WO2015132132A1 - Dispositif et procédé de préparation de boissons - Google Patents

Dispositif et procédé de préparation de boissons Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015132132A1
WO2015132132A1 PCT/EP2015/054078 EP2015054078W WO2015132132A1 WO 2015132132 A1 WO2015132132 A1 WO 2015132132A1 EP 2015054078 W EP2015054078 W EP 2015054078W WO 2015132132 A1 WO2015132132 A1 WO 2015132132A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
beverage
mixing
assembly
container
outlet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2015/054078
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Flavien Dubief
Original Assignee
Nestec S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nestec S.A. filed Critical Nestec S.A.
Publication of WO2015132132A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015132132A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/40—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
    • A47J31/401—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea whereby the powder ingredients and the water are delivered to a mixing bowl
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/11—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers
    • B01F27/112—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers with arms, paddles, vanes or blades
    • B01F27/1123—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers with arms, paddles, vanes or blades sickle-shaped, i.e. curved in at least one direction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/80—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis
    • B01F27/808—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis with stirrers driven from the bottom of the receptacle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/80—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis
    • B01F27/88—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis with a separate receptacle-stirrer unit that is adapted to be coupled to a drive mechanism
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/40—Mounting or supporting mixing devices or receptacles; Clamping or holding arrangements therefor
    • B01F35/43—Supporting receptacles on frames or stands
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/75—Discharge mechanisms
    • B01F35/754—Discharge mechanisms characterised by the means for discharging the components from the mixer
    • B01F35/7547—Discharge mechanisms characterised by the means for discharging the components from the mixer using valves, gates, orifices or openings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/75—Discharge mechanisms
    • B01F35/754—Discharge mechanisms characterised by the means for discharging the components from the mixer
    • B01F35/7548—Discharge mechanisms characterised by the means for discharging the components from the mixer using tilting or pivoting means for emptying the mixing receptacle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K7/00—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves
    • F16K7/02—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves with tubular diaphragm
    • F16K7/04—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force
    • F16K7/06—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of a screw-spindle, cam, or other mechanical means
    • F16K7/063—Lever clamps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
    • A47J43/046—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven with tools driven from the bottom side

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a beverage dispenser configured for preparing beverages from soluble beverage ingredients, in particular pellets of soluble beverage ingredient
  • Such devices of the prior art are configured for mixing beverage ingredient in the form of powder or concentrate with diluent.
  • beverage ingredient powder exists under the shape of pellets also. These pellets are issued from the compression of the powder.
  • This form of beverage ingredients presents several advantages like taking less volume during storage, being easier to dose, limiting creation of fines and so dirtiness.
  • the beverage ingredient pellets are commonly used to manually prepare a beverage in a cup by pouring water on the pellet.
  • Such pellet usually comprises additives that help the instant dissolution of the pellet when water is poured. These additives increase the cost of the ingredient and can affect the usual taste of the beverage. On top of that, product can be perceived as less natural by the consumer.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a beverage dispenser able to produce beverages from compressed soluble beverage ingredients pellets or even soluble beverage ingredient powders.
  • the invention concerns a mixing assembly for mixing a beverage, said assembly comprising a mixing chamber, said mixing chamber comprising :
  • a cylindrical container comprising a top wall, a floor and a sidewall extending upwardly from the floor to the top wall to form a space inside the sidewall, the top wall and the floor wherein the beverage is mixed, said container having a longitudinal axis YY' centred therein and the floor of the container comprising an opening through which extends the end of a drive shaft oriented along a rotational axis XX', said rotational axis being collinear with, preferably identical to, the longitudinal axis YY',
  • the outlet is positioned at the intersection of the floor and the container sidewall, and wherein the assembly comprises a valve device for either closing or opening the chamber outlet.
  • the assembly of the present invention comprises a mixing chamber in which at least a liquid can be introduced so that the liquid can be mixed, optionally with a soluble beverage ingredient, to produce a beverage.
  • the mixing chamber presents the general shape of a container with a top wall, a floor and a sidewall, said sidewall being connected to the floor and extending upwardly from the floor to form a space inside the sidewall and the floor wherein the beverage is prepared.
  • the floor of the chamber is flat.
  • the container presents a longitudinal axis YY' centred therein.
  • the top wall, the floor and the sidewall walls of the container cooperate together to form a close container.
  • beverage can be mixed inside with no risk that beverage may leak therefrom.
  • the ratio of the height to the diameter of the cylindrical container is of at least 0,7, even more preferably comprised between 1 and 3.
  • the mixing chamber presents an internal volume configured for preparing a beverage for one person, that is to say the volume of a current cup. Nevertheless according to another embodiment the mixing chamber can present a volume configured for producing several beverage portions at the same time.
  • the floor of the mixing chamber comprises an opening through which extends the end of a drive shaft oriented along a rotational axis XX'.
  • the drive shaft is connected to a device for rotating said shaft.
  • Said device is usually a motor positioned below the mixing chamber.
  • the mixing assembly comprises the device for rotating the shaft.
  • a seal between the shaft and the opening is generally present to avoid beverage leaking.
  • the longitudinal axis YY' of the mixing chamber container and the rotational axis XX' of the drive shaft are collinear, and preferably identical.
  • the mixing chamber opening through which extends the end of the drive shaft is in the centre of the mixing chamber container floor and consequently the longitudinal axis YY' of the mixing chamber container and the rotational axis XX' of the drive shaft are identical.
  • the mixing chamber opening through which extends the drive shaft is distant from the centre of the mixing chamber container floor and consequently the longitudinal axis YY' of the mixing chamber container and the rotational axis XX' of the drive shaft are different but parallel.
  • the end of the drive shaft extends through the opening in the floor of the container so that only the part configured for cooperating with a mixing device extends in the container. Therefore the end of the drive shaft does not extend through the space inside the container. As a consequence, the rest of the shaft does not extend though the container and cleaning of the container remains simple.
  • a mixing device is attached to the end of the drive shaft that extends in the mixing chamber so that the mixing device can rotate.
  • the mixing device usually comprises at least one blade.
  • the blade can present any shape configured for crushing pieces and agitating a beverage.
  • Preferable the blade presents a shape such that when it is rotated it draws a path that is close to the floor and the lower part of the sidewall of the mixing chamber container. Such shape improves breaking of the pellets.
  • Such a shape improves also shearing of the beverage fluid between the surface of the blade and the surface of the container walls leading to an efficient dissolution and eventually the creation of foam or crema depending on the nature of the beverage.
  • Foam or crema formation can also depend on the speed of rotation.
  • the preferred blade extends essentially in parallel to the chamber floor and presents an upright tip at its free end.
  • the blade can comprise a design configured for introducing air in the liquid introduced in the mixing chamber, for example milk, in order to forth that liquid.
  • the mixing device can comprise only one blade or several blades, either identical or different.
  • the mixing device comprises symmetrical positioned blades in order to avoid vibrations.
  • the blade can be made of metal or of plastic.
  • the blade can present cutting edges.
  • the chamber comprises an outlet for evacuating the beverage from the mixing chamber.
  • the outlet is positioned at or near the intersection of the floor and the sidewall of the mixing chamber container. It is preferably placed so that further to an inclination of the mixing assembly the outlet can be positioned at the lowest vertical position of the mixing container. It is usually a simple hole.
  • the beverage outlet is connected to a beverage dispensing assembly, said assembly comprising a tube extending downwardly from the outlet and essentially oriented along a longitudinal axis ZZ'. Consequently the tube is essentially straight.
  • said longitudinal axis ZZ' of the tube is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis XX' of the shaft of the mixing chamber according to an acute angle, preferably comprised between 10° and 60°, even more preferably comprised between 20° and 30°.
  • the tube outlet diameter is comprised between 2 mm and 10 mm.
  • the tube diameter is dimensioned so that the beverage can evenly flow inside. If the tube diameter is too small, then a beverage with foam - like coffee crema of espresso - can be retained in the mixing chamber. Consequently the beverage dispensed in a receptacle downstream to the outlet tube does not present a nice aspect. On the contrary if the tube diameter is too large, the beverage can flow too rapidly and bubbles can appear in the receptacle when beverage splashes inside. Again the beverage dispensed in a receptacle downstream to the outlet tube would not present a nice aspect.
  • the tube diameter is about 4 mm for dispensing coffee with a layer of crema like espresso.
  • the tube diameter is comprised between 4 mm and 8 mm for dispensing a foamed milk-based beverage like a cappuccino.
  • the assembly comprises a valve device for either closing or opening the outlet.
  • the valve device closes the beverage outlet by default. Consequently when beverage ingredient and diluent are introduced in the mixing chamber they cannot flow out from the opening at the bottom of the mixing chamber.
  • the valve device is in the upstream part of the beverage dispensing assembly. Consequently only a small volume of diluent can enter in the assembly during the beverage preparation ; this would not affect the quality of the final beverage.
  • the mixing assembly comprises a beverage dispensing assembly comprising a tube such as described hereabove
  • at least a part of the outlet tube of the dispensing assembly can be made of a flexible and resilient material and the valve device can be a pinching valve.
  • the flexible and resilient material can be silicone rubber or any other material known for its flexible and resilient properties and food agreed.
  • the outlet pipe is made of at least two parts, one first part being made of flexible and resilient material and another rigid part and positioned downstream to the first part.
  • the pinching valve comprises an abutment and at least one element movable between :
  • the movable element of the pinching valve can be moved between the two positions according to a translation movement or a rotational movement or a combination of these both movements.
  • the pinching valve pinches the tube along a direction perpendicular to the tube - that is a direction essentially perpendicular to the vertical axis.
  • the valve in the first position can pinch the tube and deform it so that it is less apparent externally.
  • valve device can be manually actuated by the consumer.
  • the device can comprise an actuator like a button or a lever that indirectly moves the pinching valve.
  • valve device can be automatically activated by a controller of the device during the beverage preparation cycle.
  • the chamber can comprise a diluent inlet.
  • the diluent inlet is positioned in the side wall of the mixing chamber, preferably near to the bottom.
  • the chamber can be deprived of diluent system. Consequently the diluent can be introduced in the mixing chamber through the top of the mixing chamber container.
  • the te top wall of the container is an openable cover.
  • the cover avoids that beverage splashes out of the mixing chamber during the beverage preparation, which introduces a lot of mechanical energy in the mixing chamber.
  • a diluent inlet can be positioned in the cover.
  • the cover comprises a hole so that the mixing chamber remains opened to the atmosphere when the cover is closed. So during beverage mixing air can be incorporated in the beverage and foam can be obtained. Moreover during beverage dispensing the beverage can evenly flow through the dispensing tube without creating undesired big bubbles in the drinking cup.
  • the hole in the cover is a conduit extending through the cover from the mixing chamber container side to the atmosphere side.
  • the cover can also enable the customer to introduce his/her own dose of diluent in the mixing chamber if the device is deprived of a diluent fluid system.
  • the cover also enables the customer to introduce the soluble beverage ingredient for the beverage preparation if the device is deprived of container for storing and dosing said ingredient.
  • the cover also enables the customer to introduce additives like flavours, sweeteners, vitamins, ice cubes in order to add them to the beverage during the preparation.
  • the invention concerns a first beverage preparation machine comprising a mixing assembly such as described above, wherein the mixing assembly is positioned in the machine so that the rotational axis XX' is inclined with respect to vertical and the chamber outlet is positioned at the vertically lowest position of the mixing container.
  • the mixing chamber acts as a funnel for any liquid introduced inside : the liquid can be completely dispensed and when the chamber is rinsed, the rinsing water is completely evacuated.
  • the beverage dispensing assembly comprises a tube connected to the outlet of the mixing chamber and essentially oriented along a longitudinal axis ZZ', said longitudinal axis ZZ' of the tube being inclined with respect to the rotational axis XX' of the mixing chamber according to an acute angle, preferably comprised between 10° and 60°, even more preferably comprised between 20° and 30°, then the rotational axis XX' is preferably inclined with respect to vertical according to the same acute angle, preferably comprised between 10° and 60°, even more preferably comprised between 20° and 30°.
  • the longitudinal axis ZZ' is essentially vertically oriented.
  • This first machine can comprise a docking station, the mixing assembly being configured for being plugged therein and said docking station fixing the orientation of the assembly.
  • the docking station can comprise at least one of the following supplies to the mixing assembly : energy supply, diluent supply, heating, cooling.
  • the invention concerns a second beverage preparation machine comprising a mixing assembly such as described hereabove, said assembly comprising a beverage dispensing assembly, said assembly comprising a tube connected to the outlet of the mixing chamber and essentially oriented along a longitudinal axis ZZ', and said longitudinal axis ZZ' of the tube being inclined with respect to the rotational axis XX' of the mixing chamber according to an acute angle, preferably comprised between 10° and 60°, even more preferably comprised between 20° and 30°, and said assembly being positioned in the machine so that the rotational axis XX' is vertical at rest and the machine being configured for orienting the longitudinal axis ZZ' essentially vertically at least during beverage dispensing.
  • the machine is configured for orienting the longitudinal axis ZZ' essentially vertically at least during beverage dispensing by hand.
  • the orientation of the machine so that the longitudinal axis ZZ' is essentially vertical can also be implemented when the machine is rinsed and the rinsing liquid is evacuated from the mixing chamber.
  • This second machine can be produced by plugging the mixing assembly such as described hereabove in a docking station, said station fixing the orientation of the assembly when the machine is at rest.
  • the docking station can comprise at least one of the following supplies to the mixing assembly : energy supply, diluent supply, heating, cooling.
  • This second machine can be inclined to change the orientation of the axis XX' and ZZ' during the dispensing operation and the rest of the time.
  • the machine can be oriented by hand.
  • This second machine can be configured for orienting essentially vertically either the rotational axis XX' of the shaft of the mixing chamber or the longitudinal axis ZZ' of the tube.
  • the machine is configured for being oriented in different positions and at least in two different positions :
  • the first position generally corresponds to the orientation of the machine during the preparation of the beverage that is to say during mixing.
  • the second position generally corresponds to the orientation of the machine during the dispensing of the prepared beverage.
  • the machine of the present invention presents such a size and such a weight that it can be oriented by hand by the consumer.
  • the machine can be hold in the hand of a consumer.
  • the machine can present such an external design so that it is obvious to the consumer that the machine must be tilted before pouring the beverage in a cup.
  • the external design of the machine shows the orientation of the tube of the beverage dispensing assembly so that the consumer is naturally incited to tilt the machine to orientate the beverage outlet vertically when the beverage is dispensed.
  • the external design is generally provided by the external shell of the machine. Visual features can be used to incite the consumer to tilt the device when the beverage is poured. These features can be the design of the shell, the visibility of the end of the tube of the beverage dispensing assembly, graphics on the machine or a combination of them.
  • the rotational axis XX' of the mixing chamber is essentially vertically oriented. So when the machine is not used and is put down the rotational axis XX' is essentially vertically oriented. Consequently the consumer can easily pour beverage ingredient and diluent in the machine when the machine is put down.
  • the bottom surface of the machine is essentially perpendicular to the rotational axis XX' of the chamber.
  • the mixing chamber comprises a diluent inlet
  • said diluent inlet is usually connected to a fluid system in order to supply the diluent from a diluent supply - e.g. a tank - to the diluent inlet.
  • the fluid system can comprise at least a diluent supply and a pump, and optionally a fluid temperature adjustment device (heating or cooling).
  • the fluid temperature adjustment device can be integrated in the mixing chamber.
  • the diluent is not heated or cooled but the beverage itself is heated or cooled during beverage preparation.
  • the diluent can introduced in the mixing chamber through the top of the mixing chamber container.
  • the consumer can heat or cool the diluent before introducing it in the mixing chamber or if a fluid temperature adjustment device is integrated in the mixing chamber, the diluent can be introduced at whatever temperature and the beverage itself is heated or cooled during beverage preparation.
  • the machine can comprise a beverage ingredient storing container.
  • this container is positioned above the mixing chamber so the soluble beverage ingredient can fall by gravity in the mixing chamber when it is dosed.
  • the dosing operation can be manual or automatic.
  • the motor can be part of the mixing assembly or of a docking station.
  • the invention concerns a process for the preparation of a beverage with a mixing assembly such as described hereabove wherein the following steps are implemented :
  • a soluble beverage ingredient is introduced in the mixing chamber container and the at least one liquid component is a diluent.
  • the soluble beverage ingredient can be an instant beverage powder like instant coffee, 3- in-1 powder, milk powder, instant tea, chocolate powder, soup powder.
  • the soluble beverage ingredient can also be a liquid beverage concentrate like a coffee or tea concentrate, beverage syrup, a milk concentrate.
  • Additives like flavours, sweeteners, vitamins, ice cubes (for preparing cold beverages) can be introduced in the mixing chamber with the main soluble beverage ingredient too.
  • the soluble beverage ingredient is a pellet of compressed soluble beverage ingredient.
  • the diluent is usually water, but other diluent like milk can be used. Water can be previously heated, for example in a kettle.
  • the assembly can also be used to mix a ready-to-drink beverage with the aim to froth it and introduce air inside.
  • This ready-to-drink beverage is usually milk.
  • the assembly comprises an openable cover and during step a) at least one of the soluble beverage ingredient and the diluent are manually introduced.
  • the assembly comprises a beverage ingredient pellets storage container and at least one pellet is manually or automatically introduced in the mixing chamber during step a).
  • the time length of mixing step b) can be controlled to adjust the quantity of crema or foam in the beverage.
  • the time length depends on the time length during which the customer presses the first button. So the user can customise his/her beverage by pressing the mixing button during a certain time. The longer the mixing sequence, the higher the quantity of crema or foam.
  • the time length is automatically set. This time length could also be varied by adding a potentiometer or a cursor on the device body, which would set the mixing time.
  • step c) mixing is stopped before the dispensing step c) is implemented.
  • the assembly can optionally be tilted by hand so that the longitudinal axis ZZ' of the tube of the beverage dispensing assembly is essentially vertically oriented to dispense the beverage in a receptacle
  • the cleaning of the device can be achieved by rinsing it under tap water.
  • a sponge can be used if milk is used.
  • a small brush can be used to clean the inside of the beverage dispensing assembly tube, especially if milk is used.
  • Another way of rinsing the device is to pour water inside the mixing chamber, trigger the mixing, and then pour the rinsing water in a container or a sink. This operation is more efficient with hot water.
  • bottom In the present application the terms “bottom”, “top”, “upper”, “lateral”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “horizontal” and “vertical” are used to describe the relational positioning of features of the invention. These terms should be understood to refer to the device in its normal orientation when put down as shown for example in Figures 7 and 9. More specifically “bottom” and “top” refers to the common sense of these terms relatively to vertical. As an example a bottom wall is vertically positioned under a top wall.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mixing assembly according to the invention attached to a motor
  • Figure 2 and 3 is a cross section of Figure 1 ,
  • FIG. 3 is an extracted view of the bottom of the mixing chamber of the mixing assembly of Figure 1 ,
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the mixing assembly according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mixing assembly of Figure 4 plugged in a docking station
  • Figure 6 is a cross-section of Figure 5
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first machine comprising the mixing assembly and the docking station of Figures 5 and 6,
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mixing assembly of Figure 4 plugged in another docking station
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second machine comprising the mixing assembly and the docking station of Figure 8,
  • FIGS 1 and 2 illustrate a mixing assembly 1 according to the invention attached to a motor 5.
  • the assembly comprises a mixing chamber comprising a mixing container 2 in which a beverage can be prepared.
  • the container 2 comprises a floor 21 and a sidewall 22 extending upwardly from the floor to form a space inside the sidewall and the floor wherein the beverage is mixed.
  • the container has a longitudinal axis YY' centred therein.
  • Preferably the floor is flat and the cross section of the side wall is circular, the container forming a cylindrical container.
  • the floor comprises an opening 23 through which extends a drive shaft 24 oriented along a rotational axis XX'.
  • a mixing device 25 is attached to the drive shaft 24. This mixing device is illustrated in Figure 3.
  • the nixing device presents a shape so as to implement an efficient mixing of a liquid inside the container 2.
  • the mixing device 25 comprises two symmetrical blades parallel to the floor 21 and bent upwardly at their free end.
  • the shaft 24 extends under the chamber floor 21 and is connected at its lower end to a motor 5.
  • the mixing chamber comprises an outlet 26 for evacuating the beverage from the container 2.
  • the outlet is positioned at or near the intersection of the floor 21 and the sidewall 22.
  • the motor can be electrically energized through plots at its bottom.
  • the mixing assembly comprises a valve device 3 for closing or opening the beverage outlet 26. Any type of valve device can be used.
  • the beverage outlet 26 is connected to a tube 31.
  • the tube 31 is composed of different tubular parts : for example, as illustrated in Figure 1 , the upstream part of the tube is made :
  • a second tube 33 made of a flexible and resilient material which cooperates with a valve device 3 as explained hereunder, and
  • valve device 3 With such second tube 33, it is possible to use a pinching valve as valve device 3.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a particular implementation of a pinching valve 3.
  • the valve either pinches and closes the second tube 33 made of a flexible and resilient material with a pinching member 32 or releases and opens said tube.
  • the pinching member 32 is activated by a lever 34 that can be rotated either in a direction to activate the mixing of the beverage in the mixing chamber or in a direction to dispense the mixed beverage through the tube outlet 31 b.
  • the tube 31 connected to the beverage outlet 26 extends downwardly and is oriented along a longitudinal axis ZZ'. As a consequence the tube 31 is straight.
  • the angle a between the rotational axis XX' of the shaft of the mixing chamber and the longitudinal axis ZZ' of the tube 31 is of about 30° in the illustrated device.
  • This angle usually presents a value greater than 10° and preferably of at most 30°.
  • This angle value usually depends on the volume of the motor 5, the width of the chamber and the position of the mixing chamber outlet 26 relative to said volume of the motor. Due to the position of the motor 5 under the chamber, the outlet of the chamber cannot be perpendicularly oriented with respect the floor
  • the tube is inclined relative to the rotational axis XX' of the shaft so that the end of the tube 31 emerges on the lateral side of the motor.
  • FIGs 5 to 7 illustrate a beverage preparation machine comprising a mixing assembly such as illustrated in Figures 1 or 4.
  • the mixing assembly 1 is positioned in the machine so that the rotational axis XX' is inclined with respect to vertical and the chamber outlet 26 is positioned at the vertically lowest position of the mixing container 2. Due to this position beverage can be totally evacuated from the chamber container 2, the floor 21 and the side wall
  • the rotational axis XX' is inclined with respect to vertical according to an acute angle ⁇ ', preferably comprised between 10° and 60°, even more preferably comprised between 20° and 30°.
  • the inclination may vary depending on the position of the beverage outlet. Said outlet must be positioned at the lowest vertical position of the mixing container when the assembly is fixed in the machine.
  • the longitudinal axis ZZ' of the tube 31 is preferably essentially vertical.
  • the longitudinal axis ZZ' is oriented at an angle ⁇ of 8° with respect to vertical. This angle usually presents a value not greater than 10°.
  • the mixing assembly is plugged in a docking base 15 which gives the right orientation of the rotational axis XX' in order to have the right position of the chamber outlet 26 such as described hereabove.
  • this docking base 15 comprises a flat basement 15a to put down the machine on a flat work surface 1 1 for example in a kitchen and an erected body 15b configured for orienting the mixing assembly 1 with respect to vertical according to the invention.
  • the erected body 15b presents a bottom part essentially vertically oriented and an upper part inclined with respect to vertical according to the invention.
  • the bottom part essentially vertically oriented aims to give more stability to the device.
  • the flat basement 15a can include a drip tray under the outlet of the tube 31.
  • the docking base 15 usually comprises a battery for energizing the motor 5.
  • Figure 7 illustrates the machine of Figures 5, 6 1 1 with a shell 16 to hire the internal parts of the machine.
  • the machine also comprises a cover 7 at the top of the mixing chamber.
  • An internal electric circuit (not represented) enables the activation of the motor by the lever 34.
  • FIG 8 is a partial view of a second beverage preparation machine comprising a mixing assembly 1 with a beverage dispensing assembly 3 such as described in Figure 7 and in which the mixing assembly 1 is positioned in the machine so that the rotational axis XX' is vertical at rest.
  • the mixing assembly is plugged in a base 15 presenting a vertical longitudinal axis and consequently orienting the shaft of the motor vertically.
  • the axis ZZ' of the tube 31 is inclined with respect to vertical according to an angle a of about 30° in the illustrated machine.
  • Figure 9 illustrates the machine of Figure 8 with a shell 16 to hire the internal parts of the machine.
  • the machine also comprises a cover 7 at the top of the mixing chamber.
  • An internal electric circuit (not represented) enables the activation of the motor by the lever 34.
  • the machine is configured so that the longitudinal axis ZZ' can be essentially vertically oriented at least during beverage dispensing as illustrated in Figure 10.
  • the machine presents such a size and weight that it can be hold in the hand and orientate during beverage dispensing so that the axis ZZ' is essentially vertical.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un ensemble de mélangeage (1) pour mélanger une boisson, ledit ensemble comprenant une chambre de mélangeage, ladite chambre de mélangeage comprenant : un récipient de mélangeage (2) comprenant un plancher (21) et une paroi latérale (22) s'étendant vers le haut depuis le plancher de façon à former un espace à l'intérieur de la paroi latérale et du plancher dans lequel la boisson est mélangée, ledit récipient présentant un axe longitudinal YY' centré à l'intérieur de celui-ci et le plancher du récipient comprenant une ouverture (23) à travers laquelle s'étend un arbre d'entraînement (24) orienté le long d'un axe de rotation XX ', ledit axe de rotation étant colinéaire avec, de préférence identique à, l'axe longitudinal YY ', un dispositif de mélangeage (25) fixé à l'arbre d'entraînement, une sortie (26) pour évacuer la boisson de la chambre de mélangeage, la sortie de la chambre (26) étant positionnée au niveau ou à proximité de l'intersection du plancher (21) avec la paroi latérale de la chambre (22), et l'ensemble comprenant un dispositif de soupape (32) soit pour fermer, soit pour ouvrir la sortie de la chambre (26).
PCT/EP2015/054078 2014-03-07 2015-02-26 Dispositif et procédé de préparation de boissons WO2015132132A1 (fr)

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EP14158381 2014-03-07

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107319246A (zh) * 2017-08-24 2017-11-07 吴启航 一种饮料制作生产工艺用制备机
IT201600105275A1 (it) * 2016-10-19 2018-04-19 Born To Mix S R L Dispositivo di miscelazione per la realizzazione di una miscela in forma di polvere o liquido comprendente almeno un polimero e impianto dotato di tale dispositivo
CN108201351A (zh) * 2016-12-16 2018-06-26 漳州灿坤实业有限公司 用于冲泡饮品的注液装置及注液方法
CN112138559A (zh) * 2020-09-30 2020-12-29 广州扬坪机电科技有限公司 一种具有减震除噪功能的机电一体化搅拌机

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2074479A5 (fr) * 1970-01-03 1971-10-01 Coffee Corp Sa
AT317939B (de) * 1972-05-17 1974-09-25 Prosenbauer & Co Vorrichtung zur Bereitung und Ausgabe von gefrorenen, jedoch noch fließfähigen Erfrischungsprodukten und gekühlten Getränken
DE3829774A1 (de) * 1987-09-04 1989-03-16 Nisshin Flour Milling Co Mischer
JP3073976U (ja) * 2000-06-12 2000-12-15 遠赤青汁株式会社 撹拌装置
US6431744B1 (en) * 1999-11-18 2002-08-13 Fred L. Ash Blender hopper
EP2062513A1 (fr) * 2007-11-22 2009-05-27 Gruppo Cimbali S.p.A. Appareil de préparation et de distribution de boissons à partir de produits solubles
EP2586345A1 (fr) * 2011-10-28 2013-05-01 Capitani S.r.l. Machine pour la fabrication et distribution d'une boisson

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2074479A5 (fr) * 1970-01-03 1971-10-01 Coffee Corp Sa
AT317939B (de) * 1972-05-17 1974-09-25 Prosenbauer & Co Vorrichtung zur Bereitung und Ausgabe von gefrorenen, jedoch noch fließfähigen Erfrischungsprodukten und gekühlten Getränken
DE3829774A1 (de) * 1987-09-04 1989-03-16 Nisshin Flour Milling Co Mischer
US6431744B1 (en) * 1999-11-18 2002-08-13 Fred L. Ash Blender hopper
JP3073976U (ja) * 2000-06-12 2000-12-15 遠赤青汁株式会社 撹拌装置
EP2062513A1 (fr) * 2007-11-22 2009-05-27 Gruppo Cimbali S.p.A. Appareil de préparation et de distribution de boissons à partir de produits solubles
EP2586345A1 (fr) * 2011-10-28 2013-05-01 Capitani S.r.l. Machine pour la fabrication et distribution d'une boisson

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT201600105275A1 (it) * 2016-10-19 2018-04-19 Born To Mix S R L Dispositivo di miscelazione per la realizzazione di una miscela in forma di polvere o liquido comprendente almeno un polimero e impianto dotato di tale dispositivo
CN108201351A (zh) * 2016-12-16 2018-06-26 漳州灿坤实业有限公司 用于冲泡饮品的注液装置及注液方法
CN107319246A (zh) * 2017-08-24 2017-11-07 吴启航 一种饮料制作生产工艺用制备机
CN107319246B (zh) * 2017-08-24 2021-01-22 惠州市耶利亚食品饮料有限公司 一种饮料制作生产工艺用制备机
CN112138559A (zh) * 2020-09-30 2020-12-29 广州扬坪机电科技有限公司 一种具有减震除噪功能的机电一体化搅拌机

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