Hot beverage appliance and methods for its operation

Abstract

Hot beverage preparation appliance (1) for household purposes with an input device (9; 10) for the water hardness of the preparation water with which the hot beverage preparation appliance is operated, and with an evaluation and control device which is communicatively connected to a signaling device (7; 9), with a detection device (11) which is designed to detect the information of the input device (10) and forward it to the evaluation and control device (8), and characterized by the design of the evaluation and control device (8) to evaluate the information and, when a predetermined first threshold value is exceeded, to activate the signaling device (7; 9) to output a first signal only after a first descaling process for descaling the hot beverage preparation appliance (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hot beverage preparation appliance for household purposes, comprising a water supply, an input device for the water hardness of the preparation water used to operate the hot beverage preparation appliance, and an evaluation and control unit that is communicatively connected to a signaling device. The invention further relates to a method for operating a hot beverage preparation appliance, which includes an input device for the water hardness of the preparation water used to operate the hot beverage preparation appliance.

[0002] A device with an input device is known, for example, from DE 10 2019 005 000 A1. US 2012 010 7453 A1 describes a beverage preparation device that has a water filter and a sensor upstream of the water filter to record various parameters of the water quality before it passes through the water filter. Together with data on different water filters, the beverage preparation device provides the user with recommendations on which water filter to use for the given water quality.

[0003] The object of the invention, however, is to enable a gentler operation of a hot beverage preparation device.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention in the aforementioned hot beverage preparation device or hot beverage preparation appliance by comprising a detection device configured to detect the information from the input device and forward it to the evaluation and control device. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a configuration of the evaluation and control device such that it is capable of evaluating the information from the detection device and, upon exceeding a predetermined first threshold value, activating the signaling device to output a first signal only after a first descaling process for descaling the hot beverage preparation appliance.

[0005] It is known to set a water hardness level on hot beverage preparation appliances that corresponds to the water hardness at the appliance's location. The appliance can then adjust its operation accordingly, particularly by prompting users to descale in a timely manner. Occasionally, the water hardness on the appliance is preset according to its operating region, for example, by sales staff or the appliance installer, without the user being aware of or unaware of this setting. With the detection device according to the invention, which captures the information from the input device regarding the water hardness and forwards it to the evaluation and control unit, the water hardness setting can now be further considered and processed by the appliance itself. According to the invention, it can be compared with a predefined threshold value.If, for example, the water hardness exceeds a medium threshold, the control unit can trigger the signaling device to issue a signal. This signal can prompt the user to install a water filter that reduces the hardness of the water used for preparation. This reduces limescale buildup in the beverage dispenser, resulting in a longer lifespan for the appliance, longer descaling cycles or longer intervals between descaling prompts, and improved, and especially more consistent, beverage quality. For the manufacturer, using a water filter can save on warranty costs.

[0006] The brewing appliance may have an interface for inserting a water filter. Alternatively, water filters are available that can be used as intended even without a dedicated interface in the brewing appliance. A common application for such water filters is the outlet of a water storage tank that holds brewing water.

[0007] The hot beverage preparation appliance may include an input device for specifying the water hardness. This input device may be a mechanical adjustment mechanism such as a multi-stage slide switch, a rotary selector, or the like. Alternatively, the input device may include a keypad or at least a button, usually combined with a display to make the user's input traceable and verifiable.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, the hot beverage preparation appliance can include an interface for contactless input. Contactless input can be achieved, for example, via a radio or Wi-Fi connection. This allows the water hardness to be entered largely independently of, and potentially even at a distance from, the preparation appliance, for example, by service personnel. The detection device for recording the input is appropriately adapted to the specific type of input device.

[0009] According to the invention, a preset water hardness level can represent a threshold value above which the preparation device outputs a signal. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hot beverage preparation device can have a predefined second threshold value, which differs from the first threshold value, and an associated second signal, which differs from the first signal and / or whose output time differs from that of the first signal. For example, with four water hardness levels, the highest hardness level "4" can be the first threshold value and the hardness level "3" the second threshold value. Upon detection of the first threshold value, i.e., hardness level "4," the first signal can, for example, be issued with a prompt to use a water filter, whereas upon detection of the second threshold value, i.e., hardness level "3," the second signal can, for example, merely issue a recommendation to use a water filter.Alternatively, both the first and second signals can be identical and indicate a recommendation to use a water filter. However, the first signal is emitted, for example, before every new beverage preparation process, while the second signal is only emitted, for example, before every fifth beverage request.

[0010] The indication that a water filter is required can preferably be visual or audible on the preparation device itself. Visual or audible indication by a single signal requires its decoding by the user, for example, using operating instructions. A self-explanatory signal via voice or text output is easier to understand. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hot beverage preparation device can therefore include a user-readable display, such as a screen or similar, and / or a loudspeaker as a signaling device. The control unit can then activate the signaling device to output the signal as a text message on the display and / or as a voice message via the loudspeaker.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, according to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hot beverage preparation device can include a signaling device configured to output the signal as a text message and / or voice message for playback on a mobile receiving device. For this purpose, the signaling device can also utilize, for example, radio or WLAN technology. The signaling can then occur independently of the preparation device and remind the user to use a water filter even when they are not at or near the preparation device. A text message can also be linked to further services or recommendations from the manufacturer or seller of the preparation device, for example, containing a link to websites, such as an explanatory and / or instructional video or a source for the specific, possibly device-specific, water filter.

[0012] If a water filter is installed, an additional sensor in the appliance can detect it and send the corresponding information to the evaluation and control unit. Alternatively, a confirmation option for the installed filter can be offered on the appliance's display or on the user's mobile device as soon as one of the signals is emitted. This avoids unnecessary notifications after a filter has been installed. Furthermore, the evaluation and control unit can now calculate an adjusted interval for the next descaling reminder.

[0013] The aforementioned task of enabling more gentle operation of a hot beverage preparation appliance is also solved by a method for operating a household hot beverage preparation appliance with an input device for the water hardness of the preparation water used to operate the appliance, and with an evaluation and control device that is operatively connected to a signaling device. The method is particularly suitable for operating the hot beverage preparation appliance described in detail above and comprises the following steps: a) Recording an input for water hardness, b) Comparing the input with at least one predefined threshold, and c) Output of a signal when at least one threshold is exceeded.

[0014] Regardless of how the water hardness is entered, it is always recorded. This value is then compared to one or more predefined threshold values. The threshold value could, for example, represent a specific degree of water hardness. There could also be multiple threshold values, for example, representing different degrees of hardness, against which the value is compared in step b). This comparison determines whether the water hardness exceeds or falls below the threshold value, or at least one threshold value. If a threshold value is exceeded, a corresponding signal is output in step c). This signal provides information for the user regarding the use of a water filter. Different threshold values ​​can be assigned different signals, or different signals can be output at different times.This allows for a gradation in the signaling, which can take into account the presence of different water hardness levels.

[0015] According to the invention, the signal or one of the signals according to step c) is only output after the first descaling process. The first descaling process for descaling the preparation device should clarify the relationship between water hardness and limescale buildup for the user. By signaling a recommendation for the use of a water filter during the first descaling process, there is a high probability that the user will understand and correctly assess the relationship between the descaling process and the use of a water filter. This increases the effectiveness of the signaling.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the above method, after the output of the first or second signal in step d), the user can be offered a confirmation option, whereby the user confirms the use or insertion of a water filter in the preparation appliance. This confirmation option can be offered on the display of the preparation appliance and / or on the mobile device. The evaluation and control unit processes the corresponding information, after which, at least initially, no further of the above signals are output. They can be output again, if necessary, after the filter has reached the end of its service life or is exhausted. Furthermore, the evaluation and control unit adjusts a reminder interval for descaling the preparation appliance.

[0017] The principle of the invention will be explained in more detail below using a drawing as an example. The drawing shows the only Fig. Figure 1 shows a highly schematic hot beverage preparation device 1 in a front view. It has a housing 2, on the left outer side of which a removable reservoir 3 for preparation water is arranged. A beverage container 4 stands under a beverage spout 5 on the front of the housing 2 facing the viewer, resting on a support 6. Above the beverage spout 5 is an illuminated display 7 for indicating selectable beverages, their quantities, and other functions of the preparation device 1.

[0018] Within the housing 2 of the preparation device 1, an evaluation and control unit 8 is also located. It is electrically connected to both the display 7 and a WLAN module 9. The WLAN module 9 enables monodirectional or bidirectional communication between the preparation device 1 and a mobile device belonging to a user of the preparation device 1 or to a mobile device belonging to service personnel. The display 7 and the WLAN module 9 each serve as signaling devices for the preparation device 1.

[0019] On the rear side of the housing 2 of the preparation device 1, facing away from the viewer, there is a slide switch 10. It offers four different positions corresponding to four different degrees of water hardness 1 to 4. The slide switch 10 thus serves as an input device for the water hardness of the preparation water. A detection device 11 connected to the slide switch 10 detects the switch position and transmits the corresponding information to the evaluation and control unit 8. Moving the slide switch 10 thus provides the preparation device 1 with information about the current water hardness level, whereupon the evaluation and control unit 8 sets a time interval for prompting descaling.

[0020] The preparation device 1 has an interface 12 in the reservoir 3 for a water filter. In operation, the water filter is attached to a water outlet of the reservoir 3, so that water from the reservoir 3 passes through the filter and thus filters its way into the preparation device 1.

[0021] When the water preparation unit 1 is put into operation, the detection unit 11 first detects the position of the slide switch 10. If the slide switch 10 is set to the third position corresponding to water hardness level "3", the detection unit 11 forwards this information to the evaluation and control unit 8. As soon as the first descaling is required after several operating cycles, the water preparation unit 1 also displays a recommendation to use a water filter on the display 7. Alternatively or additionally, the water preparation unit 1 can send a text message to the user's mobile device via the WLAN module 9, which, in addition to the recommendation to use a water filter, also provides at least one source on the internet for a water filter compatible with the water preparation unit 1.

[0022] Display 7 and / or the text message also offers a confirmation option that a water filter has been inserted in the preparation device 1. The evaluation and control unit 8 processes this confirmation and initially refrains from issuing any further signals prompting the insertion of a water filter. It can also adjust the reminder interval for descaling the preparation device 1 accordingly. Finally, it can also calculate and / or account for the aging of the water filter and later prompt the user to insert a water filter again.

[0023] If the detection device 11 recognizes a switch position of the slide switch 10 corresponding to a water hardness level of "4", it also forwards this information to the evaluation and control unit 8. The evaluation and control unit 8 then outputs a different signal, immediately recommending the use of a water filter. A confirmation option for the use of a water filter may also be offered, which the evaluation and control unit 8 takes into account when calculating the descaling interval and when outputting signals.

[0024] Since the preceding, detailed description of the preparation device 1 and its operating method are exemplary embodiments, they can be modified extensively by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the specific configurations of the signaling device can also be implemented differently than described here. Likewise, the arrangement of the interface for the water filter can be designed differently if this is necessary for reasons of space or design. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not preclude the possibility that the features in question may be present multiple times or in multiple instances. Reference symbol list 1 preparation device 2 cases 3 storage containers 4 beverage containers 5 Drink dispenser 6 Installation area 7 ads 8 Evaluation and control unit 9 WLAN module 10 Input device 11. Recording device 12 Interface for water filters

Claims

[1] Hot beverage preparation appliance (1) for household purposes with an input device (9; 10) for the water hardness of the preparation water with which the hot beverage preparation appliance is operated, and with an evaluation and control unit which is communicatively connected to a signaling device (7; 9), with a detection device (11) which is designed to detect the information from the input device (10) and transmit it to the evaluation and control unit (8), and characterized by the design of the evaluation and control device (8) to evaluate the information and, when a predetermined first threshold is exceeded, to activate the signaling device (7; 9) to output a first signal only after a first descaling process for descaling the hot beverage preparation device (1). [2] Hot beverage preparation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a device-side input device (10). [3] Hot beverage preparation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by an interface (9) for contactless input as an input device. [4] Hot beverage preparation device (1) according to any one of the above claims, characterized by a predefined second threshold and an associated second signal. [5] Hot beverage preparation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and with a display (7), characterized by , that the signaling device is designed to output the signal as a text message on the display (7). [6] Hot beverage preparation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the signaling device (9) is designed to output the signal as a text message for playback on a mobile receiving device. [7] Hot beverage preparation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the evaluation and control device (8) is designed to evaluate the information by providing the recorded information to the input device (10) of a data transmission device and receiving data about an evaluation carried out by means of the data transmission device. [8] Method for operating a hot beverage preparation appliance (1) for household purposes with an input device for the water hardness of the preparation water with which the hot beverage preparation appliance (1) is operated, and with an evaluation and Control device (8) which is operatively connected to a signaling device (7; 9), in particular a hot beverage preparation device (1) according to one of the above claims, comprising the following steps: a) Recording an input for water hardness, b) Comparing the input with a predefined threshold, and c) Output of a signal when the threshold is exceeded, characterized by , that the signal according to step c) is only issued after a first descaling process for descaling the hot beverage preparation appliance (1). [9] Method according to the above method claim 8, characterized by , that in step d) a confirmation option is offered to confirm that a water filter has been successfully inserted into the preparation device (1). [10] Method according to any one of the above method claims 8 to 9, characterized by , that the comparison in step c) includes a step c1) in which the information from the input device (10) is provided to a data transmission device, and a step c2) in which data relating to a completed evaluation is received by means of the data transmission device. [11] Computer program product comprising commands that cause a hot beverage preparation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 to be controlled according to a method according to one of claims 8 to 10.

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