Coupling device for connecting a liquid container to a beverage vending machine, container device for a beverage vending machine and beverage vending machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device (110) for coupling a liquid container (112) to a beverage dispenser (100), wherein the beverage dispenser (100) has a device body (104), wherein the coupling device (110) has a swivel arm (118) which has at a first end a coupling section (114) which is shaped to fluidically couple the liquid container (112) to the swivel arm (118), and at a second end opposite the first end has a connecting section (116) which is shaped to pivotably connect the coupling device (110) to the device body (104), and a support unit (200) rotatably arranged on the coupling section (114) which is shaped to laterally support the liquid container (112).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling device for coupling a liquid container to a beverage vending machine, a container device for a beverage vending machine and a beverage vending machine.

[0002] EP2632311B1 describes a water tank mounted on a swivel arm. The water tank can be positioned at the rear, on the right, or on the left side of the device housing.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to create an improved coupling device for coupling a liquid container to a beverage vending machine, an improved container device for a beverage vending machine and an improved beverage vending machine.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a coupling device for coupling a liquid container to a beverage dispenser, a container device for a beverage dispenser, and a beverage dispenser having the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are set forth in the following subclaims.

[0005] The approach presented here creates a space-saving way to laterally support a liquid container of a beverage vending machine and secure it against tipping over. Furthermore, for example, changing the side of the liquid container in relation to the beverage vending machine can be done easily and by the user. This allows the liquid container to be positioned as freely and as needs-based as possible in relation to the beverage vending machine. The advantageous positionability of the liquid container can increase the ease of use of the beverage vending machine. It is particularly suitable for use in a beverage vending machine for hot beverages, for example, in a fully automatic coffee machine that includes a storage container for coffee beans and a grinder or is designed for use with capsules or pads.

[0006] A coupling device for coupling a liquid container to a beverage dispenser is presented, wherein the beverage dispenser has a device body. The coupling device has a pivot arm having, at a first end, a coupling portion formed to fluidly couple the liquid container to the pivot arm, and, at a second end opposite the first end, a connecting portion formed to pivotally connect the coupling device to the device body. The coupling device also has a support unit rotatably arranged on the coupling portion and formed to laterally support the liquid container.

[0007] The coupling device can be used for a drinks machine, such as a fully automatic coffee machine, which can be used both for private purposes and as a professional device. The drinks machine can, for example, prepare both caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks. The device components required for beverage preparation can advantageously be arranged in or on the device body. The coupling device can be arranged outside the device body and can be coupled or can be coupled to the device body. The pivot arm can, for example, be mechanically connected to the drinks machine in the region of a base of the drinks machine. The coupling section can advantageously be formed as an interface to the liquid container, which can enable a mechanical connection between the liquid container and the pivot arm in addition to the fluid connection.Furthermore, the pivot arm can be elongated, so that the coupling section and the connecting section can be connected to each other by a web. The support unit can advantageously be designed to stabilize the liquid container arranged in the coupling section and thus prevent it from tipping over. Advantageously, the user can place the liquid container in any position, for example, to the left or right of the device, depending on the installation situation, since the support unit is rotatable and can be aligned relative to the liquid container by the user.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the support unit can comprise a sensor unit, which can be configured to detect the fill level of liquid in the liquid container. Advantageously, the support unit can thus be configured as a sensor tower, which has at least one sensor unit, but can advantageously also comprise further sensors and, additionally or alternatively, one or more lighting elements, such as an LED.

[0009] The sensor unit can be designed as a capacitive sensor. Advantageously, a fill level within the liquid container can be detected simply and reliably by such a sensor.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the support unit can be rotated by up to 200 degrees relative to the pivot arm. Advantageously, the support unit can be oriented independently of the position of the pivot arm such that a rear side of the support unit faces away from the front of the beverage vending machine. Advantageously, the support unit can be rotated by 180 degrees.

[0011] Furthermore, the swivel arm can be pivoted up to 200 degrees relative to the device body. Advantageously, the device body can be pivoted 180 degrees around the device body, allowing the user to decide on which side of the beverage dispenser the liquid container should be located.

[0012] Furthermore, the coupling section can have a liquid valve. Advantageously, the liquid valve can be used to draw liquid from the liquid container for preparing a beverage in the beverage dispenser.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the pivot arm can be configured to provide a fluid connection between the coupling section and the connecting section. This means that the pivot arm can advantageously have at least one fluid line, for example, a connecting hose, which can be integrated into the pivot arm in order to supply the beverage dispenser with fluid contained in the fluid container, for example, when dispensing a beverage.

[0014] The pivot arm can extend along a first axis, and the support unit can extend along a second axis, wherein the axes can be aligned orthogonally to each other. In other words, the two axes can be aligned transversely and preferably at a 90-degree angle to each other. This can enable a stable mount for the liquid container. A rotation axis of the support unit can extend along the second axis.

[0015] Furthermore, a container device for a beverage vending machine is presented, wherein the container device has a coupling device in a previously mentioned variant and the liquid container which is coupled or can be coupled to the coupling section of the coupling device and can be supported or is supported by the support unit of the coupling device.

[0016] The coupling device and the liquid container can engage with each other in such a way that a quantity of liquid contained in the liquid container required for dispensing a beverage can be guided from the liquid container through the pivoting arm to the device body of the beverage vending machine.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the liquid container can have a recess on a side wall, which can be shaped at least partially complementary to the support unit of the coupling device to enable engagement of the support unit of the coupling device. Advantageously, this can create a positive connection between the coupling device and the liquid container, more precisely between the recess and the support unit, so that the aesthetic appeal to the user can be improved while simultaneously increasing the stability of the liquid container.

[0018] Furthermore, the liquid container can have a valve opening in a container base for coupling to the coupling section. The valve opening and the coupling section can advantageously engage with each other in a complementary manner. The liquid container can, for example, have a cylindrically shaped receiving space for receiving the liquid.

[0019] Furthermore, a beverage vending machine for preparing a beverage is presented, wherein the beverage vending machine has a device body and a container device in a previously mentioned variant, wherein the container device is pivotally connected or connectable to the device body.

[0020] The drinks machine can advantageously be used both as a household appliance and as a professional device and can be designed, for example, as a fully automatic coffee machine.

[0021] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a beverage vending machine; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a drinks vending machine; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a drinks vending machine; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a drinks vending machine.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a beverage vending machine 100. For example, the beverage vending machine 100 for preparing a beverage is implemented as a fully automatic coffee machine, which is designed to prepare a hot beverage in response to an input made by a user and dispense it via an outlet 102. For this purpose, the beverage vending machine 100 shown here has a device body 104, in and / or on which device components required for beverage preparation are arranged, such as a bean container 106. Furthermore, the beverage vending machine 100 has a container device 108, which is or can be pivotally connected to the device body 104.

[0023] The container device 108 comprises a coupling device 110 and a liquid container 112, which is coupled or can be coupled to a coupling section 114 of the coupling device 110 and can be supported or is supported by a support unit of the coupling device 110 described in at least one of the following figures. The coupling device 110 is connected to the device body 104 by means of a connecting section 116. This means that the coupling device 110 is designed to couple the liquid container 112 to the beverage dispenser 100, more precisely, to the device body 104.

[0024] For this purpose, the coupling device 110 has a pivot arm 118, which has the coupling section 114 at a first end. The coupling section 114 is shaped to fluidically couple the liquid container 112 to the pivot arm 118. At a second end opposite the first end, the pivot arm 118 has the connecting section 116, which is shaped to pivotally connect the coupling device 110 to the device body 104. For example, the pivot arm 118 is designed to provide a fluid connection between the coupling section 114 and the connecting section 116, so that, for example, liquid is guided from the liquid container 112 into the device body 104. The pivot arm 118 is shaped like a web between the sections 114, 116. As previously mentioned, the support unit is formed as part of the coupling device 110 and is rotatably arranged on the coupling section 114.The support unit is shaped to laterally support the liquid container 112 and is described in more detail in one of the following figures.

[0025] In the presentation of Fig. 1, a double arrow 120 is shown, which represents possible pivoting directions of the pivot arm 118 relative to the device body 104 of the beverage dispenser 100. The pivot arm 118 can therefore be pivoted by up to 200 degrees relative to the device body 104 about the connecting section 116 and, according to this embodiment, in particular by 180 degrees. In the illustration of Fig. 1 shows exemplary extreme positions of the pivot arm 118, and thus also of the liquid container 112, relative to the device body 104 of the beverage dispenser 100. The extreme positions correspond to a state pivoted completely to the left and a state pivoted completely to the right.

[0026] In other words, the coupling device 110, also referred to as a water tank docking system, is shown for a beverage dispenser 100 whose externally arranged water tank docking arm, referred to here as pivot arm 118, can be rotated or pivoted together with the support unit by 180 degrees around the beverage dispenser 100. The coupling device 110 is divided into two parts, and the support unit, also referred to as the upper part, can be rotated or aligned relative to the pivot arm 118 in accordance with the water tank.

[0027] The support unit is attached to the swivel arm 118 to support the water tank laterally and prevent it from tipping over. In addition, the support unit is rotatably mounted on the coupling section 114, also known as the tank support area, so that the support unit can be positioned as desired.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a beverage vending machine 100, as shown for example in Fig. 1 was described. In Fig. 2 is the vending machine 100 opposite the one in Fig. 1 shown beverage dispensers are shown from the side and in perspective. In particular, the device body 104 and the coupling device 110 of the beverage dispenser 100 are shown. The liquid container is omitted from the illustration. In the illustration of Fig. 2 is the one already in Fig. 1 mentioned support unit 200 is shown, which is shaped to support the liquid container.

[0029] The support unit 200 has a sensor unit 201, which is designed to detect the fill level of the liquid in the liquid container and is also referred to, for example, as a sensor tower. Optionally, multiple sensors, but at least one sensor, can be integrated into the support unit 200, which is designed, for example, as a capacitive sensor. The coupling device 110 is also designed to establish an electrical connection between the sensor unit 201 and the device body 104.

[0030] Furthermore, the support unit 200 is rotatably mounted on the coupling section 114 or rotatably connected to the coupling section 114, which, for example, has a round receiving surface. This means that the support unit 200 according to this exemplary embodiment has a round contact surface facing the coupling section 114 of the pivot arm 118.

[0031] The pivot arm 118 extends along a first axis 202. The support unit 200 extends along a second axis 204. According to this embodiment, the two axes 202, 204 are aligned orthogonally to each other. According to this embodiment, the support unit 200 is further rotatable relative to the pivot arm 118 by up to 200 degrees about the second axis 204 as the axis of rotation.

[0032] Since the coupling section 114 has a fluid valve that functions as a counterpart to a valve opening on the fluid container, the support unit 200 according to this exemplary embodiment has a transition section 206 that is formed integrally with a section of the support unit 200 that accommodates the sensor unit 201, or with a housing of the sensor unit 201. The transition section 206 further has an opening in which the fluid valve and the valve opening can be coupled to one another.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a beverage vending machine 100, as it is used, for example, in at least one of the Fig. 1 to 2. The beverage machine 100 is here in contrast to Fig. 2 additionally shown with the liquid container 112, which in the illustration of Fig. 3 is decoupled from the coupling device 110 or arranged next to the coupling device 110.

[0034] According to this embodiment, the liquid container 108 has a rounded side wall 300, which forms a cylindrical receiving space 302 for the liquid. The receiving space 302 can optionally be closed by a pivotable or removable cover element, which in the illustration of Fig. 3 is omitted. On the side wall 300, the liquid container 112 has a recess 304 that is shaped to enable a positive engagement of the support unit 200 and thereby support the liquid container 112. When the support unit 200 and the recess 304, which are at least partially complementary to one another, are positively connected to one another, according to the embodiment shown here, an outer surface of the support unit 200 is flush with an outer surface of the side wall 300.

[0035] In a container bottom 306, the liquid container 112 has the Fig. 2 has the previously mentioned valve opening 308 for coupling with the coupling section 114 of the coupling device 110, through which the liquid can be drawn in the inserted state towards the device body 104 during beverage preparation.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a beverage vending machine 100, as it is used, for example, in at least one of the Fig. 1 to 3. In the illustration of Fig. 4, the liquid container is omitted. Furthermore, the support unit 200 is opposite to the one shown in the Fig. 2 to 3, the support unit is shown rotated by 180 degrees. The direction of rotation is shown symbolically and merely by way of example by a directional arrow 400, which indicates a clockwise rotation. The support unit 200 is also designed to rotate counterclockwise.

[0037] With reference to the figures described above, a side change of the liquid container 108 with respect to the device body 104 is briefly explained below. The coupling device 110 is designed to enable the side change and additionally to establish at least one fluid connection between the liquid container 108 and the device body 104. During the side change, the liquid container 108 can be coupled to the coupling device 110. To perform a side change, for example, between a left side and a right side of the device body 104, the support unit 200 is first rotated by, for example, 180 degrees relative to the pivot arm 118, followed by a pivoting movement of the pivot arm 118 by, for example, 180 degrees relative to the device body 104. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2632311B1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Coupling device (110) for coupling a liquid container (112) to a beverage dispenser (100), wherein the beverage dispenser (100) has a device body (104), wherein the coupling device (110) has the following features: - a pivot arm (118) having at a first end a coupling portion (114) formed to fluidly couple the liquid container (112) to the pivot arm (118), and having at a second end opposite the first end a connecting portion (116) formed to pivotally connect the coupling device (110) to the device body (104); and - a support unit (200) rotatably arranged on the coupling section (114) and shaped to laterally support the liquid container (112). [2] Coupling device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the support unit (200) comprises a sensor unit (201) which is shaped to detect a filling level of liquid in the liquid container (112). [3] Coupling device (110) according to claim 2, wherein the sensor unit (201) is formed as a capacitive sensor. [4] Coupling device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support unit (200) is rotatable by up to 200 degrees relative to the pivot arm (118). [5] Coupling device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot arm (118) is pivotable by up to 200 degrees relative to the device body (104). [6] Coupling device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling portion (114) comprises a liquid valve. [7] Coupling device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot arm (118) is configured to provide a fluid connection between the coupling portion (114) and the connecting portion (116). [8] Coupling device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot arm (118) extends along a first axis (202), and wherein the support unit (200) extends along a second axis (204), wherein the axes (202, 204) are aligned orthogonally to each other. [9] Container device (108) for a beverage vending machine (100), the container device (108) having the following features: - a coupling device (110) according to one of the preceding claims; and - the liquid container (112) which is coupled or can be coupled to the coupling section (114) of the coupling device (110) and can be supported or is supported by the support unit (200) of the coupling device (110). [10] Container device (108) according to claim 9, wherein the liquid container (112) has a recess (304) on a side wall (300) which is formed at least partially complementary to the support unit (200) of the coupling device (110) in order to enable engagement of the support unit (200) of the coupling device (110). [11] Container device (108) according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the liquid container (112) has a valve opening (308) in a container bottom (306) for coupling to the coupling section (114). [12] Vending machine (100) for preparing a beverage, the vending machine (100) having the following features: - a device body (104); and - a container device (108) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the container device (108) is pivotally connected or connectable to the device body (104).

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