ITTO20111030A1

ITTO20111030A1 - AUTOMATIC BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTOR

Info

Publication number: ITTO20111030A1
Application number: IT001030A
Authority: IT
Inventors: Alessandro Magno
Original assignee: N&W Global Vending Spa
Priority date: 2011-11-08
Filing date: 2011-11-08
Publication date: 2013-05-09

Description

DESCRIZIONE DESCRIPTION

“DISTRIBUTORE AUTOMATICO DI BEVANDE” "AUTOMATIC BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTOR"

La presente invenzione è relativa a un distributore automatico di bevande. The present invention relates to an automatic beverage dispenser.

In particolare, la presente invenzione è relativa ad un distributore automatico di bevande del tipo presentante un vano di distribuzione accessibile dall’esterno, mezzi di supporto per un contenitore di altezza determinata per una bevanda, ed una unità di erogazione di bevande alloggiati all’interno del vano di distribuzione; i mezzi di supporto essendo disposti ad un primo livello fisso; e l’unità di erogazione comprendendo una pluralità di ugelli erogatori disposti affacciati ai, ed al disopra dei, mezzi di supporto; un equipaggio porta-ugelli montato per compiere una corsa determinata in una direzione determinata da e verso i mezzi di supporto; e mezzi di bloccaggio per bloccare l’equipaggio porta-ugelli in una posizione regolabile lungo la detta corsa e con gli ugelli disposti ad un secondo livello maggiore del primo ed al disopra, in uso, del detto contenitore. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic beverage dispenser of the type having a distribution compartment accessible from the outside, support means for a container of a determined height for a beverage, and a beverage dispensing unit housed inside. of the distribution compartment; the support means being arranged at a first fixed level; and the dispensing unit comprising a plurality of dispensing nozzles arranged facing, and above, the support means; a nozzle holder assembly mounted to perform a determined stroke in a determined direction from and towards the support means; and locking means for locking the nozzle holder assembly in an adjustable position along the said stroke and with the nozzles arranged at a second level greater than the first and above, in use, of the said container.

Scopo della presente invenzione è di fornire un distributore automatico di bevande del tipo sopra descritto, in cui l’unità di erogazione presenti una struttura semplice, compatta ed economica e tale da rendere possibile una regolazione efficiente e silenziosa del livello operativo degli ugelli. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic beverage dispenser of the type described above, in which the dispensing unit has a simple, compact and economical structure and such as to make an efficient and silent adjustment of the operating level of the nozzles possible.

Secondo la presente invenzione viene fornito un distributore automatico di bevande secondo quanto licitato nella rivendicazione 1 e, preferibilmente, in una qualsiasi delle rivendicazioni successive dipendenti direttamente o indirettamente dalla rivendicazione 1. According to the present invention, an automatic beverage dispenser is provided according to what is disclosed in claim 1 and, preferably, in any of the subsequent claims directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1.

L’invenzione verrà ora descritta con riferimento ai disegni annessi, che ne illustrano un esempio di attuazione non limitativo, in cui: The invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting example of implementation, in which:

- la figura 1 illustra in vista prospettica una preferita forma di attuazione del distributore automatico di bevande della presente invenzione; Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the automatic beverage dispenser of the present invention;

- la figura 2 illustra in vista prospettica e con parti asportate per chiarezza una unità di erogazione interna del distributore della figura 1; Figure 2 is a perspective view with parts removed for clarity of an internal dispensing unit of the distributor of Figure 1;

- la figura 3 illustra in sezione trasversale l’unità di erogazione della figura 2; - Figure 3 illustrates in cross section the dispensing unit of Figure 2;

- la figura 4 è una vista esplosa illustrante, in vista prospettica e scala ingrandita, un particolare della figura 3; e - figure 4 is an exploded view illustrating, in perspective view and enlarged scale, a detail of figure 3; And

- le figure 5, 6 e 7 illustrano, in vista prospettica e scala ingrandita, con parti in sezione e parti asportate per chiarezza, un ulteriore particolare della figura 3 in rispettive configurazioni operative. - figures 5, 6 and 7 show, in perspective view and enlarged scale, with parts in section and parts removed for clarity, a further detail of figure 3 in respective operating configurations.

Nella figura 1, con 1 è indicato nel suo complesso un distributore automatico di bevande presentante un involucro 2 esterno, una cui parete anteriore presenta un recesso definente un vano di distribuzione 3 anteriormente aperto verso l’esterno, delimitato inferiormente da una parete 4, che è disposta ad un livello fisso determinato, e superiormente da una parete 5 fissa affacciata alla parete 4. La parete 4 è una parete traforata che delimita superiormente un cassetto 6 asportabile e definisce un piano fisso di supporto per un contenitore A atto a ricevere una bevanda e presentante un’altezza variabile da bevanda a bevanda e funzione del volume della bevanda stessa. In Figure 1, 1 denotes as a whole an automatic beverage dispenser having an outer casing 2, one of whose front wall has a recess defining a distribution compartment 3 open to the outside at the front, delimited at the bottom by a wall 4, which is arranged at a determined fixed level, and at the top by a fixed wall 5 facing the wall 4. The wall 4 is a perforated wall which defines a removable drawer 6 at the top and defines a fixed support surface for a container A suitable for receiving a drink and having a variable height from drink to drink and a function of the volume of the drink itself.

Il vano di distribuzione 3 alloggia una unità di erogazione 7 di bevande, la quale si estende attraverso la parete 5 e verso la parete 4 e, secondo quanto illustrato dal combinato della figure 2 e 3, comprende, alla propria estremità inferiore, una unità 8 di uscita, che è collegata, tramite uno o più condotti flessibili noti e non illustrati, all’uscita di un gruppo infusore (noto e non illustrato) alloggiato all’interno dell’involucro 2 e presenta due ugelli 9 per l’erogazione di una bevanda infusa, normalmente una bevanda di caffè. L’unità di erogazione 7 comprende, inoltre, un ugello 10 (figure 5-7) associato ad un erogatore 21 di latte emulsionato e disposto fra l’unità 8 di uscita ed un ulteriore ugello 11, il quale costituisce parte dell’unità di erogazione 7 ed è collegato, tramite un condotto flessibile noto e non illustrato, all’uscita di un miscelatore (noto e non illustrato) alloggiato all’interno dell’involucro 2. The distribution compartment 3 houses a beverage dispensing unit 7, which extends through the wall 5 and towards the wall 4 and, as illustrated by the combination of Figures 2 and 3, comprises, at its lower end, a unit 8 outlet, which is connected, through one or more known and not illustrated flexible ducts, to the outlet of an infuser unit (known and not illustrated) housed inside the casing 2 and has two nozzles 9 for dispensing a infused drink, usually a coffee drink. The dispensing unit 7 also comprises a nozzle 10 (Figures 5-7) associated with an emulsified milk dispenser 21 and arranged between the output unit 8 and a further nozzle 11, which forms part of the dispensing unit. delivery 7 and is connected, through a known and not illustrated flexible duct, to the outlet of a mixer (known and not illustrated) housed inside the casing 2.

Con riferimento alla figura 2 e, in generale, al combinato delle figure da 2 a 4, l’unità di erogazione 7 comprende, inoltre, un telaio 12 alloggiato in posizione fissa all’interno dell’involucro 2 ed al disopra della parete 5 e definito da una piastra disposta verticalmente e ripiegata a U per definire un’anima 13 centrale e due spalle 14 laterali verticali, le quali sono fra loro parallele e si estendono in avanti da rispettive estremità laterali opposte dell’anima 13. L’unità di erogazione 7 comprende, inoltre, un equipaggio porta-ugelli 15, il quale si estende attraverso un’apertura (non illustrata) della parete 5 e presenta una porzione inferiore sporgente all’interno del vano di distribuzione 3 ed una porzione superiore impegnata fra le spalle 14 ed accoppiata in modo scorrevole al telaio 12 per compiere, in modo controllato e rispetto al telaio 12, una corsa determinata in una direzione 16 verticale. With reference to Figure 2 and, in general, to the combination of Figures 2 to 4, the dispensing unit 7 also comprises a frame 12 housed in a fixed position inside the casing 2 and above the wall 5 and defined by a plate arranged vertically and folded into a U to define a central core 13 and two vertical lateral shoulders 14, which are parallel to each other and extend forward from respective opposite lateral ends of the core 13. The dispensing unit 7 also comprises a nozzle holder assembly 15, which extends through an opening (not shown) of the wall 5 and has a lower portion projecting inside the distribution compartment 3 and an upper portion engaged between the shoulders 14 and slidingly coupled to the frame 12 to perform, in a controlled manner and with respect to the frame 12, a determined stroke in a vertical direction 16.

Con riferimento alla figura 2, l’equipaggio portaugelli 15 è sostanzialmente conformato a L e comprende due montanti 17 verticali affiancati presentanti rispettive basi sporgenti anteriormente rispetto ai montanti 17 e fra loro collegate da una plancia 18 orizzontale la quale è mobile con l’equipaggio porta-ugelli 15 nella direzione 16 e supporta gli ugelli 9, 10 e 11 ad un livello operativo determinato e regolabile al disopra della parete 4. With reference to Figure 2, the nozzle holder assembly 15 is substantially L-shaped and comprises two vertical uprights 17 side by side having respective bases projecting forward with respect to the uprights 17 and connected to each other by a horizontal dashboard 18 which is movable with the door assembly -nozzles 15 in the direction 16 and supports the nozzles 9, 10 and 11 at a determined and adjustable operating level above the wall 4.

In particolare, la plancia 18 supporta due sedi 19 tubolari passanti parallele alla direzione 16 e impegnate in modo scorrevole, ciascuna, da un rispettivo ugello 9 dell’unità 8 di uscita. La plancia 18 presenta, inoltre, un foro 20 passante, che è parallelo alla direzione 16 ed è impegnato in modo scorrevole dall’ugello 10 associato all’erogatore 21, ed un foro 22 passante (figura 3) per il montaggio, attraverso la plancia 18 stessa, dell’ugello 11. In particular, the dashboard 18 supports two tubular seats 19 passing parallel to the direction 16 and slidingly engaged, each, by a respective nozzle 9 of the output unit 8. The dashboard 18 also has a through hole 20, which is parallel to the direction 16 and is engaged in a sliding manner by the nozzle 10 associated with the dispenser 21, and a through hole 22 (figure 3) for assembly, through the dashboard. 18 itself, of the nozzle 11.

Con riferimento alle figure 2 e 3, ciascun montante 17 presenta, in sezione, una forma a C con concavità rivolta verso una superficie interna 23 della rispettiva spalla 14 del telaio 12 e comprende un’anima 24 interna affacciata all’anima 24 dell’altro montante 17, due ali 25 esterne collegate alle estremità laterali longitudinali opposte dell’anima 24 e rivolte verso la superficie interna 23 della rispettiva spalla 14, e due ali 26 intermedie, le quali sono parallele fra loro, alle ali 25 ed alla direzione 16, sono perpendicolari all’anima 24 e definiscono, fra loro, e con una porzione centrale longitudinale dell’anima 24, una guida 27 di scorrimento per un pattino 28 a frizione elasticamente deformabile, solidalmente collegato in posizione fissa alla superficie interna 23 della rispettiva spalla 14 e mobile lungo la guida 27 quando l’equipaggio porta-ugelli 15 viene spostato, nella direzione 16 e sotto la spinta di un dispositivo attuatore 29, fra una posizione abbassata (figura 2), nella quale la plancia 18 è disposta al disopra della parete 4 e la differenza fra il livello operativo degli ugelli 9, 10 e 11 ed il livello fisso della parete 4 è minima, ed una posizione sollevata (non illustrata), in cui la plancia 18 è disposta al disopra della parete 4 e la differenza fra il livello operativo degli ugelli 9, 10 e 11 ed il livello fisso della parete 4 è massima. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, each upright 17 has, in section, a C-shape with concavity facing an internal surface 23 of the respective shoulder 14 of the frame 12 and comprises an internal core 24 facing the core 24 of the other upright 17, two external wings 25 connected to the opposite longitudinal lateral ends of the core 24 and facing the internal surface 23 of the respective shoulder 14, and two intermediate wings 26, which are parallel to each other, to the wings 25 and to the direction 16, they are perpendicular to the core 24 and define, between them, and with a central longitudinal portion of the core 24, a sliding guide 27 for an elastically deformable friction shoe 28, integrally connected in a fixed position to the internal surface 23 of the respective shoulder 14 and movable along the guide 27 when the nozzle holder assembly 15 is moved, in the direction 16 and under the thrust of an actuator device 29, between a lowered position (Figure 2), in which the dashboard 18 is arranged above the wall 4 and the difference between the operating level of the nozzles 9, 10 and 11 and the fixed level of the wall 4 is minimal, and a raised position (not shown), in which the dashboard 18 it is arranged above the wall 4 and the difference between the operating level of the nozzles 9, 10 and 11 and the fixed level of the wall 4 is maximum.

A proposito dei pattini 28 è opportuno specificare che la deformabilità elastica dei pattini 28 stessi non ha come scopo quello di opporsi per attrito allo spostamento delle guide 27 a contatto dei rispettivi pattini 28, ma ha come unico scopo quello di compensare i giochi trasversali che inevitabilmente nascono, in uso, fra il telaio 12 e l’equipaggio porta-ugelli 15 a causa dei differenti materiali impiegati (normalmente un materiale metallico per il telaio 12 ed un materiale plastico per l’equipaggio porta-ugelli 15) e delle loro differenti risposte termiche. With regard to the shoes 28 it is appropriate to specify that the elastic deformability of the shoes 28 themselves does not have the purpose of opposing by friction the displacement of the guides 27 in contact with the respective shoes 28, but has the sole purpose of compensating for the transverse play which inevitably arise, in use, between the frame 12 and the nozzle holder 15 due to the different materials used (normally a metal material for the frame 12 and a plastic material for the nozzle holder 15) and their different responses thermal.

In ciascun montante 17, l’ala 25 esterna più prossima all’anima 13 del telaio 12 presenta una porzione inferiore 30 allargata, la quale impegna in modo scorrevole una feritoia 31 ricavata nella rispettiva spalla 14 parallelamente alla direzione 16 quando l’equipaggio portaugelli 15 viene spostato fra le citate posizioni abbassata e sollevata. In each upright 17, the outer wing 25 closest to the core 13 of the frame 12 has an enlarged lower portion 30, which slidingly engages a slot 31 formed in the respective shoulder 14 parallel to the direction 16 when the nozzle holder assembly 15 it is moved between the aforementioned lowered and raised positions.

Secondo quanto illustrato nelle figure da 2 a 4, il dispositivo attuatore 29 comprende un dispositivo di comando 32 comprendente un albero 33, il quale presenta un asse 34 orizzontale perpendicolare alla direzione 16 ed è montato girevole attraverso fori 35 passanti ricavati attraverso le spalle 14 del telaio 12. L’albero 33 sporge all’esterno del telaio 12 da una parte con un tratto di estremità, sul quale è calettata una manopola 36 di azionamento accessibile dall’esterno attraverso il vano di distribuzione 3 ed atta a permettere di portare manualmente in rotazione l’albero 33 attorno al suo asse 34, e dall’altra con un tratto di estremità 37 accoppiato alla rispettiva spalla 14 tramite un giunto 38 a frizione. According to what is illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the actuator device 29 comprises a control device 32 comprising a shaft 33, which has a horizontal axis 34 perpendicular to the direction 16 and is rotatably mounted through through holes 35 obtained through the shoulders 14 of the frame 12. The shaft 33 protrudes outside the frame 12 on one side with an end portion, on which is keyed an actuation knob 36 accessible from the outside through the distribution compartment 3 and adapted to allow to manually bring in rotation of the shaft 33 around its axis 34, and on the other with an end portion 37 coupled to the respective shoulder 14 by means of a friction joint 38.

Secondo quanto illustrato, in particolare, nella figura 4, il tratto di estremità 37 presenta un tratto spianato 39 ed un tratto terminale 40 filettato, ed il giunto 38 a frizione comprende una rondella 41 di frizione, la quale è calettata sul tratto spianato 39 ed è spinta a contatto della superficie esterna della rispettiva spalla 14 tramite una molla 42, che è montata sul tratto di estremità 37 coassialmente all’asse 34 ed applica alla rondella 41 una spinta regolabile tramite una ghiera 43 montata sul tratto terminale 40 filettato. As shown, in particular, in Figure 4, the end portion 37 has a flattened portion 39 and a threaded terminal portion 40, and the friction joint 38 comprises a friction washer 41, which is keyed onto the flattened portion 39 and it is pushed into contact with the outer surface of the respective shoulder 14 by means of a spring 42, which is mounted on the end portion 37 coaxially with the axis 34 and applies an adjustable thrust to the washer 41 by means of a ring nut 43 mounted on the threaded terminal portion 40.

Oltre al dispositivo di comando 32, il dispositivo attuatore 29 comprende un glifo 44 conformato sostanzialmente a L, il quale è calettato ad una propria estremità su una porzione intermedia dell’albero 33 compresa fra le spalle 14, si estende fra i due montanti 17 e presenta, ad una propria estremità libera, una guida o asola 45 inclinata verso il basso ed impegnata in modo trasversalmente scorrevole da un corsoio definito da un perno 46 estendentesi da uno dei due montanti 17 verso l’altro montante 17 parallelamente all’asse 34. In addition to the control device 32, the actuator device 29 comprises a substantially L-shaped glyph 44, which is keyed at one end on an intermediate portion of the shaft 33 between the shoulders 14, extends between the two uprights 17 and has, at its own free end, a guide or slot 45 inclined downwards and engaged in a transversely sliding way by a slide defined by a pin 46 extending from one of the two uprights 17 towards the other upright 17 parallel to the axis 34.

Da quanto sopra esposto deriva che ad una rotazione dell’albero 33, impartita tramite la manopola 36 contro l’attrito generato dal giunto 38 a frizione, corrisponde uno spostamento dell’equipaggio porta-ugelli 15 nella direzione 16 fra le citate posizioni abbassata e sollevata. From the above it follows that a rotation of the shaft 33, imparted by means of the knob 36 against the friction generated by the friction joint 38, corresponds to a displacement of the nozzle-holder assembly 15 in the direction 16 between the aforementioned lowered and raised positions. .

La lunghezza della corsa eseguita dall’equipaggio porta-ugelli 15 per spostarsi fra le citate posizioni abbassata e sollevata è funzione della lunghezza e dell’inclinazione dell’asola 45, e queste lunghezza ed inclinazione vengono calcolate in modo tale che alla posizione abbassata corrisponda un livello operativo degli ugelli 9, 10 e 11, nel quale le estremità di uscita degli ugelli 9, 10 e 11 stessi sono disposte ad una distanza dalla parete 4 appena maggiore dell’altezza del contenitore A di altezza minima utilizzabile sul distributore automatico 1; mentre alla posizione sollevata corrisponda un livello operativo degli ugelli 9, 10 e 11, nel quale le estremità di uscita degli ugelli 9, 10 e 11 stessi sono disposte ad una distanza dalla parete 4 appena maggiore dell’altezza del contenitore A di altezza massima utilizzabile sul distributore automatico 1. The length of the stroke performed by the nozzle holder assembly 15 to move between the aforementioned lowered and raised positions is a function of the length and inclination of the slot 45, and these length and inclination are calculated in such a way that the lowered position corresponds to a operating level of the nozzles 9, 10 and 11, in which the outlet ends of the nozzles 9, 10 and 11 themselves are arranged at a distance from the wall 4 just greater than the height of the container A of minimum height usable on the automatic vending machine 1; while the raised position corresponds to an operating level of the nozzles 9, 10 and 11, in which the outlet ends of the nozzles 9, 10 and 11 themselves are arranged at a distance from the wall 4 just greater than the height of the container A of maximum usable height on the vending machine 1.

Con riferimento alle figure da 5 a 7, l’ugello 10 definisce un tratto di uscita di un imbuto 47, il quale si estende al disopra della plancia 18, accoglie nel suo interno una estremità inferiore dell’erogatore 21 ed è chiuso superiormente da una flangia 48 portata dall’erogatore 21 ed accoppiata a scatto ad una estremità superiore dell’imbuto 47 per rendere l’imbuto 47 e l’erogatore 21 solidali fra loro. L’imbuto 47 è provvisto, dalla parte rivolta verso l’unità 8 di uscita, di due appendici laterali 49 conformate a L, parallele fra loro ed alla direzione 16 e provviste, alla propria estremità inferiore, di rispettivi bracci 50, i quali si estendono fra le sedi 19 in una direzione trasversale alla direzione 16 ed a contatto della superficie superiore della plancia 18 e presentano superiormente rispettive sedi 51 di appoggio per l’unità 8 di uscita. With reference to Figures 5 to 7, the nozzle 10 defines an outlet portion of a funnel 47, which extends above the dashboard 18, houses a lower end of the dispenser 21 inside and is closed at the top by a flange 48 carried by the dispenser 21 and snap-coupled to an upper end of the funnel 47 to make the funnel 47 and the dispenser 21 integral with each other. The funnel 47 is provided, on the side facing towards the outlet unit 8, with two L-shaped lateral appendages 49, parallel to each other and to the direction 16 and provided, at their lower end, with respective arms 50, which are they extend between the seats 19 in a direction transverse to the direction 16 and in contact with the upper surface of the dashboard 18 and have respective support seats 51 at the top for the output unit 8.

Nell’unità 8 di uscita, ciascun ugello 9 presenta, alla propria estremità superiore disposta al disopra della plancia 18, un raccordo 52 collegato idraulicamente al raccordo 52 dell’altro ugello 9 tramite un collettore 53, il quale presenta un asse 54 trasversale alla direzione 16, impegna le sedi 51 e presenta un raccordo di ingresso 55 radiale intermedio solidale al collettore 53 e collegato ad un dispositivo infusore (noto e non illustrato) tramite un condotto flessibile (non illustrato). In the outlet unit 8, each nozzle 9 has, at its upper end arranged above the dashboard 18, a fitting 52 hydraulically connected to the fitting 52 of the other nozzle 9 by means of a manifold 53, which has an axis 54 transverse to the direction 16, engages the seats 51 and has an intermediate radial inlet fitting 55 integral with the manifold 53 and connected to an infuser device (known and not illustrated) by means of a flexible duct (not illustrated).

Il raccordo di ingresso 55 definisce un braccio di una traversa 56, la quale si estende trasversalmente all’asse 54 e comprende un ulteriore braccio 57, che è disposto da banda opposta dell’asse 54 rispetto al raccordo di ingresso 55 e presenta, alla propria estremità libera, un piattello 58 terminale, la cui superficie rivolta verso l’asse 54 è disposta ad una distanza dall’asse 54 pari alla distanza dell’asse 54 stesso dalla plancia 18. Il braccio 57 costituisce, unitamente al piattello 58 ed al collettore 53, parte di un dispositivo 59 di bloccaggio rapido e rilasciabile dell’unità 8 di uscita e dell’imbuto 47 e, quindi, dell’erogatore 21, sulla plancia 18. The inlet fitting 55 defines an arm of a cross member 56, which extends transversely to the axis 54 and comprises a further arm 57, which is arranged on the opposite side of the axis 54 with respect to the inlet fitting 55 and has, at its own free end, a terminal plate 58, the surface of which facing the axis 54 is arranged at a distance from the axis 54 equal to the distance of the axis 54 itself from the dashboard 18. The arm 57 constitutes, together with the plate 58 and the manifold 53, part of a quick and releasable locking device 59 of the outlet unit 8 and of the funnel 47 and, therefore, of the dispenser 21, on the dashboard 18.

A questo scopo, il collettore 53 è accoppiato a tenuta di fluido ai raccordi 52 per ruotare attorno al proprio asse 54, ed il dispositivo 59 di bloccaggio comprende, inoltre, un’asola 60, che è ricavata attraverso la plancia 18 in corrispondenza della traversa 56, presenta una larghezza, misurata parallelamente all’asse 54, maggiore del diametro del piattello 58 ed un asse longitudinale trasversale all’asse 54, ed è rivestita, in corrispondenza di una propria porzione anteriore, da una piastra 61 definente, in corrispondenza della citata porzione anteriore dell’asola 60, un sottosquadro 62 di aggancio. For this purpose, the manifold 53 is coupled in a fluid-tight manner to the fittings 52 to rotate around its own axis 54, and the locking device 59 also comprises a slot 60, which is obtained through the dashboard 18 in correspondence with the crosspiece. 56, has a width, measured parallel to the axis 54, greater than the diameter of the plate 58 and a longitudinal axis transversal to the axis 54, and is covered, in correspondence with its own front portion, by a plate 61 defining, in correspondence with the aforementioned front portion of the slot 60, an undercut 62 for hooking.

Da quanto sopra esposto discende che, una volta montato l’ugello 10 attraverso la plancia 18 fino a portare l’imbuto 47 ed i relativi bracci 50 a contatto della superficie superiore della plancia 18, ed una volta bloccato l’erogatore 21 sull’imbuto 47, risulta possibile montare l’unità 8 di uscita sulla plancia 18 fino a portare il collettore 53 a contatto delle sedi 51. Durante questo montaggio, la traversa 56 viene mantenuta inclinata (figure 5 e 6) in modo che il piattello 58 risulti affacciato all’asola 60, ma non interferisca con la piastra 61. Tramite una successiva rotazione del collettore 53, impartita manualmente tramite la traversa 56, attorno all’asse 54, risulta possibile portare il piattello 58 in aggancio (figura 7) con il sottosquadro 62 determinando il bloccaggio rapido contemporaneo dell’unità 8 di uscita, dell’imbuto 47 e dell’erogatore 21 sulla plancia 18. It follows from the foregoing that, once the nozzle 10 has been mounted through the dashboard 18 until the funnel 47 and the relative arms 50 are in contact with the upper surface of the dashboard 18, and once the dispenser 21 has been blocked on the funnel 47, it is possible to mount the outlet unit 8 on the dashboard 18 until the manifold 53 is in contact with the seats 51. During this assembly, the crosspiece 56 is kept inclined (Figures 5 and 6) so that the plate 58 faces to the slot 60, but does not interfere with the plate 61. By a subsequent rotation of the manifold 53, manually imparted by means of the crosspiece 56, around the axis 54, it is possible to bring the plate 58 into engagement (figure 7) with the undercut 62 causing simultaneous rapid locking of the output unit 8, the funnel 47 and the dispenser 21 on the dashboard 18.

L’esecuzione, in ordine inverso, della successione di operazioni sopra descritta permette altrettanto rapidi sbloccaggio e smontaggio dell’erogatore 21, dell’imbuto 47 e dell’unità 8 di uscita. The execution, in reverse order, of the sequence of operations described above allows equally quick release and disassembly of the dispenser 21, the funnel 47 and the output unit 8.

Secondo quanto illustrato nelle figure 1 e 3, la parte, di lunghezza variabile, dell’unità di erogazione 7 disposta al disopra della plancia 18 e sporgente al disotto della parete 5 è protetta da uno schermo 63 conformato a U agganciato a scatto all’equipaggio porta-ugelli 15 tramite forcelle elastiche 64 sporgenti dalla superficie interna dello schermo 63 ed accoppiate a scatto a rispettivi perni 65 sporgenti verso l’alto dalla superficie superiore della plancia 18. Infine, alla superficie inferiore della plancia 18 è applicata una maniglia 66 a U, la quale sporge anteriormente rispetto alla plancia 18 in posizione affacciata alle parti degli ugelli 9, 10 e 11 sporgenti al disotto della plancia 18 stessa. According to what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the variable-length part of the dispensing unit 7 arranged above the dashboard 18 and protruding below the wall 5 is protected by a U-shaped screen 63 snapped onto the unit nozzle holder 15 by means of elastic forks 64 protruding from the internal surface of the shield 63 and snap-coupled to respective pins 65 projecting upwards from the upper surface of the dashboard 18. Finally, a U-shaped handle 66 is applied to the lower surface of the dashboard 18 , which protrudes in front of the dashboard 18 in a position facing the parts of the nozzles 9, 10 and 11 projecting below the dashboard 18 itself.

Il funzionamento del distributore automatico 1 discende direttamente dalla descrizione che precede e non richiede ulteriori spiegazioni. The operation of the automatic vending machine 1 derives directly from the preceding description and does not require further explanations.

Resta soltanto da puntualizzare il fatto che, una volta regolata la spinta della molla 42 tramite la ghiera 43, la presenza del giunto 38 a frizione permette non solo di conferire alla manopola 36 una resistenza controllata e, quindi, una elevata precisione di azionamento, ma anche di bloccare l’equipaggio porta-ugelli 15 in un qualsiasi punto prestabilito della sua corsa e, quindi, di bloccare gli ugelli 9, 10 e 11 ad un livello operativo determinato al disopra della parete 4, e di permettere all’equipaggio porta-ugelli di effettuare i suoi spostamenti in maniera assolutamente silenziosa e priva di scatti. It only remains to point out that, once the thrust of the spring 42 has been adjusted by means of the ring nut 43, the presence of the friction joint 38 allows not only to give the knob 36 a controlled resistance and, therefore, a high operating precision, but also to block the nozzle-holder assembly 15 at any predetermined point of its stroke and, therefore, to block the nozzles 9, 10 and 11 at a determined operating level above the wall 4, and to allow the nozzles to make its movements in an absolutely silent and jerk-free way.

Ovviamente, lo spostamento verticale dell’equipaggio mobile 15 può essere ottenuto, con i medesimi risultati, agendo non sulla manopola 36, ma direttamente sulla maniglia 66. Obviously, the vertical displacement of the mobile unit 15 can be obtained, with the same results, by acting not on the knob 36, but directly on the handle 66.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Automatic beverage dispenser having a dispensing compartment (3) accessible from the outside, support means (4) for a container (A) of determined height for a beverage, and a beverage dispensing unit (7) housed inside inside the distribution compartment (3); the support means (4) being arranged at a first fixed level; and the dispensing unit (7) comprising a plurality of dispensing nozzles (9, 10, 11) arranged facing and above the support means (4); a nozzle holder assembly (15); and actuator means (29) for imparting to the nozzle holder assembly (15) a determined stroke in a direction (16) determined by and towards the support means (4); the distributor (1) being characterized in that the actuator means (29) comprise a fixed frame (12); a shaft (33) mounted on the fixed frame (12) to rotate around its own axis (34); control means (36; 66) to rotate the shaft (33) around its axis (34); transmission means (44, 45, 46) interposed between the shaft (33) and the nozzle holder assembly (15) to transform a rotation of the shaft (33) into a translation of the nozzle holder assembly (15) in said direction (16) determined; and brake means (38) for keeping the nozzle holder assembly (15) in an adjustable position along said stroke and with the nozzles (9, 10, 11) arranged at a second level greater than the first and above, in use, of said container (A), of the brake means (38) comprising a friction joint (38) interposed between the shaft (33) and the frame (12). 2. Distributor according to claim 1, in which the shaft (33) has an end section (37) protruding from the frame (12) and presenting a threaded terminal section (40); the friction joint (38) comprising a washer (41) keyed on said end portion (37) in contact with the frame (12), a spring (42) mounted on the end portion (37), and a ring nut (43) mounted on the threaded end section (40) to adjustably compress the spring (42) against the washer (41) and the washer (41) against the frame (12). 3. Distributor according to claim 1 or 2, in which the nozzle holder assembly (15) is coupled in a sliding manner to the frame (12) to perform said stroke. 4. Distributor according to one of the preceding claims, in which the nozzle holder assembly (15) is supported by the frame (12) through the interposition of the shaft (33) and the transmission means (44, 45, 46). Distributor according to one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (12) has two shoulders (14) parallel to said direction (16) and transversal to the shaft (33), the shoulders (14) rotatably supporting the shaft (33), and the friction joint (38) being interposed between the shaft (33) and one of the shoulders (14). 6. Distributor according to claim 5, in which the nozzle holder assembly (15) extends between the two shoulders (14) and has two guides (27) parallel to said direction (16) and facing, each, a respective shoulder (14); each shoulder (14) supporting a respective fixed shoe (28) slidingly coupled to the respective said guide (27). Distributor according to claim 6, wherein each fixed shoe (28) is an elastic friction shoe (28). 8. Distributor according to one of the preceding claims, in which the transmission means (44, 45, 46) comprise a yoke (44) keyed on the shaft (33) to rotate around said axis (34) and having a slot ( 45), and a slider (46) integral with the nozzle holder assembly (15). 9. Distributor according to claim 8, in which the cursor (46) comprises a cylindrical pin (46) integral with the nozzle holder assembly (15) and parallel to said shaft (33). 10. Distributor according to one of the preceding claims, in which the nozzle holder assembly (15) comprises a dashboard (18) transversal to said direction (16); an outlet unit (8) for a first drink, the outlet unit (8) having first said dispensing nozzles (9) mounted in a removable way through the dashboard (18); a second said nozzle (10) mounted in a removable way through the dashboard (18); a dispenser (21) for a second drink; first coupling means (47) of the dispenser (21) to the second nozzle (10); second coupling means (50) of the first coupling means (47) to the output unit (8); and releasable locking means (59) to lock the output unit (8) and, at the same time, the first coupling means (47) on the dashboard (18). 11. Distributor according to claim 10, wherein the first coupling means (47) comprise a funnel (47) arranged above the dashboard (18), engaged by the dispenser (21) and having an outlet defined by the second nozzle (10 ); the second coupling means (50) being interposed between the output unit (8) and the dashboard (18) and being integral with the funnel (47); and the locking means (59) being designed to lock the output unit (8) on the dashboard (18) and in a resting position on the second coupling means (50). 12. Distributor according to claim 11, wherein the output unit (8) comprises two said first nozzles (9); a manifold (53) having an axis (54) transversal to the two first nozzles (9), interposed between the two first nozzles (9) and coupled to the two first nozzles (9) to rotate, with respect to the same, around its own axis ( 54); and an inlet fitting (55) communicating with and integral with the manifold (53); the manifold (53) being arranged above the dashboard (18); the first coupling means (47) being interposed between the dashboard (18) and the manifold (53); and the locking means (59) being movable with the manifold (53) around the axis (54) of the manifold (53) itself to and from a transverse locking position of the manifold (53) on the dashboard (18). 13. Distributor according to claim 12, wherein the locking means (59) comprise an arm (57) extending radially outwards from the manifold (53); coupling means (62) carried by the dashboard (18), and hook means (58) carried by the arm (57) for releasably engaging the coupling means (62) following a rotation of the arm (57) around the axis (54) of the manifold (53) and towards said locking position. 14. Nozzle holder device for a plurality of beverage dispensing nozzles (9, 10, 11) of a beverage dispenser (1), the nozzle holder device (15) comprising a dashboard (18); an outlet unit (8) for a first drink, the outlet unit (8) having first dispensing nozzles (9) mounted in a removable way through the dashboard (18); a second nozzle (10) mounted in a removable way through the dashboard (18); a dispenser (21) for a second drink; first coupling means (47) of the dispenser (21) to the second nozzle (10); second coupling means (50) of the first coupling means (47) to the output unit (8); and releasable locking means (59) to lock the output unit (8) and, at the same time, the first coupling means (47) on the dashboard (18). 15. Nozzle holder device according to claim 14, wherein the first coupling means (47) comprise a funnel (47) arranged above the dashboard (18), engaged by the dispenser (21) and having an outlet defined by the second nozzle (10); the second coupling means (50) are interposed between the output unit (8) and the dashboard (18) and are integral with the funnel (47); and the locking means (59) are designed to lock the output unit (8) on the dashboard (18) in a clamping position of the second coupling means (50) against the dashboard (18). 16. Nozzle holder device according to claim 15, wherein the outlet unit (8) comprises two first nozzles (9), a manifold (53) having an axis (54) transversal to the two first nozzles (9), interposed between the two first nozzles (9) and coupled to the first nozzles (9) to rotate, with respect to the first nozzles (9) themselves, around its own axis (54); and an inlet fitting (55) communicating with the manifold (53) and integral with the manifold (53) itself, which is arranged above the dashboard (18); the first coupling means (47) being interposed between the dashboard (18) and the manifold (53); and the locking means (59) being movable with the manifold (53) around the axis (34) of the manifold (53) itself to and from a transverse locking position of the manifold (53) on the dashboard (18). 17. Nozzle holder device according to claim 16, in which the locking means (59) comprise an arm (57) extending radially outwards from the manifold (53); coupling means (62) carried by the dashboard (18), and hook means (58) carried by the arm (57) for releasably engaging the coupling means (62) following a rotation of the arm (57) around the axis (34) of the manifold (53) and towards said locking position. AUTOMATIC BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE CLAIMS 1. Automatic beverage vending machine having a delivery compartment (3) accessible from outside, support means (4) for a beverage container (A) having a predetermined height, and a beverage dispensing unit (7) all arranged within the delivery compartment (3 ); the support means being at a fixed first level; and the beverage dispensing unit (7) having a plurality of dispensing nozzles (9, 10, 11) arranged above, and facing, the support means (4); a nozzle-carrying mobile member (15); and actuator means to impart the nozzle-carrying mobile member (15) a determined run in a determined direction (16) to and from the support means (4); the beverage vending machine (1) being characterized in that the actuator means (29) comprise a fixed frame (12); a shaft (33) mounted on the fixed frame (12) for rotation about its axis (34); control means (36; 66) to bring the shaft (33) in rotation about its axis (34); transmission means (44, 45, 46) interposed between the shaft (33) and the nozzle-carrying mobile member (15) to transform a rotation of the shaft (33) into a translation of the nozzle-carrying mobile member (15) in said determined direction (16); and brake means (38) to maintain the nozzle-carrying mobile member (15) at an adjustable position along said run and with the nozzles (9, 10, 11) arranged at a second level higher than the first and above, in use, of said container (A); the brake means (38) comprising a friction joint (38) interposed between the shaft (33) and the frame (12).

2. The vending machine claimed in Claim 1, wherein the shaft (33) comprises an end portion (37) extending outside the frame (12) and having a threaded end (40); the friction joint (38) comprising a washer (41) keyed on said end portion (37) and arranged in contact with the frame (12); a spring (42) mounted on the end portion (37), and a ring nut (43) engaging the threaded end (40) to compress the spring (42) against the washer (41) and the washer (42) against the frame (12) in an adjustable manner.

3. The vending machine claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle-carrying mobile member (15) is slidably coupled to the frame (12) to make said run.

4. The vending machine claimed in any of the foregoing Claims, wherein the nozzle-carrying mobile member (15) is supported by the fame (12) by means of the shaft (33) and the transmission means (44, 45, 46) .

5. The vending machine claimed in any of the foregoing Claims, wherein the frame (12) has two shoulders (14), which are parallel to said direction (16) and extend transversely to the shaft (33); the shoulders (14) supporting the shaft (33) in a rotary manner; and the friction joint (38) being interposed between the shaft (33) and one of the shoulders (14).

6. The vending machine claimed in Claim 5, wherein the nozzle-carrying mobile member (15) is arranged between the two shoulders (14) and is provided with two guides (27), which are parallel to said direction (16) and face respective said shoulders (14); each shoulder (14) supporting a respective fixed sliding block (28) coupled to the respective guide (27) in a slidable manner.

7. The vending machine claimed in Claim 6, wherein each fixed sliding block (28) is an elastic friction sliding block.

8. The vending machine claimed in any of the foregoing Claims, wherein the transmission means (44, 45, 46) comprise a crank and slotted link (44), which is keyed on the shaft (33) to rotate about said axis (34 ) and has a slot (45) and a slider (46) rigidly connected to the nozzle-carrying mobile member (15).

9. The vending machine claimed in Claim 8, wherein the slider (46) comprises a cylindrical pin (46), which is rigidly connected to the nozzle-carrying mobile member (15) and is parallel to the shaft (33).

10. The vending machine claimed in any of the foregoing Claims, wherein the nozzle-carrying mobile member (15) comprises a plate (18) extending transversely to said direction (16); a delivery unit (8) for a first beverage, the delivery unit (8) having first said delivery nozzles (9) mounted through the plate (18) in an extractable manner; a second said nozzle (10) mounted through the plate (18) in an extractable manner; a delivery member (21) for a second beverage; first coupling means (47) of the delivery member (21) to the second nozzle (10); second coupling means (50) of the first coupling means (47) to the delivery unit (8); and releasable locking means (59) to lock the delivery unit (8) and, at the same time, the first coupling means (47) to the plate (18).

11. The vending machine claimed in Claim 10, wherein the first coupling means (47) comprise a funnel (47) arranged above the plate (18), engaged by the delivery member (21) and having an outlet defined by the second nozzle ( 10); the second coupling means (50) being interposed between the delivery unit (8) and the plate (18) and being rigidly connected to the funnel (47); and the locking means (59) being designed to block the delivery unit (8) on the plate (18) in a position where the delivery unit (8) rests on the second coupling means (50).

12. The vending machine claimed in Claim 11, wherein the delivery unit (8) comprises two said first nozzles (9); a manifold (53), which has an axis (54) extending transversely to said two first nozzles (9), is interposed between said two first nozzles (9), and is coupled to said two first nozzles (9) to rotate, in relation thereto, about its axis (54); and an inlet fitting (55) communicating with the manifold (53) and rigidly connected thereto; the manifold (53) being arranged above the plate (18); the first coupling means (47) being interposed between the plate (18) and the manifold (53); and the locking means (59) being mounted for moving, together with the manifold (53) and about the manifold axis (54), to and from a locking position where the manifold (53) is transversely locked on the plate (18).

13. The vending machine claimed in Claim 12, wherein the locking means (59) comprise an arm (57) extending radially outwards from the manifold (53); hook receiving means (62) provided on the plate (18), and hook means (58) carried by the arm (57) to releasably engage the hook receiving means (62) following a rotation of the arm (57) about the axis ( 54) of the manifold (53) and toward the locking position.

14. A nozzle-carrying device for a plurality of beverage delivery nozzles (9, 10, 11) of a beverage vending machine (1), the nozzle-carrying device (15) comprising a plate (18); a delivery unit (8) for a first beverage, the delivery unit (8) having first delivery nozzles (9) mounted through the plate (18) in an extractable manner; a second said nozzle (10) mounted through the plate (18) in an extractable manner; a delivery member (21) for a second beverage; first coupling means (47) for coupling the delivery member (21) to the second nozzle (10); second coupling means (50) for coupling the first coupling means (47) to the delivery unit (8); and releasable locking means (59) to lock the delivery unit (8) and, at the same time, the first coupling means (47) to the plate (18).

15. The nozzle-carrying device claimed in Claim 14, wherein the first coupling means (47) comprise a funnel (47) arranged above the plate (18), engaged by the delivery member (21) and having an outlet defined by the second nozzle (10); the second coupling means (50) are interposed between the delivery unit (8) and the plate (18), and are rigidly connected to the funnel (47); and the locking means (59) are designed to lock the delivery unit (8) on the plate (18) in a position where the delivery unit (8) lock the second coupling means (50) onto the plate (18).

16. The nozzle-carrying device claimed in Claim 15, wherein the delivery unit (8) comprises two said first nozzles (9); a manifold (53), which has an axis (54) extending transversely to said two first nozzles (9), is interposed between said two first nozzles (9), and is coupled to said two first nozzles (9) to rotate, in relation thereto, about its axis (54); and an inlet fitting (55) communicating with the manifold (53) and rigidly connected thereto; the manifold (53) being arranged above the plate (18); the first coupling means (47) being interposed between the plate (18) and the manifold (53); and the locking means (59) being mounted for moving, together with the manifold (53) and about the manifold axis (54), to and from a locking position where the manifold (53) is transversely locked on the plate (18).

17. The nozzle-carrying device claimed in Claim 16, wherein the locking means (59) comprise an arm (57) extending radially outwards from the manifold (53); hook receiving means (62) provided on the plate (18), and hook means (58) carried by the arm (57) to releasably engage the hook receiving means (62) following a rotation of the arm (57) about the axis ( 54) of the manifold (53) and toward the locking position.