Beverage makers and their use

Abstract

A beverage maker is provided, comprising a frothing unit for frothing milk, a milk line connected to the frothing unit and including a mixing chamber, a control unit, a mixing line, and an input unit. The mixing line connects the milk line to a source of the beverage maker containing a liquid with a lower fat content and / or a lower CO2 footprint than milk, and the mixing line includes a valve. The beverage maker's control unit is configured to control or regulate the mixing line valve based on a signal received from the beverage maker's input unit.This allows a user of the beverage maker to select a beverage to be dispensed by the beverage maker based on its cost, its lightness (in terms of its fat content) and its CO2 footprint from a wide variety of different beverages.

Description

[0001] A beverage maker is provided, comprising a frothing unit for frothing milk, a milk line connected to the frothing unit and including a mixing chamber, a control unit, a mixing line, and an input unit. The mixing line connects the milk line to a source of the beverage maker containing a liquid with a lower fat content and / or a lower CO2 footprint than milk, and the mixing line includes a valve. The beverage maker's control unit is configured to control or regulate the mixing line valve based on a signal received from the beverage maker's input unit.This allows a user of the beverage maker to select a beverage to be dispensed by the beverage maker based on its cost, its lightness (in terms of its fat content) and its CO2 footprint from a wide variety of different beverages.

[0002] Users of beverage makers increasingly desire a beverage, especially a milk-based one, that is not only as cost-effective as possible, but also has the lowest possible carbon footprint and / or is available in a lighter version, where a lighter version is understood to be a reduced-fat version of the beverage. Many beverage maker users also wish to be able to influence the degree of lightness and / or the carbon footprint of their desired beverage.

[0003] EP 2 384 674 A1 discloses a device and a method for preparing milk under different temperature and consistency conditions in a coffee machine. The coffee machine has a mixing chamber for milk frothing that leads directly to a beverage container at the dispensing point. Three fluid paths are supplied to the mixing chamber: one for milk, one for air, and one for steam. This makes it possible to dispense both tempered and untempered milk. The three paths can be switched independently. In this coffee machine, the milk path is connected via a fluid path to a container that holds the milk or a milk concentrate. Tempered or untempered water can be supplied directly to the milk path between the mixing chamber and the container, thus allowing the concentration of the milk dispensed by the coffee machine to be varied.However, this coffee machine has the disadvantage that the degree of change in the milk concentration is preset and cannot be adjusted or selected by the user of the coffee machine.

[0004] Based on this, the object of the present invention was to provide a beverage maker that allows a user to select a wider range of beverages and have them prepared by the beverage maker. In particular, it should be possible for the user to influence the cost, lightness (in terms of its fat content) and / or the CO2 footprint of a beverage to be prepared by the beverage maker.

[0005] The problem is solved by the beverage maker with the features of claim 1 and the use with the features of claim 15. The dependent claims describe advantageous further developments.

[0006] According to the invention, a beverage maker is provided, containing or consisting of: a) a beverage preparation unit suitable for preparing a beverage and fluidically connected to a first outlet of the beverage maker; b) a frothing unit suitable for frothing milk and fluidically connected to a second outlet of the beverage maker, wherein the second outlet is identical or different to the first outlet; c) a milk source which is fluidically connected to the frothing unit via a milk line of the beverage maker, wherein the milk line has a mixing chamber; d) an air connection which is fluidically connected to the frothing unit via an air line of the beverage maker; e) a water source which is fluidically connected to the beverage preparation unit via a water line of the beverage maker, wherein the water line includes a hot water generator; f) a steam line which fluidically connects the frothing unit to a steam generator, wherein the steam generator is identical or different from the hot water generator; g) a control unit; (h) a mixing line which fluidically connects the milk line to at least one liquid source of the beverage maker which has a liquid with a lower fat content than milk and / or a lower CO2 footprint than milk, wherein the mixing line has a valve which is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker; i) an input unit configured to convert an input from a user of the beverage maker into a signal and send the signal to the control unit; characterized in that the control unit is configured to control or regulate the valve of the mixing line depending on a signal received from the input unit of the beverage maker.

[0007] The term "milk" preferably refers to cow's milk, especially preferably cow's milk with a fat content of at least 1.5% (e.g. reduced-fat milk or long-life milk with 1.5% fat content, or whole milk with at least 3.5% fat content), optionally cow's milk with a fat content of at least 3.5% (e.g. whole milk).

[0008] The configuration of the beverage maker's control unit allows the mixing line valve to be controlled or regulated based on a signal received from the beverage maker's input unit. This enables the user to influence the amount of liquid added to the milk from the at least one liquid source via the mixing line. Since the liquid from the at least one liquid source has a lower fat content and / or a lower carbon footprint than milk (preferably both), the user can thus selectively choose the fat content (i.e., the lightness) and / or carbon footprint of a milk-based beverage dispensed by the beverage maker. The at least one liquid source can be the beverage maker's water source. In this case, the liquid that can be added to the milk line is water.Apart from that, the at least one liquid source can be a tea source. In this case, the liquid that can be added to the milk line is tea. Furthermore, the at least one liquid source can be a beverage syrup source. In this case, the liquid that can be added to the milk line is beverage syrup. Alternatively, the at least one liquid source can be an oat milk source. In this case, the liquid that can be added to the milk line is oat milk. Therefore, preferably, the at least one liquid source of the beverage maker contains a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, tea, beverage syrup, oat milk, and combinations thereof.

[0009] Water, tea, and beverage syrups have a lower fat content than milk and can also have a smaller carbon footprint. Oat milk, for example, can also have a lower fat content than milk (e.g., whole milk) (e.g., 1.5%) and a smaller carbon footprint. Therefore, the user can select, via the beverage maker's input unit, the degree to which the fat content and / or carbon footprint of the milk-based beverage to be prepared should be reduced. Furthermore, water, tea, and beverage syrups are less expensive than milk, allowing the user to also consider the cost of the beverage prepared by the beverage maker.

[0010] Since the beverage maker is designed so that liquid from its liquid source (e.g., water, tea, and / or beverage syrup) can be added to the milk line, and the milk line is fluidically connected to the frothing unit, the user also has the option of having the beverage maker prepare a novel beverage, i.e., a beverage with a novel milk foam. This could, for example, be a milk foam with a higher water content or a milk foam with a specific proportion of tea or beverage syrup, i.e., a milk foam with a novel aroma and flavor.

[0011] The beverage maker according to the invention can further include a second mixing line which fluidically connects the mixing chamber of the milk line to at least one second liquid source of the beverage maker, which has a liquid with a lower fat content than milk and / or a lower CO2 footprint than milk. The second mixing line has a valve that is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker, and the control unit is configured to control or regulate the valve of the second mixing line depending on a signal received from the input unit of the beverage maker. The at least one second liquid source can be a tea source. This embodiment expands the possibilities for the user to influence the variety of milk-based beverages dispensed by the beverage maker.

[0012] In addition, the beverage maker may include a third mixing line that fluidically connects the mixing chamber of the milk line to at least one third liquid source of the beverage maker. This third liquid source has a lower fat content and / or a lower CO2 footprint than milk. The third mixing line includes a valve that is communicatively connected to the beverage maker's control unit. The control unit is configured to control or regulate the valve of the third mixing line based on a signal received from the beverage maker's input unit. The at least one third liquid source may be a beverage syrup source. This configuration further expands the user's ability to influence the variety of milk-based beverages dispensed by the beverage maker.

[0013] In all of the aforementioned configurations, the user of the beverage maker can choose the fat content (i.e., the lightness) and / or the carbon footprint of a milk-based beverage prepared by the maker. Since milk is an expensive beverage ingredient and can be more expensive than the liquid being added, the user of the beverage maker can also choose how cost-effective a milk-based beverage prepared by the maker should be.

[0014] The input unit of the beverage maker can be configured to allow a user to select a dairy product with a specific ratio of milk to liquid from the liquid source (optionally also liquid from a second and / or third liquid source of the beverage maker) and to send a signal to the control unit based on this selection. The control unit is then configured to control or regulate the valve of the mixing line (optionally also a valve of a second and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker) depending on this signal.

[0015] Furthermore, the input unit of the beverage maker can be configured to allow a user to select a mixing ratio in the range of 50 to 100 wt% milk, particularly preferably 70 to 100 wt% milk, most preferably 80 to 100 wt% milk, and particularly preferably 90 to 100 wt% milk, based on the total weight of the mixture. In this mixing ratio, "milk" refers specifically to undiluted cow's milk (with a fat content of 3.5% or 1.5%). Studies have shown that test subjects could not detect a significant difference between cow's milk and undiluted cow's milk when the mixing ratio with water was as low as 70 wt% milk. This means that, for example, up to 30 wt% water can be added to cow's milk without negatively affecting its taste.The advantage is that adding water up to the stated level not only reduces the fat content of the cow's milk and the beverage to be prepared with it (e.g., down to 1.05% fat content for long-life cow's milk with originally 1.5% fat and down to 2.45% fat content for whole cow's milk with originally 3.5% fat), but also reduces the CO2 footprint of the cow's milk and the beverage to be prepared with it, since cow's milk has a higher CO2 footprint than water.

[0016] Furthermore, the beverage maker's control unit can be configured to convert the user-selectable mixing ratio into a specific fat content of the dairy product and / or a specific CO2 footprint of the dairy product, and to allow the user to select this information via the input unit (preferably displayed and selected). This design has the advantage that the beverage maker user does not have to worry about a specific mixing ratio to achieve a particular fat content and / or CO2 footprint in the beverage being prepared, but can directly select a specific fat content and / or CO2 footprint.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to control or regulate the valve of the mixing line (optionally also the valve of a second and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker) in such a way that a maximum volume of 100 ml per beverage is dosed into the milk line via the mixing line (optionally also a second and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker). The advantage of this is that the user is protected from accidentally selecting an excessive dilution and thus a beverage with a potentially unacceptable taste profile.

[0018] The input unit of the beverage maker can be configured to allow a user to select a dairy product containing or consisting of frothed or unfrothed milk, and to send a signal to the control unit based on this selection. The control unit can then be configured to control or regulate the opening and closing of the air line, and optionally the steam line, at least partially, depending on this signal.

[0019] The control unit can be configured to open at least the air line, and optionally the steam line, at least partially, when a user has selected a dispensing of a dairy product containing or consisting of frothed milk via the input unit.

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to at least partially close the air line, and optionally the steam line, when a user has selected a dispensing of a dairy product containing or consisting of unfoamed milk via the input unit.

[0021] The input unit of the beverage maker can be configured to allow a user to select a dairy product containing or consisting of heated or unheated milk, and to send a signal to the control unit based on this selection. The control unit can then be configured to open and close the steam line and / or control the flow of tempered liquid from the beverage maker's liquid source (e.g., water) through the mixing line.

[0022] The control unit can be configured to open the steam line and / or initiate a flow of hot liquid from the beverage maker's liquid source (e.g., hot water or steam) through the mixing line when a user selects an output of a dairy product containing or consisting of heated milk via the input unit.

[0023] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to close the steam line and / or initiate a flow of cold liquid from the beverage maker's liquid source (e.g., cold water) through the mixing line when a user has selected an output of a dairy product containing or consisting of unheated milk via the input unit.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the input unit of the beverage maker includes or consists of a touchscreen.

[0025] The hot water generator and / or the steam generator can be identical or different.

[0026] Furthermore, the hot water generator and / or the steam generator may include a boiler, optionally with a heat exchanger.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the hot water generator and / or the steam generator may have an instantaneous water heater.

[0028] The mixing line (optionally also a second mixing line and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker) can be connected to the hot water generator via a fluidic line.

[0029] In addition, the mixing line (optionally also a second mixing line and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker) can be connected to the water source via a fluidic line.

[0030] Furthermore, the mixing line (optionally also a second mixing line and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker) can be connected to the steam generator via a fluidic line.

[0031] Apart from that, the mixing line (optionally also a second and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker) can have a heating device suitable for heating a liquid in the mixing line (optionally also in a second and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker), the heating device preferably being a flow heater. The advantage here is that the liquid to be added can be heated by the heating device, thus providing a beverage at a higher temperature.

[0032] In addition, the mixing line (optionally also a second mixing line and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker) can have a pump, the pump being preferably arranged between the liquid source of the beverage maker (e.g. the water source of the beverage maker) and the mixing chamber of the milk line.

[0033] Furthermore, the mixing line (optionally also a second and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker) can have a flow sensor suitable for determining a flow rate, the flow sensor being communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker. The control unit is preferably configured to regulate the valve and / or a pump of the mixing line (optionally also a second and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker) depending on a signal received from the flow sensor. This allows control of the amount of liquid added to the milk line from the beverage maker's liquid source (optionally also from a second and / or a third liquid source of the beverage maker).

[0034] The milk line can include a pump, with the mixing line (optionally a second and / or third mixing line of the beverage maker) preferably opening into the milk line between the milk source and the pump, or opening into the milk line between the pump and the frothing unit. Preferably, the milk line does not have another pump between the pump and the frothing unit. This allows for a cost-effective provision of the beverage maker.

[0035] The milk line can have a flow sensor suitable for determining a flow rate, wherein the flow sensor is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker and the control unit is preferably configured to regulate a pump of the milk line depending on a signal received from the flow sensor. This enables control of the amount of milk supplied to the frothing unit.

[0036] The steam line may include a pump, the pump being preferably located between the water source and the steam generator.

[0037] Furthermore, the steam line can have a valve, preferably two valves, which is / are communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker. Preferably, one valve is arranged between the water source and the steam generator and / or one valve is arranged between the steam generator and the frothing unit.

[0038] Furthermore, the steam line can have a flow sensor suitable for determining a flow rate, wherein the flow sensor is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker and the control unit is preferably configured to regulate a valve of the steam line depending on a signal received from the flow sensor. This enables control of the amount of steam supplied to the frothing unit.

[0039] The air line can include a pump, preferably located between the air inlet and the frothing unit. The pump is particularly advantageous if the frothing unit has a rotor and a stator and is capable of frothing milk by rotating the rotor relative to the stator (a so-called "dynamic mixer"), since in this case, milk is not frothed via the Venturi principle, and thus air is not drawn into the frothing unit by the associated creation of a vacuum. The pump ensures that the dynamic mixer receives air for frothing the milk.

[0040] Furthermore, the air line can have a valve that is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker, with the valve preferably being arranged between the air connection and the frothing unit.

[0041] Furthermore, the air line can have a flow sensor suitable for determining a flow rate, with the flow sensor being communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker. The control unit is preferably configured to regulate a valve and / or a pump in the air line depending on a signal received from the flow sensor. This enables control of the amount of air supplied to the frothing unit.

[0042] The water pipe may include a pump, the pump being preferably located between the water source and the hot water generator.

[0043] Furthermore, the water line can have a valve that is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker, the valve preferably being arranged between the hot water generator and the beverage preparation unit.

[0044] Furthermore, the water line can have a flow sensor suitable for determining a flow rate, with the flow sensor being communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker. The control unit is preferably configured to regulate a pump and / or a valve in the water line depending on a signal received from the flow sensor. This enables control of the liquid quantity (water quantity) in the beverage preparation unit.

[0045] The frothing unit can be a frothing unit that has a rotor and a stator and is suitable for causing milk to froth by rotating the rotor relative to the stator (e.g. a frothing unit described in EP 3 076 839 A1; so-called “dynamic mixer”).

[0046] Alternatively, the frothing unit can be a frothing unit based on the Venturi principle.

[0047] The milk source may contain or consist of a milk container.

[0048] Furthermore, the milk source may contain or consist of concentrated or unconcentrated milk. The milk is preferably cow's milk. The cow's milk may have a fat content of 3.5% (e.g., whole cow's milk) or a fat content of 1.5% (e.g., long-life cow's milk).

[0049] Furthermore, the use of a beverage maker according to the invention for preparing a beverage, preferably a milk-based beverage, is proposed, wherein a user of the beverage maker can select, in particular, a proportion of a liquid in the milk-based beverage that has a lower fat content than milk and / or a lower CO2 footprint than milk. The liquid can be, for example, water, beverage syrup, tea, or a combination thereof.

[0050] The following figure is intended to explain the subject matter according to the invention in more detail, without limiting it to the specific embodiment shown here.

[0051] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a structure of a beverage maker according to the invention. The beverage maker includes a beverage preparation unit 1, which is suitable for preparing a beverage and is fluidically connected to a first outlet 2 of the beverage maker. Furthermore, the beverage maker includes a frothing unit 3, which is suitable for frothing milk and is fluidically connected to a second outlet 4 of the beverage maker, wherein the second outlet 4 is identical or different from the first outlet 2. The beverage maker also includes a milk source 5, which is fluidically connected to the frothing unit 3 via a milk line 6 of the beverage maker, the milk line 6 having a mixing chamber 7.Apart from this, the beverage maker includes an air connection 8, which is fluidically connected to the frothing unit 3 via an air line 9 of the beverage maker, and a water source 10, which is fluidically connected to the beverage preparation unit 1 via a water line 11 of the beverage maker, wherein the water line 11 includes a hot water generator 12. Furthermore, the beverage maker includes a steam line 13, which fluidically connects the frothing unit 3 to a steam generator 14, wherein the steam generator 14 is identical or different from the hot water generator 12. In addition, the beverage maker includes a control unit and a mixing line 15, which fluidically connects the milk line 6 to at least one liquid source 2 of the beverage maker, which is a liquid with a lower fat content than milk and / or a lower CO2 footprint than milk. This liquid source is, in this case, the water source 10.The mixing line 15 has a valve 16 that is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker and, in this case, branches off from the water line 11 downstream of the hot water generator 12 and opens into the milk line 6 downstream of the mixing chamber 7. This makes it possible to introduce hot water into the milk line 6. Furthermore, the beverage maker has an input unit (not shown) configured to convert an input from a user of the beverage maker into a signal and send the signal to the control unit. The beverage maker is characterized in that the control unit is configured to control or regulate the valve 16 of the mixing line 15 depending on a signal received from the input unit of the beverage maker.

[0052] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a structure of another beverage maker according to the invention, which is essentially the same as the one described in Figure 2. Fig.The beverage maker shown in Figure 1 is identical. One difference lies, for example, in the arrangement of the mixing line 15, which in this case branches off from the water line 11 upstream of the valve 20 and flows into the milk line 6 upstream of the mixing chamber 7. This makes it possible to introduce cold water from the water source (upstream of the pump 17 of the milk line 6) into the milk line 6. Reference symbol list 1 beverage preparation unit; 2 first run; 3 frothing unit; 4 second exit; 5 Milk source; 6 milk lines; 7 Mixing chamber; 8 air connection; 9 Air duct; 10 Water source; 11 Water pipe; 12 hot water generators; 13 Steam pipe; 14 steam generators; 15 Mixing line; 16 Valve of the mixing line; 17 Pump of the milk line; 18. Steam pipe valve; 19 Air line pump; 20 Water pipe pump; 21. Liquid source of the beverage maker that has a liquid with a lower fat content than milk and / or a lower CO2 footprint than milk. 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 2 384 674 A1

[0003] EP 3 076 839 A1

[0045]

Claims

[1] Beverage maker, containing or consisting of: a) a beverage preparation unit (1) suitable for preparing a beverage and fluidically connected to a first outlet (2) of the beverage maker; b) a frothing unit (3) suitable for frothing milk and fluidically connected to a second outlet (4) of the beverage maker, wherein the second outlet (4) is identical or different to the first outlet (2); c) a milk source (5) which is fluidically connected to the frothing unit (3) via a milk line (6) of the beverage maker, wherein the milk line (6) has a mixing chamber (7); d) an air connection (8) which is fluidically connected to the frothing unit (3) via an air line (9) of the beverage maker; e) a water source (10) which is fluidically connected to the beverage preparation unit (1) via a water line (11) of the beverage maker, wherein the water line (11) has a hot water generator (12); f) a steam line (13) which fluidically connects the frothing unit (3) to a steam generator (14), wherein the steam generator (14) is identical or different from the hot water generator (12); g) a control unit; h) a mixing line (15) which fluidically connects the milk line (6) to at least one liquid source (21) of the beverage maker which has a liquid with a lower fat content than milk and / or a lower CO2 footprint than milk, wherein the mixing line (15) has a valve (16) which is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker; i) an input unit configured to convert an input from a user of the beverage maker into a signal and send the signal to the control unit; characterized by , that the control unit is configured to control or regulate the valve (16) of the mixing line (15) depending on a signal received from the input unit of the beverage maker. [2] Beverage maker according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the input unit of the beverage maker is configured to allow a user of the beverage maker to select the provision of a dairy product with a mixing ratio of milk on the one hand and the liquid from the liquid source (21) on the other hand and to send a signal to the control unit based on the selection, wherein the control unit is configured to control or regulate the valve (16) of the mixing line (15) depending on this signal, wherein the input unit of the beverage maker is preferably configured to allow a user to select a mixing ratio in the range of 50 to 100 wt.% milk, particularly preferably 70 to 100 wt.% milk, most preferably 80 to 100 wt.% milk, particularly 90 to 100 wt.% milk.-% milk, based on the total weight of the mixture, wherein the control unit of the beverage maker is particularly preferably configured to convert the user-selectable mixing ratio into a specific fat content of the milk product and / or into a specific CO2 footprint of the milk product and to allow a user to select it in this form via the input unit. [3] Beverage maker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit is configured to control or regulate the valve (16) of the mixing line (15) such that a maximum volume of 100 ml per drink is dosed via the mixing line (15) into the milk line (6). [4] Beverage maker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the input unit of the beverage maker is configured to allow a user of the beverage maker to select the provision of a dairy product containing or consisting of frothed or unfrozen milk, and based on the selection to send a signal to the control unit, wherein the control unit is preferably configured to control or regulate at least partial opening and at least partial closing of the air line (9), optionally also of the steam line (13), depending on this signal, wherein the control unit is particularly preferably configured, i) to open at least the air duct (9), and optionally also the steam duct (13), at least partially, when a user has selected via the input unit the provision of a dairy product containing or consisting of frothed milk; and / or ii) to at least partially close the air line (9), and optionally the steam line (13), when a user has selected via the input unit the provision of a dairy product that contains or consists of unfoamed milk. [5] Beverage maker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the input unit of the beverage maker is configured to allow a user of the beverage maker to select the provision of a dairy product containing or consisting of heated or unheated milk, and to send a signal to the control unit based on the selection, wherein the control unit is preferably configured to control or regulate the opening and closing of the steam line (13) and / or the flow of tempered liquid from the liquid source (21) of the beverage maker through the mixing line (15), wherein the control unit is particularly preferably configured, i) to open the steam line (13) and / or to cause a flow of hot liquid from the liquid source (21) of the beverage maker through the mixing line (15) when a user has selected an output of a dairy product containing or consisting of heated milk via the input unit; and / or ii) to close the steam line (13) and / or to initiate a flow of cold liquid from the liquid source (21) of the beverage maker through the mixing line (15) when a user has selected an output of a dairy product containing or consisting of unheated milk via the input unit. [6] Beverage maker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the input unit of the beverage maker contains or consists of a touchscreen. [7] Beverage maker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the hot water generator (12) and / or the steam generator (14) i) are identical or different; and / or ii) has a boiler, optionally with a heat exchanger, and / or has an instantaneous water heater. [8] Beverage maker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mixing line (15) i) is connected to the hot water generator (12) via a fluidic conduit, preferably the water conduit (11); and / or ii) is connected to the water source (10) via a fluidic conduit; and / or iii) is connected to the steam generator (14) via a fluidic line; and / or iv) has a heating device suitable for heating a liquid in the mixing line (15), wherein the heating device is preferably an instantaneous water heater; and / or v) comprises a pump, wherein the pump is preferably arranged between the liquid source (21) of the beverage maker and the mixing chamber (7) of the milk line (6); and / or vi) has a flow sensor suitable for determining a flow rate, wherein the flow sensor is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker and the control unit is preferably configured to control the valve (16) and / or a pump of the mixing line (15) depending on a signal received from the flow sensor. [9] Beverage maker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the milk line (6) i) comprises a pump (17), wherein the mixing line (15) preferably opens into the milk line (6) between the milk source (5) and the pump (179) or opens into the milk line (6) between the pump (17) and the frothing unit (3), wherein the milk line (6) preferably does not have a further pump between the pump (17) and the frothing unit (3); and / or ii) has a flow sensor suitable for determining a flow rate, wherein the flow sensor is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker and the control unit is preferably configured to control a pump of the milk line (6) depending on a signal received from the flow sensor. [10] Beverage maker according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the steam line (13) i) has a pump, wherein the pump is preferably arranged between the water source (10) and the steam generator (14); ii) comprising a valve (18), preferably comprising two valves, which is / are communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker, wherein preferably one valve is arranged between the water source (10) and the steam generator (14) and / or one valve (18) is arranged between the steam generator (14) and the frothing unit (3); and / or iii) has a flow sensor suitable for determining a flow rate, wherein the flow sensor is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker and the control unit is preferably configured to control a valve of the steam line (13) depending on a signal received from the flow sensor. [11] Beverage maker according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the air duct (9) i) has a pump (19), wherein the pump (19) is preferably arranged between the air connection (8) and the frothing unit (3); ii) has a valve that is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker, wherein the valve is preferably arranged between the air inlet (8) and the frothing unit (3); and / or iii) has a flow sensor suitable for determining a flow rate, wherein the flow sensor is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker and the control unit is preferably configured to control a valve and / or a pump of the air line (9) depending on a signal received from the flow sensor. [12] Beverage maker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the water pipe (11) i) comprises a pump (20), wherein the pump (20) is preferably arranged between the water source (10) and the hot water generator (12); and / or ii) has a valve that is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker, wherein the valve is preferably arranged between the hot water generator (12) and the beverage preparation unit (1); and / or iii) has a flow sensor suitable for determining a flow rate, wherein the flow sensor is communicatively connected to the control unit of the beverage maker and the control unit is preferably configured to control a pump and / or a valve of the water line (11) depending on a signal received from the flow sensor. [13] Beverage maker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the frothing unit (3) (i) a frothing unit (3) comprising a rotor and a stator and capable of frothing milk by means of a rotation of the rotor relative to the stator; or ii) is a frothing unit (3) based on the Venturi principle. [14] Beverage maker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the milk source (5) i) contains or consists of a milk container; and / or ii) contains concentrated milk or unconcentrated milk. [15] Use of a beverage maker according to one of the preceding claims for preparing a beverage, preferably for preparing a milk-based beverage, wherein a user of the beverage maker can in particular select a proportion of a liquid in the milk-based beverage which has a lower fat content than milk and / or a lower CO2 footprint than milk.

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