DEVICE WITH FLUSHING AND DISPENSER FUNCTION

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device 100 with rinsing and dispensing function, in particular a mobile and / or automated beverage dispensing device or dispensing device with rinsing function for cleaning and / or rinsing drinking vessels and / or with dispensing function for filling the drinking vessels with a beverage.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device with a rinsing and dispensing function, in particular a mobile and / or automated beverage dispensing device or dispensing device with a rinsing function for cleaning and / or rinsing drinking vessels and / or with a dispensing function for filling the drinking vessels with a beverage. background

[0002] The present invention is particularly aimed at mobile use for beverage catering at events, for example for use at festivals, folk festivals, music concerts, sporting events, etc.

[0003] Mobile dispensing systems are known in the art, some manually and some semi-automatically designed to fill drinking vessels with beverages, for example, dispensing taps. For this purpose, drinking vessels, usually used independently, such as glasses or preferably reusable plastic cups, must first be cleaned at separate cleaning facilities and then placed at the dispensing system in a clean state.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient, cost-effective and reliable dispensing system, in particular for the provision of beverages at events, for example for use at festivals, folk festivals, music concerts, sporting events, etc.

[0005] DE 41 36 923 A1 describes a device for cleaning reusable containers for beverages, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade, comprising a cleaning chamber for the reusable containers, as well as means for introducing dirt-dissolving and dirt-removing media into the cleaning chamber and for drying the cleaned reusable containers, wherein the cleaning chamber is designed to accommodate a maximum of two reusable containers, but preferably a single reusable container, and wherein the quantity and intensity of the cleaning and drying media are tailored to the individual reusable container to be cleaned.

[0006] KR 10 2015 0 137 765 A describes a water purifier for providing drinking water. The water purifier can automatically rinse and reuse returned cups after use and comprises: a drinking water nozzle that dispenses drinking water; a cup tray in which the cups used for drinking the drinking water are stored; a cup return in which the cups returned after use are stored; a rinsing brush that rinses the inside of the cups dispensed from the cup return; a cup transport device that transports the cups, fully rinsed by the rinsing brush, to the cup tray; and a rinsing water nozzle arranged along the cup transport device that sprays rinsing water on the inside and outside of the cups.

[0007] DE 10 2007 005 106 B3 describes a beverage preparation device with an integrated cleaning device for reusable beverage containers, wherein the cleaning device has a cleaning chamber for receiving containers, and wherein the beverage preparation device and the cleaning device have a common water supply and / or power supply. Summary

[0008] The present invention relates to a device with a rinsing and dispensing function, in particular a mobile and / or automated dispensing device with a rinsing function for cleaning and / or rinsing drinking vessels and / or with a dispensing function for filling the drinking vessels with a beverage. To solve the aforementioned problem, a dispensing device according to claim 1 is proposed. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments.

[0009] The invention relates to a dispensing device with rinsing and dispensing functions, comprising: an input device for receiving drinking vessels, a cleaning device for the automated cleaning and / or rinsing of the drinking vessels, a filling device for the automated filling of the drinking vessels cleaned and / or rinsed at the cleaning device with a beverage, a dispensing device for dispensing the drinking vessels filled at the filling device, and automated conveying devices for conveying the drinking vessels between the input device and the cleaning device, between the cleaning device and the filling device, and / or between the filling device and the dispensing device. The filling device includes an automatically controlled, vertically movable dispensing tap.

[0010] In preferred embodiments, for example, a first alignment device may be provided which may be configured to align drinking vessels received at the input device for feeding to the cleaning device.

[0011] In preferred embodiments, the dispensing device can comprise at least two levels, wherein the cleaning device is preferably arranged on a lower level of the dispensing device, and / or the filling device and / or the dispensing device is preferably arranged on an upper level of the dispensing device.

[0012] In preferred embodiments, the cleaning device can be configured to clean and / or rinse drinking vessels upside down, wherein the dispensing device can preferably include a second alignment device which can be configured to turn drinking vessels cleaned and / or rinsed at the cleaning device before feeding them to the filling device, in particular substantially by 180°.

[0013] In preferred embodiments, the second alignment device can, for example, be configured to lift the drinking vessels from a lower level of the cleaning device to an upper level of the filling device.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, for example, a control device for controlling the automated cleaning device and / or the automated filling device may be provided.

[0015] In preferred embodiments, the control device may, for example, be further configured to control the first alignment device, the second alignment device, and / or the one or more automated conveying devices.

[0016] In preferred embodiments, the conveying direction of the conveying device(s) between the input device and the cleaning device and / or in the area of ​​the cleaning device (e.g. also in the area between the input device or the first alignment device and the second alignment device or between the cleaning device and the second alignment device) can be at least partially opposite to the conveying direction of the conveying device(s) between the filling device and the dispensing device and / or in the area of ​​the filling device (e.g. between the second alignment device and the filling device or between the second alignment device and the dispensing device).

[0017] Preferably, the conveying direction towards the second alignment device (from the input and / or cleaning device) is opposite to the conveying direction away from the second alignment device (to the filling device and / or output), in particular such that the conveying direction between the input and the second alignment device with the intermediate cleaning device, and the conveying direction between the second alignment device and the output with the intermediate filling device, are opposite or at least predominantly opposite (potentially disregarding any transverse conveying sections). This allows for an advantageously compact design with a small footprint. For example, this can be arranged on different levels, thus enabling an even more compact design.

[0018] Further aspects and their advantages, as well as advantages and more specific implementation possibilities of the aspects and features described above, are described in the following descriptions and explanations of the attached figures, which are in no way to be understood as restrictive. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary schematic view of a dispensing device for dispensing beverages according to an embodiment; Fig. Figure 2A shows an exemplary perspective view of a dispensing device for dispensing beverages according to a further embodiment; Fig. Figure 2B shows an exemplary top view of the dispensing device according to Fig. 2A; Fig. 2C shows an exemplary sectional view of the dispensing device according to section line AA in Fig. 2B; Fig. Figure 2D shows an exemplary perspective view of a dispensing device for dispensing beverages according to a further embodiment; Fig. Figure 3A shows an exemplary sectional view of a dispensing device for dispensing beverages according to a further embodiment; Fig. Figure 3B shows an exemplary sectional view of the dispensing device according to section line AA in Fig. 3A; Fig. 3C shows an exemplary sectional view of the dispensing device according to section line BB in Fig. 3A; Fig. Figure 4A shows an exemplary perspective view of a dispensing device for dispensing beverages according to a further embodiment; Fig. 4B shows an exemplary sectional view of the dispensing device according to Fig. 4A; Fig. Figure 4C shows an exemplary sectional view of the dispensing device according to section line AA in Fig. 4B; Fig. Figure 4D shows an exemplary side view of the dispensing device according to Fig. 4A; Fig. Figure 4E shows another exemplary perspective view of the dispensing device according to Fig. 4A; Fig. Figure 4F shows another exemplary perspective view of the dispensing device according to Fig. 4A; Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary sectional view of a tap according to an embodiment; and Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary sequence of an automatic dispensing process on a dispensing device according to an embodiment. Detailed description of the figures and preferred embodiments

[0019] Examples and embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Identical or similar elements in the figures may be designated with the same reference numerals, but sometimes they may be designated with different reference numerals.

[0020] It should be emphasized that the present invention is in no way limited or restricted to the embodiments and features described below, but also includes modifications of the embodiments, in particular those which are encompassed by modifications of the features of the described examples or by combining one or more of the features of the described examples within the scope of protection of the independent claims.

[0021] The present invention relates to a device with a rinsing and dispensing function, in particular a mobile and / or automated beverage dispensing device or dispensing device with a rinsing function for cleaning and / or rinsing drinking vessels and / or with a dispensing function for filling the drinking vessels with a beverage, for example beer.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary schematic view of a dispensing device 100 for dispensing beverages according to an embodiment.

[0023] The dispensing device 100 includes, by way of example, a feed device 10 for receiving empty drinking vessels, e.g., glasses or cups, preferably reusable cups, particularly preferably made of plastic. In preferred embodiments, the feed device 10 can have a storage area where used drinking vessels can be placed. Preferably, the drinking vessels are placed upside down in the storage area.

[0024] It may be intended that users manually place the drinking vessels in the designated area. Alternatively, it may be possible to arrange for the drinking vessels to be placed using a handling device, such as a robot or robotic arm, and / or for normally placed drinking vessels to be turned upside down. A corresponding handling device may also optionally be integrated into or attached to the alignment device 20 described below.

[0025] The dispensing device 100 further includes, by way of example, a cleaning device 30 for the automated cleaning and / or rinsing of the drinking vessels. The dispensing device 100 further includes, by way of example, a first alignment device 20 for aligning the drinking vessels for feeding them to the cleaning device 30.

[0026] The dispensing device 100 further comprises, by way of example, a first conveying device F1 for the automated conveying of drinking vessels from the storage area of ​​the input device 10 to the first alignment device 20. The dispensing device 100 further comprises, by way of example, a second conveying device F2 for the automated conveying of drinking vessels from the first alignment device 20 to the cleaning device 30.

[0027] In preferred embodiments, the cleaning device 30 is configured to automatically clean drinking vessels supplied by the input device 10. The drinking vessels are preferably cleaned in a cleaning area with a hot cleaning fluid, preferably a water / detergent solution, preferably at a temperature greater than or equal to 40°C and preferably greater than or equal to 60°C, and / or preferably rinsed in a rinsing area with a cold rinsing fluid, preferably cold water or tap water. Preferably, the drinking vessels are cleaned upside down in the cleaning device 30.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 30 can be configured such that drinking vessels are conveyed in one or more rows, preferably upside down, through a cleaning and / or rinsing section of the cleaning device 30, for example by means of one or more preferably parallel conveyor belts or belts and / or by means of one or more chains and / or belts that hold drinking vessel holders for the drinking vessels. Preferably, the conveying sections in the cleaning and / or rinsing section of the cleaning device 30 are at least partially designed and / or arranged such that spray water (for cleaning and / or rinsing) can be injected from below.

[0029] The dispensing device 100 includes, by way of example, a filling device 50 for filling the drinking vessels with a beverage, preferably beer. The dispensing device 100 also includes, by way of example, a second alignment device 40 for aligning the drinking vessels for feeding to the filling device 50. Preferably, the filling device 50 is automated, i.e., configured for automatically filling the drinking vessels with the beverage. In further embodiments, two or more filling devices arranged side by side or one behind the other can also be provided, for example, each for different beverages.

[0030] The second alignment device 40 is preferably configured to receive the drinking vessels, which have been cleaned and / or rinsed upside down in the cleaning device 30, and to rotate or turn them 180° and place them in the normal (upright) position. In some preferred embodiments, the second alignment device 40 may be configured to receive the drinking vessels, which have been cleaned and / or rinsed in the cleaning device 30, and to lift them from a cleaning level to a higher filling level.

[0031] The dispensing device 100 further includes, by way of example, a third conveying device F3 for the automated conveying of drinking vessels from the cleaning device 30 to the second alignment device 40. The dispensing device 100 further includes, by way of example, a fourth conveying device F4 for the automated conveying of drinking vessels from the second alignment device 40 to the filling device 50.

[0032] The filling device 50 comprises an automatically controlled tap for filling drinking vessels with a beverage, preferably beer. The tap is vertically movable, and preferably can be vertically inserted into a drinking vessel positioned below it. The tap is preferably designed to fill the drinking vessels with a beverage, preferably beer, and is particularly preferably automated. In further embodiments, two or more taps can be arranged side by side or one behind the other, for example, each for different beverages. It is also advantageous to provide a small (for example, higher-positioned) dispensing nozzle adjacent to a beer tap for an independent supply of beer foam, in order to be able to add more beer foam to a drinking vessel already filled with beer.

[0033] In some embodiments, the filling device 50 may have one or more sensors which are configured, for example, to detect when a drinking vessel is positioned at the filling device 50 (and thus a filling process can be carried out); e.g. a weight sensor, a camera, a light barrier, etc.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the filling device 50 may have one or more sensors configured, for example, to detect when a drinking vessel to be filled is full. These may be external sensors, such as a camera and / or a light barrier, and / or, in preferred embodiments, this may be done via internal sensors, such as a volumetric sensor configured to detect the flow volume of the beverage into the tap, or a flow rate sensor which, by means of an additional time measurement during the filling process, can determine the flow volume of the beverage into the tap.In some simpler embodiments, the duration of the filling process can be controlled by a timer, depending on an average flow rate and a desired volume, without further sensor input.

[0035] The dispensing device 100 includes, by way of example, a dispensing unit 60 for dispensing drinking vessels filled with a beverage. The dispensing device 100 further includes, by way of example, a fifth conveying unit F5 for the automated conveying of drinking vessels from the filling unit 50 to the dispensing unit 60. The filled drinking vessels can be removed from the dispensing unit 60.

[0036] The dispensing device 100 further comprises, by way of example, a control device 70, in particular preferably a computer-implemented and / or programmable logic controller (PLC), for controlling the automated operation of the dispensing device 100. In particular, the control device 70 can be configured to control the conveying devices F1 to F5 and / or to control the first alignment device 20, the cleaning device 30, the second alignment device 40 and / or the filling device 50.

[0037] In this case, the control device 70 can, for example, control the circulation of the drinking vessels at all positions in the circulation system in a timed manner, whereby preferably the filling of the drinking vessels at the filling device 50 can be used as a timer.

[0038] The control unit 70 can continuously control the circulation of the drinking vessels in some embodiments (e.g. until the dispensing area is full, or no more empty drinking vessels are available) or depending on the order volume, for example only when an order is called.

[0039] For example, in some embodiments it is possible that users can order drinks via an app (computer program product) using a wireless communication interface of the control unit 70 or via a human-machine interface of the control unit 70, wherein the control unit 70 preferably controls the circulation system of the dispensing device 100 in such a way that only drinks ordered via the human-machine interface of the control unit 70 and / or pre-ordered wirelessly via an app are dispensed.

[0040] In further embodiments, the control unit 70 can include a camera that captures an area around the dispensing device 100. The control unit 70 can also include a computer-implemented image processing unit configured to recognize people and / or faces in the image data captured by the camera. For example, the control unit 70 can control the circulation system of the dispensing device 100 depending on the number of users detected in the image data. If there is a long queue in front of the dispensing device 100, this can be detected from the image data, and the control unit 70 can accelerate the circulation and dispense more drinks per unit of time. If it is detected that only a few users are present in the area of ​​the dispensing device 100, the control unit 70 can slow down or temporarily stop the circulation.

[0041] In further embodiments, it is possible that the computer-implemented image processing unit is configured to recognize QR codes and / or barcodes or other word / image codes, wherein the control unit 70 may be configured to dispense one or more pre-ordered drinks when the computer-implemented image processing unit recognizes a code (e.g., a QR code and / or a barcode or another word / image code) associated with a pre-order (e.g., via an app) via the image data captured by the camera or another optical sensor.

[0042] In the circulation system, especially at the filling device 50 and / or at the input and / or output areas, sensors such as pressure sensors, weight sensors, temperature sensors, cameras, light barriers, etc., can also be arranged, for example to determine positions, orientations, and / or filling states of drinking vessels in the circulation system, whereby the sensor signals can be supplied to the control device 70.

[0043] Consequently, according to exemplary embodiments, an automated dispensing device 100 is advantageously provided, at which used drinking vessels can be placed at the input area of ​​the input device 10, which can then be automatically cleaned and automatically filled with a beverage.

[0044] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the dispensing device 100 can be provided in a particularly compact form if several levels are provided and the equipment is arranged on different levels.

[0045] Particularly preferably, in some particularly preferred embodiments, the cleaning device 30 is arranged at least partially on a lower level of the dispensing device 100, wherein the drinking vessels arranged on the lower level are cleaned and / or rinsed in the cleaning device 30.

[0046] Particularly preferably, in some particularly preferred embodiments, the filling device 50 is arranged at least partially on an upper level of the dispensing device 100, wherein the drinking vessels arranged on the upper level are filled in the filling device 50.

[0047] Particularly preferably, in some particularly preferred embodiments, the alignment device 40 is configured to lift (and preferably also to turn over) the drinking vessels cleaned and / or rinsed from a lower level of the dispensing device 100 to an upper level of the dispensing device 100.

[0048] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the dispensing device 100 can be provided in a particularly compact form if several conveying units have at least opposite conveying directions. Preferably, the conveying direction of conveying unit F2 and / or conveying unit F3 is at least partially opposite to a conveying direction of conveying unit F4 and / or conveying unit F5. Preferably, the conveying direction of conveying unit F2 and / or conveying unit F3 is parallel to a conveying direction of conveying unit F4 and / or conveying unit F5.

[0049] Further examples of implementation are described below with reference to the figures, which illustrate the above aspects in more concrete terms.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2A shows an exemplary perspective view of a dispensing device 100 for dispensing beverages according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 2B shows an exemplary top view of the dispensing device according to Fig. 2A, and Fig. 2C shows an exemplary sectional view of the dispensing device according to section line AA in Fig. 2B.

[0051] The dispensing device 100 includes, for example, an opening on one side for the storage area of ​​the input device 10. Used drinking vessels, here for example cups C, can be placed there upside down on corresponding support sections T (see Fig. 2B) are placed, the carrier sections being set up, for example, to transport the drinking vessels C horizontally, in particular via a conveyor belt (e.g. analogous to the conveying sections F1 / F2 / F3) or a conveyor chain on which the carrier sections can be held.

[0052] In Fig. 2C schematically depicts the cleaning and rinsing area of ​​the cleaning unit 30. Cleaning and rinsing fluids can be injected from below into the passing drinking vessels via nozzles.

[0053] At the other end, the drinking vessels can be aligned using the alignment device 40. The alignment device 40 includes, for example, a turning device designed to grip or clamp drinking vessels and rotate them 180° via a rotating wheel, bringing them into an upright position and lifting them from the lower level to the upper level.

[0054] There, the drinking vessels can be transported to the dispensing area via a conveyor belt (conveyor devices F4 / F5). The filling device 50 (not shown here) can also be located at the top; see e.g. Fig. 6.

[0055] In the above embodiment according to Fig. In 2A to 2C, it is exemplified that the input device 10 and the cleaning device 30, together with corresponding conveying sections F1 / F2 / F3 (here exemplified as a continuous lower conveyor belt), are arranged on a lower level, and the alignment device 40 lifts the drinking vessels to the upper level and also places them on the upper level rotated by 180°. The filling device 50 and dispensing device 60 are preferably arranged on the upper level, and the conveying direction on the upper level is preferably parallel to and opposite to the conveying direction on the lower level.

[0056] Fig. Figure 2D shows an exemplary perspective view of a dispensing device for serving beverages according to a further embodiment. Two dispensing devices, 100-1 and 100-2, are shown as examples, according to the exemplary embodiment shown. Fig. 2A combined.

[0057] Fig. Figure 3A shows an exemplary sectional view of a dispensing device 100 for dispensing beverages according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 3B shows an exemplary sectional view of the dispensing device 100 according to section line AA in Fig. 3A, and Fig. Figure 3C shows an exemplary sectional view of the dispensing device 100 according to section line BB in Fig. 3A.

[0058] For example, the dispensing device 100 includes a storage area of ​​the input device 10, where, for example, drinking vessels, here for example cups C, can be placed on conveyor belts of the conveying device F1.

[0059] For example, the dispensing device 100 includes the alignment device 20, here by way of example a rotatable wheel section with lateral mounts (see Fig. 3B), which receive the drinking vessels supplied by the conveying device F1 and, by rotating the rotatable wheel section, direct them to an opening located on the other side. Through the opening, the drinking vessels can fall onto corresponding support sections of the lower level (see Fig. 3C), where the support sections are analogous to the example of the Fig. They can be trained in 2A to 2C.

[0060] In Fig. Figure 3A schematically depicts the cleaning and rinsing area of ​​the cleaning unit 30. Cleaning and rinsing fluids can be injected from below into the passing drinking vessels via nozzles.

[0061] At the other end, the drinking vessels can be aligned using the alignment device 40. The alignment device 40 includes, for example, a turning device designed to grip or clamp drinking vessels and rotate them 180° via a rotating wheel, bringing them into an upright position and lifting them from the lower to the upper level. There, the drinking vessels can be transported to the dispensing area, for example, via a conveyor belt. The filling device 50 (not shown here) can also be arranged at the top.

[0062] In the above embodiment according to Fig. In Figures 3A to 3C, it is exemplified that the input device 10 is arranged on the upper level, for example together with a conveyor belt (conveyor section F1), wherein the cleaning device 30 together with a corresponding conveyor belt (conveyor sections F2 / F3; here exemplified as a continuous lower conveyor belt) is arranged on a lower level, and the alignment device 40 lifts the drinking vessels onto the upper level and also places them on the upper level rotated by 180°. The filling device 50 and dispensing device 60 are preferably arranged on the upper level, and the conveying direction on the upper level is preferably parallel and opposite to the conveying direction on the lower level.In particular, the conveying directions of the conveying devices of the input device 10 and the cleaning device 30 are, by way of example, parallel and opposite to the conveying directions of the conveying devices of the filling device 50 (not shown; see . Fig. 6) and the output device 60. Fig. Figure 4A shows an exemplary perspective view of a dispensing device for dispensing beverages according to a further embodiment. Fig. 4B shows an exemplary sectional view of the dispensing device according to Fig. 4A, Fig. Figure 4C shows an exemplary sectional view of the dispensing device according to section line AA in Fig. 4B, and Fig. Figure 4D shows an exemplary side view of the dispensing device according to Fig. 4A; and Fig. Figure 4E shows another exemplary perspective view of the dispensing device according to Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4F shows another exemplary perspective view of the dispensing device according to Fig. 4A.

[0063] For example, the dispensing device 100 includes a storage area of ​​the input device 10, where, for example, drinking vessels, here for example cups, can be placed on conveyor belts of the conveying device F1.

[0064] For example, the dispensing device 100 includes the alignment device 20, here by way of example a funnel section, on which the drinking vessels supplied on the conveyor belts can be sorted into a row (see e.g. Fig. 4B).

[0065] In Fig. 4C schematically depicts the cleaning and rinsing area of ​​the cleaning unit 30. Cleaning and rinsing fluids can be injected from below into the passing drinking vessels via nozzles.

[0066] At the other end, the drinking vessels can be aligned using the alignment device 40. The alignment device 40 again includes, for example, a turning device designed to grasp or clamp drinking vessels, lift them to the upper level, and rotate them 180° via a rotating wheel and bring them into the upright position (see, e.g., [reference]). Fig. 4C and Fig. 4D). For example, the drinking vessels can be transported to the dispensing area via a conveyor belt. The filling device (not shown here) can also be located at the top.

[0067] According to Fig. 4E and Fig. Figure 4F shows an example of an optional splash-proof cover arranged around the wheel of the alignment device 40.

[0068] In the above embodiment according to Fig. In Figures 4A to 4E, it is exemplified that the input device 10 and the cleaning device 30, together with corresponding parallel conveyor belts (conveyor sections F1 / F2 / F3), are arranged on a lower level, and the alignment device 40 lifts the drinking vessels to the upper level and also places them rotated by 180° on the upper level. The filling device 50 and dispensing device 60 are preferably arranged on the upper level, and the conveying direction on the upper level is preferably parallel and opposite to the conveying direction on the lower level. In particular, the conveying directions of the conveying devices of the input device 10 and the cleaning device 30 are, by way of example, parallel and opposite to the conveying directions of the conveying devices of the filling device 50 (not shown; see Figure 4). Fig. 6) and the output device 60.

[0069] Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary sectional view of a tap 510 according to an embodiment. The tap 510 comprises, by way of example, a tubular outer wall section 511 and a tubular inner wall section 512, which is arranged, by way of example, coaxially in the tubular outer wall section 511.

[0070] The tap 510 includes, for example, a connection opening 514 at the upper end, which can be attached to a connection 515 (e.g. by means of a screw cap or preferably by means of a pluggable push-fit connection) and through which a beverage can be supplied, e.g. beer.

[0071] Furthermore, the tubular outer wall section 511 preferably comprises two lateral openings (an opening 513 is shown in the sectional view) through which cooled liquid can be introduced and passed in the space between the tubular outer wall section 511 and the tubular inner wall section 512 (separated from the interior of the tap; i.e. without mixing with the beverage).

[0072] At the lower end, an exemplary plunger section 516 (movable pin section) is arranged, which opens and closes an outlet opening of the tap. By means of a linear device (not shown), the tap 510 can be inserted vertically into the drinking vessel, and upon contact with the bottom of the drinking vessel, the plunger section 516 opens, thus initiating the filling process. An exemplary stop pin section 517 for the plunger section 516 is provided inside the tap 510.

[0073] Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary sequence of an automatic dispensing process at a dispensing device (as an exemplary filling device 50) according to an embodiment.

[0074] For example, the filling device 50 comprises a tap 510, which is held on both sides by vertically movable carriages of a traversing device 520. For example, the traversing device 520 is configured to move the tap 510 vertically, e.g. downwards into a drinking vessel C to fill the drinking vessel; see e.g. Fig. 6 (ii) and (iii). After the filling process, the tap 510 can be moved back up out of the container using the retraction device 520; see e.g. Fig.6 (iv) and (i). The inlets and outlets of the cooling liquid and the inlet of the beverage dispensing connection are shown schematically at the top of the tap. It is also shown by way of example that a sensor, for example a light barrier 530 with a reflector arranged opposite it, is provided to detect when a drinking vessel to be filled is positioned at the filling device 50.

[0075] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide two or more filling devices 50 in series in the conveying direction, for example, for the supply of different beverages. Alternatively or additionally, it may also be advantageous to provide parallel conveyor belts to the dispensing point, wherein each conveyor belt may preferably have one or more filling devices 50 arranged in series (e.g., with at least two filling devices 50 arranged side by side transversely to the conveying direction).

[0076] For a filling device 50 with a tap 510 for beer, which in a strongly chilled state might not have the desired foam formation, it may be advantageous to provide a smaller tap or nozzle in addition to the tap 510, with which beer foam can be added to the filled beer independently.

[0077] It should be noted that only examples and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as technical advantages, have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying figures. However, the present disclosure is in no way limited or restricted to the embodiments and their features or combinations described above, but also includes modifications of these embodiments, in particular those resulting from modifications of the features of the described examples or from combinations or partial combinations of one or more of the features of the described examples within the scope of protection of the independent claims.

Claims

[1] Dispensing device (100) with rinsing and dispensing function, comprising: an input device (10) for receiving drinking vessels (C), a cleaning device (30) for automated cleaning and / or rinsing of the drinking vessels (C), a filling device (50) for automatically filling the drinking vessels (C) cleaned and / or rinsed at the cleaning device (30) with a beverage, a dispensing device (60) for dispensing the drinking vessels (C) filled at the filling device (50), and automated conveying devices (F1-F5) for conveying the drinking vessels (C) between the input device (10) and the cleaning device (30), between the cleaning device (30) and the filling device (50) and between the filling device (50) and the dispensing device (60), wherein the filling device (50) comprises an automatically controlled, vertically movable tap (510). [2] Dispensing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by a first alignment device (20) which is designed to align drinking vessels (C) received at the input device (10) for feeding to the cleaning device (30). [3] Dispensing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the dispensing device (100) comprises at least two levels, wherein the cleaning device (30) is arranged on a lower level of the dispensing device (100), and the filling device (50) and / or the dispensing device (60) is arranged on an upper level of the dispensing device (100). [4] Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cleaning device (30) is designed to clean and / or rinse drinking vessels (C) while upside down. [5] Dispensing device (100) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the dispensing device (100) comprises a second alignment device (40) which is designed to turn drinking vessels (C) cleaned and / or rinsed at the cleaning device (30) before being fed to the filling device (50), in particular substantially by 180°. [6] Dispensing device (100) according to claim 3 and claim 5, characterized by , that the second alignment device (40) is designed to lift the drinking vessels (C) from the lower level of the cleaning device (30) to the upper level of the filling device (50). [7] Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a conveying direction of the conveying devices between the input device (10) and the cleaning device (30) and / or in the area of ​​the cleaning device (30) is at least partially opposite to a conveying direction of the conveying devices between the filling device (50) and the output device (60) and / or in the area of ​​the filling device (50). [8] Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control device (70) for controlling the automated cleaning device (30) and / or the automated filling device (50). [9] Dispensing device (100) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the control device (70) is further configured to control the first alignment device (20) according to claim 2, the second alignment device (40) according to claim 5 or 6, and / or the one or more automated conveying devices (F1-F5).

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