Beverage dispensing unit of beverage machine and beverage machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a beverage dispensing unit of a beverage machine, comprising: a first valve for controlling the dispensing of a beverage, having two ports, an open switching position and a closed switching position; a first valve inlet fluid line having an inlet end connectable or connectable to a first fluid line of the beverage machine, and an outlet end fluidly connected to the first port of the first valve; and a first valve outlet fluid line having an inlet end fluidly connected to the second port of the first valve and an outlet end adapted to dispense a beverage into an external environment of the beverage dispensing unit, characterized in that the first valve outlet fluid line has a length < = 5 cm and an inner diameter in the range > 0 mm to < = 7 mm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A beverage dispensing unit for a beverage machine is provided, comprising: a first valve for controlling the dispensing of a beverage, having two ports, an open switching position and a closed switching position; a first valve inlet fluid line having an inlet end connectable or connected to a first fluid line of the beverage machine, and an outlet end fluidly connected to the first port of the first valve; and a first valve outlet fluid line having an inlet end fluidly connected to the second port of the first valve, and an outlet end adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit, characterized in that the first valve outlet fluid line has a length of ≤5 cm and an inner diameter in the range of >0 mm to ≤7 mm.

[0002] The beverage dispensing unit is a central component for dispensing beverages from a coffee machine. In modern coffee machines, there are usually multiple fluid paths converging in this component, such as the fluid path of freshly brewed coffee or the fluid path of milk foam. Paths for other fluids (e.g., for syrups, hot water, various milk derivatives, etc.) are possible.

[0003] Looking in the direction of fluid flow, the beverage dispensing unit is immediately followed by a beverage dispenser and reaches a beverage container, usually located below it. If the beverage is only dispensed into a single beverage container, this is called single dispensing. On the other hand, the beverage can be dispensed into two containers simultaneously, which is called dual dispensing. This means that the beverage dispensing unit must have at least two outlet openings for similar fluids (coffee, milk foam, syrup, clear water, etc.) in order to be able to perform single and dual dispensing. It is also advantageous if each fluid path of the beverage dispensing unit is fluidly connected to a discharge section leading to a basin. This enables a flushing process to clean the fluid paths, for example, and / or excess fluid can be discharged into the basin. Background Art

[0004] Generally, beverage machines known in the prior art have an outlet for dispensing beverages into a drinking container and an outlet leading to a basin, and are equipped with discrete valves, such as 3 / 2-way articulated armature valves.

[0005] DE 60005276 T2 discloses a beverage machine, comprising a water supply unit, a water suction unit, a water channel for supplying water, and a channel for receiving water. A water dispenser is provided, which selectively allows water to pass from the water supply unit to the channel for receiving water, wherein the water dispenser has a rotary plate for this purpose, which is driven by an electric motor and has recesses adapted to connect the outlet end of the water channel for supplying water to the inlet end of the channel for receiving water by rotating the plate to a specific angular position. The rotary plate is not located in the beverage dispensing unit of the beverage machine.

[0006] DE 102008041122 A1 discloses a ceramic disk valve for dispensing hot water and / or steam in an automatic hot beverage dispenser. The ceramic disk valve has a valve housing in which a valve disk is arranged in a component, wherein at least one valve disk is an adjustable control disk having at least one passage hole, and at least one valve disk is a fixed valve disk. Distribution recesses are provided in the inlet section and / or the outlet section, which connect a plurality of inlet channels and / or a plurality of outlet channels to each other. The ceramic disk valve is not located in the beverage dispensing unit of the beverage machine.

[0007] It is generally desired to have beverages, such as coffee or blended coffee beverages, prepared by a beverage machine with optimal taste, temperature, and visual appearance. This is not possible with a high degree of certainty if the beverage machine is not suitable for preventing dripping of the beverage into the beverage container just prepared. In known beverage machines, the valve is positioned relatively far from the beverage dispensing unit, and thus dripping cannot be safely prevented.

[0008] In the prior art, it is known to reduce this problem by switching the valve of the beverage machine to a position connecting the beverage path to the discharge section of the beverage machine after the beverage has been provided. However, this measure is only partially successful in terms of reliability (including dripping), since it is not possible to prevent with a high degree of certainty that the beverage in the pipeline downstream of the valve does not reach the outlet and causes dripping. This can negatively affect the quality of the beverage obtained via the beverage machine as well as the quality of subsequent beverages obtained via the beverage machine, i.e., negatively affect its taste (e.g., making it less fresh or duller), make its visual appearance worse (e.g., causing an inconsistent appearance of the beverage between single and double dispensing of the beverage), and undesirably change its temperature (e.g., reducing it to an undesired low temperature).

[0009] DE 112018002571 T5 discloses a coffee machine, in which a further solution to this problem is proposed. The coffee machine has a coffee nozzle, the distal end of which is arranged above a coffee cup, and the proximal end of which has an intermediate storage nozzle adapted to supply coffee to the coffee nozzle. In addition, the side surface of the coffee nozzle has a lateral discharge section adapted to directly discharge a part of the coffee from the intermediate storage nozzle into the discharge section (i.e., not supplying it to the coffee nozzle first), and the flow rate of this part of the coffee is reduced compared to the conventional flow rate during preparation (e.g., at the end of preparation), thereby reducing dripping of the coffee from the coffee nozzle. However, the decisive disadvantage here is that the discharge mechanism depends on the flow rate of the coffee passing through the intermediate storage nozzle, so there is a risk that at least some coffee is wrongly discharged into the discharge section before the end of its preparation. This can make the preparation uneconomical and it is not possible to provide the optimal (i.e., desired) amount of coffee with a high degree of certainty. Summary of the Invention

[0010] For this reason, an object of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing unit for a beverage machine, and a beverage machine that overcomes at least one drawback of the prior art. In particular, it should be possible to reliably avoid dripping of the beverage after dispensing using the beverage dispensing unit and the beverage machine, and to economically provide a beverage with optimal properties (i.e., desired taste, desired temperature, desired beverage volume, and perfect appearance). Preferably, it should also be possible to use the beverage dispensing unit and the beverage machine to dispense a beverage having an appearance that does not differ between single and double dispensing of the beverage (e.g., having the same appearance as milk foam coffee crema).

[0011] This object is achieved by a beverage dispensing unit having the features of claim 1 and a beverage machine having the features of claim 14. The dependent claims list preferred improvements of the subject matter according to the invention.

[0012] According to the present invention, there is provided a beverage dispensing unit for a beverage machine, comprising:

[0013] a) a first valve (e.g., a first coffee valve) for controlling the dispensing of a beverage (e.g., coffee), wherein the first valve has at least two ports, an open switching position, and a closed switching position,

[0014] b) a first valve inlet fluid line having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being connectable or connected to a first fluid line of the beverage machine, and the outlet end being fluidly connected to a first port of the first valve;

[0015] c) a first valve outlet fluid line having an inlet end fluidly connected to a second port of the first valve, and an outlet end (i.e., an outlet for the beverage) adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit;

[0016] It is characterized in that the first valve outlet fluid line has a length of ≤5 cm and an inner diameter in the range of >0 mm to ≤7 mm.

[0017] In the case where the first valve outlet fluid line does not have a circular cross-section (but, for example, a rectangular cross-section), the definition of the inner diameter refers to the maximum extent that the interior of the first valve outlet fluid line has in the spatial direction extending along the cross-section of the first valve outlet fluid line (i.e., located on or parallel to the cross-section). This can also be applied to other valve outlet fluid lines of the beverage dispensing unit according to the present invention, optionally all valve outlet fluid lines (see below).

[0018] With the beverage dispensing unit, it is possible to very reliably avoid dripping of the beverage from the outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line, and to economically provide a beverage with optimal characteristics (i.e., desired taste, desired temperature, desired beverage volume, and perfect appearance).

[0019] One of the reasons is that the beverage dispensing unit includes a valve that can be used to switch beverage dispensing. By switching the valve to its closed valve position at the end of beverage preparation, additional beverage is prevented from flowing from the valve inlet fluid line to the fluid outlet fluid line, i.e., the flow of the beverage can be interrupted by controlling the valve. In addition, by switching the valve to the closed valve position, a negative pressure acts on the liquid column still in the internal volume of the valve outlet fluid line, and the risk of the liquid column leaving the valve outlet fluid line and generating droplets is reduced. This reduces the risk of dripping. In addition, by switching the fluid path via the valve, some beverage can be prevented from accidentally entering the discharge section during preparation, which means that the beverage can be provided more economically and it is easier to ensure that the best (i.e., desired) volume of beverage is provided.

[0020] In addition, the internal volume of the valve outlet fluid line is very small due to its dimensions (i.e., short and small inner diameter). Therefore, even if the negative pressure restricting the liquid column in the valve outlet fluid line fails when the valve is closed and the capillary effect fails due to its small inner diameter, only small and short drips may occur. In summary, beverages with optimal beverage characteristics and a low dripping risk can thus be provided with a high level of certainty.

[0021] Another advantage is that the smaller internal volume of the valve outlet fluid line allows the outlet end of the beverage dispensing unit (i.e., flushing to the outlet) to be warm and hygienically flushed with a small amount of cleaning agent without liquid escaping from the outlet. Different types of beverages (e.g., types of coffee and / or milk) can be dispensed without actual cross-contamination. In addition, the beverage temperature can be increased after hot flushing, i.e., the best beverage temperature can be better ensured after hot flushing. Irregular hot flushing also eliminates the need for annoying warning signals. Since irregular hot flushing to the outlet may occur, contamination in the outlet area of the beverage dispensing unit can also be reduced. If the drip tray is positioned below the beverage dispensing unit, less or no beverage (e.g., coffee and / or milk foam) remains in the drip tray.

[0022] Another advantage is that the maintenance of the first valve is easier because the outlet is easily accessible from the outside due to the short valve outlet fluid line, i.e., the beverage dispensing unit does not have to be opened to access the first valve.

[0023] The length of the first valve outlet fluid line is ≤4 cm, preferably ≤3 cm, particularly preferably ≤2 cm, especially ≤1 cm. In addition, the inner diameter of the first valve outlet fluid line can be in the range of >0 mm to ≤6 mm, preferably in the range of >0 mm to ≤5 mm, particularly preferably in the range of >0 mm to ≤4 mm, very particularly preferably in the range of >0 mm to ≤3 mm, especially in the range of >0 mm to ≤2 mm. The shorter the length and the smaller the inner diameter, the smaller the internal volume of the valve outlet fluid line, and the greater the advantages according to the present invention.

[0024] The first valve of the beverage dispensing unit may have at least three ports, and the beverage dispensing unit further has:

[0025] i) A second valve (= discharge valve) for controlling the discharge of liquid into the discharge section, wherein the second valve has at least two ports, an open switching position and a closed switching position, and wherein the second valve is optionally a check valve;

[0026] ii) A second valve inlet fluid line having an inlet end fluidly connected to the third port of the first valve and an outlet end fluidly connected to the first port of the second valve; and

[0027] iii) A second valve outlet fluid line having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being fluidly connected to the second port of the second valve, and the outlet end being adapted to dispense the beverage into the discharge section of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0028] The second valve (= discharge valve) allows excessive beverage to be discharged into the discharge section. For example, if the first valve (e.g., the first coffee valve) is open and the second valve (e.g., the discharge valve) is closed, the beverage is dispensed from the outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line (i.e., the first valve outlet). If the situation is reversed, the beverage is dispensed into the discharge section. The valves can be driven by a common actuator and lever, i.e., mutually / complementarily with each other, or can be driven independently of each other by two actuators. The discharge valve can also be configured as a passive check valve.

[0029] Here, the first valve is preferably constructed in such a way that in the closed switching position of the first valve, there is a fluid-conducting connection between the first port and the third port of the first valve. The advantage of this is that when the first valve is closed (i.e., when the beverage dispenser is closed), the beverage can flow through the first valve into the discharge section. This more reliably prevents unwanted dripping of the beverage from the outlet end.

[0030] The beverage dispensing unit may further have:

[0031] i) A third valve (e.g., a second coffee valve) for controlling the dispensing of the beverage (e.g., coffee), wherein the third valve has at least two ports, an open switching position and a closed switching position,

[0032] ii) A third valve inlet fluid line having an inlet end fluidly connected to the inlet end of the first valve inlet fluid line and an outlet end fluidly connected to the first port of the third valve; and

[0033] iii) A third valve outlet fluid line having an inlet end fluidly connected to the second port of the third valve and an outlet end adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0034] The advantage of feature ii) is that a beverage (such as coffee) can also flow from the first beverage intake fluid line of a beverage dispensing unit (which can be connected to a beverage machine) into the third valve via the third beverage intake fluid line, and thus the beverage can be dispensed via the outlet end of the first valve intake fluid line and via the outlet end of the third valve intake fluid line (simultaneously). This also enables switching between single dispensing and dual dispensing.

[0035] The length of the third valve outlet fluid line ≤ 5 cm, preferably ≤ 4 cm, particularly preferably ≤ 3 cm, most preferably ≤ 2 cm, especially ≤ 1 cm. Additionally, the inner diameter of the third valve outlet fluid line can be in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 7 mm, preferably in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 6 mm, particularly preferably in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 5 mm, very particularly preferably in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 4 mm, especially in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 3 mm, optionally in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 2 mm. The shorter the length and the smaller the inner diameter, the smaller the internal volume of the valve outlet fluid line, and the greater the advantages according to the present invention.

[0036] The third valve can have at least three ports, wherein the third port of the third valve is fluidly connected to the second valve inlet fluid line of the second valve. The advantage here is that the third valve has a port leading to the discharge section, and thus excessive beverage can be discharged into the discharge section, which can more reliably prevent dripping.

[0037] The second valve inlet fluid line has an inlet end fluidly connected to the third port of the first valve and an outlet end fluidly connected to the first port of the second valve of the beverage machine.

[0038] Furthermore, the third valve can be configured such that in the closed switching position of the third valve, there is a fluid-guiding connection between the first port and the third port of the third valve. The advantage of this is that when the third valve is closed (i.e., when the beverage dispenser is closed), the beverage can flow through the third valve into the discharge section, which can even more reliably prevent dripping.

[0039] In addition to this, the beverage dispensing unit can further include:

[0040] i) A fourth valve (e.g., a centrally arranged milk valve) for controlling the dispensing of a beverage (such as milk or milk foam), wherein the fourth valve has at least two ports, an open switching position, and a closed switching position,

[0041] ii) A fourth valve inlet fluid line having an inlet end connectable to or connected to a second fluid line of the beverage machine, and an outlet end fluidly connected to the first port of the fourth valve;

[0042] iii) A fourth valve outlet fluid line having an inlet end fluidly connected to a second port of the fourth valve and an outlet end adapted to dispense a beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0043] The advantage here is that a beverage (such as milk or milk foam) can also be dispensed through the fourth valve (e.g., centrally into a beverage container). Another advantage is that in the case of single and double dispensing, i.e., when the center of the fourth valve is arranged at a dispensing point concentrically arranged with the cup, the beverage dispensing (e.g., milk dispensing or milk foam dispensing) can be carried out from the fourth valve. This results in the same beverage image for single and double dispensers and a visually appealing beverage image. An unsightly double heap in the beverage container (such as a cup) is prevented.

[0044] The length of the fourth valve outlet fluid line is ≤ 5 cm, preferably ≤ 4 cm, particularly preferably ≤ 3 cm, most preferably ≤ 2 cm, especially ≤ 1 cm. In addition, the inner diameter of the fourth valve outlet fluid line can be in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 7 mm, preferably in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 6 mm, particularly preferably in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 5 mm, very particularly preferably in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 4 mm, especially in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 3 mm, optionally in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 2 mm. The shorter the length and the smaller the inner diameter, the smaller the internal volume of this valve outlet fluid line and the greater the advantages according to the invention. If the fourth valve is a milk valve, the milk foam quality can also be increased with minimal milk foam loss (i.e., economically) by "cutting off" the start and end of the milk foam output.

[0045] The beverage dispensing unit may further comprise:

[0046] i) A fifth valve (e.g., an eccentrically arranged first milk valve) for controlling the dispensing of a beverage (such as milk or milk foam), wherein the fifth valve has at least two ports, an open switching position and a closed switching position,

[0047] ii) A fifth valve inlet fluid line having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being fluidly connected or fluidly connectable to a third fluid line of a beverage machine or to a third port of the fourth valve, and the outlet end being fluidly connected to a first port of the fifth valve;

[0048] iii) A fifth valve outlet fluid line having an inlet end fluidly connected to a second port of the fifth valve and an outlet end adapted to dispense a beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0049] The advantage here is that a beverage (such as milk or milk foam) can also be dispensed through the fifth valve (e.g., eccentrically into a beverage container, e.g., eccentrically to the left). If the inlet end of the fifth valve inlet fluid line is fluidly connected to the third fluid line of the beverage machine (e.g., the almond milk line), then a beverage different from that of the fourth valve can be dispensed via the fifth valve (strictly locally separated) (e.g., almond milk is dispensed via the fifth valve and milk is dispensed via the fourth valve).

[0050] The length of the fifth valve outlet fluid line can be ≤5 cm, preferably ≤4 cm, particularly preferably ≤3 cm, most preferably ≤2 cm, especially ≤1 cm. Additionally, the inner diameter of the fifth valve outlet fluid line can be in the range of >0 mm to ≤7 mm, preferably in the range of >0 mm to ≤6 mm, particularly preferably in the range of >0 mm to ≤5 mm, very particularly preferably in the range of >0 mm to ≤4 mm, especially in the range of >0 mm to ≤3 mm, optionally in the range of >0 mm to ≤2 mm. The shorter the length and the smaller the inner diameter, the smaller the internal volume of the valve outlet fluid line, and the greater the advantage according to the present invention.

[0051] The fourth valve can be designed such that there is a fluid-guiding connection between the first and third ports of the fourth valve in the closed switching position of the fourth valve. This has the advantage that when the fourth valve is closed, a beverage (e.g., milk) can flow to the fifth valve, and thus the beverage is not dispensed via the fourth valve (e.g., the central milk valve) but via the fifth valve (e.g., the first, eccentrically arranged milk valve), which allows for position-selective dispensing of the beverage (e.g., milk or milk foam). If the milk source of the beverage machine connected to the second fluid line is manually changed by the user or the beverage machine is configured to change the milk source (e.g., configured to switch between different milk sources), then this measure can in principle be used to dispense different beverages via the fifth valve instead of via the fourth valve, such as almond milk instead of milk.

[0052] The fifth valve can have at least three ports, where the third port of the fifth valve is fluidly connected to the third port of the second valve of the beverage dispensing unit, and the fifth valve is preferably configured such that there is a fluid-guiding connection between the first and third ports of the fifth valve in the closed switching position of the fifth valve. This has the advantage that even when the fifth valve is closed, the beverage can enter the discharge part, thus more reliably preventing beverage dripping.

[0053] The beverage dispensing unit can further include:

[0054] i) A sixth valve (e.g., an eccentrically arranged second milk valve) for controlling the dispensing of a beverage (e.g., milk or milk foam), where the sixth valve has at least two ports, an open switching position, and a closed switching position,

[0055] ii) A sixth valve inlet fluid line having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being fluidly connected or fluidly connectable to the fourth fluid line of the beverage machine or to the fourth port of the fourth valve, and the outlet end being fluidly connected to the first port of the sixth valve;

[0056] iii) A sixth valve outlet fluid line having an inlet end fluidly connected to the second port of the sixth valve and an outlet end adapted to dispense a beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0057] The advantage here is that a beverage (such as milk or milk foam) can also be dispensed through the sixth valve (e.g., eccentrically into a beverage container, e.g., eccentrically to the right). If the inlet end of the fifth valve inlet fluid line is fluidly connected to the fourth fluid line of the beverage machine (e.g., the oat milk line), then a beverage different from the fourth valve and / or the third valve can be dispensed (strictly locally separated) via the fifth valve (e.g., oat milk via the sixth valve, almond milk via the fifth valve, and milk via the fourth valve).

[0058] The length of the sixth valve outlet fluid line can be ≤ 5 cm, preferably ≤ 4 cm, particularly preferably ≤ 3 cm, most preferably ≤ 2 cm, especially ≤ 1 cm. In addition, the inner diameter of the sixth valve outlet fluid line can be in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 7 mm, preferably in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 6 mm, particularly preferably in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 5 mm, very particularly preferably in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 4 mm, especially in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 3 mm, and optionally in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 2 mm. The shorter the length and the smaller the inner diameter, the smaller the internal volume of the valve outlet fluid line, and the greater the advantage according to the present invention.

[0059] The fourth valve can be designed such that there is a fluid-guiding connection between the first and fourth ports of the fourth valve in the closed switching position of the fourth valve. This has the advantage that when the fourth valve is closed, a beverage (e.g., milk) can flow to the sixth valve, and thus the beverage is not dispensed via the fourth valve (e.g., the central milk valve) but via the sixth valve (e.g., the second, eccentrically arranged milk valve), which allows for position-selective dispensing of the beverage (e.g., milk or milk foam). If the milk source of the beverage machine connected to the second fluid line is manually changed by the user or the beverage machine is configured to change the milk source (e.g., configured to switch between different milk sources), then this measure can in principle be used to dispense different beverages via the sixth valve instead of via the fourth valve, e.g., oat milk instead of milk. It is also conceivable that the beverage (e.g., milk or milk foam) is not dispensed via the fourth valve (e.g., as a central single dispensing) but via both the fifth valve and the sixth valve (e.g., as an eccentric double dispensing).

[0060] The sixth valve may have at least three ports, wherein a third port of the sixth valve is fluidly connected to a third port of a second valve of the beverage dispensing unit, and wherein the sixth valve is preferably configured in such a way that in a closed switching position of the sixth valve, there is a connection guiding fluid between a first and a third port of the sixth valve. This has the advantage that even when the sixth valve is closed, beverage can enter the discharge section, thus more reliably preventing beverage dripping.

[0061] The first valve may be selected from the group consisting of an electrically switched valve, a hydraulically switched valve, a pneumatically switched valve, and combinations thereof, and wherein the first valve is preferably an electrically switched valve.

[0062] Furthermore, the first valve may have an actuator adapted to switch the first valve. The actuator is preferably selected from the group consisting of a linear solenoid, a linear motor, a piezoelectric element, and combinations thereof. In addition, a third valve of the beverage dispensing unit may include a switchable actuator, wherein the switchable actuator may be adapted to switch the first valve and the third valve in the same way (i.e., simultaneously switch to their open switching position and / or their closed switching position). A second valve (discharge valve) of the beverage dispensing unit may also include a second actuator adapted to switch the second valve. In addition, a fourth valve of the beverage dispensing unit may include a third actuator adapted to switch the fourth valve. Furthermore, the fifth and sixth valves of the beverage dispensing unit may include a fourth actuator adapted to switch the fifth and sixth valves, preferably in the same way (i.e., switch them simultaneously to their open switching position and / or their closed switching position).

[0063] In addition, the first valve may have a plunger adapted to switch the first valve by driving its movement through the actuator of the first valve. Preferably, the plunger has an axially and / or radially outward-facing lip on a contact surface at an inlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line. The advantage is that the inlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line can be more reliably fluid-sealed. The plunger preferably has an elastic element, particularly preferably a spring, adapted to hold the first valve in its closed switching position or its open switching position. Thus, the valve can be considered a plunger valve.

[0064] In addition, the first valve may have an elastic material, preferably an elastic diaphragm, adapted to fluid-seal an inlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line in a closed switching position of the first valve. Thus, the valve can be considered a diaphragm valve.

[0065] The first valve may have at least one port, the internal cross-sectional area of which decreases in the direction of the fluid line connected to the respective port, preferably from an internal cross-sectional area larger than the internal cross-sectional area of the fluid line to a cross-sectional area equal to the internal cross-sectional area of the fluid line. The advantage here is to create a "lock-up zone" for the beverage, which can result in a more uniform beverage (e.g., more uniform coffee and / or more uniform milk foam).

[0066] Optionally, at least one additional valve of the beverage dispensing unit, optionally all valves of the beverage dispensing unit, may have at least one of the above-described features (of the first valve).

[0067] The outlet end (i.e., the outlet) of the first valve outlet fluid line may be the same as the outlet ends of the third valve outlet fluid line, the fourth fluid outlet fluid line, the fifth fluid outlet fluid line, and / or the sixth fluid outlet fluid line (same outlet). Additionally, the outlet end (i.e., the outlet) of the first valve outlet fluid line may be different from the outlet ends of the third valve outlet fluid line, the fourth fluid outlet fluid line, the fifth fluid outlet fluid line, and / or the sixth fluid outlet fluid line (different outlets).

[0068] The outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line may be adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit along a substantially linear axis. The substantially linear axis is preferably arranged within an imaginary cylinder, the central cylinder axis of which is parallel to the substantially linear axis, wherein the imaginary cylinder has a radius in the range of 3 to 6 cm, preferably 3.5 to 5.5 cm, particularly preferably 4 to 5 cm, especially 4.5 cm.

[0069] Here, the outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line may have a distance from the central cylinder axis of the imaginary cylinder in the range of 0 to 6 cm, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 cm, particularly preferably in the range of 1 to 4 cm, most preferably in the range of 2 to 3 cm, especially 2.5 cm.

[0070] Furthermore, the outlet end of the third valve outlet fluid line of the beverage dispensing unit may have a distance from the central cylinder axis of the imaginary cylinder in the range of 0 to 6 cm, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 cm, particularly preferably in the range of 1 to 4 cm, most preferably in the range of 2 to 3 cm, especially 2.5 cm. Optionally, the distance between the outlet end of the third valve outlet fluid line and the outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line is in the range of 2 cm to 4 cm, preferably in the range of 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm, especially 3 cm. The advantage is that the third valve outlet fluid line is very close to the first valve outlet fluid line, and thus, when dispensing the beverage, the liquid flowing through the third valve can be dispensed into the same beverage container as the liquid flowing through the first valve.

[0071] In addition, the outlet end of the fourth valve outlet fluid line of the beverage dispensing unit may have a distance from the central cylinder axis of the imaginary cylinder, the distance being in the range of 0 to 2 cm, preferably in the range of 0.25 to 1.75 cm, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 cm, most preferably in the range of 0.75 to 1.25 cm, especially 1 cm. Optionally, the distance between the outlet end of the fourth valve outlet fluid line and the outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line is in the range of 2 to 4 cm, preferably in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 cm, especially 3 cm. The advantage is that the fourth valve outlet fluid line is very close to the first valve outlet fluid line, so that when dispensing beverages, the liquid flowing through the fourth valve can be dispensed into the same beverage container as the liquid flowing through the first valve.

[0072] In addition, the outlet end of the fifth valve outlet fluid line of the beverage dispensing unit may have a distance from the central cylinder axis of the imaginary cylinder, the distance being in the range of 1 cm to 4 cm, preferably in the range of 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm, particularly preferably in the range of 2 cm to 3 cm, especially 2.5 cm. Optionally, the distance between the outlet end of the fifth valve outlet fluid line and the outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line is in the range of 3 cm to 7 cm, preferably in the range of 4 cm to 6 cm, especially 5 cm. The advantage is that the fifth valve outlet fluid line is very close to the first valve outlet fluid line, so that when dispensing beverages, the liquid flowing through the fifth valve can be dispensed into the same beverage container as the liquid flowing through the first valve.

[0073] In addition, the outlet end of the sixth valve outlet fluid line of the beverage dispensing unit may have a distance from the central cylinder axis of the imaginary cylinder, the distance being in the range of 1 cm to 4 cm, preferably in the range of 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm, particularly preferably in the range of 2 cm to 3 cm, especially 2.5 cm, wherein the distance between the outlet end of the sixth valve outlet fluid line and the outlet end of the fifth valve outlet fluid line is optionally in the range of 2 cm to 5 cm, preferably in the range of 3 cm to 4 cm, especially 3.5 cm. The advantage is that the sixth valve outlet fluid line is very close to the first valve outlet fluid line, so that when dispensing beverages, the liquid flowing through the sixth valve can be dispensed into the same beverage container as the liquid flowing through the first valve.

[0074] According to the present invention, there is also provided a beverage machine, preferably a coffee machine, comprising

[0075] i) A beverage dispensing unit according to the present invention, wherein preferably the inlet end of the first valve inlet fluid line of the beverage dispensing unit is connected to the first coffee line of a beverage machine, and particularly preferably, the inlet end of the fourth valve inlet fluid line of the beverage dispensing unit is connected to the milk line of the beverage machine; and

[0076] ii) A control unit configured to control at least one valve of the beverage dispensing unit, preferably all valves.

[0077] In a particularly preferred embodiment, not only is the inlet end of the fourth valve inlet fluid line connected to the milk line of the beverage machine, but also the inlet ends of the fifth valve inlet fluid line and the sixth valve inlet fluid line are connected to the milk line of the beverage machine. This means that the fluid path for the fluid medium milk or milk foam flows into at least three outlets of the beverage dispensing unit. In this case, actuation by the control unit for single dispensing (dispensing into a single beverage container) causes only a single outlet to be opened, and actuation by the control unit for double dispensing (simultaneously dispensing into two beverage containers) causes a single outlet to be opened for each of the two beverage containers. Preferably, the three outlets are arranged in the beverage dispensing unit in such a way that, in the case of single dispensing, one of the three outlets is arranged centrally above the beverage container, and in the case of double dispensing, two of the three outlets are each arranged centrally above their respective beverage containers. This allows the visual appearance of the beverage in the beverage container to be produced for single dispensing to be the same as that for double dispensing.

[0078] The beverage machine control unit may be configured to open the first valve when the coffee machine has received a command to dispense coffee into a single beverage container.

[0079] In addition, the control unit may be configured to open the first valve and the third valve of the beverage dispensing unit when the coffee machine has received a command to dispense coffee into a single beverage container or two beverage containers.

[0080] In addition to this, the control unit may be configured to switch the second valve of the beverage dispensing unit in a complementary manner to the first valve, optionally also switching to the third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth valves of the beverage dispensing unit, preferably closing the second valve when the coffee machine has received a command to dispense a beverage, and opening the third valve when the coffee machine has not received a command to dispense a beverage.

[0081] In addition, the control unit may be configured to open the fourth valve of the beverage dispensing unit when the coffee machine has received a command to dispense a fluid comprising milk or consisting of milk into a single beverage container.

[0082] In addition, the control unit may be configured to open the fifth and sixth valves of the beverage dispensing unit and close the fourth valve of the beverage dispensing unit when the coffee machine has received a command to dispense a fluid comprising or consisting of milk into a single beverage container (dual dispensing into a single beverage container) or into two beverage containers (single dispensing into each beverage container). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] The subject matter according to the invention will be explained in more detail based on the following drawings, without wishing to limit these to the specific embodiments presented herein.

[0084] Figure 1 A cross-section of a beverage dispensing unit according to the invention is schematically shown.

[0085] Figure 2 A schematic view of a beverage dispensing unit according to the invention as seen from below is shown.

[0086] Figure 3 The structure of a valve that may be included in a beverage dispensing unit according to the invention is schematically shown.

[0087] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A more detailed schematic view of one of the valves shown, in which the actuator is not shown.

[0088] Figure 5 A tilted top view of a beverage dispensing unit according to the invention and a cross-section through the beverage dispensing unit according to the invention are schematically shown.

[0089] Figure 6 A tilted top view of a cross-section through a beverage dispensing unit according to the invention is schematically shown.

[0090] Figure 7 A tilted top view of a cross-section through another cross-section of a beverage dispensing unit according to the invention is schematically shown.

[0091] List of reference numerals

[0092] 1: First valve (e.g., first coffee valve);

[0093] 2: First port of the first valve;

[0094] 3: Second port of the first valve;

[0095] 4: First valve inlet fluid line;

[0096] 5: Inlet end of the first valve inlet fluid line;

[0097] 6: Outlet end of the first valve inlet fluid line;

[0098] 7: First valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0099] 8: Inlet end of the first valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0100] 9: Outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0101] 10: Third port of the first valve;

[0102] 11: Second valve (discharge valve);

[0103] 12: First port of the second valve;

[0104] 13: Second port of the second valve;

[0105] 14: Second valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0106] 15: Inlet end of the second valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0107] 16: Outlet end of the second valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0108] 17: Second valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0109] 18: Inlet end of the second valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0110] 19: Outlet end of the second valve outlet fluid pipeline

[0111] 20: Third valve (e.g., second coffee valve);

[0112] 21: First port of the third valve;

[0113] 22: Second port of the third valve;

[0114] 23: Third valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0115] 24: Inlet end of the third valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0116] 25: Outlet end of the third valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0117] 26: Third valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0118] 27: Inlet end of the third valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0119] 28: Outlet end of the third valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0120] 29: Third port of the third valve;

[0121] 30: Fourth valve (e.g., centrally arranged milk valve);

[0122] 31: First port of the fourth valve;

[0123] 32: The second port of the fourth valve;

[0124] 33: The fourth valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0125] 34: The inlet end of the fourth valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0126] 35: The outlet end of the fourth valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0127] 36: The fourth valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0128] 37: The inlet end of the fourth valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0129] 38: The outlet end of the fourth valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0130] 39: The third port of the fourth valve;

[0131] 40: The fifth valve (e.g., the first milk valve arranged eccentrically);

[0132] 41: The first port of the fifth valve;

[0133] 42: The second port of the fifth valve;

[0134] 43: The fifth valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0135] 44: The inlet end of the fifth valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0136] 45: The outlet end of the fifth valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0137] 46: The fifth valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0138] 47: The inlet end of the fifth valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0139] 48: The outlet end of the fifth valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0140] 49: The third port of the fifth valve;

[0141] 50: The third port of the second valve;

[0142] 51: The fourth port of the fourth valve;

[0143] 52: The sixth valve (e.g., the second milk valve arranged eccentrically);

[0144] 53: The first port of the sixth valve;

[0145] 54: The second port of the sixth valve;

[0146] 55: The sixth valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0147] 56: Inlet end of the sixth valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0148] 57: Outlet end of the sixth valve inlet fluid pipeline;

[0149] 58: Sixth valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0150] 59: Inlet end of the sixth valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0151] 60: Outlet end of the sixth valve outlet fluid pipeline;

[0152] 61: Third port of the sixth valve;

[0153] 62: Elastic element (e.g., spring);

[0154] 63: Switchable actuator for the first and third valves (e.g., coffee valve);

[0155] 63ˊ: Switchable actuator for the second valve (discharge valve);

[0156] 63ˊˊ: Actuator switchable from the fourth valve (e.g., central milk valve);

[0157] 63ˊˊˊ: Switchable actuator for the fifth and sixth valves (e.g., eccentrically arranged milk valve);

[0158] 64: Plunger of the valve;

[0159] 65: Elastic material (e.g., elastic membrane);

[0160] 66: Lip of the plunger;

[0161] 67: First pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0162] 67ˊ: Second pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0163] 67ˊˊ: Third pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0164] 67ˊˊˊ: Fourth pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0165] 67ˊˊˊˊ: Fifth pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0166] 68: Inlet end of the first pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0167] 68ˊ: Inlet end of the second pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0168] 68ˊˊ: Inlet end of the third pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0169] 68ˊˊˊ: Inlet end of the fourth pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0170] 68''''': Inlet end of the fifth pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0171] 69: Outlet end of the first pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0172] 69': Outlet end of the second pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0173] 69'': Outlet end of the third pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0174] 69''': Outlet end of the fourth pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0175] 69''''': Outlet end of the fifth pipeline for beverage syrup;

[0176] 70: Pipeline for chocolate syrup;

[0177] 71: Inlet end of the pipeline for chocolate syrup;

[0178] 72: Outlet end of the pipeline for chocolate syrup;

[0179] 100: Another valve (discharge valve). Detailed implementation

[0180] Figure 1 The cross-section of a beverage dispensing unit according to the present invention is schematically shown. The beverage dispensing unit includes a first valve 1 (first coffee valve) for controlling the dispensing of a beverage (coffee), where the first valve 1 has three ports 2, 3, 10, an open switching position, and a closed switching position. In addition, the beverage dispensing unit has a first valve inlet fluid pipeline 4, which has an inlet end 5 connectable to the first fluid pipeline of a beverage machine and an outlet end 6 fluidly connected to the first port 2 of the first valve 1. In addition, the beverage dispensing unit (not shown) has a first valve outlet fluid pipeline (not shown), which has an inlet end 8 fluidly connected to the second port 3 of the first valve 1 and an outlet end (not shown) adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0181] In addition, the beverage dispensing unit includes a second valve 11 (active or passive discharge valve) for controlling the dispensing of liquid into the discharge part, where the second valve 11 has three ports 12, 13, 50, an open switching position, and a closed switching position. In addition, the beverage dispensing unit has a second valve inlet fluid pipeline 14, which has an inlet end 15 fluidly connected to the third port 10 of the first valve 1 and an outlet end 16 fluidly connected to the first port 12 of the second valve 11. In addition, the beverage dispensing unit has a second valve outlet fluid pipeline (not shown), which has an inlet end 18 fluidly connected to the second port 13 of the second valve 11 and an outlet end (not shown) adapted to dispense the beverage into the discharge part of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0182] In addition, the beverage dispensing unit includes a third valve 20 (second coffee valve) for controlling the dispensing of a beverage (coffee), wherein the third valve 20 has three ports 21, 22, 29, an open switching position, and a closed switching position. Further, the beverage dispensing unit has a third valve inlet fluid line 23 having an inlet end 24 fluidly connected to the first valve inlet fluid line 4 and an outlet end 25 fluidly connected to the first port 21 of the third valve 20. Additionally, the beverage dispensing unit has a third valve outlet fluid line (not shown) having an inlet end 27 fluidly connected to the second port 22 of the third valve 20 and an outlet end (not shown) adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0183] In addition, the beverage dispensing unit includes a fourth valve 30 (central milk valve) for controlling the dispensing of a beverage (milk or froth), wherein the fourth valve 30 has four ports 31, 32, 39, 51, an open switching position, and a closed switching position. Further, the beverage dispensing unit includes a fourth valve inlet fluid line 33 having an inlet end 34 connectable to a second fluid line (not shown) of the beverage machine and an outlet end 35 fluidly connected to the first port 31 of the fourth valve 30. Additionally, the beverage dispensing unit includes a fourth valve outlet fluid line (not shown) having an inlet end 37 fluidly connected to the second port 32 of the fourth valve 30 and an outlet end (not shown) adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0184] In addition, the beverage dispensing unit includes a fifth valve 40 for controlling the dispensing of a beverage, wherein the fifth valve 40 has three ports 41, 42, 49, an open switching position, and a closed switching position. Further, the beverage dispensing unit includes a fifth valve inlet fluid line 43 having an inlet end 44 fluidly connected to the third port 39 of the fourth valve 30 and an outlet end 45 fluidly connected to the first port 41 of the fifth valve 40. Additionally, the beverage dispensing unit includes a fifth valve outlet fluid line (not shown) having an inlet end 47 fluidly connected to the second port 42 of the fifth valve 40 and an outlet end (not shown) adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0185] In addition, the beverage dispensing unit includes a sixth valve 52 for controlling beverage dispensing, wherein the sixth valve 52 has three ports 53, 54, 61, an open switching position, and a closed switching position. In addition, the beverage dispensing unit includes a sixth valve inlet fluid line 55 having an inlet end 56 fluidly connected to the fourth port 51 of the fourth valve 30 and an outlet end 57 fluidly connected to the first port 53 of the sixth valve 52. In addition, the beverage dispensing unit includes a sixth valve outlet fluid line (not shown) having an inlet end 59 fluidly connected to the second port 54 of the sixth valve 52 and an outlet end (not shown) adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0186] The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth valve outlet fluid lines (not shown) each have a length of only ≤5 cm and an inner diameter in the range of >0 to ≤3 mm. In this way, dripping of the beverage at the outlet end of the respective valve outlet fluid line, i.e., at the outlet of the respective valve, can be reduced in a reliable manner.

[0187] In addition, the beverage dispensing unit herein includes another valve 100, which can be an active or passive additional discharge valve.

[0188] The actively or passively controlled valves can be connected individually or together upstream of the valve 100 and / or the valve 11 in the fluid flow.

[0189] Figure 2Shows a schematic view from below of a beverage dispensing unit according to the present invention. In this view, the first valve outlet fluid line 7 (first coffee line) and its outlet end 9, the second valve outlet fluid line 17 (drain line) and its outlet end 19, the third valve outlet fluid line 26 (second coffee line) and its outlet end 28, the fourth valve outlet fluid line 36 (central milk line) and its outlet end 38, the fifth valve outlet fluid line 46 (first eccentric milk line) and its outlet end 48, and the sixth valve outlet fluid line 58 (second eccentric milk line) and its outlet end 60 are visible. In addition, the inlet end 5 of the first valve inlet fluid line (which can be connected to the first fluid line of a beverage machine, such as the coffee line of a beverage machine) and the inlet end 34 of the fourth valve inlet fluid line (which can be connected to the second fluid line of a beverage machine, such as the milk line of a beverage machine) are shown. In addition, the beverage dispensing unit also has a plurality of lines 67, 67ˊ, 67ˊˊ, 67ˊˊˊ, 67ˊˊˊˊ for beverage syrups having respective inlet ends 68, 68ˊ, 68ˊˊ, 68ˊˊˊ, 68ˊˊˊˊ and outlet ends 69, 69ˊ, 69ˊˊ, 69ˊˊˊ, 69ˊˊˊˊ. In addition to this, the beverage dispensing unit also includes a line 70 for chocolate syrup having an inlet end 71 and an outlet end 72. The plurality of lines 67, 67ˊ, 67ˊˊ, 67ˊˊˊ, 67ˊˊˊˊ and the line 70 for chocolate syrup each do not have a valve, that is, flow is possible in these lines without a valve being located in the beverage dispensing unit.

[0190] Figure 3 Schematically shows the structure of valves that can be included in a beverage dispensing unit according to the present invention. Each of these valves has an elastic element 62 (here: a spring), a plunger 64, and an elastic material 65 (here: an elastic diaphragm). Each of these valves has an actuator 63, 63ˊ, 63ˊˊ, 63ˊˊˊ, 63ˊˊˊˊ that is adapted to switch the valve, that is, to switch these valves from their open switching positions to their closed switching positions and / or vice versa. For example, the elastic element can hold the corresponding valve in its closed switching position, and the corresponding actuator 63, 63ˊ, 63ˊˊ, 63ˊˊˊ, 63ˊˊˊˊ is adapted to switch the corresponding valve to its open switching position. Of course, the reverse switching is also possible.

[0191] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3A more detailed schematic view of one of the valves shown, with the actuator not shown. In this illustration, the plunger 64 of the valve is visible, which is here pressed against an elastic material 65 (here an elastic diaphragm) by the force of an elastic element 62 (here a spring), and thus holds the valve in its closed switching position. Here, the plunger also has a lip 66, which enables better sealing of the inlet end 8 of the valve outlet fluid line at the second port 3 of the valve.

[0192] Figure 5 A tilted top view and a cross-section through a beverage dispensing unit according to the invention are schematically shown. In this view, the first valve 1 (e.g., the first coffee valve) and the first port 2 and the second port 3 of the first valve 1 are visible, and the first valve inlet fluid line 4 with its inlet end 5 and its outlet end 6 is shown. In addition, the first valve outlet fluid line 7 is shown with its inlet end 8 and its outlet end 9. In this case, the first valve 1 has a third port 10. The beverage dispensing unit also has a second valve 11 (discharge valve) here, with its first port 12 and its second port 13 visible. Here, the second valve inlet fluid line 14 leading to the second valve 11 is shown with its inlet end 15 and its outlet end 16, and the second valve outlet fluid line 17 leaving the second valve 11 is shown with its inlet end 18. The beverage dispensing unit also has a third valve 20 (e.g., the second coffee valve), where the plunger 64, the first port 21 and the second port 22 are visible. The third valve inlet fluid line 23 leading to the third valve 20 is shown with its inlet end 24 and its outlet end 25, and the inlet end 27 of the third valve outlet fluid line is shown. Here, the third valve 20 has a third port 29. In addition, the beverage dispensing unit has a fourth valve 30 (e.g., a centrally arranged milk valve), with its first port 31 visible. Here, the fourth valve inlet fluid line 33 leading to the fourth valve 30 is shown with its inlet end 34 and its outlet end 35, and the fourth valve outlet fluid line 36 leaving the fourth valve 30 is shown with its outlet end 38. Additionally, the beverage dispensing unit has a sixth valve 52 (e.g., an eccentrically arranged milk valve), and the sixth valve inlet fluid line 55 leads to this sixth valve. The sixth valve 52 has a third port 61.

[0193] Figure 6A tilted top view schematically shows a cross-section through a beverage dispensing unit according to the present invention. In this view, a first valve 1 (e.g., a first coffee valve) and a second port 3 of the first valve 1 are visible, and a first valve inlet fluid line 4 with its inlet end 5 is shown. In addition, a first valve outlet fluid line 7 is shown having its inlet end 8 and its outlet end 9. The beverage dispensing unit also has a second valve 11 (discharge valve) and a third valve 20 (e.g., a second coffee valve) here, where a second port 22 and a plunger 64 are visible. Here, a third valve inlet fluid line 23 leading to the third valve 20 is shown having its inlet end 24, and a third valve outlet fluid line 26 leaving the third valve 20 is shown having its inlet end 27 and its outlet end 28. In addition, a fourth valve inlet fluid line 33 is visible having its inlet end 34, whereby the fourth valve inlet fluid line 33 leads to a fourth valve (not shown) of the beverage dispensing unit. A lip 66 of the plunger 64 of the third valve 20 is also visible here.

[0194] Figure 7 A tilted top view schematically shows another cross-section through a beverage dispensing unit according to the present invention. In this view, a first valve 1 (e.g., a first coffee valve) and a second port 3 of the first valve 1 are visible, and a first valve inlet fluid line 4 with its inlet end 5 is shown. In addition, a first valve outlet fluid line 7 is shown having its inlet end 8 and its outlet end 9. The beverage dispensing unit also has a second valve 11 (discharge valve) and a third valve 20 (e.g., a second coffee valve) here, where a second port 22 and a plunger 64 are visible. Here, the inlet end 27 of the third valve outlet fluid line, which leaves the third valve 20, is shown. Also visible is a fourth valve inlet fluid line 33, which leads with its inlet end 34 to a fourth valve (e.g., a centrally arranged milk valve) of the beverage dispensing unit.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing unit of a beverage machine, comprising: a) A first valve (1) for controlling the dispensing of a beverage, wherein the first valve (1) has at least two ports (2, 3), an open switching position, and a closed switching position, b) A first valve inlet fluid line (4) having an inlet end (5) connectable to or connected to a first fluid line of the beverage machine, and an outlet end (6) fluidly connected to the first port (2) of the first valve (1); c) A first valve outlet fluid line (7) having an inlet end (8) fluidly connected to the second port (3) of the first valve (1), and an outlet end (9) adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit; Characterized in that the first valve outlet fluid line (7) has a length of ≤ 5 cm and an inner diameter in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 7 mm.

2. The beverage dispensing unit according to claim 1, wherein The first valve (1) has at least three ports (2, 3, 10), and the beverage dispensing unit further has: i) A second valve (11) for controlling the discharge of liquid into a discharge section, wherein the second valve (11) has at least two ports (12, 13), an open switching position, and a closed switching position, and wherein the second valve (11) is optionally a check valve; ii) A second valve inlet fluid line (14) having an inlet end (15) fluidly connected to the third port (10) of the first valve (1), and an outlet end (16) fluidly connected to the first port (12) of the second valve (11); and iii) A second valve outlet fluid line (17) having an inlet end (18) fluidly connected to the second port (13) of the second valve (11), and an outlet end (19) adapted to dispense the beverage into the discharge section of the beverage dispensing unit; Wherein the first valve (1) is preferably configured such that in the closed switching position of the first valve (1), there is a fluid guiding connection between the first port (2) and the third port (10) of the first valve (1).

3. The beverage dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The beverage dispensing unit further has i) A third valve (20) for controlling the dispensing of a beverage, wherein the third valve (20) has at least two ports (21, 22), an open switching position, and a closed switching position, ii) A third valve inlet fluid line (23) having an inlet end (24) fluidly connected to the inlet end of the first valve inlet fluid line (4), and an outlet end (25) fluidly connected to the first port (21) of the third valve (20); and iii) A third valve outlet fluid line (26) having an inlet end (27) fluidly connected to the second port (22) of the third valve (20), and an outlet end (28) adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit; Wherein the third valve outlet fluid line (26) preferably has a length of ≤ 5 cm and an inner diameter in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 7 mm.

4. The beverage dispensing unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third valve (20) has at least three ports (21, 22, 29), wherein a third port (29) of the third valve (20) is fluidly connected to the second valve inlet fluid line (14) of the second valve (11), and preferably i) The second valve inlet fluid line (14) has an inlet end (15) fluidly connected to a third port (10) of the first valve (1) and an outlet end (16) fluidly connected to a first port (12) of the second valve (11) of the beverage machine; and / or ii) The third valve (20) is configured such that in a closed switching position of the third valve (20), there is a connection guiding fluid between a first and a third interface (21, 29) of the third valve (20).

5. A beverage dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The beverage dispensing unit further comprises: i) A fourth valve (30) for controlling the dispensing of the beverage, wherein the fourth valve (30) has at least two ports (31, 32), an open switching position and a closed switching position, ii) A fourth valve inlet fluid line (33) having an inlet end (34) connectable to or connected to a second fluid line of the beverage machine and an outlet end (35) fluidly connected to a first port (31) of the fourth valve (30); iii) A fourth valve outlet fluid line (36) having an inlet end (37) fluidly connected to a second port (32) of the fourth valve (30) and an outlet end (38) adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit; wherein the fourth valve outlet fluid line (36) preferably has a length of ≤5 cm and an inner diameter in the range of >0 mm to ≤7 mm.

6. The beverage dispensing unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The beverage dispensing unit further comprises: i) A fifth valve (40) for controlling the dispensing of the beverage, wherein the fifth valve (40) has at least two ports (41, 42), an open switching position and a closed switching position, ii) A fifth valve inlet fluid line (43) having an inlet end (44) and an outlet end (45), the inlet end being fluidly connected to or fluidly connectable to a third fluid line of the beverage machine or connected to a third port (39) of the fourth valve (30), and the outlet end being fluidly connected to a first port (41) of the fifth valve (40); iii) A fifth valve outlet fluid line (46) having an inlet end (47) fluidly connected to a second port (42) of the fifth valve (40) and an outlet end (48) adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit; wherein the fifth valve outlet fluid line (46) preferably has a length of ≤5 cm and an inner diameter in the range of >0 mm to ≤7 mm, and optionally, the fourth valve (30) is configured such that in a closed switching position of the fourth valve (30), there is a connection guiding fluid between a first port (31) and a third port (39) of the fourth valve (30).

7. The beverage dispensing unit according to claim 6, wherein, The fifth valve (40) has at least three ports (41, 42, 49), wherein a third port (49) of the fifth valve (40) is fluidly connected to a third port (50) of a second valve (11) of the beverage dispensing unit, and wherein the fifth valve (40) is preferably configured such that in a closed switching position of the fifth valve (40), there is a fluid-guiding connection between a first port (41) and the third port (49) of the fifth valve (40).

8. The beverage dispensing unit according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The beverage dispensing unit further comprises: i) a sixth valve (52) for controlling the dispensing of the beverage, wherein the sixth valve (52) has at least two ports (53, 54), an open switching position and a closed switching position, ii) a sixth valve inlet fluid line (55) having an inlet end (56) and an outlet end (57), the inlet end being fluidly connectable or fluidly connected to a fourth fluid line of a beverage machine or to a fourth port (51) of the fourth valve (30), and the outlet end being fluidly connected to a first port (53) of the sixth valve (52); iii) a sixth valve outlet fluid line (58) having an inlet end (59) fluidly connected to a second port (54) of the sixth valve (52) and an outlet end (60) adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit; wherein the sixth valve outlet fluid line (58) preferably has a length of ≤ 5 cm and an inner diameter in the range of > 0 mm to ≤ 7 mm, and optionally, the fourth valve (30) is configured such that in a closed switching position of the fourth valve (30), there is a fluid-guiding connection between a first port (31) and the fourth port (51) of the fourth valve (30).

9. The beverage dispensing unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sixth valve (52) has at least three ports (53, 54, 61), wherein a third port (61) of the sixth valve (52) is fluidly connected to a third port (50) of a second valve (11) of the beverage dispensing unit, and wherein the sixth valve (52) is preferably configured such that in a closed switching position of the sixth valve (52), there is a fluid-guiding connection between a first port (53) and the third port (61) of the sixth valve (52).

10. The beverage dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first valve (1) i) is selected from an electric switching valve, a hydraulic switching valve, a pneumatic switching valve, and combinations thereof, with the first valve preferably being an electric switching valve; and / or ii) has an actuator (63) adapted to switch the first valve (1), wherein the actuator is preferably selected from the group consisting of a linear solenoid, a linear motor, a piezoelectric element, and combinations thereof; and / or iii) has a plunger (64), the plunger being adapted to switch the first valve (1) by driving its movement through the actuator of the first valve (1), wherein the plunger (64) preferably has an elastic element (62), particularly preferably a spring, the elastic element being adapted to hold the first valve (1) in its closed switching position or its open switching position; and / or iv) having an elastic material (65), preferably an elastic diaphragm, adapted to seal in a fluid-tight manner the inlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line (7) in the closed switching position of the first valve (1); Optionally, all valves (1, 11, 20, 30, 40, 52) of the beverage dispensing unit have at least one of these features.

11. The beverage dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first valve (1) has at least one port, the internal cross-sectional area of which decreases in the direction of the fluid line connected to the respective port, preferably from an internal cross-sectional area larger than the internal cross-sectional area of the fluid line to an internal cross-sectional area equal to the internal cross-sectional area of the fluid line, and optionally all valves of the beverage dispensing unit have at least one of these features.

12. The beverage dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line (7) is adapted to dispense the beverage into the external environment of the beverage dispensing unit along a substantially linear axis, wherein the substantially linear axis is preferably arranged within an imaginary cylinder, the central cylinder axis of which is parallel to the substantially linear axis, and wherein the imaginary cylinder has a radius in the range of 3 cm to 6 cm, preferably 3.5 cm to 5.5 cm, particularly preferably 4 cm to 5 cm, in particular 4.5 cm.

13. The beverage dispensing unit according to claim 12, characterized in that i) the distance of the outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line (7) from the central cylinder axis of the imaginary cylinder is in the range of 0 cm to 6 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 5 cm, particularly preferably 1 cm to 4 cm, most preferably 2 cm to 3 cm, in particular 2.5 cm; and / or ii) the distance of the outlet end of the third valve outlet fluid line (26) of the beverage dispensing unit from the central cylinder axis of the imaginary cylinder is in the range of 0 cm to 6 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 5 cm, particularly preferably 1 cm to 4 cm, most preferably 2 cm to 3 cm, in particular 2.5 cm, wherein the distance between the outlet end of the third valve outlet fluid line and the outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line is optionally in the range of 2 cm to 4 cm, preferably 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm, in particular 3 cm; and / or iii) the distance of the outlet end of the fourth valve outlet fluid line (36) of the beverage dispensing unit from the central cylinder axis of the imaginary cylinder is in the range of 0 cm to 2 cm, preferably 0.25 cm to 1.75 cm, particularly preferably 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm, very particularly preferably 0.75 cm to 1.25 cm, in particular 1 cm, wherein the distance between the outlet end of the fourth valve outlet fluid line and the outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line is optionally in the range of 2 cm to 4 cm, preferably 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm, in particular 3 cm; and / or iv) The distance between the outlet end of the fifth valve outlet fluid line (46) of the beverage dispensing unit and the central cylinder axis of the imaginary cylinder is in the range of 1 cm to 4 cm, preferably 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm, particularly preferably 2 cm to 3 cm, especially 2.5 cm, wherein the distance between the outlet end of the fifth valve outlet fluid line and the outlet end of the first valve outlet fluid line is optionally in the range of 3 cm to 7 cm, preferably 4 cm to 6 cm, especially 5 cm; and / or v) The distance between the outlet end of the sixth valve outlet fluid line (58) of the beverage dispensing unit and the central cylinder axis of the imaginary cylinder is in the range of 1 cm to 4 cm, preferably 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm, particularly preferably 2 cm to 3 cm, especially 2.5 cm, wherein the distance between the outlet end of the sixth valve outlet fluid line and the outlet end of the fifth valve outlet fluid line is optionally in the range of 2 cm to 5 cm, preferably 3 cm to 4 cm, especially 3.5 cm.

14. A beverage machine, preferably a coffee machine, comprising i) A beverage dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Preferably, the inlet end of the first valve inlet fluid line of the beverage dispensing unit is connected to the first coffee line of the beverage machine, and particularly preferably, the inlet end (34) of the fourth valve inlet fluid line (33) of the beverage dispensing unit is connected to the milk line of the beverage machine; And ii) A control unit configured to control at least one valve of the beverage dispensing unit, preferably all valves.

15. The beverage machine according to claim 14, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to i) Open the first valve (1) when the coffee machine has received a command to dispense coffee into a single beverage container; and / or ii) Open the first valve (1) and the third valve (20) of the beverage dispensing unit when the coffee machine has received a command to dispense coffee into a single beverage container or two beverage containers; And / or iii) Switch the second valve (11) of the beverage dispensing unit in a complementary manner to the first valve (1), optionally also switching the third valve (20), fourth valve (30), fifth valve (40) and / or sixth valve (52) of the beverage dispensing unit, preferably closing the second valve when the coffee machine has received a command to dispense a beverage and opening the third valve when the coffee machine has not received a command to dispense a beverage; and / or iv) Open the fourth valve (30) of the beverage dispensing unit when the coffee machine has received a command to dispense a fluid comprising milk or consisting of milk into a single beverage container; and / or v) Open the fifth valve (40) and the sixth valve (52) of the beverage dispensing unit and close the fourth valve (30) of the beverage dispensing unit when the coffee machine has received a command to dispense a fluid comprising milk or consisting of milk into a single beverage container or two beverage containers.

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