MIXED BEVERAGE PRODUCTION APPLIANCE, DOMESTIC REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE CONTAINING SUCH A MIXED BEVERAGE PRODUCTION APPLIANCE AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A MIXED BEVERAGE

Abstract

A mixed beverage production appliance has a first container which is configured for receiving a first fluid having a first freezing point and is able to be added to a mixed beverage and a second container which is separate therefrom and which is configured for receiving a second fluid having a second freezing point which is different from the first freezing point and which is able to be added to a mixed beverage. The two containers are connected into a refrigerating circuit of the mixed beverage production appliance which is configured such that the two containers are able to be subjected to different temperatures independently of one another.

Claims

1. A mixed beverage production appliance, comprising: a first container configured for receiving a first fluid having a first freezing point and being able to be added to a mixed beverage by the mixed beverage production appliance; at least one second container being separate from said first container and configured for receiving a second fluid having a second freezing point which is different from the first freezing point and which is able to be added to the mixed beverage by the mixed beverage production appliance; and a refrigerating circuit, said first and second containers being connected into said refrigerating circuit being configured such that said first and second two containers are able to be subjected to different temperatures independently of one another.

2. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 1, wherein said refrigerating circuit is configured such that a temperature of said first container is between 0.8° C. and 8° C.

3. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 1, wherein said refrigerating circuit is configured such that a temperature of said second container is between −8° C. and −20° C.

4. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 1, wherein said refrigerating circuit has a first partial circuit, said first container being connected in said first partial circuit, and a second partial circuit connected in parallel thereto, said second container being connected in said second partial circuit.

5. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 4, further comprising a first evaporator connected into said first partial circuit.

6. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 5, further comprising a first valve connected into said first partial circuit upstream of said first evaporator in a direction of flow of a refrigerant in said first partial circuit.

7. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 6, wherein said first valve is a thermally-controlled expansion valve; and further comprising a temperature detection unit disposed adjacent to said first evaporator and a temperature being able to be detected thereby and said thermally-controlled expansion valve being able to be operated dependent thereon.

8. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 6, further comprising a second valve connected into said first partial circuit downstream of said first evaporator in the direction of flow of the refrigerant in said first partial circuit.

9. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 5, further comprising a second evaporator connected into said second partial circuit.

10. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 9, further comprising a third valve connected into said second partial circuit upstream of said second evaporator in a direction of flow of a refrigerant in said second partial circuit.

11. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 10, wherein said third valve is a thermally controlled expansion valve; and further comprising a temperature detection unit disposed adjacent to said second evaporator and a temperature being able to be detected thereby and said thermally controlled expansion valve being able to be operated dependent thereon.

12. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 10, further comprising a fourth valve connected into said second partial circuit downstream of said second evaporator in the direction of flow of a refrigerant in said second partial circuit.

13. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 1, wherein: said first container has at least one active intermixing element for actively intermixing the first fluid and/or at least one passive intermixing element for passively intermixing the first fluid; and/or said second container has at least one active intermixing element for actively intermixing the second fluid and/or at least one passive intermixing element for passively intermixing the second fluid.

14. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 5, wherein said first evaporator is thermally connected directly to said first container and at least partially encompasses said first container.

15. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 6, wherein said first valve is a thermally-controlled expansion valve.

16. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 9, wherein said second evaporator is thermally connected directly to said second container and at least partially encompasses said second container.

17. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 10, wherein said third valve is a thermally-controlled expansion valve.

18. The mixed beverage production appliance according to claim 11, wherein said second evaporator has an outlet, said temperature detection unit is disposed adjacent to said outlet of said second evaporator viewed in the direction of flow of the refrigerant in said second partial circuit.

19. A domestic refrigeration appliance, comprising: a housing; a receiver space for foodstuffs being configured in said housing; a mixed beverage production appliance, containing: a first container configured for receiving a first fluid having a first freezing point and being able to be added to a mixed beverage by said mixed beverage production appliance; at least one second container being separate from said first container and configured for receiving a second fluid having a second freezing point which is different from the first freezing point and which is able to be added to said mixed beverage by said mixed beverage production appliance; and a refrigerating circuit, said first and second containers being connected into said refrigerating circuit being configured such that said first and second two containers are able to be subjected to different temperatures independently of one another.

20. A method for temperature control of components of a mixed beverage production appliance configured for producing and dispensing a beverage, the mixed beverage production appliance containing a first container configured for receiving a first fluid having a first freezing point and being able to be added to a mixed beverage by the mixed beverage production appliance, at least one second container being separate from the first container and configured for receiving a second fluid having a second freezing point which is different from the first freezing point and which is able to be added to the mixed beverage by the mixed beverage production appliance and a refrigerating circuit, the first and second containers being connected into the refrigerating circuit being configured such that the first and second two containers are able to be subjected to different temperatures independently of one another, which comprises the steps of: subjecting the first container to a temperature such that the first fluid present in the first container is set to a temperature above the first freezing point; and subjecting the second container to a temperature such that the second fluid present in the second container is set to a different temperature from the temperature of the first fluid and above the second freezing point.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0051] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a domestic refrigeration appliance according to the invention; and

[0052] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a refrigerating circuit with containers of an embodiment of a mixed beverage production appliance connected therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] Elements which are the same or functionally the same are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0054] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a domestic refrigeration appliance 1 is partially shown in a simplified perspective view. The domestic refrigeration appliance 1 in this case is a combined refrigeration-freezer appliance. The domestic refrigeration appliance 1 is configured for storing and preserving foodstuffs. It contains a housing 2, a first inner container 3 being arranged therein. The walls of the inner container 3 define a first receiver space 4 for foodstuffs, wherein the receiver space 4 is a refrigeration compartment.

[0055] Moreover, the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 contains a further inner container 5 which with its walls defines a second receiver space 6 which is a freezer compartment. The two receiver spaces 4 and 6 are separated from one another. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the receiver spaces 4 and 6 are arranged in the vertical direction and thus above one another in the vertical direction (y-direction). In the exemplary embodiment, they are preferably able to be closed in each case by separate doors, not shown, which, in particular, are pivotably attached to the housing 2.

[0056] Moreover, the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 contains a mixed beverage production appliance 7. The mixed beverage production appliance 7, however, may also be configured as a separate stand-alone appliance and thus may be positioned independently of a domestic refrigeration appliance 1 and may be operated independently thereof. The mixed beverage production appliance 7 is arranged in a receiving region 8 of the housing 2. The receiving region 8 is separate from the receiver spaces 4 and 6. It may be provided that the receiving region 8 is defined by walls of a separate inner container, which is also enclosed in foam in the housing 2. The receiving region 8, however, may also be configured so as to be integrated in the inner container 3 or in the inner container 5.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the receiving region 8 is arranged in the vertical direction between the receiver space 4 and the receiver space 6.

[0058] The mixed beverage production appliance 7 is arranged on the front face and is thus accessible from the front and on the visible side. In particular, it is not able to be closed and thus covered on the front face by a door.

[0059] The mixed beverage production appliance 7 has a housing 9.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the housing 9, and thus the entire mixed beverage production appliance 7 in the depth direction and thus in the horizontal direction, which corresponds to the z-direction, is able to be pulled out of the receiving region 8 and is able to be pushed in again in a manner corresponding to a drawer. In FIG. 1 the fully pulled-out state is shown.

[0061] Here it is preferably provided that the horizontal displaceability is formed by a displacement device 10 which has a plurality of bearing points. In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the displacement device 10 contains at least two, in particular four, bearing points. These are formed in the exemplary embodiment as rails which may also be extension rails. In particular, in this case a first rail 11 is arranged in an upper left corner region, a second rail 12 is arranged in the upper right corner region and a third rail 13 is arranged in the lower right corner region and a further rail, not visible in FIG. 1, is arranged in the lower left corner region. A very secure displacement of the housing 9 which is secured in a manner which prevents expansion and tipping over is possible by means of this four-point bearing.

[0062] Advantageously, therefore, the mixed beverage production appliance 7 is displaceably mounted in the inner container 8. Advantageously, the displacement device 10 also has an anti-pull-out stop by which the beverage appliance, which is configured in particular as a mixed beverage production appliance 7, is secured in position in a fully extended position shown in FIG. 1. Thus it is not possible to pull out the appliance excessively so that the mixed beverage production appliance 7 is not able to fall forward and/or tip over.

[0063] Advantageously, it is also provided that the displacement device 10 has an anti-displacement lock by which the mixed beverage production appliance 7 is arranged so as to be secured from being pulled out when in a position fully pushed into the receiving region 8. The appliance is also prevented thereby from inadvertently slipping out or projecting to the front as a result. An undesirable draining or dripping of a fluid or striking the appliance is thereby prevented. This anti-displacement lock may be a latching device. Additionally or alternatively, however, a magnetic retainer may also be provided, for example.

[0064] Advantageously, an access point 15 is configured on a vertical side wall 14 of the housing 9, the access point being closed by a flap 16. After opening the flap 16 it is possible to reach into the inside of the housing 9 so that easy and unrestricted accessibility is permitted for replacement purposes or filling purposes. It may also be provided additionally or alternatively that a corresponding access point is formed on an opposing further vertical side wall 17 and/or at least one such access point 15 is formed on a top wall 18 of the housing 9.

[0065] The mixed beverage production appliance 7 also contains a positioning recess 19 on the front face, a drinking vessel being able to be positioned therein, by which the mixed beverage to be produced and dispensed by the mixed beverage production appliance 7 may then be collected. The mixed beverage production appliance 7 contains a dispensing unit 20 with, in particular, a single outlet 21. Preferably, it may be provided that in each case a separate outlet is present for draining each fluid from a container. It may also be provided that additionally an additive in the form of a powder or gel or further liquid may be mixed into this mixed beverage to be produced, the mixed beverage being able to be produced and thus mixed from at least two different fluids. Additionally, in particular, it may be provided that a capsule receiver 22 is configured, a capsule which has the aforementioned additive being able to be introduced therein. During the dispensing of the mixed beverage, this ingredient and/or additive is then removed from the capsule and added to the mixed beverage, in particular before the dispensing into the drinking vessel takes place via the outlet 21.

[0066] Moreover, in particular it may be provided that the mixed beverage production appliance 7 has a capsule store 23 and/or a capsule storage area. In the capsule store 23 a capsule or a plurality of capsules may be stored so that they are always present in the immediate vicinity on the appliance itself. In one advantageous embodiment, it may be provided that the capsule store 23 is cooled so that the capsules located therein may also be stored in a correspondingly cooled state.

[0067] Preferably, it is provided that the capsule store 23 may be opened by a push-push mechanism, and for example in the form of a displaceable bearing in the form of a rail, and thus the capsules received therein are freely accessible and, for example, may then be easily removed from the top.

[0068] Moreover, it may also be provided that the mixed beverage production appliance 7 has a cartridge for mixing carbon dioxide into the mixed beverage. To this end, the accessibility for cartridge replacement is possible via at least one access point 15 which is present. In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the mixed beverage production appliance 7 is connected to a water connection outside the domestic appliance, so that a water supply line is possible, for example, via a mains domestic water supply. This has the additional advantage that a fluid added as water to the mixed beverage does not have to be stored in a large-sized container in the mixed beverage production appliance 7 but this container may be dimensioned to be smaller and refilled depending on requirements and according to the situation. It may also be provided that such a water supply for producing the mixed beverage is not provided from the tank and/or the container which is provided for receiving this fluid in the mixed beverage production appliance 7, but additionally or alternatively may also be passed directly from this line to the dispensing unit 20 and thus also to the outlet 21.

[0069] Thus, in particular during the production of hot drinks instead of a cold drink, the energy required for heating is reduced, since the initial temperature of the water is higher. If carbonation of the mixed beverage is desired, this may be implemented by mixing in carbonated cold water which is cooled in the mixed beverage production appliance 7 or made possible by a carbonated second fluid, which is then present in the second container.

[0070] It is provided, in particular, that the mixed beverage production appliance 7 has a first container in which a first fluid having a first freezing point, in particular water, is available and/or stored in order to prepare it as required for producing and dispensing a mixed beverage. The mixed beverage production appliance 7 also contains a second container which is separate therefrom and which is configured for receiving a second fluid which is different from the first fluid and which has a freezing point which is different from the first fluid. In particular, the first fluid is water and the second fluid is alcohol so that the mixed beverage may also be an alcoholic mixed beverage.

[0071] In one advantageous embodiment in which the mixed beverage production appliance 7 is configured not only for dispensing a cooled mixed beverage but also for dispensing a hot beverage, at least one heating unit is provided. This is preferably connected in the vicinity of the outlet 21 in order to minimize heat losses and to permit as little heat input as possible into the domestic refrigeration appliance 1. The heating unit may be in contact with the line of the outlet 21. This heating unit may preferably also constitute a component of the insulation of the capsule mechanism and thus the capsule receiver 22. In order to prevent heat input into the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 it is advantageous to attach thermal insulation to the additional heating unit on the dispensing unit 20. With corresponding heat insulation, for example by an aerogel, the heat is discharged mainly to the outside into the environment. Since the heating unit is only activated briefly, when a corresponding hot beverage is intended to be produced and dispensed, the heat conduction through the lines which lead outside is significantly higher than the heat conduction through the insulation to the inside. Additionally, it is advantageous if the insulation has a high thermal capacity or contains a thermal storage material, for example a phase change material. In such an embodiment the waste heat from the heating unit is preferably stored in the material, temperature peaks may be reduced and as a whole the heat input to the inside significantly reduced. This thermal store may be thermally connected to the externally visible surfaces of the dispensing unit 20. As a result, the temperature of these surfaces rises and possible condensation of humidity may be prevented.

[0072] It may also be provided that lines from outlets 21 in the dispensing unit 20, which are configured for dispensing one or more fluids, are provided with Peltier elements which permit active cooling or heating of the lines. If, after the dispensing of a hot beverage, a cold beverage is desired by a user, the situation arises that the lines of the dispensing unit 20 may still be warm. The cold water and/or the cold alcohol from the aforementioned containers is heated so that the finished cold beverage has a higher temperature than desired. This may be counteracted by the Peltier elements since, by means of the cooling, the lines always have the same temperature. Thus it is achieved that a cold beverage or a hot beverage has the temperature which is desired by the user, irrespective of the temperature of the previously dispensed beverage.

[0073] By the respectively adapted embodiment for cooling the capsules in the capsule store 23, the storage life of the capsules at low temperatures may also be extended.

[0074] Preferably, the capsule store 23 which is configured as a drawer, in particular, is also thermally insulated in the front region, for example by an expanded polystyrene (EPS) component or a polyurethane (PU) component or an aerogel component in order to reduce the thermal input. As a result, the front visible surface of the capsule store 23 may also be thermally insulated so that no undesired cold temperatures are present, which might be unpleasant for a user when handling and/or touching.

[0075] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the mixed beverage production appliance 7 also has an ice cube production and dispensing unit and/or has an ice-slush production and dispensing unit.

[0076] Advantageously, it is provided that a seal is located on the rear face of a flange on the front face of the housing 9 and in the inserted state of the mixed beverage production appliance 7 separates the receiving region 8 from the environment.

[0077] In FIG. 2 a schematic circuit diagram of a refrigerating circuit 24 is shown as is preferably configured and installed in the mixed beverage production appliance 7. The refrigerating circuit 24 is thus thermally connected to the first container 25 and the second container 26. The containers 24 and 25 are then connected to the dispensing unit 20. A first fluid having a first freezing point, in the exemplary embodiment water 27, is introduced into the first container 25. A second fluid 28, which is different from the first fluid 27 and has a freezing point which is different from the first fluid 27, is introduced into the second container 26. In this case, alcohol is introduced as the second fluid or an alcoholic fluid is introduced.

[0078] As may be seen, the two containers 25 and 26 are separated from one another and, in particular, also thermally insulated from one another. The refrigerating circuit 24 has a first partial circuit 29, the first container 25 being connected thereto and/or thermally coupled therein. Moreover, the refrigerating circuit 24 has a second partial circuit 30, the second container 26 being connected and/or thermally coupled therein. The two partial circuits 29 and 30 are connected in parallel into the refrigerating circuit 24. To this end, the first partial circuit 29 branches off at a first branching-off point 31, so that the partial circuits 29 and 30 branch off from one another at this branching-off point 31. On the other hand, the partial circuits 29 and 30 are combined together again at a second branching-off point 32, so that here the two branches and/or partial circuits 29 and 30 are combined together again and the parallel connection of the partial circuits 29 and 30 is formed.

[0079] The refrigerating circuit 24 also contains a further compressor unit and/or compressor 33 which, in particular, is a speed-controlled compressor. Moreover, a condenser 34 is also present.

[0080] As may also be seen, a first evaporator 35 is connected into the first partial circuit 29 the first evaporator preferably being thermally coupled directly to the first container 25. In particular, this first evaporator 35 at least partially encompasses the container 25 over the circumference. Moreover, it is provided that a second evaporator 36 is connected into the second partial circuit 30, the second evaporator being thermally coupled directly to the second container 26 and also, in particular, at least partially surrounding this second container over the circumference.

[0081] Moreover, a first valve, in particular a first thermally controlled expansion valve 37, is connected into the first partial circuit 29, the first valve being controlled in a temperature-dependent manner. To this end, it is provided that a temperature detection unit 39 is arranged at an outlet 38 of the first evaporator 35 formed in the direction of flow of the refrigerant in the first partial circuit 29. Thus the thermally-controlled expansion valve 37, which is arranged in the direction of flow of the refrigerant upstream of the first evaporator 35 in the first partial circuit 29, is controlled according to this temperature. Moreover, it is preferably provided that a further valve 40 is arranged in the first partial circuit 29 and namely downstream of the evaporator 35 in the direction of flow of the refrigerant in this first partial circuit 29.

[0082] Advantageously, it is provided that a first valve, in particular a thermally-controlled expansion valve 41, is also connected into the second partial circuit 30. It is also provided here, in particular, that a temperature detection element 43 is arranged at an outlet 42 of the second evaporator 36 provided in the direction of flow of the refrigerant in the second partial circuit 30. Moreover, it is also provided here that a second valve 44 is connected into the second partial circuit 30, the second valve being arranged downstream of the second evaporator 36 in the direction of flow of the refrigerant. The valves may be stop valves or non-return valves. In particular, a second valve, in particular the second valve 40, is a stop valve.

[0083] Moreover, it is provided that in an advantageous embodiment of the invention a so-called drier 45 is contained in the refrigerating circuit 24, by which the residual moisture contained in the refrigerating circuit may be prevented. Moreover, a collection unit 46 is also connected into the refrigerating circuit 24, by which refrigerant may be collected and thus a certain amount of the excess refrigerant may be made available and provided if required.

[0084] By means of the embodiment of the refrigerating circuit 24, the two containers 25 and 26 may be subjected to different temperatures independently of one another so that the fluids 27, 28 located therein may be differently temperature-controlled independently of one another.

[0085] In particular, it is provided that the refrigerating circuit 24 is configured such that the temperature of the first container 25 is between 0.8° C. and 8° C., in particular between 0.8° C. and 1.5° C., and thus the first fluid 27 is also correspondingly temperature-controlled. In particular, it is provided that the refrigerating circuit 24 is configured such that the temperature of the second container 26 is between −8° C. and −20° C., in particular between −13° C. and −17° C., preferably −15° C. and thus the second fluid 28 is also correspondingly temperature-controlled.

[0086] In particular, further embodiments may also be provided in which the first container 25 and/or the second container 26 contain at least one active intermixing element and/or at least one passive intermixing element for intermixing the respective fluids 27 and 28, so that a uniform temperature distribution is present.

[0087] The mixed beverage production appliance 7 preferably also has a control unit, the dispensing of the first fluid 27 from the first container 25 and/or the dispensing of the second fluid 28 from the second container 26 being controlled thereby depending on an input by a user on an input unit. As a result, the mixed beverage may be metered in an accurate manner, in particular in terms of quantity. However, a quantity of at least one of the fluids which is specific to the user may be dispensed for a mixed beverage, for example when a user presses for a sufficiently long time on a dispensing control element of the input unit until the desired quantity of fluid has been dispensed.

[0088] The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention: [0089] 1 Domestic refrigeration appliance [0090] 2 Housing [0091] 3 Inner container [0092] 4 First receiver space [0093] 5 Inner container [0094] 6 Second receiver space [0095] 7 Mixed beverage production appliance [0096] 8 Receiving region [0097] 9 Housing [0098] 10 Displacement device [0099] 11 Rail [0100] 12 Rail [0101] 13 Rail [0102] 14 Side wall [0103] 15 Access [0104] 16 Flap [0105] 17 Side wall [0106] 18 Top wall [0107] 19 Positioning recess [0108] 20 Dispensing unit [0109] 21 Outlet [0110] 22 Capsule receiver [0111] 23 Capsule store [0112] 24 Refrigerating circuit [0113] 25 First container [0114] 26 Second container [0115] 27 Water [0116] 28 Second fluid [0117] 29 First partial circuit [0118] 30 Second partial circuit [0119] 31 First branching-off point [0120] 32 Second branching-off point [0121] 33 Compressor [0122] 34 Condenser [0123] 35 First evaporator [0124] 36 Second evaporator [0125] 37 Expansion valve [0126] 38 Outlet [0127] 39 Temperature detection unit [0128] 40 Valve [0129] 41 Expansion valve [0130] 42 Outlet [0131] 43 Temperature detection element [0132] 44 Valve [0133] 45 Drier [0134] 46 Collection unit