Nozzle assembly for a beverage vending machine, method, control device and beverage vending machine

Abstract

Nozzle device (105) for a spout (110) of a beverage dispenser (100), wherein the nozzle device (105) has the following features: - a sensor device (300) for detecting a distance between the spout (110) and a measuring jet (120); and - a nozzle (310) for dispensing a liquid into the vessel (115, 140), wherein the nozzle (310) at least partially encloses the sensor device (300).

Description

The invention relates to a nozzle device for a spout of a beverage vending machine, a method and a device for rinsing a nozzle device of a beverage vending machine, and a beverage vending machine. EP 2 454 976 A1 describes a beverage maker with a height-adjustable beverage spout and a safety shut-off. The invention aims to provide an improved nozzle assembly for the outlet of a beverage dispenser, an improved method and an improved device for rinsing a nozzle assembly of a beverage dispenser, and an improved beverage dispenser. According to the invention, this problem is solved, among other things, by a nozzle assembly for the outlet of a beverage vending machine, a method and a device for rinsing a nozzle assembly of a beverage vending machine, and a beverage vending machine with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the respective dependent claims. The advantages achievable with the invention include preventing contamination of the outlet and preventing a container from tipping over. A nozzle device for a dispenser of a beverage vending machine is presented, wherein the nozzle device comprises a sensor device for detecting a distance between the dispenser and a vessel edge by means of a measuring jet and a nozzle for dispensing a liquid into the vessel, wherein the nozzle at least partially encloses the sensor device. The nozzle assembly can, for example, be located on the spout, which is designed to dispense a beverage prepared by the vending machine. The vending machine itself can be, for instance, a fully automatic coffee machine suitable for both household and professional use. The spout can be automatically height-adjustable, thus relieving the user of some effort. The beverage can be, for example, a coffee drink dispensed into a container such as a cup, mug, or glass. Since the container can have various shapes, the nozzle assembly incorporates a sensor. This sensor can be designed, for example, to determine the distance to the rim of the container without physical contact.The nozzle is designed to dispense the liquid, which could be, for example, the prepared beverage or even rinsing water, into the container. This advantageously allows for more hygienic beverage dispensing. The nozzle can, for example, enclose the sensor device over at least half its circumference; however, it is also conceivable that the nozzle completely encloses the sensor device. According to one embodiment, the sensor device can be configured to emit the measuring beam from the lower edge of the spout at an angle between 6° and 17°. The angle of the measuring beam relative to a horizontal surface in the operational state of the beverage dispenser can, for example, be between 6° and 17°, advantageously between 8° and 15°. This advantageously allows the rim of the container to be detected, so that the spout, for example, stops an adjustment process. According to one embodiment, the sensor device can be configured to detect the quantity of liquid dispensed from the nozzle. This quantity of liquid can be, for example, the amount of the prepared beverage or the rinsing liquid. Advantageously, this allows the sensor device to also precisely determine the quantity of liquid to be dispensed for a specific beverage. Furthermore, the nozzle assembly can include a light guide for redirecting the direction of the measuring beam, whereby the light guide can be arranged on the sensor assembly. The light guide can, for example, be an element that reflects or refracts a light beam emitted by the sensor assembly, or the measuring beam itself. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for contact sensors, for example. According to one embodiment, the light guide in the area of ​​the nozzle can be at least partially conical or frustoconical in shape. This advantageously allows the measuring beam to be guided more precisely. According to one embodiment, the sensor device can comprise an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and additionally or alternatively a radar sensor. Advantageously, this allows, for example, the detection of a container's height and additionally or alternatively the amount of liquid dispensed into the container. The measures mentioned above and below, which include an optical sensor and are particularly well-suited for it, can also be used accordingly for embodiments with the aforementioned sensors. Furthermore, the sensor device can be arranged at a distance from an inner surface of the nozzle. Advantageously, the resulting gap is shaped to allow the liquid to pass through. According to one embodiment, the light guide can also be arranged at a distance from the inner surface of the nozzle. For example, the liquid can be discharged from the nozzle through the gap. This provides an efficient way to implement a small nozzle design. According to one embodiment, the nozzle assembly can include a second sensor assembly for detecting a second distance between the outlet and the vessel rim by means of a second measuring jet and a second nozzle for dispensing the liquid into the vessel, wherein the second nozzle can at least partially enclose the second sensor assembly. Advantageously, this also allows a second vessel to be detected, for example, if a beverage dispenser for two vessels is intended. Furthermore, a method for rinsing a nozzle assembly in one of the previously presented variants of a beverage vending machine is introduced, comprising a reading step and a rinsing step. In the reading step, a rinsing signal is read, triggered by the activation of a control element of the beverage vending machine and additionally or alternatively after a predetermined time interval following the dispensing of a beverage. This predetermined time interval after dispensing a beverage can be understood as a waiting period to determine whether another user wishes to use the beverage vending machine. The predetermined time interval can be, for example, 10, 30, or 60 seconds. In the rinsing step, the nozzle assembly is rinsed with a fluid in response to the rinsing signal. The control element of the beverage vending machine can be implemented as a touch-sensitive display or a button. The button can, for example, be an on / off switch for the machine, or a button that starts a cleaning cycle. Furthermore, the cleaning cycle can be initiated when the vending machine transitions from an operational state to a standby state, or vice versa. The time period can be set by the user, so that the vending machine remains in an operational state until the set time expires. This advantageously ensures the reliable functioning of the cup rim detection feature of the vending machine. The approach presented here further provides a device designed to perform, control, and implement the steps of a variant of the method presented here in appropriate facilities. This embodiment of the invention, in the form of a device, also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently. The device can be configured to read input signals and, using these input signals, determine and provide output signals. An input signal can, for example, be a sensor signal readable via an input interface of the device. An output signal can be a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the device. The device can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing instruction implemented in hardware or software. For example, the device can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and may be implemented as, or comprised of, a discrete component. The invention further relates to a method for operating a nozzle device as mentioned above, for use in a beverage vending machine, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - reading a flushing signal (605) which is triggered by actuating a control element (170) of the beverage vending machine (100) and / or after a predetermined time period has elapsed following the dispensing of a beverage; and - flushing the nozzle device with a fluid responding to the flushing signal in order to at least partially flush the sensor device located within the nozzle device. Hot water or a rinsing solution, i.e. water mixed with detergent, is preferably used for this purpose. Furthermore, a beverage vending machine is presented, comprising a dispensing outlet, a nozzle assembly in one of the previously presented variants, and an embodiment of a device presented here. The beverage vending machine includes the following features: - a flow line system with actuators such as a pump, heating device, valves, and a grinder for grinding coffee beans and feeding the coffee powder to the brewing chamber for preparing and dispensing a beverage; - a dispensing outlet with at least one nozzle assembly as mentioned above; and - a device, preferably a control device, which is further configured to activate and deactivate the actuators in the flow line system for preparing the beverage. The beverage vending machine can, for example, be implemented as a fully automatic coffee machine that is suitable for private use and additionally or alternatively for commercial use. Although the described approach is based on a household appliance, the approach described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example in the catering industry. In a suitable embodiment of the beverage dispenser, the dispensing spout is automatically height-adjustable by means of a drive device, the control device (120) being configured and programmed to activate and deactivate the drive device for height adjustment depending on the signals detected by the sensor device. This allows the spout to be lowered to a predetermined distance from the rim of the cup without contact, preventing any contamination from the rim of the cup from being transferred to the underside of the spout or nozzles. In a further, overall advantageous embodiment of the beverage dispenser, the control unit is configured and programmed to activate and deactivate the actuators for preparing and dispensing the beverage based on the signals detected by the sensor device. This ensures very precise control of the dispensing quantity and also prevents the cup from overflowing if its volume is too small for the preset dispensing quantity of the selected and prepared beverage. A computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory, or optical memory is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or device, it can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above. An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a beverage vending machine with a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a spout of a beverage vending machine with a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a sketch of a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment; Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for rinsing a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment; and Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of a device for carrying out a method for rinsing a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a beverage vending machine 100 with a nozzle assembly 105 according to an exemplary embodiment. The beverage vending machine 100 is, for example, implemented as a fully automatic coffee machine from which a user can obtain a hot beverage. According to this exemplary embodiment, the beverage vending machine 100 has a spout 110 on which the nozzle assembly 105 is arranged. The spout 110 is shaped to dispense the beverage into a container 115, such as a cup, mug, or glass. The nozzle assembly 105 is arranged on the spout 110 and is implemented as a dispensing interface. According to this exemplary embodiment, it has a sensor assembly for detecting a distance between the spout 110 and the edge of the container by means of a measuring jet and a nozzle for dispensing a liquid into the container 115, wherein the nozzle at least partially encloses the sensor assembly.The sensor device can include, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor and / or a fiber optic cable. The beverage dispenser 100, which can also be referred to as a beverage maker, further comprises a device 120, which, according to this embodiment, is implemented as a control unit. The device 120 is configured to perform or control a method for rinsing the nozzle assembly 105, according to this embodiment. Furthermore, the beverage dispenser 100 comprises a housing 125, which, according to this embodiment, is designed to protect internal components of the beverage dispenser 100 that are necessary, for example, for beverage preparation. According to this embodiment, these components are a liquid reservoir 130, a pump 135, a heating device 140, a valve assembly 145, a brewing unit 150 with a brewing chamber 155, a storage container 160, and a grinder 165.According to this embodiment, the components are connected to each other, for example, so that the liquid can be directed through the beverage dispenser 100. The liquid container 130 is configured in this embodiment to store a liquid, such as water. The pump 135 is configured in this embodiment to pump the liquid from the liquid container 130 through the beverage dispenser 100 towards the heating device 140, which is also referred to as a water heater. The heating device 140, which can also be referred to as a water heater, is designed to heat the liquid in order to brew, for example, a coffee beverage. The valve device 145 is configured in this embodiment to allow a quantity of liquid corresponding to the selected beverage to flow through the line to the brewing unit 150.According to this embodiment, the beverage is selected by a user via a control element 170, which is implemented, for example, as a touch-sensitive display and / or can be referred to as an operating and display device. The beverage is then brewed in the brewing chamber 155 after, for example, coffee powder has been placed in the brewing chamber 155. The coffee powder can be obtained, for example, by grinding coffee beans located in the storage container 160, for which the grinder 165 of the beverage dispenser 100 is designed. In other words, a sensor device, for example a distance sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or radar sensor, is presented for a beverage vending machine 100, which, according to this embodiment, provides only a length or distance value as data. A measuring beam emanating from it is directed from a rocker arm, as described, for example, in the prior art, or, for example, an edge of the outlet 110, towards the nozzle at an angle of, for example, 8° to 15° with respect to the horizontal and, according to this embodiment, optionally also detects a liquid jet flowing from the nozzle. This allows, for example, a more precise determination of the liquid quantity than with, for example, a flow meter. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a dispensing outlet 110 of a beverage dispenser with a nozzle assembly 105 according to an exemplary embodiment. The dispensing outlet 110 shown here can correspond to the dispensing outlet described in Fig. 1. According to this exemplary embodiment, the nozzle assembly 105 is arranged at a free end of the dispensing outlet 110, so that, for example, during beverage dispensing, the container 115 can be placed under the nozzle assembly 105. The direction of the measuring jet 120 emanating from the nozzle assembly 105 is shown as an arrow in this exemplary embodiment. According to this exemplary embodiment, the measuring jet 120 travels at an acute angle of, for example, 6° to 17° from a horizontal line extending to a direction of travel 125 of the dispensing outlet 110.Preferably, the beverage dispenser 100 comprises a drive device 111, which is activated and deactivated by the control device 120 to lower or raise the spout 110 towards the edge of the cup. According to this embodiment, the spout 110 further comprises a second nozzle assembly 130, which, corresponding to the nozzle assembly 105, has a second sensor assembly for detecting a second distance between the spout 110 and the edge of the container by means of a second measuring beam 135. In this embodiment, the second beam direction of the second measuring beam 135 is represented by a second arrow. Furthermore, the second nozzle assembly 130 has a second nozzle for dispensing the liquid into, for example, a second container 140, wherein the second nozzle at least partially encloses the second sensor assembly. In other words, a cup rim detection sensor with a cleaning function is presented. This means that the approach presented here offers a way to automatically clean the sensor device, also referred to as a sensor or detection sensor, for example, using the rinse water from a dishwashing cycle, so that the functionality of the sensor device is maintained and a rocker switch mentioned in the prior art can be omitted. Instead, according to one embodiment, a light beam, or measuring beam 120, 135, is deflected laterally. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a nozzle assembly 105 according to an exemplary embodiment. The nozzle assembly 105 shown here can correspond to the nozzle assembly described in Fig. 2, except that the nozzle assembly 105 in this exemplary embodiment has an optical fiber 305 in addition to the sensor assembly 300. According to this exemplary embodiment, the nozzle assembly 105 also has the nozzle 310. According to this exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly 300 is designed to detect not only the distance between the nozzle assembly 105 and the edge of the vessel but also the quantity of liquid dispensed. According to this exemplary embodiment, the optical fiber 305 is at least partially conical in the region of the nozzle 310.According to this embodiment, the sensor device 300 and / or the light guide 305 is arranged at a distance from an inner surface 315 of the nozzle 310, so that a gap is created through which, for example, the prepared beverage, but also, for example, a rinsing liquid can flow. In other words, the sensor unit 300 is integrated into the nozzle 310 of the outlet in such a way that it can be exposed to hot water, for example. The sensor unit 300 is automatically cleaned during a power-on and / or power-off rinse cycle of the beverage dispenser. Additionally, the user can also initiate a rinse cycle of the beverage dispenser at any time, thus cleaning the sensor unit 300 periodically. Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a nozzle assembly 105 according to an exemplary embodiment. The nozzle assembly 105 shown here can correspond to the nozzle assembly described in Fig. 3 and can therefore be implemented in a beverage vending machine as described in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method 500 for rinsing a nozzle assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. According to this exemplary embodiment, the method 500 can be implemented in a beverage vending machine as described in Fig. 1. According to this exemplary embodiment, the method 500 comprises a reading step 505 and a rinsing step 510. In the reading step 505, a rinsing signal is read, which is triggered by actuating a control element of the beverage vending machine and / or after a certain period of time. In the rinsing step 510, the nozzle assembly is rinsed with a fluid after the rinsing signal. In other words, the flowchart describes procedure 500 after a user has placed a container under the spout and the rim of the container has been detected using, for example, a cup rim detection and / or spout height adjustment procedure. Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of a device 120 according to an exemplary embodiment for carrying out a method for rinsing a nozzle assembly. According to this exemplary embodiment, the device 120 is implemented as a control unit configured to control and / or execute the steps of the method for rinsing a nozzle assembly as described in Fig. 5. For this purpose, the device 120 has a reading unit 600 configured to read a rinsing signal 605. According to this exemplary embodiment, the rinsing signal 605 is triggered by actuating a control element and / or after a time interval has elapsed.Furthermore, the device 120 has an output unit 610 which is configured to output a valve signal 615 to, for example, a valve device of the beverage dispenser, in order to allow, for example, a quantity of liquid towards the outlet of the beverage dispenser so that the rinsing step can be carried out. The measures described above for an exemplary embodiment also apply to all other embodiments that are sensible and possible, in particular all embodiments that result from the claims and the respective associated description of advantages.

Claims

Nozzle device (105) for a spout (110) of a beverage dispenser (100), wherein the nozzle device (105) has the following features: - a sensor device (300) for detecting a distance between the spout (110) and a measuring jet (120); and - a nozzle (310) for dispensing a liquid into the vessel (115, 140), wherein the nozzle (310) at least partially encloses the sensor device (300). Nozzle device (105) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device (300) is configured to emit the measuring beam (120) from a lower edge of the outlet (110) at an angle between 6° and 17°. Nozzle device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (300) is configured to detect a quantity of liquid dispensed from the nozzle (310). Nozzle device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, with a light guide (305) for redirecting a direction of the measuring beam (120), wherein the light guide (305) is arranged on the sensor device (300). Nozzle device (105) according to claim 4, wherein the light guide (305) is at least partially conical or frustoconical in the area of ​​the nozzle (310). Nozzle device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (300) comprises an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor and / or an optical sensor. Nozzle assembly (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor assembly (300) is arranged spaced apart from an inner surface (315) of the nozzle (310). Nozzle device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a second sensor device for detecting a second distance between the outlet and the vessel edge by means of a second measuring jet (135) and a second nozzle for dispensing the liquid into the vessel (115, 140), wherein the second nozzle at least partially encloses the second sensor device. Method (500) for operating a nozzle device (105) according to one of the preceding claims of a beverage dispenser (100), wherein the method (500) comprises the following steps: - reading (505) a flushing signal (605) triggered by actuating a control element (170) of the beverage dispenser (100) and / or after a predetermined time interval following the dispensing of a beverage; and - flushing (510) the nozzle device (105) with a fluid responding to the flushing signal (605) in order to at least partially flush the sensor device (300) located within the nozzle device (105). Device (120), preferably control device, configured to perform the steps of the method (500) according to claim 9 in corresponding units (505, 510). A beverage dispenser (100) comprising the following features: - a flow line system (190) with actuators (130, 135, 140, 145, 150) for preparing and dispensing a beverage, - a spout (110) with at least - a nozzle device (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and - a device (120) according to claim 10, which is further configured to activate and deactivate the actuators (130, 135, 140, 145, 150) in the flow line system (190) for preparing the beverage. Vending machine (100) according to claim 11, wherein the outlet (110) is designed to be automatically adjustable in height by means of a drive device (111), wherein the control device (120) is set up and programmed to activate and deactivate the drive device (111) depending on the signals detected by means of the sensor device (300) for height adjustment. Vending machine (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the control device is set up and programmed to activate and deactivate the actuators (130, 135, 140, 145, 150) for the preparation and dispensing of the beverage depending on the signals detected by means of the sensor device (300). Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (500) according to claim 9, when the computer program product is executed on a device (120) according to claim 10.

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