portafilter machine for preparing a coffee drink

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portafilter machine (1) for preparing coffee beverages, which has a holder (3) and a portafilter (4) that can be attached to the holder (3). According to the invention, the portafilter machine (1) further has an operating button assembly (6) which is designed to display at least two indicators (11) and is easy to operate, wherein a control unit (12) performs an action depending on the current indicator (11) when the operating button assembly (6) is operated.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a portafilter machine for preparing a coffee beverage, which has a housing and a control button device on the housing.

[0002] A portafilter machine for preparing coffee beverages has a portafilter that can be repeatedly attached to a holder on the portafilter machine for preparing coffee beverages. Such a portafilter machine offers users the ability to variably adjust preparation parameters for coffee beverages, thus enabling them to prepare individually tailored, high-quality coffee beverages. Such portafilter machines are also increasingly finding their way into the home. The ability to adjust the preparation parameters usually requires the necessary knowledge of the preparation parameters. Furthermore, setting the preparation parameters is complex.

[0003] The present invention is concerned with the object of providing improved or at least alternative embodiments for a portafilter machine of the type mentioned at the outset.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] The present invention is based on the fundamental idea of ​​equipping a portafilter machine with a control button that is easy to operate and offers corresponding actions for different configurations, with the respective action being performed by a user upon simple operation. This significantly simplifies the operation of the portafilter machine for the user.

[0006] According to the inventive concept, the portafilter machine has a housing, a holder, and a portafilter. The portafilter can be attached to the holder to prepare a coffee beverage. The portafilter machine further comprises the control button device. The control button device is visible and accessible on an outer side of the portafilter machine, preferably arranged on the housing. The control button device is easy to operate and has a display for outputting at least two messages. The display is designed accordingly. The portafilter machine further comprises a control device which is designed such that it outputs a respective display for at least two operating states of the portafilter machine via the display. Furthermore, the control device is designed such that when the control button device is actuated, the control device executes an action dependent on the current display.

[0007] As explained above, the control button device is designed for single-touch operation. This means that the control button device preferably does not allow for different operations or offers a selection of different operations, but rather only a single operation. The control button device is therefore designed for so-called "one-touch operation." The different actions, when the control button device is always operated in the same way, are therefore based on and dependent on the various displays on the control button device's display.

[0008] The respective action is preferably one which at least indirectly affects the portafilter machine and / or the operation of the portafilter machine.

[0009] In this context, an operating state refers to any condition of the portafilter machine. This includes, for example, readiness for operation or a lack of resources required to prepare a coffee beverage, such as water and / or coffee.

[0010] The control device is suitably connected to the control button device in a communicative manner so that it shows the respective display via the display and detects the actuation of the control button device.

[0011] The portafilter can be conveniently attached to the holder via the front of the housing.

[0012] Preferably, the control knob is located on the front. This simplifies operation of the portafilter machine using the control knob.

[0013] In advantageous variants, the control knob device is designed on the outside, particularly on the front, in the form of a button, for example, a round button or cylindrical. This leads to improved integration of the control knob device on the outside of the portafilter machine and / or to the smallest possible change to the original appearance of the portafilter machine.

[0014] In one variant, the control device is designed such that, when the device is ready for operation, it displays a corresponding indication on the display, which is also referred to below as the "ready for operation" indication. Furthermore, the control device is designed such that, when the control button is pressed, it prepares a coffee beverage. Thus, if the display shows the "ready for operation" indication and the control button is pressed, a coffee beverage is prepared as the action. This simplifies the preparation of coffee beverages, while simultaneously eliminating the need for a separate button or actuator for preparing coffee beverages.

[0015] In one variant, the control device is designed such that when there is no coffee or the coffee in a container of the portafilter machine is about to be completely used up, it displays a corresponding message on the display, which is also referred to below as a coffee shortage indicator. Furthermore, the control device is designed such that it offers the purchase of new coffee when the control button is pressed. Thus, if the display shows the coffee shortage indicator and the control button is pressed, the purchase of coffee is offered as an action. This significantly increases convenience.

[0016] The portafilter machine, in particular the control device, is designed to detect a lack of coffee or the impending complete consumption of coffee in the container.

[0017] The purchase of coffee can be offered using the control button. For this purpose, the display can show a corresponding message, whereby pressing the control button will place an order for the purchase of coffee.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the purchase of coffee can be offered via a device separate from the portafilter machine, preferably via a smart device such as a smartphone. Accordingly, the portafilter machine and the device are connected and communicate with each other.

[0019] In advantageous embodiments, the portafilter machine has a scanner for optically scanning codes, with each code being dependent on a corresponding type of coffee. Furthermore, the control device is configured to set the preparation parameters of the portafilter machine based on the scanned code. This means that at least some of the preparation parameters can be set automatically and thus do not require manual adjustment. This leads to significantly simplified operation of the portafilter machine and thus to a significant improvement in convenience.

[0020] The preparation parameters include, in particular, water pressure, water temperature and grinding level, provided the portafilter machine has a grinder.

[0021] In principle, the code can be any code. For example, it could be a barcode or a QR code.

[0022] The code is advantageously provided on a coffee package for containing coffee, whereby the code depends on the type of coffee contained in the coffee package.

[0023] The scanner is preferably located adjacent to the display. In particular, the scanner is located at the front.

[0024] Embodiments in which the control knob device includes the scanner are advantageous. This results in a simplified design of the portafilter machine while preserving the original appearance as much as possible.

[0025] In one variant, the control device is designed such that when coffee is refilled into a container of the portafilter machine, it displays a message on the display, also referred to as a scan message, and activates the scanner to scan a code. Thus, when coffee is refilled, the scan message signals the user the option of scanning a corresponding code via the scanner, allowing the corresponding preparation parameters to be set. This increases user convenience while simultaneously preserving the original appearance of the portafilter machine as much as possible.

[0026] In preferred embodiments, the display is configured to output at least two different patterns and at least two different colors, with a color being assigned to each pattern. The control device outputs a respective pattern and the corresponding color as a corresponding display for at least two operating states of the portafilter machine via the display. The control device is configured accordingly. At least two of the displays, advantageously the respective display, are thus composed of a pattern and a color. This has the advantage that the display is also easier to perceive peripherally. The color can be output, in particular, by means of a light ring.

[0027] The color also allows the user to signal whether a user action is necessary or expected. For example, green can be used for readiness, blue for an empty water tank, red / brown for an empty container or the imminent complete consumption of coffee in the container, white for the scan indicator, etc.

[0028] The control button device can be actuated mechanically. The control button device can therefore be actuated, in particular, in the manner of a spring-loaded push button.

[0029] In preferred embodiments, the control button device is touch-sensitive and thus easy to operate. The control button device preferably has a touch-sensitive film applied to the display for easy operation of the control button device. In particular, the display can be a touch-sensitive display. This simplifies the implementation of the easy operation of the control button device.

[0030] It's conceivable that the scanner could be located adjacent to the display and on the side of the touch-sensitive film facing away from the exterior, with the film being cut out in the area of ​​the scanner. This would, in particular, make the scanner invisible or difficult to see from the outside. This way, the original appearance of the portafilter machine is preserved as much as possible.

[0031] Advantageously, the control button device has a protective layer, particularly made of glass, applied to the film. This increases the service life / durability of the control button device.

[0032] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0033] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and is explained in more detail in the following description.

[0035] They show, schematically: Fig. 1 an isometric view of a portafilter machine with a control knob device with a first display by the control knob device, Fig. 2 an isometric view of the portafilter machine in the area of ​​the control knob device, Fig. 3 an exploded view of the control knob device in plan view, Fig. 4 an isometric view of a portafilter machine with a second display by the control knob device, Fig. 5 an isometric view of the portafilter machine in the area of ​​the control knob device with the second display, Fig. 6 an isometric view of the portafilter machine in the area of ​​the control knob device with a third display, Fig. 7 an isometric view of the portafilter machine in the area of ​​the control knob device with a fourth display.

[0036] A portafilter machine 1, such as those found in the Figures 1, 2and 4 to 7, is used to prepare coffee beverages. The portafilter machine 1 comprises a housing 2 and a holder 3 for a portafilter 4, such as the Figures 1 and 4 can be removed. The portafilter 4 can be detachably attached to the holder 3 for preparing coffee beverages. In the exemplary embodiments shown, this is done via a front side 5 of the portafilter machine 1 or the housing 2. The portafilter machine also has an operating button device 6, which is visible and accessible on an outer side 7, in the exemplary embodiments shown on the front side 5. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the operating button device 6 on the front side 5 is designed in the manner of a button or is cylindrical.

[0037] Accordingly Figure 3The control button device 6 has a display 8, which is designed to output at least two displays 11. The control button device 6 is easy to operate, which in the exemplary embodiments shown is done by touching the control button device 6. For this purpose, the control button device 6 has a touch-sensitive film 9 applied to the display 8 in the exemplary embodiments shown. In addition, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the control button device 6 has a protective layer 10 made of glass applied to the film 9. The portafilter machine 1 also has a Figure 1 shown control device 12, wherein the control device 12 Figure 1shown schematically and in dashed lines. The control device 12 is preferably arranged within the housing 2. The control device 12 is communicatively connected to the control knob device 6. The control device 12 is designed such that it outputs a respective display 11 via the display 8 for at least two operating states of the portafilter machine 1. In addition, the control device 12 is designed such that, upon actuation of the control knob device 6, it executes an action dependent on the current display 11.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiments shown, the portafilter machine 1 further comprises a container 13 for receiving and refilling coffee, which in the exemplary embodiments shown is arranged on a rear side 14 of the portafilter machine 1 or the housing 2 facing away from the front side 5.

[0039] As in the Figures 1 and 2As shown, the control device 12 is configured such that, when in a ready-to-use state, it outputs a corresponding display 11, 11a via the display 8, which is also referred to below as the ready-to-use display 11, 11a. Furthermore, the control device 12 is configured such that, upon actuation of the control button 6, it prepares a coffee beverage and thus performs the preparation of a coffee beverage as an action. Thus, if the portafilter machine 1 is ready for operation, the ready-to-use display 11, 11a is displayed, and a coffee beverage is prepared upon actuation of the control button 6.

[0040] In the embodiments shown, the portafilter machine 1, as Figure 3 can be removed, a scanner 15, which in the shown

[0041] embodiments is part of the control button device 6. With the scanner 15, codes 16 (see Figure 4) are scanned optically. Accordingly Figure 3 In the embodiments shown, the scanner 15 is arranged adjacent to the display 8, with the film 9 being recessed in the area of ​​the scanner 15. As in Figure 4As indicated, the respective code 16 depends on an associated type of coffee and can be provided on a coffee package 17 for holding coffee and can depend on the type of coffee contained in the coffee package 17. The control device 12 is designed such that, when coffee is refilled into the container 13, it displays an associated display 11, 11b via the display 8, which is also referred to below as a scan display 11, 11b. Thus, when coffee is refilled into the container 13, the scan display 11, 11b is displayed, with the control device 12 further activating the scanner 15 so that a corresponding code 16 can be read in by means of the scanner 15. If a code 16 is read in, the control device 12 automatically sets at least one preparation parameter of the portafilter machine 1.For automatic adjustment, the control device 12 can indicate via the display 8 of a further, not shown, indicator 11 when a code 16 has been successfully read and can set preparation parameters upon actuation of the control knob 6. This means that the control device 12 is designed such that it

[0042] Preparation parameters of the portafilter machine 1 are set depending on the scanned code 16, particularly when the control knob 6 is pressed. The preparation parameters include water pressure, water temperature, and, if the portafilter machine 1 has a grinder (not shown), a coffee grind size.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiments shown, the control device 12 is alternatively or additionally designed such that, when there is a lack of coffee or the coffee in the container 13 is about to be completely consumed, it displays an associated indicator 11, 11c on the display 8, which is also referred to below as a coffee shortage indicator 11, 11c. The control device 12 can further be designed such that, upon actuation of the control button device 6, it offers the purchase of new coffee. Thus, if the coffee shortage indicator 11, 11c is displayed and the control button device 6 is actuated, the purchase of coffee can be offered. The offering and purchase can take place via the control button device 6 or via a separate device not shown, for example via a smartphone.

[0044] It is also conceivable that, if water needs to be refilled into a water tank (not shown) of the portafilter machine 1, this can be done by means of an associated Figure 7 shown, which is also referred to below as the water shortage indicator 11, 11d. The control device 12 is designed accordingly.

[0045] In the embodiments shown, the display 8, as for example in the Figures 2and 5 to 7, is designed to output at least two different patterns 18 and at least two different colors, wherein the color output in the illustrated embodiments occurs via a light ring 19. A color is also assigned to the respective pattern 18, so that at least two of the displays 11, in the illustrated embodiments the respective display 11, are composed of an associated pattern 18 and an associated color, in the illustrated embodiments output via the light ring 19. This leads to simplified peripheral perception of the respective display 11. In addition, it is possible in this way to assign a color to the respective display 11 and thus to the respective operating state, for example to signal whether immediate action by a user is required. For example, the color red or brown can be assigned to the coffee shortage display 11, 11c.It is also conceivable to assign the color blue to the water shortage indicator 11, 11d. Reference symbol

[0046] 1 Portafilter machine 2 Housing 3 Bracket 4 Portafilter 5 Front 6 Control knob 7 Exterior 8 Display 9 Touch-sensitive film 10 Protective layer 11 Indicator 11a Ready indicator 11b Scan indicator 11c Low coffee indicator 11d Low water indicator 12 Control unit 13 Container 14 Back 15 Scanner 16 Code 17 Coffee packaging 18 Pattern 19 Light ring

Claims

1. Portafilter machine (1) for preparing a coffee beverage; comprising a housing (2) and a holder (3) for a portafilter (4) of the portafilter machine (1), such that the portafilter (4) can be attached to the holder (3); comprising a control button device (6) which is visible and accessible on an outer side (7) of the portafilter machine (1), said control button device (6) having a display (8) for outputting at least two displays (11); wherein the control button device (6) is easy to operate; comprising a control device (12) which is designed such that it outputs a respective display (11) via the display (8) for at least two operating states of the portafilter machine (1), and such that the control device (12) executes an action dependent on the current display (11) upon actuation of the control button device (6).

2. Portafilter machine according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe control device (12) is designed such that, in a ready-to-use state, it displays a ready-to-use indicator (11, 11a) on the display (8) and prepares a coffee beverage when the control button device (6) is actuated.

3. Portafilter machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device (12) is designed in such a way that, when there is no coffee or the coffee in a container (13) of the portafilter machine (1) is about to be completely used up, it displays a coffee shortage indicator (11, 11c) on the display (8) and offers the purchase of new coffee when the control button device (6) is actuated.

4. Portafilter machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatthe portafilter machine (1) has a scanner (15) for optically scanning codes (16), wherein the respective code (16) depends on an associated type of coffee; and wherein the control device (12) is designed such that it sets preparation parameters of the portafilter machine (1) depending on the scanned code (16).

5. Portafilter machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the control button device (6) has the scanner (15).

6. Portafilter machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the control device (12) is designed such that when refilling coffee into a container (13) of the portafilter machine (1), it displays a scan display (11, 11b) via the display (8) and activates the scanner (15) for scanning codes (16).

7. Portafilter machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatthe control button device (6) has a touch-sensitive film (9) applied to the display (8) for easy actuation of the control button device (6).

8. Portafilter machine according to claim 7 and claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the scanner (15) is arranged adjacent to the display (8), wherein the film (9) is recessed in the area of ​​the scanner (15).

9. Portafilter machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the control button device (6) has a protective layer (10), in particular made of glass, attached to the film (9).

10. Portafilter machine according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in thatthe display (8) is designed to output at least two different patterns (18) and at least two different colors, wherein a color is assigned to the respective pattern (18), so that the control device (12) outputs a respective associated pattern (18) and the associated color as an associated display (11) via the display (8) for at least two operating states of the portafilter machine.