DE202020105271U1 - Device for the automated supply of liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for the automated provision of liquids, preferably coffee, tea and / or cold beverages, having a vessel store (10) for storing vessels (12), the vessel store (10) having a temperature control device for temperature control of the vessels (12), and a feed device (16) , 18) for feeding at least one vessel (12) to a liquid outlet (24, 26) of a preparation device, the feeding device (16, 18) having a lifting device (20, 22) which is designed such that in a receiving position, in which a vessel (12) can be received from the vessel storage (10), an opening (28, 30) of the vessel storage (10) is exposed and in a filling position that is higher than the receiving position, in which the vessel (12) is via the liquid outlet (24 , 26) can be filled, the opening (28, 30) of the vascular store (10) is closed.

Description

The invention relates to a device for the automated provision of liquids, preferably coffee, tea and / or cold beverages, having a vessel store for storing vessels and a supply device for supplying at least one vessel to a liquid outlet of a preparation device.

Such devices are known in principle. For example, there are coffee machines in which a paper cup is automatically provided and filled with coffee from a liquid outlet.

A disadvantage of this is, for example, that no recyclable ceramic cups can be used. Such coffee machines can therefore not be used, for example, to support staff in coffee houses.

In the case of ceramic cups or glass glasses, which are fed to a liquid outlet by hand, for example, there is the disadvantage that they are usually not preheated and the coffee consequently cools down considerably when it is filled.

It is therefore an object of the invention to create devices for the automated provision of liquids in which the vessels are filled at a temperature or the vessels are optimally positioned.

This problem is solved by the subjects of the independent claims.

According to the invention, the device is designed for the automated provision of liquids or can be used for this purpose.

The term liquid is to be understood broadly and includes, for example, beverages such as Coffee, tea or cold drinks, including liquid or viscous dishes. The dishes can e.g. have a high proportion of liquid. For example, the dishes can be ice cream, soups, stews or simple dishes such as Chili con carne trade.

The liquid can e.g. be very cold, for example at least partially frozen, drinks and / or food, e.g. Water ice, slush ice, ice cream, iced coffee, iced tea, long drinks or cocktails.

It can also be, for example, cold drinks and / or meals, e.g. Cold drinks such as still water, mineral water, juice, smoothie, cola, lemonade, beer or mixed drinks. Also e.g. cold soups, such as gazpacho, are conceivable.

Finally, the liquid can be warm or hot drinks and / or food, for example coffee, e.g. Filter coffee, milk coffee, espresso, espresso macchiato, latte macchiato or cappuccino, for tea, matcha, mate, hot chocolate, cocoa, milk, for milk substitutes, e.g. Oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, muesli, mulled wine, soups and / or stews.

According to the invention, the device comprises a vessel storage device for storing vessels.

The vessels can be, for example, cups, glasses, mugs, jugs, plates, bowls and / or bowls.

The vessels can comprise or consist of a metal material, plastic material, ceramic material, stone material and / or a glass material.

The vessels in the vessel storage can be of the same size or of different sizes.

The vessel storage has a temperature control device for temperature control of the vessels. For example, the temperature control device can comprise or consist of a heat exchanger, heating and / or cooling.

The temperature control device is preferably designed to keep the interior of the vessel store cold and / or warm. The vessels can, for example, be temperature controlled directly via the temperature control device. The vessels can e.g. be arranged on heating or cooling rods. As an alternative or in addition, the entire interior of the vascular store can also be temperature-controlled. For example, heating or cooling plates can be provided on the walls of the vessel store.

The vessel reservoir preferably has a housing. The housing can for example be completely enclosed. In the closed state, there is preferably no or only a slight heat exchange with the interior of the vascular store and the environment.

For example, the vessel storage can have several rails and / or shelves for trays. Trays on which several vessels are placed can e.g. be taken up on the rails of the vascular store.

For reasons of hygiene, the vessels are preferably arranged with the opening facing downwards on the trays.

To fill the vessel reservoir, it can have at least one door, several doors also being conceivable. The empty trays can also be removed via the door of the vessel store.

The device has a feed device for feeding at least one vessel to a liquid outlet of a preparation device.

The preparation device may e.g. be a coffee machine, a fully automatic coffee machine, a hot water tank, an ice water tank, an ice machine, a drinks machine and / or a memory for food.

The preparation device can preferably have a liquid reservoir, for example a tank or a canister. Alternatively or additionally, the preparation device can be connected to a water pipe. For example, the preparation device can add carbonic acid and / or a syrup to water.

Via the feeding device, e.g. exactly one vessel can be fed to a liquid outlet. Alternatively, several vessels can be fed to one liquid outlet or different liquid outlets at the same time.

The feed device comprises a lifting device which is designed in such a way that an opening of the vascular store is released in a receiving position.

The opening of the vessel reservoir is preferably provided on the side of the vessel reservoir. The opening can, for example, be rectangular or circular.

In the receiving position, the vessel reservoir is open at least in sections. A vessel from the vessel storage can be picked up by the lifting device.

The lifting device is designed in such a way that the opening of the vessel reservoir is closed in a filling position that is higher than the receiving position. In the filling position, the vessel can be filled via the liquid outlet.

The lifting device can be adjusted between the receiving position and the filling position. Preferably the feeding device may be one, e.g. electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and / or pneumatic drive for the lifting device. Furthermore, the feed device can have a control device in order to control the movement of the lifting device.

For example, the lifting device is lifted from the receiving position, preferably upwards in the direction of the liquid outlet, so that the vessel can be filled.

The opening of the vascular store is automatically closed so that heat or cold can only escape briefly from the vascular store. In this way, energy can be saved. The spatial separation is also advantageous from a hygienic point of view.

The lifting device fulfills a double function, since it lifts the vessels on the one hand and closes the vessel storage on the other hand and functions as a kind of lock. It was surprising that no separate component and / or no separate drive is necessary for opening and / or closing the vascular store.

When the vessel is filled with a liquid, e.g. Coffee is filled, the receptacle can be removed from the lifting device. This can be done manually or by means of a robot.

For example, at least one other ingredient, e.g. Milk, cream, crema, a sauce and / or a topping can be added. This can be done manually or by means of a robot. For example, the robot can remove the filled vessel from the lifting device and add at least one further ingredient.

The finished liquid preparation can now be removed by an end customer, for example. Alternatively, the liquid preparation can be picked up by service personnel and brought to the end customer. In this case, the device supports the staff in coffee houses, restaurants, canteens, bars, discos and / or clubs. The liquid preparations can be created and dispensed quickly.

The device according to the invention can save costs. In addition, reusable vessels can be used, which is advantageous from an environmental point of view.

Because the vessel is already tempered in the vessel reservoir, the temperature of the liquid is at least substantially maintained and is not negatively influenced by the vessel.

Further developments of the invention can also be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

According to one embodiment, the lifting device is designed in such a way that the opening of the vessel storage device is automatically closed when the lifting device is lifted from the receiving position into the filling position.

The lifting device is to a certain extent multifunctional. An additional mechanism or an additional device for opening the vascular store is preferably not provided, so that the costs can be kept low.

The opening is consequently usually closed and is only opened to remove vessels from the vessel storage. In this way, the temperature in the interior of the vascular store is at least substantially maintained.

According to a further embodiment, the lifting device has a side wall as a closure for the opening of the vessel reservoir.

The wall is preferably larger than the opening of the vessel reservoir. For example, the wall can be plate-shaped, e.g. rectangular, be formed.

The wall preferably extends below a receiving surface for the vessels. The wall can for example be oriented at right angles to the receiving surface of the lifting device.

According to a further embodiment, the distance between the lifting device, preferably the receiving surface, and the liquid outlet in the filling position can be adjusted as a function of the size of the vessel.

Preferably the distance is adjusted automatically, e.g. vessel-specific, adjusted. For example, at least one sensor can be provided in order to determine the size of the vessel. Alternatively, different areas can also be provided in the vessel store, in each of which there are vessels of different sizes. A sensor can be omitted here, as the distance can be set depending on the area from which the vessel is removed.

For example, a control device can be provided. By means of the control device, the lifting device can e.g. depending on the size of the vessel determined by the sensor and / or depending on the area from which the vessel was removed.

The lifting movement can preferably be controlled here. Larger vessels are e.g. lifted less upwards than smaller vessels. The distance from the upper edge of the vessel to the liquid outlet is preferably the same, even if the vessels are of different sizes.

Protection is claimed for this aspect of the invention independently and / or in combination with other features.

Thus, the invention relates to a device and / or a method for the automated provision of liquids, preferably coffee, tea and / or cold beverages, comprising a feed device for feeding at least one vessel to a liquid outlet of a preparation device, the feed device having a lifting device and a control device, which is designed to adjust the distance of the lifting device, preferably a receiving surface of the lifting device, to the liquid outlet as a function of the size of the vessel.

According to a further embodiment, the lifting device has a draining device.

The draining device can, for example, form the top of the lifting device. The draining device can be designed as a unit with the rest of the lifting device. Alternatively, it can be a separate component.

The draining device preferably forms a receiving surface for at least one vessel.

The draining device can e.g. be a drip grid, a drip grid, a drip tray and / or a drip mat.

Overflowing liquids or rinsing liquids can be picked up by the draining device.

According to a further embodiment, the lifting device has a drainage device.

The drainage device is preferably provided below the draining device.

Overflowing liquids or rinsing liquids can be picked up by the draining device and drained off through the drainage device. The drainage device can for example have a funnel for bringing the liquids together. The drainage device preferably comprises a hose to drain the liquids.

According to a further embodiment, the vessel storage has a transport device which is designed to transport at least one vessel to the lifting device located in the receiving position.

For example, the transport device is designed to move a vessel from a storage location, e.g. a tray.

The transport device can e.g. have a gripper.

A rail system can preferably be provided. The gripper can, for example, be moved on the rail system, preferably between a storage location for the vessels and the lifting device.

The transport device can transport a vessel, preferably automatically, from the storage location to the lifting device. For example, a sensor system and / or a controller can be provided. The control can preferably be a central control device which also controls the movement of the lifting device. Alternatively, separate controls are conceivable.

The transport device is preferably designed to transport the vessel to a predeterminable position on the lifting device. The vessel can e.g. be placed in a desired position on the support surface. Several vessels can also be placed next to one another on the support surface, for example to be able to be filled at the same time.

According to a further embodiment, the transport device is designed to rotate the vessel through 180 °.

At the storage location, e.g. on a tray, the vessels can for example be arranged with the opening facing downwards, which is advantageous from a hygienic point of view.

The transport device can turn the removed vessel by 180 ° so that the opening points upwards and the vessel can be filled. For example, the gripper of the transport device can have a joint.

The vessels are preferably turned inside out in an automated manner.

The invention also relates to a method for the automated provision of liquids, preferably coffee, tea and / or cold beverages, with a device according to the invention.

The vessels are tempered in the vessel storage.

The lifting device is moved into the receiving position, whereby the opening of the vessel store is released.

The vessel is picked up on the lifting device.

The lifting device is lifted into a filling position that is higher than the receiving position, the opening of the vessel store being closed.

A temperature exchange between the interior of the vessel store and the environment is minimized in this way.

According to one embodiment, the distance between the lifting device and the liquid outlet in the filling position is set as a function of the size of the vessel, preferably automatically.

The stroke of the lifting device can therefore vary depending on the size of the vessel.

The transport device preferably places the vessel at a predetermined position on the lifting device. The vessel is therefore already correctly positioned before it is lifted up with the lifting device.

All the embodiments and components of the devices described herein are preferably adapted, e.g. by means of a control device to be operated according to the method described here. Furthermore, all of the embodiments of the devices described here and all of the embodiments of the method described here can each be combined with one another, preferably also detached from the specific configuration in the context of which they are mentioned.

• 1 eine Perspektivansicht einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,
• 2 eine weitere Perspektivansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß 1,
• 3 bis 7 perspektivische Detailansichten der Vorrichtung gemäß 1,
• 8 eine Schnittansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß 4, und
• 9 eine Perspektivansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention,
• 2 a further perspective view of the device according to 1 ,
• 3 to 7th perspective detailed views of the device according to FIG 1 ,
• 8th a sectional view of the device according to 4th , and
• 9 a perspective view of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention,

First of all, it should be noted that the embodiments shown are purely exemplary in nature. Individual features can be implemented not only in the combination shown, but also on their own or in other technically meaningful combinations. For example, the features of one embodiment can be combined as desired with features of another embodiment. The shape and / or number of lifting devices, transport devices and vessels can preferably vary. The vessel reservoir can also have a different shape. The side walls of the vascular reservoir have been partially omitted or shown in a transparent manner for better visibility.

If a figure contains a reference number which is not explained in the directly associated descriptive text, reference is made to the corresponding preceding or subsequent explanations in the description of the figures. The same reference numerals are used for the same or comparable components in the figures and these are not explained again.

1 shows a device for the automated provision of liquids.

The device comprises a vessel storage 10 for storing vessels 12 , the vessel storage 10 a temperature control device, not shown, for controlling the temperature of the vessels 12 having.

This allows the vessel storage 10 be heated or cooled inside. This causes the vessels 12 preheated to the desired temperature.

For filling the vessel reservoir 10 this can have at least one - not shown here - door. The door can be used to access the interior of the vascular store 10 to be provided. The vessel storage 10 , which can have a shelf and / or rails, for example, can be accessed with trays 14th that with vessels 12 are equipped, are filled.

The device shown comprises two feed devices 16 , 18th , with more than two feed devices or only one feed device being conceivable.

Any feeding device 16 , 18th has a lifting device 20th , 22nd for feeding at least one vessel 12 to a liquid outlet 24 , 26th a preparation device - not shown here -.

The lifting devices 20th , 22nd are in a filling position in which the vessels 12 via the liquid outlets 24 , 26th be filled.

As in 2 can be seen, indicates the vascular reservoir 10 openings 28 , 30th which are closed in the filling position.

To do this, the lifting devices 20th , 22nd one side wall each 32 , 34 on.

The vessel storage 10 has a transport device 36 on. The transport device can have several rails 38 as well as a gripper 40 exhibit. The gripper 40 can be along the rails 38 are proceeded.

The gripper 40 can be a vessel 12 take it out and place it along the rails 38 to one of the openings 28 , 30th transport.

The shown course of the rails 38 is only exemplary and can, for example, also run straight or in some other way, for example in a U-shape. Furthermore, instead of the double guide (top and bottom), a simple guide can also be sufficient for the horizontal movement.

Finally, several and / or different vessel racks can also be approached.

3 shows a detailed view of the vessel reservoir 10 . The trays 14th can preferably each vessel 12 have different sizes.

The trays 14th can for example be held by a frame - not shown here. The racks can be attached to the trays 14th and / or vessels 12 be adjusted. For example, it can be wire racks.

As in 4th can be seen the vessels 12 from the transport device 36 , e.g. the gripper 40 , rotated by 180 °.

The gripper 40 is in a waiting position in front of the closed opening 28 to the lifting device 20th .

As in 5 shown is the lifting device 20th designed such that in a receiving position in which a vessel 12 from the vessel storage 10 is recordable, the opening 28 of the vascular store 10 is released. The opening is in the filling position, which is higher than the receiving position 28 however, closed, so that the temperature in the vessel storage 10 is not strongly influenced.

As in 6 can be seen the vessel 12 on the lifting device 20th be turned off. The gripper 40 then pulls out of the area of the lifting device 20th back.

Out 7th it can be seen that the lifting device 20th is then lifted upwards, making the opening 28 is automatically closed.

The lifting devices 20th , 22nd can, depending on the size of the vessels 12 , differently upwards in the direction of the liquid outlets 24 , 26th be moved.

8th shows schematically that the lifting device 20th around the hub H can be adjusted. Through the hub H becomes according to the size of the vessel 12 the distance A. from the lifting device 20th to the liquid outlet 24 and thus an optimal distance D. from the vessel 12 to the liquid outlet 24 set.

The different distances A. are also in 9 to see.

The vessels 12 can be in different, predetermined positions on the lifting devices 20th , 22nd be turned off. For example, several small vessels 12 be parked side by side. A large vessel 12 can, however, be placed in the middle, for example.

The vessels 12 can for example by the transport device 36 be placed in the desired position.

The number of positions can be arbitrarily high, as the transport device 36 for example can be freely programmable, whereby a very high flexibility is given.

The the lifting devices 20th , 22nd can each have a drainer 42 , 44 have on which the vessels 12 be turned off.

List of reference symbols

10

Vessel storage

12

vessel

14th

tray

16, 18

Feeding device

20, 22

Lifting device

24, 26

Liquid outlet

28, 30

opening

32, 34

Wall

36

Transport device

38

rail

40

Gripper

42, 44

Drainer

H

Hub

A.

distance

D.

distance

Claims (9)

Apparatus for the automated provision of liquids, preferably coffee, tea and / or cold beverages, having a vessel store (10) for storing vessels (12), the vessel store (10) having a temperature control device for temperature control of the vessels (12), and a feed device (16, 18) for feeding at least one vessel (12) to a liquid outlet (24, 26) of a preparation device, the feed device (16, 18) having a lifting device (20, 22) which is designed such that in a receiving position in which a vessel (12) can be received from the vessel reservoir (10), an opening (28, 30) of the vessel reservoir (10) is exposed and in a filling position, which is higher than the receiving position, in which the vessel (12) is over the liquid outlet (24, 26) can be filled, the opening (28, 30) of the vascular store (10) is closed. Device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the lifting device (20, 22) is designed such that the opening (28, 30) of the vessel store (10) is automatically closed when the lifting device (20, 22) is lifted from the receiving position into the filling position. Device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the lifting device (20, 22) has a side wall (32, 34) as a closure for the opening (28, 30) of the vascular store (10). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distance (A) between the lifting device (20, 22) and the liquid outlet (24, 26) in the filling position can be adjusted depending on the size of the vessel (12). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device (20, 22) has a draining device (42, 44). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Lifting device (20, 22) has a drainage device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vessel storage (10) has a transport device (36) which is designed to transport at least one vessel (12) to the lifting device (20, 22) located in the receiving position, preferably to a predeterminable position on the lifting device (20, 22). Device according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the transport device (36) is designed to rotate the vessel by 180 °. Device for the automated provision of liquids, preferably according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a feed device for feeding at least one vessel to a liquid outlet of a preparation device, the feed device having a lifting device and a control device which is designed to measure the distance between the lifting device, preferably a Mounting surface of the lifting device, to be adjusted to the liquid outlet depending on the size of the vessel.

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