Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“A DISPENSING NOZZLE ASSEMBLY AND A NOISE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM FOR A BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE(S)”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vending machine accessories or equipment. More specifically, to a dispensing nozzle assembly for a beverage vending machine(s) that maintains an optimal temperature of the beverage until dispensing, while incorporating an automated self-cleaning and an integrated rapid cooling aid that effectively prevents residue build-up, ensures hygiene, and preserves the authentic taste and aroma of the beverage throughout the dispensing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The beverage vending machines are widely used in offices, public areas, educational institutions, and hospitality settings to deliver quick, automated drinks. These machines mix water with preloaded ingredients like coffee powder, milk solids, and flavouring agents to dispense a flavoured beverage through a dispenser nozzle into the user’s cup. The dispenser nozzle is a key component in the vending machines, determining the final outflow, direction, and consistency of the beverage. The dispenser nozzle functions as both an outlet and a final-stage mixing zone for fluid streams such as hot water, hot milk, and coffee concentrates. Thus, any inefficiency in the design directly affects the beverage quality. As it handles both the hot and cold fluids under varying pressures, it deals with various thermal stresses and prevents leakage as well as backflow of the different fluids. Thus, such dispenser nozzles are monolithic and lack modularity, adaptability to fluid dynamics, and make the cleaning process more difficult.

[0003] Conventionally, the dispenser nozzles are generally made from basic polymers or metallic materials and are housed in fixed configurations inside the vending machines. Such fixed configurations are usually designed for compactness of the overall machine size rather than focusing on the thermal efficiency. During continuous use, the nozzle comes into contact with milk particles, sugar syrups, coffee granules, and other semi-soluble residues. These materials may adhere to the inner walls of the nozzle, especially when the temperature is not properly maintained, creating a sticky layer over time.

[0004] Further, many usual machines lack sufficient insulation or internal heating around the nozzle, which causes a gradual drop in beverage temperature just before dispensing. This not only affects the authentic taste but also results in premature cooling. Thus, making it prone to partial crystallisation or thickening. Despite minor design improvements over the years, these nozzle systems often remain difficult to dismantle, clean, or replace, leading to decreased hygiene and higher downtime with cost increments.

[0005] Furthermore, the conventional coffee vending machines often face persistent issues like nozzle clogging and degraded beverage quality due to poor thermal and flow dynamics. A drop in fluid temperature near the nozzle, just before dispensing, leads to loss of aroma and encourages sedimentation of solids. Further, due to the variations and fluctuations in the beverage temperature, the residue gets deposited at the tip of the conventional nozzles, which not only disrupts the beverage flow but also compromises the beverage quality.

[0006] Also, the fine coffee particles, milk powder, or sugar block the narrow flow paths and lead to inadequate internal mixing of the ingredients, causing uneven dispensing or clogging the outlet nozzle. Such residual particle build-up hardens over time, resists basic cleaning, and increases the maintenance needs. Therefore, there is a clear and unmet need for a nozzle design that enhances thermal retention, improves inflow mixing, and prevents clogging through modular separation and advanced fluid coupling.

[0007] Another problem with the conventional vending machines is noise generation while the machine is in operation. In known machines, the discharge lines carrying air and/or steam are often routed directly to a drip tray or a drain without any acoustic separation. This creates a continuous acoustic pathway that allows purge-related or operational noise to travel upstream and become perceptible through the open drip tray. Such audible feedback, particularly in quiet indoor environments, detracts from the user experience.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal objective of the present invention is to improve the dispensing nozzles by resolving issues related to hygiene, temperature regulation, mixing, size, and taste retention in the existing art.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a dispensing nozzle that encompasses a self-cleaning mechanism to expel residual droplets of the dispensed beverage and prevent clogging of the nozzle to maintain hygiene during repeated use.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a dispensing nozzle capable of maintaining an optimal temperature for different types of beverages, thereby ensuring consistent taste and quality.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a dispensing nozzle with a space-efficient and ergonomic design structure that is suitable for installation within a variety of beverage dispensing machines.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a dispensing nozzle that allows easy assembly, disassembly, and cleaning operations, promoting regular maintenance and longer operational life.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an integrated cooling means that facilitates balancing of the internal temperature of the nozzle, thereby preventing the adherence of residual mixed ingredients during beverage dispensing.

[0014] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a dispensing nozzle that is compatible with both hot and cold beverages, without compromising the taste and flavour of the beverage during dispensing.

[0015] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a fluid separation and acoustic isolation arrangement that mitigates the transmission of operational noise from air and steam discharge lines to the user-accessible drip tray area, thereby eliminating direct sound propagation routes.

[0016] A further objection to the invention is to utilise residual liquid as an acoustic damping medium to further suppress noise transmission during purge and drain operations to improve the acoustic performance of the machine and enhance the overall user experience.

[0017] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following overview and description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of the full scope of all its features.

[0019] The present invention relates to a dispensing nozzle assembly for a beverage vending machine(s), which is easy to assemble, disassemble, and clean, making it suitable to fit within a wide range of beverage dispensing machines.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing nozzle assembly for a beverage vending machine(s) is disclosed. Said nozzle assembly comprises a first component, a second component, and a third component, each coupled together in a detachable manner via a mounting fixture and adapted to be affixed to the beverage vending machine. A mixing tube integrated within the first component and fluidly coupled with multiple inlet ports, sequentially formed at a peripheral portion of the nozzle assembly, such that the inlet ports are adapted to receive one or more ingredients of a beverage, to be prepared, for inflow mixing inside the mixing tube. One or more sockets formed integrally with the first component and positioned adjacent to the inlet ports for the cleaning of the inlet ports and mixing tube, after dispensing the beverage via an outlet port of the nozzle assembly.

[0021] In another embodiment, the beverage to be prepared and dispensed includes milk-based coffee, black coffee, hot milk, and hot water.

[0022] In another embodiment, the ingredients required to be mixed for preparing the beverage are stored in a refrigerating chamber of the beverage vending machine, and are connected to the inlet ports.

[0023] In another embodiment, the second component is a thin tubing substantially the same as the first compartment and comprises one or more inlet orifices for receiving and mixing the water and the coffee decoction to dispense black coffee via an outlet orifice.

[0024] In another embodiment, the nozzle assembly includes a vent that maintains air-pressure balance within the mixing tube during the dispensing of ingredients in the mixing tube, thus producing foam/froth during the inflow mixing of ingredients within the mixing tube.

[0025] In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly encompasses a cleaning unit that aids in cleaning the nozzle’s interiors after each dispensing cycle of a beverage.

[0026] In another embodiment, the third component is a steam pumping unit that purges hot steam into the cup of the user, and the nozzle’s internals for sterilisation after each dispensing cycle of the beverage, thereby preventing residue deposition.

[0027] In another embodiment, the nozzle includes one or more sockets that are internally coupled to the cleaning unit for receiving a jet-stream of water for cleaning of inlet ports and the mixing tube.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the nozzle assembly includes a suction port attached in proximity to the outlet port for absorbing residual droplets of the dispensed beverage.

[0029] According to an embodiment, a preheater is equipped in the vending machine, and a flow connection with the refrigerating chamber and one of the inlet ports of the first component for heating and supplying the heated decoction, upon selection of a milk-based beverage, by the user.

[0030] In another embodiment, the pre-heater includes a vessel surrounding an integral coiled pipe fluidly connected with the refrigerating chamber and the inlet ports of the first and second components to receive and heat the ingredients via the fluidly coupled steam pumping unit.

[0031] In one embodiment, a noise suppressor is installed in the vending machine and connected with the nozzle assembly for reducing the noise produced during the preparation, dispensing of the beverage, and cleaning of the nozzle assembly.

[0032] In another embodiment, the noise suppressor comprises a drip tray, a top pipe assembly and a bottom pipe assembly, fluidly coupled together to receive excess and/or waste fluids to discard through a drain outlet pipe.

[0033] In another embodiment, the pipe assembly includes multiple inlet tubes, one or more air release valves, and a plurality of auxiliary vent ports coupled fluidly with the drip tray via a triclamp connection.

[0034] In another embodiment, the bottom pipe assembly includes one or more fixture brackets and a drain outlet pipe, in a fluid connection with the drip tray via a flange connection.

[0035] In one embodiment, the mounting fixture is fixed via multiple fasteners to firmly grip each of the components together, allowing a user to attach the nozzle assembly to the beverage vending machine.

[0036] In another further embodiment, the first component and the second component are configured to separately dispense the beverages of different flavours to ensure non-mixing of flavours, thereby preserving the distinctiveness of each beverage dispensed.

[0037] In a yet further embodiment, the nozzle assembly is made from a heat-resistant material that maintains an optimal temperature of the prepared beverage, preserving its authentic taste and aroma until dispensing.

[0038] In another embodiment, the first component is enclosed within a housing, wherein the housing includes a pipe connector adapted to connect with each of the inlet ports of the first component, the inlet valve, and the outlet valve of the cleaning unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The invention will be more fully understood, and further advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0040] Figure 1A illustrates an assembled isometric view of a dispensing nozzle assembly for a beverage vending machine(s), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 1B illustrates a disassembled isometric view of a dispensing nozzle assembly of Figure 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 1C illustrates an isometric view of a first component associated with the dispensing nozzle assembly of Figure 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 1D illustrates a front-sectional view of the first component of Figure 1C, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 1E illustrates a front view of the second component associated with the dispensing nozzle assembly of Figure 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 1F illustrates a front-sectional view of the second component of Figure 1E, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 1G illustrates an isometric view of a pre-heater associated with the dispensing nozzle assembly of Figure 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figures 2A-2B illustrate a left perspective and a right perspective view of the dispensing nozzle assembly for the beverage vending machine(s), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of a noise suppressor associated with the dispensing nozzle assembly of Figure 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present disclosure herein may be employed.

[0050] At the outset, for ease of reference, certain terms used in this application and their meanings as used in this context are set forth. To the extent a term used herein is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition that persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Further, the present techniques are not limited by the usage of the terms used in the application, as all equivalents, synonyms, new developments, and terms or techniques that serve the same or a similar purpose are considered to be within the scope of the present claims.

[0051] The articles “a” and “an” as used herein mean one or more when applied to any feature in embodiments of the present invention described in the specification and claims. The use of “a” and “an” does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such a limit is specifically stated. The article “the” preceding singular or plural nouns or noun phrases denotes a particular specified feature or particular specified features and may have a singular or plural connotation depending upon the context in which it is used. The adjective “any” means one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity.

[0052] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0053] As used herein, the term "or" includes "and/or" and the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of" when preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0055] The present invention relates to a dispensing nozzle assembly for a beverage vending machine, facilitating real-time and uniform inflow mixing of different beverage ingredients, thereby maintaining the consistency, optimal temperature, and preserving the authentic taste, aroma of the beverage during dispensing. Additionally, the present invention provides a self-cleaning provision of the nozzle’s outlet areas by expelling the residual droplets of the dispensed beverage, thereby preventing contamination and ensuring hygiene.

[0056] Referring to Figures 1A-1G, illustrate different views of a dispensing nozzle assembly for a beverage vending machine(s), depicting the internal and external constructional features and inter-connections of the components of the dispensing nozzle assembly 100. Said dispensing nozzle assembly 100 comprises a first component 102, a second component 104, and a third component 106 (as shown in Figure 1B), each attached together via a mounting fixture 108 in a detachable manner. A mixing tube 112 (as shown in Figure 1D) is embedded inside the first component 102. A plurality of inlet ports 110, formed sequentially at a peripheral portion of the first component 102, such that the inlet ports 110 are in fluid connection with the mixing tube 112 (as illustrated in Figure 1C). One or more socket 114 (as shown in Figure 1C) are positioned adjacent to the inlet ports 110 and integrally formed with the first component 102 for cleaning of inlet ports 110 and mixing tube 112, once the prepared beverage is dispensed through an outlet port 116 of the nozzle assembly 100.

[0057] Further, the Figures 1A-1G illustrate the second component 104, including a thin tubing having one or more inlet orifices 118 for receiving and mixing the water with coffee decoction to prepare black coffee. An outlet orifice 120 of the thin tubing for dispensing the said prepared black coffee. The third component, 106 which is a steam pumping unit for purging hot steam inside the mixing tube 112, inlet ports 110, as well as within the cup of the user to make them sterilise, thereby preventing contamination. A suction port 122 is provided in proximity to the outlet port 116 to absorb residual droplets of the dispensed beverage. A vent port 124 for air-pressure balancing inside the nozzle assembly 100 during the dispensing of the beverage in the mixing tube 112 to allow generation of foam/froth while preparing the beverage.

[0058] Furthermore, Figures 1A-1G illustrate a cleaning unit having an inlet valve 126 and an outlet valve 128 to supply cold water and steam in the nozzle assembly 100 for maintaining the nozzle’s temperature to prevent adhering to ingredient residues. A pre-heater 130 is coupled fluidly with the refrigerating chamber and one of the inlet ports of the first component (not shown here). The pre-heater 130 includes a vessel 132 having an inlet pipe 134, surrounding an integral coiled pipe 136 formed inside the vessel 132 and internally coupled (not shown here) in a fluid connection with the refrigerating chamber and the inlet ports 110. An outlet pipe 138 of the pre-heater 130.

[0059] The nozzle assembly 100 disclosed above is made in a three-part form, which includes the first component 102, the second component 104, and the third component 106. Among said three components, the first component 102 is made in a hollow, cylindrical-shaped structure. The second component 104 includes the thin tubing having an elongated cylindrical shape with one or more inlet orifices 118 adapted to receive the beverage ingredients and the outlet orifice 120 for dispensing the beverage. While the third component 106 is the steam pumping unit for purging steam, when required, during beverage dispensing and cleaning of the nozzle’s 100 internals.

[0060] The aforesaid three components 102, 104, and 106 are configured to be assembled, via the mounting fixture 108 provided with the nozzle assembly 100. The mounting fixture 108 herein refers to a pair of curved brackets and/or bent clamps, configured to circumferentially surround each of the components 102, 104, and 106, for gripping each component together to form the dispensing nozzle assembly 100.

[0061] In an embodiment, the pair of curved brackets and/or bended clamps of the mounting fixture 108 are fastened with each other via multiple fasteners which provides a firm grip to each of the components 102, 104 and 106 and allows a user to affix the dispensing nozzle assembly 100 with the beverage vending machine, for dispensing of the prepared beverage.

[0062] Herein, the components, the first and second components 102 and 104, are designated to dispense the beverage, while the third component 106 is dedicated to purge a pre-determined amount of steam to the user’s cup and for cleaning of the interiors of the nozzle assembly 100, thereby performing the sterilization of both the cup and the nozzle assembly 100. In an embodiment, the beverage to be dispensed by the first component 102 is a milk-based beverage, for example, preferably coffee with different flavours and hot milk, while the beverage, preferably black coffee, is dispensed from the second component 104

[0063] In another embodiment, the first and second components 102 and 104 are made of a heat-resistant material, which maintains the optimal temperature of the beverage while preserving the authentic taste and aroma until dispensing.

[0064] Once the user selects the beverage from an interface (not shown here) of the beverage vending machine, an inbuilt control circuitry (not shown here) of the beverage vending machine actuates a motorised valve (not shown here) for dispensing the ingredients within the nozzle assembly 100, to initiate preparing of the user-required beverage on the real-time basis. The ingredients of the beverage include milk, coffee decoction, and water, which are stored within a refrigerating chamber (not shown here) equipped inside the beverage vending machine.

[0065] In an embodiment, the refrigerating chamber disclosed herein comprises multiple containers, each configured with said motorised valve and filled with the above-mentioned beverage ingredients. Each container of the refrigerating chamber is coupled fluidly with the pre-heater 130 and the inlet ports 110 of the first component 102 and the second component 104, separately, for pre-heating and subsequent dispensing of the specific ingredients, as per the user-selected beverage.

[0066] The pre-heater 130 disclosed above includes a vessel 132 that jackets a coiled pipe 136 integrally formed within the vessel 132. This coiled pipe 136 is configured in a flow connection with one of the containers for receiving beverage ingredients such as milk or coffee decoction for pre-heating. The ingredients flowing through the integral coiled pipe 136 are heated by a heat exchange process with hot steam, which enters the vessel 132 from the steam pumping unit 106, connected to the vessel's inlet pipe 134.

[0067] During dispensing of the beverage ingredients, the control circuitry of the beverage vending machine simultaneously actuates a solenoid valve integrated within vent port 124 to allow the atmospheric air to enter inside the mixing tube 112. The vent port 124, upon actuation of the solenoid valve, regulates and maintains an adequate air-pressure balance in the nozzle assembly 100 during dispensing of the ingredients from the containers.

[0068] In one embodiment, the vent port 124 during dispensing of ingredients allows the air to flow in or out of the nozzle assembly 100, thereby preventing pressure build-up or vacuum formation that could disrupt the flow of the beverage. Also, the vent port 124, while preventing the disruption of the beverage flow, ensures a smooth and consistent formation of air bubbles during thorough inflow mixing of ingredients, which in turn leads to the formation of foam/froth during the preparation of the beverage and avoids sputtering or uneven pouring.

[0069] Further, the vent port 124 also helps in protecting internal components from potential pressure-related stress or damage. In an embodiment, the vent port 124 includes a filter mesh or one-way valve to control the air passage, maintain cleanliness, and ensure compactness of the constructional design of the nozzle assembly 100, along with operational reliability.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, if the user selects a milk-based beverage of a specific flavour. The inbuilt control circuitry actuates the motorised valve of the container filled with the milk and flavoured coffee decoction corresponding to the user-selected beverage flavour. Once the motorised valve of specific containers is opened, the ingredients, specifically coffee decoction corresponding to the user-selected flavour, start flowing within the integral coiled pipe 136 of the pre-heater 130. Upon entering the pre-heater 130, the control circuitry activates the steam pumping unit 106 to purge the hot stream within the vessel 132.

[0071] The steam, upon entering, comes in surface contact with the integral coiled pipe 136 to allow an indirect heat exchange between the flowing coffee decoction and hot steam, which leads to heating of the coffee decoction. After heating of the coffee decoction, the used steam further exits into a finned-tube condenser (not shown here) connected fluidly with the pre-heater 130, through the outlet pipe 138 of the vessel 132 for condensation.

[0072] Upon appropriate heating of the coffee decoction, the control circuitry directs the decoction to flow into the mixing tube 112 of the first component 106, where it mixes with other ingredients. Simultaneously, the control circuitry actuates the solenoid valve to open the vent port 124, allowing the air to enter and exit the mixing tube 112, for thorough inflow mixing of the ingredients along with the air stream. This produces bubbles during the mixing of the ingredients with air to produce foam/froth within the beverage. After this, the prepared beverage is consequently dispensed from the outlet port 116 of the first component 102 of the nozzle assembly 100 and filled into the user’s cup while maintaining the authentic taste, aroma, and quality of the prepared beverage.

[0073] In another exemplary embodiment, if the user selects a specific consistency of beverage while selecting a milk-based beverage. The control circuitry firstly performs dilution of the milk within a heating chamber (not shown here) of the beverage vending machine, by mixing the milk with a hot-water stream pumped via the steam pumping unit 106 of the nozzle assembly 100. This, in turn, heats and dilutes the milk, which is further supplied to the mixing tube 112 and follows the same procedure of inflow mixing with the other ingredients, as disclosed earlier.

[0074] In an embodiment, the first component and the second component are configured to separately dispense the beverages of different flavours to ensure non-mixing of flavours, thereby preserving the distinctiveness of each beverage dispensed.

[0075] The prepared beverage of user-defined consistency is then dispensed in the user’s cup through the outlet port 116. Before dispensing the prepared beverage, the control circuitry activates the steam pumping unit 106 to direct a stream of hot steam into the user’s cup to perform sterilisation and prevent contamination during the dispensing of the beverage.

[0076] After dispensing of the beverage via the outlet port 116, the control circuitry activates a cleaning unit (as shown in Figures 2A and 2B) integrated within the nozzle assembly 100 for cleaning the nozzle’s interiors to prevent deposition. The cleaning unit disclosed herein comprises an inlet valve 126 fluidly connected with the refrigerating chamber to receive cold water stored in one of the containers of the refrigerating chamber.

[0077] Once the beverage is dispensed, the control circuitry actuates the motorised valve of the container filled with cold water to allow the cold water to enter the nozzle assembly 100. The cold water, on entering the nozzle assembly 100, passes through the mixing tube 112 via one or more sockets 114 coupled with the inlet valve 126 of the cleaning unit. The one or more sockets 114 are integrally formed with the first component 102 and positioned adjacent to the inlet ports 110 for receiving the cold water stream and/or steam. The cleaning unit then maintains and regulates a temperature difference inside the mixing tube 112 and prevents the accumulation of residues in the mixing tube 112 and the inlet ports 110. The components of the cleaning unit are clearly shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0078] Upon cleaning of the nozzle’s 100 interiors via the cleaning unit, the control circuitry of the beverage vending machine actuates an outlet valve 128 of the cleaning unit to drain out the waste hot water from the nozzle assembly 100 within a waste collector tank (not shown here) equipped in the beverage vending machine. Also, the control circuitry again activates the steam pumping unit 106 to purge a pressurised stream of steam to the nozzle assembly 100 to perform sterilisation of the nozzle interiors after each dispensing cycle of the beverage.

[0079] The hot water stream or hot steam is supplied inside the nozzle assembly 100 via one or more sockets 114 fluidly coupled with the steam pumping unit and utilised for cleaning of the inlet ports 110 and mixing tube 112, after each dispensing cycle of the beverage via the outlet port 116. The hot stream of water or steam enters via these sockets 114 for thorough rinsing of the inlet ports 110 and the internal mixing tube 112 to clean and sterilise the internals of the nozzle assembly 100.

[0080] The aforesaid design configuration and interconnections of the cleaning unit and the steam pumping unit 106 ensure that any residual ingredients or potential blockages are effectively removed, thereby preventing clogging of the outlet port 116 and maintaining hygienic operation. This self-cleaning feature reduces manual maintenance requirements and enhances the reliability and longevity of the beverage dispensing nozzle assembly 100.

[0081] Furthermore, the nozzle assembly 100 includes the suction port 122, strategically positioned near the outlet port 116. This suction port 122 is configured to absorb or draw in any residual droplets that may remain after the beverage is dispensed. This ensures a cleaner dispensing area, prevents dripping and accumulation of liquid around the outlet port 116. Also, this contributes to improved hygiene, reduces the risk of cross-contamination, and enhances the overall user experience.

[0082] In an embodiment, the suction port 122 is externally coupled with a suction mechanism (not shown here) which may be passively or actively controlled by the control circuitry, depending on the design configuration of the beverage vending machine. This is especially useful in automated or self-cleaning beverage dispensing machines. In another embodiment, the suction port 122 is integrated seamlessly within the nozzle assembly 100 to maintain a compact design.

[0083] Referring to Figure 2A-2B, a left perspective view and a right perspective view of the dispensing nozzle assembly 200, according to another embodiment, are illustrated. The said figure depicts a housing 202 encompassing the first component 102. A pipe connector 204 affixed with each of the inlet ports 114, inlet valve 126 and outlet valve 128 of the cleaning unit, utilised to connect the inlet and outlet valves 126 and 128 with the container of refrigerating chamber to supply cold water and/or steam in the nozzle assembly 100, 200 for cleaning the nozzle interiors after the dispensing of the beverage. The operational functionality and constructional features nozzle and the cleaning unit are disclosed earlier in the Figures 1A-1G.

[0084] Once the beverage is dispensed in the user’s cup and the vending machine goes under the cleaning operation after each cycle of beverage dispensing, a common issue of continuous noise or hissing sounds always persists. Such noise and hissing sounds ruin the overall user experience of consuming the beverage. This issue of noise is commonly persists in the existing vending machines, when the excess liquid and steam are discharged as well as disposed of through a shared drain pipe and routed directly to the drain without any acoustic separation.

[0085] This creates a direct sound pathway, allowing the said noises to become audible to the user. Thus, to address the said issue the present invention provides a noise suppression mechanism referred to as a noise suppressor (as clearly explained as well as illustrated in the Figure 3), that structurally separates the air/steam discharge path from the liquid discharge path to suppress the noise and results in silent disposal of the waste or excess steam or the liquids.

[0086] Referring to Figure 3, a perspective view of a noise suppressor 300 is illustrated. Said noise suppressor suppressor 300 includes a top pipe assembly 301a, a bottom pipe assembly 301b and a drip tray 302. The top pipe assembly 301a is fluidly coupled with the drip tray 302 via a triclamp connection 303, and the bottom pipe assembly 301b is connected with the drip tray 302 via a flange connection 304. The top pipe assembly 301a comprises a plurality of inlet tubes 305, one or more air release valves 306, and a plurality of auxiliary vent ports 307. While the bottom pipe assembly 301b includes a drain outlet pipe 308 and one or more fixture brackets 309 for fixing the noise suppressor 300 within the vending machine.

[0087] The above-mentioned components of the noise suppressor 300 work collaboratively to drain out the waste or excess fluid while eliminating the noise and vibrations produced during the disposal of fluids. This, in turn, forms the noise suppression mechanism, which provides a dual-path structure. Said dual-path includes the top pipe assembly 301a, the bottom pipe assembly 301b, to separate air/steam discharge from liquid drainage as well as to collect any excess fluid that flows from the dispensing nozzle 100 and/or the user’s beverage cup through the drip tray 302.

[0088] The top pipe assembly 301a disclosed above is an elongated tubular pipe, made up of any durable material selected from a group consisting of a plastic, metallic material, alike. The tubular-shaped top pipe assembly 301a is specifically constructed so that each of the inlet tubes 305 is coupled to the respective outlets of the first component 102, the second component 106, the cleaning unit, and the pre-heater 130. This configuration allows the top-pipe assembly 301a to collectively receive the waste and/or excess fluid discharged from outlets 116, 120, 128, and 138 to ensure efficient fluid management from all of said connected components.

[0089] After the completion of each beverage dispensing cycle, the control circuitry of the beverage vending machine actuates the noise suppressor 300 to open the inlet tubes 305 for each specifically connected component. This in turn routes all the residual fluids, steam/air and may be the excess fluid flowing out from said outlets 116, 120, 128, and 138 in the top pipe assembly 301a. During the collection of said fluids, the control unit simultaneously actuates the air release valves 306 provided in the top pipe assembly 301a to allow the excess air/steam to flow out from said valves 306.

[0090] Thereby, separating the liquid and gaseous discharge from the top pipe assembly 310a. This, in turn, also minimises the temperature of the discharged fluids, which are further collected within the drip tray 302, which is fluidly connected with the top-pipe assembly 310a, through the triclamp connection 303.
[0091] In an embodiment, the tri-clamp connection 303 additionally allows a direct connection of the top pipe assembly 301a with the bottom pipe assembly 301b for directly routing the excess fluid within the bottom pipe assembly 301b, in case of over-filling of the drip-tray 302.

[0092] In another embodiment, the control unit further actuates a plurality of auxiliary vent ports 307 integrated in the top pipe assembly 301a for maintaining the pressure balance within the top pipe assembly 301a while routing the fluid from said outlets 116, 120, 128, and 138 to said drip tray 302.

[0093] Upon collection of discharged liquids inside the drip tray 302, the control circuitry actuates a one-way valve (not shown here) integrated in the drip tray 302 to open, for dispensing the collected discharged liquid within the bottom pipe assembly 301b via the flange connection 307. This, in turn, allows the fluid dispensed from the drip tray 302 to flow towards the drain outlet pipe 308 of the bottom pipe assembly 301b.

[0094] In an embodiment, the flange connection 307 provides a rigid semi-permanent joint between the drip tray 302 and bottom pipe assembly 310b while providing a leak-proof passage of fluids, flowing within the bottom pipe assembly 310b.

[0095] On dispensing the fluid inside the bottom pipe assembly 310b, the control circuitry again actuates the air release valves 306 and auxiliary vent ports 307 to maintain the air pressure balance inside the bottom pipe assembly 310b, through the triclamp connection 303. Due to the maintained air-pressure balance, the dispensed fluid smoothly flows towards the drain outlet pipe 308 without inhibiting any air gaps and/or air locks in the flow path. Consequently, the wasted/excess fluids get discharged into the waste collector tank (now shown here).

[0096] The above configuration of the noise suppressor 300 provides a longer travel path to the excess fluids while maintaining the air pressure balance to eliminate the formation of air locks in the fluid flowing path, this in turn reduces the noise and vibrations produced during collection of waste fluid from said outlets 116, 120, 128 and 138, after each dispensing cycle of the beverage as well as during the cleaning operation.

[0097] In another embodiment, the noise suppressor 300 not only leverages the above-mentioned arrangement but also utilises the waste fluid that overflows from the user’s cup into the drip tray 302. This overflown fluid then flows into the bottom pipe assembly 310b, serving as a natural acoustic barrier by residing in the flow path to absorb and dampen the sound waves, thus reducing the noise produced.

[0098] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within understood that the phraseology or the terminology employed herein is for description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognise that the embodiments herein can be practised with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0099] The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0100] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might fall there within.
, Claims:We Claim:

1) A dispensing nozzle assembly for a beverage vending machine(s), comprising:
a first component, a second component, and a third component, each detachably fastened together via a mounting fixture and adapted to be affixed to the beverage vending machine;
a mixing tube integrated within the first component and fluidly connected with a plurality of inlet ports sequentially formed at a peripheral portion of the first component, and
one or more sockets integrally formed with the first component and positioned adjacent to the inlet ports for cleaning of the inlet ports and mixing tube after dispensing the beverage via an outlet port,
wherein the plurality of inlet ports are adapted to receive one or more ingredients of the beverage, to be prepared, for inflow mixing of the ingredients within the mixing tube.

2) The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the beverage to be dispensed is selected from milk-based coffee, black coffee, hot milk and hot water

3) The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the ingredients are stored within a refrigerating chamber of the beverage vending machine, fluidly coupled with the inlet ports.

4) The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the second component has a shape substantially the same as the first component and includes one or more inlet orifices adapted to receive and mix water and coffee decoction for dispensing black coffee via an outlet orifice.

5) The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly is integrated with a vent that maintains air-pressure balance in the mixing tube during dispensing of ingredients within the mixing tube, allowing the ingredients to produce foam/froth during the inflow mixing inside the mixing tube.
6) The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly encompasses a cleaning unit utilised for cleaning the nozzle’s interiors after each dispensing cycle of the beverage.

7) The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the third component is a steam pumping unit configured to purge hot steam into the cup of the user, and the nozzle’s internals for sterilisation after each dispensing cycle of the beverage, thereby preventing residue deposition.

8) The nozzle of claim 6, wherein one or more sockets are internally coupled to the cleaning unit for receiving a jet-stream of cold water and steam for cleaning of inlet ports and the mixing tube.

9) The nozzle of claim 6, wherein the cleaning unit is configured to supply cold water to the mixing tube after each dispensing cycle to regulate internal temperature and prevent adhesion of residual ingredients inside the nozzle assembly.

10) The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises a suction port attached in proximity to the outlet port to absorb residual droplets of the dispensed beverage.

11) The nozzle of claim 1, wherein a preheater is installed in the vending machine, coupled fluidly with the refrigerating chamber and one of the inlet ports of the first component to heat and supply the heated decoction, when the user selects a milk-based beverage, to maintain the authentic taste of coffee.

12) The nozzle of claim 10, wherein the pre-heater comprises a vessel encompassing an integral coiled pipe configured in fluid connection with the refrigerating chamber and the inlet ports of the first component to heat and receives the ingredients via the fluidly coupled steam pumping unit.

13) The nozzle of claim 1 further comprises a noise suppressor that reduces the noise produced during preparation, dispensing of the beverage and cleaning of the nozzle assembly in the beverage vending machine.

14) The nozzle of claim 13, wherein the noise suppressor comprises a drip tray, a top pipe assembly and a bottom pipe assembly, each fluidly coupled together to receive excess and/or waste fluids to discard through a drain outlet pipe.

15) The nozzle of claim 14, wherein the top pipe assembly comprises a plurality of inlet tubes, one or more air release valves, and a plurality of auxiliary vent ports, configured in a fluid connection with the drip tray via a triclamp connection.

16) The nozzle of claim 14, wherein the bottom pipe assembly comprises one or more fixture brackets and a drain outlet pipe and is fluidly connected with the drip tray via a flange connection.

17) The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the mounting fixture is joined via multiple fasteners to firmly grip each of the components together and to affix the nozzle assembly to the beverage vending machine.

18) The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component are configured to separately dispense the beverage of different flavours to ensure non-mixing of flavours, thereby preserving the distinctiveness of each beverage dispensed.

19) The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component of the nozzle assembly are made of a heat-resistant material.