Beverage machine and method

Abstract

A beverage machine (10) is provided that includes a vibrating pump (12) for displacing a liquid to prepare a beverage. A vibration pump includes a pumping member and a solenoid that can be energized to displace the pumping member. A control system (28) receives an electrical signal from a power source. The electrical signal may define a maximum power for driving the solenoid. The control system initially drives the solenoid at a first power level using the electrical signal. The power is then reduced from the first power level. The first power level is, for example, at least 80% of the maximum power. In such examples, the time at which the solenoid is energized from the beginning toward the first power level to the power being reduced from the first power level defines an initial period of time of at most 1 second, preferably less than 500 milliseconds, most preferably less than 200 milliseconds. More generally, power spikes for driving the solenoids are generated by a control unit using electrical signals, which power spikes initially drive the solenoids at a first power level and then are reduced, e.g., attenuated, to define a reduction in power from the first power level. After the power is reduced from the first power level, the control system uses the electrical signal to increase the power to drive the solenoid. A method for operating such a beverage machine and an associated computer program are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage machine comprising a vibrating pump, as well as a method and an associated computer program for operating a vibrating pump. Background Art

[0002] There are several beverage machines on the market for beverage preparation. In such beverage machines, a certain food type or raw material, such as coffee, tea, milk, chocolate, etc., is processed by adding water (hot water in many cases).

[0003] Such beverage machines are often equipped with a water supply system, which includes a container or tank for a liquid (such as water), a pump for displacing the liquid, and a beverage / food processing unit. The water supply system may also include a heater for heating the liquid.

[0004] Vibrating pumps tend to be used in beverage machines due to their good performance-price ratio. The pumping member of such vibrating pumps, such as a plunger or piston, can reciprocate at a mains frequency, such as 50 Hz or 60 Hz, wherein a check valve permits fluid displacement in only one direction.

[0005] Pump technology has been improving over time. Conventionally, water level sensors are used to avoid situations where air enters the pump when the container / tank is emptied. However, self-priming pumps can avoid the need for such water level sensors in the container / tank. This is due to the self-priming capabilities of such pumps, which allow them to effectively resume normal operation after the container / tank is emptied, causing air to enter the pump. Omitting the water level sensor helps make the water supply system cheaper to implement.

[0006] However, challenges still exist with vibratory pumps. In particular, vibratory pumps can generate excessive noise that persists during use. This problem of excessive noise generated by vibratory pumps, particularly during the start-up process, where air is pumped out of the vibratory pump until liquid is drawn into the vibratory pump, has not been satisfactorily addressed. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0008] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, a beverage machine is provided, which includes: a vibration pump for displacing liquid to prepare a beverage, the vibration pump including a pumping member and a solenoid, which can be energized to displace the pumping member; and a control system, the control system is configured to: receive an electrical signal from a power source; initially use the electrical signal to drive the solenoid at a first power level; reduce power from the first power level; and after the power is reduced from the first power level, increase power to drive the solenoid using the electrical signal, wherein the control system is configured to use the electrical signal to generate a power spike, which initially drives the solenoid at the first power level and then decreases to limit the power reduction from the first power level.

[0009] The power spike may be considered to be generated when the vibration pump is activated, for example when a user turns on the vibration pump by controlling a user interface (eg, a switch) included in the beverage machine.

[0010] When the vibrating pump of the beverage machine displaces the fluid at a relatively high fluid flow rate, especially when the vibrating pump is started, the pumping member (e.g., plunger) and the fluid have increased acceleration and negative acceleration, resulting in greater vibration, thereby causing higher noise. Conversely, when the fluid flow rate is reduced, the pumping member (e.g., plunger) and the fluid have lower acceleration and negative acceleration, resulting in less vibration, thereby causing lower noise. The latter is typically the case when the beverage processing chamber to which the liquid is displaced by the vibrating pump is filled with liquid (e.g., water). This explains why the vibrating pump of the beverage machine is typically noisier when the vibrating pump is started, and less noisy when delivering beverages.

[0011] When the vibrating pump is operated without water, such as when the beverage machine is used for the first time, or after a container containing liquid to be displaced by the vibrating pump is emptied, the pumping member (e.g., the plunger) can have even higher accelerations and deaccelerations, causing significantly greater vibrations and noise.

[0012] When starting the vibration pump, one potential option for mitigating the high noise generated by the vibration pump may be to initially drive the solenoid at a power level significantly lower than the maximum power for driving the solenoid, for example, at a power level of about half the maximum power, the maximum power being defined by the electrical signal from the power supply of the beverage machine. For example, the electrical signal may be an AC voltage signal provided by the mains power supply.

[0013] A disadvantage of this approach is that initially driving the solenoid at such a low power level can make it more difficult for the pumping member (e.g., plunger) to overcome static friction. Initially driving the solenoid at such a low power level can also make it more difficult to break the adhesion(s) between the pumping member (e.g., plunger) and the guide surface(s) along which the pumping member can move. It should be noted that such adhesion(s) can easily occur if the vibratory pump has not been operated for a long time.

[0014] The beverage machine according to the present disclosure correspondingly includes a control system configured to receive an electrical signal, such as a voltage or current signal, and use the electrical signal to generate a power spike that initially drives the solenoid at a first power level and then decreases to limit the power reduction from the first power level. This helps the pumping member overcome static friction and any adhesion (one or more) between the pumping member and the guide surface (one or more) of the vibrating pump along which the pumping member can move.

[0015] Furthermore, the sound produced by a vibrating pump, when controlled to help the pumping member overcome static friction via power spikes, may be perceived as a "ticking sound" rather than a continuous annoying loud noise.

[0016] The electrical signal comes from a power source, for example from an external power source, such as mains power.It should be noted that the electrical signal may define a maximum power for driving the solenoid.

[0017] In some embodiments, the control system initially drives the solenoid using an electrical signal at a first power level of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95% of the maximum power. It has been found that such a first power level is effective in helping the pumping member overcome static friction, and any adhesion (one or more) between the pumping member and the guide surface (one or more) of the vibrating pump along which the pumping member is movable.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first power level is 100% of the maximum power. This can provide the greatest assistance to the pumping member to overcome static friction and any adhesion (one or more) between the pumping member and the guide surface (one or more) of the vibrating pump along which the pumping member can move.

[0019] In some embodiments, an initial time period of at most 1 second, preferably at most 500 milliseconds, and most preferably at most 200 milliseconds is defined from the time the solenoid is energized toward the first power level to the time the power is reduced from the first power level. By limiting the initial time period in this manner, user discomfort / annoyance associated with increased noise levels associated with helping the pumping member overcome static friction can be alleviated.

[0020] It should be noted that the initial time period of less than 200 milliseconds may mean that for a single wave of the electrical signal or only a few waves of the electrical signal, for example less than fifteen waves, the solenoid is driven at a first power level, for example full power, and it should be noted that the mains electrical signal may have a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

[0021] After the power is reduced from the first power level, the control system can increase the power to drive the solenoid using the electrical signal. After overcoming the static friction as described above, increasing the power from a level below the maximum power can balance noise generation with efficient liquid displacement to produce a beverage and / or efficient fluid displacement to start the vibrating pump.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to use the electrical signal to generate a power pulse that is used to initially drive the solenoid to the first power level. In such embodiments, the power spike can be defined by the power pulse. The pulse can be defined by an upward slope to the first power level and a downward slope away from the first power level, the two slopes being parallel to each other, or at least substantially parallel to each other.

[0023] Such pulse shapes, such as rectangular pulse shapes, where the increase from a first power level to a first power level and the decrease in power from the first power level are sudden / abrupt, can help the pumping member overcome static friction while minimizing the generation of sustained loud noise.

[0024] In at least some embodiments, the control system is configured to reduce power from a first power level to a second power level greater than zero.By avoiding de-energizing the solenoid in this manner, the pump controller can beneficially utilize the above-described assistance to the pumping member to overcome static friction.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second power level is less than 85%, preferably less than 75% of the maximum power driving the solenoid. According to experience, such second power level helps to mitigate excessive noise generation by limiting the acceleration of the pumping member (eg, plunger / piston).

[0026] In some embodiments, the second power level is between 40% and 85%, most preferably between 40% and 75%, such as about 60%, of the maximum power used to drive the solenoid.

[0027] Thus, efficient fluid pumping can be balanced with overly mitigated noise generation.

[0028] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to linearly increase the power used to drive the solenoid after the power is reduced from the first power level.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the control system is configured to non-linearly increase the power used to drive the solenoid after the power is reduced from the first power level. Such a non-linear increase in power helps to reduce the noise generated by the vibration pump.

[0030] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to increase the power after the power is reduced from the first power level according to a ramp profile, such as a linear or non-linear ramp profile, but wherein one or more pulses are provided along the ramp profile and protrude from the ramp profile. Including such pulse(s) along the ramp profile and protruding from the ramp profile can help the pumping member overcome static friction and / or help provide audible feedback to a user of the beverage machine.

[0031] In such embodiments, for example each of the one or more pulses may be elevated to a pulse power level of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, for example 100% of the maximum power.

[0032] In at least some embodiments, the control system is configured to adjust the power level used to drive the solenoid by applying phase angle control to the electrical signal. The electronic circuit device capable of phase cut control can already be integrated into an existing beverage machine. Therefore, the combination of pump noise reduction and static friction overcoming advantages described herein can be implemented without hardware changes and the increased costs associated with such hardware additions.

[0033] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to implement an initial actuation of the solenoid, reduce power from a first power level, and subsequently increase power to actuate the solenoid during a pump priming process in which both air and liquid are displaced by the vibrating pump.

[0034] A control system implementing this control sequence during the pump starting process can implement a combination of pump noise reduction and static friction overcoming when the vibrating pump is started without liquid in a pump chamber in which the pump member is displaceable.

[0035] Such a control sequence, or at least a variant thereof which retains the combination of pump noise reduction and stiction-overcoming advantages, may alternatively or additionally be employed at each start-up of the vibrating pump, in other words during the beverage preparation process.

[0036] Thus, the control system may be configured to implement initial actuation of the solenoid, reduction of power from a first power level, and subsequent increase of power to actuate the solenoid during such beverage preparation processes where liquid (eg, only liquid) is displaced by a vibration pump.

[0037] In such embodiments, the second power level employed during pump priming may be lower than the second power level employed during beverage preparation.

[0038] In the case of a pump startup process, such a lower second power level may reflect a greater need to initially limit the acceleration of the pumping member (eg, plunger / piston) as the vibrating pump is displacing air.

[0039] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to increase the power to the operating power level after the power is reduced from the first pump level. This can facilitate the throughput of fluid, particularly liquid and / or air, through the vibrating pump.

[0040] In such embodiments, the operating power level may be at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95% of the maximum power.

[0041] In some embodiments, the operating power level is 100% of the maximum power. Alternatively, the control system can increase the power to an operating power level less than the maximum power (100%), for example, in the event that the vibration pump is subsequently stopped and does not continue to implement the beverage processing process, or in the event that the beverage delivered by the beverage machine requires an operating power level less than 100%.

[0042] In a further embodiment, if necessary to maintain energization of the vibration pump, the control system increases the power to an operating power level equal to the maximum power (100%) in order to combine the priming process with the beverage preparation process.

[0043] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to maintain a constant power level using an electrical signal after the power is reduced from the first power level and before the power is increased. For example, the second power level may be maintained for a given period of time before increasing (e.g., suddenly increasing) to an operating power level (e.g., 100% of the maximum power).

[0044] In at least some embodiments, a beverage machine includes a container for containing a liquid and a beverage processing chamber.

[0045] In such embodiments, the vibrating pump may be arranged to displace liquid from the container to the beverage processing chamber.

[0046] In some embodiments, the beverage machine further comprises a heater for heating the liquid, such as for heating the liquid as it flows from the container to the beverage processing chamber.

[0047] According to another aspect, a method for operating a vibrating pump including a solenoid for a beverage machine is provided, the method comprising: receiving an electrical signal from a power source; initially using the electrical signal to drive the solenoid at a first power level; reducing the power from the first power level; and increasing the power after reducing the power to drive the solenoid using the electrical signal, wherein the method includes using the electrical signal to generate a power spike that initially drives the solenoid at the first power level and then decreases to limit the power reduction from the first power level.

[0048] As described above with respect to beverage machine, the electrical signal can define the maximum power for driving the solenoid; the first power level is at least 80% of the maximum power, preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95%. In some embodiments, the first power level is 100% of the maximum power.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, an initial time period of at most 1 second, preferably at most 500 milliseconds, most preferably at most 200 milliseconds may be defined from the moment the solenoid is energized towards the first power level to the moment the power is reduced from the first power level.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the method may include using the electrical signal to generate a power pulse for initially driving the solenoid to the first power level.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the control system may be configured to reduce the power from the first power level to a second power level greater than zero. The second power level may for example be less than 85%, preferably less than 75%, of the maximum power driving the solenoid.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the increased power comprises a linear or non-linear increased power for driving the solenoid after the power is reduced from the first power level, or the increased power after the power is reduced from the first power level is according to a ramp profile, but with one or more pulses provided along the ramp profile and protruding from the ramp profile. In such embodiments, for example each of the one or more pulses may, for example, protrude to a pulse power level of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, for example 100% of the maximum power.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, increasing power may include increasing power to an operating power level after power is reduced from a first power level. Such an operating power level may be at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, for example 100% of the maximum power.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the method comprises, after reducing the power from the first power level and before increasing the power, maintaining a constant power level using the electrical signal.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the method wherein adjusting a power level for driving the solenoid comprises applying a phase angle control to the electrical signal.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the reduced power from the first power level and the subsequent increased power to the driving solenoid may be during a pump startup process where both air and liquid are displaced by the vibrating pump, and / or during a beverage preparation process where liquid (e.g. only liquid) is displaced by the vibrating pump.

[0057] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising computer program code configured to cause one or more processors to implement a method according to any embodiment described herein when the computer program is run on one or more processors.

[0058] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media may be provided, the non-transitory computer-readable media having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program including computer program code configured to cause the one or more processors to implement a method according to any embodiment described herein when the computer program is run on the one or more processors.

[0059] The processor(s) may be included in a control system of the beverage machine.

[0060] More generally, embodiments described herein relating to a beverage machine may apply to the method and computer program, embodiments described herein relating to the method may apply to a beverage machine and computer program, and embodiments described herein relating to a computer program may apply to a beverage machine and method.

[0061] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] For a better understanding of the invention, and to more clearly show how the same may be put into practice, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] Figure 1 A block diagram of a beverage machine according to an example is provided;

[0064] Figure 2 A pump flow curve for a vibrating pump according to an example is provided;

[0065] Figures 3A to 3G Various examples of pump controls for preparing beverages and for use when activating a vibration pump are graphically illustrated;

[0066] Figure 4graphically illustrating an electrical signal derived from a mains power supply, and phase cuts of the electrical signal; and

[0067] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method according to an example is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system and method, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention will become better understood based on the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that in all drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0070] A beverage machine is provided, which includes a vibration pump for displacing a liquid to prepare a beverage. The vibration pump includes a pumping member and a solenoid, which can be energized to displace the pumping member. A control system receives an electrical signal from a power supply. The electrical signal can define a maximum power for driving the solenoid. The control system initially uses the electrical signal to drive the solenoid at a first power level. The power is then reduced from the first power level. The first power level is, for example, at least 80% of the maximum power. In such examples, an initial time period of at most 1 second, preferably less than 500 milliseconds, and most preferably less than 200 milliseconds is defined from the moment when the solenoid is energized toward the first power level to the moment when the power is reduced from the first power level. More generally, a power spike for driving the solenoid is generated by a control unit using an electrical signal, the power spike initially drives the solenoid at a first power level, and then decreases, such as attenuates, to define a reduction in power from the first power level. After the power is reduced from the first power level, the control system uses the electrical signal to increase the power to drive the solenoid. A method for operating such a beverage machine and a related computer program are also provided.

[0071] Figure 1 A block diagram of a beverage machine 10 according to an example is provided. The beverage machine 10 includes a vibrating pump 12 for displacing a liquid to prepare a beverage. The vibrating pump 12 includes a pumping member and a solenoid (not visible). The solenoid can be energized to displace the pumping member. To this end, the pumping member can include a magnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic material.

[0072] Displacement of the pumping member in turn causes displacement of the liquid.In at least some embodiments, the vibrating pump 12 includes a check valve that allows displacement of fluid in only one direction.

[0073] The pumping member may be of any suitable design as long as the pumping member is capable of displacing liquid when the solenoid moves the pumping member.The pumping member may comprise, for example be defined by, a plunger or a diaphragm.

[0074] The vibrating pump 12 may include a spring arranged to be compressed when the solenoid moves the pumping member. The present disclosure is primarily directed to controlling the vibrating pump 12, which will be described in more detail below.

[0075] In at least some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the beverage machine 10 includes a container 14 for containing liquid and a beverage processing chamber 16. In such embodiments, the vibration pump 12 can be arranged to displace liquid from the container 14 to the beverage processing chamber 16.

[0076] A beverage delivery outlet 18 may be provided downstream of the beverage processing chamber 16 for allowing the beverage to exit the beverage machine 10 .

[0077] Liquid may be displaced to the beverage processing chamber 16 via a first valve 20 , such as a first electronic valve.

[0078] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the beverage machine 10 includes a heater 22 for heating the liquid. In such embodiments, the vibration pump 12 can be arranged to pump the liquid to the heater 22, such as to heat the liquid as it flows toward the beverage processing chamber 16.

[0079] It should be noted that the heated liquid supply system of the beverage machine 10 may be considered to include the vibration pump 12 , the container 14 , the beverage processing chamber 16 , and the optional heater 22 .

[0080] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, beverage machine 10 includes a steam outlet 24, such as a steam nozzle, through which steam can be delivered. In such embodiments, steam can be delivered to steam outlet 24 via steam valve 26. Steam can be delivered via steam outlet 24, such as for heating and / or frothing milk.

[0081] Beverage machine 10 can utilize single heater 22 to selectively supply hot liquid, such as hot water, at about 100° C., and steam at about 140° C. (or higher) to beverage processing chamber 16. Alternatively, beverage machine 10 can include a dedicated heater for generating steam in addition to heater 22.

[0082] The beverage machine 10 may be used to prepare a variety of different types of beverages, such as coffee, tea, milk, drinking chocolate, for example hot chocolate, and the like.

[0083] Thus, various different types of ingredients may be added to the beverage processing chamber 16 for combination with the liquid (eg, water) pumped therein by the vibrating pump 12 .

[0084] Raw materials may be added to the beverage processing chamber 16 in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, raw materials, such as ground coffee, may be supplied in a pre-portioned form, such as in the form of capsules, pods, pads, and the like.

[0085] Particular mention is made of a beverage machine 10 comprising a coffee machine, for example a coffee machine to which ground coffee is supplied in a pre-portioned form, such as in the form of capsules, pods, pads or the like.

[0086] More generally, when the downstream circuit has a relatively low back pressure, the vibrating pump 12 can displace fluid at a relatively high flow rate. Conversely, as the back pressure in the downstream circuit increases, the flow rate of the fluid displaced by the vibrating pump 12 will gradually decrease. These observations are graphically shown in Figure 2 middle, Figure 2 Flow rate versus pressure is shown when the vibrating pump 12 is operated at full power (solid line) and at reduced power (dashed line).

[0087] When the vibrating pump 12 displaces the fluid at a relatively high fluid flow rate, which is typically the case in conventional beverage machines 10 each time the vibrating pump 12 is activated, the pumping member (e.g., plunger) and the fluid have increased acceleration and deceleration, resulting in greater vibrations and, thus, higher noise. Conversely, when the fluid flow rate is reduced, the pumping member (e.g., plunger) and the fluid have lower acceleration and deceleration, resulting in less vibrations and, thus, lower noise. The latter is typically the case when the beverage processing chamber 16 is filled with a liquid (e.g., water). This explains why the vibrating pump 12 of the beverage machine 10 is typically noisier when the vibrating pump 12 is activated, and less noisy when delivering a beverage.

[0088] When the vibrating pump 12 is operated without water, such as when a consumer first uses the beverage machine 10 or after emptying the container 14, the pumping member (e.g., plunger) may have even higher accelerations and deaccelerations, resulting in significantly greater vibrations and noise.

[0089] When starting the vibrating pump 12, one potential option to mitigate the high noise generated by the vibrating pump 12 may be to initially drive the solenoid at a power level significantly lower than the maximum power used to drive the solenoid, such as driving the solenoid at about half the maximum power defined by the electrical signal from the power supply of the beverage machine 10. For example, the electrical signal may be an AC voltage signal derived from a mains power supply.

[0090] A disadvantage of this approach is that initially driving the solenoid at such a low power level can make it more difficult for the pumping member (e.g., plunger) to overcome static friction. Initially driving the solenoid at such a low power level can also make it more difficult to break the adhesion(s) between the pumping member (e.g., plunger) and the guide surface(s) along which the pumping member can move. It should be noted that such adhesion(s) can easily occur if the vibratory pump 12 has not been operated for a relatively long period of time.

[0091] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3A The beverage machine 10 accordingly includes a control system 28 configured to receive an electrical signal. The electrical signal comes from a power source, such as an external power source, such as a mains power source. The control system 28 initially uses the electrical signal to drive the solenoid at a first power level PL1, and then reduces the power from the first power level PL1.

[0092] exist Figure 3A As apparent in the non-limiting example graphically illustrated in , the control system is configured to use an electrical signal to generate a power spike that initially drives the solenoid at a first power level PL1 and then decreases to define a power reduction from the first power level PL1.

[0093] The power spike may be considered to be generated when the vibration pump 12 is activated, such as when a user turns on the vibration pump 12 by controlling a user interface (eg, a switch) included in the beverage machine 10 .

[0094] The power spike can help the pumping member overcome static friction, as well as any sticking (one or more) between the pumping member and the guide surface (one or more) of the vibration pump 12 along which the pumping member can move. In addition, when the vibration pump 12 is controlled to help the pumping member overcome static friction through the power spike, the sound produced by the vibration pump 12 can be perceived as a "ticking sound" rather than a continuous annoying loud noise.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first power level PL1 is at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95% of the maximum power.

[0096] The first power level PL1 of at least 80% of the maximum power may help the pumping member to overcome static friction and any sticking(s) between the pumping member and the guide surface(s) of the vibrating pump 12 along which the pumping member is movable.

[0097] An initial time period TP1 of at most 1 second, preferably at most 500 milliseconds, most preferably at most 200 milliseconds may be defined from the start of energizing the solenoid towards the first power level PL1 to the moment the power is reduced from the first power level PL1.

[0098] Although the magnitude of the first power level PL1 may be associated with elevated noise levels, for the reasons explained above, it has been found that limiting the initial time period TP1 may alleviate user discomfort / annoyance associated with such elevated noise levels.

[0099] It should be noted that the initial time period TP1 of less than 200 milliseconds may mean that for a single wave of the electrical signal or only a few waves of the electrical signal, for example less than fifteen waves, the solenoid is driven at a first power level, for example full power, and it should be noted that the mains electrical signal may have a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

[0100] After the power is reduced from the first power level PL1, the control system 28 can increase the power to drive the solenoid using the electrical signal. After the above-mentioned static friction is overcome, increasing the power from a level below the maximum power can balance the noise generation with the effective liquid displacement to produce the beverage and / or the effective fluid displacement to start the vibration pump 12.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3A As shown, the first power level PL1 is 100% of the maximum power defined by the electrical signal of the power supply. This can provide the greatest assistance to the pumping member to overcome static friction and any adhesion (one or more) between the pumping member and the guide surface (one or more) of the vibrating pump 12, along which the pumping member can move.

[0102] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3A As shown, the control system 28 is configured to use an electrical signal to generate a power pulse for initially driving the solenoid to a first power level PL1. The pulse can be defined by an upward slope to the first power level PL1 and a downward slope away from the first power level PL1, the two slopes being parallel to each other, or at least substantially parallel to each other.

[0103] Such pulse shapes, such as rectangular pulse shapes, where the increase to and decrease in power from the first power level PL1 are sudden / abrupt, may help the pumping member overcome static friction while minimizing the generation of sustained loud noise.

[0104] In at least some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the control system 28 is configured to reduce power from a first power level PL1 to a second power level PL2A, PL2B greater than zero. By avoiding de-energizing the solenoid in this manner, the pump controller can beneficially utilize the above-described assistance to the pumping member to overcome static friction.

[0105] In some embodiments, the second power level PL2A, PL2B is less than 85%, preferably less than 75%, of the maximum power used to drive the solenoid.

[0106] According to experience, such second power levels PL2A, PL2B help to mitigate excessive noise generation by limiting the acceleration of the pumping member (eg plunger / piston).

[0107] In some embodiments, the second power level PL2A, PL2B is between 40% and 85%, most preferably between 40% and 75%, such as about 60%, of the maximum power used to drive the solenoid.Thus, efficient fluid pumping can be balanced with overly mitigated noise generation.

[0108] In at least some embodiments, control system 28 is configured to regulate the power level used to drive the solenoid by applying phase angle control to the electrical signal.It should be noted that the term "phase angle control" is synonymous with the terms phase fired control (PFC) and phase cut control.

[0109] In such embodiments, control system 28 may include a modulation component, such as a triode alternating current (TRIAC) or a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR).

[0110] The control system 28 may be configured to implement a delay from the zero crossing of the electrical signal until the modulation component is forced into the conducting state.

[0111] The delay may be expressed in time when the power frequency (eg the mains frequency) is known, or more conveniently defined by a delay angle when the electrical signal (eg the mains electrical signal) is 360°.

[0112] As an illustrative, non-limiting example, Figure 4 An electrical signal is depicted, which in this case is a mains voltage signal and a phase cut / phase angle control with a 60° delay angle.

[0113] The percentage of maximum power can be obtained by integrating the phase angle control signal until the zero crossing, dividing it by the integral of the electrical signal until the zero crossing, and then multiplying by 100.

[0114] For example, in Figure 4 In the case of a 60° delay angle of the sinusoidal electric signal shown, the percentage of maximum power is 75%.

[0115] In another example, in case of a 45° delay angle of the sinusoidal electrical signal, the percentage of maximum power is 85%.

[0116] In an embodiment where the control system 28 is configured to regulate the power level used to drive the solenoid by applying phase angle control to the electrical signal, the second power level PL2A, PL2B less than 85% of the maximum power used to drive the solenoid may be implemented by a delay angle greater than 45°.

[0117] The second power level PL2A, PL2B, which is less than 75% of the maximum power for driving the solenoid, may be implemented by a delay angle greater than 60°.

[0118] It should be noted that the electronic circuitry capable of phase cut control may already be integrated into an existing beverage machine 10. Thus, the combination of pump noise reduction and stiction overcoming advantages described herein may be achieved without hardware changes and the increased costs associated with such hardware additions.

[0119] More generally, and again with reference to Figure 3A , the control system 28 can be configured to implement an initial actuation of the solenoid, a power reduction from the first power level PL1, and a subsequent power increase to initiate a pump startup process (see Figure 3A The solenoid is driven during the period (dashed line in FIG. 1 ), and during the pump startup process, both air and liquid are displaced by the vibration pump 12.

[0120] The control system 28 implementing this control sequence during the pump priming process enables a combination of pump noise reduction and static friction overcoming when the vibrating pump 12 is primed without liquid in the pump chamber in which the pump member is displaceable.

[0121] Such a control sequence, or at least a variation thereof that retains the pump noise reduction and stiction overcoming advantages, may alternatively or additionally be used at each start-up of the vibrating pump 12, in other words during the beverage preparation process.

[0122] Thus, the control system 28 may be configured to be operable during such beverage preparation processes in which liquid is displaced by the vibrating pump 12 (see Figure 3A During the period (solid line in FIG), an initial drive of the solenoid, a power reduction from the first power level PL1 and a subsequent increase in power to drive the solenoid are implemented.

[0123] In such embodiments, and if Figure 3A As shown, the second power level PL2A employed during pump activation may be lower than the second power level PL2B employed during beverage preparation.

[0124] In the case of a pump startup process, such a lower second power level PL2A may reflect a greater need to initially limit the acceleration of the pumping member (eg, plunger / piston) as the vibrating pump 12 is displacing air.

[0125] Thus, for example, when it is desired to start the vibrating pump 12, a greater phase delay may be required to initially limit the acceleration of the pumping member (eg, plunger / piston) after decreasing from the first power level PL1.

[0126] Whether the second lower power level PL2A or the second higher power level PL2B is implemented may depend on data received by the control system 28 indicating whether water is present in the vibrating pump 12 .

[0127] Such data may be stored by the control system 28 from previous uses of the beverage machine 10, such as in a processor, such as a microprocessor, included in the control system 28. This may also be the case when a consumer uses the beverage machine 10 for the first time, at the factory, data indicating a lack of water is loaded onto the processor, such as a microprocessor.

[0128] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3A As shown, the control system 28 is configured to linearly increase the power used to drive the solenoid after the power is reduced from the first power level PL1.

[0129] In such embodiments, the phase cut may be varied non-linearly, for example until a full wave is delivered to the vibratory pump 12, which will deliver its maximum / full power.

[0130] This change can be made in steps. When the vibrating pump 12 must be started, the entire vibrating pump control for starting the vibrating pump 12 can take less than 12 seconds, otherwise it takes less than 5 seconds. When the pump power increases, the back pressure downstream of the vibrating pump 12 can also increase, for example as the beverage processing chamber 16 fills up. This can allow higher pump powers with less risk of encountering high fluid flow rates and therefore high noise.

[0131] When such control is used to start the vibrating pump 12, in other words, to pump air out of the vibrating pump 12 until a liquid, such as water, is drawn into the vibrating pump 12, the control system 28 can be configured to drive the solenoid with a wave, such as a full wave, defined for the operating power level OPL in response to data indicating water flow, such as sensor data. Such water flow can be detected, for example, by a flow meter.

[0132] Such a flow meter may, for example, have a monitoring device with a rotating member (e.g., an impeller) that is rotated by the flow through the monitoring device generated by the vibrating pump 12. A sensing device may be provided to sense the rotation of the rotating member and thereby detect the flow rate. The sensing device may, for example, include a magnetic sensing circuit that detects when a magnet (or group of magnets) carried by the impeller passes through the magnetic sensing circuit. Alternative flow meter designs may also be considered.

[0133] In some embodiments, and again with reference to Figure 3A The control system 28 is configured to increase the power to the operating power level OPL after the power is reduced from the first power level PL1. This can facilitate the throughput of fluid, particularly liquid and / or air, through the vibrating pump 12.

[0134] In such embodiments, the operating power level OPL may be at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95% of the maximum power.

[0135] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3A As shown, the operating power level OPL is 100% of the maximum power. In alternative embodiments, such as Figure 3B As shown, the control system 28 increases power to an operating power level OPL that is less than the maximum power (100%), for example, in the event that the vibration pump 28 is subsequently stopped and does not continue to implement the beverage processing process, or in the event that the beverage delivered by the beverage machine 10 requires an operating power level OPL that is less than 100%.

[0136] In further embodiments, the control system 28 increases the power to an operating power level OPL equal to the maximum power (100%), for example if necessary to maintain energization of the vibration pump 12, in order to combine the priming process with the beverage preparation process.

[0137] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3C As shown, the control system 28 is configured to non-linearly increase the power used to drive the solenoid after the power is reduced from the first power level PL1. Such a non-linear increase in power can help reduce the noise generated by the vibration pump 12.

[0138] In such embodiments, the phase cut may be varied, for example, until a full wave is delivered to the vibrating pump 12 which will deliver its maximum / full power. Such phase cuts may be linear or non-linear to implement a non-linear increase in power driving the solenoid.

[0139] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3D As shown in , the control system 28 is configured to increase the power according to the ramp profile after the power is reduced from the first power level PL1, but one or more pulses PUL are provided along the ramp profile and protrude from the ramp profile. Such pulses (one or more) PUL that include pulling along the inclined profile and protruding from the inclined profile can help the pumping member overcome static friction and / or help provide audible feedback to the user of the beverage machine 10.

[0140] In such embodiments, for example each of the one or more pulses PUL may be elevated to a pulse power level of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, for example 100% of the maximum power.

[0141] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3E As shown, the control system 28 is configured to use the electrical signal to generate one or more secondary pulses of power FPU after the power is reduced from the first power level PL1.

[0142] Each of the secondary pulses of power FPU (one or more) can be implemented by increasing the power from the second power level PL2A, PL2B to the third power level PL3, and the subsequent time period TP2 is limited from the moment when the solenoid is energized from the second power level PL2A, PL2B toward the third power level PL3 to the moment when the power is reduced from the third power level PL3, for example at most 200 milliseconds.

[0143] In some embodiments, each secondary pulse in the secondary pulse(s) FPU may be defined by an upward slope to the third power level PL3 and a downward slope away from the third power level PL3, the two slopes being parallel to each other, or at least substantially parallel to each other.

[0144] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3F and Figure 3G As shown, the control system is configured to maintain a constant power level using an electrical signal after the power is reduced from the first power level PL1 and before the power is increased. For example, the second power levels PL2A, PL2B can be maintained for a given period of time before increasing to the operating power level OPL, for example, increasing to 100% of the maximum power.

[0145] In such embodiments, the increase from a constant power level may be ramped, such as Figure 3F Alternatively, the increase from a constant power level may be sudden, such as Figure 3G In the latter case, the upward slope to the operational power level OPL may for example be parallel or at least substantially parallel to the downward slope away from the first power level PL1.

[0146] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method 100 for operating a vibrating pump 12 including a solenoid of a beverage machine 10, such as the beverage machine 10 described above with reference to Figure 1The beverage machine 10 described herein. The method 100 includes receiving 102 an electrical signal from a power source. In step 104, the electrical signal is initially used to drive a solenoid of a vibration pump 12 at a first power level PL1. In step 106, the power is reduced from the first power level PL1. In step 108, the power is increased using the electrical signal to drive the solenoid. Step 108 is after the power is reduced in step 106.

[0147] The first power level PL1 may be at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95% of the maximum power defined by the electrical signal.

[0148] Alternatively or additionally, an initial time period TP1 of at most 1 second, preferably at most 500 milliseconds, most preferably at most 200 milliseconds may be defined from the start of energizing the solenoid towards the first power level PL1 to the moment the power is reduced from the first power level PL1.

[0149] The method 100 may be performed using the control system 28 of the beverage machine 10 described above.

[0150] There is also provided a computer program comprising computer program code configured to, when the computer program is run on one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to implement the method 100 according to any embodiment described herein.

[0151] The processor(s) may be included in the control system 28 of the beverage machine 10 .

[0152] As described above, embodiments utilize a control system 28. The control system 28 may be implemented in a variety of ways using software and / or hardware to perform the various functions required. A processor is an example of a control system 28 that uses one or more microprocessors that may be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the required functions. However, the control system 28 may be implemented with or without a processor, and may also be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) that performs other functions.

[0153] Examples of control system 28 components that may be used in various embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0154] In various embodiments, the processor or control system 28 may be associated with one or more storage media, such as volatile and non-volatile computer memory, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that perform desired functions when the programs are executed on one or more processors and / or control systems 28. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or control system 28, or may be removable so that one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into the processor or control system 28.

[0155] Based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0156] A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims.

[0157] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0158] The computer program may be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as a component of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0159] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0160] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A beverage machine (10), comprising: a vibrating pump (12) for displacing a liquid to prepare a beverage, the vibrating pump comprising a pumping member and a solenoid capable of being energized to displace the pumping member; and A control system (28), the control system being configured to: receiving an electrical signal from a power source; initially driving the solenoid at a first power level (PL1) using the electrical signal; reducing power from said first power level; and After the power is reduced from the first power level, increasing the power to drive the solenoid using the electrical signal, Wherein the control system is configured to use the electrical signal to generate a power spike that initially drives the solenoid at the first power level and then decreases to define a power reduction from the first power level.

2. The beverage machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical signal defines a maximum power for driving the solenoid, the first power level being at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95% of the maximum power.

3. A beverage machine (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an initial time period (TP1) of at most 1 second, preferably at most 500 milliseconds, and most preferably at most 200 milliseconds is defined from the moment when the solenoid is energized toward the first power level (PL1) to the moment when the power is reduced from the first power level.

4. The beverage machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control system (28) is configured to use the electrical signal to generate a power pulse for initially driving the solenoid to the first power level (PL1).

5. The beverage machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control system (28) is configured to reduce the power from the first power level (PL1) to a second power level (PL2A, PL2B) greater than zero.

6. Beverage machine (10) according to claim 5, wherein the second power level (PL2A, PL2B) is less than 85%, preferably less than 75% of the maximum power defined by the electrical signal.

7. The beverage machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control system (28) is configured to linearly or non-linearly increase the power used to drive the solenoid after the power is reduced from the first power level (PL1).

8. A beverage machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control system (28) is configured to increase power according to a ramp profile after the power is reduced from the first power level (PL1), but with one or more pulses provided along and protruding from the ramp profile.

9. A beverage machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control system (28) is configured to increase the power to an operating power level (OPL) after the power is reduced from the first power level (PL1); optionally, wherein the operating power level (OPL) is at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, and most preferably at least 90% of the maximum power defined by the electrical signal.

10. The beverage machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control system (28) is configured to maintain a constant power level using the electrical signal after power is reduced from the first power level (PL1) and before power is increased.

11. The beverage machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control system (28) is configured to adjust the power level used to drive the solenoid by applying phase angle control to the electrical signal.

12. The beverage machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control system (28) is configured to implement initial actuation of the solenoid, a reduction in power from the first power level (PL1), and a subsequent increase in power to actuate the solenoid during at least one of the following: a pump priming process, wherein both air and liquid are displaced by the vibrating pump (12); and A beverage preparation process wherein liquid is displaced by said vibrating pump.

13. A beverage machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a container (14) for containing the liquid and a beverage processing chamber (16), wherein the vibration pump (12) is arranged to shift the liquid from the container to the beverage processing chamber; optionally, wherein the beverage machine also includes a heater (22) for heating the liquid.

14. A method (100) for operating a vibrating pump (12) including a solenoid of a beverage machine (10), the method comprising: (102) receiving an electrical signal from a power source; (104) initially driving the solenoid at a first power level (PL1) using the electrical signal; (106) reducing power from the first power level; and (108) After the power reduction, increasing power to drive the solenoid using the electrical signal, wherein the method includes using the electrical signal to generate a power spike, the power spike initially driving the solenoid at the first power level and then decreasing to limit the power reduction from the first power level.

15. A computer program comprising computer program code configured to cause one or more processors to perform the method (100) according to claim 14 when the computer program is run on the one or more processors.

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