Beverage preparation machine, in particular coffee and / or tea machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine, in particular a coffee and / or tea machine (1), which is designed to output hot drinks in different volumes and into different receiving vessels (2), the beverage preparation machine (1) having at least the following: a beverage outlet (8), the beverage outlet (8) having at least one outlet line (9), and a carrier (12), the carrier (12) having a placement element (13), the placement element (13) being arranged in the outlet line (9), and the carrier (12) being arranged in the outlet line (9). The invention relates to a weighing device (1) comprising a placement element (13) on which a receiving vessel (2) can be placed), in that the placement element (13) is associated with two or more weighing elements (14a, b, c).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine, in particular a coffee and / or tea machine, according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a method for operating a beverage preparation machine, in particular a coffee and / or tea machine, according to claim 15. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a beverage preparation machine, it is desirable to further optimize and simplify the monitoring, and preferably the control and regulation, resulting from the correct positioning of the receiving vessel for the beverage. A powerful beverage preparation machine for professional use usually has multiple outlets. For example, a steam lance or a separate hot water output is arranged laterally next to the central outlet. As a result, the user can place the receiving vessel under the wrong outlet. Furthermore, multiple outlets are usually arranged side by side in the central outlet of the beverage preparation machine, so that the handle cup must be positioned as centrally as possible in order to output all the ingredients of the beverage to be prepared into the receiving vessel.

[0003] In DE 10 2004 050 365 A1, a beverage preparation machine is described which has a measuring device with which at least one characteristic value, for example the weight of the receiving vessel and / or the level in the receiving vessel, can be acquired, wherein the control device of the beverage preparation machine takes this characteristic value into account when controlling the beverage preparation. The bearing surface for the receiving vessel can be used as the measuring device, which for this purpose can be configured as a scale. In addition, a level sensor, in particular an ultrasonic sensor, can be provided which measures the level in the receiving vessel placed thereunder.

[0004] In US 4,745,852 A, a coffee machine is disclosed which has a weighing element arranged under the possibility of placing a jug and which is set to terminate the filling of the jug when the jug is full of coffee. SUMMARY

[0005] Against this background, the invention has the task of optimizing the weight recognition and, if necessary, also the position recognition of the receiving vessel under the beverage outlet in a simple manner.

[0006] The invention solves this task by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0007] The invention thus creates a beverage preparation machine which is set to output hot beverages in different volumes and to output hot beverages into different receiving vessels, wherein the beverage preparation machine has at least the following: a beverage outlet, wherein the beverage outlet has at least one outlet line; and a cradle which has a resting element onto which the receiving vessel can be placed in particular in the region under the beverage outlet, wherein the resting element is associated with at least two, in particular three or more, weighing elements.

[0008] Here, the weighing elements are in connection with a control device of the beverage preparation machine, on which a evaluation program (hereinafter also referred to as evaluation direction) runs in the operation of the beverage preparation machine, which evaluation program acquires and processes the measurement values of the weighing elements, wherein the weight and / or the position of the receiving vessel can be determined and determined (ermittelt, sometimes referred to as derived).

[0009] By means of two or three or more weighing elements a series of advantages is achieved.

[0010] In this way, with the aid of the weighing elements and the evaluation device, which can be part of the control device of the beverage preparation machine, it can be determined whether a receiving vessel is arranged onto the rest element and, if necessary, also what weight this vessel has. Optionally or alternatively it is possible to determine the position of the receiving vessel on the rest element.

[0011] Since by knowing the position of the weighing elements at the rest element and thus their distance and arrangement relative to one another, the center of gravity position of a receiving vessel (such as, for example, a tumbler, a glass or a jug) resting on the rest element in two or more directions can be determined with the aid of the evaluation device of the correspondingly programmed control device. In this way, the position of the receiving vessel relative to the beverage outlet can be determined at least to such an extent that the risk of a false filling is reduced.

[0012] In this way, the position of the receiving vessel under the correct outlet line of the beverage output, and if necessary also under the optional steam jet or under the hot water outlet arranged laterally relative to the beverage output, can be identified.

[0013] When the beverage preparation machine is put into operation, it is often necessary to determine the delivery power or volumetric flow. With a suitable design of the evaluation unit, the information of the weighing elements can also be used (together) for this. This saves work for the service technician, since he does not have to enter the measurement values manually.

[0014] According to one preferred embodiment variant of the application, the rest element is supported on the weighing element. Thereby a structurally simple arrangement of the weighing element relative to the rest element is achieved.

[0015] According to another particularly preferred embodiment of the application, the respective weighing element can be designed as a load cell. Thereby a structurally compact and robust weighing element is achieved.

[0016] Alternatively thereto, according to another preferred embodiment variant, the respective weighing element can be designed as a strain gauge (Dehnungsmessstreifen, sometimes referred to as strain sheet) or a piezoelectric element. Thereby a flexible installation position of the respective weighing element is achieved in combination with a small installation space.

[0017] Furthermore, in this regard, another preferred embodiment of the invention may be configured such that the corresponding weighing element is integrated into the beverage preparation machine in such a way that the weighing element is not visible from the outside.

[0018] Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the placement element is configured as a droplet grid. This creates a placement element that is cost-effective, robust, and easy to clean.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the beverage outlet is configured to have more than one outlet pipe. For example, this allows different components of a coffee-milk mixture to be output in parallel over time, which advantageously reduces the output time of such a beverage.

[0020] Another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention can be configured such that the beverage outlet is height-adjustable. This allows receiving containers of varying heights to be placed below the beverage outlet.

[0021] Another preferred embodiment of the invention can be configured such that the beverage preparation machine has a steam nozzle. This allows for the structurally simple preparation of large quantities of milk foam outside the beverage preparation machine.

[0022] Furthermore, another preferred embodiment of the invention can be configured such that the beverage preparation machine has a separate hot water outlet. This allows the beverage preparation machine to prepare hot beverages other than coffee, such as tea.

[0023] Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the holder is configured with a basin-shaped recess. This allows for the collection of spilled beverage volume, preventing the storage element from becoming soiled. Beverage preparation machines, especially coffee and / or tea machines, are not necessarily required to be connected to a wastewater screen via a basin-shaped recess capable of accommodating a certain volume. Moreover, such a recess can be easily cleaned.

[0024] This task is also solved by the method according to claim 15. Therefore, a method for operating a beverage preparation machine according to any one of the preceding claims is created, characterized by the following method steps: - Provide a beverage preparation machine and one or more receiving containers; - Place the receiving container onto the shelf element; - The evaluation device of the control device confirms the actual position of the receiving vessel on the placement element and / or the actual weight of the receiving vessel from one or more measurements of the weighing element, which is connected to the control device.

[0025] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the desired preparation of hot beverages or the desired function of the beverage preparation machine will only be activated when the actual position and the actual unloaded weight (Ist-Leergewicht, sometimes referred to as actual self-weight) of the confirmed receiving vessel match the theoretical position and theoretical unloaded weight (Soll-Leergewicht, sometimes referred to as theoretical self-weight) of the receiving vessel on the placement element.

[0026] Optionally, the comparison between the confirmed actual position and confirmed actual unloaded weight of the receiving vessel and the theoretical position and theoretical unloaded weight of the receiving vessel on the placement element can be performed in conjunction with the functions of the selected hot beverage and / or selected beverage preparation machine.

[0027] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention can be learned from the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 A front view of the beverage preparation machine is shown; Figure 2 Showing from Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a beverage preparation machine; Figure 3 shows the data from (a) Figure 1 A top view of the shelf components of the beverage preparation machine is shown in b). Figure 3a The front view of the components being placed.

[0029] The terms used below (such as "up", "down", "right", "left", "horizontal", "vertical" or "vertical") refer to the presentation in the corresponding figure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figure 1 The document presents a beverage preparation machine 1. In the sense of this document, the term "beverage preparation machine" refers to a machine for preparing hot beverages, particularly coffee or coffee-milk mixtures, but also tea, which preferably (but not necessarily) automatically prepares the desired hot beverage and also automatically dispenses it into a receiving container 2 (see [document name]). Figure 2 In the context of the hot beverage being prepared, the receiving vessel 2 can be, for example, a stemmed cup, a cylindrical cup, a glass, or a pot.

[0031] The beverage preparation machine, particularly the coffee and / or tea machine 1, has two containers 3, 4 for different coffee beans. Below each container 3, 4 is a grinder configured to grind the coffee beans from the respective container 3, 4 into coffee powder. Typically, one grinding process is initiated for each serving of hot beverage to be prepared. The grinders are not shown here because they are located within the housing 5 of the beverage preparation machine, particularly the coffee and / or tea machine 1.

[0032] The beverage preparation machine 1 also has at least one brewing unit (Brüheinheit, sometimes called a brewing unit). In the brewing unit, which is preferably configured as a piston-type brewing unit, hot water is forced under pressure through ground coffee powder. The brewing unit is not shown here because it is also located within the housing 5 of the beverage preparation machine 1.

[0033] The brewing unit is connected to the hot water generating unit, which supplies hot water to the brewing unit. The hot water generating unit may be associated with a steam generating unit. The steam generating unit is connected here to a steam nozzle 6 extending downward from the housing 5, which is configured to generate or output milk foam outside the beverage preparation machine 1.

[0034] The beverage preparation machine 1 also has a hot water outlet 7, which is connected to a hot water generating unit. For example, tea can be prepared outside the beverage preparation machine 1 through the hot water outlet 7.

[0035] The beverage preparation machine 1 also has a beverage outlet 8. The beverage outlet 8 can be height-adjustable to accommodate different, especially varying, receiving containers 2 below it. The beverage outlet 8 can have more than one outlet pipe 9 when the beverage preparation machine 1 is configured to prepare coffee-milk mixtures in addition to coffee (see also...). Figure 2 This is especially true.

[0036] Furthermore, the beverage preparation machine 1 has an operating unit 10, which is preferably designed as a graphical user interface with a touch screen. The operating unit 10 is connected to a control device (not shown here). This control device is configured to control beverage preparation and output, as well as control and regulate heat generation and steam generation. Through the operating unit 10, the user of the beverage preparation machine 1 can, for example, select from different coffee preparations or coffee-milk mixed beverages and trigger the automatic preparation of the desired hot beverage.

[0037] A container for receiving and collecting used coffee grounds (Kaffeemehl, sometimes called coffee grounds) or coffee powder can be inserted into the housing 5. Figure 1 The container is inserted behind door 11.

[0038] The beverage preparation machine 1 also includes a basin-shaped bracket 12. The basin-shaped recess of the bracket 12 is covered by a resting element 13. The basin-shaped recess is used, for example, to receive excess beverage or excess hot water flowing out of the hot water outlet 7, or the overflow volume of prepared hot beverages. To prevent the basin-shaped recess from overflowing, for example, the recess can be connected to a wastewater screen using a hose.

[0039] Furthermore, when beverages are discharged from beverage outlet 8 and receiving container 2 is not placed below beverage outlet 8, the product can flow directly into the basin-shaped recess and then further into the outlet. Therefore, the raw materials and energy used are wasted.

[0040] The beverage preparation machine 1 is configured to dispense hot drinks in different volumes. The corresponding receiving vessel 2 should have a sufficient volume for the selected hot drink to accommodate the entire volume of the prepared hot drink, otherwise the receiving vessel 2 will overflow. An excessively large receiving vessel 2 can also be disadvantageous, especially if it is not preheated. Thus, hot drinks that are typically prepared in small volumes, especially coffee products (such as, for example, espresso or concentrated espresso), may be cooled too drastically.

[0041] The placement element 13 is configured to place the receiving vessel 2 (with a handle) for the prepared hot beverage, which is located below the beverage outlet 8, onto the placement element 13, as shown in the image. Figure 2 As presented in the document.

[0042] The placement element 13 is preferably implemented as a droplet grid, and in this case, it is formed by welding multiple wire segments together in a mesh-like manner, preferably by spot welding or projection welding. Alternatively, the placement element 13 can also be conceived as a droplet disk with an opening leading into a disk plate, or it can be conceived in other ways. The placement element 13 is preferably supported at its respective ends on the weighing elements 14a, b.

[0043] By observing the center of gravity of the receiving vessel 2 placed on the placement element 13 below the beverage outlet 8 (which exemplarily has four outlet pipes 9a,b,c,d) (which rests on the corresponding weighing elements 14a,b), it can be confirmed whether the receiving vessel 2 is centrally positioned below the beverage outlet 8.

[0044] The position of the center of gravity between the two weighing elements 14a and 14b is obtained as follows: L1 = (Lz * G2) / G ges in, L1 = Distance from weighing element 14a to the center of gravity Lz = Length between weighing elements 14a and b G2 = Weight at weighing element 14b G ges = G1+ G2 Preferably, two, three, four, or more weighing elements 14a,b are provided for the placement element 13. Particularly preferably, the placement element 13 is thus supported by two or three (e.g., Figure 3a and Figure 3b(as shown in the diagram) or on four weighing elements 14a, b, c. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the placement element 13 is suspended at the weighing elements 14a, b, c respectively.

[0045] The corresponding weighing elements 14a, b, and c are preferably implemented as load cells, on which the support element 13 is supported. Alternatively, the entire bracket 12 and its basin-shaped recess can also be supported on the weighing elements 14a, b, and c. The corresponding weighing elements 14a, b, and c can be connected to the control equipment of the beverage preparation machine 1 via an analog-to-digital converter.

[0046] Weighing sensors typically incorporate a strain gauge (DMS) as the measuring element. Alternatively, the measuring element can be implemented differently, for example, as a piezoelectric element. It is also conceivable that the weighing elements 14a, b, c are integrated into the beverage preparation machine 1 such that they are not visible from the outside.

[0047] Similarly, it is conceivable to support the entire beverage preparation machine 1 on a weighing sensor or other weighing element 14a,b,c, such that the weighing element 14a,b,c is integrated into the legs of the beverage preparation machine 1 or forms the legs of the beverage preparation machine 1.

[0048] By using these three or even four weighing elements 14a, b, c and knowing their positions at the resting element 13 and thus their relative distances, the center of gravity of the receiving vessel 2 can be determined not only in the X direction (see...). Figure 3a The position of the center of gravity of the receiving vessel 2 on the placing element 13 is determined in the Y-coordinate system (in the coordinate system), and is also determined perpendicularly to this in the Y-direction. The calculation of the center of gravity position of the receiving vessel 2 on the placing element 13 in the Y-direction is performed similarly to the calculation of the center of gravity position in the X-direction described above.

[0049] The position of the receiving vessel 2 relative to the beverage outlet 8 can thus be determined with sufficient precision, and even with such precision that nothing flows alongside the receiving vessel 2 during beverage dispensing. The position of the receiving vessel 2 below the correct outlet pipes 9a, b, c, d of the beverage dispensing section 8 is identified, optionally also for the steam nozzle 6, which is preferably arranged laterally relative to the beverage dispensing section 8, and the hot water outlet 7, which is also preferably arranged laterally relative to the beverage dispensing section 8.

[0050] The weight of the corresponding receiving vessel 2 can also be measured and stored in the control device. A specific receiving vessel 2 with such a measured weight can be associated with a specific beverage. The net weight of the output coffee beverage or coffee-milk mixture can be continuously measured together. From this, changes or wear in the beverage preparation machine 1 can be deduced.

[0051] The ratio of beverage volume (which can be measured, for example, using an impeller meter (Flügelradzähler, sometimes called a rotary vane flow meter) in beverage preparation machine 1) to the weight of each product component can also be confirmed. Milk foam, for example, can have various different volumetric weights. The quality of milk foam is strongly dependent on the milk used. If the quality of the milk at the customer's location varies slightly, this can be much better identified by weighing elements 14a, b, c.

[0052] If the receiving container 2 overflows during beverage dispensing, although the volumetric flow rate is still measured for a short time, no further weight increase is detected. Beverage dispensing can then be automatically stopped, and an error notification will be output to the operation unit 10.

[0053] When the beverage preparation machine 1 is put into operation, it is often necessary to determine the delivery power or volumetric flow rate. Using suitable control software, information from the weighing elements 14a, b, and c can be used for this purpose. This saves work for service technicians, as they do not need to manually input the measurements. For example, the delivery power of the aroma module (not shown here), through which caramel syrup can be added to the prepared hot beverage, must currently be determined manually.

[0054] This is currently accomplished using a measuring cup placed below the beverage outlet 8. The service technician must then trigger the delivery of each individual syrup variety for ten seconds via the corresponding buttons or controls on the operating unit 10 and read the delivered volume. This value must then be re-entered via the operating unit 10. If the volumetric flow rate unit or the delivered volume per unit time can be converted from ml / s to g / s in the control device, the result can be automatically confirmed via the weighing elements 14a, b, c at the placement element 13.

[0055] To operate beverage preparation machine 1, the following method is provided: In the first method step, a beverage preparation machine 1 that is ready to operate is provided.

[0056] In the second method step, the user of the beverage preparation machine 1 places the receiving container 2 onto the placement element 13 provided for this purpose, and positions it below the beverage outlet 8, the hot water outlet 7, or the steam nozzle 6.

[0057] In the next step of the method, the position of the receiving container 2 on the placement element 13 is confirmed by the control device (with the weighing elements 14a,b,c connected to it) from the measurements of the weighing elements 14a,b,c.

[0058] In the next step, the user selects coffee preparation, coffee-milk mixed beverage, filling hot water into receiving vessel 2, or activating steam nozzle via the operation unit 10 of beverage preparation machine 1.

[0059] In the next step of the method, the actual position and actual unloaded weight of the confirmed receiving vessel 2 are compared with the theoretical position and theoretical unloaded weight of the receiving vessel 2 on the placement element 13, depending on the function of the selected hot beverage or the selected beverage preparation machine 1.

[0060] If the confirmed actual position and confirmed actual unloaded weight of the receiving vessel 2 are consistent with the theoretical position and theoretical unloaded weight of the receiving vessel 2 on the placement element 13, then in the next method step, the desired hot beverage preparation or the desired beverage preparation machine, especially the coffee and / or tea machine 1, is activated by the control device.

[0061] If the confirmed actual position and confirmed actual unloaded weight of the receiving container 2 are inconsistent with the theoretical position and theoretical unloaded weight of the receiving container 2 on the placement element 13, a warning or fault notification is generated by the control device, for example on the operating unit, and the user is required to either place another receiving container 2 on the placement element 13 at the current actual position of the receiving container 2, or change the actual position of the receiving container 2.

[0062] The desired beverage preparation or activation of the desired beverage preparation machine 1 function is only performed when the user makes the appropriate correction and the correction is confirmed by the evaluation of the measurement results of the weighing elements 14a,b,c.

[0063] Reference number list 1. Beverage preparation machine 2 Receiving container 3 containers 4 containers 5. Housing 6 Steam nozzles 7 Hot water outlet 8. Beverage exports 9a,b,c,d Outlet pipes 10 operating units 11 doors 12 brackets 13. Placement of components 14a,b,c Weighing elements

Claims

1. A beverage preparation machine, particularly a coffee and / or tea machine (1), the beverage preparation machine being configured to dispense hot beverages in different volumes and dispense the hot beverages into different receiving containers (2), wherein, The beverage preparation machine (1) has at least the following: a) A beverage outlet (8), said beverage outlet having at least one outlet pipe (9), and b) A holder (12) having a resting element (13) for receiving a vessel (2), particularly for placing the vessel (2) on the resting element in the area below the beverage outlet. Its features are, c) The placement element (13) is associated with at least two weighing elements (14a, b, c).

2. The beverage preparation machine according to claim 1, especially the coffee and / or tea machine (1), is characterized in that, The placement element (13) is associated with at least three weighing elements (14a, b, c).

3. The beverage preparation machine, especially a coffee and / or tea machine (1), according to claim 1 or 2, is characterized in that, The placement element (13) is supported on the weighing element (14a,b,c).

4. The beverage preparation machine, especially a coffee and / or tea machine (1), according to claim 1, 2, or 3, is characterized in that, The weighing element is connected to the control device of the beverage preparation machine, on which an evaluation program runs during the operation of the beverage preparation machine. The evaluation program acquires and processes the measurements of the weighing element, wherein the weight and / or position of the receiving vessel is confirmed.

5. The beverage preparation machine, especially a coffee and / or tea machine (1), according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, is characterized in that, The corresponding weighing elements (14a,b,c) are implemented as weighing sensors.

6. The beverage preparation machine according to any one of the preceding claims, especially the coffee and / or tea machine (1), is characterized in that, The corresponding weighing elements (14a,b,c) are implemented as strain gauges or piezoelectric elements.

7. The beverage preparation machine according to any one of the preceding claims, especially the coffee and / or tea machine (1), is characterized in that, The corresponding weighing elements (14a,b,c) are integrated into the beverage preparation machine (1) in such a way that the weighing elements are not visible from the outside.

8. The beverage preparation machine according to any one of the preceding claims, especially the coffee and / or tea machine (1), is characterized in that, The corresponding weighing elements (14a, b, c) are connected to a control device, wherein the control device is configured to confirm the presence and / or position of the receiving vessel (2) on the placement element (13) from the measurements of the weighing elements (14a, b, c).

9. The beverage preparation machine according to any one of the preceding claims, especially the coffee and / or tea machine (1), is characterized in that, The placement element (13) is a droplet grid.

10. The beverage preparation machine according to any one of the preceding claims, especially the coffee and / or tea machine (1), is characterized in that, The beverage outlet (8) has more than one outlet pipe (9).

11. The beverage preparation machine according to any one of the preceding claims, especially the coffee and / or tea machine (1), is characterized in that, The beverage outlet (8) is highly adjustable.

12. The beverage preparation machine according to any one of the preceding claims, especially the coffee and / or tea machine (1), is characterized in that, The beverage preparation machine (1) has a steam nozzle (6).

13. The beverage preparation machine according to any one of the preceding claims, especially the coffee and / or tea machine (1), is characterized in that, The beverage preparation machine (1) has a separate hot water outlet (7).

14. The beverage preparation machine according to any one of the preceding claims, especially the coffee and / or tea machine (1), is characterized in that, The bracket (12) has a basin-shaped recess.

15. A method for operating a beverage preparation machine, particularly a coffee and / or tea machine (1), designed according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that... The following are the steps: a) Provide a beverage preparation machine (1) and one or more receiving containers (2); b) Place one of the receiving containers (2) onto the placement element (13) provided for this purpose; c) The actual position of the receiving vessel (2) on the placement element (13) and / or the actual weight of the receiving vessel (2) are confirmed by the evaluation device of the control device from one or more measurements of the weighing element, the weighing element being connected to the control device.

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