Beverage preparation device and method for operating a beverage preparation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage preparation device (100) with an extendable dispensing tray (105) for receiving a beverage container (130), wherein the dispensing tray (105) comprises a height-adjustable telescopic spout (110), and a fluid system (135) which is designed to prepare a beverage and dispense it into the beverage container (130) by means of the telescopic spout (110).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a beverage preparation device and a method for operating a beverage preparation device according to the main claims.

[0002] EP 3 654 803 B1 relates to a piece of furniture with a body on which at least one door is movably mounted at an opening, and at least one sliding element is slidably mounted on the body, wherein the at least one door can be pivoted from a closed position covering the opening into a first opening position via a pivoting device, and a method for opening at least one door on a body.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to create an improved beverage preparation device and an improved method for operating a beverage preparation device.

[0004] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a beverage preparation device and a method for operating a beverage preparation device with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0005] The advantages achievable with the invention consist of a space-optimized size, and thus a space-saving size of the beverage preparation device.

[0006] Presented is a beverage preparation device with an extendable dispensing tray for receiving a beverage container, wherein the dispensing tray includes a height-adjustable telescopic spout, and a fluid system designed to prepare a beverage and dispense it into the beverage container by means of the telescopic spout.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the beverage preparation device can be designed as a coffee machine. According to an alternative embodiment, the beverage preparation device can also be designed as a tap. In this case, the extendable dispensing tray can be designed as a drawer. The beverage container can be, for example, a cup or a glass. According to one embodiment, the telescopic spout can be designed to dispense a beverage into the container. In this case, the telescopic spout can be made of stainless steel, according to known embodiments.

[0008] The dispensing compartment can have a fold-out shelf to serve as a support for the beverage container, in particular wherein the shelf, when closed, closes off or covers the dispensing compartment from a front of the beverage preparation device. According to one embodiment, the shelf can be made of plastic. Alternatively, the shelf can also be made of stainless steel. According to one embodiment, the shelf can be attached to the dispensing compartment by means of a hinge.

[0009] The telescopic spout can be retracted when the outlet compartment is in the retracted position. This ensures a space-optimized design.

[0010] The telescopic spout can be manually adjustable or height-adjustable via a gear mechanism, a motor, or a hydraulic element. In one embodiment, the telescopic spout can also be manually adjustable and height-adjustable via a gear mechanism, a motor, or a hydraulic element. Using both adjustment options can improve usability.

[0011] The beverage preparation device can include a locking element designed to prevent the dispensing shaft from retracting when the telescopic spout is extended. According to this embodiment, damage to the telescopic spout caused by retraction of the dispensing shaft can be prevented.

[0012] The fluid system can include a brewing chamber for preparing the beverage, in particular for brewing coffee. According to one embodiment, the brewing chamber and the fluid system can be arranged inside the dispensing tray.

[0013] The dispensing compartment can have a height of 5 to 20 centimeters, particularly 10 to 15 centimeters. A particularly low-profile design of the dispensing compartment allows for easy integration into the beverage dispensing appliance, thus requiring a lower overall height for the appliance.

[0014] Furthermore, a method for operating a beverage preparation device is presented, wherein the method includes a step of controlling the telescopic spout in order to change the height of the telescopic spout.

[0015] The approach presented here further creates a control unit designed to execute, control, and implement the steps of a variant of the method presented here in appropriate devices. This embodiment of the invention, in the form of a control unit, also allows the underlying problem to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0016] The control unit can be configured to read input signals and use these input signals to determine and provide output signals. An input signal can, for example, be a sensor signal readable via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can be a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing instruction implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and may be implemented as a discrete component or comprised of a discrete component.

[0017] A computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory, or optical memory is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or control unit, it can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0018] Although the described approach is based on a household appliance, the approach described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example a medical device, such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small sterilizer, a large-capacity disinfector or a container washing system.

[0019] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a beverage preparation device; Fig. 2 a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a discharge compartment; Fig. 3 another sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a discharge compartment; Fig. 4 another sectional view of an embodiment of a discharge compartment; Fig. 5 a frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of a drain compartment; Fig. 6 another frontal view of an embodiment of a drain compartment; Fig. 7. A representation of an exemplary embodiment of a discharge chute; and Fig. 8 a flowchart of an exemplary implementation of a process.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a beverage preparation device 100. The beverage preparation device 100 comprises a dispensing compartment 105 with a telescopic spout 110 and a fold-out drip tray 115. Furthermore, the beverage preparation device 100 comprises a control unit 120 and a locking element 125.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the beverage preparation device 100 is designed as a fully automatic coffee machine. According to an alternative embodiment, the beverage preparation device 100 is also designed as a beverage vending machine. In this case, the dispensing compartment 105 is arranged in a lower area of ​​the beverage preparation device 100. According to one embodiment, the dispensing compartment 105 is extendable, being intended to hold a beverage container 130, and the dispensing compartment 105 includes the height-adjustable telescopic spout 110. According to one embodiment, the dispensing compartment 105 is designed as a coffee drawer with a telescopic spout. Furthermore, the beverage preparation device 100 includes a fluid system 135, which is designed to prepare a beverage and dispense it into the beverage container 130 by means of the telescopic spout 110.The fluid system 135 comprises a brewing chamber 140, a thermoblock 145, a pump 150, and a fixed water inlet 155. According to one embodiment, the brewing chamber 140 is designed to brew coffee with hot water and ground coffee. According to another embodiment, the outlet compartment 105 is designed to extend the telescopic spout 110 from the fully automatic coffee machine for use.

[0022] In one embodiment, the telescopic spout 110 is designed to be height-adjustable. To adjust the telescopic spout 110 to the desired height, the beverage preparation device 100 includes, for example, a [feature / component] located in the Fig. 1. Gear mechanism not shown for clarity. In one embodiment, the gear mechanism is operated by a motor (also not shown) or a hydraulic element. In an alternative embodiment, the height of the telescopic spout 110 is adjusted manually by a user. In another embodiment, both variants can be combined. The telescopic spout can be adjusted manually or moved, for example, by a motor. In one embodiment, the telescopic spout 110 dispenses the beverage downwards into the beverage container 130. In another embodiment, the gear mechanism is controlled by the control unit 120. This unit determines the height to which the telescopic spout 110 is set.

[0023] To prevent the dispensing tray 105 from being pushed back into the beverage preparation device 100 when the telescopic spout 110 is still extended, the beverage preparation device 100 includes the locking element 125. According to one embodiment, the locking element 125 is shaped as a latch that is pushed forward to prevent the dispensing tray 105 from retracting. In another embodiment, the locking element 125 is shaped to hold the dispensing tray 105 in an open position by engaging it. The locking element 125 can only be removed from the dispensing tray 105 once the telescopic spout 110 is retracted.

[0024] In one embodiment, a shelf 115 is arranged on the front side of the dispensing compartment 105. In another embodiment, the shelf 115 is foldable from the dispensing compartment 105. In another embodiment, the shelf 115 closes the dispensing compartment 105 when closed. When the shelf 115 is unfolded, it is shaped, for example, to hold materials such as containers and to serve as an additional storage surface, in addition to a storage surface 160. In another embodiment, the shelf 115 is attached to the dispensing compartment 105 by means of a hinge.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a discharge compartment 105. According to an embodiment, the discharge compartment 105 is like the one shown in Figure 2. Fig. The described outlet compartment is formed. The outlet compartment 105 here has the telescopic outlet 110, the storage area 160 and the storage plate 115.

[0026] In one embodiment, the dispensing compartment 105 is retracted and concealed by the shelf 115. The shelf 160 is also concealed by the shelf 115. In another embodiment, the shelf 160 forms a recess in the dispensing compartment 105 to accommodate the beverage container. The shelf 160 is located below the telescopic spout 110. In the retracted state, the telescopic spout 110 is also retracted, and in another embodiment, the telescopic spout 110 is not extendable when the dispensing compartment 105 is retracted. In another embodiment, the dispensing compartment 105, when closed, is flush with a front face 200 of the beverage preparation device 100.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows another sectional view of an embodiment of a discharge compartment 105. According to one embodiment, the discharge compartment 105 is like the one shown in Fig. The described outlet compartment is formed. The outlet compartment 105 comprises the telescopic outlet 110, the storage area 160 and the storage plate 115.

[0028] In this embodiment, the dispensing compartment 105 is extended from the beverage preparation device 100. The drip tray 115 is unfolded and therefore no longer obstructs the dispensing compartment 105 from the front. In this embodiment, the telescopic spout 110 remains retracted. The telescopic spout 110 is now in a position that allows the user to adjust its height manually or mechanically. In this embodiment, the drip tray 160 is accessible to the user, who can place a container there.

[0029] Fig. Figure 4 shows another sectional view of an embodiment of a discharge compartment 105. According to an embodiment, the discharge compartment 105 is like the one shown in Fig. The described outlet compartment is formed. In addition to the telescopic outlet 110, the storage area 160 and the storage plate 115, the outlet compartment 105 has the fluid system 135.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the dispensing tray 105 is extended from the beverage dispenser 100. The support plate 115 is unfolded and therefore no longer obstructs the dispensing tray 105 from the front. According to this embodiment, the telescopic spout 110 is also extended and in a position capable of dispensing a beverage into the beverage container 130. Due to the height adjustability of the telescopic spout 110, the dispensing tray 105 can be designed as a shallow drawer. According to one embodiment, the height of the dispensing tray 105 is between 5 and 20 centimeters. More precisely, according to another embodiment, the height of the dispensing tray 105 is between 10 and 15 centimeters. The telescopic spout 110 allows the use of containers of varying heights. Despite the compact design, the extendable telescopic spout 110 makes it possible to fill even large containers.According to one embodiment, the spout can be pushed upwards out of the plane of the upper surface of the spout compartment 105. The low installation space also allows the spout compartment 105 to fit underneath other appliances, such as an oven.

[0031] Fig. Figure 5 shows a frontal view of an embodiment of a discharge compartment 105. According to an embodiment, the discharge compartment 105 is like the one shown in Fig. 1. The described outlet compartment is formed. The outlet compartment 105 comprises the tray 115, the storage surface 160 and the telescopic outlet 110.

[0032] In this embodiment, the dispensing compartment 105 is extended from the beverage preparation device 100. The drip tray 115 is unfolded and therefore no longer obstructs the dispensing compartment 105 from the front. In this embodiment, the telescopic spout 110 remains retracted.

[0033] Fig. Figure 6 shows another frontal view of an embodiment of a discharge compartment. The discharge compartment 105 is, according to an embodiment, like the one in Fig. 1. The described outlet compartment is formed. The outlet compartment 105 comprises the tray 115, the storage surface 160 and the telescopic outlet 110.

[0034] In this embodiment, the dispensing compartment 105 is extended from the beverage preparation device 100. The support plate 115 is unfolded and therefore no longer obstructs the dispensing compartment 105 from the front. In this embodiment, the telescopic spout 110 remains retracted. The beverage container 130 is arranged on the support surface 160, positioned directly below the telescopic spout 110 to receive a beverage when it is dispensed.

[0035] Fig. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a discharge compartment 105. According to one embodiment, the discharge compartment 105 is, according to one embodiment, like the one in Fig. The described outlet compartment is formed. The outlet compartment 105 comprises the storage area 160 and the telescopic outlet 110.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the outlet compartment 105 and the telescopic outlet 110 are both extended. According to this embodiment, the storage surface 160 has a drain 700 which includes two holes, the drain 700 being shaped to drain splashed liquids, such as water or coffee.

[0037] Fig. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 800, wherein the method 800 comprises a step 801 of controlling the telescopic extension to change the height of the telescopic extension. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 654 803 B1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Beverage preparation appliance (100) with the following features: an extendable dispensing tray (105) for receiving a beverage container (130), wherein the dispensing tray (105) comprises a height-adjustable telescopic spout (110); and a fluid system (135) designed to prepare a beverage and to dispense it into the beverage container (130) via the telescopic spout (110). [2] Beverage preparation device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing compartment (105) has a fold-out support plate (115) as a support surface for the beverage container (130), in particular wherein the support plate (115) in a closed state closes off or covers the dispensing compartment (105) from a front (200) of the beverage preparation device (100). [3] Beverage preparation device (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the telescopic spout (110) is designed to be retracted in a retracted state of the dispensing compartment (105). [4] Beverage preparation device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the telescopic spout (110) is manually adjustable and / or wherein the telescopic spout (110) is height-adjustable by means of a gear mechanism, a motor and / or a hydraulic element [5] Beverage preparation device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a locking element (125) designed to prevent the outlet compartment (105) from retracting when the telescopic outlet (110) is extended. [6] Beverage preparation device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid system (135) comprises a brewing chamber (140) for preparing the beverage, in particular for brewing coffee. [7] Beverage preparation device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing compartment (105) has a height of 5 to 20 centimeters, in particular of 10 to 15 centimeters. [8] Method (800) for operating a beverage preparation device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method comprises a step (801) of controlling the telescopic spout (110) to change the height of the telescopic spout (110). [9] Control unit (120) configured to perform and / or control the step (801) of the method (800) according to any of the preceding claims in corresponding units. [10] Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (800) according to claim 8, when the computer program product is executed on a control unit (120) according to claim 9.

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