Capsule dispensers, systems and beverage production machines
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DELICA AG
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-03
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] explanation The present invention relates to a capsule dispenser, a system comprising a capsule dispenser, and a beverage preparation machine comprising a capsule dispenser. [Background technology]
[0002]
[0003] Preparing beverages using capsules offers many advantages to consumers. Capsules filled with beverage substances can provide users with a quick, low-preparation, low-cleaning option for preparing beverages. Furthermore, beverage preparation using capsules allows for consistent quality and quantity of beverages for consumers without prior knowledge.
[0003] In this context, the term beverages includes in particular coffee, tea, milk, hot or cold chocolate drinks, soups and / or liquid foods.
[0004] Various devices for supplying capsules to beverage preparation machines are known in the prior art, for example WO 2019 / 219523 shows a beverage packet dispenser with a packet belt for gripping the beverage precursor packets, however the design is complex, requires a predetermined orientation of the capsules and only works by actively translating the capsules through the packet belt.
[0005] EP 2617333 discloses a capsule supplying device for producing brewed beverages. However, the capsule supplying device is also based on a complex structure, a predetermined orientation of the capsule, and a capsule design with a translational movement.
[0006] The dispensing of capsules in the current state of the art is often complicated and prone to malfunction. Furthermore, there is often a lack of a simple, intuitive and fast way to dispense capsules into a beverage preparation machine. High levels of force are often required to extract the capsules.
[0007] Furthermore, filling and / or sequentially dispensing a large number of capsules, particularly rotationally symmetric capsules, from a capsule dispenser is often complicated and inconvenient to use, particularly as the capsules often need to be aligned to assume a particular spatial orientation within the capsule dispenser. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome these and other drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the aim is to enable simple and cost-effective dispensing of capsules. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] This problem is solved by the device defined in the independent claim. Further embodiments result from the dependent claims.
[0010] A capsule dispenser according to the present invention for storing and dispensing substantially rotationally symmetric capsules in an operating position comprises a storage element and a transfer element. The storage element defines a storage area for the capsules. The capsule dispenser also has a dispensing area for dispensing the capsules. The capsules can be moved from the storage area to the dispensing area, and the capsules can be ejected from the dispensing area by relative movement between the storage element and the transfer element. At least the movement of the capsule into the dispensing area or the movement of the capsule for removal from the dispensing area involves a rotation of the capsule about one of its axes of symmetry.
[0011] The operational position of the capsule dispenser is defined by its position during intended use. Preferably, the capsule dispenser is arranged on a substantially horizontal surface, in particular in the connection area of the beverage preparation machine.
[0012] The term capsule includes capsules having at least partially rotationally symmetric geometric shapes, in particular cones, cylinders, ellipsoids and especially spheres.
[0013] The term capsule also includes any form of pre-portioned beverage ingredient or beverage component. The capsule may further comprise an oxygen-tight and aroma-tight wrapper that encloses the beverage ingredient or beverage component prior to use, a protective layer and / or wrapper made, in particular, of a plastic, an organic polymer, in particular polyolefin or polyethylene, a biodegradable organic polymer, and / or a metal such as aluminum.
[0014] Inherently rotationally symmetric and rotatable capsules offer the advantage of an optimized filling volume with a minimum surface area, especially for spherical capsules. Dispensing of the capsules is simplified by the rotational movement.
[0015] The capsules are essentially rotationally symmetrical along at least one axis, preferably two different axes. Perfectly rotationally symmetric capsules are advantageous because they do not need to be spatially aligned within the capsule dispenser. Therefore, the complexity and size of the capsule dispenser can be optimized.
[0016] The term containment area is defined by an area for containing capsules, such as a sealed chamber, tray, or rail system.
[0017] The receiving element and / or the moving element may comprise at least one contact element, preferably a partition, which contacts the at least one capsule when the relative movement takes place, and which, as a result of the relative movement and the rotational movement about at least one of the capsule's axes of symmetry, allows the at least one capsule to be moved into or out of the dispensing area.
[0018] The storage element or transfer element may be shaped such that at least one capsule is held by the shape of the storage element or transfer element when the capsule is in the storage area or optionally in the dispensing area.
[0019] The dispensing area may be provided with an opening mechanism having a closed state for retaining the capsule within the dispensing area and an open state for ejecting the capsule from the dispensing area, which provides the advantage that a desired capsule can be selected by repeated relative movement and can only be dispensed from the dispensing area when the opening mechanism is actuated.
[0020] Preferably, the relative movement does not counteract the force of gravity acting on the capsule, thus further reducing the force for the relative movement.
[0021] When the capsule is within the dispensing area, the capsule can preferably be dispensed by gravity action alone, without the need for further relative movement or actuation.
[0022] Preferably, exactly one capsule can be dispensed by relative movement over a predetermined distance, and thus capsules can be ejected one after the other sequentially through the dispensing area by repeated relative movement, each over a specific predetermined distance.
[0023] The receiving area may be at least partially or completely inclined relative to the horizontal in the operative position of the capsule dispenser.
[0024] In the operating position, the receiving area can have, at least in a partial area of the receiving element, a base surface that is inclined relative to the horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of the relative movement, which has the advantage that the capsule is placed in the area of the receiving area by gravity alone.
[0025] In the operating position, the receiving area can be tilted, optionally fully tilted, towards the dispensing area, which can further reduce the forces required for the relative movement.
[0026] The storage element may be shaped so that, in the operating position, it can store a plurality of capsules in a plane inclined relative to the horizontal. Such an inclination is advantageous because, if the capsules are not held, they are automatically fed to the dispensing area. At least one capsule may be held by the holding element, optionally the moving element or the storage element. This is advantageous because, when the holding element is removed, the capsules can be automatically fed to the dispensing area by gravity, preferably in a predetermined order.
[0027] The storage element may be shaped such that, in the operating position, it can grip a plurality of capsules in a substantially horizontal plane, such an arrangement allowing for a compact shape of the capsule dispenser and stable storage of capsules within the storage area.
[0028] The dispensing area may be at least partially inclined, preferably transverse to the direction of relative movement in the operating position. The inclination of the dispensing area may preferably be sufficient to allow capsules to be transported out of the dispensing area by gravity alone. Such a dispensing area provides the advantage that no additional dispensing mechanism is required, making the capsule dispenser easier and more cost-effective to manufacture.
[0029] The inclination 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 inclination angles are advantageous in terms of production technology, but are suitable for capsules that are at least partially rotationally symmetrical.
[0030] The dispensing area can be sloped more or less than the receiving area, the slope being used to optimize the ejection of the capsules by gravity.
[0031] The containment area can have a continuous base area or multiple interconnected sub-areas. Additional material can be saved by having multiple connected sub-areas, such as forming a containment area with a grid or recesses. The sub-areas can also prevent unwanted movement of the capsule, for example, by trapping the capsule between two sub-areas within the containment area.
[0032] The receiving area for receiving the capsules can be designed to complement the shape of the capsules, particularly multiple capsules. The complementary design can extend in the direction of relative movement. Such a complementary configuration, such as a groove, can predetermine the rotation of the capsules around one of the unidirectional axes of symmetry. This can further reduce the force required for relative movement, as force losses due to non-directional movement of the capsules and / or friction are minimized.
[0033] The capsules may preferably be arranged in sequence in the receiving area so that the capsules can be removed from the dispensing area in a predetermined sequence by successive relative movements.
[0034] The receiving area may have an ejection device configured to eject the capsules by relative movement between the receiving element and the moving element in the dispensing area, the ejection device being configured to be able to at least partially lift the capsules against gravity and the relative movement by the ejection device.
[0035] This ejection device makes it possible to reliably dispense capsules from the dispensing area, in particular by the ejection device only interacting with the capsules in the dispensing area.
[0036] The ejection device may comprise at least one protrusion, which may protrude at least partially perpendicularly from the base surface of the receiving element in the dispensing area in order to lift the capsule against gravity during the relative movement, thereby allowing the capsule to be moved to the dispensing area and lifted from its rest position only there for dispensing.
[0037] The moving element and the receiving element can be connected or connectable to each other. Preferably, all capsules can be moved simultaneously by relative movement. All capsules can be moved by relative movement relative to the dispensing area. Such a configuration has the advantage that by moving one capsule by relative movement, additional capsules can already be guided closer to the dispensing area. Thus, several capsules can be supplied to the dispensing area one after another by continuous relative movement.
[0038] The moving element can be moved relative to the receiving element, which can be arranged stationary, which has the advantage that the capsule dispenser can be installed stably, in particular in a beverage preparation machine.
[0039] The capsules can be moved relative to the dispensing area by relative movement without the capsules rotating around one of their axes of symmetry, except in the dispensing area. The moving element can have at least one capsule holder for holding at least one capsule. The capsule holder can be configured so that the capsule simply touches the capsule holder.
[0040] This allows the capsule to be moved to a rest position, which allows for more frictionless movement of the capsule without the capsule rotating, which minimizes the torque acting on the capsule and ensures smoother and more seamless movement of the moving element relative to the receiving element.
[0041] The ejection device and the capsule-holder of the moving element in the dispensing area may be configured such that the relative movement lifts the capsule out of the capsule-holder and out of the dispensing area by rotating the capsule as the capsule-holder moves into the dispensing area.
[0042] The relative movement can be a rotational movement, so that the capsules can be transported one after another from the dispensing area. The rotational movement has the advantage that the capsule dispenser can be installed in one position without requiring a translational movement to transport the capsules. Furthermore, a capsule dispenser in its original orientation can be returned to its original orientation preferably by multiple rotational movements in the same direction. The rotational movement also allows for space-saving and optimized dimensioning of the capsule dispenser.
[0043] The rotational movement is preferably a fixed rotational movement, which is advantageous as it makes it easier for the user to use.
[0044] The rotational movement can optionally supply capsules to the dispensing area in two rotational directions, which provides the advantage that a user can use different types of capsules in one capsule dispenser: using rotational movement in one direction, a first type of capsule can be supplied to the dispensing area, and using rotational movement in another direction, a second type of capsule can be supplied to the dispensing area.
[0045] The dispensing area may include a passageway for ejecting capsules from the capsule dispenser.
[0046] The rotation axis of the rotational movement can extend essentially through a central region of the capsule dispenser, in particular through the center of gravity. The rotation axis can extend through a central region of the moving element and / or the receiving element. Such a rotation axis provides the advantage that the capsule dispenser can be designed to be space- and material-efficient.
[0047] The axis of rotation may extend vertically through the capsule dispenser in the operating position. A vertical axis of rotation allows for easy operation and positioning of the capsule dispenser.
[0048] However, the axis of rotation can also extend horizontally or at any angle through the capsule dispenser in the operating position.
[0049] The capsule dispenser may comprise, in the operating position, compartments, preferably angular compartments, particularly preferably angular compartments in a horizontal plane, each compartment being delimited by two separating elements, in particular partitions, which form an area for accommodating exactly one capsule, preferably an area of at least partial prismatic shape.
[0050] The compartments can simplify the packaging of the capsules and provide a clearly recognizable order of the capsules.
[0051] The compartments can be formed by moving elements, storage elements, or both. The receiving element and / or the moving element can engage after relative movement over a predetermined distance, preferably along exactly one angular section of the compartment. The engagement can generate at least a slight increase in resistance to further relative movement. This engagement provides tactile feedback to the user when the relative movement has reached the predetermined distance to dispense exactly one capsule.
[0052] The support element and / or the moving element can have recesses and / or protrusions for engagement. The recesses and protrusions of the support element and the moving element can be designed to complement each other.
[0053] All angular sections of the compartment may have a uniform size, which provides the advantage that capsules, which usually have a uniform size, can be picked up uniformly in the angular sections.
[0054] The capsule dispenser can be provided with side wall elements that are essentially vertical in the operating position, which allows for a particularly stable arrangement of the capsules in the receiving area and further protects the capsules from interference and dirt.
[0055] Optionally, the side wall element is or can be connected to the receiving element, such a side wall element allowing for a compact design.
[0056] The side wall element can have a partial region of the dispensing area, in particular a passage in the dispensing area. Such a side wall element is advantageous because the capsules can thus be discharged from the capsule dispenser transversely to the direction of relative movement through the side wall element. Furthermore, the passage arranged transversely to the relative movement protects the capsule dispenser from moisture penetrating from a beverage preparation machine that can be arranged below the capsule dispenser.
[0057] The storage element may include a passageway in the dispensing area. The passageway in the storage element allows for a compact capsule dispenser and a simpler capsule design.
[0058] The passageway can be adapted to the three-dimensional shape of the capsule, and the capsule can only be fed through the passageway in a specific orientation of its three-dimensional shape, which provides the advantage that the capsule can only be delivered in the correct orientation, and otherwise can be retained.
[0059] In the operating position, the distribution area may essentially comprise a horizontal passage or a vertical passage.
[0060] The horizontal passage may be located in the center of the capsule dispenser in the operating position, which provides the advantage that the capsules can be easily and reliably removed from the dispensing area.
[0061] The side wall elements, apart from the optional passageway, may form a continuous wall, in particular a circumferentially closed continuous wall.
[0062] The side wall elements can prevent the capsules from moving laterally relative to the direction of movement to the dispensing area, thus limiting the receiving area and allowing for stable storage of the capsules.
[0063] The capsule dispenser may comprise a lid that is connected or connectable to a moving element or a receiving element such that relative movement of the lid causes relative movement of the moving element or receiving element.
[0064] The lid therefore makes it easy to use the capsule dispenser while protecting it from dust.
[0065] The lid of the capsule dispenser can be removable for filling the capsule dispenser in the operating position from above with at least one, preferably a plurality of capsules, making it easier to fill the capsule dispenser.
[0066] The lid can include a compartment separator, which means that the separator can be removed together with the lid, so that the storage area can be filled without the separator. After filling, the lid can be reattached so that the capsule is divided into compartments by the separator.
[0067] The receiving area can be designed in such a way that the capsules are arranged at substantially equal distances from one another, particularly in the region of the receiving elements transversely to the direction of relative movement, which provides the advantage that the capsules can be more easily separated from one another and can be more easily removed one after the other.
[0068] The receiving element, in particular the base surface of the receiving element or the base surface of the transfer element, can have an at least partially or completely polygonal, elliptical or circular shape. The base surface can be circular.
[0069] The capsule dispenser may at least partially have the three-dimensional shape of a circular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder or a prism, in particular a regular prism, which has the advantage that the capsule dispenser can be produced compactly and cost-effectively.
[0070] The capsule dispenser may comprise an operating element for causing the relative movement, preferably an operating element having an operating mechanism.
[0071] Such operating elements may facilitate and / or instruct the user in operating the capsule dispenser.
[0072] The operating element may be a manual operating element for manual operation by a user, which may in particular comprise a handle, a lever or a manual operating mechanism with a rubberized surface.
[0073] The manually operated element may be directly or at least connectable physically to the moving element and / or the receiving element, so that actuation of the operating element can directly cause the relative movement.
[0074] Alternatively, the manual operating mechanism can include a gear ratio, which means that actuation of the operating element can cause a smaller or larger relative movement.
[0075] The operating element can be of a mechanical nature and is therefore in particular a button, a switch or a sensor, in particular a capacitive sensor.
[0076] At least a portion of the capsule dispenser, preferably the entire capsule dispenser, can be transparent or translucent.
[0077] Transparent or translucent capsule dispensers or capsule dispenser parts allow users to quickly see the filling status of the capsules in the capsule dispenser, and thus users can identify the type of beverage that can be prepared using the capsules by the capsule's shape, color or marking.
[0078] The receiving element may have at least one connecting element for anti-rotational connection to a moving element of a further, second capsule dispenser and / or to a connecting area of a beverage preparation machine.
[0079] The term anti-rotation means that rotation of the connecting element relative to the receiving element is not possible when the capsule dispenser is used properly.
[0080] The connecting element can be arranged below the receiving element in the operating position, which makes it particularly easy to mount the capsule dispenser. A connection of the connecting element that is additionally reinforced or supported by gravity in the operating position is particularly advantageous.
[0081] The moving element and / or the connection area of the beverage preparation machine may have complementary connecting elements for receiving the connecting elements of the receiving element.
[0082] A complementary connecting element can be arranged in an operating position above the moving element and / or the connecting area.
[0083] The connecting element can be provided with a protruding and / or recessed locking element, in particular a latching element, which can also be a laterally protruding and / or recessed locking element.
[0084] The complementary connecting element of the moving element can be formed by a ribbed handle. If the connection is not formed by the ribbed handle, the ribbed handle can function as an operating element. Thus, the ribbed handle of the moving element can function as both a connecting element and an operating element.
[0085] The latch of the connecting element and the latch of the complementary connecting element can interlock, preferably positively interlock.
[0086] The connecting element, the complementary connecting element, and / or the further connecting element may comprise a partially or completely conical, cylindrical, prismatic, or elliptical cylindrical descending or protruding section.
[0087] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system comprising the capsule dispenser described above and a plurality of capsules, the capsules being placed in a receiving area of the capsule dispenser. Preferably, the capsules are substantially rotationally symmetrical about at least one, preferably two, different axes. This allows users to quickly and easily replace empty capsule dispensers and / or avoid refilling individual capsules. For example, pre-filled capsule dispensers can be sold.
[0088] In the operating position, such a system can preferably be mounted in or on the connection area of the beverage preparation machine ready for operation, which offers the advantage that capsules can preferably be fed directly from the capsule dispenser to the beverage preparation machine, minimizing the operating effort.
[0089] 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 comprises at least two, optionally three, four, five or more, capsule dispensers arranged vertically one above the other, preferably detachably connected to each other using at least one connecting element. Such a modular system offers the advantage that several capsule dispensers can be operated in parallel, thereby increasing the capsule quantity capacity. Furthermore, several different types of beverages can be simultaneously made available to users in the capsule dispensers.
[0090] The movement of the side wall element and / or the receiving element of the upper capsule dispenser in the operating position can be coupled to the relative movement of the lower moving element by a connecting element.
[0091] Thus, rotation of the upper side wall element and / or the upper receiving element of the upper capsule dispenser can cause rotational movement of the lower moving element, and thus the upper capsule dispenser can be moved by movement of the lower moving element.
[0092] On the other hand, the rotation of the upper moving element is preferably not coupled to the underlying components of the system by connecting elements, which means that the upper moving element can be moved independently.
[0093] A further aspect of the invention relates to a beverage preparation machine comprising at least one of the capsule dispensers described above, the beverage preparation machine having a connection area, in particular a recess, for connecting the capsule dispenser, in particular for receiving at least a part of a receiving element of the capsule dispenser.
[0094] The connection area can be designed in such a way that the receiving element of the capsule dispenser can be connected in an anti-rotational manner.
[0095] The receiving element and / or the connection area can be prevented from rotating by a corresponding locking mechanism.
[0096] The corresponding locking mechanism may comprise at least one protruding pin or recess that prevents circumferential rotation of the capsule dispenser.
[0097] Alternatively or additionally, the receiving element can be lowered into the recess of the connection area with a form-fit, in particular with anti-rotation and / or anti-slip properties.
[0098] The receiving element may be detachably connectable to the connection area via a magnetic connecting element, in particular in an anti-rotation and / or anti-slip manner. The capsule dispenser may also be provided with a recess and / or a magnetic connecting element.
[0099] In the operating position, the receiving element can be mounted substantially vertically on the beverage preparation machine in the connection area or on the connection area.
[0100] The beverage preparation machine may have a dosing area for dosing capsules for beverage preparation. The dispensing area of the capsule dispenser can correspond to the input area of the beverage preparation machine, such that capsules dispensed through the dispensing area are directly picked up by the input area of the beverage preparation machine without user interaction.
[0101] Thus, the term "corresponding" refers to the relative alignment and / or spacing of the dispensing area of the capsule dispenser relative to the input area of the beverage preparation machine.
[0102] The dispensing areas of some capsule dispensers can be arranged one above the other or side by side.
[0103] The beverage preparation machine or capsule dispenser may comprise a guiding device, which may be or can be arranged between the dispensing area and the input area, in particular the guiding device may be at least partially inclined with respect to a horizontal plane in the operating position of the beverage preparation machine so that capsules ejected from the dispensing area can be fed to the input area by their own weight alone.
[0104] The operating position of the beverage preparation machine is defined by mounting the beverage preparation machine on an essentially horizontal surface so that capsules from the capsule dispenser can be delivered to the input area in an operationally correct manner, preferably using only the capsule's own weight.
[0105] The guide device may comprise a guide track or guide structure. The guide device may be at least partially funnel-shaped, optionally completely funnel-shaped.
[0106] The brewing unit, in particular with the brewing chamber, can be arranged below the input area of the beverage preparation machine, so that capsules can advantageously be fed directly from the capsule dispenser to the brewing unit of the beverage preparation machine.
[0107] The input area of the beverage preparation machine may have access for the capsules that is not blocked by the capsule dispenser in the operating position.
[0108] Thus, at least one capsule dispenser is located in or at the connection area, although a user may alternatively or additionally manually feed capsules into the input area.
[0109] The horizontal passage of the dispensing area in the operating position of the capsule dispenser can also be arranged in a receiving area vertically above the input area of the beverage preparation machine, which allows for a reliable supply of capsules from the dispensing area to the input area of the beverage preparation machine and also allows for a space-saving arrangement.
[0110] The invention will now be described with reference to particular embodiments and figures showing: [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0111] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a capsule dispenser with capsules on a coffee machine. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the moving element from above. [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is a side view of the moving element from below at an angle. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 is a top view from below of the moving element. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of the storage element. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is an oblique side view from below of the storage element. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system with two capsule dispensers arranged one above the other. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a system with two capsule dispensers arranged one above the other. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coffee machine with a connection area, without a capsule dispenser. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system with two capsule dispensers arranged one above the other on a coffee machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a system and a coffee machine with a capsule in the dispensing area. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of a moving element. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of a moving element. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of a first alternative embodiment of a storage element. [Figure 9B] 10 is an oblique side view from below of a first alternative embodiment of a storage element; FIG. [Figure 9C] FIG. 10 is a top view from above of a first alternative embodiment of a storage element. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of a second alternative embodiment of a storage element. [Figure 10B] 10B is a side view of a capsule dispenser comprising a receiving element according to FIG. 10A and a moving element according to FIG. 8B. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system with two capsule dispensers arranged next to each other on a coffee machine. [Figure 12A] FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the receiving element according to FIG. 9C with support legs. [Figure 12B] 12B is a side view of a capsule dispenser comprising a receiving element according to FIG. 12A and a moving element according to FIG. 8B. [Figure 12C]12B is a side view in cross section of a capsule dispenser comprising a receiving element according to FIG. 12A and a moving element according to FIG. 8B. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid of one embodiment of a capsule dispenser. [Figure 13B] 1 is a perspective view of a moving element of an embodiment of a capsule dispenser. FIG. [Figure 13C] 1 is a perspective view of a receiving element of an embodiment of a capsule dispenser; FIG. [Figure 14A] 13A-13C, in which a spherical capsule is gripped by a moving element. [Figure 14B] 13A-13C, in which the spherical capsule is ejected from the dispensing area by a protrusion of the receiving element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0112] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a capsule dispenser 101 filled with capsules 8 mounted on a coffee machine 201. In the operating position 10, the capsule dispenser 101 is mounted 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 oriented so that all capsules 8 lie in a horizontal plane. The upper part of the capsule dispenser 101 is formed by a moving element 2, and the lower part of the capsule dispenser 101 is formed by a bowl-shaped receiving element 3. The moving element 2 is shown in an upright 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 rotational directions relative to the receiving element 3. The receiving element 3 circumferentially surrounds a receiving area 31 by means of side wall elements 6, by which capsules 8 can be mounted in the receiving area 31. The side wall elements 6 are aligned essentially vertically in the operating position.
[0113] The moving element 2 of the capsule dispenser 101 is materially connected to the lid 7 having a ribbed handle 28 that also serves as a connecting element. The moving element 2 is lowered vertically around the handle 28 within a substantially torus-shaped region 29. The moving element 2 also has a plurality of compartments, each of which has two partitions 23 that, together with the side wall elements 6, surround a prismatic region 22 for accommodating a capsule 8. In the operating position 10, the capsule 8 is arranged in a substantially horizontal plane in a radially outer region of the capsule dispenser 101. The prismatic region 22 is shaped to accommodate exactly one capsule 8.
[0114] The side wall element 6 has a passage 41 which is large enough to deliver the capsules 8 located in the dispensing area 4. The dispensing area 4 of the capsule dispenser 101 is arranged so that the dispensed capsules 8 can be fed directly into the input area 5 of the coffee machine 201 via a funnel 51. Furthermore, the dispensing area 4 has a slope towards the input area 5 of the coffee machine 201, so that the capsules 8 can be conveyed out of the dispensing area 4 by gravity alone.
[0115] By rotating the ribbed handle 28, the user can rotate the moving element 2 relative to the storage element 3, which is firmly fixed on the coffee machine 201. The ribbed handle 28 can therefore be used as an operating element 13 for the user to perform the relative movement. Rotating the moving element 2 can cause all capsules 8 in the capsule dispenser 101 to roll in the circumferential direction of the capsule dispenser 101. The relative movement corresponds to rotating the moving element 2 in the circumferential direction by a distance equal to the length of its cross section relative to the storage element 3. The rotation axis 12 extends vertically through the center of gravity 121 of the moving element 2. Each relative movement can therefore supply a single capsule 8 to the dispensing area 4 by rolling the capsule into the dispensing area. The capsules 8 in this embodiment are spherical in shape, so that the capsules 8 are perfectly rotationally symmetrical. However, essentially prismatic, cylindrical or toroidal capsules 8 can also be imagined, which can be rolled into the dispensing area 4 by the relative movement.
[0116] 2A-2C show an oblique side view from above, an oblique side view from below, and a top view from below of the moving element 2. The ribbed handle 28 of the lid 7 in FIG. 2A can be used as the operating element 13 and as a connecting element for detachably connecting the storage element 3 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) arranged above it. The corrugations of the handle 28 function as a corresponding interlock with the connecting element of the storage element 3. If the storage element 3 is connected to the moving element 2 via the handle 28, the moving element 2 and the storage element 3 can only be rotated together. The lid 7 of the moving element 2 has a circumferentially extending recess 29 in its central radial region. Thus, the upper side of the moving element 2 forms a bowl shape with a central protrusion, forming the ribbed handle 28. The ribbed handle 28 is only slightly raised perpendicularly to the edge region of the moving element 2, which allows the moving elements 2 to be easily stacked (see FIG. 1) and enables a compact design of the capsule dispenser 101. Furthermore, the raised portions can ensure a connection with the receiving element 3 arranged thereon. Furthermore, the capsule dispenser 101 can therefore be only slightly higher than the spherical capsules 8 in order to save material. The partitions 23 of the compartments of the moving element 2 extend radially outward in a straight line in a vertical plane passing through the center of gravity 121 of the moving element 2. In each case, the two partitions 23 enclose the area 22 of a certain compartment.
[0117] FIG. 2B shows a connecting element 27 attached to the underside of the moving element 2. This hollow, cylindrical connecting element 27 can be detachably connected to the upper side of the storage element, allowing the moving element 2 to rotate relative to the storage element (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). The connecting element 27 is arranged in the central region of the moving element 2 so that the individual compartments with their respective regions 22 are arranged in a horizontal plane around the connecting element 27. As can be seen in FIG. 2C, the individual compartments 21 of the moving element 2 are separated by partitions 23. Furthermore, the partitions 23 have small protrusions 232 in their radially outermost regions that are complementary to the recesses 321 of the storage element 3 (see FIG. 3A). During relative movement in the form of rotation of the moving element 2, these protrusions 232 engage with the notches 321 of the storage element 3, thereby creating an increased resistance to further relative movement. FIG. 2C also shows that all compartments 21 have the same angular area 211, thereby allowing each compartment 22 to accommodate exactly one capsule. FIG. 2C shows that the region 22 widens radially outward with increasing vertical distance from the center of gravity 121 of the moving element 2.
[0118] 3A and 3B show oblique side views from above and below of the storage element 3. The storage element 3 has a rounded base surface 35 and a cylindrical side wall 6 enclosing a storage area 31 for capsules. The base surface 35 slopes radially outward, perpendicularly downward from the center of the storage element 3 (see FIG. 4B). A connecting element 38 is arranged on the upper side of the storage element 3 and enables a rotatable connection with the transfer element 2 (see FIG. 1). The connecting element 38 forms a cylindrical protrusion with a protruding section 371 in the center of the storage area 31. As can be seen in FIG. 3B, the cylindrical protrusion is hollow to save material. The protrusion 371 is arranged at an angle of the dispensing area 4, allowing the user to easily align the dispensing area 4 with the passage 41. The upper edge of the side wall 6 also contains recesses 321, spaced apart from adjacent compartments. The recess 321 can provide a slight resistance with the protrusion 232 of the moving element 2 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) for the relative movement of the moving element 2 after each distance of the compartment. Thus, the user can sense, via tactile feedback, that the capsule has been rotated, for example, by the angle section 211 (see FIG. 2C). FIG. 3B shows that a connecting element 37 in the form of a cylindrical recess with a locking mechanism by a latch element is arranged in the center of the 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 upper side of the moving element 2. Furthermore, the receiving element 3 has three recesses 322 in the radially outer area of the base surface 35. The recesses 322 are used for anti-rotational connection to the connecting element of the coffee machine (see FIG. 7). The connecting area can have complementary connecting elements for this purpose.
[0119] 4A and 4B show an oblique side view and a cross-sectional view of a system 401 consisting of two capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 arranged one above the other. Also shown is a system 301 consisting of a single capsule dispenser 1012 and an exemplary capsule 8, which is shown in dashed lines to indicate that it is located inside the capsule dispenser 1012. The receiving element 3 and the moving element 2 of the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 in FIG. 4A are made of polymethyl methacrylate so that they are substantially transparent and therefore easily visible to the user. In another embodiment of the system 301, in which the capsule dispenser 1012 is already pre-filled with capsules 8 at the factory, cheaper materials such as cardboard or thin-walled plastic can be used. Therefore, the system 301 can be manufactured particularly inexpensively. The upper capsule dispenser 1011 and the lower capsule dispenser 1012 form a cylindrical system 401. The side walls 61, 62 of the cylindrical system 401 form a continuous cylindrical outer surface. The capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 are identical in structure and can therefore be easily detachably connected and combined with one another as a modular system. The capsules 8 are arranged in a storage area 31 (see FIGS. 1 and 3 ) within the prismatic region 22 of the compartment, surrounded by a partition 23 and side walls 61, 62. The prismatic region 22 is marked with a dashed line to indicate its location inside the capsule dispenser 1012 below the side wall 62. In this embodiment, the storage area can hold nine capsules 8 at a time in a horizontal plane. The capsules 8 within the dispensing region 4 of the capsule dispenser 101 are not retained and are transported from the dispensing region 4. Therefore, such a capsule dispenser 101 allows each capsule 8 to be located within the separation region 22, allowing the capsule dispenser 101 to lift and / or move the capsules 8 without dropping them. Figure 4B shows that the storage area of the storage element 3 is inclined vertically downward and radially outward from the rotation axis 12, so that the capsules 8 are positioned in the radially outer area of the capsule dispenser 1012 by gravity alone.The vertical rotation axis 12 extends through the center of gravity 121 of the individual elements 2, 3, 1011, 1012. The inclination angle 311 of the receiving area is 15° with respect to the horizontal 11 in the operating position 10 of the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012. However, capsules 8 are prevented from being transported out of the capsule dispenser 1012 by the side walls 61, 62, except for the dispensing area 4 with the passages 411, 412. The receiving element 3 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 can be connected in an anti-rotational and anti-slip manner to the connection area 9 of the coffee machine by three recesses 322. The moving element 2 is rotatably connected to the upper cylindrical connecting element 38 of the receiving element 3 by its lower hollow cylindrical connecting element 27. The ribbed handle 28 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 is anti-rotationally connected to the lower connecting element 37 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 descending region 29 of the moving element 2. The receiving element 3 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 is then rotatably connected to the moving element 2 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011.
[0120] As a first operating element 131, the ribbed handle 28 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 can be rotated by a user to rotate the upper moving element 2 about the vertical rotation axis 12 relative to the rest of the system 401. Furthermore, the ribbed handle 28 can be used to remove the upper moving element 2, which functions as a kind of lid 7 to protect the upper moving element 2 from dust. Thus, the storage area of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 can be easily filled with new capsules 8. Thus, by the relative rotation of the upper moving element 2, all capsules 8 in the upper capsule dispenser 1011 can be simultaneously moved relative to and supplied to the dispensing area 4. Due to their round, rotationally symmetrical shape, the capsules 8 roll very smoothly through the relative rotation of the moving elements 2.
[0121] The side wall member 61 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 may further function as a second operating element 132. The side wall element 61 can be rotated relative to the storage element 3 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 by actuation by a user. The side wall element 61 is a materially connected component of the upper storage element 3. The side wall element 61 is also anti-rotationally connected to the moving element 2 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 by connecting elements 28, 27. Rotation of the side wall element 61 therefore results in rotation of parts of the system 401 relative to the storage element 3 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012. Actuation of the second operating element 132 of the side wall 61 can therefore cause relative rotation of the moving element 2 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012. This relative rotation, also around the rotation axis 12, can cause capsules 8 to be dispensed from the storage area of the lower capsule dispenser 1011 to the dispensing area 4. Due to the inclination of the dispensing area 4, the capsules 8 are transferred out of the passage 412 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 by gravity alone as they are rolled into the dispensing area 4. The upper sidewall element 61 can also be lifted together with the lower moving element 2 and the upper capsule dispenser 1011, so that new capsules 8 can be supplied 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 lifted separately. The moving elements 2 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 and the lower capsule dispenser 1012 can be rotated in both directions of rotation about the rotation axis 12. Thus, for example, different capsule types can be arranged on each side, and capsules 8 of one capsule type can be transferred out of the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 in one direction of rotation, and capsules 8 of a different capsule type can be transferred out in the other direction of rotation.
[0122] FIG. 5 shows an oblique side view of the coffee machine 201. A connection area 9 is arranged on the coffee machine 201 to accommodate the above-mentioned 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 anti-rotation mounting of the capsule dispenser can be ensured. The coffee machine 201 has an input area 5 surrounded by a funnel 51. The hopper 51 can supply capsules from the capsule dispenser, in particular essentially round capsules or manually supplied capsules, to the brewing unit in the coffee machine 201. The coffee machine 201 further comprises a plurality of buttons 133 that can be used to operate the coffee machine 201 and / or the capsule dispenser. In particular, the buttons 133 may be provided to control the relative movement of the capsule dispensers.
[0123] Figure 6 shows an oblique side view of a system 401 consisting of two capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 arranged one above the other on a coffee machine 201. The lower capsule dispenser 1012 is loaded with capsules 8 as in the system 301. For the structural features and functions already described, reference is made to the explanations of Figures 4A, 4B and 5. The passage 412 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 and the passage 411 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 are arranged substantially vertically one above the other in the operating position 10 of the system 401. Capsules 8 located in the lower dispensing area 42 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 roll into the hopper 51 of the input area 5 of the coffee machine 201 due to the inclination of the dispensing area. Capsules 8 discharged from the upper dispensing area 43 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 fall into the hopper 51 and are also supplied 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 by gravity alone. The distance and inclination of the dispensing area 43 and the position of the input area 5 are adjusted so that the capsules 8 can be fed reliably to the input area 5 by relative rotation of the moving element 2 with respect to the receiving element 3 (see Figures 3A and 3B). The receiving element 3 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 is connected in an anti-rotational manner by a connecting element 91 of the connection area 9 (see Figure 5) and a recess 322 of the receiving element 3 (see Figures 3A and 3B).
[0124] This arrangement provides free access to the input area 5 without obstruction by the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012. A user can therefore, for example, manually dispense capsules 8 of other capsule types directly. Furthermore, the user can continue to operate the coffee machine 201 despite the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 being empty, without necessarily having to refill or replace them. The relative movement of the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 can be controlled automatically by an operating element in the form of a button 133 on the coffee machine 201 by an internal motor with a gearbox. Alternatively, the lid 7 can serve as an operating element 131 for manual operation by a user (see Figures 4A and 4B).
[0125] Figure 7 shows a cross-section of a system 401 comprising two capsule dispensers 1011, 1012, each with a capsule 8 in its dispensing area 42, 43 at its operating position 10 on the coffee machine 201. For the structural features and functions already described, reference is made to the explanations of Figures 4A, 4B, 5 and 6. The capsules 8 are rolled around the periphery of the capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 into the dispensing area 42, 43 by relative rotation of the upper and lower moving elements 2, 2. The receiving element 3 of the lower capsule dispenser 1012 is connected to the connection area 9 in an anti-rotation manner. However, the receiving element 3 of the upper capsule dispenser 1011 can be rotated by rotating the side walls 61, 62 via the anti-rotation connecting elements 27, 38 (see Figures 4A and 4B). The relative movement can be activated by the ribbed handle 28 as the first operating element 131, the upper side wall 61 as the second operating element 132, or by the button 133. By tilting the receiving areas 31 of the capsule dispensers 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.
[0126] 8A and 8B show perspective views of a first alternative embodiment of the moving element 2 and a second alternative embodiment of the moving element 2. The moving element 2 in FIGS. 8A and 8B forms a lid 7 for the receiving element 3 (see FIGS. 9A-9C). The underside 24 of the moving element 2 forms an essentially flat surface with a cylindrical upward bulge 13 in the center of its center of gravity 121. Furthermore, the underside 24 in FIG. 8A has a contact element 14 in the form of a curved partition wall. On the other hand, the underside in FIG. 8B 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 shaped to increase the contact surface with the capsule so as to be able to guide the capsule more reliably. The partitions 14, 141, 142 in Figures 8A and 8B serve to move the capsules 8 (see Figure 1A) to the dispensing area by rotating the moving element 2 when it is fixed in the receiving element. The two separate partitions 141, 142 according to Figure 8B allow the capsules to be transported from two different areas (see Figures 10A and 12A, 151 and 152) to the dispensing area by contact with the partitions 141, 142, depending on the direction of rotation of the moving element 2.
[0127] The bulge 13 in Figures 8A and 8B forms the operating element 13 (see Figure 10B) on its side 25 facing away from the viewer, 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 ridge 242 in the circumferential direction of the moving element 2 that can engage with a side wall of the receiving element to rotatably fix the moving element 2 relative to the receiving element. The ridge 242 therefore forms a connection area 27 to the receiving element. The upper edge of the receiving element in Figures 9A and 12A is complementarily shaped to receive this connection area 27.
[0128] 9A-9C show perspective views from above and below and a top view of a first alternative embodiment of the storage element 3. In the upper region of the cylindrical side wall 6, the storage element 3 has an edge 38 on the upper side 34, which serves as a connecting element for the moving element. The base surface 35 of the storage element 3 extends perpendicular to the side wall 6 and has a central passage 41 through which capsules can be removed by relative movement of the moving element with respect to the storage element 3. The base surface 35 also has a guide track 351 that extends partially in the circumferential direction and leads to the passage 41. In the initial and terminal regions, the guide track 351 has respective ridges 352, 353 for holding the capsules. The width 355 of the guide track 351 is smaller than the dimensions of the capsule so that the capsule is gripped within the guide track 351 without being able to move laterally relative to the guide track 351, and the height of the guide track 351 is significantly smaller than the dimensions of the capsule so that the capsule can be guided along the guide track 351 in a material-saving manner. Furthermore, the storage element 3 has a guide region 354. The guide region 354 serves to reliably guide the capsule through the partitions 14, 141, 142 (see Figures 8A and 8B) and via the retaining ridges 352 into the passage 41 during relative movement of the moving element with respect to the storage element. Thereby, the capsule rolls along the guide track 351 by pushing the capsule through the partitions of the moving element (see Figures 8A and 8B).
[0129] The underside 33 of the receiving element 3 is flat and has a central passage 41 for the capsule to be dispensed through, which is further surrounded by a cylindrical protruding area shaped as a connecting element 37 for the coffee machine.
[0130] 10A and 10B show a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of a receiving element 3 and a side view of a capsule dispenser 101 comprising a receiving element 3 according to FIG. 10A and a moving element 2 according to FIG. 8B.
[0131] The storage element 3 of Figure 10A has on its base surface 35 two curved guide tracks 3511, 3512 in the form of recesses 356. In this embodiment, the guide tracks 3511, 3512 have bottoms, so that the base surface 35 of the storage element is closed except for the central passage 41.
[0132] In a further embodiment, the recesses 356 in the guide tracks 3511, 3512 may form a continuous opening from top to bottom in addition to the passage 41 for conveying the capsule in the center of the receiving element 3. However, the width 357 of the recesses 356 in such an embodiment is smaller than the dimensions of the capsule, so that the capsule can only be gripped on the guide tracks 351.
[0133] In the initial and terminal sections, each of the two guideways 3511, 3512 has a transition area 352, 353 to the base surface 35 for holding a capsule. Furthermore, the storage element 3 of Fig. 10A has a raised separation area 354 so that capsules in adjacent guideways 3511, 3512 cannot be exchanged between the guideways 3511, 3512 or fed to the passage 41 with a movement transverse to the guideways 3511, 3512. On the other hand, in the radially outward direction of the storage element 3, the capsules are held by the side walls 6 of the storage element 3. Such an arrangement makes it possible, for example, to transport the capsule dispenser 101 without the capsules in the guide tracks 3511, 3512 being exchanged or removed. The contact elements 14, 141, 142 of the moving element 2 (see Figs. 8A and 8B) are arranged in the area between the guide tracks 3511, 3512 in the separation area 354 according to Fig. 10A. By manually actuating the operating element 13 by rotating the protruding arm 251 of the moving element 2, a relative movement of the moving element with respect to the receiving element 3 can be carried out.
[0134] Counterclockwise relative movement in the circumferential direction 15 causes a capsule to roll out of the first guide track 3511 into the passage 41 and be ejected by contact with the first contact element 141 (see FIG. 8B). Clockwise relative movement in the circumferential direction 15 of the storage element 2 causes a capsule to roll out of the second guide track 3512 into the passage 41 and be ejected by contact with the second contact element 142 (see FIG. 8B). Such a storage element 3 allows, for example, two different types of capsules to be used simultaneously by a user with the capsule dispenser.
[0135] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a system 301 comprising two capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 arranged adjacent to each other on a coffee machine 201. The capsule dispensers 1011, 1012 are each fixed on a connection area 92, 93 of the coffee machine 201 and each have a moving element 2 according to Figure 8B and a receiving element 3 according to Figure 10A. Each moving element 2 has an operating element 131, 132 so that a capsule can be inserted from the passage of the capsule dispenser into an input area (not shown in Figure 11) of the coffee machine 201. A button 133 on the coffee machine 201 can then be activated to prepare a hot beverage. In the 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 stacked on top of each other.
[0136] The system of Figures 12A-12C illustrates another embodiment of a capsule dispenser. Figure 12A shows a perspective view of the receiving element 3 according to Figure 10A. The same reference numerals designate the same elements as in Figure 10A. The receiving element 3 has additional spacers, for example three support legs 358, so that the passage 41 stands up. The support legs 358 may be suitable for placing the receiving element 3 on the surface or connection areas 92, 93 of the coffee machine (see Figure 11). Such support legs 358 of the receiving element 2 have the advantage that moisture from the input area of the coffee machine cannot enter the capsule dispenser directly.
[0137] 12B-12C show a side view of a receiving element 2 according to FIG. 12A with support legs 358 and a side view in cross section of a capsule dispenser 101 comprising a receiving element 3 according to FIG. 12A and a moving element 2 according to FIG. 8B.
[0138] The moving element 2 is attached to the storage element 3 by a raised portion 242 on an edge 241 of the moving element 2 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. In the storage area 31 of the storage element 3, capsules can be stored surrounded by the side wall 6 of the storage element 3 in guide tracks 3511 and 3512 (see FIG. 12A ). Rotation of the moving element 2 relative to the storage element 3 can be generated by actuating an operating element 13 in the form of a cylindrical protrusion by an arm 251 of the moving element. Thus, the capsules can roll along the guide tracks 3511 and 3512 with recesses 356 into the passage 41 by coming into contact with the contact elements 141, 142 as a result of the rotation. Thus, the capsules can be transported from the capsule dispenser 101 through the separation area 354 of the storage element 3.
[0139] 13A-13C show perspective views of the lid 7, the moving element 2 and the receiving element 3 of one embodiment of the capsule dispenser 101. FIG.
[0140] The lid 7 of Fig. 13A has a ribbed handle 28 on its upper side, which is formed by an annular section. The underside of the lid 7 is provided with a descending annular toothed connection so that the lid 7 can be connected to a toothed connection of the toothed annular section of the moving element 2. The toothed connection allows the lid 7 and the moving element 2 to rotate together in the circumferential direction when connected to each other. This connection between the lid 7 and the moving element 2 allows the lid 7 to be easily removed from the moving element 2, so that the capsules can be easily refilled.
[0141] The moving element 2 of Figure 13B also has a plurality of capsule holders 211 shaped to accommodate capsules. Each capsule holder 211 is capable of gripping a capsule, so that the capsule only comes into contact with the capsule holder 211.
[0142] The lid 7 and the moving element 2 can be inserted together into the receiving element 3 of 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 holder 211 can thus be fed into the dispensing area 4 of the receiving element 3. The dispensing area 4 also has an ejection device, which is formed by a protrusion 311 in the dispensing area 4 of the receiving element 3. The protrusion 311 protrudes perpendicularly from the base surface 35 of the receiving element 3 and has a convex shape.
[0143] The moving element 2 has an outer gripping area 212 so that the capsule can be gripped in the capsule holder 211. When the moving element 2 is inserted into the receiving element 3, the capsule does not come into contact with the receiving element 3. This allows the capsule to be moved without rotation, with the moving element 2 in a stationary position during the rotational movement of the moving element 2.
[0144] When the capsule-holder 211 moves into the dispensing area 4 by relative movement, only the protrusion 311 of the receiving element 3 in the dispensing area 4 is configured to lift the capsule against gravity. By lifting the capsule from its rest position, the capsule can be transported out of the dispensing area 4 in a rotational movement about its own axis through the passage 412 in the side wall of the receiving element 3 (see Figure 14B).
[0145] Figures 14A and 14B show cross-sectional views of the capsule dispenser 101 according to Figures 13A to 13C with a spherical capsule being gripped by the moving element 2 and being carried out of the dispensing area 4 by the protrusion 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 rotatably and securely connected to the moving element 2 and in which the lid 7 and the moving element 2 can be rotated together relative to the receiving element 3.
[0146] 14A shows that the capsule 8 is located in the capsule holder 211 such that the capsule 8 is only in contact with the moving element 2. The capsule 8 in the capsule holder 211 can therefore be moved to a rest position together with the moving element 2 by relative movement without being subjected to additional friction by the containing element 3.
[0147] The moving element 2 in Figures 14A and 14B is in contact with the receiving element 3 only via a central conical connection with an outer gripping area 212. The capsule holder 211 is arranged raised relative to the base surface of the receiving element 3.
[0148] The protrusion 311 and the moving element 3 are configured so that the protrusion 311 is disposed below the capsule holder 211 during the relative movement of the moving element 3 in the circumferential direction, and does not come into contact with the moving element 3 during the relative movement. When the capsule holder 211 moves to the dispensing area 4 by the relative movement, the capsule 8 can be lifted from the capsule holder 211 by the protrusion 311 against gravity during the relative movement.
[0149] The convex shape of the protrusion 311 allows the capsule 8 to be continuously lifted by the relative movement without any rattling resistance to the relative movement.
Claims
1. A capsule dispenser (101) for accommodating and dispensing rotationally symmetric capsules (8) at an operating position (10), comprising a accommodating element (3) and a moving element (2), The aforementioned containment element (3) defines a containment area (31) for the capsule (8), The capsule dispenser (101) has a distribution area (4) for distributing capsules (8), A capsule dispenser (101) characterized in that a capsule (8) can be moved into the distribution area (4) by relative movement between the containment element (3) and the moving element (2), the capsule (8) can be discharged from the distribution area (4), and at least the movement of the capsule (8) into the distribution area (4) or the movement for discharging the capsule (8) from the distribution area (4) includes rotation of the capsule (8) about one of its axes of symmetry.
2. The capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1, wherein the containment area (31) is at least partially or completely inclined with respect to the horizontal at the operating position (10) of the capsule dispenser (101), and / or has a dispensing device (311) configured to discharge the capsule (8) by the relative movement between the containment element (3) and the moving element (2) in the distribution area (4).
3. The capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving element (2) and the containing element (3) are connected to or can be connected to each other, and the relative movement allows all capsules (8) to move relative to the distribution area.
4. The capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the relative movement is rotational movement, and as a result, individual capsules (8) can be sequentially discharged from the distribution area (4).
5. The capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising compartments (21), each compartment (21) being separated by two separating elements to form an area (231) for precisely accommodating one capsule (8).
6. The capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a side wall element (6) that is oriented vertically at the operating position (10) and is optionally connected to or connectable to the housing element (3), wherein the side wall element (6) comprises a portion of the distribution area (4).
7. A capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a lid (7) connected to or connectable to the moving element (2) or the containing element (3), wherein relative movement of the lid (7) causes the relative movement.
8. The capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an operating element (13) for causing the relative movement.
9. The capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the capsule dispenser (101) is transparent or translucent.
10. The capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing element (3) comprises at least one connecting element (38) for anti-rotation connection to the moving element (2) of another second capsule dispenser (101) and / or the connection area (9) of a beverage dispenser (201).
11. A system (301) comprising a capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1 or 2 and a plurality of capsules (8), wherein the capsules (8) are arranged in the storage area (31) of the capsule dispenser (101) and are rotationally symmetric about at least one different axis.
12. A system (401) comprising at least two capsule dispensers (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the system (401) in the operating position (10) comprises at least two capsule dispensers (101) arranged vertically in an upright position and detachably connected to one another using at least one connecting element (37).
13. A beverage dispenser (201) comprising at least one capsule dispenser (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage dispenser (201) has a connection area (9) for connecting the capsule dispenser (101) and for accommodating at least a portion of the housing element (3) of the capsule dispenser (101).
14. A beverage preparation machine (201) according to claim 13, comprising an input area (5) for inserting capsules (8) for beverage preparation, wherein the distribution area (4) of the capsule dispenser (101) corresponds to the input area (5) of the beverage preparation machine (201).
15. The beverage preparation machine (201) or the capsule dispenser (101) is equipped with a guide device (51), and the guide device (51) is positioned between the distribution area (4) and the input area (5), or can be positioned between them. The beverage dispenser (201) according to claim 14, wherein the guide device (51) is at least partially inclined with respect to the horizontal at the operating position of the beverage dispenser (201), and as a result, capsules (8) discharged from the distribution area (4) can be supplied to the input area (5) by their own weight alone.