EP3088352B1 - Beverage dispenser and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a beverage dispenser according to claim 1 and a beverage dispenser for carrying out the method according to claim 7. Drink dispensers are mainly used in the catering trade and the public catering. In this case, beverage concentrates are usually supplied in beverage storage containers, which are introduced into the, in particular a cooling function for the beverage container located in the beverage drink dispenser. Before introducing the beverage storage container or introduced in the beverage dispenser state, the beverage concentrate is diluted with water. The output from the beverage dispenser preferably takes place manually via an outlet system.

For example, beats DE 10 2011 050 350 A1 a beverage dispenser with a reservoir for a drink - especially a juice drink or a juice mixed drink - before, which is introduced into a substantially closed housing. The beverage storage container is designed in the form of an extract. The extract is inserted into a container receptacle of the housing and has an outlet system for dispensing the beverage introduced in the beverage storage container on demand. The container receptacle is provided with cooling surfaces except for the receiving opening and formed closed. If the drink to be dispensed is a juice blended beverage, water may be supplied to the beverage storage container through a container opening and a fresh water inlet connected to the container opening. For this purpose, a water pipe opens into the container receptacle. The container opening is usually provided in the upper region of the beverage storage container above the maximum filling level. The water line opens in the inserted state of the beverage storage container above the container opening.

After DE 10 2011 050 350 A1 The extract is completely open at the top. The extract completely closes the receiving opening in the inserted state in the front region, whereby the drink is also stored in the housing.

The fact that the beverage storage container is closed during operation in the inserted state in the housing and can be easily removed for cleaning, the standard of hygiene is comparatively high. Nevertheless, especially in the case of a longer storage period, there is the danger that germs and dirt particles will enter the beverage container via the air. There is also a lack of control mechanisms to determine when and how carefully the container was cleaned. Carelessness or even deliberate neglect of hygiene by the operator of the beverage dispenser can therefore hardly be counteracted.

From the JP 2006 341915 A Also, there is known a drink dispenser for dispensing potable water, which has a beverage storage container in a cylindrical shape, which is aimed at a housing and has a beverage discharge opening in the lower region. When dispensing the beverage storage container is placed under negative pressure to then initiate ozone above the maximum level.

A generic beverage dispenser is from the US 2010/0203207 A1 known. This beverage dispenser comprises a housing, a beverage storage container in the form of an extract, a housing opening, a container receptacle for introducing the beverage reservoir into the housing via the housing opening, an output system, a dispensing system cooperating with the dispensing system, introduced into the beverage reservoir and a container opening above the maximum filling level , In addition, a pressing mechanism is provided which brings a container opening the surface of the beverage storage container in sealing engagement with the associated wall of the container receptacle of the housing.

It is an object of the invention to provide a method for operating a beverage dispenser of the type mentioned in such a way that the above-mentioned disadvantages are eliminated and that the method largely precludes contamination of the stockpiled beverage. Furthermore, a beverage dispenser for performing the method is given.

This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1 in conjunction with its generic features.

The invention is based on the finding that contamination in the beverage storage container by contamination in the beverage storage container air can be avoided in a simple manner from the outset by vacuum.

According to the invention, therefore, a beverage dispenser is used which has a housing, at least one housing opening and at least one beverage storage container in the form of an extract with a container opening above the maximum filling level of the beverage storage container. The beverage storage container closes in the inserted state, the housing opening. Furthermore, at least one container receptacle is provided in the housing into which the beverage reservoir is introduced via the housing opening. Furthermore, the beverage dispenser comprises an outlet system and a dispensing opening of the beverage storage container cooperating with the dispensing system. According to the invention, a contact pressure mechanism is provided which brings the beverage storage container into sealing contact with the container receptacle of the housing. According to the invention, the beverage storage container is inserted after insertion and locking under negative pressure, in particular under vacuum. This has the advantage that during the period of exclusive storage penetration of germs and dust or dirt particles is prevented in the device.

It is advantageous if the opening of the dispensing system gas, especially air, the beverage storage container is supplied. As a result, on the one hand via the amount of air supplied, the output amount of the beverage and the speed of the air supply, the output speed of the beverage can be controlled. On the other hand, for example, by disposing the air supply means or by attaching a suitable filtering device, the risk of contaminating the contents during dispensing can be reduced.

According to one aspect of the invention, data relating to the contents of the beverage storage container are read in or input, which determine whether an output via the output system is possible and, if necessary, block the output system. This solution offers many possibilities to counteract a manipulation of the dispenser. Thus, an authorized operator can either directly set the maximum dispensing period for the beverage, or read such data from, for example, a barcode on the beverage's packaging through a scanner.

Preferably, data is input via a data input means cooperating with a control unit: the amount of water to be supplied with regard to a beverage container located in the beverage storage container Product (concentrate), the Einbringzeit the beverage storage container and / or product-specific data such as durability, required cooling temperature or required speed of a stirring device. This allows you to automate the entire process of stocking and dispensing right through to the end of the dispensing period, from the time the product is introduced.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the control unit controls the blocking of the beverage dispensing the pump for producing a negative pressure in the container. Thus, without an additional mechanical locking device via the control unit, the dispensing of the beverage can be prevented in a simple manner when the end of the shelf life period is reached or when, for example, as described below, the attempt at tampering is determined.

According to a preferred embodiment, a control unit controls the pump and the data stored on the inputted data and / or data stored in the control unit via the measured data determined by a first sensor for determining the amount of a water feed into the beverage storage container and from the second sensor for determining the fill level in the beverage storage container a valve so that the dispensing of the beverage is blocked or released. As a result, technical difficulties or attempts of manipulation can be detected. If, in particular when using fruit juice concentrate from the data entered or stored in the control unit, it is known which product is concerned and which filling quantity has to be in a new container, it can be compared with the data determined by the first and the second sensor with regard to supplied water and final fill level, it is determined whether the correct filling quantity is present in the container. If this is the case, the beverage dispensing is released. If the actual filling quantity deviates from the calculated filling quantity, then there is either a technical problem, eg. B. with the fresh water supply, or it has been trying, for example, to use a hand-filled and not as intended by the manufacturer beverage storage container. Since this does not correspond to the high hygiene requirements imposed on the present apparatus and method, in the latter case the dispensing of the beverage is blocked. About a read-in manufacturer code of the product introduced into the beverage storage container, the use of the beverage dispenser can be limited, for example, competing products are excluded.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage is specified, which comprises a housing, at least one beverage storage container in the form of an extract, at least one housing opening, at least one container receptacle for introducing the beverage storage container into the housing via the housing opening. The beverage storage container is included a container opening provided above the maximum filling level of the beverage storage container, wherein a pressing mechanism is provided which brings a container opening the surface of the beverage storage container in sealing engagement with the associated wall of the container receptacle of the housing. This drink dispenser is used to carry out the method according to the invention, in which the beverage reservoir can be easily introduced into the beverage dispenser by means of a ramp so that this, preferably airtight, is completed, whereby contamination from the outside can be easily avoided and the negative pressure in the beverage reservoir is possible. Here are more constructive ways to further reduce the likelihood of contamination with germs, as shown below. The pressing mechanism in this case has a guide which extends from the housing opening in the direction of the insertion of the beverage storage container into the container receptacle and so rises that holds in the inserted state, the guide in the rear of the beverage reservoir against the ceiling of the container receptacle. Further, the Anpressmechanismus has a ramp which is integrated into the front region of the beverage storage container and which is designed so that the container is pressed with full insertion against the ceiling of the container receptacle, whereby in the inserted state, the beverage storage container in the rear area on the Due to this configuration, the pressing is done with only a little more force than would be required when inserting the container in a recording without Anpressmechanismus because the container is inserted by the user substantially horizontally in the container receptacle and due to the ramp even at a low pitch angle results in a sufficient contact pressure. The ramp is an integral part of the beverage storage container. Furthermore, a seal and at least one pump is provided. In this case, the pump can be connected to the container opening via a line, so that in the inserted state of the beverage storage container and activated pressing mechanism of the beverage reservoir via the pump with a negative pressure can be acted upon. The risk of contamination of the stockpiled beverage is further reduced, since on the one hand the air present in the container prior to pressing is removed for the most part and on the other hand the negative pressure increases the contact pressure, which in turn results in a better seal.

This has the advantage that from the time when the container with the drink or at least a portion of the beverage is introduced into the housing, during the period of exclusive storage penetration of germs and dust or dirt particles is prevented in the device especially in the area of the container opening. It is equally advantageous that this seal without additional components is possible because an inner surface of the container receptacle is used in the housing to cover the container. This reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies cleaning.

Characterized in that the surface of the beverage storage container comprising the container opening is stretched in the direction of the ceiling of the container receptacle - indirectly via a seal or directly -, a maximum amount of storage in the container is reached.

By activating the pressing mechanism by completely inserting the beverage storage container eliminates the need for additional controls and operations. A wrong operation is excluded. At the same time, the container bottom can be selected so that it drops slightly even when pressed against the housing opening. This eliminates the problem that in the bottom area of the container often ends up leaving a considerable residual amount of the beverage that can not be removed. The outlet opening of the beverage storage container is arranged near the bottom in the front area. Due to the container bottom sloping towards the housing opening and thus to the outlet system, the remainder of the beverage remaining in the vicinity of the outlet system collects at the end of the dispensing process. Thus, a nearly complete output of the stored beverage without substantial residual amount is possible.

It is particularly favorable if the guide is formed by the bottom of the container receptacle. Thus, the construction of the beverage dispenser is considerably simplified and ensures easy cleaning.

According to one aspect of the invention, a valve is incorporated in the line, which connects the beverage reservoir with the pump and upon activation of the dispensing system with an air supply line upon activation of the pump. As a result, the negative pressure prevailing in the container is temporarily removed during the beverage removal by gas or air enters. The drink can be spent comfortably. Thereafter, the valve is switched again and the pump immediately generates a negative pressure or a vacuum again. This continues to counteract contamination of the container interior.

It is particularly advantageous if an air filter, in particular an activated carbon filter, is introduced into the supply air line. This minimizes the risk that germs and dust or dirt particles enter the beverage storage container and contaminate the beverage with the gas flowing in during the dispensing of the beverage, especially ambient air.

The supply air line can also be used as a supply line for water, which is required for the preparation of juice mixed drinks. A combined pump with a corresponding valve can if necessary promote air or water. In one embodiment of the invention but a separate water pipe for introducing water is provided in the beverage storage container, which is connected in the inserted state of the beverage storage container with the container opening and opens into this. Thus, the beverage dispenser in addition to the output of ready-made drinks also to dispense beverages provided in the appliance by mixing beverage concentrate and water while maintaining hygiene and ease of use through separate lines for air and water.

For example, the water pipe can also be fed with water from canisters or the like, so that use of the beverage dispenser is possible regardless of the local conditions.

Preferably, a water pump connected to the water pipe is provided, which is connectable to a water tank, whereby water from the water tank in the beverage storage container can be introduced. As a result, the beverage dispenser can be used independently of a water connection.

However, if tap water of sufficiently good quality is present, in the case of dispensing concentrate drinks, a water connection connected to the water line can be used for connection to a fixed water connection. The beverage storage container with the concentrate is introduced into the beverage dispenser, then water is added and the beverage can be dispensed. This reduces both the cost and space requirements of the beverage dispenser and the logistical effort.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a valve is provided in the water line, which selectively connects to the water pump or a water inlet for manually supplied water and the tap water connection. Thus, the drink dispenser is even more flexible, since the type of water supply can be easily determined by the position of a valve.

In an advantageous embodiment, the beverage dispenser on at least one data input means, which cooperates with a control unit which controls the actuators of the beverage dispenser, such as the pump or the valve for the water supply. This can be either an input means which requires an active input via keys, a touch screen or the like, or an input means which reads in information, such as a bar code scanner. As required, the parameters of mixing, stocking and dispensing can be conveniently entered by the operator. In an advantageous development of the invention, a first sensor connected to the control unit is provided, with which the amount of water supplied to the beverage storage container is measured. With this information, on the one hand, it can be avoided that the beverage storage container is filled beyond the desired level, on the other hand, an attempted manipulation can also be detected. This will be explained in more detail below.

It is also advantageous if a second sensor connected to the control unit is used, with which the fill level height of the beverage storage container is measured. Also, the information provided by this sensor serves both the correct design of the water supply and the detection of manipulation attempts.

For protection, in particular against access by unauthorized persons, the beverage dispenser can have a locking mechanism on the housing opening, which secures the beverage storage container in the housing. Among other things, this makes sense from a hygienic point of view, as it ensures that only authorized persons come in contact with the container and the beverage stored therein. The locking mechanism may cooperate with the control unit.

Furthermore, a cooling device is provided which cools the interior and thus the beverage contained in the receiving device. The cooling device is located below the receiving device and comprises a compressor, a heat exchanger and one or more arranged on the inner sides of the container receptacle cooperating with evaporators cooling surfaces. Advantageously, the cooling device is also connected to the control unit. Thus, the desired temperature can optionally be easily adjusted by the operator.

In order to ensure complete mixing, for example, of fruit juice components and water and a uniform cooling of the drink and to prevent unfiltered drinks sedimenting pulp, etc., an agitator for mixing the drink during stocking is provided.

Preferably, a magnetic stirrer is used, in which a driven, usually below the beverage storage container provided in the housing rotating magnet piece, at least one magnetic bar in the drink moves back and forth in the drink. The one or more magnetic rods can advantageously already together with the concentrate in a depression in be introduced the beverage storage container. In such a device, the risk of contamination of the container contents is very low.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine geschnittene Seitenansicht des Getränkedispensers;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht des Getränkedispensers im Querschnitt zur Verdeutlichung der Luft- und Wasserversorgung, mit einer schematischen Darstellung der Steuereinheit;

Fig. 3

eine Schnittansicht des Auslasssystems;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Getränkedispensers, und

Fig. 5

ein Blockdiagramm zur Verdeutlichung des Verfahrensablaufs zum Betrieb des Getränkedispenser.

In the description, the claims, and the drawing, the terms and associated reference numerals used in the list of reference numerals below are used. In the drawing:

Fig. 1

a sectional side view of the beverage dispenser;

Fig. 2

a schematic side view of the beverage dispenser in cross section to illustrate the air and water supply, with a schematic representation of the control unit;

Fig. 3

a sectional view of the exhaust system;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the beverage dispenser, and

Fig. 5

a block diagram illustrating the procedure for operating the beverage dispenser.

Fig. 1 shows a beverage dispenser 10 in a sectional side view with a housing 12 and a beverage storage container 14. The beverage storage container 14 is introduced via a located on the front of the beverage dispenser 10 housing opening 13 in a container receptacle 15. For closing the housing opening 13, a door 18 with a product illumination with level indicator 20 is also hinged down on the front side. An electromechanical lock 22 provided at the front of the beverage dispenser 10 serves to lock the freely pivotable end of the door 18 to the housing 12.

Trained as a guide 48 bottom surface of the container receptacle 15 rises slightly from the housing opening 13 in the insertion direction, so that a container opening 17 having top of the beverage reservoir 14 upon insertion of the beverage storage container 14 in the container receptacle 15 is slightly transported upwards and finally rests with completely inserted beverage storage container 14 in the rear area at the top of the container receptacle. In addition, in the front, to the housing opening 13 facing region of the beverage storage container 14 at the bottom of a ramp 40 is formed. When inserting the beverage storage container 14, the ramp 40 first passes through a nose 24, which is formed adjacent to the inside of the door 18 of the underside of the housing opening 13. The nose 24 serves to lift the area of the beverage storage container 14, which faces the front of the beverage dispenser 10 to facilitate insertion. In the fully inserted state, the region of the beverage storage container 14 pointing to the front side is raised to such an extent due to the ramp 40 resting on the bottom 19 that the container opening 17 is also pressed against the top of the container receptacle 15 in this region. The sealing effect resulting from this pressing mechanism is further assisted by a container seal 16 attached to an upper edge of the beverage storage container 14.

In the bottom of the beverage storage container 14, a recess 49 is provided, in which at least one magnetic rod is introduced, which is moved by a designed as a magnetic stirrer 50 to mix the drink resistant.

On the insides of the container receptacle 15 form evaporator 56 cooling surfaces through which the beverage reservoir 14 and the beverage therein are cooled. Together with the evaporators 56 form a compressor 52 and a heat exchanger 54, the cooling device of the beverage dispenser 10. The evaporator 56, the compressor and the heat exchanger 54 are connected to each other in known manner with corresponding lines. In order to assist the cooling device, an insulation 26 is further arranged around the container receptacle 15 around.

Hereinafter, in connection with the beverage dispenser and the method, the term "vacuum" is used in connection with a condition, generally with components such as pumps, lines, etc. The term "vacuum" is understood to mean that a vacuum is a negative pressure relative to the ambient pressure, but also a rough vacuum - 300 to 1 hPa, fine vacuum 1 to 10 ^-3 hPa, high vacuum (HV) 10 ^{- 3} to 10 ^-7 hPa, ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) 10 ^-7 to 10 ^-12 hPa, extremely high vacuum (XHV) <10 ^-12 hPA or ideal vacuum (IV). Depending on what is more economical in this context, or what the customer's requirements are, work is carried out in corresponding vacuum areas. The greater the negative pressure, the lower the probability of contamination with germs on the residual gas in the beverage storage container. In a simple design, the vacuum pump and the vacuum lines need only be able To ensure its negative pressure compared to the ambient pressure, in higher quality versions rough vacuum or fine vacuum etc.

Viewed from the housing opening 13, behind the container receptacle 15, a vacuum pump 60 is provided, by means of which a negative pressure in the inserted beverage reservoir 14 can be generated via a opening into the container receptacle 15 vacuum line 64 in order to strengthen the sealing effect described above.

at Fig. 2 it is a side view in cross section of the beverage dispenser 10, in particular, the supply of the beverage dispenser 10 is shown in more detail with air and water. As already explained, a vacuum can be generated by the vacuum pump 60 via the vacuum line 64 opening into the container receptacle 15. However, to dispense the drink, it is necessary to temporarily release this negative pressure. For this purpose, a supply air line 66 is connected to the vacuum pump 60 via a valve 62, can be admitted via the air. In order to prevent germs or dirt particles from getting into the beverage storage container 14 and contaminating the beverage in this way, an activated carbon filter 68 is provided in the supply air line 66. Via a control unit 80, the vacuum pump 60 and the valve 62 are connected to an output lever 30. An actuation of the output lever 30 thus serves as a signal for the temporary cancellation of the negative pressure by the admission of air, which is transmitted from the control unit 80 to the vacuum pump 60 and the valve 62. After completion of the dispensing operation, the vacuum pump 60 and the valve 62 are operated by the control unit 80 so that a negative pressure in the beverage reservoir 14 is generated.

Furthermore, the control unit 80 is connected to a water supply device which is provided for supplying fresh water for mixing with beverage concentrates in the beverage storage container 14. The water supply device comprises a water line 74, which opens into the container receptacle 15. Optionally, the water line 74 can be fed via a water connection 78 which can be connected to a fixed water connection and via a water inlet 72 which can be connected to a water container. A connected to the controller 80 valve 76 is provided for the choice of the supply source. Since a feed from a water tank does not necessarily supply sufficient line pressure for the transport of the water into the beverage storage container 14, as in the case of a fixed water connection, the beverage dispenser 10 has a pressurized water pump 70, which is connected to the control device 80.

Also connected to the control device 80 are provided in the water line 74 water flow sensor 82 and provided in the container receptacle 15 level sensor 84. With the help of these two sensors, the supplied amount of water and the actual level height in the beverage storage container 14 can be determined. The use of this data is described below on the basis of FIG. 5 erläuterk.

Finally, a barcode reader 42 is provided for reading in product-specific data, but also of a manufacturer code, via a barcode on the beverage packaging. The bar code reader 42 is connected to the control device 80, so that a control of the essential components of the beverage dispenser 10, in particular the vacuum pump 60, the valve 62, the valve 76, the agitator 50 and the electromechanical lock 22, based on the product-specific data is possible. The controller will be explained in detail on the basis of Fig. 5 explained.

Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the exhaust system. For dispensing the stored beverage, an internally hollow discharge lever 30 is provided which, in the closed state of the beverage dispenser 10, partially protrudes into the beverage storage container 14 with inserted beverage storage container 14. The discharge lever 30 has an outlet opening 32 and a closure 46 on the container side, the closure 46 being surrounded by a seal 34.

In the depressed state of the output lever 30, the beverage passes through the outlet opening 32 in the output lever 30 and finally through an output tap 28 in a sake of clarity not shown here drinking vessel or the like. An exciter 36 provided on the underside of the output lever 30 is arranged to be positioned above a switch 38 in the depressed state of the output lever 30. In this position, the exciter 36 activates the switch 38 during dispensing. The switch 38 is connected to the controller 80. A signal of the activated switch 38 causes via the control device 80 during the release of a release of the negative pressure by the vacuum pump 60, so that a convenient dispensing of the drink is possible.

In Fig. 4 the beverage dispenser is shown in perspective with closed door 18. Above the barcode reader 42 is a display 44 for displaying operational data such as the temperature of the stored beverage or the end of the dispensing period.

At the top of the housing 12, a closure 46 for mechanically closing the door 18 is attached. Below the dispensing lever 30, a drip tray 25 is provided, on which during the Dispensing of the drink a drinking vessel can be turned off. Further, the drip tray 25 is adapted to receive smaller quantities of beverage spilled on dispensing or dripping between dispensing operations.

In Fig. 5 A preferred method for operating the beverage dispenser 10 is shown schematically. After the start 100, the insert 102 of the beverage storage container 14 is inserted into the container receptacle 15. This is followed by a not shown for clarity keypad, the input 104 of an access code, which must be confirmed in a Verifizierungsschritt 106 by the control unit 80. In the event that the access code has not been entered correctly, a re-entry request 104 is made. It is both possible to repeat steps 104 and 106 until the correct access code is entered, or after a predetermined number of minutes 126. As soon as the access code has been verified, the reading 108 of product-specific data applied to the product packaging is carried out by the bar code reader 42. If necessary, a request can be displayed on the display 44. Based on the data read in, a durability verification 110 is made first. If it is determined that the product to be dispensed is no longer within the shelf life period, the control unit 80 effects a disablement 126 of the dispensing. This can be done, for example, by the vacuum pump 60 creating and maintaining a negative pressure in the beverage storage container 14 which prevents dispensing of the beverage. Thus, the process is completed 128.

After verification of the shelf life, a distinction 112 is made as to whether the product to be dispensed is a beverage concentrate or a finished beverage. In the case of a beverage concentrate, the addition 114 of the required amount of water takes place. Thereafter, a determination 116 of the amount of container contents is made using data determined by the level sensor 84. Now, a verification 118 is made as to whether the amount of the container contents coincides with the target amount. Specified amount indications are included in the previously read product-specific data, and in the case where a beverage concentrate has been mixed with water, data about the amount of added water detected by the water flow sensor 82 may be added. If the filling quantity actually present in the beverage storage container deviates from the stored data or from the calculated target quantity, the result of the verification 118 is negative and it is concluded that either a technical effect or a manipulation attempt has occurred. Immediately, a block 126, as described above, obtained. This completes the process 128. Finally, a measurement 120 of the temperature in the beverage storage container 14 is made in intervals determined by the user or, ideally, in the read-in product-specific data. Temperatures exceeding a predetermined tolerance threshold are stored in the control unit 80 and are available in the display 44, for example after entering an access code. Further, when multiple elevated temperatures are measured, the controller 80 calculates 121 a new maximum dispensing time for the beverage based on the product-specific data and causes, for example, the display of a warning signal on the display 44.

Otherwise, release 122 of the output occurs. During each output process, a verification 124 is made by the control unit 80 as to whether the output period specified in the product-specific data is still met. If this is the case, a release 122 of the output takes place again. If the output period is exceeded and the result of the verification 124 is negative, the control unit 80 obtains an inhibition 126 of the output. Thus, the process is ended 128.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Drink dispenser

12

casing

13

housing opening

14

Getränkevorratsbehäiter

15

container receptacle

16

container seal

17

container opening

18

door

20

Product lighting with level indicator

22

electromechanical lock

24

Nose for positive lifting

25

drip tray

26

insulation

28

output Hahn

30

output lever

32

outlet

34

poetry

36

pathogen

38

switch

40

ramp

42

Barcode scanner

44

display

46

Closure with contact

48

Ground, leadership

49

deepening

50

agitator

52

compressor

54

heat exchangers

56

Evaporator

60

vacuum pump

62

Valve

64

vacuum line

66

air supply

68

Activated carbon filter

70

Pressure water pump

72

water supply

74

water pipe

76

Valve

78

mains water supply

80

control unit

82

Water flow sensor

84

level sensor

100

begin

102

Insertion of the beverage storage container

104

Enter the access code

106

Verification of the access code

108

Import of product-specific data

110

Verification of durability

112

Distinction between concentrate and finished beverage

114

Adding water

116

Determination of the amount of container contents

118

Verification of the correct amount

120

Measurement of the temperature

121

Processing the data

122

Release of the beverage edition

124

Verification of the issue period

126

Blocking the output

128

The End

Claims (14)

1. Method for operating a beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage, comprising a housing (12), at least one beverage reservoir (14) in the form of a pull-out compartment, at least one housing aperture (13), at least one container receptacle (15) for introducing the beverage reservoir (14) into the housing (12) via the housing aperture (13), a dispensing system, a dispensing aperture (32) provided in the beverage reservoir (14) and cooperating with the dispensing system, and which beverage reservoir (14) has a container aperture (17) above the maximum filling level of said beverage reservoir (14), with a pressing mechanism being provided which urges a surface of the beverage reservoir (14) that surrounds the container aperture (17) into sealing abutment against the associated wall of the container receptacle (15) of said housing (12), characterized in that once the beverage reservoir (14) has been inserted (102) and locked in position, a negative pressure, in particular a vacuum, will be applied to said beverage reservoir (14).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that opening the dispensing system will cause gas to be supplied to the beverage reservoir (14) and at the same time deactivate a pump (60) which generates the negative pressure.
3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that data relating to the contents of said beverage reservoir (14) is input via one or plural data input means (42) which cooperate(s) with a control unit (80), which input means will determine whether dispensing a beverage via the dispensing system is possible and will disable said dispensing system, if necessary.
4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the data input via said data input means (42) is: a manufacturer's code of the product filled into the beverage reservoir (14), the amount of water to be supplied in relation to a product contained in the beverage reservoir (14), the insertion time of the beverage reservoir (14) and/or product-specific data such as expiration date, required cooling temperature and/or required speed of a device (50) used to stir the beverage.
5. Method according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that as a function of data stored and/or entered, the control unit (80) will activate the pump (60) as required in order to generate a negative pressure in the beverage reservoir (14) so as to disable the dispensing of a beverage.
6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that as a function of the measuring data determined by a first sensor (82) for measuring the amount of a water supplied to the beverage reservoir (14) and by a second sensor (84) for measuring the filling level of the beverage reservoir (14), and, based on the data input and/or stored in the control unit (80), said control unit (80) will control the pump (60) and a valve (62) so as to disable or enable the dispensing of a beverage.
7. Beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage, comprising a housing (12), at least one beverage reservoir (14) in the form of a pull-out compartment, at least one housing aperture (13), and at least one container receptacle (15) for introducing the beverage reservoir (14) into the housing (12) via the housing aperture (13), which beverage reservoir (14) has a container aperture (17) above the maximum filling level of said beverage reservoir (14), with a pressing mechanism being provided which urges a surface of the beverage reservoir (14) that surrounds the container aperture (17) into sealing abutment against the associated wall of the container receptacle (15) of said housing (12) for performing a method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pressing mechanism includes a guide (48) which runs from the housing aperture (13) in the direction of the slide-in unit of the beverage reservoir (14) and into the container receptacle (15) and inclines upward in such a way that in an inserted state, the guide (48) will keep the rear part of the beverage reservoir (14) pressed against the top wall of the container receptacle (15), and that the pressing mechanism includes a sloped portion (40) at the front of the beverage reservoir (14), which sloped portion (40) is designed such that the beverage reservoir (14), when fully inserted, will be clamped towards the top wall of the container receptacle (15), and, as a result, in the inserted state of the beverage reservoir (14), the rear part of the latter will abut against the guide (48) and its front part will abut against the sloped portion (40), which ramp (40) is an integral part of the beverage reservoir (14), wherein at least one seal (16) which acts between the container aperture (17) of the beverage reservoir (14) and the container receptacle (15) and at least one pump are provided, and that said pump (60) can be connected to the container aperture (17) by means of a line (64) so that, with the beverage reservoir (14) inserted and with the pressing mechanism activated, a negative pressure can be generated in the beverage reservoir (14) by means of said pump (60).
8. Beverage dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that said guide (48) is formed by the bottom of the container receptacle (15).
9. Beverage dispenser according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that a valve (62) is mounted within said line (64), which valve (62) will act to connect the beverage reservoir (14) to the pump (60) once said pump (60) has been activated, and will act to connect the beverage reservoir (14) to an air supply line (66) once the dispensing system has been activated,
10. Beverage dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterized in that a water line (74) for supplying water to the beverage reservoir (14) is provided, which line (74) will be connected to the container aperture (17) once the beverage reservoir (14) has been slid in.
11. Beverage dispenser according to claim 10, characterized in that a water pump (70) is provided which is connected to said water line (74) and which can be connected to a water container.
12. Beverage dispenser according to claim 11, characterized in that a valve (76) is provided in said water line (74), which valve (76) selectively connects to either the water pump (70) or to the water supply (78).
13. Beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 7 to 12 above, characterized in that a control unit (80) is provided for disabling the dispensing of a beverage, which control unit (80) is connected to a first sensor (82) which is used to measure the amount of water supplied to the beverage reservoir (14).
14. Beverage dispenser according to claim 13, characterized in that a second sensor (84) is provided which is connected to the control unit (80) and which is used to measure the filling level of the beverage reservoir (14).

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