Drink dispenser with locking unit

Abstract

A beverage dispenser is proposed, comprising a receptacle (10) for a beverage, a receptacle (10) for the beverage, and a cover (20). In the closed position, the cover (20) can be engaged with an overlapping section (21) over the receptacle (10) or its edge section (11, 12). This invention aims to securely lock the beverage dispenser and dampen, ideally eliminate, vibrations or oscillations. A locking device (30) is mounted in the overlapping section (21) and is displaceable relative to it. The displaceability of the locking device (30) relative to the overlapping section (21) is restricted by a blocking device (40) arranged in the cover (20) when the blocking device (40) is in a locking position. A securing device (60) is provided to secure the blocking device (40) in the locking position, for example, by clamping.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a beverage dispenser comprising a lower part (as a receptacle for a beverage to be mixed or already mixed) and a cover for the lower part, with a locking device that prevents the cover from being removed from the lower part.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a damping device for a beverage dispenser, which comprises a lower part (as a receptacle for a beverage to be mixed or already mixed), a cover for the lower part and a stirring or cooling device for the beverage located in the lower part, wherein the damping device is designed to dampen the oscillations or vibrations transmitted to the beverage dispenser, for example oscillations or vibrations generated by the stirring or cooling device.

[0003] The invention further relates to a beverage dispenser comprising a lower part (as a receptacle for a beverage to be mixed or already mixed), a cover for the lower part and optionally a stirring or cooling device for the beverage located in the lower part, wherein the beverage dispenser comprises the locking device of the first aspect and the damping device of the second aspect.

[0004] A beverage dispenser is described in EP 1 132 316 B1 (Wolfgang Jobmann). This document primarily addresses the airtight seal and ensuring the quality of the contents of the beverage dispenser. Regarding the general design of such a dispenser, reference can be made to this document. In problem areas, such as psychiatric wards or correctional facilities, or even in normal cafeteria operations without continuous monitoring of such a beverage dispenser, a problem arises in that unauthorized access to the contents of the beverage dispenser cannot be monitored and therefore cannot be reliably prevented.This represents a significant risk potential for the contents of the dispenser, which must be protected against removal on the one hand and against changes (in terms of colour, content, quality of the contents, taste of the contents or medical and health safety) on the other.

[0005] Premix dispensers, i.e., beverage dispensers in which the liquid contents are stored in a premixed state in the base, are generally not equipped with a reliable locking mechanism, but instead feature freely removable container lids (tops). Other dispensers incorporate an agitator, for example, to mix a beverage concentrate with fresh water. Both dispenser types can be equipped with a cooling device.

[0006] The technical problem therefore arises of providing a locking mechanism for such dispensers which, on the one hand, can be opened without problems by authorized persons and, on the other hand, reliably prevents unauthorized persons from accessing the contents of the premix dispenser. At the same time, however, the security of the locking mechanism does not increase to such an extent that the loss of a key or locking device leads to complete inaccessibility of the system, i.e. does not make authorized persons generally unauthorized persons due to their negligence (loss or misplacement of the key).There is also the problem that oscillations or vibrations generated by a beverage dispenser with a stirring or cooling device, particularly in the connection area between the base and the cover, can cause noises that can be perceived as disturbing, for example, in a doctor's waiting room or at another location where the beverage dispenser is installed.

[0007] EP 1 431 239 A1 (Wolfgang Jobmann) describes a dispenser according to the generic term.

[0008] Wanted A solution for securely locking the beverage dispenser is particularly one that can dampen or, ideally, eliminate the aforementioned vibrations or oscillations altogether.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a beverage dispenser with a receptacle for a beverage and a cover, wherein the cover, when the beverage dispenser is closed, i.e., when the cover closes or covers an opening in the receptacle, can be engaged with an overlapping section over the receptacle, in particular an edge section of the receptacle. A locking device that is displaceable relative to the overlapping section is mounted in the overlapping section. The locking device can thus be displaced, in particular, into a locking position or first position in which it prevents the cover from being removed from the receptacle, and into an unlocking position or second position in which the cover and receptacle can be separated.The locking device is inhibited in its or a displaceability relative to the overlapping section of the cover by a blocking device arranged in the cover when the blocking device is in a blocking position, which preferably involves the blocking device at least partially engaging the locking device. The beverage dispenser according to the first aspect is characterized by a securing device that secures the blocking device in the blocking position when the locking device is in the locking position.

[0010] According to one aspect of the above-mentioned invention, a damping device is included which has a damping effect on the oscillations and / or vibrations at least in the region of the connection between the receptacle and the cover, whereby the said noises can be reduced or eliminated.

[0011] The damping device can thus advantageously also reduce or prevent relative movement between the receptacle and the lid connected to the receptacle caused by oscillations and / or vibrations. This can positively influence the sloshing behavior of the liquid in the receptacle. Furthermore, the dampened vibration or oscillation in the area of ​​contact between the receptacle and lid can prevent damage or wear, at least in this area.

[0012] The damping device can also have an advantageous effect in a dispenser without a stirring and / or cooling device according to the first aspect, for example when the beverage dispenser is used in a vehicle, such as a bus, a camper, a ferry or a train, where vibrations and / or oscillations can be introduced from outside.

[0013] Preferably, the safety device forms the damping device, and vice versa. The safety device and damping device can preferably be formed by a single part that fulfills both functions.

[0014] The cover of the beverage dispenser according to the second aspect can, in the closed state of the beverage dispenser, that is to say when the cover closes or covers an opening of the receptacle, be brought into engagement with an overlapping section over the receptacle, in particular an edge section of the receptacle, wherein a locking device which is displaceable relative to the overlapping section is mounted in the overlapping section, and the locking device is inhibited in its displaceability relative to the overlapping section by a blocking device arranged in the cover when the blocking device is in a blocking position.

[0015] The safety device, also known as the damping device, can be firmly connected to the cover or molded onto the cover.

[0016] The safety device and also the damping device can be firmly connected to the locking device or formed on the locking device.

[0017] The securing device, also known as the damping device, can be formed separately from the cover and separately from the locking device. The separate securing device and / or the separate damping device can be arranged, for example, on the locking device such that the securing device and / or the damping device is / are movable relative to the locking device, in particular linearly along a longitudinal axis of the locking device.

[0018] The locking device can be cylindrical, formed by a plate or other elongated body, for example, a bone-shaped one. The locking device comprises a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of the locking device are shaped to prevent the separate securing device (damping device) from slipping off the locking device and becoming lost. This means that the separate securing device can be captively mounted. It can be freely displaced on the locking device between the first and second ends.

[0019] The first end of the locking device may face the receptacle and have a first diameter measured transversely to a displacement direction or longitudinal axis of the locking device which is greater than a diameter of the locking device adjacent to the first end, measured in the same direction.

[0020] The second end of the locking device may be remote from the receptacle and have a second diameter measured transversely to the direction of displacement or longitudinal axis of the locking device that is greater than a diameter of the locking device adjacent to the second end, measured in the same direction.

[0021] Between the first end and the second end, the locking device can have a connecting region that has a third diameter measured transversely to the displacement direction of the locking device, wherein the third diameter is smaller than the first diameter or the second diameter, respectively, at least in regions adjacent to the first end and adjacent to the second end. The third diameter can be the same throughout the longitudinal extent of the connecting region, or can increase or decrease continuously or abruptly, at least in certain regions.

[0022] The first end of the locking device can form a first stop for the locking device on a first counter-stop formed by the cover in an unlocking position in which the cover can be removed from the receptacle, preferably by hand.

[0023] The second end can form a second stop for the locking device on a second counter-stop formed by the cover in the locking position in which the cover cannot be removed from the receptacle.

[0024] The first stop formed by the cover can have a smaller distance from the receptacle than the second stop formed by the cover.

[0025] The securing device (damping device) is preferably arranged on the connecting section of the locking device in a region between the second stop and the second counter-stop.

[0026] The securing device (damping device) can be formed from or comprise an elastically deformable material. Preferably, a spring element forms the securing device (damping device). The spring force of the securing device (damping device) can preferably be predetermined, for example, by the selected material, the selected material thickness, and / or the selected shape.

[0027] Preferably, the locking device can be moved into the locking position against the elastic force of the safety device (damping device). For this purpose, the safety device must be compressed so that the blocking device can be transferred, preferably by gravity, from the ready position in the cover into the blocking position. If the pressure on the locking device is then reduced or removed, a restoring force of the compressed safety device (damping device) can move the locking device back toward the unlocked position, thereby securing the blocking device in the blocking position. The blocking device can be secured, for example, by clamping the blocking device in the blocking position.The maximum distance that the locking device can be moved by the safety device (damping device) corresponds to the spring travel of the spring element, i.e. the difference in length of the spring element in the spring direction between full compression and full relaxation.

[0028] To release the locking device secured in the locking position, the locking device must be moved back to the locking position, acting as a damping device, against the restoring force of the securing device. In the locking position, the locking device can be moved from the locking position back to the ready position in the cover.

[0029] The securing device can be annular, preferably forming a closed ring. The ring can be punched from a sheet material or formed from a wire whose ends are, in particular, permanently connected to one another, for example, welded. The wire can have a round or square cross-sectional shape, or another cross-sectional shape.

[0030] The ring forming the securing device (damping device) preferably has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the connecting portion of the locking device in at least one region and smaller than an outer diameter of at least the second end of the locking device.

[0031] An inner peripheral shape of the ring may substantially correspond to the outer peripheral shape of the connecting portion of the locking device in the at least one region.

[0032] The securing device (damping device), or rather the ring, can comprise several adjoining sections in the circumferential direction. At least a first section can lie in a first plane over its entire circumferential extent. A second section, or at least one second section, can extend from the first plane to a vertex in a second plane and then extend back to and into the first plane.

[0033] In the case of a plurality of first sections, preferably all first sections lie in the first plane, and in the case of a plurality of second sections, the vertices of the plurality of second sections lie in a common second plane. The first plane and the second plane can run substantially parallel to each other and be spaced apart from each other.

[0034] The second plane, which is spanned by the vertex, can have a distance from the first plane which is approximately 8% to 15%, preferably approximately 10% to approximately 13%, and particularly preferably approximately 11% to 11.5% of the maximum outer diameter of the securing device (damping device).

[0035] In the connecting section of the locking device, a receptacle for the blocking device can be formed, into which the blocking device can be transferred in the locking position in which the securing device (damping device) is / are compressed in order to assume the blocking position.

[0036] A diameter of the receptacle can be larger than an outer diameter of the blocking device, so that the blocking device, when the locking position is reached and before being secured, can be transferred into the receptacle without resistance by the restoring force of the securing device (damping device) and can be at least partially received in the receptacle in order to assume the blocking position. In the blocking position, the blocking device can then be secured by the restoring force of the securing device (damping device), so that the blocking device can no longer be moved out of the blocking position by gravity alone and mobility between the cover and the receptacle of the beverage dispenser is minimized or eliminated, so that in this area, for example, no noise can be generated by vibrations or oscillations.The damping effect of the safety device ensures, in particular, that the blocking device cannot move within the receptacle in the blocking position, which advantageously results in noises caused by vibration or oscillations from the blocking device also being dampened or eliminated.

[0037] The blocking device can comprise at least one blocking body, for example in the form of a pin, which is completely received in the cover in the ready position. In the blocking position, the blocking body can be arranged partially in the cover and partially in the receptacle in the locking device, so that the locking device cannot be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0038] The blocking body can be a magnetizable object or one that can be moved by a magnet, which can be transferred from the blocking position to the ready position with the aid of the magnet. Preferably, after reaching the ready position, the object can be held in the ready position by the magnet in order to allow or enable movement of the locking device from the locked position to the unlocked position, for example, by the restoring force of the securing device (damping device) and / or manually.

[0039] A Example is intended to explain (clarify and supplement) the system according to the invention in more detail.

[0040] Figure 1illustrates a section of a beverage dispenser between an upper part 20 and a lower part 10, on which an example of a locking device 30 in the form of a bolt body 30 is arranged such that the bolt body 30 is shown in a locked position in a rest position. To secure the locking device 30, the beverage dispenser comprises a securing device 60, which can move the locking device 30 from the shown locked position into a locked position, in which the locking device 30 can no longer be released by gravity alone.

[0041] The illustration is a sectional view, but the remaining area is easily imagined based on common beverage dispensers on which this locking device 30 can be installed. The example thus represents the operation of a dispenser that already has this device installed, and a mounting device as such, which is available separately as a kit for retrofitting existing dispensers or for pre-fitting new dispensers at the factory.

[0042] The Figure 1illustrates the closed state of a beverage container, which includes an upper part or lid 20, which is provided with a cover wall 29 that essentially corresponds to the size of the receptacle or lower part 10 and can be made of translucent or transparent plastic. The lower part 10, which is covered by the lid 20 and its cover wall 29, has a large-volume receptacle body 10, into which a beverage G, for example as a premixed beverage, is poured when the lid 20, 29 has been removed. After being poured into the lower part, the beverage G is covered with the lid 29, 20 and the dispenser is closed. Not shown is a dispensing valve, which is arranged at the lower edge of the beverage container 10 in order to be able to dispense beverage from the pre-prepared beverage supply G as needed. Also not shown is a stirring and / or cooling device that is or can be connected to the lower part 10.

[0043] The upper left section illustrates the closed state with an apron 21 extending from the cover 20. The apron extends over an angularly held projection 11, 12 on the upper edge of the lower part 10 and carries a housing 22 with an upper cover wall 22a and a lower wall opening 22b at its lower end section. A flange section projects radially outwards, which at least in the region of a bolt body 30 has an extension extending in the depth direction of the paper, while below this flange and the space 22 there is a sliding bearing 23 for at least partially enclosing the bolt body 30, which can be moved to the left and right between the space 22 and the upper flange as well as the lower sliding bearing 23.

[0044] The bolt body 30 of the exemplary embodiment comprises a first end 35 facing the lower part 10 and a second end 36 facing away from the lower part 10, which forms a receptacle for the beverage. Between the first end 35 and the second end 36, the bolt body 30 comprises a connecting portion 37. A recess 31 is formed in the connecting portion 37, the significance of which will be explained later.

[0045] The first end 35 has a first diameter D1, the second end 36 has a second diameter D2, and the connecting portion 37 has a third diameter D3. In the exemplary embodiment, the third diameter D3 is smaller than the first diameter D1 and smaller than the second diameter D2. The first diameter D1 and the second diameter D2 can be identical or different.

[0046] The first end 35 forms a stop 35a which cooperates with a counter-stop 24a on the cover 20 to prevent the bolt 30 from being pulled out of the sliding bearing 23 when the bolt is moved in a direction A, that is, away from the receiving container 10.

[0047] The second end 36, or a securing device 60, forms a stop 36a, which cooperates with a counter-stop 24b to position the recess 31 in the connecting section 37 substantially below the space 22 in the cover 20. In order to move the recess 31 into a position exactly below the space 22, the locking device 60 must be elastically deformed, that is, compressed or pressed together, as is the case, for example, for Figure 3 described.

[0048] In the depth direction of the paper, the bolt body 30 can extend as a flat plate piece. However, it can also be designed as a non-circular rod or have a polygonal shape. The lower opening 22b and the lower end section of the space 22, as well as the flange projecting therefrom and the lower sliding bearing 23, are designed accordingly. However, the elongated bolt body 30 does not extend along the entire circumference, but only at at least one point of the beverage container, which is, for example, round or polygonal, in particular square, in the circumferential direction.

[0049] The locking device 30 can be provided at multiple locations, for example, two, three, or more, arranged at a distance around or along the circumference of a round or polygonal body 10, if multiple locking mechanisms are to be provided at multiple circumferentially distributed locations. With multiple locking devices 30, each of the locking devices can be secured by a respective securing device 60.

[0050] Only one locking device (blocking device 30 plus securing device 60) at one location on the container is described here, which can easily be transferred to other locations with a corresponding design in accordance with the description referred to here. When providing several locking devices spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the beverage dispenser, each of which has an independent blocking device 30 and preferably also an independent securing device 60, each such device can be arranged on a section of an apron 21 extending in the lateral direction, or the apron 21 can be held essentially continuous. The projection 11, 12, under which the blocking or locking is carried out, can also be continuous, or only at those locations where a respective blocking device 30 or locking device is provided.

[0051] The position shown is the locking position in which the beverage is filled and the lid 20 rests on the lower part 10 serving as a receptacle for the beverage, for example on an elastic bearing not shown here at a different location than that shown in the section in Figure 1 illustrated. The securing device 60 is elastically compressed so that the space 22 and the recess 31 are aligned with each other. The force for elastically compressing the securing device 60 can be applied, for example, by a user with a finger, with which the user presses the bolt body 30 toward the lower part 10.

[0052] The locking position has two properties. Firstly, the bolt body 30 is in the Figure 1pushed in to the right and engages under the angular projection 11, 12 on the receiving container 10, so that the lid 20, 29 cannot be removed. On the other hand, the inserted bolt body 30, as a locking device 30, is locked by a round to oval or arbitrarily shaped magnetizable blocking body 40, which blocking body 40 is shown here as non-circular in cross-section and can move upwards in the space 22. In the engaged state, it engages through the lower opening 22b of the space 22, which is covered opaquely to the outside by an upper wall 22a in order to conceal the blocking body 40 from view from the outside.The engagement of the blocking body 40 in a recess 31 on the locking bolt 30, which is essentially adapted to the shape of the blocking body 40, ensures a lateral blocking of the displaceability of the bolt body 30, which thus - in the locking position shown - can essentially not be displaced in direction A.

[0053] Essentially, this means that the bolt body 30 can only be displaced in direction A by the elastic force or restoring force of the securing device 60, which causes the blocking body 40 to tilt slightly and be clamped by the facing edges of the space 22 and the recess 31. This makes it difficult to guide the blocking body 40 out in a direction a and thereby additionally secures the bolt 30 against unintentional and / or unauthorized release, for example, due to gravity, when the beverage dispenser is placed on the lid 20.

[0054] The design of the blocking body 40 is round to oval in cross section in the Figure 1 This cross-sectional shape can also be varied considerably in various other embodiments. For example, a bolt piece is possible that has its axis in the vertical direction in Figure 1 and has flat faces (top and bottom). This bolt piece can be made of metal and coated with a layer that is food-safe, hygienic, and at least easily washable.

[0055] In the depth direction (perpendicular to the paper plane of the Figure 1) The blocking body 30 can have a freely selectable shape (or depth or width). It can be designed as a ring segment, but according to the above variant, it can also be designed as a vertical cylindrical or square bolt piece. The interior space 22 and the associated outer wall 22a of this space are designed accordingly. If the ring extends over a partial segment of the circumference, this will match a locking device 30 that extends at least as flatly, which is then designed more like a plate, as opposed to a more like a rod-shaped design in the case of a blocking body 40 designed as a sphere or oval.

[0056] The closed state of the lid 20 with the overlapping section 21, on which the described locking device 30 is arranged, ensures that the blocking body 40, acting as a blocking device, inhibits the displaceability of the locking device 30 in the longitudinal direction. This locking position ensures that the displaceably mounted bolt 30 cannot be displaced into an unlocking position in direction A and, with its first end 35 (the end facing the beverage container) under the laterally projecting edge section 11, 12, exerts a locking effect that prevents the lid 20 from being released without changing the position of the blocking body 40.The securing device 60 additionally makes it more difficult to move the blocking body 30 out in the vertical direction, for example by means of a magnet, and reliably prevents the blocking body 40 from falling out of the recess 31 solely by gravity, for example when the beverage dispenser is placed on the lid 20.

[0057] Opening is possible when the bolt body 30 is moved back into the locking position shown against the elastic restoring force of the securing device 60 and with a magnetic key 50, for example, a strong bar magnet or preferably an electromagnet, which exerts such a strong magnetic force via the magnetic field M that a heavy blocking body 40 can be lifted and the blockage 40, 31 is released. For this purpose, the magnetic field M acts from the outside on the blocking body 40 through the space cover 22a, lifting it against its gravity in direction "a" and allowing displacement of the bolt body 30 by grasping the outer grip portion or the second end 36. The inner portion of the bolt body 30 moves outward with the first end 35 and rests against the inward-facing surface of the skirt 21 at the counter-stop 24a.In this stop position, which is the unlocking position, the locking is released and the cover 20 can be removed. The first end 35 of the locking bolt 30 moves past the outermost portion 12 of the edge portion 11, 12 without any significant contact.

[0058] The removed lid 20 provides access to the interior of the container 10, allows its cleaning, and allows cleaning of the container lid 20, even together with the locking device 30 and the securing device 60, which are arranged on the lid 20 itself and are removed with it.

[0059] When closing the beverage container 10, the process is reversed. If the locking device 30 is locked, the locking device 30 is first moved inward and the securing device 60 is elastically compressed. The lid 20 can then be turned upside down, allowing gravity to release the lock 40, 31. The locking device can now be moved outward. Subsequently, the lid 20 can be replaced on the filled container base 10 with the bolt 30 released outward.

[0060] Between the locking recess 31 and the first end 35 of the locking bolt 30, no further recess, in particular no depression, is provided, so that the blocking body 40 can no longer engage here when the first blocking in the recess 31 is released. In this position of the blocking bolt 30, approaching the unlocking position, the blocking body 40 is held in the space 21 above the connecting section 37 of the locking device 30 in an elevated position, thus blocking itself here and falls automatically due to its gravity into the blocking or locking position upon insertion of the locking bolt 30 and the elastic deformation of the securing device 60, which in the Figure 1 shown-is.

[0061] To enable this lifting movement, the space 22 has a height adapted to the height of the locking body 40. It is at least high enough for the locking body 40 to leave the recess 31, thereby enabling the bolt body 30 to be displaced.

[0062] The two end sections, the grip section or second end 36 on the one hand, and the inner locking section or first end 35 of the bolt body 30 on the other, can be thickened or wider to achieve an improved effect and to enable displacement within the guide sections 23 or the underside of the space 22 with the outwardly projecting flange. Thus, the bolt body 30 cannot fall out of the apron section 21 and forms a coherent functional unit with it.

[0063] The described embodiment can also be implemented as a structural unit, wherein a corresponding mounting section is attached to the skirt section 21, which can be arranged on a top part of a beverage container that is not yet provided with a locking mechanism. This mounting section can, for example, run horizontally in order to be mounted on the top wall 29, at least an outer section of this top wall 29, for example by gluing or mounting with a screw device that is not accessible from the outside.

[0064] The magnetic device 50 serving as a "key" is shown here as a bar magnet, but is preferably a stronger electromagnet capable of lifting a blocking body 40 whose weight is adapted to a lifting force imparted by the magnetic field M, but which is too weak to overcome the clamping force exerted by the securing element 60. The necessity of using an electromagnet prevents unauthorized use by a small magnet or a pocket magnet from potentially unlocking the device. The arrangement of the blocking body 40 in the space 22, in turn, also enables the opening of the lower part 10 by removing the lid 20 or by unlocking the locking device 30 if a magnet is unavailable, lost, or misplaced. The beverage G can then be completely dispensed from the outlet described (the valve or the like).The dispenser (dispensing valve) can be removed by moving the bolt body 30 in the direction A against the restoring force of the locking element 60 and turning the entire dispenser upside down. Gravity releases the locking mechanism in the recess 31. The direction "a" is inverted downwards. Subsequent cleaning of the lid 20 and the beverage container 10, as well as refilling, is possible, even if the magnetic key is misplaced.

[0065] By designing the bolt body 30 as a non-round bolt, for example, a flat web or a square or polygonal bolt body, rotation can be prevented. Manipulation by rotation, in particular by attempting to push the blocking body 40 upwards, can also be prevented by such a design. However, it must be ensured that the guide 23, 22a, in which the displaceable locking device is guided, has the corresponding counter-shape to ensure the essentially form-fitting guidance and rotational locking.

[0066] The locking bolt 30, the locking body 40 and the securing device 60 can be made of hygienically impeccable material at least on their surface in order to be able to clean them together with the lid 20 and the container 10 in a dishwasher.

[0067] To enable the use of the magnet 50, the blocking body 40 can be made either entirely of magnetizable material or of a hygienically acceptable material that contains magnetizable components. For example, a plastic material filled with iron particles is possible, as is a material with a soft iron core and an outer coating that meets hygienic requirements.

[0068] The described design creates a hygienically flawless solution, i.e., a solution that is hygienically cleanable, which is firmly connected to the lid 20, 29 and secured to the lid 20 by means of the safety device 60. It is secure against unauthorized intervention or manipulation, but not so overly secure that forgetful operators are generally prevented from refilling or even cleaning the beverage dispenser. Should the magnet required to raise the blocking body 40 be lost, operators can still open the emptied container by overcoming the elastic restoring force of the safety device and using the gravity opening (turning the entire container over) with the safety device 60 compressed, and perform maintenance work (washing, refilling the beverage, then closing and replacing the beverage container in the specified location).

[0069] The safety device 60 can, for example, be a spring element 60, as shown in Figure 2 The spring element 60 has a circumferential shape that at least substantially corresponds to the circumferential shape of the connecting portion 37 of the bolt 30. The Figure 2 shows an exemplary securing device 60 in four views. It is a three-dimensionally curved spring element 60, which is formed, for example, from metal, such as spring steel, or from a reinforced plastic. A separate securing device 60 is shown, which is mounted, for example, on the connecting section 37 such that it can be moved linearly relative to the connecting section 37 in and against the displacement direction A of the connecting section 37.

[0070] Alternatively, the securing device 60 can be connected to the surface of the second end 36 facing the connecting section 37 or can be molded to the second end 37 or the bolt 30, for example, by die casting or additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing. The securing device can also be formed correspondingly on the free end of the guide 23 facing the second end 36.

[0071] In the embodiment shown, the securing device 60 is annular, with an inner ring diameter that essentially corresponds to an outer diameter of the connecting section 37.

[0072] Figure a) shows a top view of the securing device 60. The securing device 60 comprises two first sections 61, 63 and two second sections 62, 64. In the exemplary embodiment, the first sections 61, 63 are longitudinal sides and the second sections are transverse sides of a four-sided annular body. The first sections 61, 63 and the second sections 62, 64 are connected to one another in circular arc sections at an angle of 60°. The shape of the annular body can vary depending on the circumferential shape of the connecting section 37 of the bolt body 30. The annular body can also be circular or oval, for example, and have a wave shape with upper and lower wave crests arranged alternately one behind the other in the circumferential direction of the circular annular body. Other shapes are known to those skilled in the art.

[0073] Figure b) shows the securing device 60 in a first side view of one of the second sections 62, 64. It is clear from this view that the second sections 62, 64 are curved sections with a vertex S lying in a second plane that runs at least substantially parallel to a first plane in which the first sections 61, 63 lie. The second sections 62, 64 of the illustrated embodiment begin in the first plane and then follow a sine or similar function, finally ending back in the first plane. The resulting curve shape includes an inflection point or vertex S, which in the exemplary embodiment lies centrally in the second section 62, 64 in the second plane.

[0074] Figure c) shows the securing device 60 in a second side view of a first section 61, 63. It can be seen that the first sections 61, 63 lie entirely in the first plane. The vertices S are indicated.

[0075] Figure d) is a perspective view of the safety device 60.

[0076] In the Figure 3 Four sketches show how the bolt body 30 is moved to be manually brought into the locking position and secured or released from the locking position by the securing device 60.

[0077] Figure a) shows the initial position, in which the bolt 30 protrudes on the side of the lid 20 facing away from the receptacle 10 (not shown), so that the lid 20 can be placed on the receptacle 10. The blocking body 40 is arranged completely in the lid 20. The bolt 30 can be displaced in the lid 20. The securing device 60 is arranged near the second end 36 of the bolt 30 without being joined to the second end 36 or the bolt 30.

[0078] In Figure b), the bolt 30 has been manually inserted into the cover until the end of the cover 20 facing the second end 36 of the bolt rests against the securing device 60. The recess 31 and the space 22 partially overlap, and the blocking body 40 cannot yet move from the space 22 into the recess 31 by gravity. To enable this, the recess 31 and the space 22 must completely overlap.

[0079] This situation is shown in Figure c), in which the bolt has been pushed further into the cover 20 against the elastic restoring force of the securing device 60, so that the vertices S of the second sections 62, 64 of the securing device 60 now lie essentially in the first plane. The blocking body 40 now lies partially in the recess 31 and partially in the space 22. The second end 36 of the bolt 30, or the elastically deformed securing device 60, is in abutment with the cover 20 and cannot be moved further in the Z direction.

[0080] After the blocking body 40 has assumed the blocking position, the user can stop pressing the bolt body 30 in the direction A. As soon as the pressure on the bolt body 30 is removed, the safety device 60 moves the bolt body 30 against the direction Z, i.e. in the direction A (see Figure 1). As a result, the overlap of the space 22 with the recess 31 is slightly dissolved and the blocking body 40 is slightly tilted and clamped in this position by an edge of the space 22 and an edge of the recess 31.

[0081] In order to release the lid 20 from the receiving container 10, in a first step the bolt body 30 must be pressed in direction Z against the elastic restoring force of the securing device 60 in order to bring the space 22 into complete overlap with the recess 31. In a second step the blocking body 40 can then be pulled completely into the space 22 and held there, for example by means of a magnet 50. In a third step the bolt body 30 is moved out of the locking position in direction A by the restoring force of the securing device 60, thereby ending the overlap of the recess 31 and the receiving space 22 in the lid 20, so that the blocking body 40 can no longer move into the recess 31. Now the magnet 50 can be put aside and the bolt body 30 can be partially pulled out of the lid 20 in the direction A and in a fourth step the lid 20 can be removed from the receiving container 10.

[0082] In the description of the figures, the securing of the blocking body 40 by the securing unit 60 was described. However, the securing unit 60 can act as a damping unit 60 in a beverage dispenser (not shown), which, for example, comprises a known stirring and / or cooling device for stirring and / or cooling the beverage contained in the container 10 and / or is used in a moving vehicle.

[0083] The stirring and / or cooling unit or the movements of the vehicle can cause oscillations or vibrations, which are then transmitted to the beverage dispenser. A damping device 60, which is constructed identically to the locking device 60 and arranged on the beverage dispenser like the locking device, can, for example, eliminate noise generated by the blocking body 40, which is generated by the blocking body 40 being able to move in the recess 31, by the damping device 60 securing the blocking body 40 as described through the restoring force of the damping device. This results in the lid 20 also being more firmly connected to the container 10, so that in this area too, relative movement of the two parts due to vibration and / or oscillation transmission is at least reduced, and, for example, noise generation is thereby reduced.

[0084] Everything in the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 3What has been said about the safety device 60 also applies to the damping device 60.

Claims

1. Beverage dispenser with a receptacle (10) for a beverage, with a receptacle (10) for the beverage and a cover (20), wherein the cover (20) in the closed state can be brought into engagement with an overlapping portion (21) over the receptacle (10), in particular an edge portion (11, 12) of the receptacle (10), wherein a locking device (30) which is displaceable relative thereto is mounted in the overlapping portion (21), and the blocking device (30) is inhibited in its displaceability relative to the overlapping portion (21) by a blocking device (40) arranged in the cover (20) when the blocking device (40) is in a blocking position, characterized by a securing device (60) which secures the blocking device (40) in the blocking position.

2. Beverage dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the securing device (60) secures the blocking device (40) in the blocking position by clamping.

3. Beverage dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing device (60) is a damping device designed to dampen oscillations and / or vibrations at least in a region in which the receptacle (10) and the cover (20) lie against each other.

4. Beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the securing device (60) is firmly connected to the cover (20) or is molded onto the cover (20).

5. Beverage dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing device (60) is firmly connected to the locking device (30) or is molded onto the locking device (30).

6. Beverage dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing device (60) is formed separately from the cover (20) and separately from the blocking device (30) and is arranged on the blocking device (30) such that the securing device (60) is movable relative to the blocking device (30), in particular linearly in and against a displacement direction (A) of the blocking device (30).

7. Beverage dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking device (30) is cylindrical, plate-shaped or bone-shaped, with a first end (35) facing the receptacle (10) with a first diameter (D1), measured transversely to the direction of displacement (A) of the blocking device (30), an end (36) facing away from the receptacle (10) with a second diameter (D2), measured transversely to the direction of displacement (A) of the locking device (30), and a connecting section (37) connecting the first end (35) and the second end (36) and having a third diameter (D3), measured transversely to the direction of displacement (A) of the locking device (30), the third diameter (D3) being smaller than the first diameter (D1) and than the second diameter (D2).

8. Beverage dispenser according to the preceding claim, wherein the first end (35) has a first stop (35a) for the locking device (30) at a first counter-stop (24a) formed by the cover (20) in an unlocking position in which the cover (20) is removable from the receptacle (10), and the second end (36) forms a second stop (36a) for the locking device (30) on a second counter-stop (24b) formed by the cover (20) in the locking position in which the cover (20) cannot be removed from the receptacle (10).

9. Beverage dispenser according to the preceding claim, wherein the securing device (60) is arranged on the connecting portion (37) in a region between the second stop (36a) and the second counter-stop (24b).

10. Beverage dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing device (60) is a spring element, preferably with a predeterminable spring force.

11. Beverage dispenser according to the preceding claim, wherein the blocking device (30) is movable into the locking position against the spring force of the securing device (60) and the blocking device (40) assumes the blocking position after reaching the locking position and is secured in the blocking position by a restoring force of the securing device (60).

12. Beverage dispenser according to the preceding claim, wherein for releasing the secured blocking device (40) the blocking device (30) is movable against the restoring force of the securing device (60).

13. Beverage dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the restoring force of the securing device (60) presses the blocking device (30) away from the second counter-stop (24b) after reaching the locking position and thereby secures the blocking device (40), preferably by clamping.

14. Beverage dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing device (60) is annular, preferably forming a closed ring, wherein in particular the annular securing device (60) has an inner diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of the connecting portion (37) in at least one region, and is smaller than an outer diameter of the second end (36) of the blocking device (30).

15. The beverage dispenser according to the preceding claim, wherein the securing device (60) has an inner peripheral shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the connecting portion (37) in at least one region.

16. Beverage dispenser according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the securing device (60) comprises a plurality of adjoining sections (61, 62, 63, 64) in the circumferential direction, - at least one first section (61, 63) which lies in a first plane over its entire extent in the circumferential direction, - at least one second section (62, 64) which extends out of the first plane to an apex (S) in a second plane and then back to the first plane and into it, wherein in particular in the case of a plurality of first sections (61, 63), all the first sections (61, 63) lie in the first plane, and in the case of a plurality of second sections (62, 64), the apexes (S) of the plurality of second sections (62, 64) lie in the common second plane, the first plane and the second plane running parallel to one another; wherein in particular the second plane has a distance from the first plane of 8% to 15%, preferably 10% to 13%, and particularly preferably 11% to 11.5% of the maximum outer diameter of the securing device (60).

17. Beverage dispenser according to claim 7, wherein a receptacle (31) for the blocking device (40) in the locking position is formed in the connecting portion (37), which receptacle receives the blocking device (40) in the locking position of the locking device (30) in the blocking position, wherein a diameter of the receptacle (31) is larger than an outer diameter of the blocking device (40), so that the blocking device (40) can be easily received in the receptacle (31) when the locking position of the blocking device (30) is reached and before securing by the blocking device (40) and can be easily removed from the receptacle (31) after unlocking; wherein in particular the securing device (60) moves the locking device (30) in the locking position relative to the cover (20) and thereby secures the blocking device (40) in the receptacle (31) by clamping.

18. Beverage dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking device (40) is a blocking body which is magnetizable or movable by a magnet (59) to allow movement from the locking position to the unlocking position.

Images