Through-flow coupling for exchangeable use of a beverage container in a beverage machine and beverage machine with at least one through-flow coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow coupling (10) for the interchangeable use of a beverage container (50) in a beverage vending machine (60), comprising a one-piece outer housing (12) having an outlet port (14) for connecting the flow coupling (12) to the beverage vending machine (60); an inner housing (16) arranged within the outer housing (12) having an inlet port (18) for connecting a connecting piece (56) of the beverage container (50) to the flow coupling (10) and a flow area (20) that fluidically connects the inlet port (18) and the outlet port (14);A solenoid valve assembly (22) arranged within the inner housing (16), which, when the flow coupling (10) is arranged as intended on the beverage dispenser (60), is adjustable between a closed position and a flow position by means of an energizable coil of the beverage dispenser (60), wherein the solenoid valve assembly (22) closes a liquid-tight outlet opening (24) of the outlet connection (14) of the flow coupling (10) in the closed position and opens it in the flow position. The invention further relates to a beverage dispenser (60) with at least one such flow coupling (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a flow coupling for the interchangeable use of a beverage container in a beverage vending machine and a beverage vending machine with at least one flow coupling.

[0002] It is generally known to use vending machines with replaceable beverage containers that can be disposed of after use. So-called bag-in-box packaging can be used to dispense beverage components such as juices, juice concentrates, soft drinks, or the like. Such bag-in-box packaging typically comprises an inner bag made of a flexible material, such as a composite film, which is contained within a mechanically stable outer packaging, such as cardboard. The use of bag-in-box systems has the advantage that the beverage components are ideally kept airtight from filling until final consumption. Furthermore, such systems are inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily disposed of and recycled after use. A bag-in-box system for use in automated beverage vending machines is described in DE 36 22 777 A1.This document describes bag-in-box packaging in the form of rigid cuboids containing a foil bag, used to provide beverage components such as water, carbonated water and beverage concentrates.

[0003] A key challenge when using vending machines with replaceable, disposable containers is ensuring hygienic operation. The beverage containers need to be replaced periodically, and the necessary replacement processes can lead to unwanted contamination. Another challenge is making these replacement processes as easy as possible. Finally, another challenge is enabling the most accurate dispensing of the liquids contained in the beverage containers.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a solution that makes it possible to use interchangeable beverage containers in a beverage vending machine in a particularly hygienic and effective manner.

[0005] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features, advantages, and possible embodiments set forth in the description for one of the subject matter of the independent claims are to be regarded, at least analogously, as features, advantages, and possible embodiments of the respective subject matter of the other independent claims, as well as of any possible combination of the subject matter of the independent claims, optionally in conjunction with one or more of the dependent claims.

[0006] The flow coupling according to the invention for the interchangeable use of a beverage container in a beverage vending machine comprises a one-piece outer housing that has an outlet port for connecting the flow coupling to the beverage vending machine. Furthermore, the flow coupling comprises an inner housing arranged within the outer housing, which has an inlet port for connecting a fitting of the beverage container to the flow coupling, as well as a flow section that fluidically connects the inlet port and the outlet port.Furthermore, the flow coupling includes a solenoid valve device arranged within the inner housing, which, when the flow coupling is arranged as intended on the beverage dispenser, can be adjusted between a closed position and a flow position by means of an energizable coil of the beverage dispenser, wherein the solenoid valve device closes an outlet opening of the outlet connection of the flow coupling in a liquid-tight manner in the closed position and releases it in the flow position.

[0007] The one-piece design of the outer casing makes the flow coupling particularly hygienic. The outer casing can also be designed without any interruptions, preventing liquids from accumulating on it. This reliably prevents, for example, bacteria from adhering to the outer casing. The one-piece design and the outer casing significantly minimize the risk of any beverage components mechanically adhering to the outer casing.

[0008] The inner housing primarily serves to allow the fluid contained in the beverage container to flow through the flow coupling. When the solenoid valve is in the flow position, the fluid can flow from the beverage container through the inlet port into the inner housing, specifically into the flow section. The flow section connects the inlet port fluidically to the outlet port of the flow coupling. Thus, the fluid, for example, a juice concentrate, can flow through the interior of the flow coupling and enter the vending machine via the outlet port. Inside the vending machine, the fluid previously contained in the beverage container can then be mixed with other fluids. These other fluids can be supplied in additional beverage containers and introduced into the vending machine via further flow couplings.

[0009] The solenoid valve assembly provides a contactless and therefore particularly hygienic way to allow fluids to flow from the beverage container, through the flow coupling, and finally into the vending machine. The force required to actuate the solenoid valve is supplied by the vending machine's energized coil. The flow coupling itself thus only contains the passive component in the form of the solenoid valve assembly. This assembly itself requires no power supply.

[0010] The flow path can be largely encapsulated from the solenoid valve assembly. The movable part of the solenoid valve assembly, which can move between the closed and open positions, therefore comes into minimal contact with the fluid flowing from the beverage container into and through the flow path. This movable part can be, for example, a solenoid valve—a component that can be moved by magnetic fields via the energized coil. This also contributes to the particularly hygienic nature of the flow coupling.

[0011] Apart from the solenoid valve assembly, the flow control system can otherwise be made entirely of plastic, for example.

[0012] The outer and inner housings are manufactured using injection molding. In particular, these housing components can be made of food-grade material, which facilitates the hygienic handling of liquids.

[0013] One possible embodiment of the invention provides that the one-piece outer casing has a closed outer surface. The outer surface can be designed to be at least substantially uninterrupted and / or without openings along its outer surface. The outer surface can be seamless, in particular without seams or joints. The outer surface can also be designed so that it has no gaps or crevices. This helps prevent liquids, dirt, or other substances from adhering to the outer surface. Thus, the outer surface is particularly hygienic.

[0014] Another possible embodiment of the invention provides that the outer housing has a predominantly smooth outer surface. The outer surface of the housing is designed to be free of grooves or depressions. Due to the predominantly smooth surface, little or no liquids, dirt, and the like can adhere to it. This means, in particular, that the surface, i.e., the outer surface of the housing, is uniform and free of unevenness, depressions, or rough spots. A smooth surface is generally easy to clean and offers little to no opportunity for dirt or bacteria to adhere. The outer surface of the housing is therefore particularly smooth and thus hygienically designed, making it easy to clean. Consequently, the flow coupling can be cleaned very easily and then reused.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the flow area of ​​the inner housing encloses a receiving chamber in which the solenoid valve assembly is at least partially arranged. The receiving chamber can be surrounded by the flow area on its outer circumference in the radial direction. By arranging the solenoid valve assembly in the receiving chamber, separate from the flow area, it can be largely isolated from the fluid flowing through the flow area. This is particularly hygienic. Furthermore, it minimizes the risk of the solenoid valve assembly being impeded or obstructed in its movement, for example, by contamination, thus preventing it from assuming its closed or open position. The reliable operation of the solenoid valve assembly is therefore enhanced by its arrangement in the receiving chamber.

[0016] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the outer housing has a region that is widened relative to the outlet connection, in which the inlet connection is located. In other words, the outer housing is narrower in the radial direction in the region of the outlet connection than in the widened region containing the inlet connection. The inlet connection is thus shielded from the outside by the outer housing, at least in the radial direction. Due to the previously described design of the outer housing and the shielding of the inlet connection by the outer housing, the inlet connection can be protected from contamination. This, in turn, facilitates particularly hygienic handling of the flow coupling.

[0017] Another possible embodiment of the invention provides that the inner housing has a reinforcing structure that supports the outer housing from the inside in the flared area. This allows the outer housing to be supported radially inwards against the reinforcing structure in the flared area. Mechanical loads can thus be absorbed radially inwards by the reinforcing structure.

[0018] According to a further possible embodiment of the invention, the solenoid valve assembly comprises a solenoid valve and a magnetic field amplifier for amplifying the magnetic field effect, arranged axially one behind the other. This allows the density of the magnetic field lines to be increased in order to strengthen the magnetic field by means of which the solenoid valve can be adjusted between the closed and open positions via the coil. When an electric current flows through the coil, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field pulls the solenoid valve, designed as a kind of movable core or armature, from the closed position to the open position. The magnetic field amplifier and the solenoid valve can be made of the same material or comprise the same material.For example, the magnetic field amplifier and the solenoid valve can be made of ferromagnetic materials such as iron or special iron alloys. These materials have high magnetic permeability, meaning they can conduct and amplify the magnetic field generated by the coil effectively. Using the same material for both the solenoid valve's moving core and the magnetic field amplifier ensures that the magnetic field is efficiently focused and amplified, thus optimizing the solenoid valve's performance. This allows the solenoid valve to move very reliably, precisely, and quickly from the closed to the open position. The moving armature of the solenoid valve and the magnetic field amplifier can be pin-shaped or elongated and arranged coaxially and in series.The main function of the field line amplifier is to focus the magnetic field lines and direct them along the length of the movable solenoid valve via an end face of the amplifier. This alignment and focusing significantly increases the linear or axial force acting on the solenoid valve, which acts as a movable armature. This is caused by the deflection and thus reduction of the radial field lines in the axial direction. By using the field line amplifier, the force induced by the coil to move the solenoid valve can be increased many times over, for example, three to four times, compared to a configuration without the amplifier. The solenoid valve and the field line amplifier can be arranged so that, when installed correctly in the vending machine, both are located, at least partially, within the coil.This improves the influence of the field line amplifier on the magnetic field, and the coil also exerts a particularly large force in the axial direction on the solenoid valve with its magnetic field.

[0019] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the field line amplifier is movable relative to the inner housing. In particular, the field line amplifier can be rotatably mounted on the inner housing or indirectly on it about its longitudinal axis. In the radial direction, the field line amplifier can be mounted immovably relative to the inner housing. In the axial direction, the field line amplifier can be mounted immovably or movable relative to the inner housing. The field line amplifier has at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the inner housing, in either the axial or rotational direction. This at least one degree of freedom of movement has a beneficial effect on manufacturing tolerances, especially on the manufacturing tolerances with respect to the inner housing and the field line amplifier.The degree of freedom can be understood as a kind of deliberately accepted play between the field line amplifier and the inner housing. This design, chosen over a fixed arrangement of the field line amplifier, allows for higher manufacturing tolerances and can offer several advantages. It facilitates assembly, as less precision is required than with a fixed arrangement or mounting of the field line amplifier. Furthermore, it can reduce costs, since less complex manufacturing processes are necessary when larger tolerances are possible. It can also increase the flexibility and adaptability of the design by allowing for small movements and adjustments between the components, i.e., the field line amplifier and the inner housing.

[0020] Another possible embodiment of the invention provides that a return spring exerts a force on the solenoid valve assembly in the direction of its closed position. The return spring can exert an axial force on the solenoid valve, which serves as a movable armature, and push it towards its closed position. Thus, when the coil is not energized, it can be ensured that the solenoid valve reliably closes or seals the outlet port. In their intended installation position, the coil, the solenoid valve, and the field line amplifier can be arranged and designed such that the force exerted axially on the solenoid valve by the coil under the influence of the field line amplifier is many times greater than the force exerted by the return spring. This allows the return force to be overcome particularly quickly.This allows the solenoid valve to be adjusted particularly quickly, enabling the dispensing port to be opened and closed rapidly as needed. To ensure this rapid closure, the return spring can be appropriately dimensioned, including having a high spring constant, so that even slight compression of the spring results in a significant force being applied to the solenoid valve. This allows for both the opening and closing of the dispensing port to be performed with exceptional speed and precision. Consequently, the fluid contained in the beverage container can be dispensed with pinpoint accuracy to the beverage dispenser.

[0021] The beverage dispenser according to the invention comprises at least one energizable coil, wherein the beverage dispenser is designed to accommodate at least one instance of the flow coupling according to the invention or a possible embodiment of the flow coupling according to the invention and, in the accommodated state, to control the coil such that the solenoid valve assembly is switched from its closed position to its open position. The beverage dispenser can also be designed to accommodate several instances of the flow coupling according to the invention or several instances of possible embodiments of the flow coupling according to the invention. Corresponding to the number of accommodable flow couplings, the beverage dispenser can then have a corresponding number of separately controllable and energizable coils.This allows the vending machine to mix different drinks or beverage concentrates together and, based on this, produce different mixed drinks.

[0022] Further features of the invention may become apparent from the following description of the figures and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features shown below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures themselves, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0023] The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 a side sectional view of a flow coupling for the interchangeable use of a beverage container in a beverage vending machine; Fig. 2 another side sectional view of the flow coupling, with a beverage container connected to it; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a beverage vending machine, only partially shown, in which three of the flow couplings with beverage containers connected to them are shown, which can be received by means of the beverage vending machine.

[0024] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are marked with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0025] A flow coupling 10 for the interchangeable use of a beverage container in a beverage vending machine is shown in a side section view in Fig. 1 The flow coupling 10 comprises a one-piece outer housing 12, which has an outlet port 14 for connecting the flow coupling 10 to the respective beverage dispenser. Furthermore, the flow coupling 10 comprises an inner housing 16 arranged within the outer housing 12, which has an inlet port 18 for connecting a fitting of the beverage container to the flow coupling and a flow section 20 that fluidically connects the inlet port 18 and the outlet port 14. The flow coupling 10 also includes a solenoid valve assembly 22 arranged within the inner housing, which, when the flow coupling is arranged as intended on or in the beverage dispenser, can be adjusted between a closed position and a flow position by means of an energized coil of the beverage dispenser – as shown here.The solenoid valve assembly 22 closes a liquid-tight outlet opening 24 of the outlet port 14 of the flow coupling 10 in the closed position and releases the outlet opening 24 in the flow position.

[0026] The one-piece outer housing 12 has a closed outer surface 26. Furthermore, the outer surface 26 is predominantly smooth. In particular, the outer surface 26 has no holes or grooves in which unwanted liquids, particles, and bacteria could become trapped. Only in the area of ​​the outlet connection 14 does the outer surface 26 have a circumferential groove 28 in which a sealing ring 30 is arranged. As can be seen, the flow coupling 10, viewed from the side, is essentially T-shaped, with the flow coupling 10 having a shaft 32 and a flared section 34. The shaft 32 has a smaller diameter than the flared section 34.

[0027] The flow area 20 of the inner housing 16 encloses a receiving chamber 36 in which the solenoid valve assembly 22 is largely enclosed. The solenoid valve assembly comprises a solenoid valve 38, which is movably mounted axially in the receiving chamber 36, and a field line amplifier 40, which are arranged one behind the other axially. Furthermore, a return spring 42 is provided, by means of which the solenoid valve 38 is supported axially against the field line amplifier 40. The return spring 42 exerts a force on the solenoid valve (38) in the direction of its closed position, i.e., to the left in the present illustration. As a result, the solenoid valve 38 is pressed with its sealing area 44 against the outlet opening 24.Since the stamp-shaped sealing area 44, which can be made of a good sealing plastic, for example, has a larger diameter than the outlet opening 24, it is reliably sealed by means of the solenoid valve 38, so that no liquids from the flow area 20 can flow through the outlet opening as long as the solenoid valve 38 is in its closed position.

[0028] The field line amplifier 40 can be rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis in the inner housing 16. A shaft section 46 of the field line amplifier 40 is located in the aforementioned receiving space 36, while a head section 48 of the field line amplifier 40 is located outside the receiving space 36. The head section 48 can be used to open the beverage container (not shown here), for example, a membrane or a hinged lid. This occurs when the beverage container is inserted into the inlet port 18.

[0029] The inner housing 16 also features a reinforcing structure 50 that supports the outer housing 12 from the inside in its flared, head-like area 34. The reinforcing structure 50 can, for example, have a rib-like structure with individual ribs 52 extending radially and supporting the flared area 34 from the inside, as shown here. This provides good stability to the flared area 34. Furthermore, this allows the inner housing 16 to be inserted into the outer housing 12 relatively easily, from right to left as shown. The inner housing 16 and the outer housing 16 are shaped so that the inner housing 16 can be inserted into the outer housing as precisely as possible, for example, by clipping it in.

[0030] In Fig. 2 The flow coupling 10 is shown in another sectional side view, with the previously mentioned beverage container 54 now connected to it. The beverage container 54 has a type of connector 56, in this case cylindrical, which is inserted into the inlet port 18 of the flow coupling 10. The head 48 of the field line amplifier 46 projects into the connector 58 of the beverage container 54, thereby releasing an opening in the beverage container 54 (not specified here), allowing fluid contained in the beverage container 54 to flow into the annular flow area 20 of the inner housing 14.

[0031] Here too, the solenoid valve 38 is in its closed position, thus closing the outlet opening 24 with its sealing section 44. Furthermore, the previously mentioned coil 58, which belongs to the beverage dispenser (not shown here), is also shown. As soon as the fluid received in the beverage container 54 and which has entered the flow area 20 is to enter the beverage dispenser, the coil 58 is energized so that it generates a magnetic field that moves the solenoid valve 38 from its closed position shown here – to the right in the present illustration – into its flow position. The sealing section 44 of the solenoid valve 38 is thus moved away from the outlet opening 24 by overcoming the force applied by the return spring 42, and opens the outlet opening 24. This allows the fluid that has entered the flow area 40, e.g.,A juice concentrate flows through the outlet opening 24 from the flow coupling 10 into the beverage dispenser (not shown in detail here), for example by using a Venturi principle. However, other mechanisms can also be used to cause the fluid to flow from the beverage container 54 through the flow coupling 10 into the beverage dispenser.

[0032] The field amplifier 40 ensures that the magnetic field generated by the coil 58 is amplified, and in particular, that its field lines are aligned in such a way as to increase the magnetic force exerted on the solenoid valve 38 in the axial direction. This allows the solenoid valve 38 to be moved, i.e., switched, particularly quickly and precisely in order to open or close the outlet 24 as needed. The solenoid valve 38, the field amplifier 40, and the coil 58 can be designed such that the magnetic force acting on the solenoid valve 38 is a multiple of the force that can be applied by the return spring 42 – at full compression – for example, three to four times greater. This allows the solenoid valve 38 to be moved particularly quickly when required. Thus, the flow of the fluid through the outlet 24 can be controlled with exceptional precision, i.e., with pinpoint accuracy.

[0033] In Fig. 3The aforementioned beverage vending machine 60 is shown only partially in a perspective view. In the example shown, the beverage vending machine 60 can accommodate three of the flow couplings 10, each of which holds a beverage container 54, which is connected to the flow couplings 10. The flow couplings 10, with their respective outlet connections 14, can be inserted into corresponding receiving areas 62 of the beverage vending machine 60.

[0034] The beverage dispenser 60 can have a control unit that can control the respective coils 58 (not shown here) in order to regulate the flow rate of fluids, such as different juice concentrates, at the respective flow couplings 10. In this way, the beverage dispenser can, for example, automatically produce different beverage mixtures by mixing the liquids contained in the beverage containers 54 according to different recipes within the beverage dispenser 60. The beverage dispenser 60 can also have a water connection, allowing water to be added to the respective mixed drinks.

[0035] A key advantage of the flow couplings 10 is their smooth outer surface 26 on the outer housing 12. Users grip the flow couplings 10 by this smooth outer surface 26 to attach and detach the beverage containers 54. New beverage containers 54 can then be attached to the flow couplings 10. Due to the smooth outer surface 26, very few substances, bacteria, liquids, and the like can adhere to it. Furthermore, the smooth outer surface 26 is easy to clean. Since the outer housing 12 has no or virtually no indentations, holes, irregularities, and the like, the flow couplings 10 are handled in a particularly hygienic manner. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0036] 10 Flow coupling 12 Outer housing 14 Outlet connection 16 Inner housing 18 Inlet connection 20 Flow area 22 Solenoid valve assembly 24 Outlet opening 26 Outer surface 28 Groove 30 Sealing ring 32 Shaft 34 Expanded area 36 Receiving chamber 38 Solenoid valve 40 Field line amplifier 42 Return spring 44 Sealing area of ​​the solenoid valve 46 Shaft area of ​​the field line amplifier 48 Head area of ​​the field line amplifier 50 Reinforcement structure 52 Ribs of the reinforcement structure 54 Beverage container 56 Beverage container connector 58 Coil 60 Beverage dispenser 62 Receiving areas of the beverage dispenser

Claims

1. Flow coupling (10) for the interchangeable use of a beverage container (50) in a beverage dispenser (60), comprising: - a one-piece outer housing (12) having an outlet port (14) for connecting the flow coupling (12) to the beverage dispenser (60); - an inner housing (16) arranged within the outer housing (12) having an inlet port (18) for connecting a connector (56) of the beverage container (50) to the flow coupling (10) and a flow area (20) that fluidically connects the inlet port (18) and the outlet port (14);- a solenoid valve assembly (22) arranged within the inner housing (16), which, when the flow coupling (10) is arranged as intended on the beverage dispenser (60), is adjustable between a closed position and a flow position by means of an energizable coil of the beverage dispenser (60), wherein the solenoid valve assembly (22) closes a liquid-tight outlet opening (24) of the outlet connection (14) of the flow coupling (10) in the closed position and opens it in the flow position.

2. Flow coupling (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one-piece outer housing (12) has a closed outer surface (26).

3. Flow coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer housing (12) is at least predominantly smooth on its outer surface (26).

4. Flow coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow area (20) of the inner housing (16) encloses a receiving space (36) in which the solenoid valve assembly (22) is at least partially arranged.

5. Flow coupling according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer housing (12) has a widened area (34) compared to the outlet port (14) in which the inlet port (18) is arranged.

6. Flow coupling according to claim 5, wherein the inner housing (16) has a reinforcing structure (50) which supports the outer housing (12) from the inside in the widened area (34).

7. Flow coupling according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the solenoid valve assembly (22) comprises a solenoid valve (38) and a field line amplifier (40) for amplifying the magnetic field effect, which are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction.

8. Flow coupling according to claim 7, wherein the field line amplifier (40) is movable relative to the inner housing (16).

9. Flow coupling according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a return spring (42) exerts a force on the solenoid valve assembly (22) in the direction of its closed position.

10. Vending machine (60) with at least one energizable coil (58) designed to accommodate at least one flow coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims at its outlet port (18) and, in the accommodated state, to control the coil (58) in such a way that the solenoid valve device (22) is moved from its closed position to its flow position.

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