EP2679299A2 - Mixing device for mixing a food concentrate with a liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

Mixing device comprises (a) an inlet portion (1) for feeding the liquid into the mixing device, (b) a mixing portion (2) connected downstream of the inlet portion, and in which the metered-concentrate is mixed with the liquid, (c) an outlet portion (3) connected downstream of the mixing portion, for discharging the mixture of the concentrate and liquid of the mixing device, and (d) a mixer (6) at least partially arranged within the mixing portion, engaged in an internal volume (5) of the mixing portion, at least partially movable and/or generates a mixing movement in the internal volume.

Description

The present invention relates to mixing devices for mixing a food concentrate, which is alternatively referred to below as a food powder (although the concentrate does not necessarily have to be a powder: granules can also be used as a concentrate), with a liquid ( in particular: with water, but possibly also with milk). Corresponding mixing devices can be provided in beverage vending machines, so that the present invention also relates to corresponding vending machines, in particular: fully automatic machines for dispensing various hot drinks and / or fully automatic coffee machines. Also according to the invention comprises a method for mixing the food powder with the liquid.

From the prior art, corresponding mixing devices are already known ( DE 299 07 464 U1 and DE 38 38 683 A1 ). These are based on the principle that a mixed in a hopper chocolate powder-water mixture is mixed in a chamber with a Mixerrad.

However, it is problematic in the case of the devices known from the prior art that they suffer from a short service life of some components, in particular the seal which is required for carrying out the shaft connecting the mixer wheel to the driving electric motor (which is arranged outside the mixing chamber) , The known mixing devices are also not very robust, are difficult to clean and are often perceived by the user as too loud. In addition, the dissolution of the concentrate or food powder in the liquid in the mixing chamber (also referred to below as mixing section) of the mixing device is often not optimal.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mixing apparatus (and a corresponding mixing method and a corresponding beverage dispenser) which has improved longevity or components which can be handled robustly and simply (in particular also concerning cleaning) ) and / or characterized by a lower generation of noise than the mixing devices known from the prior art. It is also an object to provide mixing devices which are suitable as an alternative to the mixing devices known from the prior art.

The above-mentioned objects are achieved by the mixing device described in claim 1 and by the advantageous embodiments of this mixing device described in the claims dependent on this claim. It is not excluded that individual of the above tasks by individual advantageous embodiments shown (or their concretely described embodiments, see below) are not or not completely resolved.

The individual features shown in the embodiments described below in more detail need not be realized in the context of the present invention exactly in the feature combinations shown in the embodiments, but can also be combined in other ways. In particular, individual features of the embodiments shown may also be omitted or combined with other features shown in other ways. It is also conceivable to realize a feature shown in one embodiment in addition also in other embodiments. (This applies in particular to the additional supply of air into the mixing section, which will be described in detail below.) In principle, this supply can be realized in all exemplary embodiments shown, in that air channels or air nozzles opening into the corresponding mixing section are provided.)

A mixing device according to the invention for mixing a food concentrate, for example a food powder (hereinafter also abbreviated as In particular, this powder is an instant powder or else a liquid concentrate, for example a chocolate, milk, coffee or soup powder or otherwise flavor-carrying powder) with a liquid (eg water or milk) comprises the following components: a Inlet section, with which the liquid is introduced into the mixing device. Downstream of this inlet section, a mixing section is formed, in which the concentrate can be mixed with the liquid. For this purpose, the concentrate can be added to the mixing section, but it is also conceivable to meter in the concentrate already in the inlet section, for example in the simplest case by sprinkling or the like. Concentrate in the inlet section (or even Zudosiereinheiten such as slides or downpipes for both provide for these sections). It is also conceivable to add the concentrate before the inlet section. The inlet section thus serves in each case, the supply of the liquid in the device and / or in the milk section thereof and can also take on other tasks (such as, for example, the supply of the concentrate). However, the latter is not necessary. For this purpose, the inlet section is usually liquid-tight (eg by means of suitable seals or else by positive and / or non-positive insertion of the two sections into one another) connected to the mixing section. Downstream of the mixing section, according to the invention, a discharge section connected to the mixing section is provided, which is suitable for discharging the mixture of concentrate and liquid from the mixing device. The usually liquid-tight connection of the mixing section with the outlet section can be like the connection of the inlet section with the mixing section be realized. However, it is also conceivable to form the inlet section (eg as a funnel), the mixing section (eg as a mixing chamber with widened cross-section) and the outlet section (eg as outlet pipe) in one piece (eg as a suitably shaped one-piece plastic housing). The invention will be described below without loss of generality by reference to a powder; Instead of the powder but also a concentrate in the form of granules or liquid concentrate can be mixed with the liquid.

According to the invention, a mixing unit (hereinafter also referred to as a mixer) is arranged at least partially within the mixing section and / or in the internal volume of the mixing section. The intervention of the mixer in the mixing section does not necessarily have to take place directly physically, but can also be effected indirectly by electromagnetic fields (in particular: magnetic fields). Gaskets to be provided between the interior of the mixing section (hereinafter: inner volume of the mixing section) and the surrounding space outside the mixing section (via which, for example, a shaft driven by a motor located outside the mixing section is guided into the mixing section) are therefore not necessary in the present invention.

In any case, however, the mixer is designed so that it produces a mixing movement in the internal volume of the mixing section. This can be effected, for example, by a moving component belonging to the mixer, which is arranged inside the mixing section. The component arranged in the interior of the mixing section may, for example, be a mixing wheel, the term "wheel" being geometrical is not limiting in the context of the present invention (the "wheel" may for example be in disk form, be designed as a whorl, diskus form with projections, ...).

A first advantageous variant of the mixing device according to the invention has a mixer designed according to the magnetic stirrer principle. A first magnet arrangement of the mixer is arranged completely outside the mixing section and designed so that an alternating magnetic field can be generated in the inner volume of the mixing section. Within the mixing section is formed a second magnet assembly comprising at least one magnetic material (e.g., a permanent magnet). The second magnet arrangement (or its permanent magnet) is movably mounted within the mixing section and designed so that the powder is mixed with the liquid by its movement (in particular rotation). The movement is generated via a magnetic coupling of the magnetic alternating field of the first magnet arrangement with the magnetic material (or permanent magnet) or the second magnet arrangement. The second magnet arrangement or its magnetic material or its permanent magnet can be shaped in particular in the form of an elongated rod forming a simple rotor by means of the movable mounting.

The magnetic alternating field can be generated in different ways: In a first variant, the first magnet arrangement has a motor or electric motor arranged outside the mixing section. This moves (in particular: rotates) with the help of a mechanical shaft another permanent magnet (The first magnet assembly), which is arranged movably mounted outside of the mixing section and can be moved so that the alternating magnetic field is generated in the interior volume of the mixing section with him (over appropriately trained walls of the mixing section). Alternatively, however, it is also possible to provide as the first magnet arrangement an electromagnet, the coil windings of which are shaped and arranged such that they produce the alternating magnetic field during application of an electrical alternating voltage within the mixing section. In any case, however, in this embodiment, the complete first magnet arrangement is arranged completely outside the mixing section, so that no feedthroughs (eg for the shaft of the electric motor) through wall sections of the mixing section are required.

In a further advantageous embodiment variant, the mixer comprises a turbine wheel, a mechanical gear or a mechanical shaft and a mixing wheel. The turbine wheel is preferably arranged in the interior of the inlet section and is coupled via the gearbox or the mechanical shaft to the mixing wheel arranged in the interior of the mixing section. Turbine wheel, gearbox (or shaft) and mixing wheel are designed and arranged so that the liquid flowing through the inlet portion initially emits potential and / or kinetic energy to the turbine wheel. For this purpose, the turbine wheel can be arranged, for example, at the lower end of the inlet section formed as a tube and can be flowed axially along the vertical from the liquid flowing through this tube. Potential and / or kinetic energy of the liquid is thereby transmitted directly to the turbine wheel and through the transmission or the shaft passed indirectly to the mixing wheel. The food powder added, for example, by means of a sloping chute downstream of the turbine wheel is then mixed with the liquid by means of the movement (in particular: rotation) of the mixing wheel (which may, for example, also have suitable protrusions for better mixing) caused by the gear or the shaft.

In a further advantageous embodiment variant, the inlet section, the mixing section and the outlet section are located in an e.g. arranged on top of a flat table surface mixing device arranged one above the other. With respect to the vertical to the table level (and seen from top to bottom), in this order, the inlet section, the mixing section and the outlet section can be aligned without lateral offset along the vertical. Likewise, however, it is also possible to form the three sections in a non-perpendicular arrangement, ie to move the three sections relative to the vertical side to each other.

• Einen Motor oder Elektromotor, der außerhalb des Einlaufabschnitts, des Mischabschnitts und des Auslaufabschnitts angeordnet ist (und bevorzugt auch oberhalb des Einlaufabschnitts der Mischvorrichtung positioniert ist),
• eine mechanische Welle, die mit ihrem einen Ende an den Elektromotor gekoppelt ist und die über die vorbeschriebene Öffnung oder Durchführung von oben in das Innere des Einlaufabschnittes und weiter in das Innere des Mischabschnitts geführt ist, und
• ein im Inneren des Mischabschnitts angeordnetes, bewegliches Mischelement, das (bevorzugt am anderen Ende der Welle) mit dieser Welle mechanisch gekoppelt und durch diese bewegbar ist (insbesondere kann es sich hierbei um ein rotierbares Mischrad in Form einer mit Vorsprüngen besetzten Scheibe oder auch um ein rotorförmiges Mischrad handeln).

The mixing section facing away, overhead side of the inlet section is at least partially open (eg, as the upper opening of a funnel or cup-shaped inlet section) or at least provided with a passage. The mixer of this mixing device then comprises the following components:

• A motor or electric motor disposed outside of the inlet section, the mixing section and the outlet section (and preferably also positioned above the inlet section of the mixing device),
• a mechanical shaft, with its one end is coupled to the electric motor and which is guided via the above-described opening or passage from above into the interior of the inlet section and further into the interior of the mixing section, and
• a movable mixing element arranged in the interior of the mixing section, which is mechanically coupled to this shaft (preferably at the other end of the shaft) and can be moved by it (in particular this may be a rotatable mixing wheel in the form of a disk occupied by projections or else a rotor-shaped mixing wheel act).

In a further advantageous embodiment variant, the mixing section comprises a flexibly formed wall section or is designed to be completely flexible (eg as a tubular tube). The mixer has a moving body, in particular in oscillatory, vibratory and / or rotational movements displaceable body. This body is arranged outside the mixing section and designed so that it acts directly or indirectly from the outside mechanically by its movements (eg at maximum deflection or at defined angular positions) on the flexible part of the wall of the mixing section. As a result of this mechanical action, the flexible part of the wall is moved, thereby indirectly engaging the interior volume of the mixing section and generating one or more cross-sectional changes on and / or in the mixing section and / or a volume change of the internal volume of the mixing section. As an alternative to such a mechanically acting body (or in combination therewith), it is also possible to provide a magnetic working unit which, due to its magnetic forces, has a mechanical working unit Effect on the flexible part of the wall to move it can generate.

The term cross-sectional change (s) should be understood spatially and temporally. For example, the body or the working unit can have a plurality of different segments which act on the wall mechanically and / or magnetically at different locations and thus cause a change in cross section at these different locations (in each case temporally varying, for example, by rotation of the individual body segments). Likewise, the term volume change is to be understood, that is, the internal volume of the mixing section changes by the mechanical and / or magnetic action (e.g., by temporally successive pinching of the flexible wall or section) between two different times, preferably periodically.

In particular, the movable body can be a movably or pivotably suspended body in the form of an elongated plate which is preferably permanently urged from outside the mixing section into the flexible part of the wall by a suitable arrangement and suspension, preferably one permanent invagination of a part of this wall is realized in the internal volume of the mixing section. This indentation then causes the cross-sectional change in the mixing section (eg by means of a movable, mechanical coupling of the body on its opposite side of the permanent invagination) pivotal movements of the body by reciprocating within the mixing section becomes.

Likewise, however, it is also possible to form the body as a rotatable shaft provided with one or more eccentric (s). The body is positioned with its eccentric (s) so that, upon rotation of the body, the eccentric beats / hitting and / or pushing / pushing (in general: mechanically acting) from outside the mixing section to the flexible part of the wall; so that thereby the cross-sectional change (s) and / or the volume change in / on the mixing section is effected. Instead of the mechanical action also a magnetic action or a mechanical and magnetic action is possible.

Each of the above-described advantageous mixers of the present invention may additionally comprise one or more air channel (s) leading into the internal volume of the mixing section (which may be particularly designed as an air nozzle (s)). Air can be supplied to the inner volume of the mixing section via the air duct (s) for additional swirling of the liquid, the powder and / or the mixture of both in the internal volume of the mixing section. Alternatively, or in combination with it, it is also possible that e.g. a / the mixing wheel is provided or is arranged so that it is partially above the liquid level and thereby transported during rotation air below the liquid surface (whisk principle).

However, according to the invention it is also possible, the described air duct arrangement with a mixer comprising an electric motor, a mixing wheel arranged in the interior of the mixing section, for mixing the powder with the liquid, and a shaft coupling the electric motor to the mixing wheel via a sealed feedthrough from outside the mixing section to the interior thereof. The air channel arrangement in this case optimizes the mixing of the food powder with the liquid inside the mixing section through this mixer.

For the air supply via the air duct (s), a motorized air pump or a compressed air source can be used.

The metered addition of the powder can be done in the inlet section, in the mixing section or in both of these sections, to which a metering unit, for example in the form of a sloping chute or a downhill pipe can be used. The powder can also be actively injected via the metering unit.

Preferably, at least components of the above-described mixers carry out regular movements with a predefined frequency, preferably rotational, pivoting, rotating, oscillating, pendulum or oscillatory movements or combinations of said movements. The frequency of the movements is preferably in the range between 10 Hz and 100 kHz, the amplitudes of the movements in the range of a few millimeters to a few centimeters, yes, according to concrete embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present invention is based on a number of embodiments described.

Figuren 1 und 2a

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem Mischer in Form eines Magnetrührers.

Figur 2b

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem Magnetrührer als Mischer.

Figur 3

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem oberhalb des Einlaufabschnitts angeordneten Elektromotor und einem von diesem über eine über den Einlaufabschnitt in den Mischabschnitt einragende Welle betriebenen Mischrad.

Figuren 4a und 4b

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem flexibel ausgebildeten Mischabschnitt.

Figur 5

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem flexibel ausgebildeten Mischabschnitt.

Figur 6

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem flexibel ausgebildeten Mischabschnitt.

Figur 7

ein Ausführungsbeispiel für einen hydraulischen Mischantrieb auf Basis eines ein Turbinenrad, ein mechanisches Getriebe und ein Mischrad umfassenden Mischers.

Showing:

Figures 1 and 2a

a first embodiment with a mixer in the form of a magnetic stirrer.

FIG. 2b

a further embodiment with a magnetic stirrer as a mixer.

FIG. 3

a further embodiment with an above the inlet portion arranged electric motor and operated by this via a via the inlet section in the mixing section projecting shaft mixing wheel.

FIGS. 4a and 4b

a first embodiment with a flexibly formed mixing section.

FIG. 5

A second embodiment with a flexible trained mixing section.

FIG. 6

a third embodiment with a flexibly formed mixing section.

FIG. 7

an exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mixing drive based on a turbine wheel, a mechanical transmission and a mixing wheel comprising mixer.

FIGS. 1 2a and 2a show a first embodiment according to the invention in longitudinal section ( FIG. 1 ) and in cross-section (Figure 2a)) at the level AA. The inlet section 1, the mixing section 2 and the outlet section 3 are formed here by a two-part plastic housing with a first housing part 41 and a second housing part 42. The two plastic housing parts 41 and 42 are positively and non-positively plugged; an annular seal 43, which is clamped in the juxtaposition between wall portions of the two housing parts 41 and 42, ensures a fluid-tightness of the housing 41, 42 formed from the two housing parts.

The first plastic housing part 41 has on its upper side an inlet channel forming the inlet section 1, via which (not shown here) both the liquid F (water) and the powder P (chocolate powder) can be supplied from above. For supplying water, a water pipe (not shown) opening into the inlet section 1 can be provided, the supply of the powder into the inlet section 1 can take place with the aid of a screw feeder, not shown here.

Below the inlet section 1, the interior of the two plastic housing parts 41, 42 composed as described above forms the chamber-shaped mixing section 2 (whose internal volume is provided with the reference numeral 5 here).

Below the wall portion of the part 41 which forms part of the wall of the mixing section 2, this housing part 41 has a tubular, downwardly facing outlet which forms the outlet section 3 for discharging the mixture M of powder P and liquid F.

The second housing part 42 (arranged on the left in the image) has a projection 42a perpendicular to the vertical V (or to the main flow direction of the fluid F or the mixture M), which (viewed in the direction of the vertical) has a cross-sectional broadening approximately at the mid-height Mixing section 2 and the inner volume 5 of the same represents.

In the two horizontally opposite wall sections of the bulge 42a of the second housing part 42 on the one hand and the first housing part 41 on the other hand (seen in the vertical direction V approximately centrally in the mixing section 2) grooves 41b, 42b are provided. In these two grooves 41b, 42b is a cylindrical axis 44, which thus extends transversely through the inner volume 5 of the mixing section 2 from the inner wall of the projection 42a of the second housing part 42 to the opposite inner wall of the first housing part 41, fixedly mounted.

On the axis 44, a unit 45, 8b of a mixing wheel 45 and a second magnet assembly 8b is rotatably mounted about the axis 44. The mixing wheel 45 is in this case in that part of the inner volume 5, which is enclosed by the first housing part 41, and thus in the region between the inlet section 1 and the outlet section 3 is arranged. The mixing wheel 45 is formed here as a flat plastic disc with projecting into the interior 5 between the inlet section 1 and outlet portion 2 projections 45 a. The second part of the unit 45, 8b lying in the inner volume 5a of the projection 42a forms the second magnet arrangement 8b. This first comprises a likewise formed of plastic and connected to the mixing wheel, on the axis 44 rotatably mounted sleeve in which a first permanent magnet 9b is mounted. The magnet 9b forms a magnet arrangement arranged annularly around the axis with a north pole and a south pole (see FIG. 2a), as is known, for example, from an aquarium pump. For fastening the permanent magnet 9b, the sleeve of the second magnet arrangement 8b formed here as a one-piece plastic casting element together with the mixing wheel 45 and its projections 45a has a recessed recess in which the permanent magnet 9b is fixed in a form-fitting manner.

In addition to the second magnet arrangement 8b (with its permanent magnet 9b) within the mixing section 2, the in the FIGS. 1 and 2a) shown, the magnetic stirrer-based mixer 6, the following, completely outside the mixing section 2 (as well as the inlet section 1 and the outlet section 3) arranged components: an electric motor 7 together with the drive shaft 40 and a first magnet assembly 8a with a further permanent magnet 9a (see also Figure 2a) above). In the present embodiment, the electric motor 7 is a shaded pole motor that can be operated with a 230 volt alternating voltage at 50 Hz. The permanent magnet 9a is connected to the drive shaft 40 via a plastic sleeve rigidly connected to the drive shaft 40 fixed and formed as a ring around the drive shaft 40 rotating pole cylinder. However, this ring magnet 9a here has distributed over its circumference in each case a plurality of north and south poles, as it is known for example from bicycle dynamos (see Figure 2a) above).

The drive shaft 40 of the electric motor 7 and the rigidly connected thereto second permanent magnet 9a outside the mixing section 2 and, completely separate and within the mixing section 2, the rigidly mounted axle 44 and the rotatable mounted about this first permanent magnet 9b are positioned so that of the magnetic stirrer principle known per se by the permanent magnet 9a rotated by means of the electric motor 7 (through the plastic wall of the bulge 42a) an alternating electromagnetic field is generated in the interior 5a of the mixing section 2, through which the first permanent magnet 9b and thus also the mixing wheel 45 to the fixed Axis 44 are set in rotation. Incoming powder P and water F are thus mixed by the mixing wheel 45 and its projections 45a located in the downstream of the inlet section 1 mixing section 2 before the mixture M of powder P and liquid F through the downstream of the mixing section 2 located outlet section 3 derived from the mixing device becomes.

The speed of the mixing wheel 45 results from the product of the speed of the motor 7 with the quotient of the magnetic pole number of the drive magnet (permanent magnet 9a) and the number of poles of the mixing magnet (permanent magnet 9b). At a motor speed of about 2500 revolutions per minute, this results in eight poles of the drive magnet and two poles of the mixing magnet a number of revolutions of 10,000 per minute. Other numbers of revolutions are of course possible.

Since the inner volume 5 of the mixing section 2 in the present case (compared to the outlet section 3) is formed with an enlarged cross-section, there is a delayed flow of the mixture M or there is a backflow of liquid F (and powder P) in the inner volume. 5 This leads to a particularly good mixing of the liquid F with the powder P, before the mixture M is finally discharged via the outlet section 3.

Due to the complete separation of the mixer 6 in the physically outside of the mixing section 2 arranged first magnet assembly 8a and the physically completely within the mixing section 2 arranged second magnet assembly 8b (waiving any sealed passage from the motor 7 to moving parts within the mixing section 2) the embodiment shown in particular the advantage of increased life. This is due to the fact that no feedthrough seal constantly in a mixture of food powder P and liquid F has to be used (such seals are particularly attacked by the sugar present in chocolate powder). (This problem is not the case with the sealing ring 43, since this does not come directly in contact with liquid F, powder P or the mixture M of both.)

FIG. 2b) shows, in a section corresponding to the section shown in FIG. 2a), that the first magnet arrangement 8a does not have to be realized on the basis of a permanent magnet 9a, but alternatively can also be realized on the basis of an electromagnet 10 which generates the electromagnetic alternating field in the internal volume 5 of the mixing section 2. Same components as in the FIGS. 1 and 2a) are here provided with the same reference numerals. The reference numeral 10 indicates here the coils of the coil generating the electromagnetic alternating field or coil windings of the electromagnet of the first magnet arrangement. The reference numeral 51 designates the iron yoke of the electromagnet, which is suitably shaped to form the alternating electromagnetic field in the inner volume 5 mixing section 2.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which the inlet portion 1 is substantially cup-shaped and widening towards the top formed (V denotes the vertical axis or the normal of a flat table on which the mixing device can be placed). The upper, widened end 1a of the inlet section 1 is in this case open 15. The inlet section 1 joins seen in the vertical direction V at its lower, narrowing end of the mixing section 2, which finally ends at its lower end in the s-shaped curved outlet section 3 , Seen from top to bottom, the cross-section of the flow guide narrows from the inlet section 1 to the mixing section 2 and again from the mixing section 2 to the outlet section. By the latter cross-sectional constriction results in the mixing section 2 and in the inner volume 5 of this mixing section, a back pressure, resulting in an optimized mixing of the liquid F with the powder P comes before this mixture M is discharged through the outlet section 3 down.

At the upper end 1a of the inlet section 1, an inlet pipe 27 for the liquid F, shown here only in cross-section, is provided in its internal volume, with which it can be introduced tangentially into the upper region of the inlet section 1. From above the upper end 1a of the inlet section 1 leads through the above-described opening 15 of this end 1a a simple tubular chute 26 in the inner volume 11 of the inlet section 1, via which the food powder P can be supplied in bulkable form and thus in the interior volume 11th via the side walls spirally down flowing liquid F is introduced.

The mixer 6 according to the invention is here designed as a unit whose components are arranged either above the upper edge 1 and the opening 15 of the inlet section 1 or from above the opening 15 through the latter into the inner volume 11 of the inlet section 1 and into the inner volume 5 of Project mixing section 2. Inlet section 1, mixing section 2 and outlet section 3 are formed for this reason as a one-piece plastic molding, which avoids any sealed bushings for mechanical waves or the like for subsequently described electric motor drive of the mixer. As a result, thus occurring in the prior art sealing problems when moving moving parts are avoided.

In the example shown, the mixer according to the invention comprises one above the three sections 1, 2, 3 and in particular outside both the inner volume 5 of the mixing section 2 and outside of the inner volume 11 of the inlet section 1 arranged electric motor 17. Due to its location, the electric motor 17 is thus completely protected from wetting by liquid F, powder P and a mixture M thereof. (At the upper end 1a of the inlet section 1, an overflow pipe, not shown here, which can open at the lower end into the outlet section 3, can be provided to avoid an overflow of the inlet section 1 due to the backflow.)

From the electric motor 17, a coupled thereto mechanical shaft 18 (the upper, coupled to the motor 17 end of this shaft is indicated by the reference numeral 18 a) through the inner volume 11 of the inlet section 1 through into the mixing section 2 in the inner volume 5 of the mixing section. 2 At the end 18b of the mechanical shaft 18 facing away from the electric motor, a rotatable mixing wheel 19 driven by the electric motor 17 via the shaft 18 is formed, with which sufficient mixing of the powder P with the fluid F is ensured in the backflow region of the internal volume 5.

In order to further improve the mixing of powder P and liquid F, a plurality of air ducts 24a, 24b passing through the wall of the one-piece plastic part 1, 2 are additionally provided whose ends facing the interior of the plastic part 1, 2, 3 in the internal volume 5 of the mixing section 2 end up. These air ducts 24a, 24b are connected at their end facing away from the mixing section 2 with a motor-driven air pump 25, via which thus air L can be introduced via the channels 24a, 24b in the inner volume 5 of the mixing section 2. The elements 24a, 24b and 25 thus act as an air L blowing into the mixing section "whirlpool", which leads to a further improved mixing of the powder P with the liquid F by the additional air movement in the mixing section 2 and inner volume.

However, the elements 24a, 24b and 25 may also be omitted. Of course, the above-described "whirlpool" with the other already described ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and subsequently described embodiments are combined by the lines 24a, 24b are guided there by suitable wall sections of the mixing section 2.

Likewise, it is conceivable that in FIG. 3 shown mixer (elements 17, 18 and 19) in addition to the in FIGS. 1 and 2 to use shown mixing devices, for example, there by the mixing section 2 is made enlarged upward and the propeller-shaped mixing wheel 19 and the mechanical shaft 18 are introduced from the top through the inlet section 1 in this enlarged mixing volume 2.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment in which the inlet section 1, the upper end 1a, the water inlet 27, F and the powder conduit 26, P are basically formed as well as in FIG. 3 , As FIG. 4a ) shows as a schematic diagram, here, however, the mixing section 2 is formed as a substantially channel-shaped, almost flat running tube, which finally the approximately s-shaped Outlet section 3 for deriving the mixture M followed.

As FIG. 4b ) in a three-dimensional representation, the wall 4 of the elongated, tubular mixing section 2 consists of two parts: A rigid, the bottom of the mixing section 2 forming the first wall section 4b, at its top of a flexible hose section 4a made of silicone or other flexible material with food approval to the formation of the closed, only open at the tube ends inner volume 5 of the mixing section 2 is arched.

A flat, rectangular metal plate 20 is pressed with its lower longitudinal side 20a from above into the flexible wall section 4a, that results in a permanent, projecting into the interior 5 of the mixing section 2 indentation 21. This indentation 21 thus comprises (seen from the interior 5 of the mixing section 2 to the outside) first the depressed portion of the flexible wall portion 4a and a portion of the lower end 20a of the metal plate 20th

Between the lower side 20a and the upper longitudinal side 20b opposite the lower longitudinal side 20a and above its part pressed into the indentation 21, the plate 20 is rotatably mounted in a rigid frame, not shown here (axis of rotation 65). Also, the rigid, lower wall half 4b of the wall 4 of the mixing section 2 is connected to the frame, not shown. This rigid connection is designed so that the axis of rotation 65 of the plate 20 and the tubular mixing section 2 parallel to each other and at a constant distance from each other are arranged.

On the upper longitudinal side 20b of the plate 20, a drive rod 62 is fixed centrally via a joint 61, not shown here, which is also hinged at its opposite end to the joint 61 (with a ball joint, not shown) with a at the extreme end of the drive shaft 64 of an electric motor 66 arranged eccentric 63 is connected. Rotates (→ R) thus the drive shaft 64 together with the rigidly fixed thereto eccentric 63, so the articulated rod connection 61, 62 ensures a regular pivoting of the metal plate 20 about the axis of rotation 65 with the frequency of rotation of the drive shaft 64. This will (with the same Frequency) at the joint 61 opposite end 20a of the metal plate, a corresponding pivoting of the indentation 21 in the inner volume 5 of the mixing section 2 and thus (at a properly selected rotation frequency of the shaft 64) a good mixing of powder P and liquid F in the elongated tube 4a, 4b of Mixing section 2 causes.

FIG. 5 shows (only in cross section) another embodiment of the invention, whose operation basically similar to that in in FIG. 4 is shown, so that only the differences are described below. Parallel to the likewise tubular mixing section 2 (here only the partially flexible wall 4 of the mixing section 2 is shown on its underside), a drive shaft 23 of an electric motor, not shown here, is formed on the underside of its wall. This drive shaft carries a plurality of eccentrics 22 (only one of which is visible here), which are rigidly connected to the drive shaft 23. The distance between the underside of the wall 4 and the drive shaft 23 is selected to be smaller than the distance of the outer end of the eccentric 22 of the drive shaft 23 (the distances here refer to the distance from the center of the drive shaft 23).

Drive shaft 23 and eccentric 22 thus together form a rotatable body 20, the eccentric 22 abut against the flexible lower portion at regular intervals during rotation of the drive shaft 23 and cause it to vibrate ( FIG. 5 shows the position of the flexible lower wall portion of the wall at a first time, reference numeral 4, and at a later time, reference numeral 4 ', to which one of the eccentric 22 just because of the rotation - see arrow - has pushed the bottom of the wall up) , As a result, assuming a suitable drive frequency of the shaft 23, a high-frequency oscillation of the lower, flexible wall section of the wall 4 and thus a good mixing of powder P and liquid F in the mixing section 2.

The in the FIGS. 4 and 5 shown embodiments show how, according to the invention by an oscillating change in cross-section in the inner volume 5 of the mixing section 2, a thorough mixing of the powder P with the liquid F can be achieved.

However, the cross-sectional constriction does not have to, as in the FIGS. 4 and 5 shown by being effected by the outside of the mixing section 2 effected mechanical influence, but instead stattdesssen by a periodic change in cross section (or corresponding volume change in the inner volume 5) by means of rotating For this purpose, for example, a first permanent magnet can be attached to the outside of a flexible wall section 4. On the opposite side of this permanent magnet of the mixing section 2 is then another, eccentrically mounted on a drive axis permanent magnet arranged - the rotation of the axis - the first permanent magnet (and thus the flexible wall portion) attracts at regular intervals and repels. As a result of the oscillation caused thereby on the flexible wall section, an oscillating cross-sectional or volume change in / on the mixing section 2 or inner volume 5 is effected.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the invention, whose operation basically similar to that in the FIGS. 4 and 5 shown embodiments, but instead of a displaceable in movement body 20, which acts mechanically on the flexible part 4a of the wall 4, a magnetic working unit 80 is provided which acts on the flexible part 4a of the wall 4 by means of the magnetic forces generated by them. Below, therefore, only the differences to the FIGS. 4 and 5 is described (the inlet section 1, through which the liquid F is introduced and over which the powder P is metered, is in FIG. 6 as well as the discharge section 3 for discharging the mixture M of powder P and liquid F from the shown mixing section 2).

The magnetic working unit 80 constituting the mixer 6 comprises an electromagnet annularly disposed around the wall 4 and the flexible portion 4a thereof, the coil 81 of which is shown here. The solenoid or the coil 81 has (along the longitudinal axis of the flexible hose 4) a plurality of independently controllable separately or current-carrying segments, not shown here in detail, on.

In the flexible wall 4a of the flexible tube 4, along the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube 4, a multiplicity of individual small rod-shaped permanent magnets 82a to 82n are embedded with the orientation or polarity shown.

If different coil segments of the coil 81 are supplied with current, magnetically (attractive and / or repulsive forces), a desired part of the flexible wall 4a can be set in motion by means of the locally embedded permanent magnets 82. By suitable control of the individual coil segments of the coil 81, a suitable, high-frequency movement of individual wall sections of the flexible tube 4 for mixing the fluid F with the powder P can thus be generated.

FIG. 7 shows a further mixing device according to the invention. Identical reference numerals as in the previously described embodiments denote identical or corresponding components or features of the invention. The mixing device consists of three chambers 94, 95, 96 which are sealed against each other in a liquid-tight manner. The first chamber 96 shown on the left comprises a part of the inlet section 1, the mixing section 2 and the outlet section 3 (shown from top to bottom) Not shown upper portion of the inlet section 1 via a chute is not shown here.) In the first chamber 96 is in the mixing section 2 into the inner volume 5 of this mixing section 2 einragendes impeller 90 for mixing the supplied liquid F and the metered powder P is arranged.

The middle section of the figure shows the second chamber 94, which is sealed in a fluid-tight manner against the first chamber 96 (shown on the left) (see below). In this second chamber 94, a multi-stage transmission 91 is arranged. This gear 91 is connected via a guided from the second chamber 94 in the first chamber 96 first shaft 92 a with the impeller 90 for driving the same. In order to establish a fluid-tightness between the first chamber 96 and the second chamber 94, this shaft 92a is guided by a sealing ring 97 of polyoxymethylene (POM) surrounding the shaft 92a in a form-fitting manner.

The second chamber 94 is followed (shown on the right in the figure) by the third chamber 95, in whose inner volume 11 a turbine wheel 93 is mounted (the second chamber 94 is thus sandwiched between the first chamber 96 and the third chamber 95). The (second) shaft 92b of the turbine wheel 93 is connected to the multi-stage gear 91 through the wall between the second chamber 94 and the third chamber 95. To establish the liquid-tightness between the second chamber 94 (with the gear 91) and the third chamber 95 (with the turbine wheel 93), the (second) shaft 92b as well as the (first) shaft 92a by a sealing ring 98 sealingly surrounding the shaft 92b led from POM.

A rotation of the turbine wheel 93 is thus on the (second) shaft 92b on the multi-stage transmission 91, where it is translated to a higher speed and finally transmitted via the (first) shaft 92a on the wing or mixing 90th A low rotational speed of the turbine wheel 93 is thus translated to a high rotational speed of the mixing wheel 90, so that an optimal mixing of liquid F and powder P in the inner volume 5 of the mixing section 2 takes place. As a result of pressure (for example by connection to a faucet) fluid F flows from below to drive the turbine wheel 93 into the inner volume 11 of the third chamber 95, a rotation of the mixing wheel 90 for the mixing of fluid F and powder begins, translated via the transmission 91 P. The still pressurized fluid F is discharged upwardly out of the third chamber 95 and introduced into this inlet section part 1 via a fluid line, not shown here, connecting the third chamber 95 to the inlet section part 1 of the first chamber 96. Thus, the liquid which has first driven the turbine wheel 93 is subsequently used as the liquid F to be mixed with the powder P. (The first chamber 96 thus here comprises part of the inlet section 1, the mixing section 2 and the outlet section 3. The third chamber 95 forms a further, upstream part of the inlet section 1, as well as the liquid connection line between the third chamber 95 and the one not shown here Part of the inlet section 1, through which the liquid F and the powder P are supplied to the mixing wheel 90 and the mixing section 2, compare on the left in the figure The mixer 6 here comprises the elements 90, 92a, 91, 92b and 93.)

Claims (10)

Mixing device for mixing a food concentrate (P), in particular chocolate powder, with a liquid (F), in particular water and / or milk, with
an inlet section (1) for introducing the liquid (F) into the mixing device,
a mixing section (2) formed downstream of the inlet section (1), in which the dosed concentrate (P) is mixable with the liquid (F),
a discharge section (3) formed downstream of the mixing section (2) for discharging the mixture (M) of concentrate (P) and liquid (F) from the mixing device, and
an at least partially within the mixing section (2) arranged and / or in the inner volume (5) of the mixing section (2) engaging, at least partially movable and / or a mixing movement in this inner volume (5) generating mixer (6). Mixing device according to the preceding claim
characterized in that
the mixer (6) is designed as a magnetic stirrer with an outside of the mixing section (2) arranged, in the internal volume (5) of the mixing section (2), a magnetic field generating alternating magnetic field (8a) and with a movably mounted within the mixing section (2) and for mixing the concentrate (P) with the liquid (F), via the magnetic Alternating field with the first magnet assembly (8a) magnetically coupled and thereby in motion displaceable, at least one magnetic material, in particular a permanent magnet (9b), comprising the second magnet assembly (8b). Mixing device according to the preceding claim
characterized in that
the first magnet arrangement (8a) comprises at least one further magnet material which is movable by means of an electric motor (7) which is movable outside the mixing section (2), in particular rotatable magnet field generating the alternating magnetic field, for example a further permanent magnet ( 9a), and / or
in that the first magnet arrangement (8a) comprises at least one electromagnet (10) which generates the alternating magnetic field. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims
marked by
a turbine wheel (93), which is preferably arranged in the inner volume (11) of the inlet section, is coupled via a gear mechanism (91) or via a mechanical shaft to a mixing wheel (90) arranged in the inner volume (5) of the mixing section (2),
wherein preferably the arrangement of turbine wheel (93), gear (91) or shaft and mixing wheel (90) as a mixer (6) is formed so that the through the inlet section (1) flowing liquid (F) first - preferably by axial flow of the Turbine wheel (93) - transmits potential and / or kinetic energy to the turbine wheel (93) and thus indirectly via the gear (91) or via the shaft to the mixing wheel (90) before (F) in the mixing section (2) with the preferably there dosed concentrate (P) is mixed. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the inlet section (1), the mixing section (2) and the outlet section (3) are arranged one above the other, preferably in the order mentioned along the vertical (V) from top to bottom and / or preferably with respect to the vertical (V) without lateral offset , are arranged
that the mixing section facing away, overhead side (1 a) of the inlet section (1) is at least partially open (15) and / or provided with a passage, and
in that the mixer (6) comprises the following elements (17, 18, 19): A motor, preferably an electric motor (17), which is arranged outside the inner volumes (5, 11) of the sections (1, 2, 3) and preferably also above the inlet section (1), A mechanical shaft (18) coupled at one end (18a) to the electric motor (17), passing first through the opening (15) and / or through the passage into the internal volume (11) of the inlet section (1) and finally into the internal volume (5) of the mixing section (2) leads, and A mixing element movable in the inner volume (5) of the mixing section (2), in particular a rotatable mixing wheel (19) which is preferably coupled to the latter at the other end (18b) of the mechanical shaft (18) and is movable by the latter. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
at least a part (4a) of the wall (4) of the mixing section (2) is flexible and that the mixer (6) in motion, in particular oscillatory, oscillatory and / or rotational movements displaceable body (20) and / or a magnetic working unit (80) disposed outside of the mixing section (2) so as to be mechanically and / or mechanically urged by its movements directly from outside and / or by its magnetic forces on the flexible part (4a ) of the wall (4) is acted upon, so that part the wall (4) is movable and thereby indirectly in the inner volume (5) of the mixing section (2) engaging one or more Querschnittsver-change (s) on the mixing section (2) and / or a change in volume of this inner volume (5) is effected .
wherein the mixing section (2) is preferably designed as an elongate, flexible hose section. Mixing device according to the preceding claim
marked by
a movable, for example, pivotable, suspended body (20), in particular in the form of an elongated plate which is preferably permanently pressed so from outside the mixing section (2) in the flexible part (4a) of the wall (4) that a preferably permanent invagination (21) of a part of this wall (4a) in the inner volume (5) of the mixing section (2) is realized, the (21) during movements, for example during pivoting movements of the body (20) causes a cross-sectional change at the mixing section (2). Mixing device according to the preceding claim
characterized in that
the body (20) comprises a rotatable shaft (23) provided with one or more eccentrics (22) which rotates with its eccentric (s) (22) from outside the mixing section (2) so beats on / in the flexible part of the wall (4) and / or expresses that this causes the cross-sectional change (s) and / or the volume change. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the mixer (6) is designed according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 8 or an electric motor, a mixing wheel arranged in the internal volume of the mixing section, for mixing the concentrate with the liquid and a mixing the electric motor with the mixing wheel coupling, via a sealed feedthrough from outside having the mixing section guided in the inner volume of the mixing section shaft
and
in addition, one (e) or several air duct (s), in particular air nozzle (s) (24a, 24b), leading into the internal volume (5) of the mixing section (2) is / are provided with the one or more air can be supplied to the inner volume (5) of the mixing section (2) for additionally swirling the liquid (F), the concentrate (P) and / or the mixture (M) of both (F, P),
wherein preferably connected to the / the air duct / channels, outside the inner volume (5) of the mixing section (2) arranged air conveying device (25), in particular a motor-driven air pump or a compressed air source is provided. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims
marked by
a metering unit (26) for metering in the concentrate (P) into the inlet section (1) and / or into the mixing section (2)
and or
by a mixer (6) which performs a regular rotation, pivoting, rotating, oscillating, oscillating and / or oscillating movement with a predefined frequency, preferably in the range between 10 Hz and 100 Hz.

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