DESCRIPTION Technical field

The invention relates to a drinks dispenser for offices and small communities of the type in which the drink is contained in a replaceable canister-like container. Prior art

Dispensers which use containers of the above-mentioned type are well-known for being used in locations where there is a need to provide for the dispensing of drinks, or more generally drinking water, but where there is provided neither the use of sophisticated automatic dispensing machines nor a connection to the mains water network. For such known dispensers have a relatively simple structure, comprising a support base for a canister-like container which is introduced with the mouth directed downwards into an open seat in the upper portion of the base. Normally, the base is provided with a cooler which allows water at ambient temperature or chilled water to be dispensed as desired. That type of dispenser is appreciated for its simplicity of operation but also because, unlike automatic systems which dispense beverages derived from mixing water and syrups in situ, they do not have to be subjected to regular technical interventions for cleaning and hygiene purposes.

For these dispensers are provided in order to dispense only drinks which are pre-packaged in the canister-like container and are not therefore susceptible to deposits of syrups with potential growth of pathogenic organisms. On the other hand, those dispensers are provided with a single seat for receiving a single container which is positioned above the base,

which limits the possibility of satisfying various tastes unless the number of dispensers installed is increased. Description of the invention

The main object of the invention is to provide a drinks dispenser of the type mentioned which is structurally and functionally configured to overcome all the disadvantages set out with reference to the prior art mentioned. To that extent, another important object of the invention is to construct a drinks dispenser which is suitable for satisfying different requirements simultaneously and, at the same time, retaining a structure which is compact and readily adaptable to confined spaces. Brief description of the drawings

The features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the following detailed description of one preferred non-limiting embodiment which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to the invention,

- Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the dispenser of Figure 1, with the body partially removed; - Figure 4 is a perspective sectional view of the dispenser of the preceding Figures;

- Figure 5 is a cross-section of the same dispenser. Preferred embodiment of the invention

In the Figures, a drinks dispenser constructed in accordance with the present invention is generally designated 1. The dispenser 1 comprises a

base 2, in which the main components thereof are received, including a refrigerating unit 3, and which at the same time constitutes a support for a plurality (two or more) of drinks containers of the replaceable canister-like type designated 4a, b, c, d. The containers 4a, b, c, d are constructed in a conventional manner per se and are received with an opening 6 directed downwards in respective seats 5a, b, c, d having a flared mouth which allows suitable support thereof. There is associated with each seat a bowl 7, in which there are defined an upper chamber 8 and a lower chamber 9, which are separated by a partition 10 which nevertheless allows fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber through an annular opening which is defined between the partition 10 and the wall of the bowl 7.

The outer surface of the bowl 7, in the region of the lower chamber, is in thermal contact with an evaporator 12 which is connected to the refrigerating unit 3 having a compressor 3a and a condenser 3b so that the unit brings about the cooling of all the bowls 7 of the dispenser 1.

In this manner, a modest quantity of drink at ambient temperature is kept in the upper chamber 8 (which is immediately re-filled as drink is taken from the container 4a-c above which keeps a constant available level therein), whilst a greater quantity of cooled drink is kept in the lower chamber 9 ready to be dispensed.

The upper chamber 8 is in communication with the outside by way of a first dispensing pipe 14 which is open in the region of the partition 10, whilst the lower chamber 9 communicates with the outside by way of a second dispensing pipe 15 which is open at the bottom of the bowl 7.

Both the pipes 14, 15 can be selectively cut off by means of respective solenoid valves 16, 17 and both flow into a single dispensing collector 18, in which the pipes 14, 15 of all the bowls converge.

Along the dispensing collector 18, there may optionally be provided a gassing device 19 for adding carbon dioxide to the drink dispensed.

Finally, the dispenser is completed by a dispensing station 20, where the dispensing collector 18 terminates and a housing for a drinking vessel 21 is constructed. The dispenser 1 is provided with a control panel 22, such as selection means, by means of which it is possible to select the drink which it is desirable to dispense as well as, optionally, the requested quantity (25 cl or 33 cl drinking vessels) to be dispensed.

A payment device 23 which is known per se, for example, of the type involving tokens, electronic keys or the like, and which serves to authorise the dispensing of the drink by making the operation subject to payment of a fixed price is provided on the base 2.

The invention thus achieves the above-mentioned objects by providing a number of advantages, including a moderate spatial requirement, integrated functionality for dispensing both chilled drinks and drinks at ambient temperature, natural drinks or carbonated drinks, a low consumption of electricity and a modest need for servicing.