EP0646899B1 - Beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Beverage dispenser Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0646899B1
EP0646899B1 EP94810554A EP94810554A EP0646899B1 EP 0646899 B1 EP0646899 B1 EP 0646899B1 EP 94810554 A EP94810554 A EP 94810554A EP 94810554 A EP94810554 A EP 94810554A EP 0646899 B1 EP0646899 B1 EP 0646899B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cup
carriage
automatic dispenser
height
dispenser according
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
EP94810554A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0646899A1 (en
Inventor
Jörg Braumann
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.)
Braumann AG
Original Assignee
Braumann AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Braumann AG filed Critical Braumann AG
Publication of EP0646899A1 publication Critical patent/EP0646899A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0646899B1 publication Critical patent/EP0646899B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F13/00Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
    • G07F13/10Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with associated dispensing of containers, e.g. cups or other articles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a machine for dispensing food in liquid form according to the preamble of claim 1, for. B. for hot and cold drinks such as coffee, tea or fruit juices, as well as instant soups and the like, wherein a machine in question in connection with the invention essentially has a cup feeder with a driven carriage which the released cup approximately horizontally below the delivery station brings.
  • a dispensing device for beverages in which the cup moves back and forth in order to be filled and removed, the dispensing point being closed by a vertically movable door and means being available, to prevent the removal of empty cups if the door is open.
  • This dispensing device also has a variety of springs, lever mechanisms and the like and is very complex.
  • vending machines which are more than twenty and forty years old, have not proven themselves and so the now known vending machines have established themselves on the market.
  • vending machines There are a variety of such vending machines, in which the cup is usually released after its release via a slide or the like (see Fig. 1) by gravity to the dispensing point, at which a plurality of feed lines are attached, in which the various drinks are brought about.
  • Vending machines of this type have essentially two disadvantages, on the one hand the feeding of the cup due to gravity causes disturbances by the cup getting stuck somewhere, and on the other hand this results in a relatively large overall height, which is particularly important if the drink is used -Automats should be combined with a cooling unit.
  • the cups are freely accessible in many machines, so that problems arise with regard to both hygiene and deliberate interference.
  • Vending machines are also known in which the beverage dispensing unit can be moved and retreats before the cup falls, in order to subsequently return to the original position.
  • This type of vending machine requires u. a. flexible hoses, which must also be available in excess length, which leads to food hygiene problems, since the sagging hoses are difficult to keep clean.
  • the vending machine has an electric motor which acts on the slide drive via two levers.
  • the cups 1 fall by gravity on an inclined slide 2 into their final position 3 below the beverage dispensing point 4, the overall height HT being at least 240 mm, due to the system, while the Beverage drop height HG between beverage dispensing point and upper cup rim 5 is 90 mm.
  • the sliding of the relatively light cups by gravity on an inclined chute regularly leads to disturbances, while the considerable height of the beverage splashes the cup and can lead to unsavory patterns in the foam, for example when brewing cappuccino or coffee.
  • the cup 1 with its edge 5 only falls a little more than its height HB, which results in an overall fall height that results depends on the height of the cup.
  • a maximum height of 100 mm and a volume of approximately 150 to 200 cc is assumed for widely used automatic machines. This results in a saving compared to machines according to FIG. 1 by at least 140 mm, which plays a very large role especially with wall units, since these machines have little space available, which is particularly important when using a cooling unit.
  • 2 also shows that the beverage drop height HG II is substantially lower than in the machine according to FIG. 1 and is, for example, 8 mm.
  • the cup 1 falls vertically by its height into a cup holder 6 of a cup slide 7 and from there passes under the outlet holder 8, where the cup is filled and can be removed.
  • cup feed essentially only the actual cup feed is shown schematically, while usual and known elements can be used for the other components.
  • the entire coin unit, the various containers and supply devices for the hot and cold drinks, soups and the like, as well as the cup magazine can be put together from assemblies and elements known per se.
  • Fig. 2 the delivery position of the carriage 7 is shown, ie the cup 1 or, if necessary, after pressing a corresponding key, another container is located under the outlet holder 8 and can be removed after filling.
  • the carriage 7, as indicated by the double arrow 9, returns to the rest position, ie to the left according to FIG. 2.
  • the cup holder 6 is in the carriage 7 below the cup magazine 10 and the closure surface 11 on the carriage 7 pushes in front of the dispensing point 19 and closes it.
  • the carriage 7 has a first part which is designed as a closed box 12 with the surface 11 serving as a closure, to which a second part is connected as a box 13 which is open at the front and whose rear wall 14 carries the cup holder 6 which is designed as a holder 15 which holds the cup above the equator, in which the cup hangs and can be pulled out by slightly compressing it.
  • a grate 16 is attached, under which there is a pull-out drip tray (not shown).
  • 5 also shows the outlet holder 8, which is designed as a hose holder, in which the fixed and as straight as possible hoses 17, which originate from the various beverage preparation and storage containers, open.
  • the front 18 of the device together with the opening 19 for the beverage dispensing point can be seen, which is closed by the closure surface 11 of the first box-like part of the slide 7, in order to ensure hygienically perfect conditions and the cup dispensing point against mischief or the removal of cups without dispensing beverages to protect.
  • the carriage 7 is driven by a synchronous motor 20, for example, which acts on a first lever 22 which is rotatably connected to a second lever 23, the second lever 23 also being rotatably connected to the carriage and this connection 24 and a further guide 25 are guided in a slot 26 in the housing rear wall 27.
  • the double length of the first lever 22 corresponds to one whole sledge movement.
  • the two end positions of the slide are controlled by a cam which is connected to the synchronous motor 20 and acts on a suitable circuit.
  • Electronic means can expediently also be present in order to monitor the presence of a cup in the cup holder.
  • An emitter sensor arrangement is known from EP-A-0 053 489, the sensor receiving the radiation reflecting from the cup, which must be made of a radiation-reflecting material, and thus checking for the presence of the cup.
  • an optical transmitter 30 is provided at the top left, the radiation 29 of which is directed at an optical receiver, a sensor 28, which is located approximately diagonally opposite to the bottom of the housing, at the bottom right, the transmitter via a Line 31 is connected to the machine control.
  • a cup stands in the removal position in the beam path and thus hides the sensor. As soon as the cup is removed, a signal is sent to the sensor and the slide moves into the closed position.
  • the drive of the carriage can also be ensured in another way, for example by means of toothed racks, belts, cable pulls or the like, known drive options.
  • the masses mentioned above are masses for conventional machines, but the invention is of course not limited to them, and can be used for various other machines that have different heights and the like.
  • the use of a cup slide enables the cup to be fed in correctly, the drink to fall very low and, for example, to provide a cappuccino or coffee that is also visually perfect, and above all to greatly reduce the overall height of the dispensing part, which creates problems when installing additional devices, such as a cooling unit, be greatly reduced.
  • the use of the cup slide with the closure part allows perfect hygienic conditions and protection against mischief with the cups, since the slide both seals the dispensing point and protects the cups from any access.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Beverage Vending Machines With Cups, And Gas Or Electricity Vending Machines (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

The machine for dispensing foodstuffs in liquid form, such as hot and cold beverages or soups, has a cup feed with a driven slide (7), in order to bring a released cup (1) essentially horizontally under the dispensing station (8), the total falling height (HB) of the cup (1) corresponding essentially to its height and the slide (7) being connected to a closing surface (11), in order to keep the dispensing orifice (19) closed when no cup is being dispensed. Such a machine with a cup slide and closing surface has a substantially smaller overall height and guarantees a reliable cup feed and, as a result of the closure, hygienically perfect conditions. <IMAGE>

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen Automaten für die Ausgabe von Lebensmitteln in flüssiger Form gemäss Oberbegriff von Patentanspruch 1, z. B. für warme und kalte Getränke wie Kaffee, Tee oder Fruchtsäfte, sowie Instant-Suppen und dergleichen mehr, wobei ein im Zusammenhang mit der Erfindung in Frage kommender Automat im wesentlichen eine Becherzuführung mit einem angetriebenen Schlitten aufweist, der den freigegebenen Becher etwa horizontal unter die Ausgabestation bringt.The present invention relates to a machine for dispensing food in liquid form according to the preamble of claim 1, for. B. for hot and cold drinks such as coffee, tea or fruit juices, as well as instant soups and the like, wherein a machine in question in connection with the invention essentially has a cup feeder with a driven carriage which the released cup approximately horizontally below the delivery station brings.

Ein solcher Automat ist aus der US-A-3,554,364 bekannt, wobei der handbetätigte Schlittenantrieb relativ komplizierte Hebelmechanismen und Ketten benötigt. Der Automat besitzt zwar eine Türe, um die Becher und die Getränkeausgabestelle vor Verschmutzung zu schützen, doch kann diese jederzeit geöffnet werden, so dass Entnahme von leeren Bechern und Beschädigungen möglich sind.Such an automat is known from US-A-3,554,364, the manually operated carriage drive requiring relatively complicated lever mechanisms and chains. The machine has a door to protect the cups and the beverage dispensing point from soiling, but it can be opened at any time so that empty cups and damage can be removed.

Aus der CH-A-294 183 ist eine Schankvorrichtung für Getränke bekannt, bei der der Becher eine Hin- und Her-Bewegung ausführt, um gefüllt und entnommen zu werden, wobei die Ausgabestelle durch eine senkrecht bewegbare Türe verschlossen ist und Mittel vorhanden sind, um die Entnahme von leeren Bechern zu hindern, falls die Türe geöffnet ist. Diese Schankvorrichtung weist zudem eine Vielzahl von Federn, Hebelmechanismen und dergleichen auf und ist sehr aufwendig gebaut.From CH-A-294 183 a dispensing device for beverages is known in which the cup moves back and forth in order to be filled and removed, the dispensing point being closed by a vertically movable door and means being available, to prevent the removal of empty cups if the door is open. This dispensing device also has a variety of springs, lever mechanisms and the like and is very complex.

Die beiden oben genannten, über zwanzig, bzw. vierzig Jahre alten Getränkeautomaten haben sich nicht bewährt und so haben sich die jetzt bekannten Automaten auf dem Markt durchgesetzt. Dort gibt es eine Vielzahl von solchen Getränke-Automaten, bei denen in der Regel der Becher nach seiner Freigabe über eine Rutsche oder dergleichen (siehe Fig. 1) durch die Schwerkraft an die Ausgabestelle gelangt, an der eine Vielzahl von Zuleitungen angebracht sind, in denen die verschiedenen Getränke herbeigeführt werden. Getränke-Automaten dieses Typs haben im wesentlichen zwei Nachteile, einerseits bedingt die Zuführung des Bechers durch die Schwerkraft Störungen, indem der Becher irgendwo hängen bleibt, und andererseits ergibt sich daraus eine relativ grosse Bauhöhe, die insbesondere dann ins Gewicht fällt, falls mit dem Getränke-Automaten ein Kühlaggregat vereint werden soll. Ferner sind bei vielen Automaten die Becher frei zugänglich, so dass sich daraus Probleme sowohl bezüglich Hygiene als auch bezüglich mutwillige Störung ergeben.The two above-mentioned vending machines, which are more than twenty and forty years old, have not proven themselves and so the now known vending machines have established themselves on the market. There are a variety of such vending machines, in which the cup is usually released after its release via a slide or the like (see Fig. 1) by gravity to the dispensing point, at which a plurality of feed lines are attached, in which the various drinks are brought about. Vending machines of this type have essentially two disadvantages, on the one hand the feeding of the cup due to gravity causes disturbances by the cup getting stuck somewhere, and on the other hand this results in a relatively large overall height, which is particularly important if the drink is used -Automats should be combined with a cooling unit. Furthermore, the cups are freely accessible in many machines, so that problems arise with regard to both hygiene and deliberate interference.

Es sind auch Automaten bekannt, bei denen die Getränkeausgabe-Einheit verfahrbar ist und vor dem Herabfallen des Bechers zurückweicht, um nachher wieder in die ursprüngliche Stellung zurückzukehren. Dieser Typ von Getränke-Automat bedingt u. a. flexible Schläuche, die zudem in einer Ueberlänge vorhanden sein müssen, wodurch sich lebensmittelhygienische Probleme ergeben, da die durchhängenden Schläuche schwer reinzuhalten sind.Vending machines are also known in which the beverage dispensing unit can be moved and retreats before the cup falls, in order to subsequently return to the original position. This type of vending machine requires u. a. flexible hoses, which must also be available in excess length, which leads to food hygiene problems, since the sagging hoses are difficult to keep clean.

Es ist ausgehend von diesem Stand der Technik Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung einen Getränke-Automaten anzugeben, der eine sehr einfach aufgebaute, zuverlässige Becher-Zuführung aufweist und bei geringerer Bauhöhe als bei den auf den Markt befindlichen Automaten eine einwandfreie Hygiene und vollständige Sicherung vor Entnahme von leeren Bechern bietet. Diese Aufgabe wird mit einem Automaten gemäss Patentanspruch 1 gelöst.Based on this prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage dispenser which has a very simple, reliable cup feeder and, with a lower overall height than that of the dispensers on the market, flawless hygiene and complete protection against removal empty cups. This object is achieved with a machine according to claim 1.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführung gemäss Anspruch 2 weist der Getränkeautomat einen elektrischen Motor auf, der über zwei Hebel auf den Schlittenantrieb wirkt.In a preferred embodiment according to claim 2, the vending machine has an electric motor which acts on the slide drive via two levers.

Die Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand einer Zeichnung eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert.

Fig. 1
zeigt schematisch den Ablauf einer Becherzuführung gemäss bekanntem Stand der Technik,
Fig. 2
zeigt in einer Vorderansicht Teile des Automaten gemäss der Erfindung in der Entnahmestellung,
Fig. 3
zeigt den Automaten von Fig. 2 in der geschlossenen Stellung,
Fig. 4
zeigt den Automaten in der Stellung gemäss Fig. 3 in einer Hinteransicht, und
Fig. 5
zeigt den Automaten von Fig. 3 in Draufsicht.
The invention is explained below with reference to a drawing of an embodiment.
Fig. 1
schematically shows the sequence of a cup feed according to the known prior art,
Fig. 2
shows a front view of parts of the machine according to the invention in the removal position,
Fig. 3
shows the machine of Fig. 2 in the closed position,
Fig. 4
shows the machine in the position shown in FIG. 3 in a rear view, and
Fig. 5
shows the machine of Fig. 3 in plan view.

Wie bereits eingangs erwähnt, fallen bei den meisten sich auf dem Markt befindlichen Becherzuführungen die Becher 1 mittels Schwerkraft auf einer schräg angeordneten Rutsche 2 in ihre endgültige Position 3 unterhalb der Getränke-Ausgabestelle 4, wobei systembedingt die Gesamthöhe HT mindestens 240 mm beträgt, während die Getränkefallhöhe HG zwischen Getränkeausgabestelle und oberem Becherrand 5 um 90 mm beträgt. Das Abgleiten der relativ leichten Becher mittels Schwerkraft an einer schrägen Rutsche führt regelmässig zu Störungen, während die erhebliche Getränkefallhöhe den Becher verspritzt und beispielsweise bei der Ausgabe von Cappucino oder Kaffee zu unappetitlichen Mustern im Schaum führen kann.As already mentioned at the beginning, in most cup feeders on the market, the cups 1 fall by gravity on an inclined slide 2 into their final position 3 below the beverage dispensing point 4, the overall height HT being at least 240 mm, due to the system, while the Beverage drop height HG between beverage dispensing point and upper cup rim 5 is 90 mm. The sliding of the relatively light cups by gravity on an inclined chute regularly leads to disturbances, while the considerable height of the beverage splashes the cup and can lead to unsavory patterns in the foam, for example when brewing cappuccino or coffee.

Beim Ausführungsbeispiel eines Getränkeautomaten nach der Erfindung gemäss den Figuren 2-5 fällt der Becher 1 mit seinem Rand 5 insgesamt nur um etwas mehr als seine Höhe HB, wodurch sich eine gesamte Fallhöhe ergibt, die sich nach der Höhe des Bechers richtet. In vorliegendem Ausführungsbeispiel wird von einer für weit verbreitete Automaten maximale Höhe von 100 mm und einem Volumen von ung. 150 bis 200 ccm ausgegangen. Dadurch ergibt sich eine Einsparung gegenüber Automaten gemäss Fig. 1 um mindestens 140 mm, was vor allem bei Wandgeräten eine sehr grosse Rolle spielt, da diese Automaten wenig Platz zur Verfügung haben, was insbesondere bei der Verwendung einer Kühleinheit ins Gewicht fällt. Aus Fig. 2 geht ferner hervor, dass die Getränkefallhöhe HG II wesentlich niedriger ist als bei dem Automaten gemäss Fig. 1 und beispielsweise 8 mm beträgt.In the embodiment of a vending machine according to the invention according to FIGS. 2-5, the cup 1 with its edge 5 only falls a little more than its height HB, which results in an overall fall height that results depends on the height of the cup. In the present exemplary embodiment, a maximum height of 100 mm and a volume of approximately 150 to 200 cc is assumed for widely used automatic machines. This results in a saving compared to machines according to FIG. 1 by at least 140 mm, which plays a very large role especially with wall units, since these machines have little space available, which is particularly important when using a cooling unit. 2 also shows that the beverage drop height HG II is substantially lower than in the machine according to FIG. 1 and is, for example, 8 mm.

Aus den Figuren 2 und 3 erkennt man ferner, dass der Becher 1 senkrecht um seine Höhe in einen Becherhalter 6 eines Becherschlittens 7 fällt und von dort unter den Auslauf-Halter 8 gelangt, wo der Becher gefüllt wird und entnommen werden kann.It can also be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3 that the cup 1 falls vertically by its height into a cup holder 6 of a cup slide 7 and from there passes under the outlet holder 8, where the cup is filled and can be removed.

In der Zeichnung ist im wesentlichen nur die eigentliche Becherzuführung schematisch dargestellt, während für die anderen Bauteile übliche und bekannte Elemente verwendet werden können. So können die ganze Münzeinheit, die verschiedenen Behälter und Zuführvorrichtungen für die warmen und kalten Getränke, Suppen und dergleichen, sowie das Bechermagazin aus an sich bekannten Baugruppen und Elementen zusammengestellt werden.In the drawing, essentially only the actual cup feed is shown schematically, while usual and known elements can be used for the other components. The entire coin unit, the various containers and supply devices for the hot and cold drinks, soups and the like, as well as the cup magazine can be put together from assemblies and elements known per se.

In Fig. 2 ist die Ausgabestellung des Schlittens 7 eingezeichnet, d. h. der Becher 1 oder gegebenenfalls, nach Betätigen einer entsprechenden Taste, ein anderer Behälter, befindet sich unter dem Auslaufhalter 8 und kann nach dem Abfüllen entnommen werden. Nach der Entnahme des Bechers fährt der Schlitten 7, wie mit Doppelpfeil 9 angedeutet, in die Ruhestellung zurück, d. h. gemäss Fig. 2 nach links. Dann befindet sich der Becherhalter 6 in Schlitten 7 unter dem Bechermagazin 10 und die Verschlussfläche 11 am Schlitten 7 schiebt sich vor die Ausgabestelle 19 und verschliesst diese.In Fig. 2 the delivery position of the carriage 7 is shown, ie the cup 1 or, if necessary, after pressing a corresponding key, another container is located under the outlet holder 8 and can be removed after filling. After the cup has been removed, the carriage 7, as indicated by the double arrow 9, returns to the rest position, ie to the left according to FIG. 2. Then the cup holder 6 is in the carriage 7 below the cup magazine 10 and the closure surface 11 on the carriage 7 pushes in front of the dispensing point 19 and closes it.

Der Schlitten 7 weist in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel einen ersten Teil auf, der als geschlossener Kasten 12 mit der als Verschluss dienenden Fläche 11 ausgebildet ist, an dem sich ein zweiter Teil als nach vorne offener Kasten 13 anschliesst, dessen Hinterwand 14 den Becherhalter 6 trägt, der als den Becher überäquatorial fassende Halterung 15 ausgebildet ist, in dem der Becher hängt und durch leichtes Zusammendrücken herausgezogen werden kann.In this exemplary embodiment, the carriage 7 has a first part which is designed as a closed box 12 with the surface 11 serving as a closure, to which a second part is connected as a box 13 which is open at the front and whose rear wall 14 carries the cup holder 6 which is designed as a holder 15 which holds the cup above the equator, in which the cup hangs and can be pulled out by slightly compressing it.

Im zweiten kastenähnlichen Teil 13 ist ein Rost 16 angebracht, unter welchem sich ein herausziehbares, nicht eingezeichnetes Abtropfblech befindet. Man erkennt ferner in Figur 5 den Auslaufhalter 8, der als Schlauchhalterung ausgebildet ist, in der die festen und möglichst geradlinigen Schläuche 17 münden, die von den verschiedenen Getränkezubereitungs- und Vorratsbehältern stammen. Ausserdem ist die Vorderfront 18 des Gerätes mitsamt der Oeffnung 19 für die Getränkeausgabestelle erkenntlich, die durch die Verschlussfläche 11 des ersten kastenähnlichen Teils des Schlittens 7 verschlossen ist, um hygienisch einwandfreie Bedingungen zu gewährleisten und die Becherausgabestelle vor Unfug, bzw. Entnahme von Bechern ohne Getränkeausgabe zu schützen.In the second box-like part 13, a grate 16 is attached, under which there is a pull-out drip tray (not shown). 5 also shows the outlet holder 8, which is designed as a hose holder, in which the fixed and as straight as possible hoses 17, which originate from the various beverage preparation and storage containers, open. In addition, the front 18 of the device together with the opening 19 for the beverage dispensing point can be seen, which is closed by the closure surface 11 of the first box-like part of the slide 7, in order to ensure hygienically perfect conditions and the cup dispensing point against mischief or the removal of cups without dispensing beverages to protect.

Der Schlitten 7 wird gemäss den Figuren 4 und 5 mit einem beispielsweise Synchronmotor 20 angetrieben, der auf einen ersten Hebel 22 wirkt, der drehbeweglich mit einem zweiten Hebel 23 verbunden ist, wobei der zweite Hebel 23 ebenfalls drehbeweglich mit dem Schlitten verbunden ist und diese Verbindung 24 sowie eine weitere Führung 25 in einem Schlitz 26 in der Gehäuse-Rückwand 27 geführt sind. Dabei entspricht die doppelte Länge des ersten Hebels 22 einer ganzen Schlittenbewegung. Die beiden Endstellungen des Schlittens werden durch eine Kurvenscheibe gesteuert, die mit dem Synchronmotor 20 verbunden ist und auf eine geeignete Schaltung wirkt.4 and 5, the carriage 7 is driven by a synchronous motor 20, for example, which acts on a first lever 22 which is rotatably connected to a second lever 23, the second lever 23 also being rotatably connected to the carriage and this connection 24 and a further guide 25 are guided in a slot 26 in the housing rear wall 27. The double length of the first lever 22 corresponds to one whole sledge movement. The two end positions of the slide are controlled by a cam which is connected to the synchronous motor 20 and acts on a suitable circuit.

Zweckmässigerweise können auch elektronische Mittel vorhanden sein, um die Anwesenheit eines Bechers im Becherhalter zu überwachen. Eine Emitter-Sensor-Anordnung ist aus der EP-A-0 053 489 bekannt, wobei der Sensor die vom Becher, der aus einem strahlenreflektierenden Material hergestellt sein muss, reflektierende Strahlung empfängt und somit auf Anwesenheit des Bechers prüft.Electronic means can expediently also be present in order to monitor the presence of a cup in the cup holder. An emitter sensor arrangement is known from EP-A-0 053 489, the sensor receiving the radiation reflecting from the cup, which must be made of a radiation-reflecting material, and thus checking for the presence of the cup.

In vorliegendem Beispiel ist gemäss Fig. 4 oben links ein optischer Sender 30 vorgesehen, dessen Strahlung 29 auf einen optischen Empfänger, einen Sensor 28 gerichtet ist, der sich nahe beim Boden des Gehäuses etwa diagonal gegenüber, unten rechts befindet, wobei der Sender über eine Leitung 31 mit der Automaten-Steuerung verbunden ist. Wie aus den Figuren 2 und 3 hervorgeht, steht ein Becher in der Entnahmestellung im Strahlengang und verdeckt so den Sensor. Sobald der Becher entnommen ist, gelangt ein Signal an den Sensor und der Schlitten bewegt sich in die Schliessstellung.In the present example, according to FIG. 4, an optical transmitter 30 is provided at the top left, the radiation 29 of which is directed at an optical receiver, a sensor 28, which is located approximately diagonally opposite to the bottom of the housing, at the bottom right, the transmitter via a Line 31 is connected to the machine control. As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, a cup stands in the removal position in the beam path and thus hides the sensor. As soon as the cup is removed, a signal is sent to the sensor and the slide moves into the closed position.

Ausgehend von diesem Grundgedanken sind einige Variationen denkbar, so kann der Antrieb des Schlittens auch auf andere Art sichergestellt werden, beispielsweise über Zahnstangen, Riemen, Seilzug oder dergleichen an sich bekannten Antriebsmöglichkeiten. Die weiter oben genannten Masse sind Masse für gebräuchliche Automaten, doch ist die Erfindung selbstverständlich nicht auf solche fixiert, und kann für verschiedene andere Automaten verwendet werden, die andere Bauhöhen und dergleichen aufweisen.Based on this basic idea, some variations are conceivable, so the drive of the carriage can also be ensured in another way, for example by means of toothed racks, belts, cable pulls or the like, known drive options. The masses mentioned above are masses for conventional machines, but the invention is of course not limited to them, and can be used for various other machines that have different heights and the like.

Die Verwendung eines Becherschlittens ermöglicht, wie bereits erläutert, eine einwandfreie Zuführung des Bechers, eine sehr geringe Fallhöhe des Getränkes und dadurch beispielsweise die Bereitstellung eines auch optisch perfekten Cappucinos oder Kaffees, und vor allem auch eine starke Verringerung der gesamten Bauhöhe des Ausgabeteils, wodurch Probleme beim Einbau von weiteren Geräten, beispielsweise eines Kühlaggregates, stark vermindert werden. Ausserdem erlaubt die Verwendung des Becherschlittens mit dem Verschlussteil einwandfreie hygienische Bedingungen und Sicherung vor Unfug mit den Bechern, da mit dem Schlitten sowohl die Ausgabestelle verschlossen als auch die Becher vor jedem Zugriff geschützt werden.As already explained, the use of a cup slide enables the cup to be fed in correctly, the drink to fall very low and, for example, to provide a cappuccino or coffee that is also visually perfect, and above all to greatly reduce the overall height of the dispensing part, which creates problems when installing additional devices, such as a cooling unit, be greatly reduced. In addition, the use of the cup slide with the closure part allows perfect hygienic conditions and protection against mischief with the cups, since the slide both seals the dispensing point and protects the cups from any access.

Claims (6)

  1. An automatic dispenser for foods in the liquid form, comprising a cup supply having a driven carriage (7) for the purpose of positioning a released cup (1) under the dispensing station (8) in an essentially horizontal manner, the total falling height (HB) of the cup (1) approximately corresponding to its own height, characterised in that said carriage (7), which is provided with means (6) for holding a cup (1), is connected to a closure surface (11) which shuts the dispensing opening (19) of the automatic dispenser in the rest position.
  2. Automatic dispenser according to claim 1, characterised in that said carriage (7) is driven by an electric motor (20) which is connected to a first lever (22), the latter being rotatably connected to a second lever (23) which in turn is rotatably connected to said carriage (7).
  3. Automatic dispenser according to claim 2, characterised in that said electric motor is a synchronous motor (20) which is provided with a cam disk (21) which acts upon the control system of the dispenser in order to control the two end positions of said carriage.
  4. Automatic dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the liquid is dispensed at a location (8) about 8 mm above the rim (5) of the presented cup (1).
  5. Automatic dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said means for holding the cup consist of a holder (15) which surrounds the cup (1) above its equator and which is fastened to the rear wall (14) of said carriage (7).
  6. Automatic dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the driven carriage (7) comprises means for the detection of the presence of a cup in said carriage, an optical transmitter (30) and receiver (28) being arranged in such a relationship that a cup in the removing position is in the beam path of the transmitter.
EP94810554A 1993-10-01 1994-09-26 Beverage dispenser Expired - Lifetime EP0646899B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH295693 1993-10-01
CH2956/93 1993-10-01

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0646899A1 EP0646899A1 (en) 1995-04-05
EP0646899B1 true EP0646899B1 (en) 1997-06-18

Family

ID=4245426

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94810554A Expired - Lifetime EP0646899B1 (en) 1993-10-01 1994-09-26 Beverage dispenser

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0646899B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE154715T1 (en)
DE (1) DE59403172D1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH294183A (en) * 1951-07-24 1953-10-31 Lazar Richter Robert Dispensing device for beverages.
US2827927A (en) * 1953-03-02 1958-03-25 John F Russell Jr Beverage dispensing machine
GB1136490A (en) * 1965-10-15 1968-12-11 Dagma Deutsche Automatenund Ge Coin-freed cup and/or beverage dispensing machine
US3554364A (en) * 1968-06-12 1971-01-12 Curtis Lane Control and cup-pushing assembly for dispensers
FR2629047A1 (en) * 1988-03-25 1989-09-29 Trouillet Marius Automatic drinks dispenser - has power driven system for supplying, dispensing and filling batches of cups

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE154715T1 (en) 1997-07-15
DE59403172D1 (en) 1997-07-24
EP0646899A1 (en) 1995-04-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE69109632T2 (en) Automatic food frying and vending system.
DE69126641T2 (en) Food dispenser
DE60309873T2 (en) DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SELLING PRODUCTS IN DIFFERENT SIZES
DE3883830T2 (en) Container storage and serving device and vending machine for serving chilled, uncooled and / or heated food.
DE4016095A1 (en) AUTOMATED BEVERAGE MAKING SYSTEM
DE69212535T2 (en) Vending machine
DE4016094A1 (en) CUP DISPENSER FOR AN AUTOMATED BEVERAGE MAKING SYSTEM
EP1957392B1 (en) Dispensing device for free-flowing or pourable products
DE4016093A1 (en) LID DISPENSER FOR AN AUTOMATED BEVERAGE MAKING SYSTEM
WO2000022584A1 (en) Cigarette vending machine
DE3317211A1 (en) BEVERAGE DISPENSER
EP1379154A1 (en) Espresso brewing device
DE10309589A1 (en) Package dispenser for self-service retail environment has spring biased pushing member acting on rearmost package to urge packages forwardly towards door
DE19834155A1 (en) Drinks machine
DE60013997T2 (en) Machine for distributing drinks in cups and method of operating same
WO2015113580A1 (en) Flavor module and method for operating such a flavor module
DE102007031638B4 (en) Lid dispenser module, hot beverage dispenser with the lid dispenser module and method for dispensing a cup with hot drink and a lid from a or the hot beverage dispenser
DE102012207665B4 (en) Vending machine, method for operating a vending machine
EP0646899B1 (en) Beverage dispenser
DE3605921A1 (en) Drinks vending machine
DE2935817A1 (en) SALES MACHINE
DE1215542B (en) Cup dispenser, especially for beverage machines
DE102015008634A1 (en) Vending machine for the preparation and dispensing of hot drinks
EP3853130B1 (en) Tablet portioning device
DE7005650U (en) DEVICE FOR DISPENSING FOOD AND BEVERAGES, IN PARTICULAR FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT CH DE FR GB IT LI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19950426

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19961204

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: BARZANO' E ZANARDO MILANO S.P.A.

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT CH DE FR GB IT LI

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 154715

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19970715

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: AMMANN PATENTANWAELTE AG BERN

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19970619

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59403172

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19970724

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20130911

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20130919

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20130919

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20130919

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20130927

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20130930

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 59403172

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20140925

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20140927

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK07

Ref document number: 154715

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20140926

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20140925