A distributor

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing drinking water and / or beverages other than water, comprising: a cabinet; a user interface; a dispensing compartment having a support surface for a container to be filled; at least one nozzle for dispensing drinking water and / or beverages other than water and positioned above the support surface; a cleaning compartment for the container, comprising: a cleaning device for dispensing one or more cleaning fluids in the container, and a discharge port for discharging the one or more cleaning fluids to the outside of the cleaning compartment, wherein the cleaning compartment for the container comprises: a basket portion suitable for accommodating the container to be cleaned in an inverted arrangement, which can be moved between a first operating position and a second operating position, and the cleaning device is suitable for alternately providing water and water plus ozone when the basket portion is in the first operating position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A device generally for serving drinking water and / or beverages having a system for cleaning and sterilizing a container designed to contain the dispensed beverage is described below. Background Art

[0002] Known dispensers (hereinafter, said term will be used to identify a generic "device for dispensing water and / or beverages") are designed for use in workplaces, restaurants and public places and / or outdoors.

[0003] Such a dispenser is described, for example, in European patent EP 3 049 364 in the name of the same applicant as the present patent application.

[0004] Typically, the dispenser is provided with a connection to the mains water and / or a tank of the beverage to be dispensed and is designed to supply drinking water and / or beverages at room temperature and / or refrigerated (by known refrigeration means) and / or carbonated (by adding carbon dioxide) (after purification if necessary with known filters and / or sterilization units).

[0005] The dispenser is then equipped with: at least one dispensing station to access the beverage dispensing nozzle, under which the container to be filled is positioned; and a special start command for the dispensing function, which special start command generally includes at least one currency acceptance device (or an appropriate preloaded card or a key with a microchip) and at least one interface designed to select the operating function of the dispenser, such as the type and the relative quantity of the dispensed beverage.

[0006] The currently known dispensers still have some disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems of the known technology.

[0008] In particular, an object of the present invention is to propose a dispenser that allows adequate hygienic conditions to be guaranteed for the consumer, in particular taking into account the condition of the container used to contain the dispensed beverage.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to propose a dispenser having characteristics which facilitate its ergonomic use for the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Possible implementation forms of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser for dispensing drinking water and / or other beverages according to the present invention;

[0012] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of a detail of a dispenser;

[0013] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a perspective view showing the container in the beverage dispensing compartment;

[0014] - Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 a perspective view of the same detail of , showing the first door opened to access the washing compartment of the container;

[0015] - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a distributor;

[0016] - Figure 6 yes Figure 2 , 3 and a perspective view of the same detail of 4, showing the second door opened to access the compartment of the extraction container;

[0017] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of a basket portion designed to receive a container and a cover portion that must be cleaned and sterilized;

[0018] - Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The same view of FIG. 1 shows the container and the cover to be cleaned and sterilized placed in the basket;

[0019] - Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Schematic cross-sectional view of a basket portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Features of the invention will now be described using the reference numerals in the drawings, and in particular using the variations shown therein.

[0021] It is also stipulated that any size and spatial terms (such as "lower", "upper", "inner", "outer", "front", "rear", etc.) refer to the position of elements according to the present invention as shown in the accompanying drawings, without any intention of limiting possible operating conditions.

[0022] With reference to the accompanying list of drawings, reference numeral 10 denotes as a whole a device for dispensing drinking water and / or other beverages, hereinafter referred to simply as "dispenser 10".

[0023] The dispenser 10 comprises a containing and supporting cabinet 100 having a supporting base 110 and a top 111; in the example shown, the cabinet 100 has a generally and / or substantially polygonal cross-section, such as a quadrilateral. However, the cabinet 100 may have the most varied architectural and dimensional configurations, taking into account the requirements inherent in the intended environment and type of use.

[0024] The cabinet 100 defines an internal volume designed to house the functional components of the classic construction of a dispenser (hydraulic circuit and tanks, refrigeration and gasification units, sterilization elements), which do not require in-depth treatment since they are part of the known technology in this field.

[0025] The dispenser 10 includes a user interface 112, such as a touch screen, for managing its operation and providing operating instructions to a user.

[0026] According to known technology, the dispenser 10 then comprises a dispensing station 113 (hereinafter referred to as “dispensing compartment 113 ”) comprising a support surface 1130 for the container 9 and at least one nozzle 114 for dispensing the beverage, the at least one nozzle being positioned above said support surface 1130 .

[0027] Said supporting surface 1130 of said dispensing compartment 113 is preferably provided with a grid for draining beverage that may flow out of the container 9 or drip from the dispensing nozzle 114 .

[0028] In the example of the figures, the container 9 consists of a bottle or flask. However, it is clear that any container having a shape and size such as that placed in the dispensing compartment 113 and the washing compartment 1 is applicable as described herein, which will be briefly described herein.

[0029] In fact, the dispenser 10 comprises a washing compartment 1 for a container 9, in particular for a container 9 approximately and / or substantially in the shape of a bottle.

[0030] An example of a dispenser provided with a washing compartment for the container is shown in prior art document WO 94 / 06547.

[0031] The dispenser 10 comprises a first basket 11 (or washing basket 11 ) suitable for receiving the containers 9 to be washed inside said washing compartment 1 .

[0032] The basket portion 11 is movable between a first operating position and a second operating position.

[0033] In the first operating position (such as Figure 1 , 2 and 3 ), the basket 11 is fully inserted into the washing compartment 1 to allow a washing operation to be performed on the container 9 accommodated therein.

[0034] In this first operating position, the basket 11 is designed to receive the container 9 in an inverted position, ie with the neck facing downwards and the bottom facing upwards.

[0035] In the second operating position (such as Figure 4As shown), the basket portion 11 at least partially protrudes from the cleaning compartment 1 to allow the container 9 to be cleaned to be inserted and removed after the cleaning operation is completed.

[0036] The basket 11 is integral with a closing door 12 , the actuation of which allows the basket 11 to be moved between a first operating position and a second operating position.

[0037] The dispenser 10 comprises cleaning means, as will be described further below, for dispensing one or more cleaning fluids into a container 9 inserted into the basket 11 when the container 9 is in a first operating position, ie fully inserted into the cleaning compartment 1 .

[0038] The cleaning device is designed to alternatively supply filtered water and water plus ozone: More specifically, the cleaning device is designed to supply in sequence:

[0039] - a first fluid consisting of filtered water, used to perform a pre-cleaning step in the container 9;

[0040] - a second fluid consisting of water plus ozone, used for the disinfection step in the container 9;

[0041] - a third fluid consisting of filtered water, used to carry out a rinsing step in the container 9 .

[0042] As mentioned above, with the help of Figure 7 , 8 and 9 becomes clearer, Figure 7 , 8 9 show the construction of the basket 11 and the associated cleaning device.

[0043] In the example shown, the basket 11 is shaped so as to provide a self-centering seat 24 designed to couple with the neck of a container 9 and to be inserted in an inverted position.

[0044] Said self-centering seat 24 for the container 9 comprises a collar 13 which, besides being a centering element for the neck of the container 9, also acts as a hydraulic seal preventing any splashing of the cleaning fluid dispensed by the cleaning device: in other words, said collar 13 prevents the upper outer part of the container 9 (i.e. the part of the container 9 situated above the collar 13) from being wetted by said cleaning fluid.

[0045] like Fig. 9 As shown, the cleaning device comprises a first nozzle 61 positioned to distribute the cleaning fluid by an upward jet in a container 9 inserted in an inverted arrangement in the self-centering seat 24 .

[0046] The first nozzle 61 comprises an outflow conduit 71 which is in fluid communication with suitable components not shown in the figures and located within the dispenser 10, such as a pump for supplying pressurized water and an ozone generator.

[0047] The cleaning fluid dispensed by the first nozzle 61 of the cleaning device then escapes under gravity from the mouth of the neck of the container 9 placed in the inverted position and flows out of the washing compartment 1 through the discharge opening 60 formed on the bottom of the basket 11 .

[0048] In the example shown, the basket 11 is also provided with a second seat 25 designed to receive a cover 91 (for example a screw-on cover or a pressure cover) of a container 9 in the self-centering seat 24 .

[0049] The cleaning device comprises a second nozzle 63 for dispensing a fluid in the second seat 25, the fluid consisting of gaseous ozone supplied through an outflow duct 70 connected to the fluid of an ozone generator: the ozone generator can be composed of the same generator used to provide ozone to the water dispensed by the first nozzle 61 in the container 9; alternatively, a second ozone generator can be provided, which is specifically connected to the outflow duct 70 of the second nozzle 63.

[0050] The outflow duct 70 also comprises a fitting 72 for a third nozzle 62 positioned so as to distribute gaseous ozone to the outside of the neck of the container 9 .

[0051] The outflow duct 70 thus directs a portion of the gaseous ozone fluid (through the second nozzle 63) towards the seat 25 designed to receive the cover 91, and directs a portion of the gaseous ozone fluid (through the third nozzle 62, which is connected to the outflow duct by the aforementioned fitting 72) onto the neck of the container 9, below the self-centering seat 24.

[0052] It should be noted that the distribution of gaseous ozone towards the seat 25 through the second nozzle 63 can also take place without the user having placed any cover 91 therein, since this gas has a high volatility (as soon as the basket 11 is opened by closing the door 12, it diffuses into the environment); even in the absence of a cover 91 located in the seat 25, the distribution of gaseous ozone allows the upper part of the basket 11 to be saturated with said gas, thus helping to sterilize it and the external part of the container 9 located above the collar 13 of the self-centering seat 24.

[0053] In the example shown, the dispenser 10 also comprises an extraction compartment 2 for supplying and extracting a new container 9 , which has approximately and / or substantially the shape of a bottle.

[0054] The dispenser 10 comprises a second basket 21 (or extraction basket 21) designed to receive said new container 9 inside said extraction compartment 2. This basket 21 is movable between a first operating position, in which it is completely inserted into the extraction compartment 2, and a second operating position, in which it at least partially protrudes from said extraction compartment 2 to allow the user to extract the container 9 contained therein.

[0055] The basket 21 is integral with a closing door 22, the actuation of which allows the basket 21 to be moved between a first operating position and a second operating position.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the dispenser 10 includes a storage area 41 (hereinafter abbreviated as “storage portion 41 ”) located within the cabinet 100 , and the storage area is designed to contain a plurality of new containers 9 .

[0057] The known mechanism 42 is designed to lower the containers 9 at a time from the reservoir 41 towards an underlying slide 43 (having a roller conveyor configuration in the example shown) when the basket 21 is in a first operating position, in order to convey them by gravity into the basket 21 of the extraction compartment 2.

[0058] The extraction compartment 2 is used by the user of the dispenser 10 if the user does not yet have a container 9 (or a similar container designed for this purpose) which is designed to be placed in the washing compartment 1 for washing and subsequently filling the selected beverage in the dispensing compartment 113; in other words, if the user already has a similar container, the supply and extraction functions of a new container 9 may not be necessary and the functions of the dispenser 10 associated with the extraction compartment 2 will not be used.

[0059] In the example shown, the closing door 12 of the basket 11 of the washing compartment 1 and the closing door 22 of the basket 21 of the extraction compartment 2 are tilting doors that can be operated manually.

[0060] Furthermore, the beverage dispensing compartment 113 is located at a lower level than the user interface 112 , and the washing compartment 1 and the dispensing compartment 2 are located at a lower level than the dispensing compartment 113 .

[0061] This combination of solutions is very useful for ease of use of the dispenser 10 by the user, allowing its functions to be used ergonomically without causing particular stress on the musculoskeletal system or without having to bend the legs to use the washing compartment 1 and to extract a new container 9 from the dispensing compartment 2.

[0062] In the example shown, the cabinet 100 of the dispenser 10 comprises an openable door 115 to allow access to its interior and to perform normal maintenance activities, such as supplying new containers 9 in the shop 41 or maintaining the components of the various construction functions.

[0063] In this form of realization, the washing compartment 1 , the extraction compartment 2 , the dispensing compartment 113 and the user interface 112 are positioned on said openable door 115 .

[0064] From the above description, it is clear that the advantages that can be achieved by the present invention over the solutions of the known art are evident in terms of functionality and practicality.

[0065] Obviously, for a skilled expert, many variations of the dispenser 10 described above are possible without thereby departing from the innovative field inherent in the inventive concept, since it is clear that, in a practical implementation of the invention, the various components described above may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

[0066] For example, a variant of the dispenser 10 can be provided in which the dispensing compartment 113 has the features protected by patent EP3049364 owned by the same applicant, namely a system comprising a connection between mutual centering elements between the dispensing compartment 113 and the container 9, the connection activating a wireless communication system for exchanging data between the container 9 and the dispenser 10 via a dialogue and reading device located on the mutual centering elements.

[0067] A variation of the dispenser 10 may also be provided in which, in addition to the cleaning device of the example shown, the basket portion 11 of the washing compartment 1 also includes one or more sterilization devices (e.g., UV lamps) positioned on the upper portion of the washing compartment 1 or on the side walls of the basket portion 11 to help further sterilize the cover portion 91 and the outside of the container 9.

Claims

1. A dispenser (10) for dispensing drinking water and / or beverages other than water, comprising: - a cabinet (100), the cabinet (100) having a supporting base (110) and a top (111); - User interface (112); - a dispensing compartment (113) having a support surface (1130) for a container (9) to be filled; - at least one nozzle (114) positioned above the support surface (1130), the at least one nozzle (114) being used to dispense drinking water and / or a beverage other than water; - a cleaning compartment (1) for said container (9), said cleaning compartment (1) comprising: - a cleaning device for dispensing one or more cleaning fluids in the container (9), a discharge opening (60) for discharging one or more cleaning fluids to the outside of the cleaning compartment (1), It is characterized in that The cleaning compartment (1) for the container (9) comprises: A basket portion (11) of the washing compartment, the basket portion (11) of the washing compartment being suitable for accommodating the container (9) to be washed in an inverted arrangement, the basket portion (11) of the washing compartment being movable between the following positions: - a first operating position, in which the basket (11) of the washing compartment is completely inserted into the washing compartment (1) so as to be able to wash the container (9) contained therein, - and a second operating position, in which the basket (11) of the washing compartment at least partially protrudes from the washing compartment (1) so as to be able to insert the container (9) to be washed and to pull it out at the end of the washing operation, and when the basket (11) of the washing compartment is in the first operating position, the washing device is suitable for alternately supplying water and water plus ozone.

2. The dispenser (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The basket portion (11) of the washing compartment comprises a self-centering seat (24) provided with a collar (13), the self-centering seat (24) being adapted to couple with the neck of the container (9) inserted in an inverted arrangement, And wherein the cleaning device includes a first nozzle (61) positioned to distribute the one or more cleaning fluids by an upward jet into the container inserted in the self-centering seat (24) in an inverted arrangement.

3. The dispenser (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The one or more cleaning fluids dispensed by the first nozzle (61) include filtered water and water plus ozone.

4. The dispenser (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first nozzle (61) distributes in the following order: - a first fluid consisting of filtered water, used to carry out a pre-cleaning step in said container (9); - a second fluid consisting of water plus ozone, used to perform a flushing step in said container (9); - A third fluid consisting of filtered water, used to carry out a rinsing step in said container (9).

5. The dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The first nozzle (61) includes an outflow conduit (71) of the first nozzle in fluid communication with a pump and an ozone generator.

6. The dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The basket (11) of the washing compartment is also equipped with a second seat (25) suitable for receiving a cover (91) for the container (9) located in the self-centering seat (24).

7. The dispenser (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The basket (11) of the washing compartment is also equipped with a second seat (25) suitable for receiving a cover (91) for the container located in the self-centering seat (24).

8. The dispenser (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The cleaning device comprises a second nozzle (63) suitable for distributing gaseous ozone in the second seat (25).

9. The dispenser (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The cleaning device comprises a second nozzle (63) suitable for distributing gaseous ozone in the second seat (25).

10. The dispenser (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The second nozzle (63) includes a second nozzle outflow conduit (70) in fluid communication with an ozone generator.

11. The dispenser (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The outflow conduit (70) of the second nozzle includes a fitting (72) for a third nozzle (62) positioned to distribute gaseous ozone out of the neck of the container (9) located in an inverted arrangement in the self-centering seat (24).

12. The dispenser (10) according to claim 1, comprising An extraction compartment (2) configured to extract a new container (9), the extraction compartment (2) comprising: - a basket (21) of the extraction compartment suitable for receiving the new container (9), the basket (21) of the extraction compartment being movable between a first operating position, in which the basket (21) of the extraction compartment is completely inserted into the extraction compartment (2) so as to be able to receive the new container (9), and a second operating position, in which the basket (21) of the extraction compartment at least partially protrudes from the extraction compartment (2) so as to be able to extract the new container (9) contained therein; - a storage portion (41) for a plurality of said new containers (9), said storage portion (41) comprising means (42) for bringing said new containers (9) one at a time, by means of a slide (43), into said basket portion (21) of said extraction compartment (2) configured for extracting said new containers (9), when said basket portion (21) of said extraction compartment is in said first operating position.

13. The dispenser (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that The basket portion (11) of the washing compartment and the basket portion (21) of the extraction compartment for extracting the new container (9) are integrated with corresponding closing doors, the operation of which enables the basket portion (11) of the washing compartment and the basket portion (21) of the extraction compartment to be moved between the first operating position and the second operating position.

14. The dispenser (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that The closing door is a manually operable pivoting door.

15. The dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The cabinet (100) includes an openable door (115) to allow access therein. And wherein the washing compartment (1), the extraction compartment (2), the dispensing compartment (113) and the user interface (112) are positioned on the openable door (115).

16. The dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 9 and 11 to 14, characterized in that The dispensing compartment (113) and the container (9) comprise mutual centering means, the coupling of which activates a wireless communication system for exchanging data between the dispenser (10) and the container (9) via dialogue and reading means located on the mutual centering means.

17. The dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 9 and 11 to 14, characterized in that The basket portion (11) of the washing compartment (1) comprises one or more sterilizing devices, which are positioned in the upper part of the washing compartment (1) or on the side walls of the basket portion (11) of the washing compartment.

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