EP3144057A1 - Mixing device and beverage preparer with such a mixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

Mixing device for mixing a food concentrate with a liquid, with a mixing chamber (1), in which the food concentrate (K) by means of a in the mixing chamber (1) arranged relative to the mixing chamber (1) rotatable mixer element (2) with the liquid (F) mixable is characterized in that the mixer element (2) with a outside of the mixing chamber (1) arranged, by means of a drive unit (4) relative to the mixing chamber (1) rotatable carrier (3) is magnetically coupled so that by rotating the driver (3 ) and the mixer element (2) relative to the mixing chamber (1) is set in rotation, and that the mixer element (2) forms a support (6) and with this in the rotating state only at exactly one bearing point (S) mechanically at an abutment ( 7) of the mixing device rests.

Description

The present invention relates to a mixing device for mixing a food concentrate with a liquid according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a beverage maker (in particular: electrically operated coffee machine) comprising such a mixing device.

Mixing devices (hereinafter alternatively referred to as mixer devices or mixer components) in beverage machines according to the prior art usually have a continuous wave from the engine to the mixer wheel. However, the shaft seal leads to problems due to drying of the medium or by general wear.

In the prior art, there are also magnetic drives ( EP 2 679 299 A2 such as DE 10 2012 012 887 A1 ), in which the actual mixer or mixing chamber is disconnected from the drive. Such drives then have a static seal for the medium space and a rotating magnetic field for driving the mixer element. However, the magnetic drives known from the prior art have the problem that small component tolerances lead to large changes in the transmitted torque and that bearings of the magnetic drive are subject to a comparatively high force load.

The object of the present invention is thus to provide a mixing device which offers optimized storage of the mixer element. This means that as little as possible wear of components while eliminating or at least minimizing contamination of moving components of the mixing device (by sticking the food concentrate or the mixture thereof with the liquid) is realized. In particular, it should also be possible to allow the distances of the essential components of the mixing device with tolerances, without bearing points of the drive motor are charged. Finally, a simple integration of the mixing device or the components thereof in the beverage maker as well as a simple disassembly and reassembly of the individual components of the mixing device (for example, for cleaning purposes) should be possible.

These objects are achieved by the mixing device according to claim 1 and the beverage maker according to claim 12. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

Hereinafter, the present invention will first be described generally, then with reference to a detailed embodiment. Individual realized in the embodiment assemblies or components thereof may each already represent an enrichment of the prior art. In the context of the structure specified by the claims, individual components of the mixing device or the beverage maker can also be combined with one another in a different manner as shown in the exemplary embodiment; individual components of the embodiment can also be omitted within the scope of the invention.

A mixing device according to the invention is described in claim 1.

The food concentrate can be chocolate powder or other powdered food concentrates, for example, liquid or water. Rotatable relative to the mixing chamber means that the mixer element (which is generally arranged completely in the mixing chamber) can be rotated relative to the components or wall sections forming the mixing chamber and surrounding the mixing chamber in order to move the liquid and concentrate (relative to these components or components) Wall sections) for mixing them.

The mixer element is thus in the rotating state (exactly forming a support) only at exactly one bearing point mechanically at its counter bearing on or on the latter. The support thus forms a pivot bearing, wherein the bearing is the only bearing point of this pivot bearing.

Preferably, the formed support (or pivot bearing) and the abutment due to the structure of the mixer element, the driver, the support and the anvil (see also below), in particular due to the magnetic forces acting between the mixer element and the driver in the coupled, rotating state , only a rotational movement about a defined axis of rotation. (This defined axis of rotation is the axis about which the mixer element rotates within the mixing chamber.) Preferably, this axis of rotation coincides with the axis of rotation about which the driver is rotated by the drive by means of the drive unit.) Other degrees of freedom are therefore preferably suppressed or canceled. in particular, translations (for the support and its counter bearing) are prevented in directions perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the mixer element (or single axis of rotation) and translation along the axis of rotation of the mixer element. In the permitted rotational degree of freedom or in the rotating state, the mixer element preferably comes into mechanical contact with other components of the mixing device exclusively on the support side (here: in mechanical contact with the counterbearing). In particular, during the rotation of the mixer element there is preferably no mechanical contact between the side of the mixer element opposite the support side and other components (hereinafter alternatively referred to as components) of the mixing device (such as wall sections or the like enclosing the mixing chamber).

The mixer element therefore does not comprise a rotatable shaft which is clamped on its two end faces (ie two-sided). Thus, the mixer element only a one-sided support or support as a mechanical (rotary) bearing. The support is preferably formed on the driver-facing side of the mixer element. The anvil is preferably part of a mixing chamber bounding wall portion. Preferably, the mixer element, the support formed by the mixer element, the counter bearing and the driver are positioned in this order along the axis of rotation of the mixer element (or the single axis of rotation). In the assembled state of the mixing device, the mixer element and the driver are positioned at a distance from one another as seen along this axis.

The driver is driven by the drive unit, so set in rotation. For this purpose, the drive unit may comprise an electric motor which, via a shaft arranged completely outside the mixing chamber (ie neither the concentrate nor the liquid or the mixture thereof), engages the driver arranged completely outside the mixing space (ie neither the concentrate nor the liquid, still the mixture of it touches) drives.

Advantageously realized features describes claim 2.

Thus, this front end of the (imported) bearing pin form the support. When the journal is inserted into the center of the mixer wheel, the journal is typically fixed relative to the mixer wheel (e.g., by positive engagement and / or traction). This means that the mixer wheel and the bearing pin rotate at the same angular velocity about the axis of rotation of the mixer element.

Alternatively, however, it is also possible that the bearing pin and the Mixerrad are designed so that the bearing pin is movable (rotatable) relative to the Mixerrad after its introduction in the center of the Mixerrad, the bearing pin is thus immobile relative to the anvil or not with the Mixerrad with rotates.

Further advantageously realizable features can be found in the dependent claim 3.

The bearing pin can be formed of a hard plastic with sliding properties, such as polyamide or polyoxymethylene with lubricant modification PTFE or graphite. The abutment facing surface of the front end of the bearing pin is then subjected to wear usually by the mechanical contact with the abutment during rotation of the mixer element. This wear (abrasion) of the bearing pin at this front end takes place because of the cylindrical shape of this end in a defined manner. In other words, as defined along the longitudinal axis of the pin, depending on the material of the pin and the anvil, there is a defined removal over a defined number of rotations of the mixer element (and thus also calculable, for example to output a corresponding maintenance message).

Thus, at a defined wear of the support (ie before the body of the Mixerrad by the magnetic attraction towards the driver itself would mechanically come into contact with the anvil) must be replaced only as a wear part of the bearing pin. This has the advantage that the mixer wheel can continue to be used, so that replacement of the entire mixer element structure can be avoided.

The abutment end facing away from the end bearing of the bearing pin floats or rotates in a rotation of the mixer element relative to the mixing chamber within the mixing chamber freely in air. The formation of the Mixerrad and the bearing pin (especially the two aforementioned ends of the bearing pin) and the insertion of the bearing pin in the center of the Mixerrads in the latter is preferably such that the composite of the Mixerrad and the bearing pin mixer element only in a single way in the mixing chamber can be introduced. In other words, the mechanical construction takes place in such a way that a wrong insertion of the mixer element (seen in the direction of the axis of rotation) is not possible (for example, if the components forming the mixing chamber are wrong Inserting the mixer element can not be closed together to form the mixing chamber.)

Preferably, the mixing chamber also results by assembling a plurality of components of the mixing device. For example, a mixer cup with a counter-bearing forming or comprehensive closure ring are assembled to the mixing chamber. By means of a sealing ring inserted between the mixer cup and this sealing ring, the mixing chamber (except for one inflow for the concentrate and for the liquid to and an outflow for the mixture of concentrate and liquid from the mixing chamber) can be made fluid-tight. Thus, it can be ensured that always a defined (the "correct") surface of the Mixerrads the counter-bearing (or the flat surface thereof, see below) faces. The surface of the mixer wheel facing away from this defined surface, that is to say remote from the counterbearing or its planar surface, can project radially outward from the axis of rotation of the mixer element or mixer wheel (ie, from the center of the mixer wheel) to the outside, wings, grooves, cuts, burrs or the like exhibit. By means of the latter, the concentrate and the liquid (with rotation of the mixer wheel) can be sheared intensively, ie optimally mixed, in the gap between the mixer wheel or mixer element on the one hand and the opposite wall of the mixing chamber on the other.

Alternatively, according to claim 4, the bearing geometry can also be formed on the mixer element or on the mixer wheel in the form of a projection (for example with a separate material or also a small, firmly formed pin with the diameter of the bearing support surface). Then, however, the entire component (mixer element or mixer wheel with projection) must be replaced during maintenance.

Further advantageously realizable features are described in the dependent claim 5. These can be realized with the features of the preceding dependent claims (or the subsequent dependent claims) in any combination. The same applies to the other dependent claims described below.

The non-magnetic metal is preferably stainless steel, preferably with a roughness depth of Rz ≤ 2 microns.

Further advantageously realizable features can be found in claim 6.

In general, the drive shaft longitudinal axis is identical to the axis of rotation of the driver or the common axis of rotation of the driver and the mixer element. The displaceability of the driver along the axis of rotation (but not perpendicular thereto) relative to the drive unit, the motor thereof and the drive shaft thereof can be made via a pinion fixed to a from the motor housing in the direction towards the driver transmitting end of the drive shaft and along the Drive shaft longitudinal axis or the axis of rotation is extended, and via a positive (as seen along the axis of rotation) on the pinion sliding complementary element (hereinafter referred to as pinion receptacle), which is fixed on the side facing away from the mixer element of the driver on the driver (or vice versa, ie the pinion can also be fixed to the driver and the pinion seat to be fixed to the drive shaft). Preferably, the engine is an electric motor.

Further advantageously realizable features can be found in claim 7.

Rotating bearing means that the rotation of the driver about its / the axis of rotation (ie, the rotation of the driver relative to the mixing chamber) is made possible with relative to the mixing chamber stationary spacer. The spacer can stand up immovably by the pivot bearing on a surface facing towards the driver of an intermediate component immediately adjacent to the driver, while the remaining components of the driver (in particular the actual driver body with the permanent magnets, see below) rotate in a magnetically coupled state to the mixer element , The abovementioned intermediate component may in particular be a connecting bell, which constitutes a housing element of the mixing device which does not rotate relative to the mixing space (cf. also the following exemplary embodiment).

The spacer is preferably positioned in / on the surface of the driver facing the mixer element. This surface of the driver may be formed as a flat surface, is positioned in / on the central (ie on the axis of rotation) of the spacers. The spacer may project over said flat surface of the driver towards the mixer element. Preferably, the spacer is cylindrical in shape, wherein its cylinder longitudinal axis coincides with the axis of rotation.

Said spacer avoids wear of the driver or the components thereof on the adjacent to the driver intermediate component or intermediate component (in particular: connecting bell) due to the rotation of these two components relative to each other. Thus, the distance of the driver to the intermediate components is clearly defined, remains constant and maintenance or replacement of the driver (or components thereof) is not necessary. (Intermediate components are components of the mixing device which are positioned between the driver and the mixer element (seen along the axis of rotation).)

Further advantageously realizable features can be found in the dependent claims 8 and 9.

According to these claims, based on the evaluation by means of a microcontroller of the mixing device (which can provide a memory with suitably designed evaluation programs), a computer-aided error detection, error analysis and / or error output can be performed.

For example, it can be ascertained and output on the basis of stored local and / or temporal courses of the stray magnetic field that the mixer element and the carrier turn without errors, ie with angular speeds identical at all times. For example, it can be stated (and output) that the mixer element on the output side (which in fact comes into contact with the liquid and the concentrate, ie increasingly contaminated with increasing operating time) rotates slower in average than the driver (which rotates on the drive side) Yes does not come into contact with the liquid and the concentrate or the mixture thereof, that is remains soiled). An on average smaller angular velocity of the mixer element in comparison to the driver usually means that pollution-related slip events or phase shifts occur again and again between the mixer element and the driver. If the ratio of the average angular velocities of the mixer element and the driver falls below a predefined limit below 1.0 (for example 0.98 or 0.95 can be selected as the limit), an error message "Mud chamber too dirty, please clean" can be output and further operation of the mixing device until the cleaning of the mixing chamber or the components of the driven side located therein (ie the coming into contact with the concentrate, the liquid and / or the mixture thereof components) are blocked. Likewise, it is possible to detect, via the magnetic stray fields occurring during operation, whether the mixer element was installed at all when assembling the components of the output side, or whether it was forgotten to insert it into the mixing chamber. In the latter case, only the stray magnetic field of the driver occurs, which can be detected via the sensor. It may then issue an error message in the form of "Mixer element missing, please install" and as long as the operation of the mixing device are locked until the mixer element has been installed.

Further advantageously realizable features can be found in claim 10.

The vibration damping material may be an elastically deformable material, in particular an elastomer (for example rubber).

Further advantageously realizable features can be found in the dependent claim 11.

The mixer element and the driver can thus form magnetically attracting complementary elements in the (common) rotational state, wherein the driver driven via the drive unit (in the assembled state of the mixing device) entrains the mixer element at the same speed via the magnetic forces.

Preferably, the mixer element and the driver each have a plurality of (preferably: four) permanent magnets. These multiple permanent magnets are preferably arranged radially around the axis of rotation of the mixer element, each with alternating polarity in / on the mixer element in the mixer element. The permanent magnets of the mixer element are thus positioned at a distance from the axis of rotation on a circle around them. Correspondingly, the magnet positioning and configuration can also take place on the driver (the magnetic properties of the mixer element described below can also be realized on the driver).

Thus, for example, if the first of four permanent magnets of the mixer element with its north pole is arranged on the side of the mixer element facing towards the complementary element, then the second permanent magnet of the mixer element with its south pole points towards the driver (seen along said circle). The third permanent magnet of the mixer element again points with its north pole and the fourth permanent magnet again with its south pole towards the driver. The arrangement of the permanent magnets of the driver is then complementary thereto, i. For magnetic coupling mates (seen along the axis of rotation) so in each case a north pole of a magnet of the mixer element with a south pole of a magnet of the complementary element (driver) and vice versa.

About in the assembled state of the mixing device between the mixer element and the driver lying components (which are also referred to as intermediate components of the mixing device), the mixer element and the driver along their preferred common axis of rotation are kept at a constant, defined distance from each other. The intermediate components which effect this are, in particular, the anvil as well as support and / or suspension elements (including the already mentioned connecting bell) described below on the side facing away from the liquid or the drive side of the mixing device.

Conversely, these intermediate components in the assembled state of the mixing device by the attractive magnetic forces between the mixer element on the one hand and the driver on the other hand along the axis of rotation seen in fixed relative positions to each other and held relative to the complementary elements mixer element and driver (and between these two complementary elements).

Thus, according to the invention, in the state of rotation of the mixer element and the coupled driver via the magnetic forces or the magnetic field lines on the one hand and the centrifugal centrifugal forces on the other hand together with the above-described, mechanically effected spacing of the mixer element from the driver creates a stable dynamic rotation state for the mixer element rotating within the mixing chamber and for the same speed outside the mixing chamber rotating driver.

In this way, according to the invention, an easily assembled, in the assembled state by the attractive magnetic forces stably held together, compact mixing device.

An inventive beverage maker is described in claim 12. Advantageously realizable features thereof can be found in claim 13.

For the purposes of the latter claim, joining the first assembly generally means not assembling the individual components together (ie without gluing, riveting, etc.), so that the components of the first assembly only after insertion of this assembly in the recording by the Magnetic forces between the mixer element and the driver relative to each other (and the second assembly) are fixed.

As viewed toward the beverage maker housing exterior, a carrier member of the second assembly may overhang through the receptacle of the beverage maker housing and beyond that receptacle. The carrier element is preferably designed to form-fit one or more components of the first module (for example, blade sections of the mixer cup and projections on the counterbearing) that are complementarily shaped relative to the carrier element, thereby bringing the two modules together (in particular, one another) can be. Preferably, the two assemblies in the direction along the axis of rotation (s) of the mixer element and the driver seen after this assembly or merge alone held together by the mutually attracting each other via the magnetic forces mixer element and driver. (Transverse to this / n rotation axis (s), the two assemblies are mechanically held together, for example via the already mentioned wing portions of the mixer cup and projections on the anvil as elements of the first assembly and over to complementary incisions and wing edges of the support member of the second assembly.)

According to the invention, the storage of the mixer element can thus be limited to an axial support which acts selectively on a small circular area. Due to the rotational movement of the mixer element about its own axis of rotation, it can (like a gyroscope) set up by the centrifugal force. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the mixer element is approximately horizontal. The system geometry (bearing pin) can simply be replaced as a wearing part.

The exact distance (along the axis of rotation) of the (magnetic) driver to the interface or to the mixing chamber can be realized by a thrust bearing. The driver as a magnetic coupling can be arranged axially displaceable on the drive axle of the drive unit. This axis can form together with the driver at least one driving surface for the drive. Thus, the position of the motor or the drive unit (due to the summation of tolerances) can vary much more without leading to bearing problems, as would be the case with a rigid arrangement of the driver on the axis of the drive motor (in the latter case are very much lower tolerances are allowed if storage problems are to be prevented). Thus, according to the invention no high-quality (ie expensive) storage of the engine is required.

In addition, the motor of the drive unit can be stored, for example, in rubber to reduce rotational noise (especially by the larger allowable tolerances). The rubber part (suspension element) required for this purpose can fulfill several functions: bearing of the engine, sealing and vibration damping of the drive on the machine housing and vibration damping of the mixer cup with the separation surface on the drive side.

Due to the prevailing axial forces the mixer cup for the holding function on the drive requires no additional axial forces (such as snap hook, a bayonet lock or the like).

• Mixerelement dreht sich problemlos (nahezu kein Streuwirkung und keine Induktion)
• Mixerelement hat zum Mitnehmer eine Phasenverschiebung (größeres Drehmoment wird übertragen) es droht z.B. ein Verstopfen oder es liegt eine Schwergängigkeit des Mixerelementes vor.
• Mixerelement steht oder dreht sich mit unterschiedlicher Geschwindigkeit (Stall-Erkennung), es kann eine Fehlermeldung ausgegeben werden. Nach Reinigungsarbeiten kann dies auch als "Mixerelement fehlt" interpretiert werden.

According to the invention, a sensor (magnetic sensor device) can be placed in the vicinity of the driver and the mixer element. Between the mixer element (mixer wheel) and the driver (clutch) an almost closed magnetic field is formed. If a phase shift occurs between mixer element and driver, a larger stray field is generated in the environment, which can be detected by the sensor. The sensor (or a suitable connected control unit) can evaluate the signal and use different thresholds as follows:

• Blender element turns smoothly (almost no scattering effect and no induction)
• Mixer element has a phase shift to the driver (greater torque is transmitted) threatens, for example, a clogging or there is a stiffness of the mixer element.
• Mixer element stands or rotates at different speed (stall detection), an error message can be output. After cleaning this can also be interpreted as a "mixer element missing".

According to the mixer element is only axially mounted and has no pronounced mechanical radial bearing. The radial guidance can be formed mainly by the forming magnetic field between the drive and mixer element itself. The mixer element can stabilize itself by a centrifugal movement, the axis of the mixer element (rotation axis) is preferably horizontally in the installed position. The contact surface of the mixer element (on the support) is usually subject to material-dependent wear. Therefore, the resting geometry on the mixer element (overlying frontal end of the bearing pin) is cylindrical. The bearing surface thus remains during the operating time until the next Maintenance almost constant. Only the axial distance from the mixer element to the separating surface is reduced by the wear. As the cylinder surface transitions to a larger area, it can visually (perceptibly disassemble the individual components) and / or indicate acoustically (in machine operation by noise or vibration) reaching the wear limit.

The driver (clutch) can be mounted axially displaceably on the drive axle of the drive unit, wherein the clutch and the motor shaft can have at least one driver surface facing one another. The coupling (driver) can be kept at a defined distance from the mixer element and it is a wear-free storage possible (each by the rotatably mounted spacer, for example in the form of a ball bearing). A rubber mounting of the drive unit (by the suspension element of the vibration damping material) is possible. The suspension element may additionally constitute a drive-side sealing function against the liquid or food concentrate and vibration protection. About the magnetic forces, the coupling or the driver can be coupled to the mixer element and thus to the mixer cup, without additional mechanical locks, bayonet connections or snap hook or the like are necessary. (It is only a backup against twisting necessary, this can simultaneously serve as a guide to the positionally accurate insertion or linear insertion of the mixer cup into the receptacle for the first module or in the support element of the second module.)

According to the invention, the mixing device can be provided with a sensor which can detect magnetic fields of different intensity. A connected control unit can evaluate the signals of the sensor. The signal of the sensor can be divided into different threshold values depending on the state of the mixer element to be evaluated. The control unit can interpret the thresholds and extract and output cleaning or fault feedback conclusions. After opening and closing a magnetic door (front panel) inspection door, a short test run can be performed to indicate whether the mixer element is rotating as desired (for example, after a service or cleaning).

The first assembly of the beverage maker or the in contact with the liquid and the food concentrate side of the mixing device (comprising the mixer cup, the sealing ring between the abutment serving closure ring and the mixer cup, the abutment or the closure ring and the mixer element) is outside the Beverage prepared and then completely inserted into the support element of the drive side. The drive side with said carrier element, the suspension element and other components between carrier element and drive unit and the drive unit may already be fully inserted into the (machine side) receptacle (i.e., the drive side is already assembled in the beverage maker or machine). Here, another advantage over the prior art (in which the blender cup is inserted and locked in the beverage maker) is that more space and visibility is available to the user, resulting in easier assembly and control of the integrity of the assembled components ,

The mixer element stands with a cylindrical pin (bearing pin) on the counter bearing. This has the advantage that, despite abrasion (as occurs on the bearing pin, but not on the mixer wheel over the lifetime), always the same cross-sectional area rests on the mating surface or the mixer element facing surface of the anvil. There is a large footprint or bearing surface, which wears only slowly and thus causes a comparatively long life of the bearing pin. In addition, a plane-parallel abrasion takes place at the cylindrical, front end of the bearing pin, which prevents a non-circular run of the mixer element on its counter bearing (and thus unwanted vibrations and noise). In particular, the bearing pin is simple and cheap exchangeable as a separate part.

• Figur 1a eine Explosionszeichnung der ersten Baugruppe bzw. der mit der Flüssigkeit und dem Konzentrat in Kontakt stehenden Abtriebsseite der Mischvorrichtung bzw. des diese umfassenden Getränkebereiters.
• Figur 1b eine Explosionszeichnung der zweiten Baugruppe sowie der Aufnahme bzw. der Antriebsseite der Mischvorrichtung bzw. des Getränkebereiters.
• Figur 2a das Mixerelement 2 in einem Ausschnitt aus Figur 1a.
• Figur 2b einen Schnitt in einer durch die Rotationsachse R gehenden Ebene durch das Mixerelement 2 sowie dessen Gegenlager 7 gemäß Figur 1a.
• Figur 3a den Mitnehmer 3 gemäß Figur 1b.
• Figur 3b die Antriebseinheit 4 für den Mitnehmer 3a gemäß Figur 1b.
• Figur 4 eine Seitenansicht auf die fertig aus den Bauelementen gemäß Figur 1a und den Bauelementen gemäß Figur 1b zusammengesetzte Mischvorrichtung.

The invention will be described in detail with reference to a concrete embodiment. Show

• FIG. 1a an exploded view of the first assembly or standing in contact with the liquid and the concentrate output side of the mixing device or this comprehensive beverage maker.
• FIG. 1b an exploded view of the second assembly and the recording or the drive side of the mixing device or the beverage maker.
• FIG. 2a the mixer element 2 in a cutout FIG. 1a ,
• FIG. 2b a section in a plane passing through the rotation axis R level by the mixer element 2 and its abutment 7 according to FIG. 1a ,
• FIG. 3a the driver 3 according to FIG. 1b ,
• FIG. 3b the drive unit 4 for the driver 3a according to FIG. 1b ,
• FIG. 4 a side view of the finished from the components according to FIG. 1a and the components according to FIG. 1b composite mixing device.

The first assembly BG1 of the mixing device or the beverage maker comprises according to FIG. 1a By an incision at the top of the substantially annular upper component 9o (in the latched state of the cup 9 or if all of the. In.) In one of two interlockable components (upper component 9o and lower component 9u) 9o FIG. 1a the component concentrate K, eg in the form of chocolate powder, is poured into the interior of the lower component 9u of the mixer bowl 9, where it is introduced through an inlet 9e leading into the interior of the lower component 9u in FIG. 9u Liquid F, for example in the form of milk, is flown. On the side opposite the recess in the upper component 9o side, a Dampfabsaugöffnung 30 can be seen: About this, when hot water F flows in for mixing with the concentrate K, ascending steam sucked to fouling or clumping of concentrate K in the interior of the two components 9u and 9o to prevent. Below the component 9u and the inlet 9e, the mixer cup 9 moreover has a substantially tubular tube section 9r, bent at 90 ° from the vertical to the horizontal. This one is with his (horizontal) Inner diameter to the outer diameter of the mixer element 2 and its Mixerrads 5 (see below) adapted. Outside its one part of the mixing chamber 1 forming the interior of the tubular portion 9r carries on both sides two horizontally projecting wing portions 9a (of which only one is visible here), which serve the positive connection with the notches 16a of the support member 16 of the second assembly BG2 the drive side (see , FIG. 1b ).

In the assembled or assembled state, the mixing chamber 1 is formed in the form of a substantially flat-cylindrical chamber whose cylinder longitudinal axis of the axis of rotation R of the mixer element 2 and the driver 3 (see. FIG. 1b ) corresponds. This chamber is formed by connecting the portion 9r via a sealing ring 10 with the counter-bearing 7 designed as a locking ring. The interior of this chamber forms the essential portions of the mixing chamber 1, in which the mixer element 2 (see. FIGS. 2a and 2b ) is used and by the magnetic coupling with the driver 3 only one side mechanically mounted on the abutment 7 rotates about the axis of rotation R at a speed of, for example, between 5000 revolutions / minute and 12000 revolutions / minute.

Trained as a locking ring abutment 7 has in a plane perpendicular to the substantially horizontal axis of rotation R a flat surface 7a, which is formed of stainless steel and the footprint of the thrust bearing 7 for the support 6 of the mixer element 2 forms (see. FIG. 2b ). On the outer circumference, moreover, a total of four projections 7b (each spaced apart by 90 ° along the outer circumference of the closure ring 7) project radially over the actual closure ring and serve for the positive seating of the anvil 7 on the wing edges 16b of the carrier element 16 of the second assembly BG2 (see. FIG. 1b ).

The mixing chamber 1 is thus formed by positive locking of the locking ring or thrust bearing 7 with the portion 9r of the Mixerbaker 9, wherein the mixing chamber 1 by the form-fittingly inserted between the elements 7 and 9r sealing ring 10 (except for the concentrate K and the liquid F from the overlying element 9u feeding inlet and an outlet discharging the mixture of K and F down in section 9r) is sealed in a fluid-tight manner. In this case, the abutment 7 is latched with intermediate portion of the sealing ring 10 fixed to the portion 9r of the mixer cup 9.

The assembled and thus fluid-tight sealed first assembly BG1 FIG. 1a will then (in relation to FIG. 1b Seen side mirrored) by means of the projections 7b and the wing portions 9a positively slid onto the support member 16 of the second assembly BG2. The second assembly BG2 is assembled before pushing on as described below and inserted into the receptacle 15 of the beverage maker housing (not visible). (The support member 16 is above the receptacle 15 (in FIG. 1b seen from right to left) by means of an opening 15a in the receptacle 15 via. This protrusion or protrusion of the receptacle 16 beyond the receptacle 15 also makes it possible to receive the first assembly BG1 through the second assembly BG2 or the carrier element 16 of the same. Due to the attractive field forces between the elements 2 and 3 (see below), the components of the two assemblies BG1 and BG2 are held together and fixed by means of, for example, formed as a sheet of beverage maker housing 15 on the beverage maker or on the housing.

FIGS. 2a and 2b This comprises a substantially disc-shaped, circular Mixerrad 5, in the center 5z of a recess for receiving a insertable into the Mixer 5 bearing pin 8 is provided. The bearing pin 8 has a plurality of substantially cylindrical segment portions, which allow the same after insertion of the bearing pin 8 in the recess in the center 5z of the Mixer 5. After this fixing of the bearing pin 8 in the mixer wheel 5, the mixer element 2 in the form of firmly interconnected elements 5 and 8 is rotatable about the rotation axis R passing through the center 5z ( FIG. 2a ).

As FIG. 2b indicates, due to the attractive magnetic forces between mixer element 2 on the one hand and complementary element (driver 3) on the other hand when jointly rotating the two elements 2, 3 to the common rotational axis R due to the centrifugal forces on the one hand and the magnetic forces on the other hand, a stable equilibrium, in which the mixer element 2 is mounted on only one side (side of the support 6) at a point S on the bearing pin 8 mechanically to an abutment 7. For magnetic coupling to the driver, a total of four permanent magnets (not visible), each with alternating polarity, are integrated into the mixer wheel radially around the center 5z of the mixer wheel 5. The arrangement of the permanent magnets is complementary to the permanent magnets of the driver 3 (hereinafter referred to FIG. 3a will be described in more detail, so that is dispensed with a more detailed description of the arrangement of the permanent magnets in the body of the Mixerrads 5).

As FIGS. 2a and 2b show, the bearing pin 8 on its (in the blender 5 inserted state) the anvil 7 and its planar surface 7a facing side (which is also referred to as the front end 8s of the bearing pin 8) a cylindrical, formed of a hard plastic Support 6 on. This forms the only component of the mixer element 2, which in the rotating state of the elements 2, 3 is mechanically in contact with the abutment 7 or the planar surface 7a thereof (ie forms the bearing point or the bearing point S). As FIG. 2b shows, in the inserted state of the pin 8 of this front end 8s of the bearing pin 8 (along with another cylindrical segment portion 8a of the pin 8) on the abutment 7 facing surface of the Mixerrads 5: Even after complete abrasion of the single wearing part 8s of the mixer element Thus, there is still no mechanical contact between the mixer wheel 5 and the anvil 7: the larger diameter section 8a in comparison with the end 8s touches the surface 7a, which is detected by a changed running behavior of the element 2 (vibrations and the like) can be so that the abraded pin 8 can be replaced. It must thus be anchored only after abrasion of the support 6, a new bearing pin 8 with a new support 6 in the center 5z of the Mixer 5 in the context of a maintenance operation.

In the inserted state of the pin 8 on the abutment 7 opposite surface 5m of the Mixer 5 projects in a further cylindrical segment portion 8b of the bearing pin 8 via. This segment section or the front end 8s' of the bearing pin 8 opposite the front end 8s of the bearing pin 8 is free in the mixing chamber 1 during rotation of the mixer element 2 about the rotation axis R, ie without any mechanical contact with wall sections or the like surrounding the rotating mixer element 2. The length and shape of the bearing pin 8 and the design of the Mixerrads 5 takes place so that after insertion of the bearing pin 8 in the center 5z of the Mixerrads 5 only a composition of the mixing chamber 1 from the elements 7, 10 and 9r is possible if the ( "right") end 8s is aligned with the support 6 to the surface 7a of the anvil 7 out. In other words, insertion of the blender element 2 in a position in which the "wrong" front end 8s' of the bearing pin 8 faces the surface 7a is prevented. The fixing of the bearing pin 8 in the mixer wheel 5 is effected by positive and non-positive impressions of the bearing pin 8 in the recess in the center 5z of the Mixerrads. 5

The mixing of the concentrate K and the liquid F takes place in the mixing space 1 essentially in the intermediate space between the surface 5m of the mixer wheel facing away from the abutment 7 on the one hand and the wall portions of the portion 9r of the mixer bowl opposite this surface on the other hand. These are (in FIG. 2b dashed lines sketched) radially inwardly from the center 5z outwardly extending indentations 5v in the surface 5m of the Mixerrads 5 embedded. These multiple star-shaped radially outwardly extending indentations 5v permit a shearing of the liquid F and the concentrate K in said intermediate space and thus optimum mixing thereof in the rotating state of the mixer element 2 (or in the coupled state of mixer element 2 and driver 3).

FIG. 3a shows the magnetically coupled to the mixer element 2 of the output side driver 3 of the drive side. Distanced from the common axis of rotation R of the elements 2, 3, the driver 3 lying on a circle about the rotation axis R a total of four ring segment-shaped permanent magnet segments or permanent magnets PM1 to PM4. These four permanent magnet segments are arranged at an angular distance of 90 ° radially spaced from the and about the axis of rotation R. The four permanent magnets PM1 to PM4 each have alternately with their north pole N and their south pole S towards the mixer element 2. The mixer element 2 has a complementary permanent magnet arrangement (not visible), in which also alternately the north poles and the south poles are aligned towards the driver. Due to the magnetic attraction forces, in each case a north pole of the element 2 mates with a south pole of the element 3 and a south pole of the element 2 with a north pole of the element 3. This magnetic attraction of the individual (in north-south direction or south-north Direction of each aligned along the axis of rotation R) permanent magnets causes the magnetic coupling of the two elements 2, 3, so that they rotate when driving the driver 3 by the drive unit 4 together with identical rotational speeds about the rotation axis R.

Along the axis of rotation R seen on the mixer element 2 side remote from the driver 3 has a longitudinal axis of rotation R sprocket receiving 3k (hollow pinion) on. In the pinion seat 3k is positively locking along the rotation axis R also extensively designed pinion 4c positively inserted. This pinion 4 c is fixed on the driver 3 facing the end of the drive shaft 4 b of the motor 4 a of the drive unit 4. Pinion mount 3k, pinion 4c and drive shaft 4b are thus centered on the axis of rotation R and rotate about this with the speed of the drive motor 4a (drive of the driver 3). Due to the elongate extent of the pinion seat 3k and the pinion 4c along the axis of rotation R (of eg 0.4 cm), possibly during assembly of the components of the assembly BG2 (FIG. FIG. 1b ) occurring tolerances balanced without undesirable force loads of the individual components occur during the drive. It can thus be used relatively inexpensive components for the drive.

FIG. 1b now shows all the components of the second module BG2, so the complete drive on the drive side. Viewed from the motor 4a towards the output side (module BG1), BG2 initially comprises the motor mount 21, which is fixed here to the motor 4a with two countersunk screws 20. In the center of the motor support a recess 21b is formed centrally around R, in which the pinion seat 3k of the driver 3 can rotate about the rotation axis R. The engine mount 21 also has four wing holes 21a, which are each spaced at an angular distance of 90 ° from each other about the rotation axis R. are formed around in radially from the axis of rotation R radially outwardly projecting wings of the engine mount 21. The wing holes 21a serve to receive four complementary, tapered receiving tips 13a of the suspension element 13 (see below). After fixing the motor carrier 21 by means of the countersunk screws 20 on the motor 4a, the driver 3 or the pinion receiver 3k of the same is plugged onto the pinion 4c.

On the side facing away from the motor 4a of the motor carrier 21 and the driver 3 is now the placement of the connecting bell 12th

The component 12 is screwed by means of the screws 22 on the component 16. Between these two components, the element 13 (for example made of rubber) is clamped (held). The element 13 is therefore not screwed separately, but is only clamped between. The components 12, 13, 16 thus form a solid unit. On this, the motor carrier 21 can be clipped (on the receiving tips or on the geometry 13 a) and is thus vibration-damped attached to this unit.

In its center, the rigid connecting bell 12 has a rotationally symmetrical about the rotation axis R and perpendicular to the latter standing contact surface 12a. The diameter of this circular footprint 12a is greater than the outer diameter of the driver 3, so that the connecting bell 12 is designed to receive the driver 3 as follows: In the center of the driver 3 on the side facing away from the motor 4a, so the bell 12 facing side of the driver 3, this has a centrally mounted within the permanent magnet PM1 to PM4 spacers 11, seen in the direction of the axis of rotation R towards the bell 12 slightly over the permanent magnets PM1 to PM4 or over the bell 12 facing surface of the actual driver body and the relatively is rotatable to the permanent magnet or the actual body of the driver 3 due to the ball bearing. After assembly of the second assembly BG2 this formed in the form of a flat cylinder spacers 11 is mechanically in contact with the surface 12a of the bell 12. Since only the actual body of the driver 3 (with the permanent magnets PM1 to PM4 and the pinion seat 3k) rotates in the driven state about the rotation axis R, but not the spacer 11, so since the spacer 11 and the bell 12 relative to the axis of rotation R and the housing of the beverage maker (eg Kaffeevoll- or Kaffeehalbautomat) are immobile, no Abrasion or no wear on the driver 3 or its spacer 11. All distances (along R seen) between the components 4, 21, 3 and 12 are thus constant and a maintenance or replacement of the same is usually after a long period of operation the mixing device not necessary.

From the side facing away from the motor 4a, a suspension element 13 consisting of an elastomer is placed on the latter after placing the bell 12. Radially spaced from the axis of rotation R and distributed over its circumference at an angular distance of 90 °, this suspension element 13 has a total of four receiving tips 13a. These form from the suspension element 13 along the axis of rotation R to the motor 4a projecting over and tapered bearing elements, which are formed for positive reception in the wing holes 21a of the motor carrier 21. For this purpose, the four tapered in the direction of the motor 4a receiving tips 13a each have a circumferential groove (not shown). On the receiving tips 13a, the radially projecting wings of the engine mount 21 are pushed so that the wings engage with their wing holes 21a in said grooves. After the engagement of the wings of the motor mount 21 in the grooves of the receiving tips 13a, the motor mount 21 is fixed relative to the suspension element 13 (seen along the axis of rotation R), the bell 12 is fixed between the elements 13 and 21 and the drive unit 4 is mounted vibration-damped. A transmission of mechanical vibrations from the motor 4a during the rotation of the elements 2, 3 on the motor 4a and the connecting bell 12 opposite side (side of the support member 16) of the suspension element 13 is thus prevented.

Finally, on the side of the suspension element 13 opposite the bell 12, the carrier element 16 designed to receive BG1 is pushed onto the suspension element 13 along R.

The support member 16 has on its side facing away from the engine two in Direction to the first module BG1 overhanging wing projections 16c, which are formed substantially as radially spaced from the rotation axis R extending cylinder wall sections. In each wing projection 16c centered along the axis of rotation R recess 16a is provided which is formed as a complementary element to the wing portion 9a of the mixer cup 9, that receives the latter wing portion 9a when pushing the two assemblies BG1 and BG2. As seen in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation R, each wing projection 16c further comprises on both sides spaced apart from its recess 16a two wing edges 16b which are also parallel to the axis of rotation R (and radially spaced therefrom). These are designed as complementary elements of the projections 7b of the abutment or locking ring 7 so that the closure ring 7 can be pushed with one pair of projections 7b positively on the two wing edges 16b of a wing projection 16c of the support member 16. After this sliding onto the carrier element 16, the latter (together with the first assembly BG1 retained thereon and held by the magnetic forces thereon) is vibration-decoupled from the drive unit 4 via the suspension element 13.

On the support member 16, a stray magnetic field sensor 14 is also fixed by means of a mounting bracket 14a, by means of which it can be detected whether the two elements 2, 3 rotate at identical angular velocities about the axis of rotation R during operation of the mixing device or not. On the basis of the sensor signals can be detected in particular whether phase shifts or slip events (for example, by contamination or sticking of Konzentratresten within the mixing chamber 1 on the output side) occur. If this is the case, appropriate error messages or maintenance instructions can be issued.

Finally shows FIG. 1b another water connection 23 for supplying the liquid F to the inlet 9e (see FIG. FIG. 1a ). This water connection 23 is fixed to the receptacle 15 via a recess 15b.

In the operating state of the mixing device (that is to say when the mixer element 2 and the driver 3 rotate), only the elements 4b, 4c and 3 (with the element 3k but without the element) thus rotate by the second module BG2 11) about the axis of rotation R, while the components 4a, 21, 11, 12, 13, 14, 14a and 16 do not rotate about the axis of rotation R, so are fixed relative to the housing of the beverage maker or for receiving 15 thereof.

Claims (13)

Mixing device for mixing a food concentrate with a liquid, with
a mixing space (1) in which the food concentrate (K) can be mixed with the liquid (F) by means of a mixing element (2) which is rotatable relative to the mixing space (1) in the mixing space (1),
characterized in that
the mixer element (2) is magnetically coupled to a driver (3) which is rotatable relative to the mixing chamber (1) by means of a drive unit (4) so that by rotating the driver (3) the mixer element (2 ) is in rotation relative to the mixing chamber (1), and
that the mixer element (2) forms a support (6) and rests mechanically therewith in the rotating state only at exactly one bearing point (S) against an abutment (7) of the mixing device. Mixing device according to the preceding claim
characterized in that
the mixer element (2) comprises at least the two following components: A mixer wheel (5) and a bearing pin (8) insertable in the center (5z) of the mixer wheel (5) in the latter wherein in the rotating state of the mixer element (2) only the abutment (7) facing the front end (8s) of the inserted bearing pin (8), but not the Mixerrad (5) with the anvil (7) is mechanically in contact. Mixing device according to the preceding claim
characterized in that
that the abutment (7) facing the front end (8s) of the bearing pin (8) is formed as a cylindrical body that when inserted into the Mixerrad (5) state of the bearing pin (8) in the rotating state of the Mixerrads (5) the Counter bearing (7) facing surface of the front end (8s) as a flat cylinder cover surface with the anvil (7) over the entire surface mechanically in contact. Mixing device according to claim 1
characterized in that
preferably designed as a mixer wheel mixer element on its side facing the abutment preferably designed as a cylindrical body projection so that in the rotating state of the mixer element only this abutment facing projection, preferably its the abutment facing flat cylinder cover surface is mechanically in contact with the anvil , Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the abutment (7) has or is a flat surface (7a) with which, in the rotating state of the mixer element (2), a portion of the mixer element (2) facing the abutment (7), in particular the front end facing the abutment (7) (8s) of the bearing pin (8) according to one of the two preceding claims, mechanically in contact,
wherein preferably this flat surface (7a) contains or consists of a non-magnetic metal. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the drive unit (4) comprises a motor (4a) and a driven shaft (4b) for driving the driver (3) which can be set in rotation, the driver (3) being seen on the drive shaft (4b) in the direction of the drive shaft longitudinal axis is slidably mounted. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the driver (3) on its side facing the mixer element (2) has a rotatably mounted, preferably ball-bearing, spacer (11). Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims
marked by
a sensor (14),
by means of which it is possible to detect whether driver (3) and mixer element (2) rotate at identical angular speeds or not,
and or
by means of which it is detectable whether a slip or a phase shift occurs during a common rotation of driver (3) and mixer element (2) between the rotational movement of the driver (3) and that of the mixer element (2) or not. Mixing device according to the preceding claim
characterized in that
the detection (s) on the detection and evaluation of the magnetic stray field, in particular temporal changes thereof, the magnetic coupling between the driver (3) and mixer element (2) takes place / take place. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
between the drive unit (4) and the driver (3) on the one hand and the mixer element (2) together with its support (6) and the anvil (7) on the other hand a suspension element (13) containing one or consisting of a vibration damping / n material is arranged
the suspension element (13) being fixed relative to the mixing space (1), ie not rotating with the latter elements (2, 3) when the mixer element (2) and the driver (3) rotate together in the magnetically coupled state;
wherein the suspension element (13) is shaped and positioned so as to prevent or at least minimize the transmission of vibrations to the mixing chamber (1) by the drive unit (4) when the driver (3) is rotating. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
both the mixer element (2) and the driver (3) each have / have one or more permanent magnets,
the magnet poles of the permanent magnet (s) of the mixer element (2) and the magnet poles of the permanent magnet (s) of the driver (3) are aligned and positioned so that in the magnetically coupled, rotating state of the mixer element (2) and of the driver (3) attract these two elements (2, 3) over the resulting magnetic forces and on parallel axes of rotation, preferably on a common axis of rotation (R), align. Beverage-ready, in particular electrically operated coffee machine, with a mixing device according to one of the preceding claims. Beverage maker according to the preceding claim
marked by
a first, at least the mixer element (2) including support (6) and the abutment (7) as components comprehensive assembly (BG1) and a second, at least the driver (3) and the drive unit (4) as components comprehensive assembly (BG2) , and
a beverage dispenser housing, which comprises a receptacle (15) for insertion, preferably for insertion or suspension, of the first assembly (BG1) and in which the components (3, 4, ...) of the second assembly (BG2) are arranged, preferably installed firmly connected to each other,
wherein the components (2, 6, 7, ...) of the first assembly (BG1) outside the beverage maker housing are mechanically joined and then from these components (2, 6, 7, ...) already assembled first assembly ( BG1) in the receptacle (15) is insertable and with the second assembly (BG2) for producing the magnetic coupling of the Mischvorrrichtung is merge.

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