WO2024018261A1

WO2024018261A1 - Beverage dispensing machine with means for measuring the distance from a target vessel

Info

Publication number: WO2024018261A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/056699
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco BELTRAMI
Original assignee: Water Line S.R.L.
Priority date: 2022-07-20
Filing date: 2022-07-20
Publication date: 2024-01-25

Abstract

The beverage dispensing machine (1), comprises: dispensing means (2) of at least one beverage (3) inside at least one receptacle body (4) provided with at least one perimeter edge (5) defining an access opening (6) through which the receptacle body (4) receives the beverage (3); detecting means (10, 11, 14, 15) provided with at least one measuring device (15) configured to measure at least one working distance, corresponding to the distance between the perimeter edge (5) and the measuring device (15); command means (12) configured to control the dispensing of the beverage (3) dispensed by the dispensing means (2) depending on the working distance.

Description

BEVERAGE DISPENSING MACHINE WITH MEANS FOR MEASURING THE DISTANCE FROM A TARGET VESSEL

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing machine.

Background Art

A variety of dispensing machines are known which are widely used in the catering industry to dispense one or more beverages inside one or more receptacles.

Specifically, the machines of known type allow the user to select, in addition to the type of beverage, the amount of beverage to be dispensed depending on the dimension of the receptacle used to hold the beverage itself.

In fact, such machines make use of appropriate beverage dispensers, where the user places the receptacle to be filled, and of appropriate control interfaces that allow the same user to select the amount of beverage to be dispensed in order to properly fill the receptacle being used.

However, it is well known that some beverages, particularly the sparkling ones, during their dispensing, form a layer of foam that quickly fills the receptacle and tends to overflow therefrom, soiling and wetting the outer walls until it even reaches the supporting plane of the receptacle itself.

Therefore, to overcome this drawback, the machines of known type stop the beverage dispensing for a predefined guard time that allows the foam to dissolve before resuming and completing the beverage dispensing by refilling the receptacle with the desired amount of beverage.

These types of machines do however have some drawbacks.

Specifically, the beverage dispensing is mainly controlled by the user of the machine, who not only has to start the dispensing of the beverage, but also has to indicate the amount of beverage to be dispensed.

In addition, the operation of dispensing foam-producing beverages requires non- negligible execution time, because the dispensing time of such beverages necessarily involves the above-mentioned predefined guard time; in fact, the guard time is prefixed depending on the worst conditions of dispensing, i.e., the conditions of maximum volume and dwell time of the foam inside the receptacle, despite the fact that this volume and dwell time is variable, e.g., due to the weather and working conditions of the dispensing machine.

In addition, the possible amounts of beverage that machines of known type can dispense are predetermined and limited, so as to ensure the proper filling only of appropriate receptacles that have standardized capacities specifically for such machines.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a beverage dispensing machine which allows the beverage to be dispensed automatically or semi- automatically, thus minimizing the intervention of the user of the machine itself. Another object of the present invention is to devise a beverage dispensing machine which allows for proper filling of the receptacle while minimizing the risk of spillage of the beverage and/or foam.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a beverage dispensing machine which allows significantly reducing the beverage dispensing time.

An additional object of the present invention is to devise a beverage dispensing machine which allows any amount of beverage to be dispensed to properly fill receptacles of different capacities from each other.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a beverage dispensing machine which can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art inside the framework of a simple, rational, easy and efficient to use as well as cost-effective solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by this beverage dispensing machine having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a beverage dispensing machine, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet nonlimiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the machine in which the dispensing means are deactivated and the receptacle body is empty according to the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view showing the detection carried out by the detecting means of the machine shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the machine in which the dispensing means are activated according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic view showing the detection carried out by the detecting means of the machine shown in Figure 3.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a beverage dispensing machine.

The beverage dispensing machine 1 comprises dispensing means 2 of at least one beverage 3 inside at least one receptacle body 4 provided with at least one perimeter edge 5 defining an access opening 6 through which the receptacle body 4 receives the beverage 3.

Appropriately, the dispensing means 2 comprise at least one dispensing nozzle 7 through which the beverage is conveyed into the receptacle body 4.

Specifically, the dispensing means 2, in use, are arranged substantially facing the access opening 6.

According to the invention, the machine 1 comprises detecting means 10, 11, 14, 15 provided with at least one measuring device 15 configured to measure at least one working distance, corresponding to the distance between the perimeter edge 5 and the measuring device 15.

Preferably, it cannot be ruled out that the working distance can mean the distance between the perimeter edge 5 and a reference point other than the measuring device 15.

Advantageously, the measuring device 15 is configured to measure a reference distance, corresponding to the distance between the measuring device 15 and a supporting point 8 of the receptacle body 4.

In this way, the detecting means 10, 11, 14, 15 are configured to detect the presence of the receptacle body 4 where the supporting point 8 is located depending on the measured reference distance and working distance.

Specifically, the detecting means 10, 11, 14, 15 are configured to detect the receptacle body 4 when the measuring device 15 measures a working distance different from the reference distance.

Conveniently, the dispensing means 2 are arranged facing a supporting point 8 of the receptacle body 4 for the filling thereof.

Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a supporting plane 9 defining the supporting point 8 of the receptacle body 4.

Advantageously, the measuring device 15, in use, is oriented and/or facing substantially towards the access opening 6 of the receptacle body 4 and/or towards the supporting point 8.

Conveniently, the measuring device 15 is arranged in the proximity of the dispensing means 2.

Further embodiments of the machine 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the measuring device 15 is mounted in a different position, such as e.g. on the dispensing means 2 or away from the same.

Advantageously, the measuring device 15 is of the type of a TOF (Time Of Flight) detector.

In this way, the measuring device 15 is configured to detect the presence of any object and/or to detect the distance to any object.

Specifically, the measuring device 15 is configured to detect the presence of any object and/or the distance to any object inside a predefined detecting volume extending from the measuring device 15, as shown e.g. in Figures 1 and 3.

Preferably, the measuring device 15 does not acquire any images.

However, further embodiments of the invention cannot be ruled out, wherein the measuring device 15 is of the type of a time-of-flight camera.

According to the invention, the machine 1 comprises command means 12 configured to control the dispensing of the beverage 3 dispensed by the dispensing means 2 depending on at least the measured working distance.

Conveniently, the command means 12 are operationally connected to the detecting means 10, 11, 14, 15 and to the dispensing means 2.

Advantageously, the command means 12 are configured to enable the machine 1 to dispense the beverage 3 in a fully automated or semi- automated manner. Advantageously, the detecting means 10, 11, 14, 15 comprise data storage means 14 configured to store a plurality of working distances, each relative to receptacle bodies 4 having different heights from each other.

In other words, the storage means 14 are configured to store working distances relative to receptacle bodies 4 having different heights.

In fact, it can be appreciated that the working distance relative to a receptacle body 4 is less than the working distance relative to a receptacle body 4 of lower height.

Appropriately, the storage means 14 are of the type of an electronic data storage device and are configured to store data in the form of computer data.

Conveniently, the storage means 14 are configured to store a plurality of different filling volumes from each other, each defining the volume of beverage 3 to be dispensed to fill a receptacle body 4 relative to a different working distance.

In other words, each filling volume stored by the storage means 14 corresponds to the volume of beverage 3 to be dispensed to fill a receptacle body 4, the perimeter edge 5 of which is at a specific working distance from the measuring device 15.

For example, a smaller working distance corresponds to a larger filling volume because a taller receptacle body 4, i.e., with the edge closer to the measuring device 15, is assumed to have a larger capacity.

In particular, each stored filling volume is logically linked to a stored working distance.

Preferably, the term “logically linked” referring to one or more data stored by the storage means 14 is intended to indicate that such data are traceable to each other, preferably in a substantially unambiguous manner.

Conveniently, the command means 12 are configured to activate the dispensing of a volume of beverage 3 substantially equal to the stored filling volume relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the working distance measured by the measuring device 15.

Preferably, the command means 12 are configured to compare the measured working distance with one or more stored working distances to track a stored working distance which is substantially the same as the measured distance.

In addition, the command means 12 are configured to command, via the dispensing means 2, the dispensing of a volume of beverage 3 substantially equal to the filling volume relative to the traced working distance.

Specifically, the detecting means 10, 11, 14, 15 comprise at least one measuring assembly 10 of the amount of beverage 3 dispensed by the dispensing means 2.

Specifically, the measuring assembly 10 is configured to measure the dispensed volume of beverage 3.

In this way, the machine 1 verifies that the dispensed volume of beverage 3 corresponds to the filling volume.

Preferably, the measuring assembly 10 is of the type of a volumetric measuring assembly.

In more detail, the measuring assembly 10 is of a known type, e.g., like an “oval gear” sensor, arranged substantially upstream of the dispensing means 2.

Conveniently, the command means 12 are configured to: activate the dispensing of beverage 3 as long as the volume measured by the measuring assembly 10 is less than the stored filling volume relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the measured working distance; stop the dispensing of beverage 3 when the beverage volume measured by the measuring assembly 10 is substantially equal to or greater than the stored filling volume relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the measured working distance.

Advantageously, the measuring device 15 is configured to measure at least one filling distance, corresponding to the distance between the beverage 3 contained inside the receptacle body 4 and the measuring device 15.

Preferably, it cannot be ruled out that by “filling distance” is meant the distance between the beverage 3 contained inside the receptacle body 4 and a reference point other than the measuring device 15.

In addition, the command means 12 are configured to control the dispensing of the beverage 3 dispensed by the dispensing means 2 depending on the measured filling distance and working distance.

Preferably, the term “filling distance” means not only the distance of the beverage 3 from the measuring device 15, but also the distance of the foam produced by the beverage 3 from the same device.

Conveniently, the storage means 14 are configured to store a plurality of predefined distances which are different from each other, each defining the distance to the measuring device 15 that the level of beverage 3 has to reach to fill a receptacle body 4 relative to a different working distance.

In other words, the storage means 14 are configured to store predefined distances relative to different working distances, i.e., to receptacle bodies 4 having different heights.

Specifically, each predefined distance stored by the storage means 14 corresponds to the distance between the measuring device 15 and the level of beverage 3 which allows filling a receptacle body 4, the perimeter edge 5 of which is at a specific working distance from the measuring device 15.

For example, a smaller working distance corresponds to a smaller predefined distance, as it is assumed that a taller receptacle body 4, i.e., with the perimeter edge 5 closer to the measuring device 15, allows the level of beverage 3 to reach a greater height.

Specifically, each stored predefined distance is logically linked to a stored working distance.

Advantageously, the command means 12 are configured to: activate the dispensing of the beverage 3 as long as the filling distance measured by the measuring device 15 is substantially less than the stored predefined distance relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the working distance measured by the measuring device 15; deactivate the dispensing of the beverage 3 when the filling distance measured by the measuring device 15 is substantially greater than or equal to the stored predefined distance relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the working distance measured by the measuring device 15.

Conveniently, the command means 12 are configured to: activate the dispensing of the beverage 3 as long as the measured dispensing distance is greater than the measured working distance added to a guard distance; stop the dispensing of the beverage 3 as long as the measured dispensing distance is less than or equal to the measured working distance added to the guard distance.

In this way, the command means 12 ensure that the beverage 3 is dispensed as long as the receptacle body 4 is filled, thus preventing the beverage 3 from escaping from the same body.

This expedient enables the machine 1 to properly fill any receptacle body 4. Preferably, the storage means 14 are configured to store the guard distance. Advantageously, the command means 12 are configured to activate the dispensing of the beverage 3 as long as the measured dispensing distance is greater than the measured working distance added to a guard distance even if the volume of beverage 3 measured by the measuring assembly 10 is substantially greater than or equal to the stored filling volume relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the measured working distance.

Similarly, the command means 12 are configured to deactivate the dispensing of the beverage 3 as long as the measured dispensing distance is less than the measured working distance added to a guard distance even if the volume of beverage 3 measured by the measuring assembly 10 is substantially less than or equal to the stored filling volume relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the measured working distance.

This expedient ensures the beverage 3 to be dispensed properly so that the receptacle body 4 is completely filled in a short time.

Conveniently, the measuring device 15 is configured to continuously measure the working distance and/or the dispensing distance.

Further embodiments of the machine 1 cannot however be ruled out in which the measuring device 15 is configured to measure the working distance and/or the dispensing distance at regular time ranges.

In addition, further embodiments of the machine 1 cannot be ruled out in which the measuring device 15 is configured to measure the working distance and/or the dispensing distance in real time.

In this way, the measuring device 15 is configured to detect the approach of beverage 3 to the machine 1, that is, the raising of the level of beverage 3 inside the receptacle body 4, as shown in Figures 2 and 4.

Specifically, the command means 12 are configured to control continuously and/or in real time the dispensing of the beverage 3 dispensed by the dispensing means 2 depending on the measured working distance and/or on the dispensing distance.

Further embodiments of the machine 1, implemented in combination with or alternatively to the preceding ones, cannot however be ruled out in which the detecting means 10, 11, 14, 15 comprise at least one detecting device 11 configured to detect at least one characteristic datum of the receptacle body 4 and/or at least one characteristic datum of the beverage 3 contained inside the receptacle body 4.

Preferably, the term “characteristic datum” of the beverage 3 is not intended to indicate only the own/intrinsic characteristics of the beverage, but also characteristics of the foam produced by the beverage 3.

It cannot, however, be ruled out that the command means 12 be configured to control the dispensing of the beverage 3 dispensed by the dispensing means 2 depending on the characteristic datum of the receptacle body 4 and/or on the characteristic datum of the beverage 3.

Conveniently, the characteristic datum of the beverage 3 is selected from the list comprising the presence/absence, the amount of beverage dispensed inside the receptacle body 4 and the position of the beverage 3 contained inside the receptacle body 4 relative to the machine itself.

Advantageously, the characteristic datum of the receptacle body 4 is selected from the list comprising the presence/absence, dimension, position of at least part of the receptacle body 4 and/or of the perimeter edge 5 with respect to the machine itself.

Conveniently, the detecting device 11 is configured to detect a plurality of receptacle characteristic data and/or a plurality of beverage characteristic data, e.g., selected from the same list in different ways.

Conveniently, the detecting device 11 is configured to detect at least one of: the presence/absence of at least part of the receptacle body 4 and/or of the perimeter edge 5 and/or of the beverage 3; the dimension of at least part of the receptacle body 4 and/or of the perimeter edge 5; the position of at least part of the receptacle body 4 and/or of the perimeter edge 5 and/or of the beverage 3 with respect to the machine 1.

Conveniently, according to the invention, the detecting device 11 is arranged in the proximity of the dispensing means 2.

Further embodiments of the machine 1 cannot however be ruled out in which the detecting device 11 is mounted on the dispensing means 2.

Specifically, the detecting device 11, in use, is oriented substantially towards the access opening 6 of the receptacle body 4.

More specifically, according to the invention, the detecting device 11 , in use, is arranged substantially facing the access opening 6.

Preferably, the detecting device 11 is oriented and/or facing the supporting point 8 of the receptacle body 4.

Advantageously, the detecting device 11 is configured to simultaneously detect the presence/absence, dimension and position of at least part of the receptacle body 4, of the perimeter edge 5 and of the beverage 3.

Specifically, the detecting device 11 is configured to continuously detect the characteristic datum of the receptacle body 4 and/or the characteristic datum of the beverage 3.

Preferably, the detecting device 11 is configured to detect in real time the characteristic datum of the receptacle body 4 and/or the characteristic datum of the beverage 3.

Specifically, the command means 12 are configured to activate and deactivate the dispensing of the beverage 3 depending on the characteristic datum of the receptacle body 4 and/or of the characteristic datum of the beverage 3.

Appropriately, the command means 12 are configured to activate the dispensing of the beverage 3 when a receptacle body 4 is arranged substantially facing the detecting device 11, that is, when the detecting device 11 detects the presence of the receptacle body 4.

In addition, the command means 12 are configured to activate the dispensing of the beverage 3 when the position of the receptacle body 4 and/or of the perimeter edge 5 remains unchanged for at least a predefined stability time.

Again, during the dispensing of the beverage 3, the command means 12 are configured to deactivate such dispensing when the position of the receptacle body 4 and/or of the perimeter edge 5 changes.

In more detail, the command means 12 are configured to activate the dispensing of the beverage 3 only when the dimension of at least one part of the receptacle body 4 and/or of the perimeter edge 5 detected by the detecting device 11 is substantially greater than a reference dimension of the receptacle body 4 and/or of the perimeter edge 5.

In other words, the reference dimension of the receptacle body 4 and/or of the perimeter edge 5 is the minimum dimension of the latter or of a part of the latter which allows for the correct detection of the receptacle characteristic data, i.e., the characteristic data of the entire receptacle body 4, or/and which allows for the measurement of the working distance and/or of the filling distance.

Conveniently, the command means 12 comprise data processing means 13 configured to calculate the capacity of the receptacle body 4 detected by the detecting device 11 and/or the amount of beverage 3 to be dispensed which allows the receptacle body 4 to be filled depending on the receptacle characteristic datum or/and on the working distance and/or on the predefined distance.

In this way, the command means 12 are configured to activate the dispensing of the beverage 3 as long as the amount, preferably the volume, of the beverage 3 measured by the measuring assembly 10 reaches the amount, preferably the volume, of the beverage 3 calculated by the data processing means 13.

Further embodiments of the machine 1 cannot however be ruled out in which the detecting device 11 coincides with the measuring device 15.

According to a possible, but not exclusive, embodiment of the machine 1, the data storage means 14 are configured to store one or more values of predetermined amounts of beverage 3, each allowing the filling of receptacle bodies 4 having different capacities.

In addition, the data storage means 14 are configured to store a plurality of values of predetermined capacity of respective receptacle bodies 4. Specifically, each value of predetermined capacity is logically linked to the corresponding value of predetermined amount of beverage 3 which allows a receptacle body 4 having the same capacity value to be adequately filled.

In this way, when the detecting device 11 detects dimensions of the receptacle body 4 and/or of the perimeter edge 5 corresponding to the value of predetermined capacity, the command means 12 are configured to activate the dispensing of the corresponding predetermined amount of beverage 3 which enables the filling of such receptacle body 4.

Conveniently, the machine 1 comprises a plurality of receptacle bodies 4 having different shapes and/or dimensions and/or capacities and/or heights from each other.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a beverage dispensing procedure carried out by means of the machine just described.

Preferably, according to the invention, steps or stages comprised by the dispensing procedure are envisaged to be one or more of the operations carried out by the machine 1 and/or by any component thereof, e.g., such as the operations that are introduced/anticipated by the term “configured to” in this disclosure.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a configuration procedure for a beverage dispensing machine 1 comprising at least the phases of: supply of at least one machine 1 according to one or more of the preceding claims; configuration of the supplied machine 1, comprising at least the steps of: supply of a receptacle body 4; measurement of the working distance relative to the supplied receptacle body 4; storage of said working distance relative to the supplied receptacle body 4.

Preferably, the machine 1 described with reference to the procedure comprises one or more of the characteristics of the machine 1 described above.

Specifically, the configuration procedure is carried out prior to the use of machine 1 described above.

Conveniently, the configuration phase allows the machine 1 to measure and store the values used for the proper use of the machine.

Specifically, following the configuration phase, the machine 1 dispenses the beverage 3 in a substantially automated manner to fill a receptacle body 4 equal to that provided by the configuration phase.

Advantageously, the receptacle body 4 supplied contains an amount of beverage 3 adapted to fill the same receptacle body 4.

Specifically, the level of the beverage 3 contained inside the receptacle body 4 supplied corresponds to the maximum level of filling which is expected to fill the receptacle body 4 supplied.

In addition, the configuration phase comprises: a step of measuring the filling distance; storage of the measured filling distance, the latter coinciding with the predefined distance relative to the receptacle body 4 supplied.

Conveniently, the configuration phase comprises at least one storage step of the filling volume defining the volume of beverage 3 to be dispensed to fill the receptacle body 4 supplied.

Conveniently, the procedure comprises the repetition of said configuration phase, each configuration phase providing a receptacle body 4 having a different height. It has, in practice, been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

In particular, the fact is emphasized that the command means of the dispensing means allow the beverage to be dispensed automatically or semi-automatically, thus minimizing the intervention of the user of the machine itself.

In addition, the detecting means allow significantly reducing the beverage dispensing time.

In addition, the detecting means allow the receptacle to be properly filled while minimizing the risk of spillage of the beverage and/or of the foam. Additionally, the detecting means allow any amount of beverage to be dispensed to properly fill receptacles of different capacities with each other.

Claims

1) Beverage dispensing machine (1), comprising: dispensing means (2) of at least one beverage (3) inside at least one receptacle body (4) provided with at least one perimeter edge (5) defining an access opening (6) through which said receptacle body (4) receives the beverage (3); detecting means (10, 11, 14, 15) provided with at least one measuring device (15) configured to measure at least one working distance, corresponding to the distance between said perimeter edge (5) and said measuring device (15); command means (12) configured to control the dispensing of the beverage (3) dispensed by said dispensing means (2) depending on at least said working distance.

2) Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said detecting means (10, 11, 14, 15) comprise data storage means (14) configured to store a plurality of working distances, each relative to receptacle bodies (4) having different heights from each other.

3) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said storage means (14) are configured to store a plurality of different filling volumes from each other, each defining the volume of beverage (3) to be dispensed to fill a receptacle body (4) relative to a different working distance.

4) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said command means (12) are configured to activate the dispensing of a volume of beverage (3) substantially equal to the stored filling volume relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the working distance measured by said measuring device (15).

5) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said detecting means (10, 11, 14, 15) comprise at least one measuring assembly (10) of the amount of beverage (3) dispensed by said dispensing means (2).

6) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said command means (12) are configured to: activate the dispensing of the beverage (3) as long as the volume measured by said measuring assembly (10) is less than the stored filling volume relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the measured working distance; stop the dispensing of the beverage (3) when the beverage volume measured by said measuring assembly (10) is substantially equal to or greater than the stored filling volume relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the measured working distance.

7) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said measuring device (15) is configured to measure at least one filling distance, corresponding to the distance between the beverage (3) contained inside said receptacle body (4) and said measuring device (15), said command means (12) being configured to control the dispensing of said beverage (3) dispensed by said dispensing means (2) depending on said filling distance and said working distance.

8) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said storage means (14) are configured to store a plurality of different predefined distances from each other, each defining the distance from the measuring device (15) that the level of beverage (3) has to reach to fill a receptacle body (4) relative to a different working distance.

9) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said command means (12) are configured to: activate the dispensing of the beverage (3) as long as the filling distance measured by said measuring device (15) is substantially less than the stored predefined distance relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the working distance measured by said measuring device (15); deactivate the dispensing of the beverage (3) when the filling distance measured by said measuring device (15) is substantially greater than or equal to the stored predefined distance relative to the stored working distance substantially equal to the working distance measured by said measuring device (15).

10) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said command means (12) are configured to: activate the dispensing of said beverage (3) as long as said measured dispensing distance is greater than said measured working distance added to a guard distance; stop the dispensing of said beverage (3) as long as said measured dispensing distance is less than or equal to said measured working distance added to said guard distance.

11) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that: said measuring device (15) is configured to measure a reference distance, corresponding to the distance between said measuring device (15) and a supporting point (8) of said receptacle body (4); said detecting means (10, 11, 14, 15) are configured to detect the presence of said receptacle body (4) where said supporting point (8) is located depending on the reference distance and on the working distance.

12) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said measuring device (15) is configured to continuously measure said working distance and/or said dispensing distance.

13) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said measuring device (15) is of the type of a Time Of Flight (TOF) detector.

14) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said measuring device (15) does not acquire any images.

15) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that: said detecting means (10, 11, 14, 15) comprise at least one detecting device

(11) configured to detect at least one characteristic datum of said receptacle body (4) and/or at least one characteristic datum of the beverage (3) contained inside said receptacle body (4); said command means (12) are configured to control the dispensing of said beverage (3) dispensed by said dispensing means (2) depending on said at least one characteristic datum of said receptacle body (4) and/or on said at least one characteristic datum of the beverage (3).

16) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said at least one characteristic datum of said receptacle body (4) is selected from the list comprising the presence/absence, dimension, position of at least part of said receptacle body (4) and/or of said perimeter edge (5) with respect to the machine itself.

17) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said at least one characteristic datum of the beverage (3) is selected from the list comprising the presence/absence of said beverage (3), the amount of beverage (3) dispensed inside said receptacle body (4), and the position of the beverage (3) contained inside said receptacle body (4) with respect to the machine itself.

18) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said detecting device (11) is configured to continuously detect said at least one characteristic datum of said receptacle body (4) and/or said at least one characteristic datum of the beverage (3).

19) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said detecting device (11) is configured to detect at least one of: said presence/absence of at least part of said receptacle body (4) and/or of said perimeter edge (5) and/or of the beverage (3); said dimension of at least part of said receptacle body (4) and/or of said perimeter edge (5); said position of at least part of said receptacle body (4) and/or of said perimeter edge (5) and/or of the beverage (3) with respect to the machine itself. 20) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said command means (12) are configured to activate and deactivate the dispensing of the beverage (3) dispensed by said dispensing means (2) depending on said at least one characteristic datum of said receptacle body (4) and/or of said at least one characteristic datum of the beverage (3).

21) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said command means (12) are configured to activate the dispensing of said beverage (3) when the position of said receptacle body (4) and/or of said perimeter edge (5) remains unchanged for at least a predefined stability time.

22) Configuration procedure for a machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising at least the phases of: supply of at least one machine (1); configuration of the supplied machine (1), comprising at least the steps of: supply of a receptacle body (4); measurement of the working distance relative to the supplied receptacle body (4); storage of said working distance relative to said supplied receptacle body (4).

23) Procedure according to claim 22, characterized by the fact that said supplied receptacle body (4) contains an amount of beverage (3) adapted to fill the same receptacle body (4) and by the fact that said configuration phase comprises: a step of measuring the filling distance; storage of said measured filling distance, the latter coinciding with the predefined distance relative to said supplied receptacle body (4).

24) Procedure according to one or more of claims 22 to 23, characterized by the fact that said configuration phase comprises at least one storage step of the filling volume defining the volume of beverage (3) to be dispensed to fill said supplied receptacle body (4).

25) Procedure according to one or more of claims 22 to 24, characterized by the fact that it comprises the repetition of said configuration phase, each configuration phase providing a receptacle body (4) having a different height.