DE202010001631U1 - Automatic dispensing system for mixed drinks - Google Patents

Abstract

Automatic dispenser (1) for mixed drinks comprising:
- A housing (10);
- A plurality of storage containers (5-1, 5-2, ..., 5-N) for first components of mixed drinks arranged in the housing (10), wherein the plurality of storage containers (5-1, 5-2,. .., 5-N) are automatically rotatable about a common axis of rotation (A);
A user interface (30) for selecting mixed drinks;
- An automatic dosing (50) for producing mixed drinks from at least selected of the first components;
wherein individual ones of the storage containers (5-1, 5-2, ..., 5-N) are automatically movable to a removal position (P) and the mixed drinks are discharged into the removal area (25) after being selected.

Description

Field of the invention

The The present disclosure relates to an automatic dispenser for mixed drinks.

Background of the invention

It There is a need for automatic dispensing systems for mixed drinks. While in the catering business a serving of drinks and Mixed drinks can be done by bar staff, this is in some situations, for example on booths only hardly possible. There is therefore a need for an automatic Dispensing system for mixed drinks, which is an automatic Delivery of mixed drinks allowed, without that Bar staff would be required. Furthermore It is sometimes desired, with an automatic dispensing system To attract the attention of people, for example fair visitors. The automatic dispenser of the present disclosure is suitable to generate such additional attention.

A device MyFountain from Digital Beverages (see http://www.popsci.com/geargadgets/article/2007-08/drinks-demand downloaded on January 08, 2010 ) is able to prepare a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixed drinks after selection on a touchpad. The device can hold up to twelve types of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, these are located in a refrigerator below the dispensing area. With this automatic dispensing system by Digital Beverages there is no rotatable storage of storage containers around a common axis of rotation.

US D556,226S Motorman, Inc. discloses a bar in which a robot provides mixed drinks to visitors to the bar. In this automatic dispensing system storage containers are moved by a robot gripper arm and in a drinking vessel correspondingly mixed drinks are transferred by pouring by means of the robot arm. Inputs of a user can be made via an interface.

US2004 / 0026452 Gemma Santiago et al. discloses an automatic dispensing system for mixed drinks. The dispenser of the Santiago patent application comprises a removable container having a spout for receiving and dispensing ingredient powder, a cold water source, a mixing bowl connected to the powder and cold water to mix the powder and water to form a beverage, an outlet for dispensing of the beverage, a cup system for positioning a cup for receiving the beverage while being dispensed from the outlet. In contrast to the present disclosure, the Santiago patent application can use only powder and water as starting materials for mixed drinks. In addition, the Santiago system does not generate additional attention from an observer of the device.

Summary of the invention

The The present disclosure teaches an automatic dispenser for Mixed drinks. The automatic dispensing system includes a Housing, a variety of storage containers, one User interface, automatic dosing and lighting unit. The variety of storage containers for first components of mixed drinks is arranged in the housing, the plurality of reservoirs is rotatable about a common Axis of rotation. The rotation of the variety of storage containers takes place automatically. The user interface is used to select Mixed drinks. The automatic dosing is used for production of mixed drinks from at least selected the first components. Some of the reservoirs are automatically moved to a removal position and the mixed drinks are output to the picking area after selection.

characters

1 shows a frontal view of the automatic dispensing system.

2 shows a detail of the automatic dispenser in a sectional view.

Detailed description the invention

The The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings described in selected embodiments. Individual aspects and embodiments of the invention may be be combined. The examples given in this description are in no way limiting for the To understand the invention. The scope of protection results from the attached claims.

1 shows a front view of an automatic dispensing system 1 for mixed drinks. In a housing 10 There are a variety of storage containers 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N , which are rotatable together about a common axis of rotation A automatically. The first storage tanks 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N For example, bottles of alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, soda, gin, barcardi and the like. A simultaneous rotation of the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N about the axis of rotation A can be, for example, by a stepper motor M (please refer 2 ) to reach. For holding the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 . 5-N offers a revolver-like arrangement, as in 1 hinted at.

In the area of the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N is the case 10 at least partially transparent. The transparency can be achieved for example by the use of glass and / or Plexiglas in a housing section. It is of interest for the automatic dispensing system 1 that the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N essentially visible to an observer from the outside.

In 1 to the right of the storage containers 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N there is a user interface 30 , The user interface 30 For example, it may be configured as a touchpad that is receptive to user input and may also display information for a user. The user interface allows a selection of mixed drinks that the user of the automatic dispensing system 1 would like to have mixed. The user interface 30 is coupled to an automatic dosing system 30 in 1 below the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N shown and also in connection with a control unit 70 ,

By input at the user interface 30 For example, a user may select a particular mixed drink, for example, Vodka-Cola. The user interface 30 forwards this selection to the control unit 70 , The control unit 70 is a removal of first components from the storage containers 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N to control, this is an automatic dosing 50 used, which ensures that each of the first components to predefined proportions, according to a recipe that the control unit 70 is known, from the storage containers 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N are removed and mixed in a withdrawal area 25 , are given as a mixed drink. The first storage tanks 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N are after mixed automatic 50 via lines L with the removal area 25 connected so that the mixed drink in a drinking cup 90 is delivered.

Dosing units for taking controlled quantities from the storage containers 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N are known in the art. In the automatic dispensing system 1 Such dosing units can automatically, for. B. by the control unit 70 , so that they are the already mentioned automatic dosing 50 represent. A lighting unit 25a is arranged so that the removal area 25 during a delivery of the mixed beverage in the drinking vessel 90 shines. For a user of the automatic dispensing system 1 This results in a "luminous bay" in which the mixed drink is delivered. Such an embodiment of an automatic dispensing system 1 is for a user, for example a trade fair visitor, surprising and will attract his attention. The lighting unit 25a is suitable for the removal area 25 to illuminate with changing colors. In addition, it is possible, for example, by the use of exposed films, logos, etc. in a bottom area of the removal area 25 display. For example, corporate logos and the like can be conveniently displayed. As a result, the dispensing of the mixed beverage for a user is associated associatively with the company name. The lighting element 25a In addition, it is capable of the first storage tank 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N to illuminate. A lighting of the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N can also be done in changing colors. The lighting of the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 . 5-N through the lighting element 25a (in 1 to the left of the storage containers 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ) can also be done in changing colors, for example when dispensing the mixed drink.

In addition, it is possible the first storage tank 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N to rotate almost continuously about the axis of rotation A, as long as no mixed beverage is removed. Once the user through the user interface 30 select a particular mixed beverage becomes a selected one of the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N , for example, the reservoir 5-3 moved to a removal position P as related to 2 discussed. During the removal can optionally the lighting of the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N vary in color. Further includes the automatic dispensing system 1 a magazine 80 for receiving drinking cups. Such magazines 80 are known in the art and typically with a control unit 70 coupled that ensures a drinking cup 90 is positioned appropriately so that the mixed drink enters the dispensing area 25 is discharged, can be included.

Below the bar area 25 are in 1 second reservoir 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N for second components of the mixed beverage shown. Typically, the lower portion is concealed by a shutter, so that the second reservoir 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N not visible to the user. The second reservoir 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N can absorb liquids, powders, syrups and / or gases. Many of the mixed drinks used in gastronomy, such as cola, sodas, and the like, are sold as powders or liquids in storage containers 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N provided and only immediately prior to the dispensing of the mixed beverage in for example the drinking cup 90 , mixed with water. Likewise, the second reservoir 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N Gases as a second component, for example, carbon dioxide to form soda. An automatic dosing system 50 , with single of the second reservoir 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N ensures a correct mixing ratio between the second components and / or the first components present in a mixed beverage. The mixed automatic 50 in the lower section of the automatic dispensing system 1 is with the control unit 70 coupled and via lines L with an outlet in the dispensing area 25 coupled.

2 shows a detail of the holder of the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N in a sectional view along the dashed line S in 1 , Carried by the axis of rotation A are the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N arranged concentrically about the axis of rotation A. A motor M is connected via a belt with the axis of rotation A, so that a movement of the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N on a substantially circular path around the axis of rotation A is possible. The removal position P is in 2 located. The removal position P is coupled to the automatic dosing 50 for removing a predefined amount of the first component from the first storage container 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N in the removal position P, in 2 the reservoir 5-6 , Because the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N are rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation A and can be moved automatically by means of the motor M, it is sufficient to provide a single removal position P. In particular, then the automatic dosing 50 only once for the first storage tank 5-1 . 5-2 . 5-N be provided.

Nevertheless, it is readily possible, more than one of the removal positions P together with a respective automatic dosing 50 provided. This would possibly provide a provision of the mixed drink in the drinking vessel 90 accelerate as several of the first components can be removed simultaneously.

For the automatic dispensing system 1 In the present disclosure, it is desirable to have the first reservoirs 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N also between the removal of a first ingredient or component, for example from the reservoir 5-1 and a removal of a second ingredient or component, for example from the reservoir 5-8 , move. Such a movement of the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N Would not be necessary if any of the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N would be provided with its own automatic dosing. However, then go through rotation of the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N gained attention with a user or fair visitors, lost.

The in 2 shown motor M with a traction belt is only one way of transmitting motion to the axis of rotation A. Of course, further movement transmissions for automatic rotation of the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N conceivable.

In 2 is the first storage container 5-2 a container with rectangular cross-section shown. For the skilled person it is obvious that the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N not on a round shape, as usual for bottles, are fixed. It may be convenient, the individual of the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N to be chosen so that they with a single automatic dosing 50 can be used. In this case, it is sufficient, a single automatic dosing 50 for all of the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N to provide, as discussed above.

The automatic dosing 50 If the person skilled in the art is sufficiently familiar, eccentric disks can be used, for example, which are moved by a stepping motor at a predefined angular speed, so that a desired amount of liquid from the storage container 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N is removed. Likewise, automatic dosing 50 for the second storage container 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N known.

The control unit 70 is suitable for automatic dosing 50 , the lighting unit 25a and a rotation of the reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N to control. By providing automatic dosing 50 are also the second reservoir 60 available for the preparation of mixed drinks. The control unit 70 may be a level of at least one of the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N and / or at least one of the second storage container 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N monitor. Should the level for one of these first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N or one of the second storage containers 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N fall below a minimum value, so could via the user interface 30 a warning will be issued. In addition, the control unit could 70 prevent further dispensing of mixed drinks, as in the control unit 70 deposited recipes can no longer be used correctly if one of the ingredients is missing.

In addition, it can be provided that the control unit 70 commissioning of the automatic dispensing system 1 prevents, if not all ingredients in sufficient quantity, that is, at least with a minimum fill quantity of the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N available. Likewise, the control unit 70 be suitable, a capacity of the second reservoir 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N to monitor.

In addition, the control unit 70 the automatic dispensing system 1 be suitable, a critical condition of the automatic dispensing system 1 to recognize and commissioning the automatic dispensing system 1 prevent. A critical condition of the automatic dispensing system 1 may include, for example, that no drinking water is available via a drinking water connection. In addition, the engine M could be overheated or one of the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N or one of the second storage container 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N to be empty. The control unit 70 detects such a condition and optionally gives a warning on the user interface 30 out.

In the control unit 70 the automatic dispensing system 1 a variety of recipes are provided so that mixed drinks can be mixed according to these recipes. The control unit 70 the ratio information in the recipe of the mixed beverage is sent to the automatic dosing unit 30 and / or translate the engine M so that corresponding amounts of the first component and / or the second components from the storage containers 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N and / or the second storage containers 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N can be removed.

In addition, it is possible through the user interface 30 new recipes in the control unit 70 to deposit, so that, provided appropriate ingredients, new mixed drinks through the automatic dispensing system 1 can be mixed.

Moreover, it is possible for the user to allow "free mixing" of mixed drinks. The control unit 70 can then set a maximum amount of components, for example alcohol units, per drinking vessel 90 may be removed. In addition, she can make sure the drinking cup 90 do not overflow.

The control unit 70 may be further appropriate to determine a user warm the drinking vessel 90 taken with the mixed drink. After removal of the mixed beverage can optionally be the lighting unit 25a be turned off and the first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N can put themselves back in the almost continuous rotary motion. It is also possible the lighting unit 25a (in 1 to the left of the first storage tanks 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ) turn back on so that the rotating first reservoir 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N can be seen in changing light.

Moreover, it is possible that a mixed beverage contains only a single one of the first components and / or the second components. For example, it is possible for a user to only have one unit of whiskey from the automatic dispensing system 1 In other words, the automatic dispenser can also provide blended drinks that do not require mixing of components.

The control unit 70 provides a cleaning mode that involves changing one of the first storage tanks 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N and / or the second reservoir 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N allowed. The cleaning mode, for example, removes residues of syrup or whiskey before the reservoir with a new first or second component in the automatic dispensing system 1 is integrated.

1

automatic Draft equipment

5-1, 5-2, ..., 5-N

reservoir

10

casing

25

removal area

25a

lighting unit

30

User interface

50

dosing system

60-1, 60-2, ..., 60-N

second reservoir

70

control unit

80

magazine

90

drinking cup

A

axis of rotation

L

cables

M

engine

P

removal position

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 556226 S [0004]
• US 2004/0026452 [0005]

Cited non-patent literature

• - http://www.popsci.com/geargadgets/article/2007-08/drinks-demand downloaded on January 08, 2010 [0003]

Claims (21)

Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) for mixed drinks comprising: - a housing ( 10 ); - a variety of storage containers ( 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ) for first components of mixed drinks arranged in the housing ( 10 ), wherein the plurality of storage containers ( 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ) are automatically rotatable about a common axis of rotation (A); A user interface ( 30 ) for the selection of mixed drinks; - an automatic dosing system ( 50 ) for producing mixed drinks from at least selected ones of the first components; wherein individual of the reservoir ( 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ) are automatically moved to a removal position (P) and the mixed drinks after selection in the withdrawal area ( 25 ). Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to claim 1, further comprising: - a lighting unit ( 25a ) for illuminating a withdrawal area ( 25 ). Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of storage containers ( 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ) without selection of a mixed beverage almost continuously rotated about the common axis of rotation (A). Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing ( 10 ) in the area of the plurality of storage containers ( 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ) is at least partially transparent. Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface ( 30 ) comprises a touch-sensitive display. Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a control unit ( 70 ) for controlling the automatic dosing ( 50 ) of the lighting unit ( 25a ) and the rotatability of the reservoir ( 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ). Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of storage containers ( 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ) Bottles and the first components are substantially liquid. Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a plurality of second storage containers ( 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N ) for second components of mixed drinks. Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of second storage containers ( 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N ) Includes bottles, barrels, gas pressure vessels and cartridges. Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second components substantially comprise liquids, syrup, powders and gases. Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the plurality of second storage containers ( 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N ) with automatic dosing ( 50 ) and the second components are available for the preparation of mixed drinks. Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the control unit ( 70 ) monitors a level for at least one of the first reservoir ( 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ) and / or at least one of the second storage containers ( 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N ). Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the control unit ( 70 ) a critical condition of the dispensing system ( 1 ) and optionally starting the dispensing system ( 1 ) or a warning on the user interface ( 30 ). Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the control unit ( 70 ) provides a variety of recipes for making mixed drinks. Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the user interface ( 30 ) providing a new recipe for a mixed beverage in the control unit ( 70 ) allowed. Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the control unit ( 70 ) a cleaning mode of the dispensing system ( 1 ) permitting a change of content for at least one of the plurality of first storage containers ( 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ) and / or the plurality of second storage containers ( 60-1 . 60-2 , ..., 60-N ). Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a color of the illumination by the illumination unit ( 25a ) is automatically changeable. Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the illumination unit ( 25a ) an optionally automatically color changeable illumination of the plurality of storage containers ( 5-1 . 5-2 , ..., 5-N ). Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a magazine ( 80 ) for the provision of drinking vessels ( 90 ) and coupled with the control unit ( 70 ). Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to claim 19, wherein a drinking vessel ( 90 ) for receiving the mixed beverage in the removal area ( 25 ) positionable as directed by the control unit ( 70 ). Automatic dispensing system ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 8 to 20, wherein the mixed beverage contains a single one of the first components and / or the second components.