Capsule dispenser, system and beverage-making machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a capsule dispenser (101) for receiving and discharging substantially rotationally symmetrical capsules (8) in an operating position, comprising a receiving element (3) and a movement element (2). The receiving element (3) defines a receiving region (31) for the capsules (8). The capsule dispenser (101) has a discharging region (4) for discharging a capsule (8). A relative movement between the receiving element (3) and the movement element (2) makes it possible for a capsule (8) to be moved into the discharging region (4) and guided out of the discharging region (4). At least the movement of the capsule (8) into the discharging region (4), or the movement for guiding the capsule (8) out of the discharging region (4), comprises a rotation of the capsule (8) about one of its axes of symmetry.

Description

[0001] Capsule dispenser, system, and beverage preparation machine

[0002] The invention relates to a capsule dispenser, a system comprising a capsule dispenser, and a beverage preparation machine comprising a capsule dispenser.

[0003] Preparing beverages with capsules offers consumers a multitude of advantages. A capsule filled with a beverage substance provides users with a quick way to prepare beverages with minimal preparation and cleanup. Furthermore, beverages can be prepared with capsules without prior knowledge, ensuring consistent beverage quality and quantity.

[0004] In this context, the term beverages includes in particular coffee, tea, milk, hot or cold chocolate drinks, soups and / or liquid foods.

[0005] Various devices for feeding capsules to a beverage preparation machine are known in the prior art. For example, WO 2019 / 219523 A1 shows a beverage portion dispenser with a portioning belt for receiving beverage precursor portions. However, the design is complicated, requires predefined alignments of the capsules, and functions solely through active translational movement of the capsules through the portioning belt.

[0006] EP 2 617 333 A1 discloses a capsule feeding device for producing brewed beverages. However, the capsule feeding device is also based on a complex structure, predefined capsule orientations, and capsule removal by means of translational movement. State-of-the-art capsule feeds are often complicated and prone to failure. Furthermore, there is often a lack of a simple, intuitive, and quick method of feeding capsules into a beverage preparation machine. Furthermore, a great deal of force is often required to remove the capsules.

[0007] Furthermore, filling and / or successively dispensing a large number of capsules, especially rotationally symmetrical capsules, from a capsule dispenser is often complicated and not user-friendly. In particular, the capsules often have to be aligned to assume a specific spatial orientation within the capsule dispenser.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome these and other disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is intended to enable simple and cost-effective dispensing of capsules.

[0009] This object is achieved by the devices defined in the independent claims. Further embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0010] A capsule dispenser according to the invention for receiving and dispensing essentially rotationally symmetrical capsules in an operating position comprises a receiving element and a moving element. The receiving element defines a receiving area for the capsules. The capsule dispenser also has a dispensing area for dispensing a capsule. By means of a relative movement between the receiving element and the moving element, a capsule can be moved from the receiving area into the dispensing area and the capsule can be removed from the dispensing area. At least the movement of the capsule into the dispensing area or the movement of the capsule for removal from the dispensing area comprises a rotation of the capsule about one of its axes of symmetry.

[0011] The operating position of the capsule dispenser is defined by its position during intended use. The capsule dispenser is preferably arranged on a substantially horizontal surface, in particular a connection area of ​​a beverage preparation machine.

[0012] The term capsule includes capsules with an at least partially rotationally symmetrical geometric shape, in particular a cone, a cylinder, an ellipsoid and especially a sphere.

[0013] The term "capsule" also encompasses any form of pre-portioned beverage ingredients or components. The capsule may also comprise an oxygen-tight and aroma-tight casing that encloses the beverage ingredients and components prior to use, in particular protective layers and / or packaging made of plastic, organic polymers, in particular polyolefin or polyethylene, biodegradable organic polymers, and / or metals such as aluminum.

[0014] A substantially rotationally symmetrical and rotatable capsule offers the advantage of optimized filling volume with minimal surface area, particularly for spherical capsules. Ejecting the capsule is simplified by a rolling motion.

[0015] The capsule is essentially rotationally symmetrical along at least one axis, preferably two different axes. A completely rotationally symmetrical capsule is advantageous because the capsule does not need to be spatially aligned within the capsule dispenser. This allows the complexity and size of the capsule dispenser to be optimized.

[0016] The term receiving area is defined by an area for receiving the capsules, such as an enclosed chamber, a tray, or a rail system.

[0017] The receiving element and / or the movement element can comprise at least one contact element, preferably a partition wall, which contacts at least one capsule during the relative movement. This contact element can move at least one capsule into or out of the dispensing area through the relative movement, by means of the rotational movement about at least one of the capsule's axes of symmetry.

[0018] The receiving element or the moving element can be shaped such that at least one capsule is retained by the shape of the receiving element or the moving element when the capsule is in the receiving area or optionally in the dispensing area.

[0019] The dispensing area can include an opening mechanism that has a closed state for retaining a capsule in the dispensing area and an open state for ejecting a capsule from the dispensing area. This offers the advantage that the desired capsule can be selected by repeated relative movement, and a capsule can only be ejected from the dispensing area upon actuation of the opening mechanism.

[0020] Preferably, the relative movement does not counteract the force of gravity acting on the capsules. The force for the relative movement can thus be further reduced. When the capsule is in the dispensing area, the capsule can preferably be removed solely by the action of gravity, without the need for any further relative movement or actuation.

[0021] By means of the relative movement over a particularly predetermined distance, preferably exactly one capsule can be removed. Thus, the capsules can be removed successively through the dispensing area by repeated relative movements, each over the particularly predetermined distance.

[0022] The receiving area can be inclined to the horizontal at least in part or completely in the operating position of the capsule dispenser.

[0023] The receiving area can have a base surface that, in the operating position, is inclined to the horizontal at least in a partial area of ​​the receiving element, transverse to the direction of the relative movement. This has the advantage that the capsules are arranged in a region of the receiving area solely by gravity.

[0024] In the operating position, the intake area can be tilted, optionally completely, toward the discharge area. This further reduces the force required for the relative movement.

[0025] The receiving element can be shaped such that, in the operating position, it can receive a plurality of capsules in a plane that is inclined to the horizontal. Such an inclination is advantageous because capsules, if not retained, are automatically fed to the dispensing area. At least one capsule can be retained by a retaining element, optionally the moving element or receiving element. This is advantageous because capsules can thus be automatically fed to the dispensing area by gravity, preferably in a predefined sequence, when a retaining element is removed.

[0026] The receiving element can be shaped such that, in the operating position, it can accommodate a plurality of capsules in a substantially horizontal plane. Such an arrangement enables a compact shape of the capsule dispenser and stable storage of the capsules in the receiving area.

[0027] The dispensing area can be at least partially inclined, preferably inclined transversely to the direction of the relative movement in the operating position. The inclination of the dispensing area can preferably be sufficient to expel a capsule from the dispensing area solely by gravity. Such a dispensing area offers the advantage that no additional dispensing mechanism is required, thus allowing the capsule dispenser to be manufactured more simply and cost-effectively.

[0028] The inclinations of the receiving area and / or the dispensing area in the operating position can be at least 1.5°, in particular at least 3°, particularly preferably at least 10°, relative to the horizontal. Small angles of inclination are advantageous from a manufacturing perspective and are nevertheless suitable for dispensing capsules that are at least partially rotationally symmetrical.

[0029] The dispensing area can be inclined at a greater or lesser angle than the receiving area. The incline can optimize the ejection of the capsules by gravity. The receiving area can have a continuous base or consist of many interconnected sections. By connecting many sections to form a grid or a receiving area with recesses, additional material can be saved. In addition, the sections can prevent unwanted movement of the capsules by, for example, holding the capsules between two sections in the receiving area.

[0030] The receiving area for receiving the capsules can be designed to complement the shape of a capsule, in particular a plurality of capsules. The complementary design can extend in the direction of the relative movement. Such a complementary design, for example a groove, can specify the rotation of the capsules about one of their axes of symmetry in one direction. Thus, the force required for the relative movement can be further reduced, since the force loss due to undirected movements and / or friction of the capsules is minimized.

[0031] The capsules can preferably be arranged in an orderly manner in the receiving area, so that the capsules can be removed from the dispensing area in a predetermined sequence by successive relative movements.

[0032] The receiving area can have a discharge device configured to discharge the capsule at the discharge area through the relative movement between the receiving element and the moving element. The discharge device can be configured such that the capsule can be lifted at least partially against the force of gravity by the discharge device and the relative movement. This discharge device enables the capsules to be reliably discharged from the discharge area, in particular since the discharge device interacts with the capsules only in the discharge area.

[0033] The dispensing device may comprise at least one projection. The projection may protrude at least partially perpendicularly from the base of the receiving element in the dispensing area to lift the capsules during the relative movement against gravity. This allows the capsule to be moved to the dispensing area and only lifted from a rest position in the dispensing area for dispensing.

[0034] The moving element and the receiving element can be connected to one another or can be connected to one another. Preferably, all capsules can be moved simultaneously by the relative movement. All capsules can be moved relative to the dispensing area by the relative movement. Such an arrangement has the advantage that by removing one capsule by a relative movement, further capsules can be guided closer to the dispensing area. By successive relative movements, several capsules can thus be fed to the dispensing area one after the other.

[0035] The moving element can execute the relative movement to the receiving element. The receiving element can be arranged immovably. A fixed arrangement of the receiving element has the advantage that the capsule dispenser can be placed stably and, in particular, can be arranged stably on a beverage preparation machine.

[0036] The capsules can be moved relative to the dispensing area by the relative movement without the capsules rotating around one of their axes of symmetry outside the dispensing area. The moving element can have at least one capsule holder for receiving at least one capsule. The capsule holder can be configured so that the capsule only touches the capsule holder.

[0037] This allows the capsules to be moved to a rest position, allowing for smoother movement of the capsules without rotation. This minimizes the torque acting on the capsules and ensures smoother, seamless movement of the moving element relative to the receiving element.

[0038] The discharge device at the discharge area and the capsule holder of the moving element can be configured so that the relative movement lifts the capsule out of the capsule holder and discharges it from the discharge area by rotation of the capsule when the capsule holder is moved to the discharge area.

[0039] The relative movement can be a rotational movement, so that one capsule after the other can be removed from the dispensing area. A rotational movement has the advantage that the capsule dispenser can be placed in one location without the need for translational movements to dispense the capsules. Furthermore, the capsule dispenser can be returned to its original orientation, preferably by a plurality of rotational movements in the same direction. The rotational movement also enables space-saving and optimized dimensioning of the capsule dispenser.

[0040] The rotational movement is preferably a rotational movement in a constant direction of rotation. A constant direction of rotation is advantageous because it makes use easier for a user. The rotational movement can optionally supply capsules to the dispensing area in two directions of rotation. This offers the advantage that a user can use different types of capsule in one capsule dispenser. A first type of capsule can be supplied to the dispensing area by a rotational movement in a first direction, and a second type of capsule can be supplied by a rotational movement in another direction.

[0041] The dispensing area may include a passage for dispensing the capsule from the capsule dispenser.

[0042] An axis of rotation of the rotational movement can essentially run through a central region, in particular through the center of gravity, of the capsule dispenser. The axis of rotation can run through the central region of the moving element and / or receiving element. Such an axis of rotation offers the advantage that the capsule dispenser can be designed in a space- and material-efficient manner.

[0043] In the operating position, the rotation axis can run vertically through the capsule dispenser. A vertical rotation axis allows for easy operation and positioning of the capsule dispenser.

[0044] However, the axis of rotation can also run horizontally or at any angle through the capsule dispenser in the operating position.

[0045] The capsule dispenser can comprise sections, preferably sections of angular ranges, particularly preferably sections of angular ranges in a horizontal plane in the operating position. Each section can define an area, preferably an at least partially prism-shaped area, for receiving precisely one capsule using two separating elements, preferably partition walls. With a horizontal axis of rotation, the sections are arranged in a vertical plane.

[0046] The sections can simplify the portioning of the capsules and define a clearly recognizable order of the capsules.

[0047] The sections can be formed by the moving element, the receiving element or both.

[0048] The receiving element and / or the moving element can lock into place after the relative movement over the predetermined distance, preferably along exactly one angular range of a section. This locking can generate at least slightly increased resistance for a renewed relative movement. This locking provides a user with haptic feedback when the relative movement has reached the predetermined distance for the release of exactly one capsule.

[0049] For locking, the support element and / or the movement element can have recesses and / or projections. The recesses and projections of the support element and the movement element can be designed to complement each other.

[0050] All angular sections can be of a uniform size. A uniform size offers the advantage that the capsules, which are normally of a uniform size, can be accommodated evenly across the angular sections.

[0051] The capsule dispenser can comprise a side wall element that is essentially vertically aligned in the operating position. This allows the capsules to be positioned particularly securely in the receiving area and also protects them from interference and contamination. Optionally, the side wall element is connected or connectable to the receiving element. Such a side wall element enables a compact design.

[0052] The side wall element can encompass a portion of the dispensing area, in particular the passage of the dispensing area. Such a side wall element is advantageous because the capsules can thus be guided out of the capsule dispenser through the side wall element transversely to the direction of the relative movement. Furthermore, the passage arranged transversely to the relative movement protects the capsule dispenser from the ingress of moisture from a beverage preparation machine that can be arranged beneath the capsule dispenser.

[0053] The receiving element may include the passage of the dispensing area. A passage in the receiving element enables a compact capsule dispenser and a simpler design of capsules.

[0054] The passage can be adapted to the three-dimensional shape of the capsule. The capsule can only be inserted through the passage in a specific orientation of its three-dimensional shape. This offers the advantage that the capsules can only be inserted in the correct orientation and can otherwise be retained.

[0055] In the operating position, the discharge area may essentially comprise a horizontal passage or a vertical passage.

[0056] A horizontal passage can be arranged in the center of the capsule dispenser in an operating position. Such an arrangement offers the advantage that the capsules can be easily and reliably removed from the dispensing area. The side wall element can be a continuous wall, in particular a wall that is closed in the circumferential direction, except for an optional passage.

[0057] The side wall element can block movement of the capsules transverse to the direction of movement toward the dispensing area. This limits the receiving area and allows the capsules to be stored stably.

[0058] The capsule dispenser may comprise a lid which is connected or connectable to the moving element or the receiving element, so that a relative movement of the lid causes a relative movement of the moving element or receiving element.

[0059] The lid can thus enable easy operation of the capsule dispenser and at the same time ensure protection against dust.

[0060] The lid of the capsule dispenser can be removable to allow the capsule dispenser to be filled from above with at least one, preferably a plurality of, capsules in the operating position. Such a lid facilitates filling the capsule dispenser.

[0061] The lid can enclose the dividers of the sections. This allows the dividers to be removed along with the lid, allowing the receiving area to be filled without the dividers. After filling, the lid can be reattached, allowing the capsules to be divided into sections by the dividers.

[0062] The receiving area can be designed to arrange the capsules at a substantially equal distance from one another, particularly in a region of the receiving element laterally transverse to the direction of relative movement. This offers the advantage that the capsules can be separated more easily from one another and the capsules can be removed more easily one after the other.

[0063] The receiving element, in particular the base surface of the receiving element or a base surface of the moving element, can have an at least partially or completely polygonal, oval, or round shape. The base surface can be circular.

[0064] The capsule dispenser can have, at least in part, the three-dimensional shape of a circular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, or a prism, in particular a regular prism. Such a three-dimensional shape has the advantage that the capsule dispenser can be manufactured compactly and cost-effectively.

[0065] The capsule dispenser may comprise an operating element, preferably with an operating mechanism, for triggering the relative movement.

[0066] Such a control element can make it easier for a user to operate the capsule dispenser and / or indicate this.

[0067] The operating element can be a manual operating element for manual operation by a user. The manual operating element can have a manual operating mechanism, in particular with a handle, a lever, or a rubberized surface.

[0068] The manual operating element can be directly connected to, or at least connectable to, the movement element and / or the receiving element. Actuation of the operating element can thus directly cause the relative movement. Alternatively, the manual operating mechanism can include a gearing. Due to the gearing, actuation of the operating element can cause a smaller or larger relative movement.

[0069] The control element can be of a mechanical nature. The mechanical control element is thus, in particular, a button, a switch, or a sensor, in particular a capacitive sensor.

[0070] At least part of the capsule dispenser, preferably the entire capsule dispenser, can be transparent or semi-transparent.

[0071] A transparent or semi-transparent capsule dispenser or part of a capsule dispenser allows the user to quickly see the capsule dispenser's fill status. Furthermore, the user can identify the type of beverage that can be prepared with the capsule based on the capsule's shape, color, or markings.

[0072] The receiving element can have at least one connecting element for rotationally secure connection to a movement element of another, second capsule dispenser, and / or to a connection area of ​​a beverage preparation machine.

[0073] The term "anti-rotation" means that when the capsule dispenser is used correctly, no rotation of the connected element relative to the receiving element is possible.

[0074] The connecting element can be arranged on the underside of the receiving element in the operating position. This allows the capsule dispenser to be attached particularly easily. A particularly advantageous connection of the connecting element is one that is additionally reinforced or supported by the effect of gravity in the operating position.

[0075] The moving element and / or the connection area of ​​a beverage preparation machine can have a complementary connecting element for receiving the connecting element of the receiving element.

[0076] The complementary connecting element can be arranged in the operating position on the upper side of the movement element and / or the connection area.

[0077] The connecting element may comprise protruding and / or recessed locking elements, in particular locking elements. Likewise, it may also comprise laterally protruding and / or recessed locking elements.

[0078] The complementary connecting element of the movement element can be formed by a ribbed handle. If no connection is formed by the ribbed handle, the ribbed handle can serve as an operating element. Thus, the ribbed handle of the movement element can serve both as a connecting element and as an operating element.

[0079] The locking mechanisms of the connecting element and the locking mechanisms of the complementary connecting element can engage with each other, preferably in a form-fitting manner.

[0080] The connecting element, the complementary connecting element and / or further connecting elements can comprise a partially or completely conical, cylindrical, prism-shaped or oval cylindrical depressed or protruding region. A further aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a capsule dispenser as described above and a plurality of capsules, wherein the capsules are arranged in the receiving region of the capsule dispenser. The capsules are preferably substantially rotationally symmetrical about at least one, preferably two different, axes. A user can therefore quickly and easily exchange an empty capsule dispenser and / or avoid refilling individual capsules. For example, already filled capsule dispensers can be marketed.

[0081] Such a system can be installed in the operating position, preferably in or on the connection area of ​​a beverage preparation machine. This offers the advantage that the capsules can be fed directly from the capsule dispenser to the beverage preparation machine, thus minimizing the operational effort.

[0082] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system comprising at least two capsule dispensers as described above. In the operating position, the system has at least two, optionally three, four, five or more capsule dispensers arranged vertically one above the other, which are detachably connected to one another, preferably with at least one connecting element. Such a modular system offers the advantage that several capsule dispensers can be operated in parallel. This makes it possible to increase the capacity of the capsule quantity. In addition, several different types of beverages can be made available to a user in the capsule dispensers at the same time.

[0083] A movement of the side wall element and / or receiving element of the upper capsule dispenser in the operating position can be coupled to a relative movement of the lower movement element by the connecting elements. A rotation of the upper side wall element and / or upper receiving element of the upper capsule dispenser can thus cause a rotational movement of the lower movement element. The upper capsule dispenser can thus also be movable due to the movement of the lower movement element.

[0084] However, rotation of the upper movement element is preferably not coupled to underlying system components by the connecting elements. Thus, the upper movement element can be moved separately.

[0085] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine comprising at least one of the capsule dispensers described above. The beverage preparation machine has a connection area, in particular a recess, for connecting the capsule dispenser, in particular for receiving at least part of a receiving element of the capsule dispenser.

[0086] The connection area can be designed in such a way that the receiving element of a capsule dispenser can be connected in a rotationally secure manner.

[0087] The receiving element and / or the connection area can be secured against rotation by a corresponding locking mechanism.

[0088] The corresponding locking device may comprise at least one protruding pin or a recess which blocks rotation in the circumferential direction of the capsule dispenser.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, the receiving element can be lowered into a recess in the connection area in a form-fitting manner, in particular in a rotationally secure and / or slip-proof manner. The receiving element can be releasably connected to the connection area via a magnetic connecting element and can be connected in a rotationally secure and / or slip-proof manner. The capsule dispenser can also comprise a recess and / or a magnetic connecting element.

[0090] In the operating position, the receiving element can be attached essentially vertically to the beverage preparation machine in or on the connection area.

[0091] The beverage preparation machine may have an input area for inserting a capsule for beverage preparation.

[0092] The dispensing area of ​​the capsule dispenser can correspond to the input area of ​​the beverage preparation machine. The dispensing area can correspond to the input area in such a way that a capsule discharged through the dispensing area is picked up directly by the input area of ​​the beverage preparation machine without user interaction.

[0093] The term "correspond" thus refers to the relative alignment and / or spacing of the dispensing area of ​​the capsule dispenser to the input area of ​​the beverage preparation machine.

[0094] The dispensing areas of several capsule dispensers can be arranged one above the other or can be arranged one above the other.

[0095] The beverage preparation machine or capsule dispenser may comprise a guide device. The guide device may be arranged or arrangeable between the dispensing area and the input area. In particular, the guide device may be at least partially inclined to a horizontal plane in an operating position of the beverage preparation machine, so that a capsule discharged from the dispensing area can be guided to the input area solely by its own weight.

[0096] The operating position of the beverage preparation machine is defined by the attachment of the beverage preparation machine on a substantially horizontal base so that capsules from a capsule dispenser can be fed into the input area in an operational manner, preferably solely by the weight of the capsules themselves.

[0097] The guide device may comprise a guide track or a guide structure.

[0098] The guide device can be at least partially funnel-shaped, optionally completely funnel-shaped.

[0099] A brewing unit, in particular comprising a brewing chamber, can be arranged below the input area of ​​the beverage preparation machine. The capsules can thus advantageously be fed directly from the capsule dispenser to the brewing unit of the beverage preparation machine.

[0100] The input area of ​​the beverage preparation machine may have an access for capsules that is not blocked by the capsule dispenser in the operating position.

[0101] Thus, a user can alternatively or additionally manually feed capsules into the input area, even though at least one capsule dispenser is installed in or on the connection area.

[0102] A horizontal passage through the dispensing area in the operating position of the capsule dispenser can also be arranged in the receiving area vertically above the input area of ​​the beverage preparation machine. This allows the capsules to be reliably fed from the dispensing area to the input area of ​​the beverage preparation machine and also enables a space-saving arrangement.

[0103] The invention will now be described with reference to specific embodiments and figures, which show the following:

[0104] Figure 1 : a perspective exploded view of a capsule dispenser with capsules on a coffee machine,

[0105] Figures 2A to 2C : a perspective view from above, an oblique side view from below, and a plan view from below of the moving element,

[0106] Figures 3A and 3B : a perspective view from above and an oblique side view from below of the receiving element,

[0107] Figures 4A and 4B: a perspective view of a system comprising two capsule dispensers arranged one above the other and a cross-sectional view of the system,

[0108] Figure 5 : a perspective view of a coffee machine with a connection area without capsule dispenser,

[0109] Figure 6: a perspective view of a system comprising two capsule dispensers arranged one above the other on the coffee machine,

[0110] Figure 7 : a cross-section of the system and the coffee machine with capsules in the dispensing areas,

[0111] Figures 8A and 8B: a perspective view of a first and second alternative embodiment of the movement element,

[0112] Figures 9A to 9C: a perspective view from above, an oblique side view from below, and a plan view from above of a first alternative embodiment of the receiving element, Figures 10A and 10B: a perspective view from above of a second alternative embodiment of the receiving element and a side view of a capsule dispenser comprising the receiving element according to Fig. 10A and a movement element according to Fig. 8B,

[0113] Figure 11: a perspective view of a system comprising two capsule dispensers arranged side by side on a coffee machine,

[0114] Figures 12A to 12C: a perspective view of the receiving element according to Fig. 9C with legs, a side view and a side view in cross section of the capsule dispenser comprising a receiving element according to Fig. 12A and a movement element according to Fig. 8B,

[0115] Figures 13A - 13C : a perspective view of a lid, a moving element and a receiving element of an embodiment of the capsule dispenser,

[0116] Figures 14A and 14B: a cross-sectional view of a capsule dispenser according to Figures 13A-13C with a spherical capsule which is held by the moving element and is ejected from a dispensing region by a projection of the receiving element.

[0117] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a capsule dispenser 101 filled with capsules 8, which is mounted on a coffee machine 201. The capsule dispenser 101 is mounted in an operating position 10 on the coffee machine 201 in a connection area 9 of the coffee machine 201. In the operating position 10, the capsule dispenser 101 is aligned such that all capsules 8 are located in a horizontal plane. The upper part of the capsule dispenser 101 is formed by a moving element 2 and a lower part of the capsule dispenser 101 is formed by a bowl-shaped receiving element 3. The moving element 2 is shown in a raised position. The moving element 2 can be connected to the receiving element 3 in the operating position 10, so that the moving element 2 can be rotated in two directions of rotation relative to the receiving element 3.The receiving element 3 encloses a receiving area 31 in the circumferential direction with a side wall element 6, so that the capsules 8 can be stored in the receiving area 31. The side wall element 6 is oriented essentially vertically in the operating position.

[0118] The moving element 2 of the capsule dispenser 101 is materially connected to a lid 7 which has a ribbed handle 28 which also serves as a connecting element. The moving element 2 is lowered vertically in a substantially torus-shaped region 29 around the handle 28. The moving element 2 also has a plurality of sections which, together with the side wall element 6, each enclose, by means of two partition walls 23, prism-shaped regions 22 for receiving capsules 8. In the operating position 10, the capsules 8 are arranged substantially in a horizontal plane in the radially outer region of the capsule dispenser 101. The prism-shaped regions 22 are shaped to receive exactly one capsule 8.

[0119] The side wall element 6 has a passage 41 that is large enough to discharge a capsule 8 located in a dispensing area 4. The dispensing area 4 of the capsule dispenser 101 is arranged such that discharged capsules 8 can be fed directly via a funnel 51 to an input area 5 of the coffee machine 201. In addition, the dispensing area 4 has an incline relative to the input area 5 of the coffee machine 201, so that capsules 8 can be discharged from the dispensing area 4 solely by gravity.

[0120] By turning the ribbed handle 28 for a user, the

[0121] The movement element 2 can be rotated relative to the receiving element 3 which is rigidly fixed to the coffee machine 201. The ribbed handle 28 can therefore be used as an operating element 13 for carrying out the relative movement by a user. By rotating the movement element 2, all of the capsules 8 of the capsule dispenser 101 can be rolled in the circumferential direction of the capsule dispenser 101. A relative movement corresponds to the rotation of the movement element 2 in the circumferential direction by a distance equal to the length of one section relative to the receiving element 3. The axis of rotation 12 runs vertically through the center of gravity 121 of the movement element 2. By means of each relative movement, a single capsule 8 can thus be fed to the dispensing area 4 by the capsule rolling to the dispensing area. The capsules 8 in this embodiment are spherical, so that the capsules 8 are completely rotationally symmetrical.However, essentially prism-shaped, cylindrical or torus-shaped capsules 8 could also be conceived, which can be rolled to the delivery area 4 by relative movements.

[0122] Figures 2A to 2C show an oblique side view from above, an oblique side view from below, and a plan view from below of the moving element 2. The ribbed handle 28 of the cover 7 in Fig. 2A can be used as an operating element 13 and also as a connecting element for the detachable connection of a receiving element 3 arranged above it (see Figs. 4A and 4B). The corrugations of the handle 28 serve as a corresponding lock with a connecting element of the receiving element 3. When a receiving element 3 is connected to the moving element 2 via the handle 28, the moving element 2 and the receiving element 3 can therefore only be rotated together. The cover 7 of the moving element 2 has a recess 29 running in the circumferential direction in a central radial region. Thus, an upper side of the moving element 2 forms a bowl-shaped form with a raised portion in the center, which forms the ribbed handle 28.The ribbed handle 28 is only slightly raised vertically compared to the edge region of the moving element 2, so that the moving element 2 is easy to stack (see Fig. 1) and a compact design of the capsule dispenser 101 is enabled. In addition, the raised section ensures the connection to a receiving element 3 arranged above it. In addition, the capsule dispenser 101 can thus only be slightly higher than the spherical capsules 8 in order to save material. The dividing walls 23 of the sections of the moving element 2 run straight, radially outwards in a vertical plane which passes through the center of gravity 121 of the moving element 2. Two dividing walls 23 enclose an area 22 of a section.

[0123] In Fig. 2B, a connecting element 27 can be seen, which is attached to the underside of the moving element 2. This hollow, cylindrical connecting element 27 can be detachably connected to the upper side of a receiving element, so that the moving element 2 can be rotated relative to the receiving element (see Figs. 4A and 4B). The connecting element 27 is arranged in a central region of the moving element 2, so that the individual sections with the respective regions 22 are arranged in a horizontal plane around the connecting element 27.

[0124] As can be seen in Fig. 2C, the individual sections 21 of the moving element 2 are divided by the dividing walls 23. In addition, the dividing walls 23 have small projections 232 in the radially outermost region, which are designed to be complementary to notches 321 in the receiving element 3 (see Fig. 3A). During a relative movement in the form of a rotation of the moving element 2, these projections 232 engage with the notches 321 of the receiving element 3, so that increased resistance to a renewed relative movement occurs. Fig. 2C also shows that all sections 21 have the same angular range 211, so that exactly one capsule can be accommodated per area 22. Fig. 2C shows that the area 22 becomes wider radially outwards with increasing distance from the center of gravity 121 of the moving element 2 in the vertical direction.

[0125] Figures 3A and 3B show an oblique side view from above and an oblique side view from below of the receiving element 3. The receiving element 3 has a round base surface 35 and, together with the side wall 6, cylindrically encloses the receiving area 31 for the capsules. The base surface 35 is inclined vertically downwards radially outwards from a center of the receiving element 3 (see Fig. 4B). A connecting element 38 is arranged on an upper side of the receiving element 3, which enables a rotatable connection to a moving element 2 (see Fig. 1). The connecting element 38 forms a cylindrical elevation in the center of the receiving area 31 with a protruding area 371. As can be seen in Fig. 3B, the cylindrical elevation is hollow in order to save material. The protruding portion 371 is arranged in an angular range of a discharge portion 4 so that the user can easily align the discharge portion 4 with a passage 41.On an upper edge of the side wall 6, notches 321 are also arranged at a distance from adjacent sections to one another. The notches 321, together with the projections 232 of the movement element 2 (see Figs. 2A and 2B), can form a slight resistance for a relative movement of the movement element 2 after each section has been moved. A user can therefore notice through haptic feedback that the angle range 211 (see Fig. 2C) has been rotated and that a capsule has been removed. Fig. 3B shows that a connecting element 37 in the form of a cylindrical recess with a locking mechanism by means of latching elements is arranged centrally on an underside of the receiving element 3. The connecting element 37 can detachably connect the underside of the receiving element 3 to a complementary connecting element on the top side of a movement element 2.In addition, the receiving element 3 has three recesses 322 in the radially outer region of the base surface 35. The recesses 322 serve for a rotationally secure connection to the connecting element of a coffee machine (see Fig.

[0126] 7 ) . For this purpose, the connection area can have complementary connection elements.

[0127] Figures 4A and 4B show an oblique side view of a system 401 comprising two capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 arranged one above the other and a cross-sectional view of the system 401. Also visible is a system 301 comprising a single capsule dispenser 1012 and an exemplary capsule 8 in a dashed representation to show that it is arranged within the capsule dispenser 1012. The receiving elements 3 and moving elements 2 of the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 in Fig. 4A are made of polymethyl methacrylate, so that they are essentially transparent and thus easily visible to a user. In another embodiment of the system 301 with a capsule dispenser 1012 which has already been filled with capsules 8 at the factory, cheaper materials such as cardboard or a thin-walled plastic can be used. Accordingly, the 301 system can be manufactured particularly cheaply.The upper capsule dispenser 1011 forms a cylindrical system 401 with the lower capsule dispenser 1012. The side walls 61, 62 of the cylindrical system 401 form a continuous cylindrical outer surface. The capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 are identical in construction and can therefore be easily detachably connected and combined with one another as a modular system. The capsule 8 is arranged in a receiving area 31 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 3) in the prism-shaped areas 22 of the section and is enclosed by the partition walls 23 and the side walls 61, 62. The prism-shaped area 22 has been marked with a dashed line to indicate that it is arranged inside the capsule dispenser 1012 under the side wall 62. In this embodiment, the receiving area can accommodate nine capsules 8 in a horizontal plane.A capsule 8 in a dispensing area 4 of the capsule dispenser 101 would not be retained and would be carried out of the dispensing area 4. Therefore, such a capsule dispenser 101 allows each capsule 8 to be located in a separate area 22 and the capsule dispenser 101 to be lifted and / or moved without a capsule 8 being able to fall out. Fig. 4B shows that the receiving area of ​​the receiving element 3 is inclined vertically downwards radially outwards from an axis of rotation 12, so that the capsules 8 are arranged in a radially outer area of ​​the capsule dispenser 1012 solely by gravity. The vertical axis of rotation 12 runs through a center of gravity 121 of the individual elements 2, 3, 1011, 1012. An angle of inclination 311 of the receiving area is 15° relative to a horizontal 11 in an operating position 10 of the capsule dispenser 1011, 1012.However, the capsules 8 are prevented from being discharged from the capsule dispenser 1012 by the side wall 61, 62, which has a passage 411, 412 on the outside in the dispensing area 4. The receiving element 3 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 can be connected in a rotationally secure and slip-proof manner to a connection area 9 (see Fig. 5) of a coffee machine by means of three recesses 322. A moving element 2 is rotatably connected to the cylindrical connecting element 38 on the upper side of the receiving element 3 by means of a hollow cylindrical connecting element 27 on its underside. A ribbed handle 28 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 is rotationally secured to a connecting element 37 on the underside of the receiving element 3 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 (see Figs. 2A and 3B). The ribbed handle 28 is surrounded by a vertically lowered area 29 of the moving element 2.The receiving element 3 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 is in turn rotatably connected to the moving element 2 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011. The ribbed handle 28 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 can be rotated as a first operating element 131 by a user in order to rotate the upper moving element 2 relative to the rest of the system 401 about the vertical axis of rotation 12. In addition, the ribbed handle 28 can be used to remove the upper moving element 2, which serves as a type of cover 7 to protect against dust. This allows the receiving area of ​​the upper capsule dispenser 1011 to be easily filled with new capsules 8. By means of a relative rotation of the upper moving element 2, the capsules 8 within the upper capsule dispenser 1011 can all be moved simultaneously relative to a dispensing area 4 and fed to the dispensing area 4.Due to their round, rotationally symmetrical shape, the capsules 8 roll very smoothly due to the relative rotation of the moving element 2 .

[0128] The side wall 61 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 can also serve as a second operating element 132. The side wall element 61 can rotate relative to the receiving element 3 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 when actuated by a user. The side wall element 61 is a material-connected component of the upper receiving element 3. The side wall element 61 is also connected in a rotationally secure manner to the moving element 2 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 by the connecting elements 28, 27. Rotation of the side wall element 61 thus leads to rotation of the parts of the system 401 relative to the receiving element 3 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012. Actuation of the second operating element 132 of the side wall 61 can thus bring about a relative rotation of the moving element 2 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012.By means of this relative rotation, which also rotates about the axis of rotation 12, a capsule 8 can be fed from the receiving area of ​​the lower capsule dispenser 1011 to the dispensing area 4. By means of the inclination of the dispensing area 4, the capsule 8 is carried out of the passage 412 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 by gravity alone as soon as the capsule 8 has been rolled into the dispensing area 4. The upper side wall element 61 can also be raised together with the lower moving element 2 and the upper capsule dispenser 1011, so that new capsules 8 can be fed to the receiving area 31 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012. Of course, the upper capsule dispenser 1011 and the lower moving element 2 can also be raised individually. The moving elements 2 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 and lower capsule dispenser 1012 can be rotated in both directions of rotation about the axis of rotation 12.Thus, for example, different types of capsules can be arranged on the respective sides and the capsule 8 of one type of capsule can be carried out from the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 in one direction of rotation and the capsule 8 of another type of capsule can be carried out in the other direction of rotation.

[0129] Figure 5 shows an oblique side view of a coffee machine 201. A connection area 9 is arranged on the coffee machine 201 for receiving a previously described capsule dispenser or system comprising at least one capsule dispenser. The connection area 9 has three connection elements 91 in the form of protruding pins, so that a rotation-proof attachment of a capsule dispenser can be ensured. The coffee machine 201 has an input area 5 which is surrounded by a funnel 51. The funnel 51 can feed capsules, in particular essentially round capsules, from a capsule dispenser or manually fed capsules to a brewing unit inside the coffee machine 201. The coffee machine 201 also has a plurality of buttons 133 which can be used to operate the coffee machine 201 and / or a capsule dispenser. The buttons 133 can be provided in particular for controlling the relative movement of the capsule dispenser.Figure 6 shows an oblique side view of a system 401 comprising two capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 arranged one above the other on the coffee machine 201. The lower capsule dispenser 1012 is equipped with capsules 8 as system 301. For structural features and functions already described, reference is made to the description of Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, and Fig. 5. A passage 412 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 and a passage 411 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 are arranged essentially vertically one above the other in the operating position 10 of the system 401. Capsules 8 which are located in the lower dispensing area 42 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 roll into the funnel 51 of the input area 5 of the coffee machine 201 due to the inclination of the dispensing area. Capsules 8 which are discharged from the upper discharge area 43 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 fall into the funnel 51 and are also fed to the input area 5 of the coffee machine 201.In the operating position of the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012, the input area 5 of the coffee machine is arranged vertically below the passages 412, 411 of the side wall elements 61, 62, so that the capsules 8 can be fed in solely by gravity. A distance and an inclination of the dispensing area 43 and the position of the input area 5 are coordinated with one another, so that the capsules 8 can be reliably fed to the input area 5 by a relative rotation of the moving element 2 to the receiving element 3 (see Fig. 3A and 3B). The receiving element 3 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 is connected in a rotationally secure manner by the connecting elements 91 of the connecting area 9 (see Fig. 5) and the recesses 322 of the receiving element 3 (see Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B).

[0130] This arrangement provides free access to the input area 5 without obstruction by the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012. This allows the user to manually add capsules 8 of other capsule types directly. Furthermore, the user can continue to operate the coffee machine 201 despite empty capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 without necessarily having to refill or replace the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012. The relative movements of the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 can be controlled automatically by an internal motor with a gear ratio using control elements in the form of buttons 133 of the coffee machine 201. Alternatively, the lid 7 can serve as a control element 131 for manual operation by a user (see Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B).

[0131] Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the system 401 comprising two capsule dispensers 1011, 1012, each with a capsule 8 in the dispensing area 42, 43 in an operating position 10 on a coffee machine 201. For structural features and functions already described, reference is made to the description of Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. 5, and Fig. 6. The capsules 8 were rolled into the dispensing areas 42, 43 in the circumferential direction of the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 by a relative rotation of the upper movement element 2 and lower movement element 2. A receiving element 3 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 is connected to the connection area 9 in a rotationally secure manner. The receiving element 3 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 is, however, possible by rotating the side walls 61, 62 by means of rotationally secure connecting elements 27, 38 (see Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B).The relative movement can be actuated by the grooved handle 28 as a first operating element 131, the upper side wall 61 as a second operating element 132, or by buttons 133. By inclining the receiving area 31 of the capsule dispenser 1011, 1012 radially outward, the capsules 8 can roll through the passages 411, 412 in the side walls 61, 62 and be fed to the input area 5 via the hopper 51.

[0132] Figures 8A and 8B show a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the movement element 2 and a second alternative embodiment of the movement element 2. The movement element 2 in Fig. 8A and 8B forms a cover 7 for the receiving element 3 (see Fig. 9A to 9C). An underside 24 of the movement elements 2 essentially forms a flat surface which has a cylindrical, upwardly directed bulge 13 in the middle in the region of its center of gravity 121. In addition, the underside 24 in Fig. 8A has a contact element 14 in the form of a curved partition wall. The underside in Fig. 8B, on the other hand, has two oppositely arranged contact elements in the form of two curved partition walls 141, 142. The curvature of the partition walls 14, 141, 142 is designed to increase the contact area with the capsules, allowing them to be guided more reliably. The partition walls 14, 141, 142 in Fig.8A and 8B serve to move the capsules 8 (see Fig. 1A) to a dispensing area by rotating the moving element 2 when it is fixed in the receiving element. Two separate partition walls 141, 142 according to Fig. 8B allow capsules to be transported from two different areas (see Fig. 10A and Fig. 12A, 151 and 152) to the dispensing area by contacting the partition walls 141, 142, depending on the direction of rotation of the moving element 2.

[0133] The bulge 13 in Figs. 8A and 8B forms, on a side 25 facing away from the viewer, an operating element 13 (see Fig. 10B), which is materially connected to a protruding arm 251 extending radially from the operating element to an edge 241 of the moving element 2. The edge 241 also has a raised portion 242 in the circumferential direction of the moving element 2, which can engage the side walls of the receiving element in order to rotatably fix the moving element 2 relative to the receiving element. The raised portion 242 thus forms a connecting region 27 to the receiving element. The upper edge of the receiving element in Figs. 9A and 12A is shaped complementarily to receive this connecting region 27. Figures 9A to 9C show a perspective view from above and below, as well as a plan view, of a first alternative embodiment of the receiving element 3.The receiving element 3 has on an upper side 34, in an upper region of a cylindrical side wall 6, an edge 38 which serves as a connecting element to a movement element. A base area 35 of the receiving element 3 extends orthogonally to the side wall 6 and has a passage 41 in the middle, through which the capsules can be guided out by a relative movement of the movement element to the receiving element 3. The base area 35 also has a conductive track 351 which extends partially in the circumferential direction and leads to the passage 41. In a starting region and an end region, the conductive track 351 each has an elevation 352, 353 in order to hold back the capsules. A width 355 of the conductive track 351 is less than the dimension of the capsule, such that the capsules are held in the conductive track 351 without being able to move transversely to the conductive track 351.The height of the guide track 351 is significantly smaller than the dimensions of the capsules, so that the capsules can be guided along the guide track 351 in a material-saving manner. In addition, the receiving element 3 has a guide region 354. The guide region 354 serves to reliably guide the capsules during the relative movement of the moving element to the receiving element through partition walls 14, 141, 142 (see Fig. 8A and 8B) via the retaining elevation 352 to the passage 41. The capsules roll along the guide track 351 by being pushed through the partition walls of the moving element (see Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B).

[0134] A bottom side 33 of the receiving element 3 is flat and has a passage 41 for ejecting the capsules in the center. Furthermore, the passage 41 is surrounded by a cylindrically protruding region shaped as a connecting element 37 with a coffee machine. Figures 10A and 10B show a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the receiving element 3 and a side view of a capsule dispenser 101 comprising a receiving element 3 according to Figure 10A and a movement element 2 according to Figure 8B.

[0135] The receiving element 3 in Fig. 10A has two curved conductor tracks 3511, 3512 in the form of a recess 356 on a base surface 35. In this embodiment, the conductor tracks 3511, 3512 have a bottom, so that a base surface 35 of the receiving element is closed except for a passage 41 in the middle.

[0136] In a further embodiment, the recesses 356 of the conductive paths 3511, 3512 can form a continuous opening from the top to the bottom in addition to the passage 41 for discharging the capsules in a center of the receiving element 3. However, a width 357 of the recess 356 is smaller than the dimensions of the capsules in such an embodiment, so that the capsules can be held only on the conductive path 351.

[0137] In a starting region and an end region, the two conductor tracks 3511, 3512 each have a transition region 352, 353 to the base surface 35 in order to retain the capsules. In addition, the receiving element 3 in Fig. 10A has a raised separating region 354 so that capsules from the adjacent conductor tracks 3511, 3512 cannot be exchanged between the conductor tracks 3511, 3512 or can be fed into the passage 41 in a movement transverse to the conductor tracks 3511, 3512. In a direction radially outward of the receiving element 3, however, the capsules are retained by a side wall 6 of the receiving element 3. Such an arrangement enables the capsule dispenser 101 to be transported without the capsules from the conductor tracks 3511, 3512 being exchanged or removed. The contact elements 14, 141, 142 (see Fig. 8A and 8B) of the moving element 2 are arranged in the region between the conductive paths 3511, 3512 at the separating region 354 according to Fig.10A. By manually actuating the operating element 13 by rotating the protruding arm 251 of the moving element 2, the relative movement of the moving element to the receiving element 3 can be carried out.

[0138] By a relative counterclockwise movement in the circumferential direction 15, capsules can be rolled and dispensed from the first conductive path 3511 to the passage 41 by contact with the first contact element 141 (see Fig. 8B). By a relative clockwise movement in a circumferential direction 15 of the receiving element 2, capsules can be rolled and dispensed from the second conductive path 3512 to the passage 41 by contact with the second contact element 142 (see Fig. 8B). By such a receiving element 3, for example, two different types of capsules can be used simultaneously by one user with one capsule dispenser.

[0139] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a system 301 comprising two capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 arranged next to one another on a coffee machine 201. The capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 are each fixed to a connection area 92, 93 of the coffee machine 201 and each have a movement element 2 according to Fig. 8B and a receiving element 3 according to Fig. 10A. The movement elements 2 each have an operating element 131, 132 so that the capsules can be inserted from passages in the capsule dispensers into an input area of ​​the coffee machine 201 (not shown in Fig. 11). A button 133 of the coffee machine 201 can then be actuated to prepare a hot beverage. In an additional connection area 94, at least one further capsule dispenser 1011, 1012 can be stored or, optionally, several capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 can be stored stackably on top of one another.

[0140] The system in Fig. 12A to Fig. 12C shows another embodiment of a capsule dispenser.

[0141] Figure 12A shows a perspective view of a receiving element 3 according to Fig. 10A. The same reference numerals designate the same elements as in Fig. 10A. The receiving element 3 additionally has spacers, e.g. three legs 358, so that a passage 41 is arranged at a higher level. The legs 358 can be suitable for setting up the receiving element 3 on a surface or on a connection area 92, 93 of a coffee machine (see Fig. 11). Such legs 358 of the receiving element 2 have the advantage that the moisture from an input area of ​​a coffee machine cannot get directly into the capsule dispenser.

[0142] Figures 12B to 12C show a side view of the receiving element 2 according to Fig. 12A with support legs 358, a side view in cross section of a capsule dispenser 101 comprising a receiving element 3 according to Fig. 12A and a movement element 2 according to Fig. 8B.

[0143] The moving element 2 is attached to the receiving element 3 by a raised portion 242 on an edge 241 of the moving element 2, so that it can be rotated in the circumferential direction. In a receiving area 31 of the receiving element 3, the capsules can be stored in a guide track 3511 and 3512 (see Fig. 12A), enclosed by a side wall 6 of the receiving element 3. By actuating an operating element 13 in the form of a cylindrical projection with an arm 251 of the moving element, a rotation of the moving element 2 relative to the receiving element 3 can be generated. The capsules can thus be rolled by rotation through contact with the contact elements 141, 142 along guide tracks 3511 and 3512 with recesses 356 to the passage 41. Thus, the capsules can be discharged from the capsule dispenser 101 past a separation area 354 of the receiving element 3.

[0144] Figures 13A - 13C show a perspective view of a lid 7, a moving element 2 and a receiving element 3 of an embodiment of the capsule dispenser 101.

[0145] The lid 7 in Fig. 13A has a ribbed handle 28 on the top side, which is formed by an annular portion. On a bottom side of the lid 7, a depressed annular toothed connecting portion is attached so that the lid 7 can be connected to a toothed connecting portion on a toothed annular portion of the moving element 2. Due to the toothed connection, the lid 7 and the moving element 2 can be rotated together in a circumferential direction when they are connected to each other. This connection of the lid 7 and the moving element 2 enables the lid 7 to be easily removed from the moving element 2 so that capsules can be easily refilled.

[0146] The moving element 2 in Fig. 13B also has a plurality of capsule holders 211 shaped to receive capsules. Each capsule holder 211 can receive a capsule, so that the capsule only touches the capsule holder 211.

[0147] The lid 7 and the moving element 2 can be inserted together into the receiving element 3 from Fig. 13C, so that the lid 7 and the moving element 2 can be rotated together relative to the receiving element 2. The capsules in the capsule holders 211 can thus be fed to a dispensing area 4 of the receiving element 3. The dispensing area 4 also has an output device which is formed by a projection 311 in a dispensing area 4 of the receiving element 3. The projection 311 protrudes perpendicularly from a base surface 35 of the receiving element 3 and has a convex shape.

[0148] The moving element 2 has an outer holding area 212 so that the capsules can be held in the capsule holder 211. When the moving element 2 is inserted into the receiving element 3, the capsules do not touch the receiving element 3. This allows the capsules to be moved together with the moving element 2 in a rest position during a rotational movement of the moving element 2, without rotating.

[0149] Only the projection 311 of the receiving element 3 in the dispensing area 4 is configured to lift the capsules against the force of gravity when the capsule holder 211 is moved into the dispensing area 4 by the relative movement. By lifting the capsule from the rest position, the capsule can be removed from the dispensing area 4 through a passage 412 in a side wall of the receiving element 3 with a rotational movement about its own axis (see Fig. 14B).

[0150] Figures 14A and 14B show a cross-sectional view of a capsule dispenser 101 according to Figures 13A - 13C with a spherical capsule which is held by the moving element 2 and is dispensed from a dispensing area 4 by the projection 311 of the receiving element 3. Figures 14A and 14B show the capsule dispenser 101 in an operating position in which the lid 7 is connected to the moving element 2 in a rotationally secure manner and the lid 7 and the moving element 2 are jointly rotatable relative to the receiving element 3. Figure 14A shows that the capsule 8 is located in the capsule holder 211, so that the capsule 8 only touches the moving element 2. Thus, the capsule 8 can be moved in the capsule holder 211 in a rest position together with the moving element 2 by the relative movement, without experiencing additional friction from the receiving element 3.

[0151] The moving element 2 in Figs. 14A and 14B contacts the receiving element 3 only through a conical connection in the center and with the outer holding area 212. The capsule holders 211 are arranged elevated relative to the base of the receiving element 3.

[0152] The projection 311 and the moving element 3 are configured such that the projection 311 is arranged below the capsule holder 211 during the relative movement of the moving element 3 in the circumferential direction and does not touch the moving element 3 during the relative movement. During the relative movement, the capsules 8 can be lifted from the capsule holder 211 by the projection 311 against the force of gravity when a capsule holder 211 is moved to the dispensing area 4 by the relative movement.

[0153] The convex shape of the projection 311 enables a continuous lifting of the capsule 8 by the relative movement, without a jerky resistance against the relative movement.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Capsule dispenser (101) for receiving and dispensing substantially rotationally symmetrical capsules (8) in an operating position (10), comprising a receiving element (3) and a moving element (2), wherein the receiving element (3) defines a receiving area (31) for the capsules (8), wherein the capsule dispenser (101) has a dispensing area (4) for dispensing a capsule (8), characterized in that a relative movement between the receiving element (3) and the moving element (2) enables a capsule (8) to be moved into the dispensing area (4) and the capsule (8) to be removed from the dispensing area (4), wherein at least the movement of the capsule (8) into the dispensing area (4) or the movement for removing the capsule (8) from the dispensing area (4) comprises a rotation of the capsule (8) about one of its axes of symmetry.

2. Capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving area (31) is inclined to the horizontal at least in a partial area or completely in the operating position (10) of the capsule dispenser (101) and / or has a discharge device (311) which is configured to discharge the capsule (8) by the relative movement between the receiving element (2) and the movement element (2) at the discharge area (4), in particular by the capsule (8) being lifted by the discharge device (311) and the relative movement at least partially against the force of gravity.

3. Capsule dispenser (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement element (2) and the receiving element (3) are connected or connectable to each other, wherein the relative movement preferably allows all capsules (8) to be moved relative to the dispensing area, in particular without the capsules (8) rotating about one of their axes of symmetry outside the dispensing area (4), preferably in that the movement element (2) has at least one capsule holder (211) for receiving at least the capsule (8), so that the capsule (8) only touches the capsule holder (211). Capsule dispenser (101) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the relative movement is a rotational movement, preferably in a constant direction of rotation, so that one individual capsule (8) after the other can be removed from the dispensing area (4).Capsule dispenser (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule dispenser (101) comprises sections (21), preferably sections (21) of angular regions (211), in particular preferably sections (21) of angular regions (211) in a horizontal plane in the operating position (10), wherein a section (21) each delimits a region (231), preferably an at least partially prism-shaped region (231), for receiving exactly one capsule (8) with two separating elements, preferably separating walls (23). Capsule dispenser (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule dispenser (101) comprises a side wall element (6) which is substantially vertically aligned in the operating position (10) and is optionally connected or connectable to the receiving element (3), wherein the side wall element (6) preferably comprises a partial region of the dispensing region (4). Capsule dispenser (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule dispenser (101) comprises a lid (7) that is connected or connectable to the movement element (2) or the receiving element (3) such that a relative movement of the lid (7) causes the relative movement. Capsule dispenser (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule dispenser (101) comprises an operating element (13), preferably with an operating mechanism, for triggering the relative movement. Capsule dispenser (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the capsule dispenser (101), preferably the entire capsule dispenser (101), is transparent or semi-transparent.Capsule dispenser (101) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving element (3) has at least one connecting element (38) for rotationally secure connection to a movement element (2) of another, second capsule dispenser (101) and / or to a connection area (9) of a beverage preparation machine (201). System (301) comprising a capsule dispenser (101) according to one of the preceding claims and a plurality of capsules (8), wherein the capsules (8) are arranged in the receiving area (31) of the capsule dispenser (101) and are substantially rotationally symmetrical about at least one, preferably two different, axes. System (401) comprising at least two capsule dispensers (101) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the system (401) in the operating position (10) has at least two vertically overlapping... capsule dispensers (101) arranged one above the other, which are detachably connected to one another, preferably with at least one connecting element (37). Beverage preparation machine (201) comprising at least one capsule dispenser (101) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the beverage preparation machine (201) has a connection area (9), in particular a recess and / or a magnetic connecting element, for connecting the capsule dispenser (101), in particular for receiving at least part of a receiving element (3) of the capsule dispenser (101). The beverage preparation machine (201) according to claim 13, wherein the beverage preparation machine (201) has an input area (5) for inserting a capsule (8) for beverage preparation, wherein the dispensing area (4) of the capsule dispenser (101) corresponds to the input area (5) of the beverage preparation machine (201).Beverage preparation machine (201) according to claims 13 to 14, wherein the beverage preparation machine (201) or the capsule dispenser (101) comprises a guide device (51) and the guide device (51) is arranged or can be arranged between the dispensing area (4) and the input area (5), wherein the guide device (51) is in particular at least partially inclined to a horizontal in an operating position of the beverage preparation machine (201), so that a capsule (8) discharged from the dispensing area (4) can be fed to the input area (5) solely by its own weight.

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