WO2017160193A1

WO2017160193A1 - Vending machine for dispensing a limited quantity of beverage

Info

Publication number: WO2017160193A1
Application number: PCT/SE2016/050208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Astrid FRIBORG
Original assignee: Berries By Astrid Ab
Priority date: 2016-03-15
Filing date: 2016-03-15
Publication date: 2017-09-21

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vending machine (10) and a method for distributing a limited quantity of a beverage or drink, selected out of two or more pre-mixed beverages stored in separate containers (1 ) in a storage compartment (20) inside a cabinet (11 ). The storage compartment and an outlet device (40), comprising separate flexible tubes for dispensing from each container, are cooled by a cooling device (32). A user interface (17) in the cabinet communicates information regarding the selected beverage to a control unit (50), which operates peristaltic pumps (33) acting on the flexible tubes extending from each container such that a predetermined quantity of beverage is dispensed from the container.

Description

VENDING MACHINE FOR DISPENSING A LIMITED QUANTITY OF

BEVERAGE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a vending machine intended for distributing a limited quantity of a selected beverage from two or more containers comprising beverage.

Background of the invention

Different types of dispensing machines for hot drink and soft drinks, and vending machines are frequently used within many different areas such as for example railway, bus and underground stations, airports and public areas like offices, schools etc in order to serve refreshments to the persons who are passing or working in the area.

Traditionally dispensing machines for hot drink and soft drinks, and vending machines have been able to deliver drinks filled in cans or bottles, alternatively hot drinks like coffee and tea as well as food packed in different types of wrapping.

However, there is a growing demand for fast food world-wide and at the same time, many people demand high-quality food products. In order to get fast food drinks for on-the-go purposes today, the consumer has to choose between purchasing a bottled drink in a vending machine or to stand in a queue at a cafe or juice bar. Unfortunately the drinks offered in conventional vending machines are not considered as fresh as drinks received in a cup and there is an increasing demand for healthier alternatives with fresh content. Thus for the on-the-go purposes, existing types of beverage dispensers do not match the criteria of the consumer. There is consequently a need for an improved dispensing machine that is able to serve a fresh product without additives in a cup.

Summary of the invention

The present invention, defined in the appended claims, relates to a vending machine intended for distributing a limited quantity of a beverage or drink selected from two or more pre-mixed beverages stored in separate containers.

The vending machine is intended for distributing a limited quantity of a beverage or drink selected out of two or more pre-mixed beverages stored in separate containers. The containers comprise a container body and a flexible tube extending from the container body. The vending machine comprises:

a cabinet;

a container storage compartment;

an outlet device extending from the container storage compartment, said outlet device comprising one passage for each container through which the elastic tube of the container could be lead, said passages are arranged separated from each other;

at least one cooling device for cooling the container storage compartment and the outlet device;

at one peristaltic pump for each container arranged to act on the flexible tub to dispense beverage or drink from the container;

a user interface (17) arranged in the cabinet (11), said user interface is configured to make it possible for a customer to select and purchase a beverage and activate the dispensing of the selected beverage; and

a control unit connected to the user interface, cooling device and peristaltic pumps to operate the vending machine, wherein the desired beverage or drink is selected via the user interface that communicates the information regarding the selected beverage or drink to the control unit, said control unit operates the peristaltic pumps such that a predetermined quantity of beverage is dispensed from the container. The customer orders the desired beverage or drink via the user interface, pays for the beverage or drink and when the payment is completed the control unit activates the peristaltic pump and a predetermined limited volume of the selected beverage is delivered from one of the containers in for example a cup or similar. The claimed vending machine fulfils the needs defined above since the entire containers and flexible tubes are cooled by the cooling device thereby ensuring that the content in the containers are maintained fresh for a long period of time. The cooled condition of the entire container and flexible tube enables that beverages or drinks without additives are dispensed and delivered in cups with the desired freshness for a long period of time. The fact that all containers and the flexible tubes extending from respective container are cooled makes it possible to serve beverages with fresh content without preserving agents added. Furthermore, since the beverages from the containers are dispensed via the flexible tube of that particular container the risk for contamination between the content of different containers is eliminated.

One embodiment of the vending machine comprises a rack arranged within the container storage compartment; said rack is intended to support the containers within the storage compartment. This embodiment is favourable since the vending machine is intended to contain several containers with beverages or drinks with different flavours and the rack will ensure that the different containers are maintained in the intended position and the dispensing from each container is working as intended. Furthermore, the rack makes it easier to store further containers in a limited space and ensure that air is able to circulate within the container storage compartment and cool all containers. The rack also facilitates the replacement of used containers since the containers could be removed easily without interfering with the other containers.

In one embodiment of the vending machine, the rack is arranged above the outlet device and the peristaltic pumps such that the two or more containers are supported in an elevated position with the elastic tube extending downwards from the containers towards the peristaltic pumps and outlet device. This embodiment makes it possible to use the space within the cabinet in an efficient way and facilitates the dispensing of beverage from the container since the dispensing of the content from the container is assisted by gravity. This configuration furthermore makes it possible to dispense further content from the container before the container has to be replaced and reduces the energy consumption during dispensing since the peristaltic pumps work less hard. In one embodiment of the vending machine, the peristaltic pumps are arranged between the rack and the outlet device such that the elastic tubes are lead via the pumps to the outlet device.

In one embodiment of the vending machine, the peristaltic pumps comprises a rotating pump wheel comprising an undulating periphery configured to act on the elastic tubes such that beverage is dispensed from the container.

In one embodiment of the vending machines, the outlet device comprises an outlet device body formed of a thermally conductive material and extends from the container storage compartment to a dispensing position where the elastic tubes exit the passages such that the elastic tubes are cooled all the way through the outlet device. This embodiment is very favourable since the outlet device body is cooled by the cooled air in the container storage compartment without requiring any additional components or arrangements to provide the desired cooling of the entire elastic tubes. The cooled outlet device body ensures that the risk for growth of harmful pathogens in the elastic tubes is minimized which is essential to be able to store fresh beverages without additives.

In one embodiment of the vending machine, the outlet device body comprises two or more passages extending from the container storage compartment to the dispensing position such that elastic tubes extending from two or more containers are cooled all the way through the outlet device. This embodiment provides a very reliable and efficient cooling when the vending machine contains a number of containers with different flavours since all the flexible tubes are lead via the cooled outlet device body to the dispensing position. Each passage is arranged separately from each other to ensure that beverage from different containers never get in contact with each other. In one embodiment of the vending machine, the passages through the outlet device have a cross sectional shape and size corresponding to the peripheral shape and size of the elastic tubes such that the elastic tubes are cooled by the outlet device, i.e. the size of the passages is selected such that the elastic tube is in direct contact with the outlet device body all the way through the outlet device body. This embodiment of the passage ensures the desired cooling of the entire elastic tube and the content in the tube.

In one embodiment of the vending machine, the cabinet comprises a door section such that the storage compartment and outlet device are accessible for removal and replacement of the one or more containers. This embodiment facilitates maintenance, replacement of containers and regular cleaning of the interior of the vending machine.

In one embodiment of the vending machine, the passages in the outlet device body are accessible when the door section is open. This embodiment facilitates replacement of containers and the required fitting of the elastic tubes in the passages.

In one embodiment of the vending machine, the containers are bag-in-box containers in which the beverage is contained. The vending machine according to the invention is preferably used in combination with disposable containers containing pre-mixed beverages with different flavors to facilitate replacement of empty containers.

In one embodiment of the vending machine, one or more temperature sensors are arranged in the container storage compartment, said sensors are connected to the control unit that is operating the cooling device such that the temperature within the container storage compartment is monitored in order to maintain the temperature at the predetermined level. This embodiment is very favorable since the result is transferred to the control unit such that the cooling device is operated in an efficient way. The temperature in the container storage compartment is preferable maintained within the range of 1° to 5° C. The control unit could also be provided with means for sending alerts to an operator or a remote system if the temperature is not within a specified range to indicate that the machine requires maintenance or repair and/or stop the distribution of beverages or drinks to customers if the quality of the content in the containers not could be guaranteed.

In one embodiment of the vending machine, the peristaltic pumps comprise a rotating pump wheel configured to act on the elastic tube such that beverage or drink is dispensed from the container. This embodiment provides a reliable dispensing of the content in the container.

In one embodiment of the vending machine, the peristaltic pumps comprises a groove extending around at least a portion of the pump wheel and said elastic tube is intended to be arranged in said groove. The groove ensures that the elastic tube is maintained in the correct position relative the pump wheel which is essential to achieve the desired dispensing from the container. In one embodiment of the vending machine, the cabinet comprises a supporting structure and is intended to be arranged on a desk or on the floor. The supporting structure ensures a stable and reliable support for the different components of the vending machine that could be embodied in different sizes. One embodiment of the vending machine comprises a recess formed in the front side of the cabinet and a shelf arranged below the outlet device. The shelf is intended for a cup arranged below the outlet device in the position of the dispensing position to collect the dispensed beverage. One embodiment of the vending machine comprises a sensor connected to the control unit and arranged to detect if a cup is correctly positioned to receive the dispensed beverage to avoid that beverage is wasted before the cup is correctly positioned to receive the dispensed beverage. In one embodiment of the vending machine, the user interface is a touch-screen connected to the control unit and the selection of desired flavour and payment for the beverage are done via the touch-screen. The touch-screen provides a flexible user interface that could be adapted to the needs of different customers. Furthermore, the touch-screen could be used for entering required parameters to calibrate the vending machine and enable two-ways communication with the control unit. In one embodiment of the vending machine, the control unit is arranged to enable two-ways communication with a server hosting a database and a business system operating the vending machine.

The different embodiments of the vending machine described above could of course be combined and modified in different ways without departing from the scope of the invention that will be described more in detail in the detailed description.

The present invention furthermore relates to a method for distributing a limited quantity of a beverage or drink selected from two or more pre-mixed beverages stored in separate containers by use of a vending machine as defined above. The method comprises the steps:

a) selecting the desired beverage or drink via the user interface and communicating information regarding the selected beverage to the control unit;

b) activate the peristaltic pump to dispense the selected beverage.

One embodiment of the method furthermore comprises the step to verify if payment of the beverage has been done before step b) is initiated. One embodiment of the method furthermore comprises the step of verifying if a cup is arranged to receive dispensed beverage before the dispensing of beverage is initiated to avoid that beverage is wasted before the cup is arranged in the correct position.

One embodiment of the method furthermore comprises the step of after dispensing of the ordered cup of beverage reversing the peristaltic pump to move the beverage in the elastic tube from the dispensing position to prevent dripping and ensure cooling of the beverage in the elastic tube.

Brief description of the drawings

Different embodiments of a vending machine according to the present invention are schematically illustrated in the appended figures.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective schematic view of a vending machine.

Figure 2a illustrates the interior design of the vending machine in figure 1 in perspective.

Figure 2b illustrates the interior design with three containers installed within the container storage compartment in perspective.

Figure 3 illustrates selected areas of the vending machine interior.

Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of a container suitable for use in combination with the vending machine according to the invention.

Detailed description

In figure 1 a vending machine 10 according to the invention is illustrated in perspective. The vending machine 10 is intended for delivery of beverages filled and stored in containers that could have different size and shape.

One example of a suitable container 1 for use in combination with the vending machine according to the present invention is illustrated in figure 4. The container has a container body 2 and an elongated flexible tube 3 extending from the container body 2 and through which the content in the container is delivered. The container body has a substantially cubical shape but other shapes could also be used. The container body is formed of a paper board material enclosing a plastic container that contains the beverage and prevents the beverage from leaking from the container.

The vending machine 10 is designed to be arranged on a desk, alternatively standing on the floor. The illustrated embodiment of the vending machine is intended to be supported by a desk or support. The vending machine 10 comprises a substantially rectangular cabinet 11 comprising a top side 12, bottom side 13, a front side 14, a back side 15 and two side surfaces 16. The cabinet could be designed in different ways to adapt the cabinet to different environments or interiors where the vending machine is intended to be arranged.

The front side 14 of the cabinet is attached to the rest of the cabinet by one or more hinges 30 arranged along one of the vertical sides of the front side 14 such that the front side 14 could be opened to provide access to the interior of the dispensing machine. The front side, embodied as a front door 24, could also be divided into smaller sections to reduce the size of each section.

In the front side 14 of the cabinet 11, a user interface 17, for example a touch-screen or buttons, is arranged where it could be easily viewed and accessed by a potential customer. Via the user interface 17 the desired type of beverage or drink is selected. The user interface 17 could also include means form payment of the selected beverage or drink. Alternatively a separate card reading device 18 is installed in the front side of the cabinet close to the user interface 17 in order for the customer to be able to pay for the beverage. Furthermore, a NFC reader 9 is arranged in the front side 14 of the cabinet 11. The NFC reader is connected to the control unit in order to be used as an alternative solution for payment of the ordered beverage. There are several different solutions available on the market today for easy and quick payment that could be used in combination with the present vending machine.

The user interface 17, as well as the card reading device 18 are connected to a control unit 50 arranged within the cabinet. The control unit is configured to monitor and control the different functions and operation of the vending machine. The user interface is preferably a touch-screen on which the customer selects beverage flavour and finalizes the payment for the ordered beverage. The information regarding the selected beverage is transferred to the control unit that is activating the peristaltic pump arranged to dispense the selected flavour of beverage. The user interface could also be used for setting different parameters that are essential in order to ensure a reliable and correct dispensing of beverage from the containers. The vending machine according to the invention is intended to be usable for different types of beverages such as for example soft drinks, juice and smoothie. These different types of beverages have different viscosity and the control unit is configured to adapt the operation characteristic of the pumps to the specific content in each of the container to dispense the desired predetermined volume of the selected beverage. The vending machine is calibrated from the remote business system, or via the user interface, to match the different beverages arranged in the machine.

Furthermore, information regarding the content within each of the containers arranged in the vending machine could be entered and received via a service menu displayed on the user interface in order to monitor each of the containers individually. This is particularly useful if the expiry date for the beverage in the containers is entered and communicated to the control unit such that no beverage is dispensed from the containers once the expiry date for the beverage has been reached.

The control unit could also be configured to communicate with the internet in order to make it possible to monitor the operation of the dispensing device from remote units. This arrangement makes it possible to monitor when a predetermined number of cups of beverage has been sold and the containers need to be replaced or if some of the different functions of the vending machine is not working as intended.

Within the cabinet a support structure 60 is arranged. Selected parts of the support structure are illustrated in figure 3. The support structure could be designed in different ways and is intended to provide support for the different components of the vending machine and ensure that the machine has the required structural strength.

Within the cabinet of the vending machine 10 a container storage compartment 20 is arranged in the upper part. The container storage compartment 20 has the size and shape corresponding to the intended number of containers to be used in the vending machine. Smaller vending machines may comprise two to three containers with different content while larger machines could be designed for three to about ten different containers, i.e. flavours.

Within the container storage compartment a rack 21 is arranged to support the containers in the intended position within the container storage compartment. The rack 22 is embodied as several supports 23 that the containers are resting on. The supports 23 are arranged such that the containers are supported slightly angled in order for the content in the container to flow downwards by gravity towards the container outlet and the flexible tube. In the outer end of each support 23 a rotatable wheel 25 is arranged. The wheels are rotating around a substantially horizontal axis and facilitate replacement of the containers since the containers are supported on the wheels during insertion and removal from the supports 23. The rack could be designed in many different ways but must be designed in accordance with the design of the containers. The containers are preferably are arranged with the outlet from the container and the elongated elastic tube extending from the lower part of the container to facilitate the dispensing of beverage or drink from the container.

In the container storage compartment 20 one or more temperature sensors 31 are arranged to monitor the temperature within the container storage compartment and communicate the information to the control unit. In the container storage

compartment a cooling device 32 is arranged to reduce the temperature in the container storage compartment and thereby ensure the freshness of the beverages and drinks in the containers. There are a number of different types of cooling devices suitable for refrigerators and freezers that could be used in the vending machine for this purpose. The container storage compartment is preferably surrounded by an efficient insulating layer, not illustrated, in order to reduce the energy consumption associated with the cooling of the space within the container storage compartment 20.

Within the container storage compartment, below the cooling device 32, a condense water collector 38 is arranged to collect condensed water from the cooling device. Below the container storage compartment 20 a smaller space 51 is arranged within the cabinet 11. This space 50 is intended for different components such as parts 52 of the cooling device, the control unit 50, etc. In the container storage compartment 20 three peristaltic pumps 33 are arranged below the rack 17. The number of peristaltic pumps 33 must correspond to the number of containers, i.e. flavours that the vending machine is intended to deliver since one peristaltic pump is required to dispense beverage or drink from one container. Each peristaltic pump 33 comprises a pump wheel rotated by an electrical motor. The pump wheel is arranged to rotate around an axis substantially transverse to the extension of the elongated elastic tube past the pump wheel. The outer periphery of the pump wheels has an undulating shape. The elongated tube is lead past the pump wheel of the peristaltic pump such that the undulations, during rotation of the pump wheel, are forced against the flexible tube and moved along the tube in the downstream direction such that a flow of content is dispensed from the container via the elastic tube. It is very important that the pump wheel is rotated in the right direction to generate the flow of beverage through the elongated elastic tube.

The peristaltic pumps are controlled and operated by the control unit to dispense the predetermined volume of beverage. In order to eliminate the risk that remaining beverage in the elastic tube downstream the pump is dripping from the tube the control unit can reverse the pump to move the beverage in the opposite direction from the end of the elastic tube. This will also have the positive effect that the beverage in the elastic tube will be cooled in an efficient way.

The elongated flexible tubes are lead via a groove 34 extending past the pump wheel of respective peristaltic pump 33 to be maintained in the correct position relative the pump wheel which is essential to ensure an effective dispensing from the containers. The pump wheel is rotated by an electric motor operated by the control unit such that a predetermined volume, based on the selection done by the customer, of beverage from the container is dispensed. Below the peristaltic pumps 33 an outlet device 40 is arranged. The outlet device 40 is intended to support the elastic tubes from the container storage compartment to the intended dispensing position where the customer put his cup to receive the dispensed beverage. The dispensing position is arranged in a recess 19 in the front side 14 of the cabinet 11.

The outlet device 40 comprises an outlet device body 41 formed of a thermally conductive material. The outlet device body is preferably made as one solid element formed of the thermally conductive material to ensure that the entire outlet device body is cooled by the cooled air in the container storage compartment. The outlet device body 41 extends from the container storage compartment 20 to the dispensing position where the dispensing of the selected beverage takes place. In the outlet device body 41 one passage 42 is formed for each container intended to be arranged in the container storage compartment 20 such that the elastic tubes from the different containers are supported and cooled all the way from the container storage compartment through the outlet device 40 to the dispensing position. The number of passages in the outlet device body always corresponds to the number of different containers that the vending machine is designed for. The different passages extend through the outlet device body from the container storage compartment to the outlet position such that the cup always is arranged in the same position no matter which flavour the customer selects.

In the illustrated embodiment all passages 42 are designed with an opening 43 extending along the entire passage 42. The opening 43 of each passage is arranged towards the opening of the container storage compartment 20 such that the outlet device body 41 and the passages 42 are exposed when the door 24 of the cabinet 11 is opened which facilitates maintenance of the different components as well as replacement of the containers since the flexible tubes are easy to remove and fit in the passages 42. The opening 43 of the passages 42 is smaller than the diameter of the passage 42 to maintain the flexible tube within the passage 42 when the door 24 is open. The flexible tubes are secured in the passages by the door that maintains each flexible tube in the correct passage as soon as the door 24 is closed. The passages 42 through the outlet device 40 have a cross sectional shape and size corresponding to the peripheral shape and size of the elastic tubes. Mostly the passages have a substantially circular cross sectional shape corresponding to the radius of the elastic tube such that the elastic tube is in contact with the to provide efficient cooling of the entire tube all the way through the outlet device body 41.

Below the dispensing position a shelf 35 is formed within the recess 19 in the front side 14 of the cabinet 11 such that customer put the cup on the shelf 35 before the distribution of beverage or drink is initiated. Preferably some sort of collecting device 36 is arranged in the shelf 35 such that waste beverage or drink is collected.

Preferably disposable cups are arranged in a stand close to the vending machine, alternatively arranged on the vending machine in order to be easy for the customer to reach and find.

In the recess a cup sensor 55 connected to the control unit is arranged to detect if a cup is arranged in to correct position to receive the dispensed beverage and avoid that beverage is wasted before the cup is correctly positioned to receive the dispensed beverage, or if no cup is present at all. The information from the cup sensor is transferred to the control unit that verify if payment of the beverage or drink has been done and if a cup is arranged to receive dispensed beverage or drink before the dispensing of beverage is initiated to avoid that beverage is wasted before the cup is arranged in the correct position. All the described and illustrated embodiments of the different parts of the vending machine could however be modified in order to adapt the vending machine to be usable in different locations and different customers need.

The different embodiments described above could all be combined and modified in different ways without departing from the scope of the invention that is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Vending machine (10) intended for distributing a limited quantity of a beverage or drink selected out of two or more pre-mixed beverages stored in separate containers (1), said containers comprising a container body (2) and a flexible tube (3) extending from the container body, said vending machine (10) comprising: a cabinet (11);

a container storage compartment (20);

an outlet device (40) extending from the container storage compartment, said outlet device comprising one passage (42) for each container through which the elastic tube of the container could be lead, said passages are arranged separated from each other;

at least one cooling device (32) for cooling the container storage compartment (20) and the outlet device (40);

at least one peristaltic pump (33) for each container arranged to act on the flexible tube to dispense beverage or drink from the container;

a control unit (50) connected to the user interface (17), cooling device (32) and peristaltic pumps (33) to operate the vending machine (10) wherein the desired beverage or drink is selected via the user interface (17) that communicates the information regarding the selected beverage or drink to the control unit, said control unit operates the peristaltic pumps such that a predetermined quantity of beverage is dispensed from the container.

2. The vending machine (10) according to claim 1, comprising a rack (22) arranged within the container storage compartment, said rack is intended to support the two or more containers within the storage compartment.

3. The vending machine (10) according to claim 2, wherein the rack is arranged above the outlet device and the peristaltic pumps such that the two or more containers are supported in an elevated position with the elastic tube extending downwards from the containers towards the peristaltic pumps and outlet device.

The vending machine (10) according to anyone of claim 1 to 3, wherein the peristaltic pumps are arranged between the rack and the outlet device such that the elastic tubes are lead via the peristaltic pumps to the outlet device.

The vending machine (10) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein each peristaltic pump comprises a rotating pump wheel with an undulating periphery configured to act on the elastic tube such that beverage is dispensed from the container.

The vending machine (10) according to anyone of claim 1 to 5, wherein the outlet device (40) comprises an outlet device body (41) formed of a thermally conductive material and extends from the container storage compartment to a dispensing position (44) where the elastic tubes exit the passages (42) such that the elastic tubes are cooled all the way through the outlet device (40).

The vending machine (10) according claim 6, wherein the outlet device body (41) comprises two or more passages (42) extending from the container storage compartment to the dispensing position (44) such that the elastic tubes extending from the two or more containers are cooled all the way through the outlet device.

The vending machine (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the passages through the outlet device have a cross sectional shape and size corresponding to the peripheral shape and size of the elastic tubes such that the elastic tubes are in contact with the passage and cooled by the outlet device.

The vending machine (10) according to anyone of claim 1 to 8, wherein the cabinet comprises a door section (24) such that the container storage compartment (20) and outlet device (40) are accessible for removal and replacement of the containers.

10. The vending machine (10) according to anyone of claim 7 to 9, wherein the passages (42) in the outlet device body (41) are accessible when the door section

(24) is open.

11. The vending machine (10) according to anyone of claim 1 to 10, wherein the two, or more, containers are bag-in-box containers in which the beverage is contained.

12. The vending machine (10) according to anyone of claim 1 to 11, wherein one or more temperature sensors (31) are arranged in the container storage compartment, said sensors are connected to the control unit that is operating the cooling device such that the temperature within the container storage compartment is maintained at the predetermined level.

13. The vending machine (10) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the peristaltic pumps (33) comprise a rotating pump wheel configured to act on the elastic tube such that beverage is dispensed from the container.

14. The vending machine (10) according to claim 13, wherein each peristaltic pump comprises a groove (34) extending around at least a portion of the pump wheel, and said elastic tubs are intended to be arranged in said grooves (34).

15. The vending machine (10) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the cabinet comprises a support structure and is intended to be arranged on a desk or on the floor.

16. The vending machine (10) according to anyone of the previous claims,

comprising a recess (19) formed in the front side (14) of the cabinet and a shelf

(25) arranged below the outlet device.

17. The vending machine (10) according to anyone of the previous claims, comprising a sensor connected to the control unit and arranged to detect if a cup is arranged to receive the dispensed beverage or drink.

18. The vending machine (10) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the user interface is a touch-screen connected to the control unit and the selection of desired flavor and payment for the beverage are done via the touch-screen, said touch-screen enable two-ways communication with the control unit.

19. The vending machine (10) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the control unit is arranged to enable two-ways communication with a server hosting a database and a business system operating the vending machine.

20. The vending machine (10) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the control unit is configured to adapt the operation characteristics of the peristaltic pumps to the specific viscosity of the beverage in each container to dispense the desired predetermined volume of the selected beverage.

21. Method for distributing a limited quantity of a beverage or drink selected from two or more pre-mixed beverages stored in separate containers (l)by use of a vending machine (10) according to claim 1, said method comprising the steps.

a) selecting the desired beverage via the user interface and communicate information regarding the selected beverage to the control unit;

b) activate the peristaltic pump to dispense the selected

beverage.

22. The method according to claim 21 further comprising the step to verify if

payment of the beverage or drink has been done before step b) is initiated.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22 further comprising the step of verifying if a cup is arranged to receive dispensed beverage or drink before the dispensing of beverage is initiated.

24. The method according to claim 21, 22 or 23 further comprising the step of

reversing the peristaltic pump to move the beverage in the elastic tube from the dispensing position to prevent dripping and ensure cooling of the beverage in the elastic tube.