Fluid outlet device, beverage dispenser, and method for providing fluid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid outlet device, a beverage dispenser, and a method for providing fluid. In order to allow a fluid (60) to flow out, the fluid outlet device (20) comprises a valve device (22), an outlet opening (21) for discharging the fluid (60), and at least one operating element (40) designed for manual operation of the fluid outlet device (20), wherein the valve device (22) can be opened by operating the operating element (40), and the operating element (40) is provided, at least in some areas of its surface, with an antimicrobial material in order to counteract contamination on the operating element (40). The fluid outlet device, beverage dispenser, and method for providing a fluid proposed herein make it possible to counteract microbial contamination and disease transmission via the fluid outlet device in a simple, cost-effective and effective manner.

Description

[0001] rbo104wo

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Fluid outlet device, beverage dispenser and method for providing fluid

[0004] The present invention relates to a fluid outlet device, a beverage dispenser and a method for providing fluid.

[0005] Beverage dispensers are widely used in public areas such as restaurants, offices, schools, and other publicly accessible facilities, offering a convenient way to quickly and easily provide liquids like water or other beverages. Despite their useful function, however, they also pose potential risks, particularly regarding hygiene, microbial contamination, and the spread of pathogens. Often, beverage dispensers are designed for self-service, meaning that numerous people use them and may come into contact with the same operating mechanism. Furthermore, previously used drinking vessels may be refilled. In this case, there is a risk that contaminated drinking vessels will come into direct contact with the dispenser's dispensing mechanism and / or operating element.This can lead to the transmission of germs and pathogens, which poses a serious problem, especially in public and shared facilities. Given these risks, it is particularly important to develop innovative solutions that ensure safety and hygiene when using such devices.

[0006] Various approaches to preventing contamination and the spread of pathogens at fluid outlet devices are known from the prior art. For example, the

[0007] CN 104 110846 A discloses an antibacterial water heater water outlet arrangement comprising a hose, wherein the first end of the hose is provided with a first connecting element that can be connected to a water heater, and the second end of the hose is provided with a second connecting element; and a shower head connected to the second connecting element, wherein at least the hose or the shower head is provided with a layer of antibacterial material. CN 218 184638 U discloses a pet water dispenser characterized in that it comprises a water tank, a water outlet, and an antibacterial unit, wherein one end of the water outlet is connected to the outlet of the water tank.

[0008] -2 -

[0009] is connected and the other end of the water outlet is a drinking opening, whereby the antibacterial unit can prevent the proliferation of bacteria from the drinking opening to the water tank.

[0010] CN 216768492 U 1 discloses an antibacterial and environmentally friendly faucet comprising a faucet body with a water inlet end and a water outlet end, a water outlet device at the water outlet end, and a water outlet screwed to the water outlet device. The faucet also includes an antibacterial protective layer, the antibacterial protective layer being located outside the faucet body, and a sealing reinforcement located between the water outlet device and the water outlet.

[0011] JP H07285807 A describes a faucet fitting coated with an antibacterial coating film, wherein the surface of the faucet fitting is coated with a coating film produced by mixing an antibacterial substance.

[0012] CN 218 1281 03 U discloses a drinking water machine with an antibacterial function, comprising a water outlet and an antibacterial unit. The described water outlet connects the outside and inside of the drinking water machine to supply water to the user. The described antibacterial unit is attached to the end of the water outlet facing the outside of the drinking water machine to inhibit bacterial growth at the water outlet. The antibacterial unit also includes a check valve connected to the water outlet.

[0013] Based on this, the invention aims to provide a fluid outlet device, a beverage dispenser and a method for providing fluid, which can counteract microbial contamination and disease transmission through the fluid outlet device in a simple, cost-effective and effective manner.

[0014] This problem is solved by the fluid dispensing device according to claim 1, the beverage dispenser according to claim 14, and the method for providing fluid according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments of the fluid dispensing device are specified in dependent claims 1 to 13.

[0015] - 3 -

[0016] The features of the claims can be combined in any technically meaningful way, taking into account the explanations from the following description as well as features from the figures, which include supplementary embodiments of the invention.

[0017] The invention relates to a fluid outlet device for realizing an outflow of a fluid, comprising a valve device, an outlet opening for releasing the fluid and at least one control element provided for manual operation of the fluid outlet device, wherein the valve device can be opened by operating the control element and the control element is provided at least partially on its surface with an antimicrobial material to counteract contamination of the control element.

[0018] The fluid outlet device is designed to discharge a fluid flow from the outlet opening. The discharge can occur along a single direction. The valve and the outlet opening are fluidically connected. The valve is designed to release the fluid flow, with opening the valve causing fluid to flow out of the outlet opening. The valve can be located at the outlet opening or upstream of it.

[0019] If necessary, the valve assembly forms at least part of the outlet opening.

[0020] Furthermore, the valve assembly and the outlet opening can form a single component of the fluid outlet assembly, or they can be separate components of the fluid outlet assembly. The use of an antimicrobial material on the control element can prevent or reduce microbial contamination. This can include viral, bacterial, and / or fungal contamination.

[0021] The antimicrobial material has the ability to weaken, kill, and / or inhibit the reproduction or infectivity of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and / or fungi, although this does not necessarily apply equally to all microorganisms.

[0022] - 4 -

[0023] For example, over 80% of microorganisms on the surface of the antibacterial material can be rendered harmless within 24 hours.

[0024] The antimicrobial material can reduce or prevent the transmission of diseases to and from users of the fluid outlet device. In particular, it can counteract smear infections via the control element. For example, it can reduce or prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

[0025] Advantageously, the surface covered with an antimicrobial material includes at least the area of ​​the control element that is designed for at least indirect manual operation of the control element.

[0026] The fluid outlet device can be configured to allow fluid to flow out of a fluid reservoir. If necessary, the fluid outlet device can be fluidically connected to or already connected to an opening of the fluid reservoir. For this purpose, the fluid outlet device can include a fluid reservoir connection.

[0027] The fluid can be, for example, a liquid such as a drinking water. The control element, as defined in claim 1, is at least indirectly manually operable. This means that the control element can be operated, for example, by hand or by means of a drinking vessel.

[0028] The valve assembly can be directly or indirectly mechanically coupled to the control element, or the control element can generate an electrical signal when operated, which causes the valve assembly to open or releases the fluid flow.

[0029] The control element can be, for example, a button, a lever, a handle, or a knob. It is also possible that the fluid outlet device includes a metering device that ensures the dispensing of a defined quantity of fluid when the control element is actuated.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the control element is configured to open and close the valve device.

[0031] The valve assembly can be opened or closed by at least indirect manual operation of the control element, for example depending on the opening state of the valve assembly, the position of the control element, and / or the direction of movement of the control element during operation.

[0032] - 5 -

[0033] In one possible embodiment, the outlet opening remains open for as long as the control element is actuated. The control element may include a return mechanism so that it automatically returns from a second position to a first position when the actuating force is released, and the valve assembly may close again in the process. Alternatively or additionally, the valve assembly may close automatically after a defined time or after a defined quantity of fluid has been discharged, regardless of how long the control element remains actuated. Optionally, the valve assembly can also be closed prematurely by actuating the control element before a defined time or quantity has been reached.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment, the fluid outlet device comprises several operating elements. For example, a first operating element can be provided for opening and a second operating element for closing the valve device.

[0035] The control element may be designed to be operated from a drinking vessel in a filling position.

[0036] In a filling position means that when the control element is activated, the drinking vessel can be aligned and positioned in such a way that the drinking vessel can receive the fluid released from the outlet opening.

[0037] Advantageously, when the control is activated, the drinking vessel is at least partially below the outlet opening, allowing the fluid to flow into the drinking vessel. The drinking vessel can be positioned such that the outlet opening is above the opening of the drinking vessel and / or that the element forming the outlet opening protrudes at least partially into the drinking vessel.

[0038] The control element can, for example, be located essentially downstream of the outlet opening and / or be operable there.

[0039] If necessary, the control element for opening the valve device can be actuated from a wall bordering the drinking vessel laterally and / or from the rim of the drinking vessel.

[0040] It may be possible to operate the fluid outlet device with one hand, since a drinking vessel, for example, can be used simultaneously for filling and for operating the fluid outlet device.

[0041] The drinking vessel can be, for example, a glass or a cup. rbo104wo

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[0043] It can be provided that, by applying a force to the control element, it is movable in a plane and is coupled to the valve device in such a way that the movement of the control element causes the valve device to open at least partially, wherein the control element has a surface at least on one side facing away from the side of the possibility of movement for opening the valve device, which is formed at least partially by an antimicrobial material.

[0044] The control element is essentially movable in one plane.

[0045] Operation of the control element can, for example, be a guided movement of the control element from a first position to a second position or vice versa, wherein in the first position the valve device is closed and in the second position the valve device is open.

[0046] The movement of the control element can be achieved by means of an actuating force manually initiated by a user.

[0047] The fluid outlet device can be configured to be moved by a drinking vessel, for example, the rim of a drinking vessel, with a pressure force to release the valve device. Alternatively, the force to open the valve device can also be exerted on the operating element by a wall that laterally delimits the drinking vessel.

[0048] The body of the control element can be made at least partially from the antimicrobial material.

[0049] This means that the control element is at least partially made from the antimicrobial material.

[0050] In one embodiment, the control element is made entirely of an antimicrobial material.

[0051] Alternatively, only a portion of the control element can be made of the antimicrobial material, for example, at least an area designed to come into contact with a user's hands or drinking vessel during operation. If necessary, the control element must be at least partially manufactured from the antimicrobial material using machining, additive manufacturing, or a casting process.

[0052] - 7 -

[0053] In one embodiment, the control element comprises an attachment, wherein the attachment is made of an antimicrobial material and is designed for contact with hands or a drinking vessel.

[0054] It is also possible that the control element has a coating of the antimicrobial material, at least in some areas.

[0055] The entire control element or a portion thereof can be coated with the antimicrobial coating. In the case of a portion, this advantageously includes the surfaces of the control element that are designed to come into contact with the user's hands or a drinking vessel during operation.

[0056] In the case of activation by a drinking vessel, the antimicrobial material extends so far that even if the contact area between the drinking vessel and the operating element shifts, the edge of the drinking vessel is always on the antimicrobial material.

[0057] In one possible embodiment, the control element is made of plastic, metal or ceramic and coated with the antimicrobial coating.

[0058] The antibacterial and / or antiviral coating can be applied to the control element, for example, by an electroplating process, a chemical coating process, a spraying or immersion process, a physical or chemical vapor deposition process, an electrostatic coating process, a sol-gel process, or a plasma-based coating process. Other coating processes are not excluded by the invention.

[0059] The antimicrobial coating can also be a glaze, based, for example, on silicates and / or oxides.

[0060] In one possible embodiment, the antimicrobial material comprises silver, a silver alloy and / or a silver compound.

[0061] For example, the antimicrobial material may be silver, a silver alloy or a silver compound, and / or the antimicrobial material may contain some silver, a silver alloy and / or a silver compound.

[0062] In an advantageous embodiment, the antimicrobial material contains nanosilver or colloidal silver. Colloidal silver refers to ultrafine particles.

[0063] - 8 -

[0064] Particles of elemental silver and / or ultrafine particles of a silver alloy or a silver compound.

[0065] The colloidal silver may be mixed into the antimicrobial material in the form of a dispersion, particularly in the form of a suspension.

[0066] The silver atoms may be positively charged. The antimicrobial material can, for example, simply contain positively charged silver ions (Ag⁻). + ). The silver ions have an antimicrobial effect, as they disrupt the cell membrane of microorganisms and can inhibit their enzymes and DNA replication.

[0067] In the case of a glaze as a coating of the operating element, colloidal silver, advantageously colloidal silver ions, can be mixed into the glaze in one embodiment.

[0068] Furthermore, it is possible that the antimicrobial material includes copper, a copper alloy and / or a copper compound.

[0069] For example, the antimicrobial material can be copper, a copper alloy or a copper compound, and / or the antimicrobial material contains a proportion of copper, a copper alloy and / or a copper compound.

[0070] In an advantageous embodiment, the antimicrobial material contains nanocopper or colloidal copper. Colloidal copper refers to ultrafine particles of elemental copper and / or ultrafine particles of a copper alloy or a copper compound.

[0071] The colloidal copper may be mixed into the antimicrobial material in the form of a dispersion, particularly in the form of a suspension.

[0072] The copper atoms may be positively charged. The antimicrobial material may, for example, contain positively charged copper atoms, such as doubly positively charged copper ions (Cu). + ). Copper ions have an antimicrobial effect because they disrupt the cell membrane of microorganisms and can inhibit their enzymes and DNA replication.

[0073] In the case of a glaze as a coating for the control element, colloidal copper, advantageously colloidal copper ions, may be mixed into the glaze in one embodiment. The antimicrobial material may comprise zinc, a zinc alloy, and / or a zinc compound. For example, the antimicrobial material may be or contain zinc oxide.

[0074] - 9 -

[0075] Furthermore, the antimicrobial material can include gold, a gold alloy, and / or a gold compound. For example, the antimicrobial material can contain nanogold or colloidal gold.

[0076] Furthermore, the antimicrobial material can include titanium, a titanium alloy, and / or a titanium compound. For example, the antimicrobial material may contain or be titanium oxide.

[0077] It is also possible that the antimicrobial material contains chitosan and / or graphene oxides.

[0078] In an advantageous embodiment, the surface of an element forming the outlet opening is at least partially provided with an antimicrobial material to counteract contamination at the outlet opening.

[0079] This means that the outlet opening itself is at least partially coated with the antimicrobial material.

[0080] The antimicrobial material can counteract contamination of the fluid to be applied or already applied and / or contamination of drinking vessels used by users.

[0081] The outlet opening or the element forming the outlet opening can, for example, be coated at least partially with a coating of an antimicrobial material and / or be made at least partially from an antimicrobial material to give it its shape.

[0082] The antimicrobial material may be the same material used on the control element.

[0083] The microbiological material can advantageously be placed at least in an area of ​​the outlet opening that may come into contact with a user's drinking vessel and / or any liquid contained therein when the fluid outlet device is used.

[0084] For example, the outlet opening or the element forming the outlet opening can be coated with an antimicrobial material on an inner and / or outer surface. rbo104wo

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[0086] The fluid outlet device can have a shaft that forms the outlet opening in an end area, wherein a lateral, outer surface of the shaft is formed at least partially by the antimicrobial material.

[0087] The shaft is the element that forms the outlet opening.

[0088] The end region of the shaft can refer to the very end of the shaft. For example, the outlet opening may be located at the end of the shaft.

[0089] The lateral, outer surface of the shaft can, for example, be the surface of an outer wall of the shaft leading to the outlet guide.

[0090] The antimicrobial material ensures that when a contaminated drinking vessel comes into contact with the shaft, or a contaminated fluid comes into contact with the shaft, it does not become a source of contamination and pathogens cannot be transferred to the next drinking vessel or to fluid to be dispensed or already dispensed.

[0091] The shaft may be designed to protrude into a drinking vessel when the fluid outlet device is used, whereby the shaft may come into contact with fluid in the drinking vessel once a certain level is reached.

[0092] If necessary, the shaft forms a nozzle, the nozzle being at least partially coated with the antimicrobial material.

[0093] Furthermore, the surface of an inner wall leading to the outlet opening of the element forming the outlet opening can be formed at least partially by the antimicrobial material.

[0094] This ensures that if a contaminated fluid comes into contact with the inside of the element forming the outlet opening, this element cannot also become contaminated and pathogens cannot be transferred to a fluid to be dispensed or already dispensed.

[0095] The element forming the outlet opening can be the shaft, and the surface of an inner wall of the shaft leading to the outlet opening can be provided with the antimicrobial material, at least in some areas.

[0096] In one embodiment, the control element is arranged at the outlet opening such that it radially surrounds the outlet opening, at least in part. rbo104wo

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[0098] This means that the outlet opening and, during the discharge, the fluid flowing out along the outlet direction can be essentially surrounded radially by the control element.

[0099] The outlet opening may be formed by or connected to the control element.

[0100] The control element can be designed to be actuated by the rim or edge of a drinking vessel, for example by pressing the vessel against the control element from below, thus applying force to the element. As a result, the control element can be moved and / or pivoted vertically, thereby releasing the valve mechanism.

[0101] In one embodiment, the control element comprises several star-shaped struts, each extending radially, which are arranged so that the rim of a drinking vessel can be pressed against the struts to actuate the control element. The control element can, for example, comprise three struts, each arranged at an angle of 120° to one another.

[0102] The control element may be mounted in a tilting manner, whereby the valve device can be opened by a tilting movement of the control element.

[0103] The control element can be described as a rocker switch.

[0104] A tiltable bearing and the tilting movement it enables can also be understood as a swiveling bearing and the swiveling movement it enables.

[0105] In one embodiment, the tilting axis of the control element runs perpendicular to the outlet direction.

[0106] It is possible that the force to trigger the tilting movement can be exerted on the control element by a wall that laterally limits a drinking vessel.

[0107] Alternatively, the control element can also be rotatably mounted, whereby the valve device can be opened by a rotary movement.

[0108] It may be provided that the outlet direction of a fluid volume flow released from the outlet opening has a component opposite to the direction of movement of the control element for opening the valve assembly.

[0109] - 12 -

[0110] The outlet direction essentially corresponds to a central axis of the fluid flowing out of the outlet opening.

[0111] If necessary, the direction of movement of the control element may be opposite to the direction of fluid flow from the outlet opening.

[0112] It may be provided that the outlet opening is located further downstream along the outlet direction than the surface of the control element coated with the antimicrobial material.

[0113] In other words, the surface of the control element coated with the antimicrobial material is located further upstream than the outlet opening.

[0114] Further upstream or downstream means that the antimicrobial surface or the outlet opening is essentially located in a plane that is further upstream or downstream with respect to the outlet direction. The control element or its antimicrobial surface does not necessarily have to be located in the outlet direction itself, but can also be offset from it.

[0115] In the event that the entire control element is made of or coated with the antimicrobial material, this means that the entire control element is located further upstream than the outlet opening.

[0116] The at least partial formation of a wall of a shaft forming the outlet opening by means of the antimicrobial material ensures that, even in a downstream position of at least one section of the shaft in relation to the control element, no contamination of the surface areas of the shaft made of the antimicrobial material occurs when the shaft is immersed in a drinking vessel and force is exerted on the control element.

[0117] In one embodiment, the control element is arranged at the outlet opening in such a way that the control element surrounds the outlet opening radially, at least in some areas.

[0118] This means that the outlet opening, as well as any fluid flowing out along the outlet direction, can be essentially surrounded radially by the control element.

[0119] The outlet opening may be formed by the control element.

[0120] The control element can be designed to be actuated by the rim or edge of a drinking vessel, for example by pressing the drinking vessel against the control element from below, thus applying a force to the control element.

[0121] - 13 -

[0122] As a result, the control element can, for example, be moved and / or pivoted vertically, thereby releasing the valve mechanism. In one embodiment, the control element comprises several star-shaped struts, each extending radially, which are arranged so that the rim of a drinking vessel can be pressed against the struts to actuate the control element. The control element can, for example, comprise three struts, each arranged at an angle of 120° to one another.

[0123] The invention also relates to a beverage dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir and a described fluid outlet device.

[0124] The fluid outlet device is designed to allow fluid to flow out of the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is fluidically coupled to the fluid outlet device, or can be coupled to it. The fluid outlet device may also include a fluid reservoir connection.

[0125] The fluid can therefore be a beverage, i.e., a drinkable liquid.

[0126] The fluid can be transported by overpressure, by a pump system, or by gravity.

[0127] For example, the fluid outlet device can be located below the fluid reservoir with respect to gravity, or in a lower, end section of the fluid reservoir with respect to gravity.

[0128] The fluid reservoir can also be called a fluid tank.

[0129] If necessary, the fluid reservoir can be refilled and / or replaced for refilling purposes.

[0130] The beverage dispenser could be, for example, a water dispenser dispensing water. Alternatively, the beverage dispenser could be a draft beer system, such as a beer tap system.

[0131] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for providing fluid by means of a described fluid outlet device, in which the operating element is at least indirectly manually operated, thereby causing the valve device to open and thus allowing fluid to flow out of the outlet opening.

[0132] - 14 -

[0133] In the course of manual operation, force can be exerted on the control element manually or indirectly, for example by means of a drinking vessel, and thus it can be moved.

[0134] For this process, the fluid can, for example, be provided in a fluid reservoir that is fluidically connected to the fluid outlet device.

[0135] The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments. It is illustrated in

[0136] Fig. 1: a perspective view of a first beverage dispenser with a fluid outlet device in a first embodiment;

[0137] Fig. 2: a perspective view of a second beverage dispenser with a fluid outlet device in a second embodiment; and

[0138] Fig. 3: a perspective view of a third embodiment of a fluid outlet device.

[0139] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a beverage dispenser 1. The beverage dispenser 1 comprises a first embodiment of a fluid outlet device 20 and a fluid reservoir 10 fluid-fluidically coupled to it, in which a fluid 60 is located. The fluid outlet device 20 is configured to discharge the fluid 60 from the fluid reservoir 10 into the drinking vessel 70. For this purpose, the fluid outlet device 20 has an outlet opening 21 arranged at the end of a shaft 31, the shaft 31 being the element 30 forming the outlet opening. The fluid outlet device 20 also includes an operating element 40 designed as a rocker 44, which is configured to be actuated by a force applied via a side wall of the drinking vessel 70.When the rocker 40 is actuated, it undergoes a tilting movement about a substantially horizontal axis, which releases a valve device (not shown here) and causes fluid to flow along the outlet direction 100 from the outlet opening 21 into the drinking vessel 70. The shaft 31 has a first area with antimicrobial material 50, and the operating element 40 has a second area.

[0140] - 15 -

[0141] The area containing antimicrobial material 51 reduces or prevents contamination of the drinking vessel 70 upon contact with the control element 40 and / or the shaft 31. The first area containing antimicrobial material 50 on the shaft 31 extends from the outer, lateral surface to the inner wall, thus also preventing contamination of the dispensed fluid 60.

[0142] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a beverage dispenser 1 in a perspective view. The beverage dispenser 1 comprises a second embodiment of a fluid outlet device 20, which is fluidically coupled to a fluid reservoir 10 filled with fluid 60 via a fluid reservoir connection 90. The fluid outlet device 20 has a rotatably mounted lever 45 as an operating element 40, which is coupled to an internal valve device, not visible here. When the lever 45 is manually actuated, the valve device can be released, and fluid 60 from the fluid reservoir 10 can be dispensed through an element 30 forming the outlet opening 21 along the outlet direction 100.As in Figure 1, the element 30 forming the outlet opening 21 has a first area with antimicrobial material 50 and the control element 40 has a second area with antimicrobial material 51.

[0143] Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a fluid outlet device 20. The fluid outlet device 20 has a fluid reservoir connection 90, which is designed to be inserted into the neck opening of a bottle (not shown) as a fluid reservoir. The fluid outlet device 20 also includes a metering device 80 and a valve device 22 mechanically coupled to an operating element 40. The operating element 40 radially surrounds an element 30 forming the outlet opening 21 and its outlet opening 21, and includes three struts 41, 42, 43 arranged in a star shape at an angle of 120° to each other.A force can be exerted from below on the control element 40, or on its struts 41, 42, 43, by means of the rim of a drinking vessel (not shown here), thereby actuating and moving the control element 40, which opens the valve assembly 22 and allows fluid to flow out of the outlet opening 21 along the outlet direction 100. The first strut 41 of the control element has a first area with antimicrobial material 50, the second strut 42 a second area with antimicrobial material 51, and the third strut 43 a third area with antimicrobial material 52, each of which is coated with antimicrobial rbo104wo.

[0144] - 16 -

[0145] The material is designed to prevent contamination at the edges of drinking vessels. rbo104wo

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[0147] List of references 1 Beverage dispenser

[0148] 10 Fluid reservoir

[0149] 20 Fluid outlet device

[0150] 21 Outlet opening

[0151] 22 Valve assembly

[0152] 30 Element forming the outlet opening

[0153] 31 shaft

[0154] 40 Control element

[0155] 41 First strut

[0156] 42 Second strut

[0157] 43 Third Strut

[0158] 44 rocker

[0159] 45 levers

[0160] 50 First area with antimicrobial material

[0161] 51 Second area with antimicrobial material 52 Third area with antimicrobial material

[0162] 60 Fluid

[0163] 70 Drinking vessel

[0164] 80 Dosing device

[0165] 90 Fluid reservoir connection

[0166] 100 Outlet direction

Claims

rbo104wo - 18 - Patent claims 1. Fluid outlet device (20) for realizing an outflow of a fluid (60), comprising a valve device (22), an outlet opening (21) for the discharge of the fluid (60) and at least one control element (40) provided for manual operation of the fluid outlet device (20), wherein by operating the control element (40) an opening of the valve device (22) can be effected and the control element (40) is provided on its surface at least partially with an antimicrobial material in order to counteract contamination on the control element (40).

2. Fluid outlet device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating element (40) is configured to open and close the valve device (22).

3. Fluid outlet device (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (40) is configured to be actuated by a drinking vessel (70) in a filling position.

4. Fluid outlet device (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by the application of a force to the control element (40) the latter is movable in a plane and is coupled to the valve device (22) in such a way that the movement of the control element (40) causes the valve device (22) to open at least partially, wherein the control element (40) has a surface at least on one side facing away from the side of the possibility of movement for opening the valve device (22), which is formed at least partially by an antimicrobial material.

5. Fluid outlet device (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body of the control element (40) is at least partially made of the antimicrobial material. rbo104wo - 19 - 6. Fluid outlet device (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control element (40) has at least a partial coating of the antimicrobial material.

7. Fluid outlet device (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antimicrobial material comprises silver, a silver alloy and / or a silver compound.

8. Fluid outlet device (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antimicrobial material comprises copper, a copper alloy and / or a copper compound.

9. Fluid outlet device (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of an element (30) forming the outlet opening (21) is at least partially provided with an antimicrobial material to counteract contamination at the outlet opening (21).

10. Fluid outlet device (20) at least according to claim 9, characterized in that the fluid outlet device (20) has a shaft (31) which forms the outlet opening (21) in an end region, wherein a lateral, outer surface of the shaft (31) is formed at least partially by the antimicrobial material.

11. Fluid outlet device (20) at least according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the surface of an inner wall of the element (30) forming the outlet opening (21) leading to the outlet opening (21) is formed at least partially by the antimicrobial material.

12. Fluid outlet device (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (40) is mounted to tilt and is controlled by a bo104wo - 20 - Tilting movement of the control element (40) can cause the valve device (22) to open.

13. Fluid outlet device (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outlet direction (100) of a fluid volume flow discharged from the outlet opening (21) has a component opposite to the direction of a movement possibility of the control element (40) for opening the valve device (22).

14. Beverage dispenser (1) comprising a fluid reservoir (10) and a fluid outlet device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Method for providing fluid (60) by means of a fluid outlet device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 13 or by means of a beverage dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the control element (40) is operated at least indirectly manually, thereby causing the valve device (22) to open and thus allowing a fluid (60) to flow out of the outlet opening (21).

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