EP0492370B1 - Beverage dispenser with a container for stocking liquids - Google Patents

Beverage dispenser with a container for stocking liquids Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0492370B1
EP0492370B1 EP19910121644 EP91121644A EP0492370B1 EP 0492370 B1 EP0492370 B1 EP 0492370B1 EP 19910121644 EP19910121644 EP 19910121644 EP 91121644 A EP91121644 A EP 91121644A EP 0492370 B1 EP0492370 B1 EP 0492370B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
switch
withdrawal device
pivot axis
plug connection
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19910121644
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0492370A1 (en
Inventor
Klaus Dipl.-Ing. Erdmann (Fh)
Ulrich Dipl.-Ing. Wolf (Fh)
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BOSCH-SIEMENS HAUSGERAETE GMBH
Coca Cola Co
Original Assignee
Coca Cola Co
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Coca Cola Co filed Critical Coca Cola Co
Publication of EP0492370A1 publication Critical patent/EP0492370A1/en
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Publication of EP0492370B1 publication Critical patent/EP0492370B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D3/0029—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes provided with holders for bottles or similar containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/7287—Liquid level responsive or maintaining systems
    • Y10T137/7339—By weight of accumulated fluid
    • Y10T137/7355—In gravitating tank

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a container for storing liquids and a device for removing the liquids from this container for further use, in particular water storage container in an automatic beverage dispenser and water extraction device, the container having a plug-in connection part in the bottom area, which has a valve in one Footprint integrated connector part, via which the stored liquid can be forwarded, can be connected for liquid withdrawal.
  • vending machines that produce soft drinks from one or more beverage concentrates and carbonated water can obtain the water required for beverage production directly from a water pipe connected to the vending machine.
  • vending machines can be supplied with water from a storage container, for example in cases in which a water pipe is not available at the location of the vending machine if the quality of the water that can be drawn from the water pipe does not meet the special requirements for the beverage to be produced.
  • trouble-free operation depends on the fact that sufficient quantities of the starting materials can be removed from the storage container during each manufacturing process.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a storage container with a removal device of the type mentioned, which enables trouble-free operation with a decreasing supply of the liquid stored in the container.
  • the invention is characterized by a number of advantages.
  • the containers of the vending machines only have a plug-in valve and an electrical switch.
  • the switch is used to switch off the vending machine when the amount of liquid in the container reaches a critical value.
  • Both components, valve and switch are common products that can be adopted without special adaptation. They work together in a simple manner and ensure trouble-free operation.
  • the container is detachably connected to the vending machine, so that the container can be easily removed from the vending machine and refilled with the liquid to be stored in each case.
  • An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the container has an adjustable foot on its underside, which acts on the switch contact piece of the switch.
  • the pen concentrates the pressure emanating from the container including the amount of liquid contained in each case onto a punctiform area at the pen tip pointing downward and thus transmits the pressure in a defined manner.
  • the vending machine has a sealing membrane with a plunger in the area of the pin, which transmits the pressure emanating from the pin to the switching contact piece.
  • This embodiment is characterized by a double protection; the interior is protected from contamination by means of the sealing membrane and the switch contact piece of the electrical switch is protected from otherwise possible damage caused by the pin when the container is placed on the vending machine.
  • the switch is designed as a snap switch.
  • the switch thus moves the container only when a certain degree of filling is reached and thus when a critical pressure value is reached, while the position of the container is not changed before this time when the amount of liquid is reduced.
  • the snap switch gives the storage container Stability. Fluctuations in the liquid in the container and the container itself do not affect the interaction between the container and the beverage dispenser.
  • the container interior is flat on its underside in such a way that the surface lowers from the area of the pin to the area of the valve. This configuration of the container supports the pivoting of the container about the pivot point in the valve.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the switch has a second switch position which the switch contact piece produces when a predetermined second container pressure is reached. The switch then triggers an alarm message in its first switch position, which indicates the end of the supply in the container, while in the second switch position the drinks machine is switched off.
  • Figure 1 shows a container 1 for storing water for use in a vending machine.
  • the container 1 is placed on a shelf 3 in the vending machine and is thus connected to the vending machine.
  • the container 1 is preferably cuboid and can be closed by a removable cover 12.
  • the liquid stored in the container 1 reaches the beverage dispenser 3 through a plug connection containing a valve 2.
  • This plug connection containing the valve 2 which is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2, consists of two parts 21 and 22 which can be plugged into one another.
  • a first valve part 21 is arranged on the underside of the container 1 and a second valve part 22 is arranged in the shelf 3 in the vending machine.
  • the valve 2 is opened by inserting the container 1 and closed by detaching the container 1.
  • the plug connection is designed as a pivot bearing and is offset from the pivot line of the filled container 1, so that the container 1 is pivotally mounted with respect to its vertical axis with respect to the footprint 3.
  • the container 1 which is pivotably mounted in the plug-in connection, presses on this switching contact piece.
  • the return spring 41 presses the switching contact piece 42 and the container 1 upward. The container 1 thus pivots about the pivot point in the connector.
  • the spring 41 presses the switch contact piece 42 of the switch 4 into a first switch position, that is to say closes the electrical switch 4.
  • the closing of the switch 4 is intended to end the operation of the drinks machine and / or trigger an alarm message. This can be done, for example, by means of a relay, not shown in the drawing, which is connected in series with the electrical unit (s) of the beverage machine.
  • a second switch position can be realized, in which the beverage machine is switched off.
  • an alarm message can be triggered, which indicates the end of the supply in container 1.
  • the container 1 has in particular an adjustable foot 11 on its underside, which acts on the switch contact piece 42.
  • the length of the adjusting foot 11 is dimensioned in relation to the valve part 21 arranged on the underside of the container and possibly further adjusting feet or supports 13 on the underside of the container so that the container 1 detached from the vending machine 3 can be safely placed on a flat surface.
  • the standing surface 3 has a sealing membrane 31 with a tappet 32, which transmits the pressure emanating from the adjusting foot 11 to the switching contact piece 42.
  • the switch 4 is preferably designed as a snap switch in order to give the container 1 stability to fluctuations in the liquid in the period before the critical pressure value or values are reached.
  • the interior of the container is flat on its underside in such a way that the area in the area of the adjusting foot 11 lowers towards the area of the plug connection with the valve 2.
  • the plug-in connection 2 between the storage container 1 and the shelf area 3 is shown in a practical embodiment in FIG. 2.
  • the plug-in connection elements are essentially rotationally symmetrical. It can be seen that is formed on the footprint 3 to form its connector part 22 as a pipe socket.
  • a plug connection part 21 projects into the floor there of the reservoir 1 molded pipe socket.
  • a valve tappet 25 which can be lifted upward against the force of a spring 23, is arranged from a valve opening 24.
  • An insert 26 is arranged in the plug-in connection part 22 assigned to the footprint 3 in such a way that a dome-shaped bracket 27, when the storage container 1 is placed on the footprint and engage in the two plug-in connection parts 21 and 22, the valve tappet 25 is lifted upwards and thereby the Valve opening 24 is opened so that the water stored in the storage container 1 can get down into the area of the insert 26, from where it is discharged for further use or suctioned off by a feed pump.
  • An elastic sealing element 28 seals the two plug connection parts 21 and 22 against one another. The design of this sealing element 28 increases the sealing effect due to the water pressure occurring in this area.
  • the upper edge of the plug-in connection part assigned to the shelf 3 is closed with an annular cap 29 made of elastic material.
  • the reservoir 1 could be supported on this annular cap 29 with respect to the storage surface 3, so that an elastic pivot axis would be formed in this area. In this case, the foot 13 of the storage container 1 should not touch the footprint 3.
  • this adjusting foot 13 of the storage container stands on the support surface 3, so that the pivot axis for the storage container 1 is formed at the point of contact.
  • the plug connection 2 located in the vicinity experiences only extremely little due to the tilting movement of the storage container, for its function insignificant relative movements against each other.
  • the bottom region of the storage container 1 is not supported or is hardly supported by the annular cap 29 of the plug connector 22.
  • this storage container 1 On the opposite side of the storage container 1 with respect to the center of gravity of the storage container 1 of the plug-in connection 2, this storage container 1 is always supported laterally from the elastic membrane on the standing surface 3 via the adjusting foot with a water-filled state.
  • the leveling foot 11 extends - like the leveling foot 13 - in the direction of the top view of FIG. 2 in a strip shape below the storage container 1, specifically beyond the opening of the leveling area 3 covered by the sealing membrane 31. Only when the storage container 1 is substantially emptied is a spring element of the switch 4 capable of lifting the correspondingly emptied storage container 1 via its adjusting foot 11, as a result of which an electrical switching function is also carried out, which is evaluated via the connecting lines 41 and 42 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Distillation Of Fermentation Liquor, Processing Of Alcohols, Vinegar And Beer (AREA)
  • Beverage Vending Machines With Cups, And Gas Or Electricity Vending Machines (AREA)

Abstract

The storage tank for providing liquids to a unit further processing these liquids comprises in its bottom area a plug-in connection for a drawing unit, and in the area of this elastically designed plug-in connection, a pivot bearing is placed offset to the centroidal axis of the storage tank and relative to the centroidal axis, an elastic block with an evaluating element is placed relative to the pivot bearing.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Behälter zur Bevorratung von Flüssigkeiten und Vorrichtung zur Entnahme der Flüssigkeiten aus diesem Behälter zur Weiterverwendung, insbesondere Wasservorrats-Behälter in einem Getränkeautomaten und Wasserentnahme-Vorrichtung, wobei der Behälter ein ein Ventil beinhaltendes Steckverbindungsteil im Bodenbereich aufweist, das mit einem in eine Stellfläche integrierten Steckverbindungsteil, über das die bevorratete Flüssigkeit weiterleitbar ist, zur Flüssigkeitsentnahme verbindbar ist.The invention relates to a container for storing liquids and a device for removing the liquids from this container for further use, in particular water storage container in an automatic beverage dispenser and water extraction device, the container having a plug-in connection part in the bottom area, which has a valve in one Footprint integrated connector part, via which the stored liquid can be forwarded, can be connected for liquid withdrawal.

Getränkeautomaten, die Erfrischungsgetränke aus einem oder mehreren Getränkekonzentraten und aus karbonisiertem Wasser herstellen, können das für die Getränkeherstellung erforderliche Wasser direkt aus einer mit dem Automaten verbundenen Wasserleitung beziehen. Alternativ hierzu können Getränkeautomaten mit Wasser aus einem Vorratsbehälter versorgt werden, beispielsweise in den Fällen, in denen am Ort des Getränkeautomaten eine Wasserleitung nicht vorhanden ist oder wenn die Qualität des aus der Wasserleitung entnehmbaren Wassers nicht den besonderen Anforderungen für das herzustellende Getränk entspricht.Vending machines that produce soft drinks from one or more beverage concentrates and carbonated water can obtain the water required for beverage production directly from a water pipe connected to the vending machine. As an alternative to this, vending machines can be supplied with water from a storage container, for example in cases in which a water pipe is not available at the location of the vending machine if the quality of the water that can be drawn from the water pipe does not meet the special requirements for the beverage to be produced.

Bei Getränkeautomaten, die mit Wasser oder mit einem Getränkekonzentrat aus einem Vorratsbehälter versorgt werden, hängt ein störungsfreier Betrieb davon ab, daß bei jedem Herstellungsvorgang ausreichende Mengen der Ausgangsstoffe aus dem Vorratsbehälter entnehmbar sind.In the case of vending machines that are supplied with water or with a beverage concentrate from a storage container, trouble-free operation depends on the fact that sufficient quantities of the starting materials can be removed from the storage container during each manufacturing process.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Vorratsbehälter mit einer Entnahmeeinrichtung der eingangs genannten Art anzugeben, der einen störungsfreien Betrieb bei abnehmendem Vorrat der im Behälter bevorrateten Flüssigkeit ermöglicht.The invention has for its object to provide a storage container with a removal device of the type mentioned, which enables trouble-free operation with a decreasing supply of the liquid stored in the container.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

Die Erfindung zeichnet sich durch eine Mehrzahl von Vorteilen aus. Die Behälter der Getränkeautomaten weisen erfindungsgemäß lediglich ein steckbares Ventil sowie einen elektrischen Schalter auf. Der Schalter dient dazu, den Getränkeautomaten abzuschalten, wenn die Menge der bevorrateten Flüssigkeiten im Behälter einen kritischen Wert erreicht. Beide Komponenten, Ventil und Schalter, sind gängige Erzeugnisse, die ohne eine besondere Anpassung übernommen werden können. Sie wirken in einfacher Weise zusammen und gewährleisten eine störungsfreie Arbeitsweise.The invention is characterized by a number of advantages. According to the invention, the containers of the vending machines only have a plug-in valve and an electrical switch. The switch is used to switch off the vending machine when the amount of liquid in the container reaches a critical value. Both components, valve and switch, are common products that can be adopted without special adaptation. They work together in a simple manner and ensure trouble-free operation.

Der Behälter ist mit dem Getränkeautomaten lösbar verbunden, so daß sich der Behälter in einfacher Weise von dem Getränkeautomaten abnehmen und mit der jeweils zu bevorrateten Flüssigkeit nachfüllen läßt.The container is detachably connected to the vending machine, so that the container can be easily removed from the vending machine and refilled with the liquid to be stored in each case.

Eine vorteilhafte Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Behälter an seiner Unterseite einen Stellfuß aufweist, der auf das Schaltkontaktstück des Schalters wirkt. Der Stift konzentriert den von dem Behälter einschließlich der jeweils enthalltenen Flüssigkeitsmenge ausgehenden Druck auf einen punktförmigen Bereich an der nach unten weisenden Stiftspitze und überträgt damit den Druck in definierter Weise.An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the container has an adjustable foot on its underside, which acts on the switch contact piece of the switch. The pen concentrates the pressure emanating from the container including the amount of liquid contained in each case onto a punctiform area at the pen tip pointing downward and thus transmits the pressure in a defined manner.

Nach einer weiteren Ausführungsform weist der Getränkeautomat im Bereich des Stifts eine Dichtmembran mit einem Stößel auf, der den von dem Stift ausgehenden Druck auf das Schaltkontaktstück überträgt. Diese Ausführungsform zeichnet sich durch einen doppelten Schutz aus; der Innenraum wird mittels der Dichtmembran vor Verunreinigungen geschützt und das Schaltkontaktstück des elektrischen Schalters wird vor sonst möglichen Beschädigungen durch den Stift bei dem Aufsetzen des Behälters auf den Getränkeautomaten geschützt.According to a further embodiment, the vending machine has a sealing membrane with a plunger in the area of the pin, which transmits the pressure emanating from the pin to the switching contact piece. This embodiment is characterized by a double protection; the interior is protected from contamination by means of the sealing membrane and the switch contact piece of the electrical switch is protected from otherwise possible damage caused by the pin when the container is placed on the vending machine.

Nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist der Schalter als Schnappschalter ausgebildet. Damit bewegt der Schalter den Behälter nur bei Erreichen eines bestimmten Füllgrades und damit bei Erreichen eines kritischen Druckwertes, während vor diesem Zeitpunkt bei Abnehmen der Flüssigkeitsmenge der Behälter nicht in seiner Position geändert wird. Der Schnappschalter verleiht damit dem Vorratsbehälter Stabilität. Schwankungen der Flüssigkeit im Behälter und des Behälters selbst beeinflussen damit das Zusammenwirken von Behälter und Getränkekautomat nicht.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the switch is designed as a snap switch. The switch thus moves the container only when a certain degree of filling is reached and thus when a critical pressure value is reached, while the position of the container is not changed before this time when the amount of liquid is reduced. The snap switch gives the storage container Stability. Fluctuations in the liquid in the container and the container itself do not affect the interaction between the container and the beverage dispenser.

Nach einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist der Behälter-Innenraum an seiner Unterseite in der Weise flächig ausgebildet, daß sich die Fläche vom Bereich des Stifts zum Bereich des Ventils absenkt. Durch diese Ausgestaltung des Behälters wird die Schwenkung des Behälters um den Drehpunkt im Ventil unterstützt.According to a further embodiment of the invention, the container interior is flat on its underside in such a way that the surface lowers from the area of the pin to the area of the valve. This configuration of the container supports the pivoting of the container about the pivot point in the valve.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Schalter eine zweite Schaltstellung aufweist, die das Schaltkontaktstück bei Erreichen eines vorgegebenen zweiten Behälterdrucks herstellt. Der Schalter löst dann in seiner ersten Schaltstellung eine Alarmmeldung aus, die auf den zu Ende gehenden Vorrat im Behälter hinweist, während in der zweiten Schaltstellung der Getränkeautomat abgeschaltet wird.A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the switch has a second switch position which the switch contact piece produces when a predetermined second container pressure is reached. The switch then triggers an alarm message in its first switch position, which indicates the end of the supply in the container, while in the second switch position the drinks machine is switched off.

Die Erfindung wird nun anhand der Zeichnung beschrieben. es zeigen:

Fig. 1
schematisiert in einem Getränkeautomaten aufgesetzten Behälter und
Fig. 2
eine Detailansicht der Anordnung im Bodenbereich des Behälters und und in dessen Aufsetzbereich im Getränkeautomat schematisiert.
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing. show it:
Fig. 1
schematically placed in a drinks machine and container
Fig. 2
a detailed view of the arrangement in the bottom area of the container and and in its placement area in the drinks machine schematized.

Figur 1 zeigt einen Behälter 1 zur Bevorratung von Wasser für die Verwendung in einem Getränkeautomaten. Auf einer Stellfläche 3, im Getränkeautomaten ist der Behälter 1 aufgesetzt und ist so mit dem Getränkeautomaten in Verbindung gebracht. Der Behälter 1 ist vorzugsweise quaderförmig ausgestaltet und durch einen abnehmbaren Deckel 12 verschließbar. Die im Behälter 1 bevorratete Flüssigkeit gelangt durch eine ein Ventil 2 enthaltende Steckverbindung in den Getränkeautomaten 3.Figure 1 shows a container 1 for storing water for use in a vending machine. The container 1 is placed on a shelf 3 in the vending machine and is thus connected to the vending machine. The container 1 is preferably cuboid and can be closed by a removable cover 12. The liquid stored in the container 1 reaches the beverage dispenser 3 through a plug connection containing a valve 2.

Diese das Ventil 2 enthaltende Steckverbindung, die anhand Figur 2 näher beschrieben wird, besteht aus zwei ineinander steckbare Teile 21 und 22. Ein erstes Ventilteil 21 ist an der Unterseite des Behälters 1 und ein zweites Ventilteil 22 ist in der Stellfläche 3 im Getränkeautomaten angeordnet. Das Ventil 2 wird durch Einstecken des Behälters 1 geöffnet und durch Ablösen des Behälters 1 geschlossen.This plug connection containing the valve 2, which is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2, consists of two parts 21 and 22 which can be plugged into one another. A first valve part 21 is arranged on the underside of the container 1 and a second valve part 22 is arranged in the shelf 3 in the vending machine. The valve 2 is opened by inserting the container 1 and closed by detaching the container 1.

Die Steckverbindung ist als Schwenklager ausgebildet und versetzt zur Schwenklinie des gefüllten Behälters 1 angeordnet, so daß der Behälter 1 bezüglich seiner Vertikalachse gegenüber der Stellfläche 3 schwenkbar gelagert ist.The plug connection is designed as a pivot bearing and is offset from the pivot line of the filled container 1, so that the container 1 is pivotally mounted with respect to its vertical axis with respect to the footprint 3.

Unterhalb des Behälters 1, vorzugsweise innerhalb der dem Getränkeautomaten zugeordneten Stellfläche 3 befindet sich bezüglich der Schwenklinie des Behälters 1 gegenüber der Steckverbindung ein elektrischer Schalter 4. Dieser weist ein im vorliegenden Fall nach oben (in Richtung des Behälters 1) bzw. nach unten bewegliches Schaltkontaktstück 42 auf, das an seiner Unterseite mit einer Rückstellfeder 41 mechanisch verbunden ist.Below the container 1, preferably within the shelf 3 assigned to the vending machine, there is an electrical switch 4 with respect to the pivoting line of the container 1 with respect to the plug connection 42, which is mechanically connected to a return spring 41 on its underside.

Auf dieses Schaltkontaktstück drückt der in der Steckverbindung schwenkbar gelagerte Behälter 1. Bei abnehmendem Druck, der von dem Behälter 1 einschließlich der bevorrateten Flüssigkeit ausgeht, drückt die Rückstellfeder 41 das Schaltkontaktstück 42 und den Behälter 1 nach oben. Der Behälter 1 schwenkt damit um den Drehpunkt in der Steckverbindung.The container 1, which is pivotably mounted in the plug-in connection, presses on this switching contact piece. When the pressure, which comes from the container 1, including the stored liquid, decreases, the return spring 41 presses the switching contact piece 42 and the container 1 upward. The container 1 thus pivots about the pivot point in the connector.

Unterschreitet die vom Behälter 1 ausgehende Gewichtskraft auf den Schalter einen ersten kritischen Wert, drückt die Feder 41 das Schaltkontaktstück 42 des Schalters 4 in eine erste Schaltstellung, schließt also den elektrischen Schalter 4. Das Schließen des Schalters 4 soll den Betrieb des Getränkeautomaten beenden und/oder eine Alarmmeldung auslösen. Dies kann beispielsweise mittels eines zeichnerisch nicht dargestellten Relais geschehen, das in Serie mit dem oder den elektrischen Aggregaten des Getränkeautomanten geschaltet ist.If the weight force exerted on the switch by the container 1 falls below a first critical value, the spring 41 presses the switch contact piece 42 of the switch 4 into a first switch position, that is to say closes the electrical switch 4. The closing of the switch 4 is intended to end the operation of the drinks machine and / or trigger an alarm message. This can be done, for example, by means of a relay, not shown in the drawing, which is connected in series with the electrical unit (s) of the beverage machine.

Eine in der Figur nicht dargestellte Alternative kann in der Weise ausgebildet sein, daß das Schaltkontaktstück den Schalter bis zum Erreichen des kritischen Druckwertes schließt und bei Erreichen dieses Druckwertes öffnet.An alternative, not shown in the figure, can be designed such that the switch contact piece closes the switch until the critical pressure value is reached and opens when this pressure value is reached.

Mit einem weiteren Schalter oder einem zweistufigen Schalter anstelle des beschriebenen Schalters 4 läßt sich eine zweite Schaltstellung realisieren, in der das Abschalten des Getränkeautomaten ausgelöst wird. In der ersten Schaltstellung läßt sich eine Alarmmeldung auslösen, die auf den zu Ende gehenden Vorrat im Behälter 1 hinweist.With a further switch or a two-stage switch instead of the described switch 4, a second switch position can be realized, in which the beverage machine is switched off. In the first switch position, an alarm message can be triggered, which indicates the end of the supply in container 1.

Der Behälter 1 weist insbesondere einen Stellfuß 11 an seiner Unterseite auf, der auf das Schaltkontaktstück 42 wirkt. Die Länge des Stellfußes 11 ist gegenüber dem am der Behälterunterseite angeordneten Ventilteil 21 und ggf. weiteren Stellfüßen oder Stützen 13 an der Behälterunterseite so bemessen, daß sich der vom Getränkeautomaten 3 gelöste Behälter 1 auf einer ebenen Fläche sicher abstellen läßt.The container 1 has in particular an adjustable foot 11 on its underside, which acts on the switch contact piece 42. The length of the adjusting foot 11 is dimensioned in relation to the valve part 21 arranged on the underside of the container and possibly further adjusting feet or supports 13 on the underside of the container so that the container 1 detached from the vending machine 3 can be safely placed on a flat surface.

Die Stellfläche 3 weist bei der in der Figur 1 dargestellten Ausführungsform eine Dichtmembran 31 mit einem Stößel 32 auf, der den von dem Stellfuß 11 ausgehenden Druck auf das Schaltkontaktstück 42 überträgt.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the standing surface 3 has a sealing membrane 31 with a tappet 32, which transmits the pressure emanating from the adjusting foot 11 to the switching contact piece 42.

Der Schalter 4 ist vorzugsweise als Schnappschalter ausgebildet, um dem Behälter 1 im Zeitraum vor Erreichen des oder der kritischen Druckwerte Stabilität gegenüber Schwankungen der Flüssigkeit zu verleihen.The switch 4 is preferably designed as a snap switch in order to give the container 1 stability to fluctuations in the liquid in the period before the critical pressure value or values are reached.

Der Behälter-Innenraum ist an seiner Unterseite in der Weise flächig ausgebildet, daß sich die Fläche im Bereich des Stellfußes 11 zum Bereich der Steckverbindung mit dem Ventil 2 absenkt. Durch diese Ausgestaltungen wird die Bewegung des Behälters 1 um seinen Drehpunkt der Steckverbindung unterstützt.The interior of the container is flat on its underside in such a way that the area in the area of the adjusting foot 11 lowers towards the area of the plug connection with the valve 2. These configurations support the movement of the container 1 around its pivot point of the plug connection.

Die Steckverbindung 2 zwischen Vorratsbehälter 1 und Stellflächenbereich 3 zeigt in einer praktikablen Ausführungsform die Figur 2. Die Steckverbindungselemente sind dabei im wesentlichen rotationssymmetrisch gestaltet. Es ist zu sehen, daß an die Stellfläche 3 zur Ausbildung ihres Steckverbindungsteils 22 als Rohrstutzen ausgebildet ist. Dort hinein ragt als Steckverbindungsteil 21 ein an den Boden des Vorratsbehälters 1 angeformter Rohrstutzen. In dem dem Vorratsbehälter 1 zugeordneten Steckverbindungsteil 21 ist ein entgegen der Kraft einer Feder 23 nach oben von einer Ventilöffnung 24 abhebbarer Ventilstößel 25 angeordnet. Im der Stellfläche 3 zugeordneten Steckverbindungsteil 22 ist ein Einsatz 26 derart angeordnet, daß ein domartiger Bügel 27 dann, wenn der Vorratsbehälter 1 auf die Stellfläche aufgesetzt ist und in die beiden Steckverbindungsteile 21 und 22 ineinandergreifen, der Ventilstößel 25 nach oben angehoben wird und dadurch die Ventilöffnung 24 geöffnet ist, so daß das im Vorratsbehälter 1 bevorratete Wasser nach unten in den Bereich des Einsatzes 26 gelangen kann, von wo es zur weiteren Verwendung abgeleitet bzw. durch eine Förderpumpe abgesaugt wird. Ein elastisches Dichtungselement 28 dichtet die beiden Steckverbindungsteile 21 und 22 gegeneinander ab. Durch die Ausgestaltung dieses Dichtungselements 28 wird die Dichtwirkung durch den in diesem Bereich auftretenden Wasserdruck verstärkt. Der obere Rand des der Stellfläche 3 zugeordneten Steckverbindungsteil ist mit einer ringförmigen Kappe 29 aus elastischen Material abgeschlossen. Auf dieser ringförmigen Kappe 29 könnte sich der Vorratsbehälter 1 gegenüber der Stellfäche 3 abstützen, so daß in diesem Bereich eine elastische Schwenkachse gebildet würde. In diesem Fall dürfte der Stellfuß 13 des Vorratsbehälters 1 die Stellfläche 3 nicht berühren.The plug-in connection 2 between the storage container 1 and the shelf area 3 is shown in a practical embodiment in FIG. 2. The plug-in connection elements are essentially rotationally symmetrical. It can be seen that is formed on the footprint 3 to form its connector part 22 as a pipe socket. A plug connection part 21 projects into the floor there of the reservoir 1 molded pipe socket. In the plug-in connection part 21 assigned to the storage container 1, a valve tappet 25, which can be lifted upward against the force of a spring 23, is arranged from a valve opening 24. An insert 26 is arranged in the plug-in connection part 22 assigned to the footprint 3 in such a way that a dome-shaped bracket 27, when the storage container 1 is placed on the footprint and engage in the two plug-in connection parts 21 and 22, the valve tappet 25 is lifted upwards and thereby the Valve opening 24 is opened so that the water stored in the storage container 1 can get down into the area of the insert 26, from where it is discharged for further use or suctioned off by a feed pump. An elastic sealing element 28 seals the two plug connection parts 21 and 22 against one another. The design of this sealing element 28 increases the sealing effect due to the water pressure occurring in this area. The upper edge of the plug-in connection part assigned to the shelf 3 is closed with an annular cap 29 made of elastic material. The reservoir 1 could be supported on this annular cap 29 with respect to the storage surface 3, so that an elastic pivot axis would be formed in this area. In this case, the foot 13 of the storage container 1 should not touch the footprint 3.

Beim dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel jedoch steht dieser Stellfuß 13 des Vorratsbehälters auf der Auflagefläche 3, so daß an der Berührungsstelle die Schwenkachse für den Vorratsbehälter 1 gebildet wird. Die im Nahbereich liegende Steckverbindung 2 erfährt durch die Kippbewegung des Vorratsbehälters nur äußerst geringe, für ihre Funktion unbedeutsame relative Bewegungen gegeneinander. Der Bodenbereich des Vorratsbehälters 1 stützt sich in diesem Falle nicht oder kaum an der ringförmigen Kappe 29 des Steckverbindungsstücks 22 ab.In the exemplary embodiment shown, however, this adjusting foot 13 of the storage container stands on the support surface 3, so that the pivot axis for the storage container 1 is formed at the point of contact. The plug connection 2 located in the vicinity experiences only extremely little due to the tilting movement of the storage container, for its function insignificant relative movements against each other. In this case, the bottom region of the storage container 1 is not supported or is hardly supported by the annular cap 29 of the plug connector 22.

Auf der bezüglich der Schwerlinie des Vorratsbehälters 1 der Steckverbindung 2 gegenüberliegenden Seite des Vorratsbehälters 1 stützt sich dieser Vorratsbehälter 1 über den Stellfuß immer mit wassergefülltem Zustand seitlich von der elastischen Membran unmittelbar auf der Stellfläche 3 ab. Der Stellfuß 11 erstreckt sich - ebenso wie der Stellfuß 13 - in Richtung der Draufsicht auf die Figur 2 leistenförmig unterhalb des Vorratsbehälters 1, und zwar über die durch die Dichtmembran 31 abgedeckte Öffnung der Stellfläche 3 hinaus. Erst wenn der Vorratsbehälter 1 im wesentlichen entleert ist, ist ein dem Schalter 4 eigenes Federelement in der Lage, den entsprechend weit entleerten Vorratsbehälter 1 über seinen Stellfuß 11 anzuheben, wodurch auch eine elektrische Schaltfunktion ausgeführt wird, welche über die Anschlußleitungen 41 und 42 ausgewertet wird.On the opposite side of the storage container 1 with respect to the center of gravity of the storage container 1 of the plug-in connection 2, this storage container 1 is always supported laterally from the elastic membrane on the standing surface 3 via the adjusting foot with a water-filled state. The leveling foot 11 extends - like the leveling foot 13 - in the direction of the top view of FIG. 2 in a strip shape below the storage container 1, specifically beyond the opening of the leveling area 3 covered by the sealing membrane 31. Only when the storage container 1 is substantially emptied is a spring element of the switch 4 capable of lifting the correspondingly emptied storage container 1 via its adjusting foot 11, as a result of which an electrical switching function is also carried out, which is evaluated via the connecting lines 41 and 42 .

Je näher die Schwenkachse für den Vorratsbehälter an dessen Schwerlinie herangelegt wird, um so geringere Federkräfte können im Bereich des Schalters eingesetzt werden.The closer the pivot axis for the storage container is placed to its center of gravity, the lower spring forces can be used in the area of the switch.

Claims (11)

  1. Container for the stocking of liquids and device for the withdrawal of the liquids from this container for further use, in particular water stock container in an automatic beverage dispenser and water withdrawal device, wherein the container in the base region displays a plug connector part which contains a valve and is connectable for the withdrawal of liquid with a plug connector part, which is integrated into a placing surface and by which the stocked liquid can be conducted onwards, characterised thereby, that the container (1) is borne to be pivotable about a pivot axis formed by a bearing support arranged displaced relative to the axis of gravity of the container and between the container (1) and the placing surface (3) carrying this, that the plug connection is constructed as elastic plug connection in chambers (2) and lies between the container (1) and the placing surface (3) in the region of this pivot axis, that a counterbearing acting elastically against the container is arranged opposite this plug connection with respect to the axis of gravity and that a scanning organ (4) is arranged, which detects the tilted setting of the container (1) about the pivot axis brought about in dependence on the degree of filling of the container (1).
  2. Container and withdrawal device according to claim 1, characterised thereby, that the pivot axis extends within the plug connection (2).
  3. Container and withdrawal device according to claim 2, characterised thereby, that the pivot axis is formed as elastic pivot axis with the plug connection (2).
  4. Container and withdrawal device acording to claim 1, characterised thereby, that the pivot axis extends in the proximity of the plug connection (2).
  5. Container and withdrawal device according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised thereby, that the scanning organ (4) is integrated into the elastic counterbearing.
  6. Container and withdrawal device according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised thereby, that the scanning organ (4) is an electrical contact switch in the form of a microswitch.
  7. Container and withdrawal device according to claim 6, characterised thereby, that the container (1) at its underside displays a placing foot (11), which acts on the switch contact member (42) of the contact switch (4).
  8. Container and withdrawal device according to claim 7, characterised thereby, that the automatic beverage dispenser (3) in the region of the placing foot (11) displays a sealing membrane (31) with a plunger (32), which transmits the pressure emanating from the placing foot (11) to the switch contact member (42).
  9. Container and withdrawal device according to one of the claims 7 and 8, characterised thereby, that the contact switch (4) is constructed as snap switch.
  10. Container and withdrawal device according to one of the claims 7 to 9, characterised thereby, that the interior space of the container (1) is formed areally at its underside in such a manner that the area slopes down from the region of the placing foot (11) to the region of the valve (2).
  11. Container and withdrawal device according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterised thereby, that the switch (4) displays a second switch setting which the switch contact member (42) produces on reaching a preset second container pressure.
EP19910121644 1990-12-17 1991-12-17 Beverage dispenser with a container for stocking liquids Expired - Lifetime EP0492370B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19904040394 DE4040394C1 (en) 1990-12-17 1990-12-17
DE4040394 1990-12-17

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0492370A1 EP0492370A1 (en) 1992-07-01
EP0492370B1 true EP0492370B1 (en) 1994-07-27

Family

ID=6420595

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19910121644 Expired - Lifetime EP0492370B1 (en) 1990-12-17 1991-12-17 Beverage dispenser with a container for stocking liquids

Country Status (7)

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US (1) US5240033A (en)
EP (1) EP0492370B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE109114T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2057835C (en)
DE (2) DE4040394C1 (en)
DK (1) DK0492370T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2057727T3 (en)

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US6378742B1 (en) 2000-10-10 2002-04-30 Rieke Corporation Fluid dispensing closure
NL1019544C2 (en) 2001-12-12 2003-06-13 Sara Lee De Nv Device for offering and dispensing mineral water suitable for consumption.
US7021197B2 (en) * 2003-07-18 2006-04-04 Electrical & Electronics Ltd. Hot beverage machine
ES2433108T3 (en) * 2010-12-13 2013-12-09 Nestec S.A. A beverage preparation machine
ES2695227T3 (en) * 2014-11-07 2019-01-02 Vitop Moulding Srl Device for supplying liquids of water jugs equipped with a system or kit to replace the water jugs with "box in box" type containers for their supply

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DE187420C (en) *
US1983381A (en) * 1932-02-01 1934-12-04 Macgill Charles Frederick Apparatus for preserving and dispensing liquids
FR765072A (en) * 1933-08-02 1934-06-01 Device for water distribution systems, to regulate the supply of cooling water to the pump
FR789748A (en) * 1934-08-04 1935-11-05 Automatic feeding device for steam or hot water generator
US2861509A (en) * 1956-11-20 1958-11-25 Reb B Dodson Self-operating photoprint washer
US2854909A (en) * 1956-12-06 1958-10-07 Reb B Dodson Roll film washer
US3102551A (en) * 1962-03-07 1963-09-03 Gen Electric Adjustable water level control for clothes washing machines
FR1453313A (en) * 1965-06-02 1966-06-03 Dupont S T Removable waterproof junction system of two tanks
US3460590A (en) * 1966-04-25 1969-08-12 Phillips Petroleum Co Valve for filling bottles,containers and the like and method
GB1373097A (en) * 1971-12-22 1974-11-06 Gkn Sankey Ltd Liquid dispensers
US3972387A (en) * 1974-11-25 1976-08-03 Houdaille Industries, Inc. Lubrication system with quick-change supply reservoir
US3930258A (en) * 1975-01-13 1975-12-30 Dick Co Ab Ink monitoring and automatic fluid replenishing apparatus for ink jet printer
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US4316557A (en) * 1979-12-17 1982-02-23 Sunkist Growers, Inc. Beverage dispenser with removable tank connection means
GB2098963A (en) * 1981-05-25 1982-12-01 Douwe Egberts Tabaksfab Method and apparatus or metering beverage concentrates
DE3511224A1 (en) * 1985-03-28 1986-10-02 Meir 4005 Meerbusch Mendelssohn Device for registering and displaying the liquid content or liquid consumption of or from, respectively, beverage containers
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FR2600875B1 (en) * 1986-03-28 1989-04-28 Danto Rogeat Entreprise BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS.
US4856676A (en) * 1987-09-03 1989-08-15 Jet Spray Corp. Post mix dispenser

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2057727T3 (en) 1994-10-16
ATE109114T1 (en) 1994-08-15
DE59102356D1 (en) 1994-09-01
DE4040394C1 (en) 1992-06-11
US5240033A (en) 1993-08-31
DK0492370T3 (en) 1994-11-28
EP0492370A1 (en) 1992-07-01
CA2057835C (en) 1995-05-30

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