EP3925929B1 - Getränkeausgabevorrichtung - Google Patents

Getränkeausgabevorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3925929B1
EP3925929B1 EP21179322.9A EP21179322A EP3925929B1 EP 3925929 B1 EP3925929 B1 EP 3925929B1 EP 21179322 A EP21179322 A EP 21179322A EP 3925929 B1 EP3925929 B1 EP 3925929B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drink
dispensing
dispensing device
tap
activation signals
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP21179322.9A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3925929A1 (de
Inventor
Jon Reeves
Dean FITZGERALD
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.)
Britvic Aqua Libra Co Ltd
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Britvic Aqua Libra Co Ltd
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Publication of EP3925929A1 publication Critical patent/EP3925929A1/de
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Publication of EP3925929B1 publication Critical patent/EP3925929B1/de
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    • 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
    • B67D1/0888—Means comprising electronic circuitry (e.g. control panels, switching or controlling means)
    • 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
    • B67D1/0878—Safety, warning or controlling devices
    • 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
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/125—Safety means, e.g. over-pressure valves
    • 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
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/14—Reducing valves or control taps
    • B67D2001/1483—Reducing valves or control taps electrically or electro-mechanically operated

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a drink dispensing device and a method of controlling the dispensing of a drink from a tap.
  • the present invention particularly concerns hot drink dispensing devices, such as instant boiling water taps.
  • the document US 9840407 B2 discloses a drink dispensing device for dispensing a drink from a tap, the device comprising a plurality of proximity sensors each for outputting a respective activation signal when a user moves a body part within a sensing range thereof and a controller for receiving activation signals from the plurality of proximity sensors and controlling the dispensing of drink from the tap in response thereto, and to stop the dispensing of the first drink in response to receiving an activation signal output by any of the plurality of proximity sensors.
  • Drink dispensers are becoming more common in homes and offices in an effort to minimise the use of disposable plastic bottles.
  • Such drink dispensers typically comprise a tap or font which is fed by a supply unit providing, for example, chilled or carbonated water. Some units may also filter or purify the water.
  • a supply unit providing, for example, chilled or carbonated water.
  • Some units may also filter or purify the water.
  • a user may select the desired drink by pressing an appropriate button on a control panel, which then activates the supply unit to dispense the selected drink through the tap.
  • some dispensers provide a mechanical leaver which can be manually depressed by the receptacle when a user moves it under the tap.
  • such systems are not suitable for hot drink because a user is required to grip the receptacle during the dispense operation, and hence any overflow risks scalding their hands.
  • some conventional systems employ auto-dispense features whereby a predetermined quantity of drink is dispensed automatically once a receptacle is positioned under the tap.
  • this requires that a standard receptacle size is used, and that the receptacle is empty when a dispense operation is initiated.
  • auto-dispense solutions are inflexible and inconvenient, and also present safety risks if used incorrectly.
  • a drink dispensing device for dispensing a drink from a tap, the device comprising: a plurality of proximity sensors each for outputting a respective activation signal when a user moves a body part within a sensing range thereof; and a controller for receiving activation signals from the plurality of proximity sensors and controlling the dispensing of drink from the tap in response thereto, wherein the plurality of proximity sensors comprise a first proximity sensor associated with a first drink, and wherein the controller is configured to (a) initiate the dispensing of the first drink in response to receiving a sequence of activation signals output by the first proximity sensor and (b) to stop the dispensing of the first drink in response to receiving an activation signal output by any of the plurality of proximity sensors.
  • the controller logic allows a reliable operation sequence to be implemented using relatively basic proximity sensors. That is, proximity sensors are typically activated by detecting disruptions in an electromagnetic field within their sensing range. As such, as switches, they can be prone to mis-triggering, as well as failing to detect the continued presence of an object.
  • the controller requires the user to perform a deliberate sequence of sensor activations. Equally, once initiated, the controller continues the dispensing operation without requiring the user to maintain their finger above the sensor. Nevertheless, the user can still easily stop a dispensing operation by activating any of the plurality of sensors. This thereby allows the flow of liquid to be turned off rapidly to stop the receptacle overflowing.
  • the plurality of proximity sensors comprise a second proximity sensor associated with a second drink
  • the controller is configured to (a) initiate the dispensing of the second drink in response to receiving a sequence of activation signals output by the second proximity sensor and (b) to stop the dispensing of the second drink in response to receiving an activation signal output by any of the plurality of proximity sensors.
  • the dispenser may be used to dispense a variety of different drinks.
  • the sequence of activation signals comprises a plurality of activation signals received within a predetermined time period.
  • the user in order to initiate a dispense operation, the user must perform a sequence of movements within a certain time, thereby minimising the risk of inadvertently triggering the device.
  • the sequence of activation signals comprises two sequential activation signals within a predetermined time period.
  • the two sequential activation signals comprise a selection activation signal followed by a confirmation activation signal.
  • a user in order to initiate a dispense operation, a user must perform both a selection movement and a confirmation movement to generate the two independent activation signals.
  • the controller is configured to output a control signal to a pump or valve for controlling the dispensing of drink from the tap. In this way, the controller may output a signal to drive the pump or open the valve for dispensing drink from the tap.
  • the controller is configured to receive an input from a receptacle detection sensor for detecting a receptacle beneath the tap and to prevent the dispensing of drink from the tap when the receptacle is absent. In this way, the controller prevents dispensing operations if a cup, glass, or other receptacle is not in place below the tap.
  • the drink dispensing device further comprises: an indicator for displaying indications to a user, wherein the controller controls the indicator to indicate that a sequence of activation signals has been initiated.
  • the indicator may be a display screen.
  • the display screen may display information, such as instruction information, drink option information, and drink dispensing information.
  • the controller controls the indicator to display a selection indication in response to receiving a first activation signal in the sequence of activation signals. In this way, the display provides feedback to show a selection operation has been initiated.
  • the selection indication comprises an indication of the drink associated with the proximity sensor from where the first activation signal is generated. In this way, the display provides feedback to show which drink has been selected.
  • the controller controls the indicator to display a conformation indication in response to receiving a last activation signal in the sequence of activation signals. In this way, the display provides feedback to show a selection has been confirmed.
  • the confirmation indication comprises an indication that the tap will dispense the drink associated with the proximity sensor from where the sequence of an activation signal was generated. In this way, the display provides feedback to show a dispense operation is about to be initiated.
  • the controller calculates an estimated volume of drink dispensed based on flow rate or drink dispensing time and provides output information based on the estimated volume of drink dispensed.
  • a user may be provided with information regarding the amount of drink dispensed, or related information, such as an estimated number of plastic bottles saved by using the device.
  • This information may relate to a time period beginning from the device's installation or, for example, over the last year or month. The information may thereby provide positive affirmation of the ecological benefits of using the device.
  • the drink dispensing device further comprises: a tap for delivering the drink into a receptacle; and a supply unit for supplying a flow of drink to the tap.
  • a method of controlling the dispensing of a drink from a tap comprising: providing a plurality of proximity sensors each for outputting a respective activation signal when a user moves a body part within a sensing range thereof, the plurality of proximity sensors comprising a first proximity sensor associated with a first drink; receiving the activation signals at a controller; initiating the dispensing of the first drink in response to receiving a sequence of activation signals output by the first proximity sensor; and stopping the dispensing of the first drink in response to receiving an activation signal output by any of the plurality of proximity sensors.
  • a method for dispensing a selected drink without requiring a user to make physical contact with the dispensing device, and without the user having to hold the drinks receptacle.
  • a counter-top tap 4 is provided for dispensing drink from an outlet 5 into a receptacle 6, such as a cup or glass.
  • the counter is further provided with a meshed drain 7 which serves to mark where the receptacle 6 should be placed to receive drink from the outlet 5, and for draining away any liquid overflow or spillage.
  • the tap 4 is fed from an under-the-counter supply unit 15, which is shown in Figure 2 .
  • the supply unit 15, houses a water filter, a pump, a chilling mechanism, a carbonating mechanism, and boiling chamber. As such, the supply unit 15 may be actuated to supply boiling water, as well as chilled still and carbonated water, through the tap 4.
  • the supply unit 15 is controlled by control unit 1 to actuate the dispensing of drinks through tap 4.
  • the control unit 1 comprises a display screen 2 and an array of three proximity sensors 12, 10, 8 associated with the drinks boiling water, chilled still water, and chilled carbonated water, respectively.
  • the display screen 2 is controlled by a processor 14 housed within the control unit 1 and is used to display icons 13, 11, 9, indicating the drinks which are available. If a particular drink is unavailable, the control unit 1 may remove or modify the associated icon to alert the user.
  • the control unit 1 may further present variable information 3 on the display 2.
  • the variable information 3 may provide a user with instructions for using the dispenser.
  • the variable information 3 may switch to providing a user with information based on the volume of drink dispensed.
  • the control unit's processor 14 may calculate an estimate of the volume of liquid dispensed based on logged dispense durations. From this data, an estimated number of plastic bottles saved since the device was installed maybe calculated and displayed as the variable information 3. For example, an average plastic bottle size of 750ml may be set, and after each 750ml of drink has been dispensed, the bottle counter may increase by 1 to provide users with positive affirmation of the ecological benefits.
  • the proximity sensors 12, 10, 8 are activated when an object is moved within a sensing range of their detection surfaces.
  • this sensing range is between 10-30mm and in this embodiment is set to be approximately 20mm.
  • the sensor is activated to transmit a detection signal to the processor 14 within the control unit 1.
  • the control unit's processor 14 responds to activations of the proximity sensors 12, 10, 8 to output an output signal for actuating the supply unit 15 to dispense drinks through tap 4.
  • a user To dispense a drink, a user firstly selects one of the available drinks by hovering their finger within 20mm of the associated one of the proximity sensors 12, 10, 8. Upon the activation of the respective proximity sensor, the control unit 1 modifies the display to highlight the icon 13, 11, 9 associated with the selected drink. This provides user feedback to indicate a selection has been made. To then begin dispensing the selected drink, a user must retract their finger to deactivate the proximity sensor, and then subsequently reactivate the same proximity sensor within a predetermined time period by returning their finger to the hovering position. In this embodiment, the predetermined time period is three seconds.
  • control unit's processor 14 generates an appropriate output signal for actuating the supply unit to dispense the selected drink in response to detecting that the same proximity sensor has been activated in an uninterrupted sequence of two independent activations within three seconds of each other. Accordingly, a user is required to select a drink and then confirm their selection in three independent movements comprising moving their finger to the sensor, retracting their finger, and then returning their finger. The activation of any other of the proximity sensors during the sequence will reset the selection. As such, the risk of unintentionally triggering a dispense operation is minimised because a user is required to undertake deliberate movement actions adhering to a predefined sequence.
  • the display 2 may switch to displaying the variable information 3 related to the volume of drinks dispensed, as discussed above.
  • the control unit's processor 14 stops outputting the output signal to the supply unit in response to detecting the activation of any of the proximity sensors 12, 10, 8.
  • a user can therefore rapidly stop a dispense operation by, for example, simply waiving their hand above the array of proximity sensors, without requiring them to be precise in this movement.
  • the processor 14 may be further provided with a time-out feature whereby a dispense operation is automatically stopped after a predetermined time period to prevent wastage if a user accidentally leaves the device after a dispense operation has been initiated.
  • a drink dispensing device which allows touch-less operation, without being prone to accidental triggering, and whilst allowing a user to easily stop a dispense operation to avoid spillage.
  • the drink dispensing device may be provided as a controller which is retrofitted to an existing tap and supply unit. That is, because the controller may output a standard output signal for actuating the supply unit, the device can be fitted to an existing system, replacing or in addition to a conventional control panel, to provide touch-less functionality.
  • proximity sensors may be used with the invention.
  • the proximity sensors allow detection while wearing gloves.
  • photoelectric proximity sensors are used.
  • the proximity sensors are capacitive proximity sensors.

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  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung für die Ausgabe eines Getränks aus einem Zapfhahn (4), die Vorrichtung umfassend:
    Eine Vielzahl von Näherungssensoren (8, 10, 12) jeweils für die Ausgabe eines entsprechenden Aktivierungssignals, wenn ein Benutzer ein Körperteil in einen Abtastbereich davon bewegt; und
    eine Steuereinheit (1) für den Empfang der Aktivierungssignale aus der Vielzahl der Näherungssensoren und Steuerung der Ausgabe des Getränks aus dem Zapfhahn als Reaktion darauf,
    wobei die Vielzahl der Näherungssensoren einen ersten Näherungssensor umfasst, der mit einem ersten Getränk verbunden ist, und
    wobei die Steuereinheit konfiguriert ist, (a) die Ausgabe des ersten Getränks als Reaktion auf den Empfang einer Sequenz von Aktivierungssignalen einzuleiten, die von dem ersten Näherungssensor ausgegeben wurden und (b) die Ausgabe des ersten Getränks als Reaktion auf den Empfang eines Aktivierungssignals, das von der Vielzahl der Näherungssensoren ausgegeben wurde, zu stoppen.
  2. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Vielzahl der Näherungssensoren einen zweiten Näherungssensor umfasst, der mit einem zweiten Getränk verbunden ist, und
    wobei die Steuereinheit konfiguriert ist, (a) die Ausgabe des zweiten Getränks als Reaktion auf den Empfang einer Sequenz von Aktivierungssignalen einzuleiten, die von dem zweiten Näherungssensor ausgegeben wurden und (b) die Ausgabe des zweiten Getränks als Reaktion auf den Empfang eines Aktivierungssignals, das von der Vielzahl der Näherungssensoren ausgegeben wurde, zu stoppen.
  3. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Sequenz der Aktivierungssignale eine Vielzahl von Aktivierungssignalen umfasst, die innerhalb eines vorbestimmten Zeitraums empfangen werden.
  4. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Sequenz der Aktivierungssignale zwei Aktivierungssignale innerhalb eines vorbestimmten Zeitraums umfasst.
  5. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, wobei die zwei sequentiellen Aktivierungssignale ein Auswahl-Aktivierungssignal gefolgt von einem Bestätigungs-Aktivierungssignal umfassen.
  6. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Steuereinheit konfiguriert ist, ein Steuerungssignal an eine Pumpe oder ein Ventil für die Steuerung der Ausgabe des Getränks aus dem Zapfhahn auszugeben.
  7. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Steuereinheit konfiguriert ist, eine Eingabe von einem Gefäß-Erfassungssensor für das Erfassen eines Gefäßes unter dem Zapfhahn zu empfangen und die Ausgabe des Getränks aus dem Zapfhahn zu verhindern, wenn kein Gefäß vorhanden ist.
  8. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend:
    Eine Anzeige, um einem Benutzer Anweisungen anzuzeigen,
    wobei die Steuereinheit die Anzeige regelt, um anzuzeigen, dass eine Sequenz von Aktivierungssignalen eingeleitet wurde.
  9. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Steuereinheit die Anzeige regelt, um eine Auswahl-Anzeige als Reaktion auf den Empfang eines ersten Aktivierungssignals in der Sequenz der Aktivierungssignale anzuzeigen.
  10. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei die Auswahl-Anzeige eine Anzeige des Getränks umfasst, das mit dem Näherungssensor verbunden ist, von dem das erste Aktivierungssignal erzeugt wird.
  11. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8-10, wobei die Steuereinheit die Anzeige regelt, um eine Bestätigungs-Anzeige als Reaktion auf den Empfang eines letzten Aktivierungssignals in der Sequenz der Aktivierungssignale anzuzeigen.
  12. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Bestätigungs-Anzeige eine Anzeige umfasst, dass der Zapfhahn das Getränk, das mit dem Näherungssensor verbunden ist, von dem die Sequenz der Aktivierungssignale erzeugt wurde, ausgibt.
  13. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
    wobei die Steuereinheit ein geschätztes Getränkevolumen berechnet, das auf der Basis der Durchflussrate oder Getränke-Ausgabezeit ausgegeben wird und eine Ausgabeinformation auf der Basis des geschätzten ausgegebenen Volumens bereitstellt.
  14. Getränkespender-Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend:
    Einen Zapfhahn für die Ausgabe eines Getränks in ein Gefäß; und
    eine Zuführeinheit für die Zufuhr eines Getränkestroms an den Zapfhahn.
  15. Ein Verfahren für die Steuerung der Ausgabe eines Getränks aus einem Zapfhahn (4), das Verfahren umfassend:
    Bereitstellen einer Vielzahl von Näherungssensoren (8, 10, 12) jeweils für die Ausgabe eines entsprechenden Aktivierungssignals, wenn ein Benutzer ein Körperteil innerhalb eines Erfassungsbereichs davon bewegt, die Vielzahl der Näherungssensoren umfasst einen ersten Näherungssensor, der mit einem ersten Getränk verbunden ist;
    Empfangen des Aktivierungssignals an einer Steuereinheit (1);
    Einleiten der Ausgabe des ersten Getränks als Reaktion auf das Empfangen einer Sequenz von Aktivierungssignalen, die von dem ersten Näherungssensor ausgegeben werden; und
    Stoppen der Ausgabe des ersten Getränks als Reaktion auf das Empfangen eines Aktivierungssignals, das von einem der Vielzahl von Näherungssensoren ausgegeben wird.
EP21179322.9A 2020-06-15 2021-06-14 Getränkeausgabevorrichtung Active EP3925929B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB2009051.0A GB202009051D0 (en) 2020-06-15 2020-06-15 Drink dispensing device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3925929A1 EP3925929A1 (de) 2021-12-22
EP3925929B1 true EP3925929B1 (de) 2022-07-27

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Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7641173B2 (en) * 2006-01-23 2010-01-05 Matthew Philip Goodman Faucet with automatic temperature control and method
US9057182B1 (en) * 2009-07-06 2015-06-16 Adam Friedman Spatially reactive water system incorporating a non tactile control module
CN111692379B (zh) * 2014-09-16 2022-06-10 夏立军 一种用于处理废料的系统
US9840407B2 (en) * 2015-02-10 2017-12-12 Cornelius, Inc. Gesture interface for beverage dispenser
CA2957105A1 (en) * 2016-02-03 2017-08-03 Op-Hygiene Ip Gmbh Interactive display device

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GB202009051D0 (en) 2020-07-29

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