Device for dispensing a free-flowing product for or in a beverage preparation machine, beverage preparation machine

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a free-flowing product for or in a beverage preparation machine. Furthermore, the invention relates to a beverage preparation machine. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Devices for dispensing a free-flowing product are used in beverage preparation machines, for example, for adding a sweetener such as sugar or dry sugar. For example, sugar can be added through the device during, before, or after dispensing a hot or cold beverage into a beverage container in order to achieve different levels of sweetness in the beverage. The beverage preparation machine can be a machine for preparing soft drinks or similar, where, for example, a flavoring powder can be mixed with a quantity of liquid. The hot beverage can be any type of coffee or tea. Other hot beverages are also conceivable. Consequently, the hot beverage machine can be a coffee machine, a fully automatic coffee machine, or similar.

[0003] DE 10 2017 128 087 A1 shows a coffee machine with a brewing chamber and a storage container for coffee beans. A chute allows for the addition of an additional free-flowing dry substance, such as sugar, to the brewing chamber. The chute is funnel-shaped, for example, and can be filled manually or automatically via a filling opening. The chute can be removed from the coffee machine for cleaning.

[0004] A disadvantage of these types of coffee machines is that the chute for feeding the free-flowing dry substance, such as sugar, easily becomes dirty and sometimes even clogged, as it is located in the area of ​​rising hot steam from the hot beverage when the beverage is poured into the beverage container. The hot steam condenses in and / or on the chute and regularly leads to unhygienic residues. These residues can get into a subsequent beverage, clog the chute, and cause flavor changes.

[0005] When preparing cold drinks in a beverage preparation machine, rising moisture, for example from a carbonated liquid, can also cause moisture to enter the shaft that is used, for example, to add flavoring powder.

[0006] US 2010 / 199850 A1 shows a beverage mixing device with a storage container 5 and a mixing chamber 2. The mixing chamber is filled via a feed element 2. The feed element 7 can be pivoted.

[0007] Furthermore, sweeteners, such as dried sugar or flavor powder, are often dispensed by vibration to convey the product from a storage container. The disadvantage is that the sweetener can trickle down even after the desired production quantity has been dispensed, which also creates contamination or residues.

[0008] Cleaning is possible after removing the feed chute from the beverage preparation machine. However, this requires disassembly and regular inspection of the feed chute for soiling. Therefore, the maintenance and cleaning of conventional beverage preparation machines is time-consuming and therefore costly.

[0009] This is a situation that must be avoided. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved device for dispensing a free-flowing product and a beverage preparation machine with a corresponding device. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device having the features of patent claim 1 and / or by a beverage preparation machine having the features of patent claim 14.

[0011] Accordingly, it is provided: A device for dispensing a free-flowing product for or in a beverage preparation machine, comprising a storage container for storing the free-flowing product, a dosing device for dosing the free-flowing product, and a movable dispensing element for dispensing the free-flowing product into a beverage container, wherein the dispensing element is movable from a dispensing position into a waiting position or rest position, and the waiting position or rest position is positioned offset at least horizontally from the dispensing position, and comprising a movable positioning element, the position change of which effects a change in the position of the movable dispensing element, wherein the positioning element comprises a dispensing element that serves to dispense a liquid. A beverage preparation machine, in particular a hot beverage preparation machine, comprising a device according to the invention.

[0012] The finding underlying the present invention is that the formation of condensate in the dispensing element should be avoided.

[0013] The idea underlying the present invention is that the dispensing element is designed to be movable and can be moved away from an area into which hot steam from a hot beverage production or moisture from a cold beverage production rises.

[0014] In this way, it is advantageously possible to prevent or significantly reduce condensation in the dispensing element, and thus in a shaft, caused by rising moisture or rising hot steam during beverage preparation. Furthermore, increased adhesion and thus clogging of the dispensing element can be prevented. Advantageously, all moving elements, especially the dispensing element, are therefore easy to clean, as increased adhesion is avoided.

[0015] In addition, such a device can also be used to form a type of trickle barrier, which can prevent contamination from trickling products, such as dry sugar or flavoring powder, into a beverage dispensing area.

[0016] The storage container serves to store the free-flowing product and can be interchangeably mounted on the dosing device. Preferably, the storage container can be opened and refilled.

[0017] The dosing device can deliver varying and predeterminable amounts of the free-flowing product to the dispensing element. This allows a desired amount of, for example, dry sugar or other free-flowing products to enter the beverage container. The free-flowing product can, for example, be drawn toward the dispensing element by gravity alone, since the dosing device is preferably located above the dispensing element.

[0018] It is also conceivable for a conveying unit, such as a downpipe or similar, to be arranged between the dosing device and the dispensing element. This allows the free-flowing product to be conveyed into the dispensing element in a positioned manner. Preferably, the conveying unit and the dispensing element are not in direct contact, so that the dispensing element is freely movable relative to the conveying unit.

[0019] The movable dispensing element is used to dispense the free-flowing product into the beverage container and is therefore positioned directly above the beverage container when dispensing a beverage. In the dispensing position, the dispensing element is positioned directly above the beverage container. In this position, the free-flowing product can be fed into the beverage container. This can also involve different free-flowing products in different quantities being fed into the beverage container.

[0020] Preferably, the free-flowing product is dispensed into the beverage container first, before liquid is poured into the beverage container. The free-flowing product is dispensed via the dispensing element, while liquid is preferably poured into the beverage container via a different dispensing element. During both processes, the beverage container is preferably positioned unchanged in the same position in the beverage preparation machine.

[0021] Advantageously, the dispensing element is arranged in the standby position during the supply of liquid to the beverage container. The standby position is therefore offset at least horizontally from the dispensing position, so that the dispensing element is protected from rising moisture or steam from the beverage container when the beverage container remains unchanged in the beverage preparation machine.

[0022] When the dispensing element is arranged in the waiting position, it can be arranged offset horizontally and / or vertically relative to the dispensing position. Likewise, the dispensing element can be arranged rotated relative to the dispensing position in the waiting position, so that at least one section of the dispensing element, for example, a lower opening, is arranged horizontally offset from the dispensing position in the waiting position. A waiting position is therefore understood to mean a position in which the dispensing element can be displaced and / or rotated relative to the dispensing position.

[0023] The beverage preparation machine is, in particular, a hot beverage preparation machine, such as a coffee machine. It can also be a cold beverage preparation machine, such as a soft drink machine, for example, for producing carbonated beverages.

[0024] Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing element can comprise a lower opening, wherein at least the lower opening can be positioned offset from the dispensing position, at least horizontally, in the waiting position. Advantageously, the dispensing element can be designed as an elongated element, wherein the lower opening travels the longest distance during a movement, in particular a rotational movement, of the dispensing element from the dispensing position to the waiting position.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing element can be movable independently of the dosing device. This advantageously allows the dispensing element to move independently of the dosing device. Since the dosing device preferably remains in one position and only the dispensing element is moved, installation space can be saved within the beverage preparation machine.

[0027] According to a further development, the dispensing element can be mounted at specific points and can be pivoted around the specific mounting.

[0028] In this way, the dispensing element can be designed as a type of pendulum, with an opening of the dispensing element that is oriented downwards for dispensing the free-flowing product traveling the greatest distance when moving into the waiting position. This ensures that the opening is protected from rising steam or rising moisture in the waiting position. A movement of the dispensing element from the dispensing position to the waiting position can therefore be a pendulum movement. The pendulum movement can occur in any spatial direction. For example, the opening of the dispensing element can be moved around a vertical axis that runs through the point-like bearing.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the dispensing element can be pivotable about a horizontal axis. This advantageously allows the dispensing element to move in at least one spatial direction.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing element can be designed as a funnel. This advantageously allows for reliable filling of the dispensing element with the amount of free-flowing product metered by the metering device. The funnel is preferably widened upwards, so that the lower opening of the dispensing element, which is to be protected from moisture, has a smaller diameter than an upper opening into which the free-flowing product is introduced.

[0031] According to the invention, the device comprises a movable positioning element, the position of which changes accordingly. In this way, the dispensing element can be moved from the dispensing position to the waiting position. The positioning element can, for example, perform a linear or pivoting movement, pushing the dispensing element to the side. This prevents rising moisture from entering or accumulating on the dispensing element and depositing there.

[0032] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the positioning element can be designed as a type of slider and can perform a horizontal movement and / or a pivoting movement. Advantageously, the positioning element is arranged on a rail.

[0033] According to the invention, the positioning element comprises a dispensing element that serves to dispense a liquid for beverage preparation. This advantageously allows the remaining preparation of the beverage to begin immediately after dispensing the free-flowing product.

[0034] According to a further development, the positioning element and the dispensing element can be designed as separate components. This allows for free and relative movement of the positioning element relative to the dispensing element. The dispensing element can, for example, react to a movement of the positioning element by being deflected as desired.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the movable positioning element can have a contact surface with which the positioning element can be contacted with the dispensing element, wherein the contact surface is arranged below a storage position of the dispensing element when the positioning element contacts the dispensing element. This advantageously allows for deflection of the dispensing element, particularly when the dispensing element is mounted in a pendulum-like manner.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the storage position can be designed as a fixed point that allows at least one rotation of the dispensing element about a horizontal axis through the fixed point. Advantageously, this allows the region of the dispensing element that is closest to the beverage container to be deflected the furthest.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment, the waiting position can be arranged at least partially outside the sphere of influence of a circumference of the beverage container. Advantageously, this allows at least the lower opening of the dispensing element to be protected from moisture and contamination.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing element can be arranged at an angle in the waiting position, with at least the lower opening of the dispensing element being arranged at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. In this way, a concentration of rising vapor or rising moisture in the lower opening can be avoided.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment, the dosing device can comprise a semicircular opening at a position where the dosing device contacts the storage container. This advantageously allows a trickle barrier to be formed, which prevents free-flowing product from trickling out of the storage container after a desired dosing or metered dispensing.

[0040] According to a further development, the dosing device can comprise a valve piston. The valve piston can be electrically driven and, in conjunction with the semicircular cross-sectional opening, form the trickle-down barrier. Before dispensing a beverage, a free-flowing product can be dispensed in a measured amount from the storage container through the semicircular opening in a beverage recipe. Accordingly, the semicircular opening can be opened and closed again using a magnetically or motor-driven valve piston. During dosing, the free-flowing product can thus leave the dosing device in a controlled amount. This advantageously prevents trickling from the storage container after dosing, and thus prevents contamination from trickling product into the beverage container. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

[0041] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a device in an isometric view; Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a further sectional view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 .

[0042] The accompanying drawing figures are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will become apparent upon review of the drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative to one another.

[0043] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a device 1 in an isometric view. The device 1 shown in its entirety can, for example, be arranged within a housing of a beverage preparation machine. A storage container 2 is arranged in the upper area of ​​the illustration, which serves to store a free-flowing product. The storage container 2 can be removable and / or refillable. It is also conceivable for the storage container 2 to be arranged outside the housing of the beverage preparation machine.

[0045] A dosing device 3 is arranged on the storage container 2, which can dispense a specific amount of the free-flowing product from the storage container 2. A movable dispensing element 4 is arranged below the dosing device 3. The dispensing element 4 conveys the free-flowing product into a beverage container 5.

[0046] In this embodiment, a conveying unit 12, designed as a downpipe, is arranged between the dosing device 3 and the dispensing element 4. This ensures direct conveyance from the dosing device 3 to the dispensing element 4.

[0047] At the level of the dispensing element 4, a movable positioning element 6 is arranged, which is designed as a slide and can perform a linear movement and / or a pivoting movement. The movement of the positioning element 6 consequently allows the dispensing element 4 to be pivoted or moved about a storage position 10. This can occur, for example, about a horizontal axis h and / or a vertical axis v, which intersect the storage position 10. The dispensing element 4 can move in a pendulum-like manner and, for example, be mounted only at specific points.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 This illustration shows a state in which the dispensing element 4 is arranged in a dispensing position A. The dispensing element 4 is oriented vertically, so that free-flowing product, which enters the dispensing element 4 via the storage container 2, the dosing device 3, and the conveying unit 12, can be conveyed into the beverage container 5 by gravity alone. The dispensing element 4 is designed as a funnel 7. In the illustrated dispensing position A, a contact surface 9 of the positioning element 6 is not in contact with the dispensing element 4.

[0049] In Fig. 2 It can also be seen that the dosing device 3 or the conveying unit 12 are not in contact with the dispensing element 4. This allows the dosing device 3 and the dispensing element 4 to move freely relative to each other.

[0050] The sectional view through the positioning element 6 shows that a dispensing element 8 is arranged within the positioning element 6, which serves to convey a liquid into the beverage container 5. In the dispensing position A, the dispensing element 8 is not arranged above the beverage container 5.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a further sectional view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 The illustration shows the waiting position R, in which the positioning element 6 is arranged directly above the beverage container 5. In this position, liquid can be conveyed into the beverage container 5 via the dispensing element 8.

[0052] The waiting position R is reached by moving the positioning element 6 in the direction of the arrow towards the dispensing element 4. When the contact surface 9 of the positioning element 6 comes into contact with the dispensing element 4, the dispensing element 4 is moved into the waiting position R. In this embodiment, the dispensing element 4 is mounted at specific points. A mounting position 10 forms a fixed point around which the dispensing element 4 can be rotated or pivoted. The mounting position 10 is located just above the contact surface 9. As a result, when the dispensing element 4 comes into contact with the positioning element 6, the dispensing element 4 is moved in a pendulum-like manner, so that the lower opening 11 is displaced at least horizontally.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower opening 11 lies outside a circumference U of the beverage container 5. At least the opening 11 is thus outside the hot steam or rising moisture rising from the beverage container 5. The opening 11 and the interior of the dispensing element 4 can thus be protected from condensation. Contamination in or on the dispensing element 4 by residues of the free-flowing product in combination with condensation due to moisture can thus be prevented. In particular, in combination with the trickle-down barrier, which prevents the free-flowing product from trickling into the dispensing element 4, a durable and hygienic device can be provided.

[0054] Although the present invention has been fully described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

[0055] Deviating from the illustrated embodiment, the device can also be designed, for example, without a conveying unit 12. In such an embodiment, the free-flowing product can be conveyed directly from the dosing device 3 into the dispensing element 4.

[0056] Furthermore, other geometric designs of the dispensing element 4 are possible, for example as a tubular element or funnel shape.

[0057] The movable positioning element 6 can advantageously remain in the front position after the liquid has been dispensed and thus keep the vapor rising from the filled beverage container 5 under the opening 11 of the dispensing element 4 in the waiting position R, and thus out of reach, until the beverage container 5 has been removed by the consumer. List of reference symbols

[0058] 1Device 2Storage container 3Dosing device 4Dispensing element 5Beverage container 6Movable positioning element / slider 7Funnel 8Dispensing element 9Contact surface 10Storage position 11Lower opening 12Conveyor unit ADispatch position RWaiting position hhorizontal axis vvertical axis

Claims

1. Device (1) for dispensing a free-flowing product for or in a beverage preparation machine, having a storage container (2) for storing the pourable product, having a metering device (3) for metering the free-flowing product that is stored in the storage container (2) , having a movable dispensing element (4) for dispensing the free-flowing product that is metered by the metering device (3) into a beverage container (5), wherein the dispensing element (4) can be moved from a dispensing position (A) into a waiting position or rest position (R) and back, and wherein the waiting position or rest position (R) is positioned offset at least in the horizontal direction with respect to the dispensing position (A), characterised by a movable positioning element (6), the position change of which causes a change in the position of the movable dispensing element (4), wherein the positioning element (6) comprises a dispensing element (8) that is used so as to dispense a liquid.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the dispensing element (4) comprises a lower opening (11), wherein at least the lower opening (11) is positioned offset at least in the horizontal direction with respect to the dispensing position (A) in the waiting position or rest position (R).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dispensing element (4) can be moved independently of the metering device (3).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dispensing element (4) is mounted in a punctiform manner and can be pivoted about the punctiform mounting.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dispensing element (4) can be pivoted about a horizontal axis (h).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dispensing element (4) is configured as a funnel (7).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the positioning element (6) is configured as a type of slide and is configured so as to perform a horizontal movement and / or a pivoting movement, and / or that the positioning element (6) and the dispensing element (4) are configured as separate components.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movable positioning element (6) comprises a contact surface (9), by means of which the positioning element (6) can be contacted with the dispensing element (4), wherein the contact surface (9) is arranged below a storage position (10) of the dispensing element (4) when the positioning element (6) contacts the dispensing element (4).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the storage position (10) is configured as a fixed point, which enables at least one rotation of the dispensing element (4) about a horizontal axis (h) through the fixed point.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the waiting position or the rest position (R) are arranged at least outside a region of influence of a circumference (U) of the beverage container (5).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dispensing element (4) is arranged inclined in the waiting position or in the rest position (R), wherein at least one lower opening (11) of the dispensing element (4) is arranged inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the metering device (3) comprises a semicircular opening at a position at which the metering device (3) contacts the storage container (2).

13. Device according to claim 12, characterised in that the metering device (3) comprises a valve piston, which is configured so as to close the semicircular opening of the metering device (3).

14. Automatic beverage preparation machine, in particular automatic hot beverage preparation machine, comprising a device according to one of the preceding claims.