Dosing device

Abstract

A dosing device (1) for reversible connection to a beverage bottle (10), comprising a base body (2) having an inlet and an outlet opening (8, 9), an electric liquid pump (6) arranged in a cavity (3) of the base body (2), and a piping system (16) connected to the liquid pump (6) for conveying liquids, wherein the piping system (16) comprises a liquid inlet nozzle (14) arranged in the inlet opening (8) and a liquid outlet nozzle (17) arranged in the outlet opening (9), wherein the inlet opening (8) is configured to receive at least a portion of the neck (18) of the beverage bottle (10) so that the liquid inlet nozzle (14) projects into the beverage bottle (10), and comprising a liquid supply means (15) connected to the liquid inlet nozzle (14), which can be arranged to project at least partially into the beverage bottle (10).so that a liquid from the beverage bottle (10) can be transported via the piping system (16) from the inlet opening (8) to the outlet opening (9), wherein the base body (2) comprises a reversibly removable lid (4) through which the cavity (3) of the base body (2) is accessible.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dosing device for conveying a liquid from a beverage bottle.

[0002] DE 86 12 974 U1 discloses a device with a beverage dispenser for portioned beverage dispensing. This dispenser is arranged at the opening of the bottle instead of a bottle cap and has a portion container calibrated to hold a predetermined portion of beverage. An inlet channel opens into the portion container for fluid communication with the bottle. The device has an outlet for dispensing the portion of beverage, which outlet is closed by a valve that can be opened by sliding a downwardly projecting mouthpiece of the outlet toward the portion container.

[0003] DE 20 210 531 U1 describes an automatic beverage dosing device with automatic registration and locking, consisting of a beverage dispensing unit with an abutment for the bottle attachment, as well as an activator for the operation of the bottle valve integrated in the bottle attachment, possibly with a display unit, as well as an input station, with the help of which the rapid dosing of different beverage quantities such as spirits, wine, fruit juices, soft drinks and beverage cocktails from a single bottle and various large containers is possible.

[0004] The problem with the known devices is that the interior of the device is not accessible to a user and, for example, parts cannot be replaced due to damage.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing a device which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art and whose parts are accessible.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention in that a dosing device for reversible connection to a beverage bottle is provided, comprising a base body having an inlet and an outlet opening, an electric liquid pump arranged in a cavity of the base body and a line system for conducting liquids connected to the liquid pump, wherein the line system comprises a liquid inlet nozzle arranged in the inlet opening and a liquid outlet nozzle arranged in the outlet opening, wherein the inlet opening is designed to receive a bottle neck of the beverage bottle at least in part, so that the liquid inlet nozzle projects into the beverage bottle, and comprising a liquid supply means connected to the liquid inlet nozzle, which can be arranged to project at least partially into the beverage bottle,so that a liquid from the beverage bottle can be transported via the conduit system from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, wherein the base body comprises a reversibly removable lid through which the cavity of the base body is accessible. A key advantage of the dosing device is that the cavity in the base body is easily accessible via the removable lid.

[0008] In one embodiment, the fluid outlet nozzle and the fluid inlet nozzle are provided as separate parts that can be reversibly connected to the piping system. This allows the nozzles to be easily removed from the piping system, for example, if the dosing device needs to be disassembled or if the nozzles need to be replaced. In one embodiment, the nozzles can be made of plastic. A biocompatible plastic such as polypropylene is particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0009] It is preferred that the liquid supply means is in the form of a plastic tube. The liquid supply means can advantageously be reversibly connected to the liquid inlet nozzle and projects with its free end into a beverage bottle from which a liquid is to be pumped. A biocompatible plastic, such as polypropylene, is particularly suitable as the plastic. In one embodiment, the liquid supply means can be designed as a metal tube. The metal tube can be connected to the liquid inlet nozzle via a connection. Alternatively, the metal tube can be screwed or plugged directly onto the liquid inlet nozzle. Stainless steel can be used as the metal for the liquid supply means. The length of the liquid supply means can vary depending on the application. For example,Liquid feeders are available in different lengths that are compatible with different beverage bottle sizes.

[0010] The fluid pump can be powered by an external power supply. However, it can also be advantageous to have an energy storage device for the fluid pump in the cavity of the base body. The energy storage device can be designed as a rechargeable battery or batteries. A connection can be provided in the base body through which the energy storage device, in particular the rechargeable battery, can be connected to an external power supply or power source and recharged.

[0011] The liquid pump can be operated manually. For this purpose, the base body can include a recess for an actuating button that is operatively connected to the liquid pump. Pressing the actuating button activates the liquid pump and pumps a defined volume of liquid from the beverage bottle.

[0012] A line system is advantageously provided between the fluid inlet nozzle and the fluid pump, which in one embodiment is a hose system made of plastic. This has the advantage of allowing the use of a biocompatible plastic and, at the same time, a plastic whose flexural properties prevent permanent damage to the line system. Furthermore, this allows for a compact design of the dosing device.

[0013] Advantageously, the piping system can be reversibly connected to the fluid pump. It is particularly advantageous if the piping system can also be reversibly connected to the nozzles. In this advantageous embodiment, the piping system can essentially be removed from both the nozzles and the fluid pump.

[0014] Retaining means for releasably securing the liquid pump can be provided in the base body, or more precisely, in its cavity. These retaining means can be in the form of grooves, flanges, brackets, or the like, and ensure the reception and support of the liquid pump. Furthermore, the liquid pump can be reversibly fixed in its position using fastening means.

[0015] It has proven advantageous if the inlet opening comprises an inner wall and an outer wall spaced therefrom. It is preferred that the liquid inlet nozzle is located in an area delimited by the inner wall and that the line system connected to the liquid inlet nozzle leads through an opening in the base body into the cavity of the base body. This allows beverage bottles of different sizes to be accommodated by the inlet opening, i.e. bottles with bottle openings of different sizes. By designing the inlet opening, in particular by the inner and outer walls, a free end of a bottle neck of a beverage bottle can be arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall. Because the walls are spaced apart from one another, bottle openings of different diameters can be placed therein.

[0016] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated in the drawing. Fig. 1 a sectional view of an advantageous dosing device, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a dosing device with open base body and lid, Fig. 3 a partial sectional view of a dosing device with a beverage bottle accommodated in the inlet opening and Fig. 4 a further partial sectional view of a dosing device with a beverage bottle received in the inlet opening.

[0017] The dosing device 1 comprises a basically angularly designed base body 2 with a cavity 3. The cavity 3 is accessible via a cover 4 that can be reversibly connected to the base body 2. In the embodiment shown, the cover 4 is arranged on the upper side of the base body 2 and can be reversibly fastened to the base body 2, for example by means of screws or other fastening means. A circumferential seal can be provided in the opening 5 of the base body 2, which can be covered by the cover 4. This seal is arranged between the cover 4 and the opening 5 in order to prevent the ingress of dirt and liquid. The cover 4 can extend over the entire upper side of the base body 2. However, it can also be provided that the cover 4 is formed by only part of the upper side or another side of the base body 2. The base body 2 and the cover 4 are preferably made of plastic.Alternatively, a metal can also be used for production.

[0018] An electric liquid pump 6 is arranged below the cover 4 in the cavity 3. The liquid pump 6 can be held in position by holding means provided in the base body 2. These can be, for example, flanges, shoulders or the like provided in the cavity 3, on which the liquid pump 6 can be supported. The liquid pump 6 can be held in position by fastening means such as screws. The liquid pump 6 preferably has its own power supply in the form of an energy storage device, which is also arranged in the cavity 3. This can be a separate unit or as a component of the liquid pump 6. An opening or the like can be provided in the base body 2, via which the energy storage device can be connected to a power supply.A control unit for controlling the liquid pump 6 can also be provided in the cavity 3, which is connected to the liquid pump 6 for data exchange, either via cable or wirelessly. The control unit can be controlled via an app or software. This can be used to adjust the volume of liquid pumped by the liquid pump 6. Furthermore, there is a recess in the cover 4 or in the base body 2, through which an actuation button 7 connected to the control unit can be accessed. The actuation button 7 can be designed as an electronic or mechanical pressure switch or a touch-sensitive switch. The liquid pump 6, as well as the control unit and the energy storage device, are arranged reversibly in the base body 2 and can be easily removed, for example, via the opening 5 in the base body 2 covered by the cover 4.

[0019] The base body 2 has a first free end with an inlet opening 8 and a second free end with an outlet opening 9. The ends are arranged at opposite areas of the base body 2. The cavity 3 is accessible via the inlet and outlet openings 8, 9 through an opening or a breakthrough. As a rule, the inlet opening 8 is provided with a Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrated beverage bottle 10 and a liquid conveyed therefrom is dispensed via the outlet opening 9.

[0020] The entrance opening 8 can, for example, have a polygonal or round outer contour. An inner wall 11 and an outer wall 12 spaced apart from it are provided in the entrance opening 8. The geometric design of both the inner and outer walls 11, 12 is free – the walls 11, 12 can be tubular or polygonal. The inner wall 11 surrounds a passage that leads into the cavity 3 via an opening. In contrast, the outer wall 12 surrounds the inner wall 11, so that a free space in the form of a gap 13 exists between the inner and outer walls 11, 12.

[0021] In the inlet opening 8 there is a liquid inlet nozzle 14 which is positioned in the inlet opening 8 by means of fastening means. As a fastening means, for example, a snap or latching connection or the like can be used, by means of which the liquid inlet nozzle 14 can be reversibly fastened in the inlet opening 8. One end of the liquid inlet nozzle 14, in particular the end remote from the cavity, is designed as a connection end and serves to connect a liquid supply means 15. The liquid supply means 15 can be a flexible plastic hose or a metal pipe, one end of which can be easily connected to the liquid inlet nozzle 14, i.e., for example, can be pushed or plugged onto it. The other end of the liquid supply means 15, in particular the free end of the liquid supply means 15, protrudes from the inlet opening 8 and can open into a beverage bottle 10.

[0022] The other end of the liquid inlet nozzle 14, particularly the end closest to the cavity, is connected to a conduit system 16 for conducting liquids. The conduit system 16 can advantageously be a plastic hose, which is advantageously designed to be bendable at least in certain areas. In heavily loaded areas, stabilizing elements can be provided, for example, in the strongly bent areas of the conduit system 16 to prevent permanent damage to the conduit system 16. The stabilizing elements can, for example, be provided as spiral springs that are inserted into the bent areas.

[0023] The line system 16 leads from the liquid inlet nozzle 14 to the liquid pump 6 and is fluidically connected thereto. For this purpose, the line system 16 can be reversibly connected, for example, to a connecting means of the liquid pump 6. Furthermore, the line system 16 leads from the liquid pump 6 to the outlet opening 9. A liquid outlet nozzle 17 is located in the outlet opening 9. Both nozzles, i.e., the liquid inlet nozzle 14 and the liquid outlet nozzle 17, as well as the line system 16, are preferably made of a biocompatible plastic, whereby the plastic material of the nozzles 14, 17 need not have the elastic properties of the line system 16. A circumferential and radially extending edge, a flange, or the like can be provided on each of the nozzles 14, 17, with which a nozzle 14, 17 can be supported in the respective opening.The liquid outlet nozzle 17 can also be reversibly attached to the outlet opening 9 via a fastening means. The fastening means can be a snap-in or locking connection that, for example, locks the nozzle 14, 17 into the opening 8, 9. Both nozzles 14, 17, or their fastening in the respective opening 8, 9, are preferably designed such that the nozzle 14, 17 can be removed from the opening 8, 9 via the accessible side of the opening 8, 9, i.e., can be detached from the base body 2.

[0024] The function of the dosing device 1 is advantageously as follows. The dosing device 1 is placed with the inlet opening 8 onto the free end of an opened beverage bottle 10, so that the inlet opening 8 at least partially accommodates the bottle neck 18 of the beverage bottle 10. The bottle opening, together with the bottle neck 18, encloses the inner wall 11 of the inlet opening 8. Due to the advantageous design of the inner and outer walls 11, 12, bottle openings with different diameters can be accommodated. Fig. 3, for example, shows a bottle with a bottle opening diameter that is smaller than that shown in Fig. 4 illustrated bottle opening. As can be clearly seen, Fig. 3 the bottle neck 18 with its inner surface against the inner wall 11, whereas the bottle 10 according to Fig.4 rather with an outer surface of the bottle neck 18 against the outer wall 12 of the inlet opening 8. This makes the dosing device 1 universally usable for a variety of different bottle sizes.

[0025] The inlet opening 8 can comprise a rubber coating or a closure means with which the inlet opening 8 can be reversibly fastened to the bottle neck 18. If the dosing device 1 with the inlet opening 8 is arranged on the beverage bottle 10, a liquid supply means 15 projects into the bottle 10 and preferably into the liquid present therein. Advantageously, the liquid supply means 15 can be available in different lengths, so that, depending on the size of the beverage bottle 10, a sufficiently long liquid supply means 15 can be used to ensure that the liquid supply means 15 projects into the liquid.

[0026] By pressing the actuating button 7, the liquid pump 6 is activated, and the liquid is sucked out of the beverage bottle 10 by the liquid pump 6. The liquid flows via the liquid supply means 15, the liquid inlet nozzle 14, and the line system 16 to the liquid pump 6 and is conveyed by the liquid pump 6 via the line system 16 to the liquid outlet nozzle 17, where it then flows into a container located, for example, below the outlet opening 9. It is also possible for the liquid outlet nozzle 17 to be connected directly to the liquid pump 6, with no line system 16 between the liquid pump 6 and the liquid outlet nozzle 14. This can be achieved by appropriately designing the liquid outlet nozzle 14.

[0027] To ensure a non-scattering discharge of the liquid, the outlet opening 9 can have a correspondingly shaped outlet. The outlet can, for example, be tapered.

[0028] The delivery rate can be adjusted via the control unit. For this purpose, for example, the actuation button 7 can be pressed and held until a desired volume is delivered into the container. Alternatively, the control unit can provide different volumes and activate them via different actuation buttons 7. Pressing the actuation button 7 repeatedly can also be advantageous to achieve the desired delivery volume.

[0029] A key advantage of the dosing device 1 according to the invention is its ability to be disassembled. To disassemble the dosing device 1, the cover 4 can be removed, making the cavity 3 of the base body 2 accessible. The fluid pump 6, as well as the control unit and the energy supply in the form of the energy storage device, can be removed after the fluid pump 6 has been fluidically separated from the line system 16. The nozzles 14, 17 can be removed from the inlet opening 8 and the outlet opening 9, and the line system 16 can then be removed from the base body 2, e.g., via the opening 5 in the base body 2 that can be covered by the cover 4. 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] DE 86 12 974 U1

[0002] DE 20 210 531 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Dosing device (1) for reversible connection to a beverage bottle (10), comprising a base body (2) having an inlet and an outlet opening (8, 9), an electric liquid pump (6) arranged in a cavity (3) of the base body (2), and a line system (16) connected to the liquid pump (6) for conducting liquids, wherein the line system (16) comprises a liquid inlet nozzle (14) arranged in the inlet opening (8) and a liquid outlet nozzle (17) arranged in the outlet opening (9), wherein the inlet opening (8) is designed to receive a bottle neck (18) of the beverage bottle (10) at least in regions, so that the liquid inlet nozzle (14) projects into the beverage bottle (10), and comprising a liquid supply means (15) connected to the liquid inlet nozzle (14) and which can project at least partially into the beverage bottle (10). can be arranged,so that a liquid from the beverage bottle (10) can be transported via the line system (16) from the inlet opening (8) to the outlet opening (9), wherein the base body (2) comprises a reversibly removable lid (4) through which the cavity (3) of the base body (2) is accessible. [2] Dosing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the liquid outlet nozzle (17) and the liquid inlet nozzle (14) are present as separate parts that can be reversibly connected to the line system (16). [3] Dosing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the liquid outlet nozzle (17) and the liquid inlet nozzle (14) are made of plastic. [4] Dosing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the liquid supply means (15) is in the form of a plastic hose. [5] Dosing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the liquid supply means (15) is designed as a metal tube. [6] Dosing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an energy storage device for the liquid pump (6) is present in the cavity (3) of the base body (2). [7] Dosing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base body (2) comprises a recess for an actuating button (7) operatively connected to the liquid pump (6) for actuating the liquid pump (6). [8] Dosing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base body (2) has a connection electrically connected to the energy storage device, via which the energy storage device can be connected to a power source. [9] Dosing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the line system (16) is a hose system made of plastic. [10] Dosing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the line system (16) can be reversibly connected to the liquid pump (6). [11] Dosing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base body (2) has in its cavity (3) holding means for releasably fastening the liquid pump (6). [12] Dosing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inlet opening (8) comprises an inner wall (11) and an outer wall (12) spaced therefrom. [13] Dosing device (1) according to claim 12, characterized by that the liquid inlet nozzle (14) is located in an area delimited by the inner wall (11) and the line system (16) connected to the liquid inlet nozzle (14) leads through an opening in the base body (2) into the cavity (3) of the base body (2). [14] Dosing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 12 or 13, characterized by that a free end of a bottle neck (18) of a beverage bottle (10) can be arranged between the inner wall (11) and the outer wall (12).

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