Method for controlling a coffee maker

Abstract

A method for controlling a coffee machine (1), the coffee machine including an electronic controller (17), a user interface (2), and a hydraulic circuit (6), wherein the electronic controller (17) includes a memory storing a plurality of selectable dispensing cycles (Dj), the user interface (2) includes a display screen (4), and the hydraulic circuit (6) sequentially includes a supply pump (7), a boiler (8), and a coffee brewer (9) having a receiving chamber (10) for coffee filling (11), wherein the memory of the electronic controller (17) stores a plurality of start-up cycles (Ci) that can be selectively activated when the coffee machine (1) is turned on, and these start-up cycles include at least The water volume (Qi) distributed by the supply pump (7) to the hydraulic circuit (6) when there is no coffee charge (11) in the receiving chamber (10), and the heating temperature (Ti) of the boiler (8) when there is no coffee charge (11) in the receiving chamber (10), and the electronic controller (17) stores operating data in the memory, which includes the number and type of the distribution cycle (Dj) executed, and the time when the distribution cycle (Dj) is executed, and uses this data to learn, through a machine learning algorithm, the start-up cycle (Ci) to be selected and executed or suggested to the user via the user interface (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for controlling a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] A commercially available coffee machine of a known type includes a hydraulic circuit that sequentially includes a supply pump, a boiler, and a coffee brewer having a chamber for receiving coffee ingredients.

[0003] Currently, when the coffee machine is turned on and / or off—before the coffee ingredients are placed in their receiving chamber or after they have been removed—it can perform a hot flushing cycle of the hydraulic circuit.

[0004] This flushing cycle is used to clean the hydraulic circuit, thereby preventing the accumulation of dirt and debris, as well as the growth of bacteria that could contaminate the beverage.

[0005] Furthermore, when associated with machine startup, this rinsing cycle preheats the hydraulic circuit, ensuring the first cup of coffee dispensed to the cup reaches an acceptable temperature. The parameters defining the rinsing cycle are typically factory preset and cannot be modified. This often results in ineffective rinsing, thus failing to ensure adequate cleaning of the hydraulic circuit and optimal sensory characteristics of the coffee in the cup. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem solved by this invention is to develop a method for controlling a coffee machine that overcomes the technical defects observed in the prior art.

[0007] As part of this technical objective, one object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a coffee machine that can effectively clean the hydraulic circuit.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a coffee machine that ensures efficient cleaning of the hydraulic circuit without requiring complex structural modifications and without requiring highly corrosive or eco-friendly cleaning agents.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a method for controlling a coffee machine that not only ensures the effective cleaning of the hydraulic circuit, but also enhances the desired sensory characteristics of the coffee dispensed into the cup.

[0010] This technical problem, along with the foregoing and other objectives, is achieved through a method for controlling a coffee machine comprising an electronic controller, a user interface, and a hydraulic circuit. The electronic controller includes a memory storing a plurality of selectable dispensing cycles. The user interface includes a display screen for visualization. The hydraulic circuit sequentially includes a supply pump, a boiler, and a coffee brewer having a chamber for receiving coffee ingredients. The method is characterized in that the electronic controller's memory stores a plurality of selectable start-up cycles that can be selectively activated when the coffee machine is turned on. These cycles include at least a predefined amount of water dispensed by the supply pump into the hydraulic circuit when there are no coffee ingredients in the receiving chamber, and a predefined heating temperature of the boiler when there are no coffee ingredients in the receiving chamber. Furthermore, the electronic controller records operational data in the memory, including the number and type of dispensing cycles executed and when these cycles are executed, and uses a machine learning algorithm to learn from this data which start-up cycles to select and execute, or to suggest a cycle to the user via the interface.

[0011] The electronic controller's memory can also store shutdown cycles that can be selectively activated when the coffee machine is turned off. These cycles include at least a predefined amount of water dispensed by the supply pump into the hydraulic circuit when there is no coffee in the containment chamber, and a predefined heating temperature of the boiler when there is no coffee in the containment chamber. The electronic controller learns from this data, through machine learning algorithms, which shutdown cycles to select and execute, or suggests them to the user via the interface.

[0012] Therefore, according to the teachings of the present invention, the electronic controller dynamically adapts to the selection of the start cycle to be performed or suggested based on the historical operating data of the coffee machine.

[0013] If needed, the electronic controller can also dynamically adjust the selection of the shutdown cycle, executing the shutdown cycle based on the machine's past usage data or suggesting the shutdown cycle to the user.

[0014] As user habits change, machine learning algorithms can be advantageously adjusted to select the appropriate start or stop loop, either by executing the loop automatically or by suggesting it to the user.

[0015] Other features of the invention are further defined in the following claims. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the coffee machine control method, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings for reference rather than limitation, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 A coffee machine that implements this control method is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Referring to the foregoing figures, an example of a control method for a coffee machine is illustrated, the coffee machine being generally indicated by reference numeral 1 in the figures.

[0019] The coffee machine 1 includes an electronic controller 17, a hydraulic circuit 6 for coffee dispensing, and a user interface 2.

[0020] User interface 2 includes a power button 3 for turning the machine on and off, a display screen 4, and selection buttons 5.

[0021] User interface 2 also includes a communication module 19 configured to communicate remotely with the user. For example, the communication module may be a radio frequency or wired transmitter connected via the Internet to a software application installed on an electronic device, such as a smartphone.

[0022] The hydraulic circuit 6 includes, in sequence, a supply pump 7, a boiler 8, and a coffee brewer 9 having a chamber 10 for containing coffee ingredients 11.

[0023] The supply pump 7 is connected to a water source, which can be a water tank 12 or directly connected to a water supply network.

[0024] The flow meter 16 is positioned between the supply pump 7 and the water tank 12 to monitor the water flow.

[0025] The coffee brewer 9 is connected to an external dispenser 13, which is designed and positioned to dispense coffee into a cup 14 placed on a cup holder 15.

[0026] The electronic controller 17 includes a memory in which a plurality of (m) allocation cycles Dj (j=1, 2, ... m) are advantageously stored, and these allocation cycles Dj are selectable.

[0027] The serving cycle Dj can include, for example, D1 espresso serving cycle, D2 double coffee serving cycle, D3 long brew coffee serving cycle, D4 ​​Americano serving cycle, and D5 cold coffee serving cycle.

[0028] Furthermore, the memory of the electronic controller 17 advantageously stores multiple (n) start-up cycles Ci (i=1, 2, ... n), which can be selectively activated when the coffee machine 1 is turned on.

[0029] The coffee machine 1 can be started by the user through the user interface 2, physically by using the power button 3, or remotely, for example, by sending a request from a smartphone via the sending module 19.

[0030] Similarly, the coffee machine 1 can be turned off by the user through the user interface 2, by pressing the power button 3, or remotely, for example via a smartphone through the sending module 19.

[0031] In addition, the electronic controller 17 may include an automatic shutdown circuit that shuts down the machine after a predetermined time has elapsed since the machine was turned on or since the last executed distribution cycle.

[0032] The start-up cycle Ci is defined at least by the water volume value Qi (i=1, 2, ... n) and the heating temperature value Ti of the boiler 8. The water volume value Qi represents the amount of water distributed by the supply pump 7 to the hydraulic circuit 6 when there is no coffee charge 11 in the receiving chamber 10 of the brewing unit 9. The heating temperature value Ti is the heating temperature of the boiler when there is no coffee charge in the receiving chamber 10 of the brewing unit 9.

[0033] Preferably, the start-up cycle Ci is also defined by the flow rate value Pi of the supply pump 7. Furthermore, the start-up cycle Ci is also defined by the execution time value ti.

[0034] If pump 7 and boiler 8 are activated / deactivated at different times, then ti is the sum of the time when only one of them (pump 7 or boiler 8) is active and the time when both are active simultaneously.

[0035] If pump 7 and boiler 8 are activated and deactivated simultaneously, then ti corresponds to the period when both are active.

[0036] Advantageously, the electronic controller 17 stores the operating data of the coffee machine 1, including which allocation cycles Dj are executed and when these cycles are executed, and the controller uses a machine learning algorithm to learn from the data to determine the start cycle Ci to be selected and executed or suggested to the user via the interface 2.

[0037] The coffee machine 1 can also have a manual selection mode for the start-up cycle Ci, accessible via interface 2.

[0038] In manual selection mode, unlike the automatic selection mode described above, the user's selection is not related to the historical operation of coffee machine 1.

[0039] Interface 2 may include a selection button 5, which allows the user to switch between an automatic selection mode and a manual selection mode for starting the loop Ci.

[0040] Some start-up cycles Ci may involve the simultaneous activation of both the supply pump 7 and the boiler 8, or other start-up cycles may activate both asynchronously.

[0041] In the case of asynchronous activation, boiler 8 may be activated before supply pump 7 and shut down before supply pump 7.

[0042] Some start-up cycles Ci may include selectively activating only the supply pump 7 or only the boiler 8, for example, activating only the supply pump 7 for cold water flushing, or activating only the boiler 8 to heat the hydraulic circuit 6 without performing a flushing cycle.

[0043] The start-up cycle Ci includes at least the following: a C1 hot flushing cycle with water volume Q1, temperature T1, and flow rate P1; a C2 hot flushing cycle with water volume Q2 < Q1, temperature T2 > T1, and flow rate P2 < P1; a C3 hot flushing cycle with water volume Q3 < Q1, temperature T3 < T1, and flow rate P3 > P1; a C4 hot flushing cycle with water volume Q4 > Q1, temperature T4 > T2, and flow rate P4 < P1; and a C5 start-up cycle without water flushing (Q5 = 0).

[0044] The aforementioned startup loop Ci can include the following values ​​in terms of quantity:

[0045] C1: 50ml <Q1<80ml;60℃<T1<80℃;4ml / s<P1< 5ml / s;45s <t1< 60s

[0046] C2: 10ml <Q2<40ml;80℃<T2<100℃;0.5ml / s<P2<2ml / s;20s<t2<50s

[0047] C3: 10ml <Q3<30ml;40℃<T3<60℃;5ml / s<P3<6ml / s;10s<t3<20s

[0048] C4: 80ml <Q4<150ml;90℃<T4<110℃;1ml / s<P4<2ml / s;60s<t4<120s

[0049] C5: Q5=0; t5=20s

[0050] The C1 start loop is the default hot flushing loop and is widely compatible with all allocation loops Dj.

[0051] The C2 start-up cycle is particularly suitable for the espresso dispensing cycle D1 because, compared to C1, this start-up cycle has a higher heating temperature and a very low flow rate, thereby increasing the contact time between water and the components of the hydraulic circuit 6.

[0052] The short-duration C3 start cycle is particularly well-suited for the long-brewing coffee dispensing cycle D2.

[0053] The C4 start-up cycle is particularly effective for deep cleaning and disinfection of hydraulic circuit 6.

[0054] The C5 start cycle is particularly well-suited for remotely selected dispensing cycles Dj, where cup 14 is positioned below coffee dispenser 13 before coffee machine 1 is turned on, thus preventing any rinsing water that would normally be dispensed through the same coffee dispenser 13 from being discharged into cup 14.

[0055] The start-up cycle Ci can include additional cycles, such as the C6 water-saving start-up cycle, in which 10 ml <Q6<15ml;50℃<T6<80℃;2ml / s<P6<3ml / s;t6=30s。

[0056] A typical example of operating coffee machine 1 is as follows:

[0057] During the initial learning phase, the coffee machine 1 can continue for a certain number of start cycles, with the electronic controller 17 automatically executing the default start cycle C1 each time it is started.

[0058] Alternatively, during the initial learning phase, the electronic controller 17 may periodically prompt the user, for example via messages on the display screen 4, whether to modify the default startup loop Ci and which loop Ci to use when turning on the coffee machine 1.

[0059] Users can use selection button 5 to confirm or modify the selection of the default starting loop C1.

[0060] The selected or modified start loop Ci settings can then be applied to subsequent start loop Ci settings of coffee machine 1.

[0061] Once the machine learning algorithm has collected a large amount of data and learned the user's habits, the coffee machine 1 can automatically and autonomously select the startup loop Ci to execute each time it is started.

[0062] Consider the following scenario:

[0063] The initial learning phase involved collecting data from 500 machine startups.

[0064] The training of the machine learning algorithm continued even after these 500 starts.

[0065] During the first six months of use, coffee machine 1 was turned on 500 times, at a frequency of 2 to 3 times a day.

[0066] The daily start times are statistically distributed as follows: the first time period is between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, the second time period is between 1:30 and 2:30 PM, and the third time period is between 5:00 and 6:00 PM.

[0067] In the first time period, selecting the D1 espresso dispensing cycle via selection button 5 was statistically dominant; in the second time period, remote selection of the D1 espresso dispensing cycle was statistically dominant; and in the third time period, selecting the D2 long brew dispensing cycle via selection button 5 was statistically dominant.

[0068] Once the user's behavior has been learned by analyzing this data, the machine learning algorithm schedules the execution of the C2 start loop in association with the start of coffee machine 1 in the first time period, the C5 start loop in association with the start of coffee machine 1 in the second time period, and the C3 start loop in association with the start of coffee machine 1 in the third time period.

[0069] Furthermore, the machine learning algorithm schedules the C4 sanitizing and deep cleaning start-up cycle to be executed instead of the C2 start-up cycle during a specific startup—specifically, during the initial startup period when coffee machine 1 is started. This is particularly convenient because the rinsing water temperature set in the C4 start-up cycle also applies to optimizing the output of the D1 dispensing cycle, which is typically requested during the initial startup period.

[0070] The C4 disinfection and deep cleaning cycle can be executed automatically, for example, after a predetermined number of machine starts, but only if a specific assigned cycle Dj has also been executed a predefined number of times.

[0071] For example, in the morning period after coffee machine 1 has been started X times, if at least Y allocation cycles Dk have been executed, the machine learning algorithm can schedule the execution of the C4 cycle for deep cleaning and sanitizing; otherwise, the C4 cycle will be scheduled to be executed on the next start after Y allocation cycles Dk have been executed.

[0072] The electronic controller 17 can automatically execute the scheduled start-up cycle, or notify the user via a message on the display screen 4, informing them of the scheduled start-up cycle and requesting confirmation before execution.

[0073] When a user is notified via a message on display screen 4 that a specific startup loop has been scheduled, the user's confirmation can be applied to the next startup loop to be executed within the same time period.

[0074] When a user is notified via a message on display 4 that a specific startup loop has been scheduled, the user's rejection of the confirmation can be applied to the next startup loop to be executed within the same time period, and can cause the user to manually select their preferred startup loop for the next startup within the same time period.

[0075] For example, if display 4 notifies that C1 has been scheduled to start a loop and the user confirms (via physical confirmation button 5, or, if display 4 is a touchscreen, via a virtual confirmation button on the display), the user's confirmation applies to the next start loop to be executed within the same time period.

[0076] If the user does not confirm (by not pressing the physical or virtual confirm button within a specific time period, or by pressing the physical or virtual reject button), the user is prompted to manually select the desired startup loop (e.g., C2) for use in the next startup within the same time period.

[0077] If the user does not manually select a startup loop through interface 2, the same current startup loop C1 will be executed on the next startup within the same time period.

[0078] Preferably, in the automatic start loop selection mode, the execution mode of the scheduled start loop (automatic or requiring user confirmation) can be set by the user via selection button 5.

[0079] The same principle described above regarding the start-up cycle also applies to the stop-down cycle of coffee machine 1.

[0080] Therefore, the memory of the electronic controller 17 also stores multiple (n) shutdown cycles C'i, which can be selectively activated when the coffee machine 1 is turned off. These shutdown cycles include at least a water volume value Q'i and a heating temperature value T'i of the boiler 7. The water volume value Q'i represents the amount of water distributed by the supply pump 7 to the hydraulic circuit 6 when there is no coffee charge 11 in the receiving chamber 10, and the heating temperature value T'i is the heating temperature of the boiler when there is no coffee charge 11 in the receiving chamber 10.

[0081] Preferably, the shutdown cycle C'i is also limited by the flow rate value P'i of the supply pump 7.

[0082] Furthermore, the shutdown cycle C'i is preferably also defined by the execution time value t'i. If pump 7 and boiler 8 are activated / deactivated in a non-phase manner, the execution time t'i corresponds to: the time during which only one of pump 7 and boiler 8 is active, plus the time during which both are active simultaneously.

[0083] Clearly, if pump 7 and boiler 8 are activated and deactivated simultaneously, the execution time t'i corresponds to the period when both are active.

[0084] The above-mentioned closed loop C'i can include the following values ​​in terms of quantity:

[0085] C'1: Q'1=50ml; T'1= 60℃; P'1= 5ml / s; t'1= 10s

[0086] C'2: Q'2=40ml; T'2= 60℃; P'2 = 4ml / s; t'2= 10s

[0087] C'3: Q'3=60ml; T'3= 90℃; P'3= 3ml / s; t'3= 20s

[0088] C'4: Q'4=0; T'4= -; P'4= 0; t'4= 0

[0089] C'5: Q'5=80ml; T'5= 90℃; P'5= 2.7ml / s; t'5= 30s

[0090] C'6: Q'6=20ml; T'6= 60℃; P'6= 5ml / s; t'6= 4s

[0091] In this case, the electronic controller 17 also learns from the data, through machine learning algorithms, which will select and execute the closing loop C'i, or suggest it to the user via the interface 2.

[0092] Preferably, the machine learning algorithm establishes a relationship between the shutdown loop C'i and the startup loop Ci, so that the machine learning algorithm schedules the execution of the startup loop Ci when the coffee machine is turned on, and schedules the execution of the corresponding shutdown loop C'i when the coffee machine is subsequently turned off.

[0093] Specifically, in this case, the shutdown cycle C'1 is associated with the startup cycle C1, the shutdown cycle C'2 is associated with the startup cycle C2, the shutdown cycle C'3 is associated with the startup cycle C3, the shutdown cycle C'4 (which in this case does not include either the flushing cycle or the heating cycle) is associated with the startup cycle C4, the shutdown cycle C'5 is associated with the startup cycle C5, and the shutdown cycle C'6 is associated with the startup cycle C6.

[0094] Coffee machine 1 has a manual selection mode that applies not only to starting cycle Ci but also to stopping cycle C'i, and can be accessed through interface 2.

[0095] Therefore, interface 2 may include selection button 5, which allows reversible switching between automatic selection mode and manual selection mode for both starting loop Ci and closing loop C'i.

[0096] As conceived, the coffee machine control method can be modified and varied in many ways, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept. Furthermore, all details can be replaced with technically equivalent elements.

[0097] In practice, the materials and dimensions used can be adapted as needed based on specific requirements and the existing technological level.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a coffee machine (1), the coffee machine comprising an electronic controller (17), a user interface (2), and a hydraulic circuit (6), wherein the electronic controller (17) includes a memory storing a plurality of selectable dispensing cycles (Dj), the user interface (2) includes a display screen (4), and the hydraulic circuit (6) sequentially includes a supply pump (7), a boiler (8), and a coffee brewer (9) having a receiving chamber (10) for coffee filling (11), characterized in that, The electronic controller (17) stores multiple start-up cycles (Ci) in its memory, which can be selectively activated when the coffee machine (1) is turned on. The multiple start-up cycles include at least the water volume (Qi) distributed by the supply pump (7) to the hydraulic circuit (6) when the coffee charge (11) is not in the receiving chamber (10), and the heating temperature (Ti) of the boiler (8) when the coffee charge (11) is not in the receiving chamber (10). The electronic controller (17) stores operating data in its memory, which includes the number and type of the distribution cycles (Dj) executed, and the time when the distribution cycles (Dj) are executed. Using the data, the electronic controller (17) learns, through a machine learning algorithm, which start-up cycles (Ci) to select and execute or to suggest to the user via the user interface (2).

2. The method for controlling a coffee machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The startup loop (Ci) includes at least an execution time value (ti).

3. The method for controlling a coffee machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The start-up cycle (Ci) includes at least the flow rate (Pi) of the supply pump (7).

4. The method for controlling a coffee machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The coffee machine (1) has a manual selection mode for the start cycle (Ci) accessible via the user interface (2).

5. The method for controlling a coffee machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The start-up cycle (Ci) provides activation for both the supply pump (7) and the boiler (8).

6. The method for controlling a coffee machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The start-up cycle (Ci) provides selective activation of the supply pump (7) or the boiler (8).

7. The method for controlling a coffee machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The starting cycle (Ci) includes at least the following: a C1 cycle that flushes with water volume Q1, temperature T1, and flow rate P1; a C2 cycle that flushes with water volume Q2 < Q1, temperature T2 > T1, and flow rate P2 < P1; a C3 cycle that flushes with water volume Q3 < Q1, temperature T3 < T1, and flow rate P3 > P1; a C4 cycle that flushes with water volume Q4 > Q1, temperature T4 > T2, and flow rate P4 < P1; and a C5 cycle that does not flush with water (Q5 = 0).

8. The method for controlling a coffee machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The memory of the electronic controller (17) also stores a plurality of shutdown cycles (C'i) that can be selectively activated when the coffee machine (1) is turned off. The plurality of shutdown cycles include at least the water volume value (Q'i) distributed by the supply pump (7) to the hydraulic circuit (6) when the coffee charge (11) is not in the receiving chamber (10) and the heating temperature value (T'i) of the boiler (8) when the coffee charge (11) is not in the receiving chamber (10). The electronic controller (17) is characterized in that it uses the machine learning algorithm to learn from the data to determine the shutdown cycle (C'i) to be selected and executed or suggested to the user via the user interface (2).

9. A coffee machine (1) that implements the control method according to any one of the preceding claims.

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