DE102007008911A1 - Removable bean container with single-turn closure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bean container (10) for a vending machine, comprising a container (12) for storing beans, having a dispensing opening (13) for feeding the beans to a grinder and a coupling element arranged movably with respect to the dispensing opening (13) (16) for connecting the container (12) with the drinks vending machine, wherein the container (12) and the coupling element (16) in the region of the discharge opening (13) each have a closure element (26, 28) which is used to open and close the discharge opening are movable relative to each other.

Description

The The present invention relates to a bean container for a vending machine with a container for Storage, with a discharge opening for the Feed the beans into a grinder and with one opposite the discharge opening movably arranged coupling element for connecting the container to the drinks vending machine. The bean container may be, for example, a Coffee bean container for a coffee machine act.

From the DE 203 00 928 U1 Such a bean container for a coffee machine is known. For closing an output shaft, it has a closure unit with at least one closure element, which is pivotably mounted between its end positions about a pivot axis arranged parallel to the axis of the output shaft. The closure unit has a mechanical drive, by means of which the closure element, coupled to a rotational movement of the container, can be pivoted from an open position into a closed position and vice versa. A disadvantage of the bean container is the complex structure of the mechanical drive, which requires a variety of items, thus leading to high production costs and prone to interference.

Of the Invention is therefore based on the object, a bean container to specify for a drinks vending machine whose Closure simple and therefore cheaper can be produced.

These The object is achieved according to the invention that both the container and the coupling element in the region of the discharge opening in each case a closure element exhibit. The closure elements make planar components each partially obscuring the discharge opening. For opening and closing the discharge opening they are moved relative to each other, so they either over each other lying partially release the discharge opening or she completely blocking each other. In difference The prior art is the present bean container including its closure device only two parts, namely the container and the coupling element.

The Coupling element thus fulfills a dual function: on the one hand it connects the container with the grinder and on the other hand it serves to actuate the discharge opening on the container. As a connecting element between container and grinder can it be rigidly formed to the container. But there it is to open and close the discharge opening At least it must work together with that of the container for that against the container movable be executed. Thus, for example, during the dismantling of Container does not accidentally open the delivery port should be opened, the actuating movements for the (dis) assembly of the container and the Dispensing opening be decoupled from each other. Can do this For example, they have a different direction of rotation or a Rotation on the one hand and a shift on the other hand require. Alternatively, in a rectified motion Be arranged latching means, which is an open position or insbesondre fix a closed position of the container.

The called connection technology between container and grinder depends preferably on the outer Shape of bean container. Indicates the bean container For example, a cylindrical shape, it may be in the Coupling arranged around a coaxial with the container Act coupling ring, which is rotatably connected to the container is. The connection technology can according to the tongue and groove principle respectively.

Around open and close the discharge opening To be able to, the freedom of movement of the coupling element be limited to the container. To can on the container and / or on the coupling element Stops are provided, with which two end positions to define the movement. An end position then corresponds the open position of the discharge opening, the other of the closed position.

The Connection of the bean container with the grinder of the vending machine can by a connector, such as a bayonet, respectively. The coupling element can corresponding fasteners such as have noses, with corresponding counter-elements interact with the grinder. The coupling element leaves thus lock against rotation on the grinder.

To an advantageous embodiment of the invention is the respective Closure element on the container and / or on the coupling element integrally formed therewith. The locking elements can therefore either separately manufactured and with the container or Coupling permanently connected permanently. Or they are for Example in a production by injection molding in one piece with connected to the container or the coupling element. This simple construction ensures great robustness, cost-effective production and high reliability, associated with a long service life, as to open or Close the discharge opening only one part has to be moved.

The closure elements may each consist of segments whose shape is basically arbitrary. After a further advantageous staltung of the invention, the closure elements close to the container or on the coupling element, the dispensing opening in half. They are then congruent or congruent. As a result, they can be pushed over each other when opening the dispensing opening, so that the closure element of the coupling element completely disappears under or behind the closure element of the container. This training ensures maximum release of the delivery port. In the case of a circular discharge opening, the closure elements each have the shape of a semicircular segment. For example, in the case of a square dispensing opening, the closing elements may have the shape of a rectangular segment.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is Closing element on the container with respect to the plane arranged the discharge opening inclined in the discharge direction. As a result, the beans slide on the segment-shaped closure element All beans leave the container for a full one Leave emptying.

To an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container and / or the coupling element means for their handling. As a means on the container, for example, a ring with recessed grips preferably in the upper area and on the outer Be formed circumference of the container. The upper area is particularly suitable for this, as it is for a user is easily accessible and ergonomic handling allows. It can also cover the entire surface as a bean container by its shape and / or the for the material chosen gives it a pleasant and safe feel guarantee. On the coupling element can for Example radially projecting handle elements such as noses or cams attached. This is the fastening or the Release the coupling element on the grinder of the drinks vending machine relieved, as a better power transfer directly to the coupling element is possible. In addition, let with the help of the handling means higher operating forces apply, whereby, for example, in the discharge opening clamping Beans can be easily removed when closing.

following the invention with reference to an embodiment below Referring to the attached figures described in more detail. Show it:

1 a bean container according to the invention in a perspective side view,

2 the bean container in a plan view,

3 a vertical section of the bean container in the closed position,

4 a vertical section of the bean container in the open position.

1 shows a bean container 10 with a hollow cylindrical container 12 , which is downwardly funnel-shaped to a discharge opening 13 rejuvenated. The discharge opening 13 surrounds a flange 14 , with a coaxially arranged coupling ring 16 is rotatably connected. The coupling ring 16 has at its outer periphery two radially projecting and opposing cams 18 on.

In the upper area of the container 12 is at its outer periphery a circumferential ring 20 with recessed grips 22 formed. The ring 20 encloses a filling opening 24 holding the top of the container 12 forms.

The bean container 10 can over the coupling ring 16 at a grinder of a vending machine (in 1 not shown) are attached. This is the coupling ring 16 Locked against rotation by a bayonet lock on the grinder. Beans filled in the container can hold the container 12 if necessary through the discharge opening 13 leave in the direction of the grinder.

For opening and closing the discharge opening 13 becomes the container 12 on the ring 20 opposite the coupling ring 16 twisted. With closed discharge opening 13 can the bean container 10 also be filled and removed from the grinder. This may be necessary, for example, when the grinder needs to be cleaned.

2 shows the discharge opening 13 in the closed position. It is made up of two semicircular segments 26 and 28 locked. Here is the segment 26 Part of the container 12 and the segment 28 Part of the coupling ring 16 , Is the bean container 10 attached to the grinder, the discharge opening 13 by turning the container 12 be opened or closed. The segments 26 and 28 will be rotated relative to each other. The recessed grips 22 on the ring 20 facilitate the handling of the container 12 ,

3 indicates the closed position of the bean container 10 in a vertical section through the axis of symmetry 30 of the container 12 again. It shows the segments 26 . 28 each as integral parts of the container 12 or the coupling ring 16 , They each cover one half of the discharge opening 13 ,

The coupling ring 16 points above the cams 18 an annular section 32 on top of the flange 14 of the container 12 coaxial surrounds outside. One in the direction of the container 12 point the free end of the annular portion 32 has a circumferential collar 34 on top of the annular section 32 to the flange 14 is angled away. The collar 34 engages in a circumferential groove 36 of the flange 14 one. When installing coupling ring 16 and container 12 the collar snaps 34 in the groove 36 and thus provides a rotatable connection between the coupling ring 16 and container 12 ago.

The discharge opening 13 is in the illustrated closed position of the segments 26 and 28 locked. The segment 26 is above the segment 28 arranged so that when opening the discharge opening 13 ( 4 ) the segment 28 under the segment 26 can be turned. The discharge opening 13 is then for the passage of beans out of the container 12 opened in the grinder. To empty the container 12 to facilitate, is the segment 28 tilted in dispensing direction of the beans. The container 12 This can be completely emptied without leaving beans on the segment 28 remain.

Since the foregoing embodiment described in detail is only one embodiment, it can be modified in a conventional manner by a person skilled in the art to a large extent without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the specific embodiment of the closure elements 26 . 28 in a different form than that described here. Likewise, the connection of the bean container 10 be designed with the grinder in a different form, if this is necessary for space or designerischen reasons.

Farther includes the use of indefinite articles or "one" does not mean that the features in question also can be present multiple times.

10

bean container

12

container

13

discharge opening

14

flange

16

coupling ring

18

cam

20

ring

22

grip

24

fill opening

26 28

segment

30

axis of symmetry

32

annular section

34

collar

36

groove

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 20300928 U1 [0002]

Claims (5)

Bean container ( 10 ) for a vending machine, with a container ( 12 ) for storing beans, having a discharge opening ( 13 ) for the feeding of the beans into a grinder and with a movable opposite the discharge opening ( 13 ) arranged coupling element ( 16 ) for connecting the container ( 12 ) with the beverage vending machine, characterized in that the container ( 12 ) and the coupling element ( 16 ) in the region of the discharge opening ( 13 ) each a closure element ( 26 . 28 ), which are movable relative to each other for opening and closing the discharge opening. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure element ( 26 ) on the container ( 12 ) and / or the closure element ( 28 ) on the coupling element ( 16 ) are integrally formed therewith. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure elements ( 26 . 28 ) the discharge opening ( 13 ) in half each. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure element ( 26 ) on the container ( 12 ) in the discharge direction inclined to the plane of the discharge opening ( 13 ) is arranged. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container ( 12 ) Medium ( 20 . 22 ) for its handling when opening and closing the discharge opening ( 13 ) and / or the coupling element ( 16 ) Medium ( 18 ) to handle it when connecting to the drinks vending machine has.