Device for germ-free dispensing of beverages with drip tray design

Abstract

Device (100) for dispensing aseptically with a drip tray, still water and / or water enriched with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, comprising a liquid channel (1) arranged or formed in a housing with a connection (2) for supplying the beverage and a dispensing opening (3) for dispensing the beverage, wherein the dispensing opening (3) of the liquid channel (1) is electrically heated, characterized by at least one control and / or regulating device (6) which is configured and provided to ensure that, immediately after actuating a tap (5) and the associated opening of a valve (31) of the connection (2) or immediately after the end of the dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve (31) of the connection (2), at least one heating element (4)which is arranged at or in the area of ​​the dispensing opening (3) and can be heated to a temperature of at least 80 degrees Celsius, wherein the liquid channel (1) has at least one cross-sectional reduction (81) in the form of an hourglass, such that a constriction (82) first appears in the direction from the connection (2) towards the dispensing opening (3), which the beverage to be dispensed can overcome, in order to then be discharged from the dispensing opening (3) out of the device (100), wherein the heating element (4) is arranged in a sleeve that encloses a lower area of ​​the liquid channel (1), the heating element (4) is arranged at the level of the constriction (82), such that the heating element (4) at least partially surrounds the cross-sectional reduction (81), i.e. the hourglass, and further, wherein the sleeve together with the heating element (4) is positively fitted to the course of the cross-sectional reduction from the outside.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing beverages without germs with a drip tray design and to a method for dispensing beverages without germs with a drip tray design according to the respective preamble of claims 1 and 10.

[0002] In the treatment of drinking water or table water for individual consumers (households) or large consumers (hospitals, businesses), it is crucial that the tapped or dispensed water is provided to the consumer germ-free.

[0003] In particular, there is a risk that with irregular use, but also with frequent use of such systems, one or more water droplets may remain at the free end of the dispensing point, which can then give rise to bacterial growth, or that the edge of the outlet may periodically pick up germs from the surroundings, for example, from users of the system or from the environment. However, such problems do not only occur with drinking water or table water treatment, but generally with beverages dispensed in a non-sterile environment.

[0004] The present invention now attempts to eliminate the aforementioned problems and therefore offers, among other things, a device for the germ-free dispensing of beverages with a drip tray design, which enables germ-free dispensing in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner by, in particular, individually setting a reheating interval after a dispensing process.

[0005] DE 10 2017 129 283 A1 discloses a liquid dispensing system with a heating element at its outlet pipe. To improve the efficiency of such a liquid dispensing system, at least one retention device is arranged in the outlet pipe in the direction of liquid flow, in a region near the heating element. The liquid dispensing system is particularly suitable as a tap and as a beverage dispensing system.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, the device for dispensing germ-free beverages with a drip tray, for example still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, etc., has a housing, wherein a liquid channel is formed with or in the housing.

[0008] This liquid channel has a connection for supplying the beverage and a dispensing opening for dispensing the beverage, wherein the dispensing opening or the area of ​​the dispensing opening of the liquid channel is electrically heated or heatable.

[0009] According to the invention, the device comprises at least one control and / or regulating device, which is designed and also provided for the purpose that, immediately after the actuation of a tap and the associated opening of a valve of the connection, or immediately after the end of the dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve of the connection, at least one heating element, which is arranged on or in the area of ​​the dispensing opening, can be heated to a temperature of at least 80 degrees Celsius.

[0010] According to the invention, the liquid channel has at least one hourglass-shaped reduction in cross-section, such that a constriction appears in the direction from the connection to the dispensing opening. This constriction is overcome by the beverages being dispensed, which then exit the device from the dispensing opening. Experience has shown that this prevents residual dripping, particularly after the dispensing process has ended. Based on the Bernoulli and capillary effects, this prevents further drops from leaving the liquid channel after the dispensing process has finished, and also allows the dispensing process to be ended very quickly, even abruptly.

[0011] According to the invention, the heating element is arranged in a sleeve that encloses a lower region of the liquid channel. By arranging the heating element in this sleeve, a particularly simple replacement of the heating element can be achieved or facilitated. Furthermore, the heating element, which is formed in the form of individual heating wires, can be molded onto the liquid channel from the outside particularly easily and cost-effectively.

[0012] According to the invention, the heating element is arranged at the level of the constriction, such that the heating element at least partially surrounds the reduction in cross-section, i.e., the hourglass shape. Preferably, the heating element, together with its sleeve, is form-fittingly integrated along the outer contour of the reduction in cross-section.

[0013] According to the invention, the cuff, together with the heating element, is positively fitted to the contour of the cross-sectional narrowing from the outside.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment, the cross-section of the fluid channel above the constriction is smaller, at least by 5%, than the cross-section of the fluid channel below the constriction.

[0015] Heating the heating element directly leads to a warming of the liquid channel, at least in the area of ​​the dispensing opening.

[0016] For this purpose, the control and / or regulating device can communicate electronically with the valve and / or a power supply to the heating element, particularly an electrical one. For example, the valve is a solenoid valve that is controlled and / or regulated by the control and / or regulating device. The same can apply to the heating element.

[0017] The combined concept of the invention, whereby heating of the dispensing opening begins as soon as the tap is operated or closed, and in particular also during dispensing, and through the heating temperature of the heating element controlled or regulated by the control and / or regulating device to at least 80°C, prevents a germ-laden liquid from being discharged from the dispensing opening.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment, the device for the germ-free dispensing of beverages with a drip design, such as still water and / or CO2 or water with CO2 or added water, juices, milk, alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, etc., comprises a housing and a liquid channel arranged in the housing with a connection for supplying the beverage and a dispensing opening for dispensing the beverage, wherein the dispensing opening or the area of ​​the dispensing opening of the liquid channel is heated or heatable, in particular electrically.

[0019] According to the invention, the device comprises at least one control and / or regulating device which is designed and provided to ensure that at least one heating element, which is arranged on or in the dispensing opening, can be heated to a temperature of at least 80°C immediately after the operation of the tap and the associated opening of the valve of the connection, or immediately at the end of the dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve of the connection.

[0020] The advantage of the variant where the heating element begins heating as soon as the valve is opened (i.e., at the start of the dispensing process) is that the heating element is already warm when the dispensing process ends and does not need to be heated to a predetermined temperature afterward. Therefore, a heating temperature of more than 80°C is typically reached by the time the heating process is complete, guaranteeing that no germs can enter the dispensing opening after the dispensing process has finished.

[0021] The alternative approach, in which the heating process begins only immediately after the dispensing process is complete, is based on the principle that even after extended dispensing, the dispensed beverage remains at a temperature comparable to that found in a beverage reservoir. In other words, in the first scenario (dispensing begins immediately after opening the valve), the liquid may already be slightly warmed by the end of the process, but then at a high temperature suitable for sterilization. In contrast, in the second scenario (heating only after the dispensing process is complete), the original temperature of the beverage, as found in a reservoir, is maintained.

[0022] The heating element can, for example, be designed as a section of pipe that is pushed onto the outer circumference of the end section of the pipeline and secured there, for example by gluing or screwing. It can also be designed as a sleeve or similar device that is attached to the end of a liquid-filled pipe. Alternatively, the heating device can be installed and integrated into the pipe wall, for example, in the immediate vicinity of the drain opening.

[0023] It is conceivable that the liquid channel in the area of ​​the dispensing opening, instead of being heated briefly to such a high temperature, for example higher than 80°C, at regular intervals during the time when no beverage is being dispensed, is not heated after the completion of a dispensing process (including reheating time) until the beginning or end of the immediately next dispensing process.

[0024] Therefore, in the present invention it is unnecessary to repeatedly heat the liquid channel during the operation of the device, in particular between two immediately successive dispensing processes.

[0025] The heating element is designed, for example, as a heating coil powered by a low-voltage supply of, for example, 24 V. The current is selected to heat the inside of the pipe section of the ring, the sleeve, or the like to approximately 85 to 125°C. This temperature reliably prevents the formation of a biofilm on the inner wall of the water outlet nozzle, thus creating a germ barrier at the outlet. This prevents germs from forming at the outlet and entering the drinking water during the next use or from migrating inwards.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment, the heating element begins to heat up no later than 0.1 s and no later than 0.8 s after the valve of the connection is opened. Alternatively, the heating element can begin to heat up no later than 0.1 s and no later than 0.8 s after the valve of the connection is closed.

[0027] If the valve closes within a range of at least 0.1 s and at most 0.8 s after the valve is opened or closed, then, in accordance with the invention, this can be understood as an immediate closing of the valve.

[0028] This time period has proven particularly advantageous for the inventors in order to achieve an efficient germ barrier, which prevents germs from moving into the liquid channel from a lower edge of the dispensing opening and settling there after the dispensing process has been completed.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment, the heating of the heating element ends at least 1 second after the end of a dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve. In other words, a post-heating process is generated, which lasts at least 1 second after the end of the dispensing process.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment, after the end of a tapping process, the duration of a subsequent heating process depends on the duration of the tapping process that was carried out immediately before it.

[0031] For example, it may be the case that the longer a dispensing process (time between opening and closing the valve with respect to a single dispensing) lasts, the correspondingly longer reheating process is generated by the control and / or regulating device.

[0032] For example, the duration of the dispensing process is linearly or quadratically related to the duration of the reheating process. It is conceivable that, according to a linear relationship, the reheating process is twice as long as the dispensing process itself (linear relationship) or four times as long (quadratic relationship).

[0033] The length of the reheating process can therefore be calculated by multiplying such a factor by the duration of the draw-off process. The duration of the draw-off process can be specified or measured by the control and / or regulating device.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment, the duration of the reheating process is at least the duration of the tapping process carried out immediately before it.

[0035] In such a variant, the factor mentioned above cannot be less than one, but in one embodiment is exactly one.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment, the reheating process begins during a first time interval with a first temperature of the heating element, and after the first time interval has elapsed, reheating is carried out with at least a second, low temperature until the end of the reheating process.

[0037] In other words, the reheating process is therefore divided into at least two different time and temperature sub-ranges in terms of time, while a so-called temperature plateau can be operated in the first time interval.

[0038] For example, in a subsequent second time interval, the temperature is reduced continuously (that is, linearly) until, for example, it reaches the minimum temperature of 80°C.

[0039] It is conceivable that the initial temperature during the first time interval is set between 85 and 125°C. While it is therefore necessary to achieve the most comprehensive possible germicidal effect and / or germ count control during the first time interval of the reheating process, it has been found that sufficient germicidal effect and / or germ count control can still be achieved during the second time interval, as long as the temperature is kept at least above 80°C.

[0040] Dividing the reheating process into at least two time intervals based on different temperatures can prove advantageous, among other reasons, because it allows the first interval, which operates at a "maximum" temperature, to be kept as short as possible in order to minimize the energy input to the heating element. For example, the heating element might be powered by a battery.

[0041] According to at least one embodiment, the first temperature is kept constant during the first time interval, while during the second time interval the temperature falls, in particular gradually, to a lower limit temperature, especially a temperature of 80°C. "Gradually" in this context means that the temperature in the second time interval preferably falls linearly over the entire duration of the second time interval.

[0042] According to at least one embodiment, the liquid channel in or in the region of the dispensing opening has at least a reduced cross-section, in particular wherein this reduced cross-section is adjustable from the outside by means of an adjusting device. This means that, starting from the valve and moving towards the dispensing opening, a predetermined cross-section is initially formed within the liquid channel in the dispensing opening, with this cross-section then decreasing towards the end of the dispensing opening. This reduced cross-section can therefore continue until the end of the dispensing opening or be further narrowed by another reduced cross-section.

[0043] For example, the reduced cross-section is formed in the form of a step within the fluid channel. However, it is also conceivable that instead of a step-like reduction in cross-section, the cross-section is reduced by a conical narrowing.

[0044] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for the germ-free dispensing of beverages with a drip tray, for example still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, etc., by means of a device according to at least one of the embodiments mentioned above.

[0045] This means that all features disclosed for the device are also disclosed for the method described here, and vice versa.

[0046] According to at least one embodiment, immediately after the actuation of a tap and the associated opening of a valve of the connection, or immediately after the end of the dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve of the connection, at least one heating element, which is arranged on or in the area of ​​the dispensing opening, can be heated to a temperature of at least 80 degrees Celsius.

[0047] The method described here has the same advantages and advantageous features as the device described above. The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment and several figures. In the Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device 100 described herein, which is not claimed here and on the basis of which a method 1000 as described below can be carried out. In the Fig. Figure 2 shows a reheating process comprising a first and a second time interval, where the reheating temperature is plotted against the reheating time. In the Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a device 100 as claimed in the invention, on the basis of which a method 1000 as described above can be carried out.

[0048] In the figures, identical or similarly functioning components are each marked with the same reference symbols.

[0049] As from the Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 100 for the germ-free dispensing of beverages with a drip tray, for example, still water and / or water enriched or mixed with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, etc., with a liquid channel 1 arranged in a housing or formed within it, with a connection 2 for supplying the beverage and a dispensing opening 3 for dispensing the beverage, wherein the dispensing opening 3 or the area of ​​the dispensing opening 3 of the liquid channel 1 is heated, in particular electrically.

[0050] This dispensing opening 3 is heated by a heating element 4, which is controlled and / or regulated by a control and / or regulating device 6. In particular, a control and regulating device 6 is shown, which is designed and intended to ensure that, immediately after the actuation of a tap 5 and the associated opening of the valve 31 of the connection 2, or immediately after the end of the dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve 31 of the connection 2, at least the heating element 4, which is arranged on and in the area of ​​the dispensing opening 3, can be heated to a temperature of at least 80°C.

[0051] The control and / or regulating device 6 can be connected to both the valve and the heating element 4 via data transmission. For example, the control and / or regulating device 6 controls a battery element of the heating element 4, which supplies the heating elements 41 of the heating element 4 with electrical energy, so that the heating elements heat up. As can be seen in particular from the Fig. As can be seen, the heating element 4 is arranged circumferentially around the outer circumference of the dispensing opening 3 and the liquid channel 1 in order to heat the wall material of the dispensing opening 3 and / or the liquid channel 1. For example, the heating elements of the heating element 4 are in direct contact with the wall material of the dispensing opening 3.

[0052] Furthermore, it is conceivable that a predefined selection of heating elements can be controlled and thus heated by means of the control and regulation device 6. This allows the heating effect of the heating element 4 to be adjusted.

[0053] It is conceivable that the heating element 4 is made of a synthetic material into which these heating elements are incorporated. By means of appropriate wiring of the heating elements to each other and also to the control and / or regulating device 4, this selection of the heating elements to be supplied with electrical energy can be carried out by the control and / or regulating device 6.

[0054] Furthermore, the heating elements could either be completely embedded in the plastic material (in which case they are not visible from the outside), or the heating elements could protrude from the plastic material or form a plane with it, so that in this case the heating elements come into direct contact with the wall material of the dispensing opening 3 and / or the wall material of the liquid channel 1.

[0055] From the Fig. 2 shows that after the end of the tapping process (indicated by reference numeral 15) a reheating process with a predetermined time length NX is carried out, starting from that point, whereby a tapping process carried out immediately before is dimensioned with a time length AT1.

[0056] It can be seen that the time length NX of the reheating process is twice as long as the time length AT1 of the immediately preceding tapping process, whereby in the exemplary embodiment the Fig. 2. The time duration NX of the reheating process only begins at the end of the dispensing process 15. It is further detailed that the reheating process itself is divided into a first time interval NX1 and a second time interval NX2.

[0057] While the time interval NX1 operates at a first temperature NXT1 (and no temperature is applied by the heating element 4 during the dispensing process), the second time interval NX2 operates at a second temperature NXT2 that decreases continuously, and in particular linearly in the present embodiment. As soon as the temperature NXT2 differs by 80°C, the entire reheating period ends. A further dispensing process of the same type, or even an identical one, as in the Fig. The tapping process shown in point 2 can be compared to the one in the Fig. Connect the 2 shown.

[0058] Preferably, only a single reheating cycle is carried out between two consecutive dispensing operations. In other words, the dispensing opening 3 is preferably not repeatedly heated, for example periodically or at intervals, between two immediately adjacent dispensing operations.

[0059] Unlike the Fig. 1 is from the invention Fig. 3 shows that the liquid channel 1 has at least one reduction in cross-section 81 in the form of an hourglass, so that in the direction from the connection 2 to the dispensing opening 3 a constriction first appears which can be overcome by the beverages to be discharged, in order to then be discharged from the dispensing opening 3 out of the device 100.

[0060] The heating element 4 is also arranged in a sleeve that encloses a lower portion of the liquid channel. The heating element 4 is positioned at the level of the constriction 82 (cross-sectional reduction 81) such that it at least partially surrounds the cross-sectional reduction 81, i.e., the hourglass shape. The sleeve, together with the heating element 4, forms a form-fitting connection to the outside of the cross-sectional reduction. The material in the area of ​​the cross-sectional reduction 81 can be deformable, particularly elastic. It is conceivable that the material contracts or expands through partial heating or cooling of the area of ​​the liquid channel 1 enclosed by the heating element 4. The size of the constriction can thus be controlled and / or regulated particularly effectively.Preferably, a material is used which changes (enlarges or decreases) the cross-section of the constriction 81 by at least 5%, preferably by at least 10%, as soon as the heating element temperature increases or decreases by 5%, preferably by 10%. The material of the constriction 82 can be made of a material different from the rest of the liquid channel 1. Reference symbol list 1 fluid channel 2 connection 3. Drop-off opening 4 heating elements 5 taps 6 Control and / or regulating device 15. Dispensing process 31 Valve 41 heating elements 81 Cross-sectional reduction 82 Narrow point 100 Device 1000 procedures AT1 Duration of the tapping process NX Time duration of the reheating process NX1 first time interval NX2 second time interval NXT1 first temperature NXT2 second temperature

Claims

[1] Device (100) for the sterile dispensing of beverages with a drip tray, of still water and / or water enriched with CO2 or O2, of juices, of milk, of alcoholic or alcoholic beverages, comprising a liquid channel (1) arranged or formed in a housing with a connection (2) for supplying the beverage and a dispensing opening (3) for dispensing the beverage, wherein the dispensing opening (3) of the liquid channel (1) is electrically heated, characterized by at least one control and / or regulating device (6) which is configured and provided to ensure that, immediately after the actuation of a tap (5) and the associated opening of a valve (31) of the connection (2) or immediately after the end of the dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve (31) of the connection (2), at least one heating element (4)which is arranged at or in the area of ​​the dispensing opening (3) and can be heated to a temperature of at least 80 degrees Celsius, wherein the liquid channel (1) has at least one cross-sectional reduction (81) in the form of an hourglass, such that a constriction (82) first appears in the direction from the connection (2) towards the dispensing opening (3), which the beverage to be dispensed can overcome, in order to then be discharged from the dispensing opening (3) out of the device (100), wherein the heating element (4) is arranged in a sleeve that encloses a lower area of ​​the liquid channel (1), the heating element (4) is arranged at the level of the constriction (82), such that the heating element (4) at least partially surrounds the cross-sectional reduction (81), i.e. the hourglass, and further, wherein the sleeve together with the heating element (4) is positively fitted from the outside to the course of the cross-sectional reduction. [2] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that a cross-section of the fluid channel (1) above the constriction (82) is smaller, at least by 5%, than the cross-section of the fluid channel (1) below the constriction (82). [3] Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that after the end of a dispensing process (15) a subsequent heating process beginning from that point on is of a duration (NX) of the duration (AT1) of the dispensing process carried out immediately before it. [4] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the duration (NX) of the reheating process is at least equal to the duration (AT1) of the immediately preceding tapping process. [5] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized by, that the reheating process begins during a first time interval (NX1) with a first temperature (NXT1) of the heating element (4), and after the first time interval (NX1) has elapsed, reheating is carried out with at least a second, lower temperature (NXT2) until the end of the reheating process. [6] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that in the first time interval (NX1) the first temperature is kept constant, while in the second time interval (NX2) the temperature falls, in particular gradually, to a lower limit temperature, in particular a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius. [7] Method (1000) for dispensing germ-free beverages with a drip tray, still water and / or water enriched with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcoholic beverages, using a device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by, that by means of the control and / or regulating device (6) immediately after the actuation of a tap (5) and the associated opening of a valve (31) of the connection (2) or immediately after the end of the dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve (31) of the connection (2), at least one heating element (4) which is arranged on or in the area of ​​the dispensing opening (3) is heated to a temperature of at least 80 degrees Celsius, wherein the liquid channel (1) has at least one reduction in cross-section (81) in the form of an hourglass, so that in the direction from the connection (2) to the dispensing opening (3) a constriction (82) first appears, which can be overcome by the beverages to be discharged, in order to then be discharged from the dispensing opening (3) out of the device (100).

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