DE102012200330A1 - Vending machine, particularly coffee machine, soft drink system, for supplying beverage of multiple different beverages, has multiple containers for receiving ingredient for one of beverages, where containers have filling region - Google Patents

Abstract

The vending machine (100) has multiple containers (120-1,120-2) for receiving an ingredient for one of the beverages. The containers have filling regions (130-1,130-2), which are formed such that containers are filled by the ingredient through the filling regions. An input device (200) is provided for selecting the beverage from the multiple beverages. A lighting system (190) is formed to optically highlight a filling region of the multiple filling regions depending on the selected beverage. The container is filled with the ingredient of the selected beverage.

Description

Embodiments relate to a drinks vending machine, for example, a fully automatic coffee machine, a coffee machine, a soft drink system, a hot beverage system or a beverage combination system.

State of the art

Vending machines are now used both in the private and in the business environment for the preparation and purchase of drinks. Here are provided by the drinks vending machines both hot and hot as well as cold or chilled drinks.

Examples of such a beverage dispenser are so a coffee machine, which is also called espresso machine. In these beans are typically filled in a corresponding container, which is also referred to as a bean tank or tank. The beans are then ground on request by the user of the drinks vending machine typically from a grinder and fed to a brewing unit, which emits the beverage in question via an outlet.

Corresponding fully automatic coffee machines may also have a container for milk for other coffee drinks, for example, to add this to the prepared coffee in heated and / or frothed form, so as to enable, for example, the purchase of a cappuccino.

Many vending machines make it possible - irrespective of whether it is a fully automatic coffee machine or another automatic vending machine - to purchase several drinks that may contain several different ingredients. For example, vending machines sometimes offer the possibility to make variations of a drink from different, but basically identical ingredients. Thus, for example, in the case of a coffee machine, an espresso or another specialty coffee based on different types of beans can be prepared.

The vending machines in this case typically have a plurality of containers for receiving a corresponding ingredient for such a beverage. These are often attached to a housing of the drinks vending machine so that they can be refilled problem-free by the user.

Especially in the case of such drinks dispensers, in the case of a user who is not completely attentive, it may happen that he requests a drink that did not comply with his original intention.

The problem underlying the invention

There is therefore a need to simplify an operation of a beverage dispenser with a plurality of containers for holding one ingredient each.

Inventive solution

The reference numbers in all claims have no limiting effect, but are only intended to improve their readability.

This demand is borne by a drinks vending machine according to claim 1. It is already explicitly stated here that the reference signs contained in all claims should not and may not be used for a restrictive interpretation of the wording of the claims. Its implicit reference to specific embodiments of the subject matters and methods defined in the claims is only intended to facilitate understanding of the scope of protection as defined by the language of the claims.

A beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage from a plurality of different drinks obtainable from the beverage dispenser according to an embodiment comprises a plurality of containers for holding one ingredient each for the drinks of the plurality of beverages, each container having a filling area formed such that the beverage dispenser Container can be filled by filling the ingredient through the filling. It further comprises an input device for selecting the beverage from the plurality of drinks and a lighting system, which is designed to visually highlight a filling region of the plurality of filling regions, the container of which is filled with an ingredient of the selected beverage, depending on the selected beverage.

A beverage vending machine according to an embodiment is based on the finding that a more intuitive operation and thus possibly a simplified operation and / or increased ease of use can be achieved by a more direct relationship between the selection of a drink from the plurality of drinks and one of a user the beverage dispenser operable filling area of a container is created. For this purpose, a beverage vending machine according to one embodiment uses the lighting system, which visually highlights the corresponding filling area, whose container is filled with an ingredient of the selected beverage.

The containers are in this case generally designed to receive the relevant ingredient immediately. So they are typically with the relevant ingredient in direct contact. The ingredients are generally food.

In addition, the containers of the plurality of containers also typically have, in addition to the filling region, also a removal region, which is often coupled inside the beverage dispenser with further components for preparing or for receiving the beverage. The removal area is different here from the filling area. Depending on the concrete implementation of an exemplary embodiment, the filling areas and / or the removal areas of the containers can be designed as part of the relevant container. However, they can also include additional components.

Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims. The reference numerals in the claims have no limiting effect but are merely intended to improve their readability.

In a beverage vending machine according to an embodiment, the lighting system can be designed in such a way to illuminate the optically highlighted filling area. In such a beverage dispenser, such a light beam, light beam or beam field can illuminate the relevant filling area. Depending on the specific implementation, in this case the jet field can run essentially parallel, substantially perpendicular or else obliquely to a surface of the housing (housing surface) of the drinks vending machine. In such a beverage dispenser, the lighting system therefore differs from one which is used exclusively for marking the relevant filling area in that actually a beam field of a light source illuminates the relevant filling area and illuminates it, for example. In this way, if necessary, an ease of use can be increased further, since a more conspicuous visual highlighting of the relevant filling area of the container can be made possible.

In a beverage vending machine according to one embodiment, the lighting system can have a plurality of lighting elements, wherein each filling region of the plurality of filling regions is assigned a lighting element of the plurality of lighting elements. This makes it possible to realize an optical highlighting adapted to the respective geometry of the filling area or of the container, so that the visual highlighting can be recognized more quickly and the operation therefore becomes more intuitive. Optionally, it may additionally or alternatively also be possible to implement a mechanically more stable solution in that each filling region is assigned a luminous element of the plurality of luminous elements.

In a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment, the filling areas of the containers of the plurality of containers may extend over a plane substantially parallel to a surface of the beverage dispenser (eg, housing side). However, the luminous elements of the plurality of luminous elements may be arranged only on one side of the plane and may not extend through the plane. In other words, there may exist a plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the beverage vending machine and through which extend the filling areas of the containers, but the lighting elements are arranged only on one of the two sides of the plane. The light-emitting elements can illuminate the filling areas, for example, through the plane.

In a beverage vending machine according to one embodiment, the lighting elements of the plurality of lighting elements may be arranged at least along a partial region of a circumference of the filling region assigned to it. By a corresponding spatial assignment of the light-emitting elements to the circumference of the filling region, a more intuitive operation can be made possible, since both the respective associated light-emitting element and the corresponding filling region are arranged in spatial proximity to one another. In a beverage dispenser according to one embodiment, the luminous element of the plurality of luminous elements may be arranged substantially completely along the circumference of the filling region assigned to it. This makes it possible to achieve an optional visual highlighting of the corresponding filling area, which may be independent of the viewing angle. A more intuitive operation of the drinks vending machine can thereby possibly further promoted.

In a beverage vending machine according to an embodiment, the lighting elements of the plurality of lighting elements may be formed to emit a directed beam field on the highlighted filling area. Such a beam field can hereby be based on a geometry of the relevant lighting elements. This may make it possible to further improve the intuitive operation, for example by substantially illuminating only the filling area of the container in question.

In a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment, the lighting system may be configured such that a filling area is not optically highlighted when the container of the filling area is filled with an ingredient that is not used in the selected beverage. Likewise, in a beverage vending machine according to one embodiment, the lighting system be designed so that only filling areas of Containers are highlighted, which are filled with an ingredient for the selected beverage. By implementing already one of these two options, it may be possible to further increase the intuitive operability of such a beverage vending machine, as it reduces or even reduces distraction by possibly reducing emphasis on other filling areas of other containers than those containing ingredients for the selected beverage completely avoided. Thus, for example, the luminous elements of the non-visually highlighted filling areas or containers can be reduced in terms of their brightness or completely switched off.

In a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment, the filling areas of the containers of the plurality of containers may comprise an opening and a funnel protruding beyond a surface of the beverage dispenser and / or a lid for the opening. In addition to an opening for filling the container or the filling region, depending on the specific technical and / or design specifications and boundary conditions, an optical highlighting of the relevant filling regions, which is optimally adapted to these specifications, can be achieved. Thus, for example, a hopper protruding beyond the device can be specifically illuminated or otherwise optically highlighted. However, it may also be possible, in addition or alternatively, to visually highlight a cover for the opening of the container or the filling area by the lighting system.

In such a beverage dispenser according to one embodiment, the hopper and / or the lid of a filling area may be at least partially transparent. In this way, an operation of the drinks vending machine can be further simplified because the user can look into the filling area, possibly even into the container, through the at least partially transparent design of the relevant components, and thus can see the ingredient directly. Of course, in other embodiments, it may also be advisable not to implement such a transparent or at least partially transparent embodiment of the relevant components, if, for example, the ingredient to be filled in the relevant container can be sensitive to light.

In a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment, the filling areas of the containers of the plurality of containers may have a round circumference. The luminous system can then have a plurality of luminous rings as luminous elements, wherein each filling region of the plurality of filling regions is assigned a luminous element of the plurality of luminous elements. As a result, not only an optically particularly attractive overall impression can be achieved, the (circular) round design of the filling areas can also facilitate easier filling of the container and a uniform optical highlighting for wide viewing angle areas, which is enhanced by the design of the lighting elements as light rings , As a result, not only the operation can be made more intuitive, it may also optionally or alternatively also the ergonomics in the field of filling can be improved.

In a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment, the input device may include a plurality of input elements, wherein each input element of the plurality of input elements is associated with a container. The input device can in this case be further configured to select the beverage based on activated input elements in such a way that the selected beverage is provided on the basis of the ingredients with which the containers are filled whose assigned input elements are activated. In this way, if appropriate, a very flexible selection of the beverage concerned can be achieved, whereby the user receives an immediate confirmation of his selected ingredients via the lighting system.

In such a beverage vending machine according to an embodiment, the input device may further comprise for each input element of the plurality of input elements, a further luminous element, wherein the further luminous element is at least partially disposed on a circumference of an input element or on an actuating surface of the input element and wherein the further luminous element of the input element Activation of the same displays. In this way, the intuitive operation of such a beverage vending machine can optionally be further improved if the user not only sees the optically highlighted filling area of the relevant container, but also points to the input element, which represents at least one container and thus an ingredient of its beverage. If appropriate, this association between the input elements of the input device and the luminous system or the filling areas can be extended to the effect that the further luminous elements, the luminous elements and / or the filling areas, which are each assigned to one another, are colored or in another way, for example by a appropriate design, are coordinated. For example, shades of the further lighting elements and the lighting elements can be matched to one another. Likewise, for example, an embodiment of the scope of the Befüllbereiche done to a configuration of the scope of the corresponding input elements. Thus, for example, filling areas with a round circumference can input elements with a round circumference, Filling areas with a polygonal (eg triangular, square, rectangular or hexagonal) circumference input elements are assigned with a correspondingly shaped perimeter. As input elements, for example, keys, short-stroke keys, toggle switches, sensor surfaces (eg capacitive sensor surfaces), sensor keys, lift keys can be used with a change in position, with the last-mentioned a change in position by a difference in height to an adjacent input element can be additionally visible. For side-by-side lifting buttons with a change in position so there may be a difference in height when activated or actuated lifting button between a left or right adjacent key.

In a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment, the input device may also include a plurality of input elements corresponding to the number of containers. The input elements can in this case be arranged on a bottom region of the container and designed as a pressure switch or similar switch. In this case, the containers can, for example, be arranged to be movable substantially perpendicularly to a surface of the beverage vending machine, so that the input elements can be activated by pressing the containers.

A beverage vending machine according to an embodiment may further comprise a matrix-based display panel, wherein the vending machine is adapted to display on the display panel information regarding the selected beverage. Alternatively or additionally, the input device may also include a corresponding display field. In this way, an additional control option can be created, for example, to avoid a mistake in terms of the selected beverage in the user. A corresponding display field can therefore increase the intuitive operability of such a beverage dispenser. For example, on the display panel, information may be displayed on which ingredients are selected and / or which beverage may be prepared using the selected ingredients. Thus, for example, a touch-sensitive display field (touchscreen or touch display) can be used.

In a beverage dispenser according to one embodiment, it may thus be a fully automatic coffee machine, a coffee machine, a soft drink system, a hot beverage system or a beverage combination system. In a coffee machine, which is also referred to as espresso maker, but also in a hot beverage system or a beverage combination system, for example, one or more containers may be formed to receive coffee beans. The removal areas of the corresponding containers can be connected, for example, with one or more grinders in order to prepare a corresponding coffee powder from the beans. Additionally or alternatively, they may also have a funnel shape in which an angle of the funnel can be tuned to a friction angle or angle of repose of the relevant ingredient, for example of coffee beans.

A corresponding beverage dispenser may then further comprise one or more brewing systems in which the coffee powder (s) are brewed. Of course, corresponding vending machines also include other components, for example, for admixing cold, warm or hot milk as a liquid or as a foam. Regardless of this, however, a container for water in a fully automatic coffee machine, an espresso machine, a coffee machine, a heat beverage system or a beverage combination system may not be considered as a container for an ingredient in the sense of an embodiment, if the water is needed as an auxiliary ingredient for substantially all drinks, as is the case, for example, with coffee-based beverages. The same can apply, for example, to a milk container.

In a soft drink system and beverage combination system, these may optionally have cooling means for cooling or chilling the corresponding ingredients. Likewise, they can optionally also have a mixing chamber with or without a stirrer in order, for example, to allow a better mixing of the ingredients. In the case of a beverage vending machine according to an embodiment, which is designed to provide fruit juices or fruit juice mixed drinks, this may for example comprise one or more fruit juice presses to directly win the corresponding juice from fruits.

In a beverage dispenser according to one embodiment, the lighting system may include such an inorganic or organic light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

Embodiments can thus achieve an increase in the intuitive operability of a beverage vending machine by comparatively simple means in that the filling areas of the containers are optically highlighted in a selection of the corresponding ingredient or of the relevant container. This can optionally be achieved with constructive and / or cost-effective means, so that optically pleasing and / or robust beverage vending machines can be realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further advantageous embodiments will be described in greater detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, to which exemplary embodiments are not restricted.

Thus, the figures show schematically the following views.

1 shows a schematic representation of a drinks vending machine according to an embodiment;

2 shows a perspective view of two filling areas and two input elements of an input device of a drinks vending machine according to an embodiment in which a first filling area is highlighted;

3 shows the in 2 shown area in which a second filling area is highlighted;

4 shows the in the 2 and 3 shown area in which both filling areas are highlighted; and

5 shows an exemplary representation of information on a matrix-based display panel of a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment.

Detailed description of the drawings

In the following description of beverage vending machines according to embodiments, like reference numerals designate the same or similar components. Likewise, summarizing reference numerals are used when individual components occur multiple times in an embodiment or in a drawing, but these are to be described together. In this respect, components which are denoted by the same reference numerals or by the same reference numerals may be identical in terms of individual, several or all features. With regard to one or more features, however, these may also differ, unless something different or immediate results from the description.

1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a beverage vending machine 100 , More specifically, it is the vending machine 100 to a coffee machine 110 , The drinks machine 100 is hereby designed to allow a user of the same a reference of a drink of a plurality of different, preparable or obtainable by the beverage vending drinks.

For this purpose, the drinks machine 100 a plurality of containers 120 for receiving one ingredient each for the drinks of the plurality of drinks. 1 shows here a vending machine 100 in which two containers 120-1 and 120-2 are implemented. Of course, at other vending machines 100 according to an embodiment - regardless of whether this is coffee machines 110 or other vending machines 100 trades - even more than two containers 120 be implemented. For example, with a corresponding drinks vending machine 100 three, four or more containers 120 includes his. For drinks vending machines 100 however, which are intended for a base ingredient used in substantially all or at least almost all beverages, eg a container for water in the case of beverage machines designed for coffee drinks 100 , do not count here to the containers 120 the majority of containers.

The containers 120 each have a filling area 130 on, which is in each case designed such that the container in question 120 by filling the ingredient through the filling area 130 is fillable. The filling areas 130 are here as part of the respective container 120 , so as sections of the containers 120 executed. At the in 1 shown beverage vending machine is a significant proportion of the container 120 in an interior of the vending machine 100 that is inside a case 140 of the drinks vending machine 100 arranged. In contrast, however, extend the filling areas 130 over a surface 150 , which is more specifically a housing surface of the drinks vending machine 100 is. The filling area 130 includes so in the in 1 embodiment shown a funnel 160 which at a the container 120 opposite end of an opening 170 which has an optional lid 180 after a filling process is again releasably closed. The lid 180 This may for example be designed as a flavor protection cover with a corresponding seal to the loss of a flavor in the container 120 to reduce or even avoid the ingredient present.

The filling areas 130 In this case, they can optionally be manufactured completely or partially from a transparent or at least partially transparent material, thus allowing the user an insight into the interior of the container 120 or its filling area 130 to enable. For example, in one embodiment, the lid 180 but also the funnel 160 be made of a transparent plastic. This may allow the user, on the one hand, the level of the ingredient in the container in question 120 to check. In connection with a lighting system 190 , which is described in more detail below, In addition, by an at least partially transparent execution of the filling 130 a more direct control of which ingredients are used for the beverage chosen by him.

But even in the case of a non-transparent version, the corresponding components, so for example the funnel 160 , the lid 180 and / or the housing 140 be made of a plastic, for example, from an injection-moldable plastic.

The drinks machine 100 according to one embodiment, in addition to the already mentioned lighting system 190 also an input device 200 which is designed to select the beverage from the plurality of drinks. So points the input device 200 as they are in 1 is shown, a plurality of input elements 210 in the form of buttons, each input element 210 one of the containers 120 assigned. So points the input device 200 two input elements 210-1 and 210-2 on, where the input element 210-1 the container 120-1 or the ingredient contained therein is assigned. The input element is corresponding 210-2 the container 120-2 assigned. If now one of the input elements is activated or actuated by the user, then the input device is 200 designed to drink based on the activated input elements 210 , ie the actuated buttons, to select or select. The drinks machine 100 is then based on in the appropriate containers 120 ingredients provide the drink.

The drinks machine 100 here has the already mentioned lighting system 190 which is designed to be in dependence on the input device 200 selected beverage a filling area 130 visually highlight the plurality of filling areas, the container is filled with an ingredient of the selected beverage. For this purpose, the in 1 shown lighting system 190 for each of the filling areas 130 a lighting element 220-1 . 220-2 on which one of the filling areas 130 or one of the containers 120 assigned. The lighting elements 220 are here designed so that they have the appropriate filling area 130 shine like this in 1 is indicated by the dotted arrows drawn there. More specifically, the corresponding lighting elements 220 in the embodiment shown here even designed so that they produce a directed beam field to the corresponding filling area 130 to emphasize visually. The beam field is based on the geometry of the light elements 220 ,

At the in 1 shown embodiment of a drinks vending machine 100 are the lighting elements 220 as light rings 230 executed substantially completely around a circular circumference of the filling areas 130 the container 120 extend around.

Depending on the specific design, such a lighting element 220 as a complete luminous ring 230 be executed. Technically, this can be achieved by using one or more light-emitting diodes, for example organic or inorganic light-emitting diodes (LED = light emitting diode) in conjunction with corresponding light distribution structures. The light distribution structures may in this case be made of a suitably suitable plastic. Optionally, a more cost effective solution can be implemented by substituting a complete luminous ring instead 230 only portions of such a ring as a luminous element 220 be executed. For example, at a rear of the case 140 of the drinks vending machine 100 an implementation of corresponding lighting elements 220 omitted. It may also be possible, with the help of an LED spot, a light beam on the filling area 130 to judge.

In other embodiments, the filling areas 130 the container 120 have a different circumference than a round. For example, the filling areas may also be polygonal, that is, for example, square, triangular or hexagonal. Accordingly, the lighting elements can 220 around the filling areas 130 extend along these perimeters. It may also be possible that only one or more subregions of the circumference with a corresponding luminous element 220 are equipped.

At the in 1 the embodiment shown is the lighting system 190 designed so that this is the funnel 160 the filling areas 130 spotlighting. To emulate this purpose emit the light elements 220 a light beam or a beam field, which on the one hand on the geometry of the corresponding lighting elements 220 on the other hand in the present embodiment substantially perpendicular to the surface 150 of the housing 140 is oriented. It can therefore be parallel to the surface 150 of the housing 140 a level 240 be defined by the one hand, the filling areas 130 , more specifically the funnels 160 , extend therethrough, but with the lighting elements 220 only on one side of the plane 240 are arranged and do not extend through this level.

In other embodiments, the lighting elements 220 each generate a beam field which is substantially parallel to the surface 150 or oblique to this runs. Likewise, the lighting elements 220 or the lighting system 190 be designed so that the relevant filling area 130 of the container 120 is only marked without the relevant filling area 130 is illuminated. For example, with a sunk container 120 without one over the surface 150 protruding filling only a lighted ring 230 or another form of lighting elements 220 for visual highlighting of the filling areas 130 be used.

Of course, however, in one embodiment, the lighting system 190 also one or more light elements 220 comprising a directed light beam to the respective filling area 130 directed. This can, for example, in the case of a protruding bean tank or a protruding container 120 with a corresponding filling area 130 be the case. Such a light beam can, for example, an organic or inorganic light emitting diode (LED = light emitting diode) as a luminous element 220 caused as a spotlight or spot from the direction of the keys of the input device 200 is directed towards the protruding bean tank.

The input device 200 can, as well as in 1 is shown, for each key of the plurality of buttons, another light element 250 comprising actuating or activating the respective input element 210 , thus indicating the relevant key. The other lighting elements 250 are at the in 1 shown embodiment arranged on an actuating surface of the keys. In other embodiments, the further lighting elements 250 also in other places, for example along at least a portion of a circumference of the relevant input element 210 , Examples of this are still in connection with the 2 to 4 shown.

The drinks machine 100 According to one embodiment, further comprises a matrix-based display field 260 on. In this case, the display field can display information regarding the selected beverage, for example information about which beverage was selected and / or which ingredients are used for this purpose. As a result, if appropriate, a probability of incorrect operation of the drinks vending machine 100 be further reduced by clicking on the ad field 260 information is provided to the user of the vending machine 100 make it possible to recheck his choice of drink via the buttons.

In other embodiments, the display field 260 also as part of the input device 200 be implemented. This is how the matrix-based panel can look 260 for example, as a display of a touch-sensitive display (touchscreen or touch display), wherein it is in the input device 200 itself is the touch-sensitive display.

For preparing the drink selected by the user based on the input device 200 entered information can be the vending machine 100 via a withdrawal area 270 the individual container 120 a preparation unit 280 respectively. The preparation unit 280 is with an outlet 290 connected via the drinks machine 100 can deliver the drink.

The preparation unit 280 can in the case of a coffee machine, for example, for each container 120 and thus for each type of bean a separate grinder 300 exhibit. This is how the vending machine points 100 , which is currently a coffee machine 110 trades, two grinders 300-1 and 300-2 on, the input side with the removal areas 270 the two containers are coupled. On the output side are the grinders 300 with a brewing chamber 310 in which the actual preparation of the coffee specialty takes place, before this over the outlet 290 is issued.

As already explained at the beginning, embodiments of the present invention make it possible in the form of a beverage vending machine 100 , for example in the form of the coffee machine 110 , an operation of such a vending machine 100 with a plurality of containers 120 for receiving in each case an ingredient for the drinks from the vending machine 100 make prepared drinks more intuitive. At the coffee machine 110 the user can individual containers 120 , also referred to as bean containers or bean tanks, via the input elements 210 activate or select individually. Accordingly, then the beans on an activation or actuation of the input elements 210 from the corresponding activated containers 120 about their extraction areas 270 in the grinders 300 reach. These then provide the coffee powder, which is part of the brewing chamber 310 is brewed with water of a corresponding temperature and a corresponding pressure.

An embodiment of such a beverage vending machine 100 or a coffee machine 110 allows this through the use of the lighting system 190 a more intuitive operation of such a coffee machine 110 with several grinders 300 and bean containers 120 , Through the use of the lighting system 190 can be such a transparent, meaningful and vivid Operation of the drinks vending machine 100 be enabled.

To achieve this, the lighting system ensures 190 for having the selected containers 120 or the selected filling areas 130 the container concerned 120 be highlighted. At the in 1 In addition, the lighting system is designed in such a way that a filling area 130 just optically not highlighted when the associated container 120 the filling area 130 filled with an ingredient that is not used in the selected beverage. Is so for example in the container 120-2 contain a type of bean that is not to be used for the relevant coffee reference, the user selects the input element 210-2 not on or disabled, it should have been previously activated. As a result, the lighting element 220-2 or the light ring 230-2 of the lighting system 190 switched off, but at least dimmed in terms of its intensity so that the filling 130-2 of the container 120-2 no longer visually highlighted.

On the other hand, the beverage in question is based on beans that are in the container 120-1 are included, the user activates the input element 210-1 , not only by lighting up the corresponding further lighting element 250-1 It is also the lighting element 220-1 or the light ring 230-1 enabled, so the appropriate fill area 130-1 is highlighted visually. In the case of the drinks vending machine 100 out 1 becomes the funnel for this purpose 160 the filling area 130 and optionally its lid 180-1 illuminated by a correspondingly shaped beam field.

In other embodiments of a drinks vending machine 100 can the lighting system 190 be designed such that only filling areas 130 of containers 120 are visually highlighted, which are filled with an ingredient for the selected beverage. For example, all lighting elements 220 , the filling areas 130 or their containers 120 are turned off or deactivated, the contents of which are not used as ingredients for the selected beverage.

In addition, in embodiments, the input elements 210 the input device 200 in terms of their color and / or shape to the appropriate container 120 or their filling areas 130 be adjusted. Thus, in addition, a color and / or shape-technical assignment can be implemented, in which, for example, the filling areas 130 color to a color of the optical highlighting, so for example, the color of the radiation field of the associated luminous element 220 be coordinated. Also, a form of input elements 210 that is, for example, a shape of the corresponding keys, to a cross-sectional shape and thus to a periphery of the container 120 or its filling area 130 be adjusted. Both can be designed, for example, round or polygonal.

Below we related to the 2 to 4 the visual highlighting of the filling areas 130 in connection with a coffee machine 110 with two bean containers or containers 120 explained in more detail. This is the already described above, direct assignment of the input elements 210 the input device 200 and further ad elements in the context of their function described in more detail.

2 shows a perspective view of a portion of the surface 150 of the housing 140 a coffee machine 110 as he is for example in 1 was shown. The coffee machine comprises two containers 120-1 . 120-2 with two corresponding filling areas 130-1 . 130-2 , each one a funnel 160-1 . 160-2 and a lid 180-1 . 180-2 include.

The coffee machine further comprises a respective lighting element 220-1 . 220-2 as a light ring 230-1 . 230-2 is designed. The light rings are in this case directly in the region of the circumference of the Befüllbereiche 130 , ie directly at a passage area of the funnels 160 in the interior of the case 140 arranged.

On the surface 150 is also the input device 200 arranged, the two input elements 210-1 and 210-2 which are implemented as keys. The two input elements 210 are in each case of a further luminous element 250-1 . 250-2 at least partially enclosed, with the two other lighting elements 250 together form a stretched ring around the two selection buttons. On an actuating surface 320-1 . 320-1 The two buttons have corresponding symbols and labels ("1", "2") attached to each of the two containers 120 , ie the corresponding bean tanks, identify. Furthermore, one bean symbol is shown in each case.

The coffee machine 110 out 2 So includes a light ring with the two other lighting elements 250-1 . 250-2 around the two selection buttons 210-1 . 210-2 around, one light ring each 230 around the filling areas 130 the two bean tanks 120 as well as an in 2 display not shown in an in 2 not shown display field 260 (not shown in 2 ).

The user can now push the left container 120-1 or the right container 120-2 or both containers 120-1 and 120-2 by pressing the appropriate input elements 210 , so select the appropriate buttons. The associated lighting elements 220 . 250 visualize the selected state or the selected containers 120 , For device variants with one display field 260 can support information on the display panel 260 displayed which type of coffee or bean type is currently being used. Likewise, in such a system may also be a selection using the display panel 260 respectively. In such a case, the ad field 260 that is, as part of the input device 200 be executed.

2 thus illustrates the selection of the left container 120-1 which is also referred to as a bean tank or simply tank. Accordingly, the light ring 230-1 around the container 120-1 or its filling area 130-1 and the other light element 250-1 around the input element 210-1 enlightened. As a result, the user is an optical feedback not only on the button or her other light element 250-1 but also about the luminous ring 230 around the container 120-1 allows. In addition, a corresponding ad in the display field 260 (not shown in 2 ), which is also called a display.

The light ring 230-2 of the non-activated container 120-2 or the corresponding filling area 130-2 is also disabled or disabled as the associated additional light element 250-2 of the input element 210-2 ,

3 shows the same area of the surface 150 of the coffee machine 110 as well as that 2 has done. However, the selection situation of the active containers differs 120 , So is by pressing the input element 210-2 at the in 3 represented situation rather the container 120-2 activated. Accordingly, the further light element shine 250-2 as well as the light ring 230-2 or the lighting element 220-2 , The corresponding lighting elements 220 . 250 that the first container 120-1 are not active in this situation. Was, for example, starting from the in 2 illustrated situation, the first container 120-1 still active, this may optionally be a further actuation of the input element 210-1 require.

4 finally shows the already in the 2 and 3 shown section of the surface 150 of the corresponding coffee machine 110 , Unlike the ones in the 2 and 3 However, situations shown here are both containers 120-1 . 120-2 by pressing the appropriate input elements 210-1 . 210-2 activated. In other words, both the right and left bean tanks are activated in this situation. The user receives feedback by the complete light ring around the two input elements 210 with its other lighting elements 250-1 . 250-2 as well as the light rings 230-1 . 230-2 around the two containers or bean tanks 120-1 . 120-2 to shine. In addition, here again, corresponding information on a display field 260 are displayed. In this way, therefore, a mixture of, for example, the two types of beans used can be made possible.

5 shows an example of a possible display on a display panel 260 if this is part of a corresponding vending machine 100 is implemented. As previously mentioned, these panels are an optional component.

In the 5 For example, the information shown in FIG 2 represented situation correspond. Thus, in a first line of text, that is the first container 120-1 was selected ("You have selected the left tank."). In a second line of text, for example, information regarding the bean variety concerned can be reproduced ("He currently contains the variety xyz."). Instead of the placeholder "xyz" can then be the name of the corresponding bean, for example, "Costa Rica Tarrazú Grade A" included.

On the display field is also in a further line over two symbols 330-1 and 330-2 the selection of the left tank 120-1 illustrated by a broader line representing the symbol 330-2 is missing.

On the display panel can do so using icons 330 , with the help of text information, a combination of both or with the help of graphical representations, information about the selected beverage to the user of the coffee machine 110 be transmitted.

As a result, it may be possible to provide increased ease of use and more direct access by the user or user to individual bean qualities for specific coffee beverages. The operator can thus more intuitively meet his preferences with regard to his preferred drinks. So can a direct and individual selection as well as a change of containers 120 , So the bean tanks and the bean type therein, be possible during and between the beverage reference of individual portions.

Of course, are vending machines 100 according to an embodiment by far not on fully automatic coffee machines 110 limited. Thus, other coffee machines, but also simpler coffee machines based on an embodiment of a drinks vending machine 100 will be realized. Even with these, a corresponding bean tank selection system can be used. If necessary, the containers in question may also be filled directly with coffee powder or other ingredients for coffee and coffee-based drinks. In addition, of course, the container can optionally be filled with cocoa or cocoa powder, if the corresponding drinks machine is designed for this purpose. In addition to solid ingredients, special liquid ingredients can also be added as appropriate under appropriate containers 120 be provided as ingredients for the preparation of appropriate drink. For example, it may be possible to select a particular container 120 Switch between normal milk and lactose-free milk.

But not only in the field of coffee machines corresponding embodiments of a drinks vending machine 100 can be realized, for example, the containers can be filled with different teas and / or optionally different fruit juices or fruit juice concentrates.

In addition to a novel design, which may also increase a recognition value, so enabled embodiments of a beverage vending machine 100 an effective visualization of the containers 120 containing the ingredients for a selected drink. Thus, for example, a permanent visual control and feedback of the selection state can be enabled or even guaranteed during operation. Depending on the concrete implementation of a drinks vending machine 100 According to one embodiment, the user may have several information levels available to the user at the same time, which provide the corresponding information in an easily understandable manner. So the corresponding information, which container 120 is active in the area of the container 120 namely at its filling area 130 itself, on the corresponding selection key (input elements 210 ) and optional - if necessary supplemented by further information - on the display field 260 be read. Embodiments of a drinks vending machine 100 can thus enable a design-for-all-suitable user guidance.

Especially with increasingly complex operating processes and options can be through the use of an embodiment of a drinks vending machine 100 an ever more complex product functionality and scope of product features are nevertheless transmitted to the user easily understandable and intuitive by the device to be operated itself. The drinks machine 100 according to one embodiment can speak for themselves accordingly.

Embodiments can thus achieve an increase in the intuitive operability of a beverage vending machine by comparatively simple means in that the filling areas of the containers are optically highlighted in a selection of the corresponding ingredient or of the relevant container. This can optionally be achieved with constructive and / or cost-effective means, so that optically pleasing and / or robust beverage vending machines can be realized.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various forms.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

 Vending Machine

110

 Kaffeevollautomat

120

 container

130

 loading region

140

 casing

150

 surface

160

 funnel

170

 opening

180

 cover

190

 lighting system

200

 input device

210

 input element

220

 light element

230

 light ring

240

 level

250

 another light element

260

 display

270

 removal area

280

 preparation unit

290

 outlet

300

 grinder

310

brewing

320

 actuating surface

330

 symbol

Claims (15)

Vending machine ( 100 ) for receiving a beverage from a plurality of different drinks obtainable from the beverage dispenser, comprising: a plurality of containers ( 120 ) for containing in each case an ingredient for the drinks of the plurality of drinks, each container ( 120 ) a filling area ( 130 ), which is designed such that the container ( 120 ) by filling the ingredient through the filling area ( 130 ) is fillable; an input device ( 200 ) for selecting the beverage from the plurality of drinks; and a lighting system ( 190 ), which is designed to provide a filling area (depending on the selected beverage ( 130 ) of the plurality of filling areas ( 130 ), whose container ( 120 ) is filled with an ingredient of the selected beverage. Vending machine ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the lighting system ( 190 ) is formed around the optically highlighted filling area ( 130 ). Vending machine ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lighting system ( 190 ) a plurality of luminous elements ( 220 ), each filling area ( 130 ) of the plurality of filling areas a luminous element ( 220 ) is associated with the plurality of lighting elements. Vending machine ( 100 ) according to claim 3, wherein a luminous element ( 220 ) of the plurality of luminous elements at least along a partial region of a circumference of the filling region assigned to it ( 130 ) is arranged. Vending machine ( 100 ) according to claim 4, wherein the luminous element ( 220 ) of the plurality of luminous elements essentially completely along the circumference of the filling region assigned to it ( 130 ) is arranged. Vending machine ( 100 ) according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which the lighting elements ( 220 ) of the plurality of luminous elements are formed in order to direct a directed beam field onto the highlighted filling region ( 130 ). Vending machine ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lighting system ( 190 ) is designed so that a filling area ( 130 ) is not optically highlighted when the container ( 120 ) of the filling area is filled with an ingredient which is not used in the selected beverage. Vending machine ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lighting system ( 190 ) is designed so that only filling areas ( 130 ) of containers ( 120 ) are highlighted, which are filled with an ingredient for the selected beverage. Vending machine ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the filling areas ( 130 ) the container of the plurality of containers ( 120 ) an opening ( 170 ), as well as one over a surface ( 150 ) of the drinks vending machine ( 100 ) funnels ( 160 ) and / or a lid ( 180 ) for the opening ( 170 ). Vending machine ( 100 ) according to claim 9, wherein the funnel ( 160 ) and / or the lid ( 180 ) of a filling area ( 130 ) are at least partially transparent. Vending machine ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the filling areas ( 130 ) the container ( 120 ) of the plurality of containers have a round periphery, and the lighting system ( 190 ) a plurality of light rings ( 230 ) as light elements ( 220 ), each filling area ( 130 ) of the plurality of filling areas a luminous element ( 220 ) is associated with the plurality of lighting elements. Vending machine ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the input device ( 200 ) a plurality of input elements ( 210 ), each input element ( 210 ) of the plurality of input elements to a container ( 120 ), the input device ( 200 ) is adapted to the beverage based on activated input elements ( 210 ) such that the selected beverage is provided on the basis of the ingredients with which the containers ( 120 ) whose associated input elements ( 210 ) are activated. Vending machine ( 100 ) according to claim 12, wherein the input device ( 200 ) for each input element ( 210 ) of the plurality of input elements another light element ( 250 ), wherein the further luminous element ( 250 ) at least in sections on a circumference of the input element ( 210 ) or on an actuating surface ( 320 ) of the input element ( 210 ), and wherein the further luminous element ( 250 ) of the input element ( 210 ) indicates activation thereof. Vending machine ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinks machine ( 100 ) or the input device ( 200 ) a matrix-based display field ( 260 ), wherein the drinks machine ( 100 ) or the input device ( 200 ) is designed to be displayed on the display 260 ) to display information regarding the selected beverage. Vending machine ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the beverage dispenser ( 100 ) a coffee machine ( 110 ), a coffee maker, a soft drink system, a hot beverage system or a beverage combination system.

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