Abstract:
Many kinds of dispensing devices for drinks or similar fluid foodstuffs, especially for coffee and/or milk are already known. Said devices comprise supply means for supplying at least two different hot drinks, filling outlets for dispensing hot drinks into at least one cup and valve means for stopping and releasing drink pipelines between the supply devices and the filling devices. According to the invention, in order to improve hygiene and product quality, the valve means are embodied in such a manner that additional pipelines for supplying and/or discharging flushing agents for cleaning, hot water or steam for preheating or other similar fluids, can be connected to the valve means instead of to the drinks pipelines in order to treat the valve means in the areas through which hot drinks flow. As a result, a rinsing process can be automatically controlled between two dispensing steps.

Description:
RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS 
   Not applicable. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable. 
   REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
   Not applicable. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to a dispensing device for drinks or similar dosable liquid foodstuffs, in particular for coffee and/or milk or similar hot drinks. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Dispensing devices of this kind are known in many forms. They are used not only in self-service restaurants and canteens, but also in normal hotels and the like, with the result that fewer service personnel are needed behind the counter. 
   So that on one hand several different drinks, or also mixed drinks, can be dispensed while on the other hand it is not necessary to employ a large number of “specialized” dispensing devices, dispensing devices are designed so that they can be switched into different modes. However, this involves many problems, which in particular are solved by the various valve mechanisms that are needed. For one thing, it turns out that long pipelines are needed, which especially where hot drinks are dispensed is disadvantageous when the dispensing device is not used continuously but rather at intervals, so that cooling effects become noticeable. For another, considerable hygiene-related problems arise, requiring laborious cleaning work that must performed by hand, which is seriously inconvenient where the operation is organized in shifts. 
   Hence it is the object of the invention to provide a dispensing device that enables correct operation of the dispensing device by simple means, with relatively little labor. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This object is achieved by a dispensing device for drinks or similar dosable liquid foodstuffs, in particular for coffee and/or milk or similar hot drinks, in accordance with the present invention and comprising a supply means adapted to supply at least two different hot drinks; filling outlets adapted to dispense a hot drink into at least one container; drink pipelines connecting the supply means to the filling outlets; accessory pipelines for supplying and carrying away an accessory fluid in the form of at least one of flushing agents for cleaning, hot water or steam for prewarming, or other similar fluid; and valve means for stopping and opening said drink pipelines between the supply means and the filling outlets, and adapted to connect said accessory pipelines to the valve means instead of the drink pipelines, in order to treat the valve means in the regions through which the hot drinks flow. 
   The aim of the invention is that the conduits through which the hot drinks flow, and which are emptied after a dispensing procedure, can be rinsed automatically, i.e. without manually positioning containers to collect the rinse water or connecting tubes to carry that water. As a result, not only is an optimum achieved from a hygienic viewpoint, but also the channels in which the hot drinks run can be warmed before a drink is dispensed. In this way two things can be ensured: optimal servicing of the dispensing device, of value in particular to the manager, and optimal quality of the drinks for the customer. 
   In an especially preferred embodiment of the invention the valve means comprise at least one sliding element that can be moved by a motor and incorporates at least two channels, each of which is associated with at least one particular mode of operation for dispensing the hot drink when in a first position, and when in a second position is connected to the accessory pipeline. By means of such a sliding element, which preferably is constructed as rotary disks, the number and size of “dead spots” (sites inaccessible by rinsing) can be reduced. Moreover, a particularly high degree of variability of the supply and drainage pipelines becomes possible, so that a large number of supply means can be connected to a large number of filling outlets, in various combinations. 
   The filling outlets are preferably disposed directly adjacent to the sliding element, so as to ensure extremely short pathways between the valves formed by the sliding element and the filling outlets. This, in turn, optimizes the hygienic and qualitative properties of the dispensing device. Preferably two or more sliding elements are provided, containing channels such that two or more hot drinks can be sent to the same filling outlet, either simultaneously or sequentially, as desired. This increases the versatility of the dispensing device. 
   The filling outlets are preferably provided with at least two flow channels, separated in such a way that the hot drinks flowing through the separate channels are not mixed until they have left the filling outlets, i.e. mixing first occurs substantially within the container. As a result it is possible to ensure an optimal consistency of the drinks, e.g. in the case of cappuccino or latte macchiato. 
   The channels are preferably connected to one another in such a way that the accessory fluid can be sent through several channels at the same time. Thus in a single rinsing (or prewarming) process several channels can be rinsed simultaneously, which results in a minimization of costs and also an acceleration of the work involved. 
   Preferably a single accessory pipeline is provided to drain the accessory fluid away, such that the accessory fluid can be sent through the drink pipelines and the drink pipelines can be blocked off directly ahead (in the direction of flow) of the inflow openings for the accessory fluid). Hence the accessory fluid can be admitted to the system either directly at the slider or—as indicated here—upstream of these valve means, substantially immediately after the point in the supply means at which their first dispensing valve is located. This enables optimal cleaning of the complete set of pipelines used for foodstuffs. 
   Preferably control means are provided and so designed that after a (each) drinks-dispensing procedure a rinsing procedure is carried out. As a result, hygiene is maximized. 
   Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of part of a dispensing device, partly in section, 
       FIG. 2  is a view along the line II-II in  FIG. 1 , 
       FIG. 3  is a view along the line III-III in  FIG. 1 , 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective drawing of the arrangement according to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , 
       FIG. 5  is a front view in which is indicated the arrangement of the channels for “coffee dispensing double”, 
       FIG. 6  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “coffee dispensing single”, 
       FIG. 7  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “rinsing coffee side”, 
       FIG. 8  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “milk dispensing double”, 
       FIG. 9  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “milk dispensing single”, 
       FIG. 10  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “rinsing milk side”, 
       FIG. 11  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “coffee dispensing double (one cup)”, 
       FIG. 12  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “coffee dispensing single (one cup)”, 
       FIG. 13  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “rinsing coffee side”, 
       FIG. 14  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “milk dispensing double”, 
       FIG. 15  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “milk dispensing single”, 
       FIG. 16  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “rinsing milk side”, 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view indicating channels for “dispensing coffee double”, 
       FIG. 18  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 5  for “dispensing coffee double”, 
       FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the arrangement according to  FIG. 18  along the line XIX-XIX in  FIG. 18 , 
       FIG. 20  is a schematic side view similar to  FIG. 19 , in which the channels are represented, 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective drawing according to  FIG. 17  for “dispensing milk double”, 
       FIG. 22  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 18  for the function according to  FIG. 21 , 
       FIG. 23  is a sectional drawing along the line XXIII-XXIII in  FIG. 22 , 
       FIG. 24  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 20  for the arrangement according to  FIG. 21 , 
       FIG. 25  is a drawing according to  FIG. 17  for “dispensing coffee single”, 
       FIG. 26  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 18  for the arrangement according to  FIG. 25 , 
       FIG. 27  is a sectional drawing along the line XXVII-XXVII in  FIG. 26 , 
       FIG. 28  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 20  for the arrangement according to  FIG. 25 , 
       FIG. 29  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 17  for “dispensing milk single”, 
       FIG. 30  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 18  for the arrangement according to  FIG. 29 , 
       FIG. 31  is a section along the line XXXI-XXXI in  FIG. 30 , 
       FIG. 32  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 20  for the arrangement according to  FIG. 29 , 
       FIG. 33  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 17  for “rinsing coffee side”, 
       FIG. 34  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 18  for the arrangement according to  FIG. 33 , 
       FIG. 35  is a section along the line XXXV-XXXV in  FIG. 34 , 
       FIG. 36  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 20  for the arrangement according to  FIG. 33 , 
       FIG. 37  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 17  for the function “rinsing milk side”, 
       FIG. 38  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 18  for the arrangement according to  FIG. 37 , 
       FIG. 39  is a section along the line XXXIX-XXXIX in  FIG. 38 , 
       FIG. 40  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 20  for the arrangement according to  FIG. 37 , 
       FIG. 41  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 18  for the function “simultaneous dispensing of milk and coffee”, and 
       FIG. 42  is a drawing corresponding to  FIG. 20  for the arrangement according to  FIG. 41 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for identical parts or parts with identical actions. 
   It should be noted that although the example of a coffee machine shown here is designed to dispense coffee/espresso and milk, it will be clearly evident to a person skilled in the art that the construction shown in principle here can be modified in many ways, in particular for dispensing a greater variety of “drinks” or also other liquid foodstuffs. Therefore when in the following reference is always made to “coffee” and “milk”, this does not restrict the invention to these kinds of drinks. “Coffee” is here intended also to denote in particular espresso, which together with milk and, where appropriate, a foaming means, can be further processed as espresso or latte macchiato. 
     FIG. 1  shows a major element of a dispensing device in a (partially sectioned) side view; the same device is shown again in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in front view together with control elements and in plan view, respectively. 
   According to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the dispensing device comprises a stationary stand  27  to which is attached, by way of a valve holder  26 , a valve means  30  that comprises an outflow block  31  fixed to the valve holder  26 ; disposed on a first and a second side of the outflow block are a first rotary disk  40  and a second rotary disk  50 , respectively. To the outflow block  31  are attached filling outlets  20 ,  20 ′, below which containers  1 ,  2  can be placed. Each of the filling outlets  20 ,  20 ′ comprises a first flow channel  21  and a second flow channel  22 , which are each connected to a channel in the outflow block  31  and which join one another at the very end of the filling outlet  20 ,  20 ′, i.e. just above the container  1 ,  2 . 
   The two disks  40 ,  50  are mounted on the shaft  25  and can be rotated together by a motor  24 . 
   The entire arrangement that is fixed to the valve holder  26  can be moved up and down by a vertical drive mechanism  28 , to ensure that the filling outlets  20 ,  20 ′ can be adjusted so that no splashes are caused during the dispensing process, and optimal mixing/filling is produced. On the outflow block  31  are a first inlet  36  and a second inlet  37 , which are connected to a first supply means  5  (in this case for espresso or coffee) and a second supply means  6  (in this case for milk), by way of drink pipelines  9  and valves  7 ,  8 . Into the drink pipelines  9  open a first accessory pipeline  11  and a second accessory pipeline  12 , by way of a first accessory valve  13  and a second accessory valve  14 ; these pipelines carry an accessory fluid from an accessory-fluid supply  10 , which provides water, steam, a flushing agent or a mixture thereof. The valves  7 ,  8 ,  13 ,  14  and the motor  24  to adjust the valve means  30  are controlled by a controller  3 , which can be operated by way of a keyboard  4 . The controller  3  contains control programs for setting the valves or the valve means  30 , with its rotary disks  40  and  50 ; these programs are stored in programmable memory areas or else in permanently preprogrammed memory, in which case the programming is done by the manufacturer of the dispensing device. The programs are such that when a request for a particular drink is input by way of the keyboard  4 , the valves or valve means are set appropriately for that drink, and the desired drinks flow through the pipelines for a particular period of time, in order to dispense a predetermined amount. 
   Also connected to the outflow block  31  is a drainage pipeline  15  connected to a waste-water channel, so that accessory fluid (e.g., a flushing agent) flowing through the pipelines and channels illustrated and described here can be removed, without passing through the filling outlets  20 ,  20 ′. The basic construction just described is shown again, in perspective, in  FIG. 4 . 
   In the following, the function of the valve means  30  during dispensing and cleaning cycles is summarily described for the types of drinks described here, namely coffee and milk, with reference to  FIGS. 5 to 16 ; a more detailed description is given subsequently. In  FIGS. 5 to 7  and  11  to  13  are shown the channels that are disposed in the first rotary disk  40  and can be connected to the first inlet  36 , whereas  FIGS. 8 to 10  and  14  to  16  show the channels disposed in the second rotary disk  50  and connectable to the second inlet  37 , in each case indicated by dashed lines. Channels provided in the outflow block  31  appear in all  FIGS. 5 to 16  (solid lines). 
     FIGS. 5 and 11  represent the process of dispensing a “coffee double”, in which coffee flows into the first inlet  36  and through the two filling outlets  20 ,  20 ′, into a container  1 ,  2 . 
     FIGS. 6 and 12  illustrate the case in which coffee flows into the first inlet  36  and enters the container  1  through only one filling outlet  20 . 
   In  FIGS. 7 and 13  is shown the case in which, instead of coffee, hot water and/or a flushing agent enters the first inlet  36  (with valve  7  closed and valve  13  opened) and then, after flowing through the channels shown as dispensing coffee in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , is carried away in the drainage pipeline  15 . 
   Similarly,  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , as well as  14 ,  15  and  16 , illustrate the dispensing of milk, which enters through the second inlet  37  and passes through a filling outlet  20  or two filling outlets  20 ,  20 ′, as well as the rinsing of channels that had previously contained milk by a flushing agent, which (with valve  8  closed and valve  14  opened) flows through the second inlet  37  and is carried away in the drainage pipeline  15 . 
   In the following, with reference to  FIGS. 17 to 20 , the function “coffee double” mentioned with reference to  FIG. 11  is explained in greater detail. At this juncture it should be pointed out that  FIGS. 17 to 40  always show only the outflow block  31  and one of the rotary disks  40  or  50 , depending on which of them is necessary for the function being described. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 17 to 20 , the first disk  40  is closely apposed to one vertical surface of the outflow block  31  and is seated on the shaft  25 , so that it can be rotated by the motor  24 . On the block surface that faces the first disk  40  are situated channels  32  (first channel) and  33  (second channel), each of which opens into the first disk  40 . In the surface of the first disk  40  that faces the outflow block  31  a first channel  41  and a second channel  42  are inserted. The first inlet  36  attached to the outflow block  31  is opened by way of bores to the vertical surface of the outflow block  31  that faces toward the first disk  40 . 
   The filling outlets  20 ,  20 ′ attached to the outflow block  31 , i.e. their first flow channels  21 , are likewise in communication, by way of bores, with the surface of the outflow block  31  that faces toward the first disk  40 . 
   The drainage pipeline  15 , which is also disposed in the outflow block  31 , communicates by way of bores (which are especially clearly illustrated in  FIG. 19 ) with both vertical surfaces of the outflow block  31 . 
   In the functional setting “coffee double” shown in  FIGS. 17 to 20 , coffee flows through the first inlet  36  and the bores provided in the outflow block  31  to the surface of the outflow block  31  and from there, when the first disk  40  is in the rotational position shown in the figures, enters the first channel  41  as well as, in parallel thereto, the second channel  42  in the first disk  40 . From these channels the coffee flows into the first channels  21  of the filling outlets  20 ,  20 ′ and on into the cups  1 ,  2  positioned below them. Hence this function corresponds to that shown in  FIG. 11 . 
   In  FIGS. 21 to 24  is shown the analogous function “milk double”, in which milk is put into the two cups  1 ,  2 . For this purpose the second rotary disk  50 , which is positioned opposite to the first disk  40  on the other vertical surface of the outflow block  31 , comprises a first channel  51  and a second channel  52 , which are open toward the surface of the outflow block  31 . Corresponding channels that are open toward the second disk  50  are provided in the outflow block  31 , namely channels  34  (third channel) and  35  (fourth channel); the third channel  34  communicates at its end with the second inlet  37 . 
   The second flow channels  22  of the filling outlets  20 ,  20 ′, which are disposed in the outflow block  31 , are open by way of bores to the surface of the outflow block  31  to which the second disk  50  is apposed. 
   In the functional setting “milk double” the milk passes through the second inlet  37 , the channels  51  and  52  (parallel) and the second flow channels  22  into the cups  1 ,  2 . This functional setting thus corresponds to that shown in  FIG. 14 . 
   In the functional setting “coffee single” shown in  FIGS. 25 to 28 , which corresponds to  FIG. 12 , the coffee passes from the first inlet  36  through a section of the second channel  42  in the first disk  40  until it reaches the first flow channel  21  of the filling outlet  20 , through which it flows into the cup  1  positioned under the outlet. 
     FIGS. 29 to 32  show the analogous functional setting corresponding to  FIG. 15 , i.e. the functional setting “milk single”, in which milk flows through the second inlet  37 , a section of the second channel  52  in the second disk  50  and the second flow channel  22  of the filling outlet  20 , before entering the cup  1 . 
   In the following, the functional setting “rinsing coffee” (corresponding to  FIG. 13 ) is explained with reference to  FIGS. 33 to 36 . 
   In this functional setting the valve  7  is closed and the valve  13  is opened, so that the accessory-fluid supply  10  is in communication with the first inlet  36  in the outflow block  31  by way of the first supplementary pipeline  11  and the drink pipeline  9 . From the first inlet  36 , the cleaning fluid flows through the first channel  32  in the outflow block  31  into one end of the first channel  41  in the first rotary disk  40  and on through that channel; emerging from its other end, it enters the second channel  33  in the outflow block  31  and passes from there into the first end of the second channel  42  in the first disk  40  and out of its second end into the drainage pipeline  15 , through the associated bores in the outflow block  31 . In this way all of the channels that come into contact with coffee while that drink is being dispensed are rinsed with cleaning fluid. 
   For this purpose the controller  3  is designed so that after every drink has been dispensed (e.g.  FIG. 11  or  FIG. 12 ) cleaning ( FIG. 13 ;  FIGS. 33 to 36 ) of the relevant channels occurs before a new dispensing process is initiated. 
   In the function illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 37  to  40 , namely “rinsing milk”, the channels through which milk has previously flowed ( FIG. 14  or  15 ) are rinsed in an analogous manner. With valve  8  closed and valve  14  opened, therefore, the cleaning fluid flows into the second inlet  37  and from there into one end of the channel  34  in the outflow block  31 , out of its other end into one end of the first channel  51  in the second rotary disk  50 , out of its second end through the fourth channel  35  in the outflow block and into the first end of the second channel  52  in the second disk  50 , and finally through its second end into the bores of the drainage pipeline  15 , to be discarded. Here, again, the cleaning fluid passes through all of the channels through which milk had previously flowed (see  FIGS. 14 and 21  to  24  as well as  FIGS. 15 and 29  to  32 ). 
   Finally,  FIGS. 41 and 42  show how the rotary disks  40  and  50  are positioned, i.e. the channels are arranged, in order to fill containers  1 ,  2  with coffee and milk simultaneously. The positions here correspond to a combination of the positions shown in  FIGS. 11 and 14  as well as  17  to  20  and  21  to  24 , with the difference that the first inlet  36  is supplied with coffee and at the same time the second inlet  37  is supplied with milk, by opening the valves  7  and  8  (while valves  13  and  14  are closed). The associated rinsing process corresponds to a combination of the previously illustrated rinsing processes according to  FIGS. 13 and 16  as well as  33  to  36  and  37  to  40 . 
   It can be seen from the above that in the embodiment presented here the two rotary disks  40  and  50  can be rigidly connected to one another. Of course it is also possible to control the two disks  40  and  50  separately from one another, so that still other valve routes or channels can be provided in the disks. 
   In addition to the rinsing process after every drink-dispensing procedure (or after a larger group of dispensing procedures), in which all the channels through which drinks had previously flowed are rinsed without dead zones, so to speak, it is also possible to take the arrangement apart completely with relatively few manipulations, in order to gain access to the channels that open to the exterior. However, this is in general not necessary, because the rinsing encompasses all the regions through which foodstuffs flow. 
   LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
   
       
       
         
             1  Container  34  3rd channel 
             2  Container  35  4th channel 
             3  Controller  36  1st inlet 
             4  Keyboard  37  2nd inlet 
           1st supply means  40  1st rotary disk 
             6  2nd supply means  41  1st channel 
             7  1st valve  42  2nd channel 
             8  2nd valve  50  2nd rotary disk 
             9  Drink pipeline  51  1st channel 
             10  Supplementary-fluid supply  52  2nd channel 
             11  1st supplementary pipeline 
             12  2nd supplementary pipeline 
             13  1st supplementary valve 
             14  2nd supplementary valve 
             15  Drainage pipeline 
             20 ,  20 ′ Filling outlet 
             21  1st flow channel 
             22  2nd flow channel 
             24  Motor 
             25  Shaft 
             26  Valve holder 
             27  Stand 
             28  Vertical drive 
             30  Valve means 
             31  Outflow block 
             32  1st channel 
             33  2nd channel