Vending machine and method for dispensing beverages

Abstract

A vending machine (1) for dispensing beverages, comprises: a control unit, set up to receive input data and to generate commands responsive to the input data; a brewing device, for filling at least a portion of the cup (C) located at the working position (WP) with a liquid beverage, responsive to the commands; a dispenser (3), including a nozzle (301), configured for dispensing a predetermined quantity of the liquid sweetener into the cup (C) located at the working position (WP), responsive to the commands. The nozzle (301) is configured for spraying the liquid sweetener into the cup.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a vending machine and to a method for dispensing beverages.

[0002] A vending machine is a machine which automatically dispenses products and / or services on user demand, subject to prior payment for such products and / or services.

[0003] To use the vending machines, the user needs to select the desired product and to pay the amount of money for the selected product; when this is done, the vending machine automatically delivers the selected product to the user. Nowadays, besides coins and banknotes, most vending machines allow the user to pay using a debit or credit card or a specific app.

[0004] In particular, there are vending machines which dispense hot and / or cold beverages such as coffee, tea and the like. These vending machines may be provided with extraction devices to extract beverages such as coffee and tea from their raw ingredients, or they may provide instant beverages using a combination of, for example, instant coffee powders or coffee or the like, or syrups, and water. There is also the option of adding sweeteners to the beverages. Traditionally, sugar in powdered or granulated form is used as sweetener and is stored in a container inside the vending machine. The sugar is usually added at the end of the process of preparing the beverage. Also provided is a means for stirring the beverage. Using sugar in this form may have some disadvantages, however. For example, one of the main problems with sugar in the vending machine is caused by clogging, which considerably increases maintenance costs. Moreover, quite a lot of time may be necessary for the user to be able to dissolve the sugar completely by stirring the beverage. To deal with the above-mentioned problems, some vending machines use a liquid sweetener instead of granulated sugar. Liquid sweeteners are rich in sweetening compounds and thus the required dose of these sweeteners is smaller than when the sweetener used is sugar. It is therefore possible to save on transport and storage costs. Also, the liquid sweetener dissolves more easily in the beverage than granulated sugar. Also, the liquid sweetener does not form a deposit in the container or inside the vending machine; less maintenance is thus required.

[0005] In this context, patent document JPH04291495A describes a vending machine for dispensing beverages in which sugar or cream in liquid form is added to the beverage prepared beforehand by the machine or is dispensed separately to the user together with stirring means. Furthermore, patent document US9051162B2 provides another example of the use of liquid sweeteners in vending machines.

[0006] A further example of known vending machines is disclosed by patent document US2016368753A, which discloses a beverage vending machine having an embedded computer interface which allows consumers to create their own drinks or choose from a menu of drinks, and an automatic cleaning cycle for both the valves and the dispense area.

[0007] In this field, however, there is an ever growing need for a vending machine that is more efficient.

[0008] The aim of this disclosure is to provide a vending machine and a method for dispensing beverages to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] This aim is fully achieved by the vending machine and by the apparatus and method of this disclosure for dispensing beverages, as characterized in the appended claims.

[0010] According to an aspect of it, this disclosure provides a vending machine for dispensing beverages. The vending machine for dispensing beverages (that is, the vending machine) comprises a frame. The vending machine comprises a stack of cups. The vending machine comprises a control unit. The control unit is programmed to receive input data and to generate commands responsive to the input data. The vending machine comprises a cup distributor. The cup distributor is configured for drawing a cup from the stack of cups and for placing the drawn cup at a working position, responsive to the commands generated by the control unit.

[0011] The vending machine comprises a brewing device. The brewing device is configured for filling at least a portion of the cup located at the working position with a liquid beverage, responsive to the commands.

[0012] The vending machine comprises a tank. The tank contains a liquid sweetener. The vending machine includes a dispenser. The dispenser comprises a nozzle. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the tank. The nozzle is configured for dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid sweetener into the cup located at the working position, responsive to the commands.

[0013] According to an aspect of this disclosure, the nozzle is configured for spraying the liquid sweetener into the cup.

[0014] This allows providing a dose of sweetener in the cup in a particularly efficient manner in that spraying the sweetener into the cup prevents the sweetener from crystallizing and increases the solubility of the sweetener in the beverage.

[0015] In an example, the control unit is programmed to command the dispenser to spray the liquid sweetener into the empty cup, prior to the introduction of the liquid beverage into the cup by the brewing device.

[0016] This is particularly advantageous to facilitate dissolving the liquid sweetener in the beverage.

[0017] In an example, the vending machine includes an arm. The arm has a first end and a second end. In an example, the first end of the arm is connected to the frame. The vending machine may have. In an example, the head is connected to the second end of the arm. The head is provided with a plurality of apertures. The brewing device may comprise a pouring tube. The pouring tube has a portion inserted in a first aperture of the plurality of apertures. In an example, the dispenser includes a dispensing tube. The dispensing tube has a portion which is inserted in a second aperture of the plurality of apertures. The second aperture is different from the first aperture.

[0018] In an example, the tank comprises an outlet aperture to allow the liquid sweetener to flow out of the tank.

[0019] The tank includes an inlet aperture to enable a person to pour liquid sweetener through it to refill the tank. In an example, the tank also includes a closure. The closure is configured to be removably applied to the inlet aperture.

[0020] This allows the tank to be filled with sweetener without having to remove the tank.

[0021] Preferably, the closure is located on an upper part of the tank. However, the closure may be located elsewhere on the tank.

[0022] In an example, the dispenser comprises a body. The body is connected to the frame. The body provides a housing. The body comprises an engagement element. The engagement element is movable between a rest position and an active position.

[0023] The dispensing tube has a first end and a second end. The second end is opposite the first end. In an example, the first end of the dispensing tube is connected to the nozzle.

[0024] In an example, the dispenser has a pump. The pump comprises a holder. The holder is coupled to the housing. The holder is set up for receiving the liquid sweetener from the tank. The pump may have an injector. The injector is movable relative to the holder to force the predetermined quantity of the liquid sweetener to flow through the dispensing tube. In an example, the second end of the dispensing tube is connected to the pump. In an example, the dispenser includes an actuator. The actuator is connected to the control unit, for moving the engagement element responsive to the commands.

[0025] In an example, the tank is coupled to the pump holder. In an example, the tank is mounted above the pump.

[0026] In an example, the input data include sweetness information about a user selection pertinent to a level of sweetness requested for the beverage. The commands generated by the control unit may be representative of the sweetness information. The dispenser may be configured to dispense a plurality of predetermined quantities of liquid sweetener. In an example, the predetermined quantity of liquid sweetener dispensed by the dispenser, among the plurality of predetermined quantities, is in dependence of the commands received from the control unit.

[0027] In an example embodiment, the commands are configured for commanding the dispenser to dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid sweetener into the same cup a plurality of times in a row, in dependence of the sweetness information.

[0028] In another example embodiment, the actuator is configured for moving the engagement element by a plurality of strokes, responsive to the commands.

[0029] In this example, the commands are configured for commanding the actuator to move the engagement element by one of the strokes of the plurality of strokes, in dependence of the sweetness information.

[0030] In another example embodiment (which is not part of the object currently claimed), there may be a plurality of dispensing durations. In particular, in this example, each duration corresponds to one of the predetermined quantities of liquid sweetener dispensed by the dispenser. In this example, therefore, the actuator is configured, responsive to the commands received from the control unit, to keep the engagement element at the active position for the duration required according to the sweetness information (that is, the level of sweetness requested for the beverage).

[0031] In an example, the liquid sweetener is a liquid sweetener composition comprising at least 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water and a mixture of intense sweeteners. The intense sweeteners are dissolved in water. The mixture of intense sweeteners comprises a first, a second and a third sweetener. The first sweetener consists of at least one steviol glycoside. The second sweetener is chosen in a group consisting of: acesulfame, at least one salt of acesulfame, and a combination thereof. The third sweetener is sucralose.

[0032] In particular, the mixture of intense sweeteners comprises 0.2% to 20% by weight of a first sweetener, relative to the total weight of the composition. The first sweetener consists of at least one steviol glycoside. The mixture of intense sweeteners comprises 0.2% to 20% by weight of a second sweetener, relative to the total weight of the composition. The second sweetener is chosen in a group consisting of acesulfame, at least one salt of acesulfame, and a combination thereof. The mixture of intense sweeteners comprises 0.2% to 20% by weight of sucralose, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0033] The liquid sweetener according to this disclosure is described in patent document IT201600077167, in the name of the present Applicant. The entire contents of that patent document are incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] According to an aspect of it, this disclosure provides a method for dispensing beverages.

[0035] The method comprises a step of providing a vending machine. The vending machine is configured for filling with a liquid beverage at least a portion of a cup located at a working position, responsive to input data received at a control unit of the vending machine. The method comprises a step of dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid sweetener into the cup located at the working position, responsive to the commands.

[0036] The liquid sweetener is sprayed into the cup through a nozzle.

[0037] In an example, the liquid sweetener is sprayed into the empty cup before the cup is filled with the liquid beverage.

[0038] In an example, the vending machine comprises a tank containing liquid sweetener. The method may comprise step of refilling the tank by pouring liquid sweetener through an inlet aperture provided in the tank and then applying a closure to the inlet aperture.

[0039] In an example, the input data include sweetness information about a user selection pertinent to a level of sweetness requested for the beverage. In an example, a quantity of liquid sweetener dispensed into the cup is regulated through the control unit, in dependence of the sweetness information.

[0040] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated purely by way of nonlimiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a vending machine according to one or more aspects of this disclosure; Figure 2 shows other details of the vending machine; Figures 3A and 3B show the dispenser at the rest position and at the active position respectively; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the dispenser; Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the internal part of the vending machine with the front door in the open position.

[0041] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a vending machine for dispensing beverages. The vending machine is configured to dispense hot and / or cold beverages such as coffee, tea or the like.

[0042] The vending machine 1 is a coin-operated machine. The vending machine 1 includes a payment acceptance device 8. The device may be configured to receive coins and / or banknotes and / or electronic payments. Payment may also be made by phone (for example, through an app). The vending machine 1 includes a tank T, containing a liquid sweetener. The vending machine 1 includes an interface 7. The interface allows the user to select the beverages and the quantity of sweetener added to the beverage via suitable pushbuttons B. In particular, once the payment has been credited to the vending machine 1, the user can choose the desired beverage. Payment may also be made after selecting the beverage. The vending machine has a frame 2. The vending machine 1 includes a stack of cups C.

[0043] The vending machine 1 includes a control unit. The control unit is programmed to receive input data and to generate commands responsive to the input data.

[0044] The vending machine 1 includes a cup distributor. The cup distributor, responsive to the commands generated by the control unit, draws a cup from the stack of cups and places the drawn cup at a working position WP. The vending machine 1 includes a brewing device, for filling at least a portion of the cup located at the working position with a liquid beverage, responsive to the commands generated by the control unit. In particular, the brewing device prepares the user selected beverage from the raw ingredients and fills the cup at the working position with the beverage prepared.

[0045] The vending machine 1 also includes a dispenser 3. The dispenser 3 comprises a nozzle 301. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the tank T and is configured for dispensing a predetermined quantity of the liquid sweetener into the cup C located at the working position WP, responsive to the commands.

[0046] The nozzle may be made of polypropylene.

[0047] The input data include sweetness information about a user selection pertinent to a level of sweetness requested for the beverage. In other words, the input data determine the quantity of sweetener which is dispensed into the cup. The dispenser may dispense a plurality of predetermined quantities of liquid sweetener into the cup at the working position. The input data are entered via the interface.

[0048] The commands generated by the control unit are representative of the sweetness information. The control unit is programmed to command the brewing device to prepare the selected beverage and to fill the cup at the working position with the beverage prepared, responsive to the choice of beverage made using the interface. The input data may therefore include the choice of beverage made by the user with the interface. The control unit also issues the command to prepare and dispense the beverage responsive to the payment effected (credit).

[0049] Responsive to the level of sweetness selected by the user, the control unit selects the quantity of sweetener dispensed into the cup by the dispenser among the plurality of predetermined quantities of sweetener and commands the dispenser to dispense that predetermined quantity of sweetener into the cup at the working position WP. A memory may be provided to contain the plurality of predetermined quantities of liquid sweetener and the level of sweetness which corresponds to each predetermined quantity. The liquid sweetener is sprayed into the cup through the nozzle 301.In particular, the nozzle has a plurality of holes which allow egress of the sweetener. The holes in the nozzle have a (very small) diameter allowing the liquid sweetener to be concentrated into a flow forced through the hole. In particular, the nozzle converts the potential energy of the liquid sweetener into kinetic energy. In particular, the nozzle increases the speed of egress of the sweetener which is thus dispensed in the form of a spray through the nozzle.

[0050] Preferably, the dispenser 3 sprays the sweetener into the empty cup before the liquid beverage is poured into the cup by the brewing device. Spraying the liquid sweetener into the cup before the liquid beverage allows a better dissolution of the sweetener inside the beverage at the end of the process of dispensing the liquid beverage. In particular, the vending machine 1 includes an arm 4 having a first end 4A and a second end 4B. The first end is connected to the frame 2 of the vending machine 1. The vending machine 1 also includes a head 5. The second end 4B is connected to the head 5.

[0051] The head 5 includes a plurality of apertures A.

[0052] The brewing device comprises a pouring tube PT. A portion of the pouring tube PT is inserted in a first aperture of the plurality of apertures A and dispenses the beverage into the cup at the working position.

[0053] The dispenser 3 includes a dispensing tube DT. The dispensing tube has a first end DT' and a second end DT", opposite the first end.

[0054] A portion of the dispensing tube is inserted in a second aperture of the plurality of apertures A and dispenses the liquid sweetener into the cup at the working position. Thus, the cup C at the working position is positioned under the head and receives the beverage from the pouring tube and the sweetener from the dispensing tube. The nozzle 301 is connected to the first end DT' of the dispensing tube. Thus, the dispensing tube comes out of the second aperture of the head and the nozzle is positioned above the cup. In an example, the nozzle is removably connected to the dispensing (pouring) tube. Such a solution allows a facilitated and rapid connection and removal of the nozzle to the dispensing tube, in particular at the plurality of apertures, and therefore facilitates maintenance services. The dispensing tube DT is connected to the injector at its second end DT" though a connector CO. in particular the dispensing tube may be inserted inside the connector CO. The connector should be replaced periodically, since the liquid sweetener contains some salts which may crystallize and may clog the dispensing tube DT. Therefore, according to one example, the connector CO is removably connected to the injector to facilitate removal and replacement of the connector for the required maintenance services.

[0055] In an example, the tank T has an outlet aperture O to allow the liquid sweetener to flow out of the tank and an inlet aperture I to enable a person to pour liquid sweetener through it to refill the tank. The tank comprises a closure 6, configured to be removably applied to the inlet aperture I. Thus, the tank can be refilled with sweetener by removing only the closure.

[0056] In an example, the tank T is refilled with vials. Each vial contains the liquid sweetener. In an example, the vials are standard capacity size. In other words, each vial contains a predetermined quantity of the liquid sweetener. In an example, each vial contains 50-70 ml of the liquid sweetener. Preferably, each vial contains 60 ml. In particular, one vial of the liquid sweetener (approximately 60 ml) corresponds to approximately 1.7 kg of caster sugar. It should therefore be noted that the embodiment comprising the liquid sweetener (with refill vials) is particularly advantageous from a logistic standpoint in that it is more convenient to manage and transport vials containing the liquid sweetener (for example, 60 ml) instead of 1.7 kg bags of sugar. That is to say, it is advantageous in terms of transport and storage costs.

[0057] The dispenser 3 comprises a body 302. The body 302 is connected to the frame 2 of the vending machine. The body is connected inside the vending machine. The body 302 of the dispenser comprises a housing H. The body 302 comprises an engagement element 303. The engagement element is movable between a rest position and an active position. In an example, the engagement element is movable along a vertical direction (vertically). By vertical direction is meant a direction parallel to the force of gravity. At the rest position, the engagement element is lowered and, at the active position, it is raised in order to dispense the sweetener.

[0058] The dispenser 3 includes a pump 302. The second end of the dispensing tube is connected to the pump. The pump 304 comprises a holder 3040 and an injector 3041. The holder is coupled to the housing H and receives the liquid sweetener from the tank. In an example, the tank T is coupled to the pump holder and is located above the pump. In particular, the tank T is coupled to the pump holder. The housing of the body has a first portion which is adapted to receive the holder and a second portion which is adapted to receive the injector. The second portion is provided by the engagement element 303. Thus, the pump injector is coupled to the engagement element. The injector is aligned vertically with the holder. The injector is located under the holder.

[0059] The injector is movable relative to the holder to force the predetermined quantity of the liquid sweetener to flow through the dispensing tube. The injector is movable vertically. In particular, the injector is moved by the vertical movement of the engagement element 303. An actuator is provided which is connected to the control unit, for moving the engagement element responsive to the commands. Thus, the holder 3040 is the stationary part of the pump and the injector 3041 is the movable part of the pump 304. The holder is coupled to the outlet aperture O of the tank and receives the sweetener. Thus, the sweetener is present inside the pump at all times. Responsive to the input data, the control unit issues the command to dispense the sweetener from the tank and, consequently, the engagement element is activated to move vertically to move the injector vertically so that the predetermined quantity of the liquid sweetener is forced into the dispensing tube towards the nozzle 301.

[0060] In an example, the dispenser 3 is configured to dispense a plurality of predetermined quantities of liquid sweetener. The predetermined quantity of liquid sweetener dispensed by the dispenser, among the plurality of predetermined quantities, is in dependence of the commands received from the control unit.

[0061] Thus, responsive to the input data entered by the user (level of sweetness of the beverage), the control unit determines the predetermined quantity of liquid sweetener dispensed by the dispenser, among the plurality of predetermined quantities, and commands the dispenser to dispense that predetermined quantity. Dispensing may be accomplished through a plurality of vertical movements of the engagement element (hence the vertical movement of the injector). Thus, the engagement element may be moved along a predetermined path and each movement of the engagement element has the effect of dispensing a predetermined quantity of the sweetener into the cup. Thus, each predetermined quantity of sweetener requires a specific number of dispensing actions (hence a predetermined movement of the engagement element and injector in the vertical direction). With each movement of the engagement element a predetermined quantity of the sweetener is dispensed. In this example, one movement of the engagement element defines one dispensing cycle. A memory may be provided which includes the plurality of predetermined quantities of liquid sweetener and, for each quantity, the number of dispensing cycles needed.

[0062] In this example, the commands are configured for commanding the dispenser to dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid sweetener into the same cup a plurality of times in a row, in dependence of the sweetness information.

[0063] In another example, the actuator is configured for moving the engagement element by a plurality of strokes, responsive to the commands. In particular, the commands are configured for commanding the actuator to move the engagement element by one of the strokes of the plurality of strokes, in dependence of the sweetness information.

[0064] In this example, therefore, each stroke of the plurality of strokes corresponds to a quantity of the plurality of quantities of sweetener. Thus, responsive to the input data which determine the sweetness level of the beverage, hence the predetermined quantity of sweetener which is dispensed into the cup, the engagement element 303 by a stroke which corresponds to the predetermined quantity. The control unit may have a memory which contains the plurality of predetermined quantities of liquid sweetener and, for each predetermined quantity, the corresponding stroke.

[0065] A battery 9 connected to the dispenser may be provided. Alternatively, the dispenser can be connected to the electric power supply of the vending machine 1.

[0066] The dispenser (and in particular, the body) is connected to the interface.

[0067] Operatively, the user selects the desired beverage using the interface. The user may preselect the beverage, with or without sweetener. The user may also choose the predetermined quantity of sweetener from the plurality of predetermined quantities. Next, a cup is drawn and placed at the working position and the dispenser starts a cycle of dispensing the sweetener, preferably into the empty cup. The sweetener is sprayed into the cup through the nozzle 301. When the sweetener has been dispensed, the cup is filled with the beverage through the pouring tube.

[0068] In particular, to dispense the liquid sweetener, the engagement element is moved vertically to force the sweetener into the dispensing tube and to spray the liquid sweetener through the nozzle which is connected to the first end DT' of the dispensing tube positioned above the cup at the working position.

[0069] In one example, the vending machine 1 includes a front door 10. The front door 10. The front door is pivotable around a pivot point to move between an open and a closed position. In one example, the door is hinged to the body of the vending machines, at pivot points, preferably on the bottom and top of the door, preferably located at the edge of the door. Therefore, the front door can rotate about an axis located at the edge of the door.

[0070] In the open position of the front door the internal parts of the vending machines, including the stack of cups C, the stack of stirring sticks SS, the brewing device, containers of the ingredients IN for the preparation of the drinks, such as milk, chocolate, coffee, tea, and the dispenser are accessible for any required maintenance service, for example replacement of defective / worn parts or refill of the ingredients, cups or sweeteners. Each of the containers of ingredients is connected to a pouring tube which is inserted into a respective aperture of the plurality of apertures A.

[0071] As it can be seen in figures 5 and 6, when the front door is in the open position it is possible to access to the internal parts of the vending machine, for example for replacing the connector and / or the nozzle, or for refilling the tank T. such a solution further facilitates the maintenance services because by opening the front door it is possible to access all internal parts of the vending machines necessary for the maintenance. As explained earlier, the front door pivots to move between the closed and the open and has movement similar to the movement of the door of a closest. This solution further facilitates the maintenance of the vending machine. In one example, the front door may be the part of the vending machine on which the interface 7 and the payment acceptance 8 device are located.

Claims

1. A vending machine (1) for dispensing beverages, comprising: - a frame (2); - a stack of cups (C); - a control unit, programmed to receive input data and to generate commands responsive to the input data; - a cup distributor, configured for drawing a cup from the stack of cups and for positioning the drawn cup at a working position (WP), responsive to the commands generated by the control unit; - a brewing device, for filling at least a portion of the cup located at the working position with a liquid beverage, responsive to the commands; - a tank (T), containing a liquid sweetener; - a dispenser (3), including a nozzle (301) in fluid communication with the tank (T), and configured for dispensing a predetermined quantity of the liquid sweetener into the cup (C) located at the working position (WP), responsive to the commands, wherein the nozzle (301) is configured for spraying the liquid sweetener into the cup.

2. The vending machine (1) of claim 1, wherein the control unit is programmed to command the dispenser to spray the liquid sweetener into the empty cup, prior to the introduction of the liquid beverage into the cup by the brewing device.

3. The vending machine (1) of claim 1 or 2, comprising: - an arm (4), having a first end (4A) connected to the frame (2) and a second end (4B); - a head (5), connected to the second end of the arm and provided with a plurality of apertures (A), wherein the brewing device includes a pouring tube (PT) having a portion inserted in a first aperture of the plurality of apertures (A), and wherein the dispenser includes a dispensing tube (DT) having a portion inserted in a second aperture of the plurality of apertures (A).

4. The vending machine (1) of any of the previous claims, wherein the tank (T) includes: - an outlet aperture (O), for allowing the liquid sweetener to flow out of the tank; - an inlet aperture (I), for enabling a person to pour liquid sweetener therethrough to refill the tank; - a closure (6), configured to be removably applied to the inlet aperture (I).

5. The vending machine (1) of any of the previous claims, wherein the dispenser (3) comprises: - a body (302), the body being connected to the frame (2), providing a housing (H) and including an engagement element (303) movable between a rest position and an active position; - a dispensing tube (DT), having a first end (DT') connected to the nozzle (301) and a second end (DT") opposite the first end; - a pump (304), including a holder (3040), coupled to the housing (H) and set up for receiving the liquid sweetener from the tank, and an injector (3041), movable relative to the holder to force the predetermined quantity of the liquid sweetener to flow through the dispensing tube, the second end of the dispensing tube being connected to the pump; - an actuator, connected to the control unit, for moving the engagement element (303) responsive to the commands.

6. The vending machine (1) of claim 5, wherein the tank (T) is coupled to the holder (3040) of the pump (304) and located above the pump.

7. The vending machine (1) of any of the previous claims, wherein the input data include sweetness information about a user selection pertinent to a level of sweetness requested for the beverage, the commands generated by the control unit are representative of the sweetness information, the dispenser is configured to dispense a plurality of predetermined quantities of liquid sweetener, wherein the predetermined amount of liquid sweetener dispensed by the dispenser, among the plurality of predetermined quantities, is in dependence of the commands received from the control unit.

8. The vending machine of claim 7, wherein the commands are configured for commanding the dispenser (3) to dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid sweetener a plurality of times in a row, in the same cup, in dependence of the sweetness information.

9. The vending machine (1) of claim 7 or 8, wherein the dispenser (3) comprises: - a body (302), the body being connected to the frame (2), providing a housing (H) and including an engagement element (303) movable between a rest position and an active position; - a dispensing tube (DT), having a first end (DT') connected to the nozzle (301) and a second end (DT") opposite the first end; - a pump (304), including a holder (3040), coupled to the housing (H) and set up for receiving the liquid sweetener from the tank, and an injector (3041), movable relative to the holder to force the predetermined quantity of the liquid sweetener to flow through the dispensing tube, the second end of the dispensing tube being connected to the pump; - an actuator, connected to the control unit, for moving the engagement element by a plurality of strokes, responsive to the commands, wherein the commands are configured for commanding the actuator to move the engagement element by one of the strokes of the plurality of strokes, in dependence of the sweetness information.

10. The vending machine (1) of any of the previous claims, wherein the liquid sweetener is a liquid sweetener composition comprising at least 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of water and a mixture of intense sweeteners; the mixture of intense sweeteners comprising 0.2% to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a first sweetener, which, in turn, consists of at least one steviol glycoside; 0.2% to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a second sweetener chosen in a group consisting of acesulfame, at least one salt of acesulfame, and a combination thereof; 0.2% to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of sucralose.

11. A method for dispensing beverages, comprising: - providing a vending machine (1) configured for filling with a liquid beverage at least a portion of a cup (C) located at a working position (WP) responsive to input data received at a control unit of the vending machine; - dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid sweetener into the cup located at the working position, responsive to the commands, wherein the liquid sweetener is sprayed into the cup through a nozzle (301).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the liquid sweetener is sprayed into the empty cup, prior to the filling of the cup with the liquid beverage.

13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the vending machine (1) comprises a tank (T) containing liquid sweetener, the method comprising a step of refilling the tank by pouring liquid sweetener through an inlet aperture (I) provided in the tank and then applying a closure (6) to the inlet aperture.

14. The method of any of the previous claims from 11 to 13, wherein the input data include sweetness information about a user selection pertinent to a level of sweetness requested for the beverage, wherein a quantity of liquid sweetener dispensed into the cup is regulated through the control unit, in dependence of the sweetness information.

15. The method of any of the previous claims from 11 to 14, wherein the liquid sweetener is delivered to a nozzle through a dispensing tube, the nozzle being removably connected to the dispensing tube.

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