Hourglass-integrated and / or temperature-based predictive sensor system for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals within a piping system of a device system for monitoring temperature and / or beverage consumption

Abstract

The present invention relates to an hourglass-integrable and / or temperature-based prediction sensor system for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals within a piping system of a device system for monitoring a temperature and / or consumption of beverages, and to a method for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals within a piping system of a device system for monitoring a temperature and / or consumption of beverages according to the respective preamble of claims 1 and 6.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an hourglass-integrable and / or temperature-based prediction sensor system for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals within a piping system of a device system for monitoring a temperature and / or consumption of beverages, and to a method for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals within a piping system of a device system for monitoring a temperature and / or consumption of beverages according to the respective preamble of claims 1 and 6.

[0002] Manufacturers of professional water dispensers in the hospitality industry face a high risk of failure, as they are liable for lost revenue in the event of malfunctions or breakdowns, must carry out expensive emergency repairs, and cause customer dissatisfaction. The goal is to develop PdM (Process by Measurement) functions using the simplest and most robust technology possible. Specifically, cumbersome monitoring systems such as water quality checks or visual inspection of filter condition were to be avoided. The idea was to measure only temperature, if possible. Maintenance data was analyzed, and further data was collected. This data was evaluated, and hypotheses were developed to predict potential failures and repairs.

[0003] In a series of tests, all failure correlations related to temperature changes were examined. The most frequent failure risks are cooling function failure and filter clogging. Various temperature increases were identified, primarily at the condenser, evaporator, and the internal housing temperature. Further tests revealed timeframes for failure probabilities. Additionally, the occurrence of failure correlates with the dispensed water volume. Temperature sensors, a water flow meter, a control box, and a data transmission system were developed and installed for the limited installation space to enable future PdM (Process by Maintenance) functions for the water dispensers. A machine learning program continuously analyzes maintenance and, if necessary, identifies required production deficiencies.

[0004] Conventional PdM functions are either purely flow-based and require shorter maintenance cycles to ensure reliable operational stability, or they collect optical, chemical, thermal, and operating-time measurements, which result in high system costs and often trigger more frequent false alarms. A purely thermal and flow-based PdM offers high system reliability, is cost-effective, and reliably indicates impending failures.

[0005] However, if the temperature sensor is positioned too close to the water pipe inside the housing, it heats up, especially when exposed to external heat or a housing heater, to such an extent that it can no longer accurately measure the temperature of water that is actually too warm (or vice versa). This problem was essentially solved using two approaches. Firstly, as part of a rough tuning process, the sensor was insulated against heat and cold to enable a roughly independent measurement of the water temperature. In the fine-tuning phase, the software calculated and corrected any remaining temperature offset. This, in turn, was based on machine learning algorithms.

[0006] In the treatment of drinking water or table water for individual consumers (households) or large consumers (hospitals, businesses), it is crucial that the tapped or dispensed water is provided to the consumer germ-free.

[0007] In particular, there is a risk that with irregular use, but also with frequent use of such systems, one or more water droplets may remain at the free end of the dispensing point, which can lead to bacterial growth, or that the edge of the outlet may periodically pick up germs from the surroundings, for example, from users of the system or from the environment. However, such problems occur not only with drinking water or table water treatment, but generally with beverages dispensed in a non-sterile environment. Furthermore, the present device allows for the external reading of consumption in liters, which was not previously possible.

[0008] The present invention now attempts to eliminate the aforementioned problems and therefore offers, among other things, a device for the germ-free dispensing of beverages, which enables germ-free dispensing in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner by, in particular, individually setting a reheating interval after a dispensing process.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0010] According to the invention, the hourglass comprises an integrable and / or temperature-based prediction sensor system device for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals within a piping system of a device system for monitoring a temperature and / or consumption of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcoholic beverages, etc., and at least one device for the germ-free dispensing of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcoholic beverages, etc., as well as at least one tank element with at least one lockable or self-closing opening which closes automatically after being removed from a connection of the device and opens automatically again after the tank element is placed on the connection.

[0011] According to the invention, the hourglass comprises an integrable and / or temperature-based prediction sensor system device for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals within a piping system of a device system for monitoring a temperature and / or consumption of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, etc., at least one temperature sensor which measures a temperature of the fluid of the beverage in order to make a prediction for future maintenance within a maintenance interval.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment, the predictive sensor system for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals within a piping system of a device system for monitoring a temperature and / or a consumption of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcoholic beverages, etc., comprises at least one device for the germ-free dispensing of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcoholic beverages, etc., in at least one embodiment further comprising at least one monitoring element which continuously and / or at individual time intervals measures the temperature and / or consumption of the beverage at the respective dispensing time, and in particular in at least one embodiment these measured values ​​are transmitted to a monitoring unit which stores the consumption and / or displays it optically or acoustically, and in particular, wherein the device comprises at least one temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the beverage fluid in order to make a prediction for future maintenance within a maintenance interval.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment, an air bubble within a fluid line of the device system can be detected by means of at least one sensor, wherein the sensor can detect the air bubble and / or contaminants in the fluid via a detector window on or in the line.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment, the information connection is cloud-based, so that the measured values ​​are uploaded from the monitoring element to a computer cloud and then this data is downloaded from the cloud by the monitoring unit.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment, the monitoring element measures the volume consumption per unit of time in order to then upload it to the cloud.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment, the use of the device is user-specific and thus adjustable with regard to a user or a group of users.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment, the present invention comprises an hourglass-integrated and / or temperature-based predictive sensor system for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals and / or for detecting impurities within a piping system of a device system for monitoring a temperature and / or consumption of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, etc., according to claim 1, wherein an air bubble within a fluid line of the device system is detectable by means of at least one sensor, wherein the sensor can detect the air bubble and / or impurities in the fluid via a detector window on or in the line.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment, the invention further comprises a method for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals and / or for detecting impurities within a piping system of a device system for monitoring a temperature and / or consumption of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, etc., according to claim 1, wherein an air bubble within a fluid line of the device system is detectable by means of at least one sensor, wherein the air bubble and / or impurities in the fluid are detected via a detector window on or in the line by the sensor.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment, the method for automatically adapting the behavior of a device within a device system comprises the task of increasing the probability that the device successfully completes a task, which, for example, involves an interaction with a human, wherein successful completion of the task includes, for example, that the human is induced to interact with the device and / or the device interacts with the human, wherein the method is executed by a processor in the device, and wherein the method comprises: Receiving sensor data comprising a, in particular a first, signal output by a first sensor, wherein the first signal indicates that a person is in the vicinity of the mobile user device, in particular wherein the method further comprises: Identifying an action to be performed by the device, for example, dispensing a drink, wherein the action is identified to increase the probability of successful completion of the task, wherein the identified action is based at least partially on the received sensor data and a model that represents successes and failures of past attempts by the device to complete the task with other people; transmitting a signal to an actuator of the device to cause the device to perform the action as an attempt to complete the task.

[0020] A signal is transmitted to an actuator of the mobile user device to cause the mobile user device to perform the action as an attempt to complete the task.

[0021] The procedure therefore involves transmitting a signal to an actuator of the mobile user device to cause the mobile robot device to perform the action as an attempt to complete the task.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment, the present invention comprises a second signal output by a second sensor, wherein the second signal indicates a first state of the mobile user device, wherein the first state is subject to control by the mobile user device and the first state is identified as relevant to the probability that the mobile user device will successfully complete the task.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment, the present invention comprises identifying an indication of whether the robot has successfully completed the task, based on a human response to the robot performing the action, and providing the sensor data of the action performed and the identified indication of whether the robot has successfully completed the task for the purpose of adapting the model.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment, the tank element has at least one closable or self-closing opening which closes automatically after being removed from the connection and opens automatically again after the tank element is placed back on the connection.

[0025] The tank element can be closed with a rubber stopper. In this case, the rubber stopper has an opening through which the contents are formed or expanded after the tank element is placed on the tank. The rubber stopper can be located at one end of a hollow rod-like closure element. Additionally, a rubber rim cap with a ring or other sealing profile can be attached along the outer edge of the closure element. This cap can serve as an external seal and also as a guide for inserting the closure element (and thus the tank) into a receiving element of a dispenser element (which also includes the discharge channel). This receiving element is removable and can be inserted in a liquid-tight manner.

[0026] In this process, the rubber closure of the tank element and a closure, in particular a rubber closure, on the receiving element of the dispenser element, i.e. for example a receiving element of the rest of the device minus the tank, can be brought into frictional adhesion to each other.

[0027] In this case, the rubber parts sit against each other, so that they are rubbed against each other during the installation process until they reach a stop, creating a preferably completely watertight, but not necessarily airtight, connection.

[0028] Preferably, however, the connection is also airtight, at the latest after the two rubber elements have been attached.

[0029] As mentioned above, the rubber element of the closure can be designed in the shape of a hollow cap, with the inside of the cap oriented towards the receiving element. This rubber closure can then be pressed onto the rubber element of the dispenser element using a sliding action. Both rubber elements also have individual interlocking features to prevent them from easily separating.

[0030] During the setup process, an air bubble is occasionally created, which either enters the tank element or the surrounding area and / or the line of the dispenser element.

[0031] This air bubble is created by filling the air cavity of the cap, which is then closed by the penetration of the sealing element of the dispenser element.

[0032] This air bubble is generally undesirable, because if it enters a line of the dispensing device, it disrupts the flow of fluid. This can be compared to watering a lawn with a garden hose, where, especially at the beginning, individual air bubbles escape after the water has run out. These bubbles, particularly in combination with the CO2 content of the fluid, can lead to malfunctions, blockages, or even explosive changes. While such an air bubble is often desirable in the espresso brewing process to create a frothy layer, especially on top of the freshly dispensed espresso, this is precisely what is not desired when dispensing fluids.

[0033] This is especially true since the air bubble itself would have to pass through a constriction that narrows at a tap, preferably a chronically constricting one, and could thereby create considerable resistance.

[0034] To detect the air bubble, a sensor can be installed within a dispenser line in the dispenser device, i.e. in the dispenser itself and thus outside the tank, which detects the air bubble itself and its presence.

[0035] The detection of such air bubbles is generally performed non-invasively. The sensor can be positioned inside the dispenser's tubing in such a way that it does not come into contact with the product. This is often achieved using a detection window, particularly a transparent one.

[0036] If one or more air bubbles are detected, a control device, which may be electrically operated, can indicate that venting is necessary. This can be done via a venting device on the water dispenser.

[0037] Only then can the dispensing system be put into operation.

[0038] In addition, or alternatively, further sensors can be positioned on the dispenser's hose. The problem of rubber abrasion arises because, due to the very high purity requirements, and especially the limits for impurities, the friction between the individual rubber connections generates micro-abrasions. These micro-abrasions typically occur every time the tank is reattached to the dispenser. Such sensors can detect a certain number of rubber wear particles per flow rate and are controlled by one of the aforementioned control devices in such a way that exceeding the limit triggers at least an alarm or even an interruption of the entire dispensing process.The limit values ​​can be based on the limit values ​​for bacterial contamination (bacteria and micro-rubber contamination often have a similar size, area, or volume distribution) or on the limit values ​​for air pollution.

[0039] As described above, such control can also be implemented using AI-based logic. For example, only a single control unit is used for such detection, regardless of its type, or each detection is assigned to a corresponding control module, preferably one that is unique. In any case, the learning process described above can be used to predict, in an analogous manner, after how many insertion cycles abrasion, and thus increasing contamination of the fluid being tapped, will exceed a limit. Exceeding a limit can also be triggered by communication via IoT (i.e., WLAN or other contactless or wired communication) with a maintenance device, alerting the device that the corresponding rubber components have reached an excessive level of abrasion and need to be replaced. This can define a corresponding maintenance window.This also predicts a correspondingly different maintenance window in the future, especially through self-learning cores.

[0040] An air bubble detector is used wherever it is essential to ensure that the flow of medium is not interrupted or permeated by unwanted air and gas inclusions. This can be the case, for example, in the fill and finish stage, the final production step, but also in earlier process steps, such as sterile filtration. In addition to gas and air inclusions, the sensors can also register the unwanted formation of foam.

[0041] The measurement is performed using a non-invasive method, directly through the tube wall. This means that the sensor itself has no contact with the medium, thus avoiding any potential risk of contamination or leakage. For measurement, the tube is simply inserted into the air bubble detector; no special tools or holding devices are required.

[0042] Air bubble detectors are suitable for all media with water-like, low-viscosity properties and little to no solids. Generally, all tubing made of clear materials, such as silicone, TPE, or PVC, is suitable for use with these sensors. Tubing with additional fabric reinforcement is also compatible.

[0043] In addition to the classic monitoring of air bubbles within the medium, air bubble detectors can also be used as full / empty indicators.

[0044] Some types of air bubble sensors are optionally available with ATEX certification, which is why they can also be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

[0045] Special features and characteristics • Non-invasive measurement • Microbubble detection • Plug & Play principle • Self-regulating sensor system • Individually customizable, modular system • Meets the highest safety standards • Powerful software • Integrated electronics • Sensor sensitivity individually adjustable

[0046] Processes and applications • Filling applications • Filtration applications • Bioreactors and fermenters • Pipetting systems • Mixing and dosing systems • Dialysis and transfusion • Blood separators • Diagnostic systems • Medical pumps • Also heart-lung and ECMO machines

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the guide element and / or the receiving element of the dispenser device includes a clip closure (snap closure) so that after the guide element is placed and clipped in, a releasable but preferably also liquid-tight closure is created.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the guide element and / or the receiving element can also have a cam lock. In this case, a cam of the guide element engages in the designated receiving element of the dispenser. This cam lock can be designed like a compressor closure (connecting a hose to the compressor air outlet).

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, a compression closure is also conceivable, in which the guide element or an attached element and the receiving element are each counterparts for generating the compression closure.

[0050] In general, the dispensing device can be constructed like a modular system. The tank can be one component, and the dispenser another, allowing for easy exchange and assembly. A modular system exists when identical parts and assemblies are used for its various components. Tanks of different sizes and / or guide elements of different sizes (in length and width) can be connected to the dispenser in a liquid-tight manner. A tank of a different size can be used with the same guide element, or a guide element of a different size can be used with the same or a different-sized receiving element. Various combinations of dispenser elements and tank elements are then conceivable. Other parts, such as the sleeve, can also be standardized but compatible with different heating element sizes.This generally guarantees the longevity of the entire device, as replacement parts and / or upgrades are always guaranteed simply by replacing the individual parts.

[0051] According to at least one embodiment, the opening is designed in the form of a self-closing valve.

[0052] According to at least one embodiment, the tank element is made of a plastic. It is conceivable that this plastic is PET.

[0053] For example, the tank element is designed in the shape of an espresso machine tank. It is conceivable that the entire device is designed in the shape of an espresso machine.

[0054] According to at least one embodiment, the tank element comprises at least one retaining element, such as a handle, by means of which the tank element can be detached from or removed from the housing.

[0055] According to at least one embodiment, the device for dispensing germ-free beverages, for example still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, etc., has a housing, wherein a liquid channel is formed with or in the housing.

[0056] This liquid channel has a connection for supplying the beverage and a dispensing opening for dispensing the beverage, wherein the dispensing opening or the area of ​​the dispensing opening of the liquid channel is electrically heated or heatable.

[0057] According to at least one embodiment, the device comprises at least one control and / or regulating device which is designed and also intended to ensure that, immediately after the actuation of a tap and the associated opening of a valve of the connection, or immediately after the end of the dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve of the connection, at least one heating element which is arranged on or in the area of ​​the dispensing opening, can be heated to a temperature of at least 80 degrees Celsius.

[0058] Heating the heating element directly leads to a warming of the liquid channel, at least in the area of ​​the dispensing opening.

[0059] For this purpose, the control and / or regulating device can communicate electronically with the valve and / or a power supply to the heating element, particularly an electrical one. For example, the valve is a solenoid valve that is controlled and / or regulated by the control and / or regulating device. The same can apply to the heating element.

[0060] The combined concept of the invention, whereby heating of the dispensing opening begins as soon as the tap is operated or closed, and in particular also during dispensing, and through the heating temperature of the heating element controlled or regulated by the control and / or regulating device to at least 80°C, prevents a germ-laden liquid from being discharged from the dispensing opening.

[0061] According to at least one embodiment, the device for dispensing germ-free beverages, such as still water and / or CO2 or water with CO2 or added CO2, juices, milk, alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, etc., comprises a housing and a liquid channel arranged in the housing with a connection for supplying the beverage and a dispensing opening for dispensing the beverage, wherein the dispensing opening or the area of ​​the dispensing opening of the liquid channel is heated or heatable, in particular electrically.

[0062] According to at least one embodiment, the device comprises at least one control and / or regulating device which is designed and intended to ensure that, immediately after the operation of the tap and the associated opening of the valve of the connection, or immediately at the end of the dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve of the connection, at least one heating element which is arranged on or in the dispensing opening can be heated to a temperature of at least 80°C.

[0063] The advantage of the variant where the heating element starts heating as soon as the valve is opened (i.e., at the beginning of the dispensing process) is that the heating element is already warm when the dispensing process ends and does not need to be heated to a predetermined temperature afterward. Therefore, a heating temperature of more than 80°C is usually reached by the end of the heating process, guaranteeing that no germs can enter the dispensing opening after the dispensing process has finished.

[0064] The alternative approach, in which the heating process begins only immediately after the dispensing process is complete, is based on the fact that even after extended dispensing, the dispensed beverage liquid remains at a temperature comparable to that found in a beverage reservoir. In other words, in the first scenario (dispensing begins immediately after opening the valve), the liquid may already be slightly warmed by the end of the process, but then at a high temperature suitable for sterilization after dispensing. In contrast, in the second scenario (heating only after the dispensing process is complete), the original temperature of the beverage in a reservoir is maintained.

[0065] In at least one embodiment, the liquid channel has at least one hourglass-shaped reduction in cross-section, creating a constriction in the direction from the connection to the dispensing opening. This constriction is overcome by the beverages being dispensed, allowing them to exit the device from the dispensing opening. Experience has shown that this prevents residual dripping, particularly after the dispensing process is complete. Based on the Bernoulli and capillary effects, this prevents further drops from leaving the liquid channel after the dispensing process is finished, and also allows the dispensing process to be terminated very quickly, even abruptly.

[0066] In particular, the dispenser device, when empty, weighs at most 30 kg, preferably at most 20 kg, and most preferably at most 10 kg, in order to be portable by hand and thus without the need for aids.

[0067] The heating element can, for example, be designed as a section of pipe that is pushed onto the outer circumference of the end section of the pipeline and secured there, for example by gluing or screwing. It can also be designed as a sleeve or similar device that is attached to the end of a liquid-filled pipe. Alternatively, the heating device can be installed and integrated into the pipe wall, for example, in the immediate vicinity of the drain opening.

[0068] It is conceivable that the liquid channel in the area of ​​the dispensing opening, instead of being heated briefly to such a high temperature, for example higher than 80°C, at regular intervals during the time when no beverage is being dispensed, is not heated after the completion of a dispensing process (including reheating time) until the beginning or end of the immediately next dispensing process.

[0069] Therefore, in the present invention it is unnecessary to repeatedly heat the liquid channel during the operation of the device, in particular between two immediately successive dispensing processes.

[0070] The heating element is designed, for example, as a heating coil powered by a low-voltage supply of, for example, 24 V. The current is selected so that the inside of the pipe section of the ring, the sleeve, or the like is heated to approximately 85 to 125°C. This temperature reliably prevents the formation of a biofilm on the inner wall of the water outlet nozzle, thus creating a germ barrier at the outlet. This prevents germs from forming at the outlet and entering the drinking water during the next use of water, or from migrating inwards.

[0071] According to at least one embodiment, the heating element begins to heat up no later than 0.1 s and no later than 0.8 s after the valve of the connection is opened. Alternatively, the heating element can begin to heat up no later than 0.1 s and no later than 0.8 s after the valve of the connection is closed.

[0072] If the valve closes within a range of at least 0.1 s and at most 0.8 s after the valve is opened or closed, then, in accordance with the invention, this can be understood as an immediate closing of the valve.

[0073] This time period has proven particularly advantageous for the inventors in order to achieve an efficient germ barrier, which prevents germs from moving into the liquid channel from a lower edge of the dispensing opening and settling there after the dispensing process has been completed.

[0074] According to at least one embodiment, the heating of the heating element ends at least 1 second after the end of a dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve. In other words, a post-heating period is created which lasts at least 1 second after the end of the dispensing process.

[0075] According to at least one embodiment, after the end of a tapping process, a post-heating period beginning from that point onward depends in its length on the length of the tapping process carried out immediately before it.

[0076] For example, it may be the case that the longer a withdrawal process (time between opening and closing the valve with respect to a single withdrawal) lasts, the correspondingly longer post-heating period is generated by the control and / or regulating device.

[0077] For example, the duration of the dispensing process is linearly or quadratically related to the length of the reheating period. It is conceivable that the reheating period, according to a linear relationship, is twice as long as the duration of the dispensing process itself (linear relationship) or four times as long (quadratic relationship).

[0078] The length of the post-heating period can therefore be calculated by multiplying such a factor by the duration of the draw-off process. The duration of the draw-off process can be specified or measured by the control and / or regulating device.

[0079] According to at least one embodiment, the duration of the reheating process is at least the duration of the tapping process carried out immediately before it.

[0080] In such a variant, the factor mentioned above cannot be less than one, but in one embodiment is exactly one.

[0081] According to at least one embodiment, the reheating process begins during a first time interval with a first temperature of the heating element, and after the first time interval has elapsed, reheating is carried out with at least a second, low temperature until the end of the reheating period.

[0082] In other words, the reheating process is therefore divided into at least two different time and temperature sub-ranges in terms of time, while a so-called temperature plateau can be operated in the first time interval.

[0083] For example, in a subsequent second time interval, the temperature is reduced continuously (that is, linearly) until, for example, it reaches the minimum temperature of 80°C.

[0084] It is conceivable that the initial temperature during the first time interval is set between 85 and 125°C. While it is therefore necessary to achieve the most comprehensive possible germicidal effect and / or germ count control during the first time interval of the reheating process, it has been found that sufficient germicidal effect and / or germ count control can still be achieved during the second time interval, as long as the temperature is kept at least above 80°C.

[0085] Dividing the reheating process into at least two time intervals based on different temperatures can prove advantageous, among other reasons, because it allows the first interval, which operates at a "maximum" temperature, to be kept as short as possible in order to minimize the energy input to the heating element. For example, the heating element might be powered by a battery.

[0086] According to at least one embodiment, the first temperature is kept constant in the first time interval, while in the second time interval the temperature falls, in particular gradually, to a lower limit temperature, in particular a temperature of 80°C.

[0087] In this context, "gradual" means that the temperature in the second time interval preferably falls linearly over the entire time range of the second time interval.

[0088] According to at least one embodiment, the liquid channel in or in the area of ​​the dispensing opening has at least a reduced cross-section, in particular wherein this reduced cross-section is adjustable from the outside by means of an adjusting means.

[0089] This means that, starting from the valve and moving towards the dispensing opening, a predetermined cross-section is initially formed within the liquid channel, with this cross-section then decreasing towards the end of the dispensing opening. This reduced cross-section can therefore continue until the end of the dispensing opening, or it can be further narrowed by another reduced cross-section.

[0090] For example, the reduced cross-section is formed in the form of a step within the fluid channel. However, it is also conceivable that instead of a step-like reduction in cross-section, the cross-section is reduced by a conical narrowing.

[0091] According to at least one embodiment, the heating element is arranged in a sleeve that encloses a lower region of the liquid channel. By arranging the heating element in this sleeve, a particularly simple replacement of the heating element can therefore be achieved or facilitated.

[0092] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for dispensing germ-free beverages, for example still water and / or water enriched or treated with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, etc., by means of a device according to at least one of the embodiments mentioned above.

[0093] This means that all features disclosed for the device are also disclosed for the method described here, and vice versa.

[0094] According to at least one embodiment, immediately after the actuation of a tap and the associated opening of a valve of the connection, or immediately after the end of the dispensing process and the associated closing of the valve of the connection, at least one heating element, which is arranged on or in the area of ​​the dispensing opening, can be heated to a temperature of at least 80 degrees Celsius.

[0095] The method described here has the same advantages and advantageous features as the device described above. The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment and a figure.

[0096] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device 100 described herein, on the basis of which a method 1000 as described below can be carried out.

[0097] As from the Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 100 for the germ-free dispensing of beverages, for example still water and / or water enriched or mixed with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, etc., with at least one tank element 1 having at least one closable or self-closing opening which closes automatically after being removed from a connection of the device 100 and opens automatically after the tank element 1 is placed on the connection, and with a liquid channel arranged in a housing or formed within it, with a connection for supplying the beverage and a dispensing opening for dispensing the beverage, wherein the dispensing opening or the area of ​​the dispensing opening of the liquid channel is heated, in particular electrically.

[0098] An air bubble within a fluid line 5 of the device system 100 can be detected by means of at least one sensor 3, wherein the sensor 3 can detect the air bubble and / or contaminants in the fluid via a detector window 4 on or in the line.

[0099] Fig. 1 at least one temperature sensor 3 can be removed, which measures the temperature of the fluid of the beverage in order to make a prediction for future maintenance within a maintenance interval.

[0100] This dispensing opening is heated by a heating element, which is controlled and / or regulated by a control and / or regulating device. In particular, a control and regulating device is shown, which is designed and intended to ensure that, immediately after a tap is operated and the valve of the connection is opened, or immediately after the dispensing process has ended and the valve of the connection has closed, at least the heating element located at and in the area of ​​the dispensing opening can be heated to a temperature of at least 80°C.

[0101] The control and / or regulating device can be connected to both the valve and the heating element via data transmission. For example, the control and / or regulating device controls a battery element of the heating element, which supplies the heating elements of the heating element with electrical energy, thus heating the heating elements. As can be seen in particular from the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the heating element is arranged circumferentially around the outer circumference of the dispensing opening and the liquid channel in order to heat the wall material of the dispensing opening and / or the liquid channel. For example, the heating elements of the heating element are in direct contact with the wall material of the dispensing opening.

[0102] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control and regulation device could be used to activate and thus heat a predetermined selection of heating elements. This would allow the heating effect of the heating element to be adjusted.

[0103] It is conceivable that the heating element is made of a synthetic material into which these heating elements are embedded. By means of appropriate wiring between the heating elements and to the control and / or regulating device, the control and / or regulating device can select which heating elements are to be supplied with electrical energy.

[0104] Furthermore, the heating elements could either be completely embedded in the plastic material (in which case they are not visible from the outside), or the heating elements could protrude from the plastic material or form a plane with it, so that in this case the heating elements come into direct contact with the wall material of the dispensing opening and / or the wall material of the liquid channel.

[0105] From the Fig. 1 shows that after the end of the tapping process, a post-heating period of a predetermined length is carried out, whereby a tapping process carried out immediately before is measured with a length of time.

[0106] It can be seen that the duration of the reheating process is twice as long as the duration of the immediately preceding dispensing process, whereby in the exemplary embodiment the Fig. 1. The duration of the reheating process only begins after the dispensing process has ended. It is further detailed that the reheating process itself is divided into a first time interval and a second time interval.

[0107] While the first time interval is operated at a constant temperature (and no heating is applied by the heating element during the dispensing process), the second time interval is operated at a second temperature that decreases continuously, and in this particular embodiment, linearly. The entire reheating period ends as soon as the temperature difference reaches 80°C.

[0108] Preferably, only a single reheating cycle is performed between two consecutive dispensing processes. In other words, the dispensing opening is preferably not repeatedly heated, for example periodically or at intervals, between two immediately adjacent dispensing processes.

[0109] The human being is induced to interact with an execution device 100, for example, a user terminal device, in particular a mobile one, and / or the execution device 100 interacts with the human being, wherein the method 1000 is executed by a processor in the mobile user terminal device, wherein the method 1000 comprises receiving sensor data, which includes a signal, in particular a first signal, that is output by a first sensor 3, wherein the first signal indicates that a human being is in an environment of the mobile user terminal device.

[0110] A second signal is also obtained, which is output by a second sensor 3, wherein the second signal indicates a first state of the mobile user device, wherein the first state is subject to control by the mobile user device and the first state is identified as relevant to the probability that the mobile user device will successfully complete the task, wherein the method 1000 further comprises identifying an action to be performed by the mobile user device, wherein the action is identified to increase a probability of successful completion of the task, wherein the identified action is based at least partially on the received sensor data and a model representing successes and failures of past attempts by the mobile user device to complete the task with other people.Furthermore, it includes transmitting a signal to an actuator of the mobile user device to cause the mobile user device to perform the action as an attempt to complete the task.

[0111] Also shown is the identification of an indicator as to whether the robot has successfully completed the task, based on a human's response to the robot's performance of the action; and the provision of the sensor data, the action performed, and the identified indicator as to whether the mobile user device has successfully completed the task, for model adaptation.

[0112] The Fig. Figure 1 also shows the predictive sensor system 100 for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals and / or for detecting impurities within a piping system of a device system 100 for monitoring a temperature and / or a consumption of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcoholic beverages, etc., according to claim 1, wherein an air bubble within a fluid line 5 of the device system 100 can be detected by means of at least one sensor 3, wherein the sensor 3 can detect the air bubble and / or impurities in the fluid via a detector window 4 on or in the line.

[0113] Furthermore, the Fig.1. The method 1000 for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals and / or for detecting impurities within a piping system of a device system 100 for monitoring a temperature and / or a consumption of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcoholic beverages, etc., according to claim 1, wherein an air bubble within a fluid line 5 of the device system 100 is detectable by means of at least one sensor 3, wherein the air bubble and / or impurities in the fluid are detected via a detector window 4 on or in the line by the sensor 3.

[0114] The invention is not limited by the description and the exemplary embodiment. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature as well as every combination of features, which also includes in particular every combination of the patent claims, even if this feature or this combination itself is not explicitly disclosed in the patent claims or the exemplary embodiments. Reference symbol list 1 tank element 2 rubber closures 3 Sensor 4 detector windows 5 Fluid line 100 hourglass integrated and / or temperature-based prediction sensor system (device) 1000 procedures

Claims

hourglass integrated and / or temperature-based prediction sensor system device (100) for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals within a piping system of a device system (100) for monitoring a temperature and / or consumption of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcoholic beverages, etc., comprising at least one device (100) for the germ-free dispensing of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched or infused with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcoholic beverages, etc.,- at least one tank element (1) with at least one closable or self-closing opening which closes automatically after being removed from a connection of the device (100) and opens automatically again after the tank element (1) is placed on the connection, characterized by at least one temperature sensor (3) which measures the temperature of the fluid of the beverage in order to make a prediction for future maintenance within a maintenance interval. hourglass integrable and / or temperature-based prediction sensor system device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the information connection is cloud-based, such that the measured values ​​are uploaded from the monitoring element to a computer cloud and then this data is downloaded from the cloud by the monitoring unit. hourglass integrable and / or temperature-based prediction sensor system device (100) according to claim 2 , characterized in that a volume consumption per unit of time is measured by the monitoring element in order to then be able to upload it to the cloud. hourglass integrable and / or temperature-based prediction sensor system device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the use of the device (100) is user-specific and thus adjustable with regard to a user or a group of users. An hourglass-integrated and / or temperature-based predictive sensor system (100) for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals within a piping system of a device system (100) for monitoring the temperature and / or consumption of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, etc., according to claim 1, characterized by at least one temperature sensor (3) which measures the temperature of the beverage fluid in order to make a prediction regarding future maintenance within a maintenance interval. An hourglass-integrated and / or temperature-based method (1000) for predicting maintenance times and / or maintenance intervals and / or for detecting impurities within a piping system of a device system (100) for monitoring a temperature and / or consumption of beverages, e.g., still water and / or water enriched with CO2 or O2, juices, milk, alcoholic or alcohol-containing beverages, etc., according to claim 1, wherein at least one temperature sensor (3) which measures a temperature of the fluid of the beverage in order to make a prediction for future maintenance within a maintenance interval.

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