected by a supply hose or supply pipe to the valve.

The container containing the liquid to be admixed can either be connected directly to the mixing device or be connected to the mixing device via a feed tube. The embodiment with feed tube is advantageous when larger containers are needed with the liquid to be admixed or it is not sensible for another reason not to attach the container directly to the device for mixing the liquids.

To ensure trouble-free operation, especially in the shower, a return valve in the device for mixing the liquids is advantageous.

It facilitates maintenance when the components for vacuum generation and mixing are installed in a pipe which is integrated transversely to the flow direction in the device for mixing liquids. Thus, even with the installed state of the mixing device, the corresponding components can be easily removed and optionally cleaned.

The device for mixing the liquids can be used in addition to the use in the household as well in the industry for mixing of appropriate liquid.

So that the user has the possibility during showering to change between emulsion (which can also be dispensed with reduced flow) and shower water without admixture (even with full flow), it may make sense to design the mixing device so that the mixing unit can be switched off that the flow occurs without admixture. The elimination can be done mechanically, electromechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or magnetically. An intermediate stage may also be useful, so that a portion of the pressurized medium is mixed and a portion unmixed leaves the mixing unit.

This switch-off function can also be useful for all other areas of use of the mixing device, e.g. at the kitchen fitting, the bathtub fitting or in other applications.

When stronger back pressures occur, it may happen that the mixing unit designed as a piston slide is pushed out of the inserted position by the unilaterally acting forces. Such back pressures can occur, for example, when shower heads are connected to the mixing device at a significantly reduced flow rate.

According to the invention an additional piston was created here, which is mechanically fixedly connected to the mixing unit and on which the force of the back pressure acts in the opposite direction to the force on the mixing unit designed as a piston valve. Thus, the force of the back pressure is released to the mixing unit and the switching position of the switching function is maintained.

Figur 1:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung zum Anschluss an eine Armatur;

Figur 2:

Das Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung aus Figur 1 mit aufgeschnittenem Mantelgehäuse;

Figur 3:

Das Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung aus Figur 1 als Seitenansicht;

Figur 4:

Das Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung aus Figur 1 als komplette Schnittansicht;

Figur 5:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Flüssigkeitsbehälters für den Einsatz mit der Mischvorrichtung mit schrägem Zuführungskanal in der Seitenan- sicht;

Figur 6:

Das Ausführungsbeispiel des nicht erfindungsgemässen Flüssigkeitsbehälters aus Figur 5 in einer Darstellung mit Sicht auf das Entlüftungsloch;

Figur 7:

Das Ausführungsbeispiel des nicht erfindungsgemässen Flüssigkeitsbehälters als komplette Schnittansicht;

Figur 8:

Das beschriebene Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung und des nicht erfindungsgemässen Flüssigkeitsbehälters in Einführposition;

Figur 9:

Das beschriebene Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung mit einge- stecktem nicht erfindungsgemässem Behälter gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel;

Figur 10:

Das beschriebene Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung mit eingestecktem nicht erfindungsgemässem Behälter gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel als komplette Schnittansicht;

Figur 11:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung mit Zuführungsschlauch zum Zuleiten des unter Druck stehenden Mediums;

Figur 12:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung mit einem stationären Be- hälter, welcher über Zuleitung mit der Mischvorrichtung verbunden ist;

Figur 13:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung mit Steckbehälter in der Anwendung für die Dusche;

Figur 14:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung mit Steckbehälter in der Anwendung für die Badewannen-Armatur;

Figur 15:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung mit Steckbehälter in der Anwendung für die Küchenarmatur;

Figur 16:

Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispieles der Mischvorrichtung mit auf- geschnittenem Gehäusemantel und aufgeschnittener Mischeinheit mit Rücklaufventil;

Figur 17:

Zeigt ein anderes nicht erfindungsgemässes Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung, in welche das Zuführungsrohr des Behälters waagrecht eingeführt;

Figur 18:

Das nicht erfindungsgemässe Ausführungsbeispiel aus FIGUR 17 mit eingeführtem Behälter;

Figur 19:

Zeigt ein nicht erfindungsgemässes Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung, in welche das Zuführungsrohr des Behälters waagrecht eingeführt wird und das Zufüh- rungsrohr des Behälters mit einem Magneten an der Mischvorrichtung fi- xiert wird;

Figur 20:

Das nicht erfindungsgemässe Ausführungsbeispiel aus FIGUR 19 mit eingeführtem und fixiertem Behälter;

Figur 21:

Zeigt ein nicht erfindungsgemässes Ausführungsbeispiel der Mischvorrichtung, an welcher der Be- hälter mittels mechanischer Fixierung befestigt wird;

Figur 22:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer mechanischen Ausschaltfunktion, die Mischeinheit wurde herausgezogen;

Figur 23:

Das Ausführungsbeispiel aus Figur 22 mit eingesteckter Mischeinheit;

Figur 24:

Das Ausführungsbeispiel aus Figur 22 mit herausgezogener Mischein- heit als Schnittansicht;

Figur 25:

Das Ausführungsbeispiel aus Figur 22 mit eingesteckter Mischeinheit als Schnittansicht;

Figur 26:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Umschaltfunktion ohne erfindungsgemäßem Gegenkolben mit eingedrückter Mischeinheit.

Figur 27:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Umschaltfunktion ohne erfindungsgemäßen Gegenkolben mit herausgezogener Mischeinheit.

Figur 28:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Umschaltfunktion mit erfindungsgemäßem Gegenkolben bei eingedrückter Mischeinheit.

Figur 29:Ein

Ausführungsbeispiel der Umschaltfunktion mit erfindungsgemäßem Gegenkolben bei herausgezogener Mischeinheit.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to different embodiments in the following drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1:

An embodiment of the mixing device for connection to a valve;

FIG. 2:

The embodiment of the mixing device FIG. 1 with cut jacket housing;

FIG. 3:

The embodiment of the mixing device FIG. 1 as a side view;

FIG. 4:

The embodiment of the mixing device FIG. 1 as a complete sectional view;

FIG. 5:

An embodiment of a liquid container for use with the mixing device with oblique feed channel in the side view;

FIG. 6:

The embodiment of the non-inventive liquid container from FIG. 5 in a view with a view of the vent hole;

FIG. 7:

The embodiment of the non-inventive liquid container as a complete sectional view;

FIG. 8:

The described embodiment of the mixing device and the non-inventive liquid container in insertion position;

FIG. 9:

The described embodiment of the mixing device with inserted non-inventive container according to the embodiment;

FIG. 10:

The described embodiment of the mixing device with inserted not according to the invention container according to the embodiment as a complete sectional view;

FIG. 11:

An embodiment of the mixing device with supply hose for supplying the pressurized medium;

FIG. 12:

An embodiment of the mixing device with a stationary container, which is connected via feed line to the mixing device;

FIG. 13:

An embodiment of the mixing device with plug container in the application for the shower;

FIG. 14:

An embodiment of the mixing device with plug container in the application for the bathtub fitting;

FIG. 15:

An embodiment of the mixing device with plug container in the application for the kitchen fitting;

FIG. 16:

Representation of an embodiment of the mixing device with cut-housing shell and cut-mixing unit with return valve;

FIG. 17:

Shows another non-inventive embodiment of the mixing device, in which the feed tube of the container is inserted horizontally;

FIG. 18:

The embodiment not according to the invention FIG. 17 with inserted container;

FIG. 19:

Shows an embodiment of the mixing device according to the invention, into which the feed tube of the container is introduced horizontally and the feed tube of the container is fixed to the mixing device with a magnet;

FIG. 20:

The embodiment not according to the invention FIG. 19 with inserted and fixed container;

FIG. 21:

Shows an embodiment not according to the invention of the mixing device, to which the container is fastened by means of mechanical fixation;

FIG. 22:

An embodiment with a mechanical switch-off, the mixing unit was pulled out;

FIG. 23:

The embodiment of FIG. 22 with inserted mixing unit;

FIG. 24:

The embodiment of FIG. 22 with extracted Mischein- unit as a sectional view;

FIG. 25:

The embodiment of FIG. 22 with inserted mixing unit as a sectional view;

FIG. 26:

An embodiment of the switching function without inventive counter-piston with depressed mixing unit.

FIG. 27:

An embodiment of the switching function without counter-piston according to the invention with extracted mixing unit.

FIG. 28:

An embodiment of the switching function with inventive counter-piston with depressed mixing unit.

Figure 29: A

Embodiment of the switching function with inventive counter-piston with the mixing unit pulled out.

In the embodiment in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 essential elements of the mixing device can be explained. The mixing device 1 consists essentially of an inlet for the pressurized medium, shown here as a flange with union nut 4, a drain for the mixture, shown here as a pipe socket with external thread 5 and a feeding possibility for zuzumischende Medium, shown here as channel 3. The illustrated embodiment includes a mixing unit 2 in swirl chamber design. In the embodiment of the vortex chamber 10, the tangential inlets 7 cause vortex formation. The mixing unit is installed in this embodiment in a sleeve 6 obliquely to the axis of the mixing device 1. This sleeve has inlet holes 8 and outlet holes 9. The admixed medium is introduced via a feed bore 11 into the vortex chamber. In order to improve the vortex intensity, a constriction 12 may be provided at the outlet of the vortex chamber.

In the FIGS. 5 to 7 a non-inventive embodiment of the container 20 is shown for the admixed medium. This embodiment of the container has a suction tube 24, via which the liquid can be sucked into the mixing device. The container can in this embodiment via a bent tube 21 in the mixing device according to the embodiment in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 be hung. The metering of the medium can take place via a metering nozzle 22. For venting, a vent hole 23 may be located in the bent tube 21. Such a position of the vent hole has the advantage that a protective cap nozzle and vent could equally close.

In the FIGS. 8 to 10 is shown as the container of the preceding embodiment in the mixing device according to the embodiment ( Figure 1 to Figure4 ) can be inserted. Here, the bent tube of the container 20 is inserted into the obliquely inclined introduction channel 3 of the mixing device 1. The metering nozzle 22 is positioned in this embodiment after insertion centrally to the axis of the vortex chamber.

In FIG. 11 an embodiment is shown in which the mixing device 1 is not screwed directly to a valve to supply the pressurized medium, but the pressurized medium is fed via a supply hose 30.

In FIG. 12 an embodiment is shown in which the container is not attached to the medium to be mixed directly to the mixing device, but the supplied medium is supplied via a supply hose or feed pipe 31 from the container 32 of the mixing device 1. This may be advantageous if the container is to be fixed in place, the container is too large or too heavy to attach directly to the mixing device, or the container would interfere directly with the mixing device.

In FIG. 13 shows how the mixing device 1 can be attached, for example, to a shower fitting 40. The container with the admixing medium 20 is attached directly to the mixing device in this embodiment. The shower hose 41 is screwed in this embodiment to the outlet of the mixing device.

In FIG. 14 It is shown how the mixing device 1 can be attached, for example, to a bathtub fitting 50. The container with the admixing medium 20 is attached directly to the mixing device in this embodiment. A jet former or aerator 51 may in this embodiment be screwed to the outlet of the mixing device.

In FIG. 15 It is shown how the mixing device 1 can be attached, for example, to a fitting of a kitchen sink 60. The container with the admixing medium 20 is attached directly to the mixing device in this embodiment. A jet former or aerator 61 may be screwed to the outlet of the mixer in this embodiment.

In FIG. 16 an embodiment of a mixing device is shown with a return valve. The jacket of the mixing device 1 and the mixing unit 2 are hereby cut open. A valve ball 80 closes by the pressure of the valve spring 81, the return into the feed channel 3. It is shown in this embodiment a mixing unit 2 with swirl chamber 10 and tangential inlets 7.

In FIG. 17 a non-inventive embodiment of the mixing device 90 is shown in which the tube of the container 95 is inserted horizontally into the feed channel 94 of the mixing unit 93. The mixing unit 93 is here installed horizontally in the mixing device 90. The supply of the pressurized medium takes place here via a flange with union nut 91. The outlet 92 is provided in this embodiment with an external thread.

In FIG. 18 is the tube 95 of the container 96 in the non-inventive mixing device 90 of the embodiment in FIG. 17 plugged in.

In FIG. 19 a non-inventive embodiment of the mixing device 90 is shown, in which the tube of the container 95 is also inserted horizontally into the feed channel 94 of the mixing unit 93. In order to achieve a better connection between container 96 and mixing device 90, a permanent magnet 100 is mounted in this embodiment. The mixing unit 93 is here also installed horizontally in the mixing device 90. The supply of the pressurized medium takes place here via a flange with union nut 91. The outlet 92 is provided in this embodiment with an external thread.

In FIG. 20 is the tube 95 of the container 96 in the non-inventive mixing device 90 of the embodiment in FIG. 19 plugged in. The magnet 100 secures the connection in this embodiment.

In FIG. 21 a non-inventive embodiment is shown, in which the container 104 is connected via a mechanical latch 106-107 with the mixing device 101. In this embodiment, the mixing device has a suction hole 105, through which after locking (arrow) the medium to be admixed is sucked out of the container 104 into the mixing device 101. The supply of the pressurized medium takes place here via a flange

Union nut 102. The outlet 103 is provided in this embodiment with an external thread.

In the FIGS. 22 to 25 an embodiment is shown in which a switching function is integrated, by which an elimination of the mixing function is possible. The mixing unit 203 of the mixing device 200 can be switched on and off in this embodiment by pressure and tension actuation. In this embodiment, the mixing unit is pulled out ( FIG. 22 and FIG. 24 - Arrow), the medium flowing under pressure through the feed line 201 can pass through the bores 207 and 208 without flowing through the mixing chamber 205. The medium leaves the outlet unmixed 202.

If the mixing unit 203 is inserted ( FIG. 23 and FIG. 25 - Arrow), the medium flowing under pressure through the feed line 201 must flow through the mixing chamber 205. The medium flows through the bore 207 in the mixing chamber 205. In this case, the second medium is supplied fed through the supply line 204. Through the outlet bore 206 of the mixing chamber 205, the mixture flows through the bore 208 into the outlet 202.

A check valve 209 prevents the outflow of the pressurized medium through the supply line 204 when the mixing unit is turned off.

In the FIG. 26 an embodiment is shown without counter-piston according to the invention, in which the mixing valve formed as a piston slide 251 is inserted into the mixing device 250. Due to the incoming pressure 252, a back pressure 253 can arise, through which a force 254 acts on the mixing unit 251, so that the mixing unit is pushed out of the mixing device 250 due to its piston function.

In the FIG. 27 an embodiment is shown without counter-piston according to the invention, in which the mixing unit formed as a piston slide 251 was pressed by the force 254 in the end position in the mixing device 250. In the FIG. 28 an embodiment is shown with the counter-piston according to the invention, in which the Mischanhelt designed as a piston slide 251 is inserted into the mixing device 250. The force 258 created by the pressure 252 and the back pressure 253 acts in opposite directions due to the additional piston 256, so that the mixing unit 251 equipped with piston function remains in the set position. In this embodiment, an additional vent hole 257 is provided so that no pneumatic pressures caused by the additional piston.

In the FIG. 29 an embodiment is shown with the counter-piston according to the invention, in which the mixing unit formed as a piston slide 251 is pulled out of the mixing device 250 in the end position. Here, the resulting force 258 also acts due to the additional piston 256 in opposite directions, so that the equipped with piston function mixing unit 251 remains here in the set position. In this embodiment, an additional vent hole 257 is also provided so that no pneumatic pressures caused by the additional piston.

Claims (9)

1. Device for mixing mixable and unmixbable liquids and/or for creating emulsions, with a first connection (4) to a pressure-operated system and a second connection (3) for supplying the liquid to be admixed such that the liquid to be admixed is sucked in by the flow of the pressurized liquid,
   characterized by
   a mixing unit (2) which is connected with the pressure-operated system via the first connection (4), in order to generate a vacuum for sucking in the liquid to be admixed, wherein the mixing unit (2) is formed of a sleeve (6) which is mounted obliquely with respect to the axis of the mixing device (1) and includes inlet bores (8) and outlet bores (9), and wherein a turbulence chamber (10) is formed in the mixing unit, which on the one hand includes tangential inlets (7) and on the other hand a supply bore (11) for supplying the medium to be admixed.
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that at the outlet of the turbulence chamber (10) a throat (12) is arranged such that the intensity of the turbulence is increased.
3. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a container (20) in which the liquid to be admixed is contained can firmly or releasably be connected with the device.
4. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turbulence chamber (10) for mixing the liquids is mounted at an angle transverse to the conduit in which the pressurized liquid flows.
5. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a return valve (80, 81).
6. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes an obliquely inclined passage (3), into which a supply pipe (21) or tube of the container (20) can be introduced for the liquid to be admixed.
7. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure-operated system is a domestic water conduit.
8. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing function can completely or partly be shut off mechanically, electromechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or magnetically.
9. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional piston (256) is formed, which mechanically is firmly connected with the mixing unit (251) and on which the force of the resulting system pressures acts in a direction opposite to the force acting on the mixing device (250), so that the position of the mixing unit (251) is maintained independent of the resulting system pressures.

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