ES2610730T3 - Beverage dispenser and procedure for operating a beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

Beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage comprising a housing (12), at least one beverage storage tank (14) in the form of a removable element, at least one housing opening (13) and at least one storage housing (15 ) to insert the beverage reserve tank (14) into the housing (12) through the housing opening (13), the beverage reserve tank (14) presenting a reservoir opening (17) above the maximum filling height of the beverage reservoir reservoir (14), a compression mechanism being provided that brings a surface of the beverage reservoir reservoir (14) spanning the reservoir opening (17) to a hermetic contact position with the corresponding wall of the reservoir housing (15) of the housing (12), characterized in that the compression mechanism has a guide (48) running in the reservoir housing (15) from the reservoir opening (13) in the direction of introduction of the deposit or beverage reserve (14) and has an upward slope so that, in an inserted state, the guide (48) in the rear area holds the beverage reserve tank (14) against the top of the deposit housing (15 ) and because the compression mechanism has a ramp (40) in the anterior area of the beverage reserve tank (14) which is made so that the beverage reserve tank (14) is pressed against the upper part of the housing of tank (15) when fully inserted so that, in the introduced state, the reservoir of beverage reservation (14) is supported in the rear area on the guide (48) and in the previous area on the ramp (40), being the ramp (40) an element integrated in the reservoir of beverage reservation (14).

Description

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

DESCRIPTION

Beverage dispenser and procedure for operating a beverage dispenser

The invention relates to a beverage dispenser of the type indicated in the preamble of claim 1, as well as to a method of operating a beverage dispenser of the type indicated in the preamble of claim 10.

Beverage dispensers are mainly used in gastronomy and collective catering. Generally, beverage concentrates are supplied in beverage storage tanks that are then introduced into the beverage dispenser, which especially has a cooling function for the beverage that is in the beverage storage tank. Before placing the beverage reserve tank or once introduced into the beverage dispenser, the beverage concentrate is diluted with water. The dispensing preferably takes place manually through an outlet system of the beverage dispenser.

For example, document DE 10 2011 050 350 A1 proposes a beverage dispenser with a reserve deposit for a beverage, especially a juice-based beverage or a mixed juice-based beverage that is essentially introduced into a closed housing. The beverage reservation deposit is made in the form of a removable element. The removable element is introduced into a housing deposit of the housing and has an outlet system to dispense the beverage that is within the beverage reserve deposit as necessary. The tank housing is made to be closed and is provided with cooling surfaces except for the housing opening. If the beverage to be dispensed is a mixed juice-based beverage, the beverage reservoir can be fed with water through a reservoir opening and a fresh water inlet connected to it. To do this, a water conduit flows into the reservoir housing. The deposit opening is generally provided at the top of the beverage reserve tank, above the maximum filling height. The water conduit flows into the introduced state of the beverage reservoir through the reservoir opening.

According to document DE 10 2011 050 350 A1, the removable element is completely open upwards. The removable element completely closes the housing opening in the state introduced in the anterior zone, thanks to which also the beverage is stored insulated in the housing.

Since the beverage reservoir is closed in the housing in a state introduced during operation and can be easily removed for cleaning, the hygiene standard is relatively high. However, precisely in the case of a long period of storage, there is a danger that germs and dirt particles will enter the beverage tank through the air. In addition, control mechanisms are lacking, with the help of which it could be determined when and to what extent the deposit was cleaned. Therefore, it is practically impossible to avoid the lack of care or careless even conscious of hygiene by the operator of the beverage dispenser.

A beverage dispenser of this type is known from US 2010/0203207 A1. This beverage dispenser comprises a housing, a beverage storage tank in the form of a removable element, a housing opening, a storage housing for introducing the beverage reservation tank into the housing through the housing opening, a system of dispensing, a dispensing opening -32- made in the beverage reservoir that interacts with the dispensing system and a deposit opening above the maximum filling height. In addition, a compression mechanism is provided that brings a surface of the reservoir of beverage reservoir that encompasses the opening of the reservoir to a sealed contact position with the corresponding wall of the reservoir housing of the housing.

The objective of the invention is to improve a beverage dispenser of the type mentioned at the beginning by eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages and by means of a construction of the beverage dispenser that saves space and presents a simple operation, largely excluding a contamination of the beverage stored by the simple shutter without additional components, preventing the penetration of germs and particles of dust or dirt in the beverage storage tank. In addition, a procedure for operating this beverage dispenser in a preferred embodiment is indicated.

The task is solved for the device by the main features of claim 1 in combination with the features of the preamble.

The invention is based on the fact that the beverage reserve tank can be easily introduced into the dispenser by means of a ramp and that it is preferably closed in a hermetic manner, which allows contamination to be avoided easily. This results in other constructive possibilities to further reduce the likelihood of contamination with germs, as shown below.

According to the invention, the beverage dispenser has a housing, at least one housing opening and at least one beverage storage tank in the form of a removable element with a tank opening above the

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

maximum filling height in the beverage reserve tank. In the entered state, the beverage reservoir closes the opening of the housing. In addition, at least one deposit housing is provided in the housing, into which the beverage reservoir is introduced through the housing opening. The beverage dispenser further comprises an outlet system and a dispensing opening that interacts with the dispensing system of the beverage reservoir. According to the invention, a compression mechanism is provided that brings the beverage reservoir to an airtight contact position with the housing housing of the housing. The compression mechanism has a guide that runs in the deposit housing from the deposit opening in the direction of deposit introduction and has an ascending slope so that, in the introduced state, the guide in the rear area supports the reserve deposit of Drink against the top of the deposit housing. The compression mechanism also has a ramp that is integrated in the beverage reserve tank in the previous area and is made so that the tank is pressed against the upper part of the tank housing when fully inserted, so that, in If it has been introduced, the reservoir of beverage reservation is supported on the guide in the back area and on the ramp in the previous area. Due to this configuration, the compression only requires an effort hardly greater than that necessary to introduce the deposit into a housing without compression mechanism, since the deposit is introduced by the user essentially horizontally in the deposit housing and, even in In case of a reduced angle of inclination, a sufficient compression effect is achieved.

This has the advantage that, from the moment the deposit with the drink or at least part of the drink is introduced into the housing, during the exclusive storage period the penetration of germs and particles of dust or dirt into the container is prevented. apparatus, mainly in the area of the deposit opening. It is also advantageous that this sealing is possible without additional components, since an inner surface of the reservoir housing in the housing is used to cover the reservoir. This reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies cleaning.

Thanks to the fact that the surface of the beverage reserve tank that encompasses the opening of the tank is pressed against the upper part of the deposit housing, indirectly by means of a joint or directly, a maximum amount of storage is achieved in the tank.

Thanks to the fact that the compression mechanism is activated by the complete introduction of the beverage reserve tank, no additional elements or operation steps are required. The possibility of mishandling is excluded. The bottom of the tank can be chosen simultaneously so that it presents, also in a pressed state, a slight fall towards the carcass opening. In this way, the problem can be solved that, in the end, in the area at the bottom of the tank, a considerable residual amount of the beverage that cannot be extracted frequently remains. The outlet opening of the beverage reserve tank is arranged, in this case, near the bottom, in the anterior zone. Since the bottom of the deposit falls into the deposit opening and, therefore, towards the exit system, the residual beverage remaining towards the end of the dispensing process accumulates near the exit system. In this way, a practically complete dispensing of the stored beverage without significant residual amounts is possible.

It is especially favorable if the guide is formed by the bottom of the deposit housing. This considerably simplifies the construction of the beverage dispenser and guarantees simple cleaning.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one gasket and at least one pump are provided. The pump can be connected, in this case, to the opening of the tank through a conduit so that, in the introduced state of the beverage reservoir and with the compression mechanism activated, the beverage reservoir can be subjected to depression through the pump. The danger of contamination of the stored beverage is further reduced, since, on the one hand, the air in the tank before compression is largely removed and, on the other hand, depression reinforces the compression effect , which, in turn, generates a better shutter.

According to one aspect of the invention, in the duct there is a valve which, when activating the pump, connects the reservoir of beverage reservoir to the pump and, when activating the dispensing system, to an air supply duct. As a consequence, the depression in the tank is canceled briefly during the dispensing of beverage as gas or air enters. The drink can be dispensed comfortably. Then the valve is switched again and the pump immediately generates a depression or vacuum again. In this way, it continues to act against a contamination of the interior space of the deposit.

It is especially favorable to have an air filter in the air supply line, especially an activated carbon filter. In this way, the danger is minimized that with the gas, first of all the surrounding air that penetrates during the dispensing of the drink, germs or particles of dust or dirt reach the beverage storage tank and contaminate the beverage.

The air supply duct can also be used as a water inlet duct, which is necessary for the preparation of juice-based mixed drinks. A pump combined with the corresponding valve can carry air or water as necessary. However, in one embodiment of the invention, this

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

A separate water conduit is provided to introduce the water into the beverage reserve tank which, in the introduced state of the beverage reserve tank, is connected to the reservoir opening or flows into it. In this way, the beverage dispenser can be used not only to dispense ready-to-drink beverages, but also to dispense beverages that are prepared in the apparatus by mixing a beverage and water concentrate, guaranteeing hygiene and operating contortion through separate ducts. for air and water.

For example, the water line can also be fed with water from drums or the like, thanks to which the use of the beverage dispenser is independent of local conditions.

Preferably, the water line is connected to a water pump that can be connected to a water tank, and water can be introduced from the water tank into the beverage reservoir. In this way, the beverage dispenser can be used independently of a water connection.

However, if you have screaming water of substitutingly good quality, in the case of dispensing drinks from concentrates, you can connect the water line through a water connection to a water connection. The beverage reserve deposit with the concentrate is introduced into the beverage dispenser, then water is added and the beverage can be dispensed. This reduces both the costs, as well as the need for space of the beverage dispenser, as well as the logistical effort.

According to another aspect of the invention, a valve is provided in the water line which, by choice, creates a connection to the water pump or with a water inlet for manually fed water and for the connection of water to shouting water. This allows the torma beverage dispenser to be used even more flexibly, since the type of water supply can easily be determined through the position of a valve.

In an advantageous configuration, the beverage dispenser has at least one data entry means that interacts with a control unit that controls the actuators of the beverage dispenser, such as the pump or the valve for the entry of water. It can be an introduction means that requires the active introduction via keys, a touch screen or the like or an introduction means that reads information, such as a bar code scanner. In this way, the operator can comfortably enter the parameters of mixing, storage and dispensing according to the needs.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a first sensor connected to the control unit is provided, with which the amount of water fed to the beverage reservoir is measured. This information allows, on the one hand, to prevent the beverage reserve tank from being filled beyond the desired measure and, on the other hand, to recognize an attempt at manipulation. This is explained in more detail below.

It is also wise to use a second sensor connected to the control unit, with which the filling height of the beverage reservoir is measured. Also the information supplied by this sensor serves both to correctly calculate the water input, as well as to recognize attempts at manipulation.

To achieve protection, especially against tampering by unauthorized persons, the beverage dispenser may have a locking mechanism in the opening of the housing that ensures the reservoir of beverage reserve in the housing. This is reasonable, among other reasons, also from the point of view of hygiene, since this ensures that only authorized persons will have contact with the deposit and the beverage stored in it. The locking mechanism can interact with the control unit.

In addition, a retraction device is provided, which retracts the interior space and, therefore, the beverage contained in the accommodation device. The retrigeration device is located under the housing device and comprises a compressor, a heat exchanger and one or several retrigent surfaces arranged on the inner sides of the tank housing that interact with evaporators. Advantageously, the retrieval device is also connected to the control unit. In this way, the desired temperature can be adjusted comfortably, if necessary, by the operator.

To guarantee a complete mixture, for example, of the components of a trout juice and water and a uniform retrigeration of the drink, as well as to avoid the sedimentation of the pulp, etc. In untracked drinks, an agitator is provided to mix beverage during storage. Preferably, a magnetic stirrer is used, in which a rotating and driven magnetic piece, which is generally provided in the housing under the beverage reservoir, moves to one side and the other at least one magnetic bar that is located in the drink. Advantageously, the magnetic bar (s) may already have been introduced together with the concentrate in a recessed area of the beverage storage tank. In such a device, the danger of contamination of the contents of the deposit is very small.

Preferably, the beverage dispenser is operated with an outlet system and a dispensing opening that interacts with the dispensing system of the beverage reservoir, the reservoir of the beverage reservoir being subjected to depression, especially under vacuum, after its introduction and blocking. This has the advantage that, during

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

The exclusive storage period prevents the penetration of germs and particles of dust or dirt into the device.

It is favorable if, when opening the dispensing system, gas, especially air, is fed to the beverage storage tank. In this way, on the one hand, the amount of beverage dispensed through the amount of air fed and the rate of dispensing of beverage through the rate of air feeding can be controlled. On the other hand, the danger of contamination of the contents during dispensing can be reduced through the configuration of the air supply means or by placing a suitable filtration device.

According to one aspect of the invention, the data referring to the contents of the beverage reserve deposit that determine whether a dispensation is possible through the dispensing system and, if necessary, block the dispensing system is read or entered. This solution offers several possibilities to act against manipulation of the dispenser. In this way, an authorized operator can directly determine the maximum dispensing period for the beverage, or read the related data, for example, of a bar code in the beverage container with a scanner.

Preferably, through data entry means that interacts with a control unit, data are entered as, for example: the amount of water that must be fed in relation to a product that is in the beverage reservoir ( concentrated), the time of introduction of the beverage reserve tank and / or product specific data such as durability, necessary cooling temperature or necessary revolutions of a stirring device. In this way, it is possible to automate the entire storage and dispensing process until the end of the dispensing period from the introduction of the product.

In another additional advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit controls the pump to block the dispensing of beverage generating a depression in the tank. Thus, it is possible to easily avoid dispensing beverage through the control unit without an additional mechanical locking device if the end of the durability period has been reached or if, for example, as described below, it is detected An attempt at manipulation.

According to a preferred embodiment, a control unit controls the pump and a valve to block and authorize the dispensing of beverage through the measurement data recorded by a first sensor to determine the amount of water fed to the beverage reservoir. and by a second sensor to determine the filling height in the beverage reserve tank, and through the data entered and / or data stored in the control unit. This allows to recognize technical difficulties or attempts at manipulation. Especially if a fruit juice concentrate is used and from the data entered or stored in the control unit it is known what product it is and how much should be found in a new warehouse, a comparison with the data determined by the first and by the second sensor referring to the water fed and the final filling height, it is possible to determine if the correct filling quantity is in the tank. If this is the case, the dispensation of beverage is authorized. If the actual filling quantity differs from the calculated filling quantity, then there is a technical problem, for example, with the supply of fresh water or an attempt is made, for example, to use a manually filled beverage storage tank and not as such. provided by the manufacturer. Since this does not correspond to the high hygiene requirements posed to the present device and to the present procedure, in the latter case the dispensing of beverage is blocked. Through a manufacturer's code of the product contained in the beverage reserve deposit that can be read, the use of the beverage dispenser can be limited, for example, to exclude competing products.

According to a preferred embodiment, the beverage dispenser has the aforementioned characteristics according to a first aspect of the invention.

Other advantages, characteristics and possibilities of application of the present invention result from the following description, in combination with the embodiments shown in the figures.

In the description, in the claims and in the figures the terms used and the reference numbers assigned in the following list of reference numbers are used. The figures show:

Figure 1, a sectional side view of the beverage dispenser;

Figure 2, a schematic side view of the beverage dispenser in section to illustrate the supply of air and water with a schematic representation of the control unit;

Figure 3, a sectional view of the output system;

Figure 4, a perspective view of beverage dispenser, and

Figure 5, a block diagram to illustrate the development of the beverage dispenser process.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

Figure 1 shows a beverage dispenser -10- in a side view in section with a housing -12- and a beverage storage tank -14-. The beverage reserve tank -14- is introduced through a housing opening -13-, which is located on the front of the beverage dispenser -10-, in a tank housing -15-. To close the housing opening -13-, on the front part there is also a door -18- that folds downwards, with product illumination and indication of the filling level -20-. An electromechanical lock -22- provided above on the front of the beverage dispenser -10- serves to block the freely tilting end of the door -18- with the housing -12-.

The bottom surface of the tank housing -15- made as a guide -48- rises slightly from the housing opening -13- in the direction of introduction so that the upper side of the beverage reservoir reservoir having a deposit opening - 17- it moves slightly upwards when introducing the beverage reserve deposit -14- in the deposit housing -15- and, finally, when the beverage reserve deposit -14- is fully introduced, it is in contact in the back with the upper side of the deposit housing. Additionally, the anterior area of the beverage reserve tank -14- oriented towards the housing opening -13- has a ramp -40- at the bottom. When entering the beverage reserve tank -14-, the ramp first passes through a projection -24- made inside the door -18- adjacent to the bottom of the housing opening -13-. The projection -24- serves to raise the area of the beverage reserve tank -14- which shows towards the front side of the beverage dispenser -10- to facilitate the introduction. In a fully introduced state, the area facing the anterior side of the beverage reserve tank -14- is raised due to the ramp -40- which is supported on the bottom -19-, so that the tank opening -17 - It is also pressed in this area against the upper part of the deposit housing -15-. The sealing effect resulting from this compression mechanism is further reinforced by a reservoir gasket -16- arranged at an upper edge of the beverage reservoir reservoir -14-.

At the bottom of the reservoir of beverage reserve -14- a recessed area -49- is provided in which at least one magnetic bar is placed that is moved by a stirrer -50- made as a magnetic stirrer to permanently mix the beverage.

On the inner sides of the reservoir housing -15-, the evaporators -56- form cooling surfaces through which the beverage reserve tank -14- and the beverage contained therein are cooled. Together with the evaporators -56-, a compressor -52- and a heat exchanger -54- form the cooling device of the beverage dispenser -10-. The evaporators -56-, the compressor and the heat exchanger -54- are connected to each other with the corresponding ducts. To reinforce the effect of the cooling device, an insulation -26- is also arranged around the reservoir housing -15-.

Next, the term "empty" is used in relation to the beverage dispenser and the procedure in relation to a state, in general with components, such as pumps, ducts, etc. The term "vacuum" should be understood as a vacuum in the sense of a depression compared to the ambient pressure which can also be a low vacuum, from -300 to 1 hPa, medium vacuum, from 1 to 10-3hPa, high vacuum ( HV), from 10-3 to 10-7hPa, ultra high vacuum (UHV), from 10-7 to 10-12hPa, ultra high extreme vacuum (XHV), <10-12hPa or ideal vacuum (IV). Depending on what is most economical in this context or the client's requirements, work is carried out in the corresponding depression ranges. The higher the depression, the lower the likelihood of contamination with germs through the residual gas in the beverage storage tank. In the case of a simple construction, the vacuum pump and the vacuum ducts should only be able to guarantee a depression compared to the ambient pressure in case of better quality, low vacuum or medium vacuum, etc.

Observed from the housing opening -13-, behind the reservoir housing -15- a vacuum pump -60- is provided by means of which a depression can be generated in the introduced state of the beverage reservoir -14- through a vacuum duct -64- leading to the reservoir housing -15- to further strengthen the sealing effect described above.

Figure 2 represents a sectional side view of the beverage dispenser -10- in which the feeding of the beverage dispenser -10- with air and water is especially represented and in greater detail. As mentioned above, by means of the vacuum pump -60-, a depression can be generated through the vacuum duct -64- which flows into the reservoir housing -15-. However, to dispense the drink, it is necessary to briefly eliminate this depression. To this end, an air supply line -66- is connected to the vacuum pump -60- through a valve -62- through which the air inlet is allowed. To prevent germs or dirt particles from reaching the beverage reserve tank -14- and contaminating the drink, an active carbon filter -68- is provided in the air supply duct -66-. Through a control unit -80-, the vacuum pump -60- and the valve -62- are connected to a dispensing lever -30-. The activation of the dispensing lever -30- serves as a signal to briefly eliminate the depression by letting air in, being transmitted from the control unit -80- to the vacuum pump -60- and the valve -62-. After completing the dispensing process, the vacuum pump -60- and the valve -62- are operated by the control unit -80- which generates a depression in the beverage reservoir -14-.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

In addition, the control unit -80- is connected to a water supply device that is intended for the supply of fresh water for mixing beverage concentrates in the beverage reserve tank -14-. The water supply device comprises a water conduit -74- which flows into the reservoir housing -15-. By choice, the water line -74- can be fed through a water connection -78- that can be connected to a fixed water connection and through a water inlet -72- that can be connected to a tank of water. To select the power supply, a valve -76- connected to the control device -80- is provided. Since, in the case of a feed from a water tank, unlike a fixed water connection, there is not always enough pressure in the conduit for the transport of water to the beverage reservoir -14-, the dispenser of drinks -10- has a pressurized water pump -70- connected to the control device -80-.

Also connected to the control device -80- is a water flow sensor -82- provided in the water line -74- and a filling level sensor -84- provided in the reservoir housing -15-. With the help of these two sensors, the amount of water fed can be determined, as well as the actual filling height in the beverage reservoir -14-. The use of this data is explained below based on Figure 5.

Finally, a bar code reader -42- is provided to read the specific data of the product, but also a manufacturer code through a bar code in the beverage container. The bar code reader -42- is connected to the control device -80-, which allows to control the essential components of the beverage dispenser -10-, especially the vacuum pump -60-, the valve -62-, the valve -76-, the agitator -50- and the electromechanical lock -22-, based on the specific product data. The control is explained in detail based on Figure 5.

Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the output system. To dispense the stored beverage, a dispensing lever with a hollow interior is provided which, in the closed state of the beverage dispenser -10- and with the beverage reserve tank -14- introduced, penetrates partly into the beverage reserve tank -14-. The dispensing lever -30- has on the side of the tank an outlet opening -32- and a closure -46-, the closure -46- being surrounded by a joint -34-.

In the pressed state of the dispensing lever -30-, the beverage penetrates through the outlet opening -32- into the dispensing lever -30- and, finally, arrives through a dispensing tap -28- to a drinking container or similar, not shown for clarity. An activator -36- provided in the lower part of the dispensing lever -30- is arranged so that in the depressed state of the dispensing lever -30- it is located above a switch -38-. In this position, activator -36- activates switch -38- during dispensing. The switch -38- is connected to the control device -80-. By means of the vacuum pump -60- and through the control device -80-, an activated switch signal -38- induces the elimination of depression during dispensing, facilitating the dispensing of beverage.

In figure 4, the beverage dispenser is represented in perspective with the door -18- closed. Above the bar code reader -42-, there is a screen -44- to show relevant operation data, such as the temperature of the stored beverage or the end of the dispensing period.

In the upper part of the housing -12-, a closure -46- is arranged to mechanically close the door -18-. Under the dispensing lever -30- a drip tray -25- is provided on which a drinking container can be supported while the drink is dispensed. In addition, the drip tray -25- is suitable for accommodating small amounts of beverage that can be dumped during dispensing or dripping between dispensing processes.

In figure 5, a preferred method for operating the beverage dispenser -10- is schematically represented. After the start -100- the introduction -102- of the beverage reserve deposit -14- is made in the deposit housing -15-. Next, the introduction -104- of an access code through a keypad field not shown to achieve greater clarity that must be confirmed in a verification step -106- by the control unit -80- takes place. If the access code has not been entered correctly, a request for a new entry -104- takes place. It is possible either to repeat the steps -104- and -106- until the correct access code is entered, or the lock -126- of the beverage dispenser -10- after a predetermined number of wrong -104- introductions. As soon as the access code has been verified, the reading -108- of the specific product data included in the product package through the bar code reader -42- takes place. If necessary, a request can be displayed on the screen -44-. Based on the data read, a verification -110- of the durability is performed first. If it is found that the product to be dispensed, is no longer within the durability period, the control unit -80- induces the blockage -126- of the dispensation. This can take place, for example, by generating and maintaining a depression in the beverage reservoir through the vacuum pump -60-, which avoids the dispensing of beverage. Thus ends -128- the process.

After the verification of the durability a differentiation -112 is carried out, which determines if the product to be dispensed is a beverage concentrate or a ready-to-drink beverage. In the case of a beverage concentrate, it has

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

place the addition -114- of the amount of water needed. Then a determination -116- of the amount of the contents of the deposit is made with the help of the data determined by the filling level sensor -84-. Now a verification takes place -118- to determine if the amount of the deposit content matches the nominal amount. The data on the nominal quantity are contained in the specific data of the product, which were read previously and, in case a beverage concentrate has been mixed with water, they are complemented with the data determined by the water flow sensor -82 - through the amount of water fed. If the amount actually present in the beverage reserve deposit -14- differs from the stored data or the calculated nominal amount, the result of the verification -118- is negative and it is concluded that either a technical problem exists, or It produced an attempt at manipulation. A blockage -126- occurs immediately, as described above. Thus ends -128- the process.

Finally, at intervals determined by the user or, suitably, according to the intervals indicated in the data read, specific to the product, a measurement -120- of the temperature is made in the reservoir of beverage reserve -14-. Temperatures that exceed a previously determined tolerance threshold are stored in the control unit -80- and can be consulted on the screen -44-, for example, after entering an access code.

51, too high temperatures are measured multiple times, the control unit -80- calculates -121-, in addition, a new maximum dispensing period for the beverage based on parameters taken from the specific product data and induces, for example, the indication of a warning signal on the screen -44-.

Otherwise, authorization -122- of the dispensation occurs. In each dispensing process, the control unit -80- performs a verification -124- to determine if the dispensing period indicated in the specific product data is still met. If this is the case, a new authorization -122- of the dispensation is produced. If the dispensing period has been exceeded and the result of the verification -124- is negative, the control unit -80- induces the blocking -126- of the dispensation. Thus ends -128- the process.

List of reference numbers

10 Drink dispenser

12 Housing

13 Housing opening

14 Beverage reservation deposit

15 Deposit accommodation

16 Deposit Board

17 Deposit opening

18 Gate

20 Product lighting with indication of filling level 22 Electromechanical lock

24 Protrusion for dragging in form

25 Drip Tray

26 Isolation

28 Dispensing tap 30 Dispensing lever 32 Exit opening 34 Seal 36 Activator 38 Switch 40 Ramp

42 Barcode reader 44 Display

46 Contact closure

48 Background, guide

49 Reduced area

50 Agitator

52 Compressor

54 Heat exchanger 56 Evaporator 60 Vacuum pump 62 Valve

64 Vacuum duct 66 Air supply duct 68 Activated carbon filter 70 Pressurized water pump 72 Water inlet 74 Water duct 76 Valve

78 Water connection

80 Control unit 82 Water flow sensor 84 Fill level sensor 100 Start

5 102 Introduction of the beverage reservation deposit

104 Entering the access code 106 Verifying the access code 108 Reading specific product data 110 Durability verification

10 112 Differentiation between concentrate and ready-to-drink beverage

114 Adding water

116 Determination of the amount of the deposit contents 118 Verification of the correct amount 120 Temperature measurement

15 121 Data processing

122 Authorization of dispensing of drinks 124 Verification of dispensing period 126 Blocking of dispensing 128 End

twenty

Claims (15)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. Beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage comprising a housing (12), at least one beverage reserve tank (14) in the form of a removable element, at least one housing opening (13) and at least one deposit housing (15) to introduce the beverage reserve tank (14) into the housing (12) through the housing opening (13), the beverage reserve tank (14) presenting a deposit opening (17) above of the maximum filling height of the beverage reserve reservoir (14), a compression mechanism being provided that brings a surface of the beverage reservoir reservoir (14) spanning the reservoir opening (17) to a hermetic contact position with the corresponding wall of the reservoir housing (15) of the housing (12), characterized in that the compression mechanism has a guide (48) running in the reservoir housing (15) from the reservoir opening (13) in the direction of introduction of the baby reserve deposit one way (14) and it presents an ascending slope so that, in the introduced state, the guide (48) in the rear area holds the beverage reserve deposit (14) against the upper part of the deposit housing (15) and because the Compression mechanism has a ramp (40) in the anterior area of the beverage reserve tank (14) that is made so that the beverage reserve tank (14) is pressed against the upper part of the reservoir housing (15) to be fully introduced so that, in an introduced state, the reservoir of beverage reserve (14) is supported in the rear area on the guide (48) and in the previous area on the ramp (40), the ramp (40) being ) an element integrated in the beverage reservation deposit (14). 2. Beverage dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide (48) is formed by the bottom of the deposit housing (15). 3. Beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one gasket (16) and at least one pump (60) are provided and because the pump (60) can be connected to the tank opening (17 ) through a conduit (64) so that, in the introduced state of the beverage reserve tank (14) and with the compression mechanism activated, the beverage reserve tank (14) can be subjected to depression through the pump (60). 4. Beverage dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that in the duct (64) there is a valve (62) which, when activating the pump (60), connects the reservoir of beverage reservoir (14) to the pump (60) ) and, when activating the dispensing system, to an air supply duct (66). 5. Beverage dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a water conduit (74) is provided for introducing the water into the beverage reservoir (14) which, in the introduced state of the beverage reservoir (14 ), is connected to the tank opening (17). 6. Beverage dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that a water pump (70) connected to the water line (74) is provided which can be connected to a water tank. 7. Beverage dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that a valve (76) is provided in the water line (74), which, at its option, establishes a connection to the water pump (70) and the water connection (78 ). 8. Beverage dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first sensor (82) connected to the control unit (80) is provided with which the amount of water fed to the beverage reservoir (14) is measured. . 9. Beverage dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that a second sensor (84) connected to the control unit (80) is provided with which the filling height of the beverage reserve tank (14) is measured. 10. Procedure for operating a beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage according to any of the preceding claims, the beverage dispenser presenting an outlet system and a dispensing opening (32) integrated in the interacting beverage reservoir (14) that interacts with the dispensing system, characterized in that, after the introduction (102) and the blocking of the reservoir of beverage reservoir (14), this is subjected to depression, especially vacuum. 11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that when the dispensing system is opened, gas is fed to the reservoir of beverage reservoir (14) and the pump (60) generating depression is not active. 12. Method according to any of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that data relating to the content of the beverage reservoir (14) is entered through a data entry means (42) that interacts with a control unit (80 ) or of means for entering data that interact with a control unit (80) that determine whether a dispensation is possible through the dispensing system and, if necessary, block the dispensing system. 13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that through a data entry means (42), a manufacturer's code of the product contained in the beverage storage tank (14), the amount of water is entered as data that must be fed in relation to a product that is in the deposit of 5 beverage reserve (14), the time of introduction of the beverage reserve tank (14) and / or specific product data such as durability, necessary cooling temperature and / or necessary revolutions of a stirring device (50) of the beverage . 14. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that a control unit (80) controls, if necessary, the pump (60) to block the dispensing of beverage generating a depression in the storage tank. beverage reservation (14) based on stored and / or read data. 15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that, based on the measurement data recorded by a first sensor (82) to determine the amount of water fed to the reservoir for 15 beverage (14) and by a second sensor (84) to determine the filling height of the beverage reserve tank (14), and through the data entered and / or data stored in the control unit (80), the control unit (80) controls the pump (60) and a valve (62) to block or authorize the dispensing of beverage.