Beverage maker and method for preparing at least one beverage

Description

[0001] A beverage maker is provided, comprising a unit for preparing at least one beverage, a beverage dispenser, a display unit, a control unit, and a multi-sector turntable. The display unit is configured to show the turntable and the current position of its sectors. After a user selects at least one beverage, the control unit is configured to display a beverage container suitable for that beverage in an outer sector of the turntable. Upon receiving a command to prepare the selected beverage, the control unit rotates the turntable so that the outer sector aligns with the position of the turntable's reference sector.Furthermore, the control unit instructs the display unit to show the change in the position of the turntable and the beverage container, and instructs the beverage maker to prepare the at least one selected beverage and dispense it via the beverage outlet into the beverage container located in the reference sector. A corresponding procedure for preparing at least one beverage is presented.

[0002] German patent DE 10 2006 060 748 B3 discloses a beverage machine for preparing multiple beverage portions in cups. The beverage machine has a removable and rotatable cup holder on which the cups can be placed and filled with the beverage one after the other. However, this beverage machine has the disadvantage that, after programming a specific sequence for preparing beverages, the user only sees the names of the respective beverages displayed on the machine's control panel. The user therefore needs some time to consider which beverage container corresponds to each beverage. This delays the dispensing of a beverage and thus reduces the speed at which one or more beverages can be dispensed by the beverage machine.Furthermore, the user's decision-making process is prone to error, as in certain situations the user might choose the wrong (i.e., unsuitable or inappropriate) beverage container and place it on the cup tray, thus "blocking" the dispensing process or forcing an incorrect dispensing. These problems are even more pronounced with inexperienced users than with experienced ones.

[0003] DE 10 2016 213 173 A1 discloses a vending machine that includes an input device for recording a request for a first and a second beverage, wherein the first beverage is associated with a first drinking vessel and the second beverage with a second drinking vessel, and the beverages and their drinking vessels are distinct from one another. Furthermore, the vending machine includes a dispenser for dispensing the first or the second beverage, a movement device, and a control device. The vending machine also comprises a shelf for several drinking vessels, the movement device being configured to move the shelf and the dispenser relative to each other. Finally, the vending machine has a first dispensing device that provides a visual indication (e.g., text or a symbol) of an empty drinking vessel to be placed on the shelf.This beverage dispenser, however, has the disadvantage that the user needs some time to consider which beverage container is meant by the displayed visual cue (e.g., the text or symbol). For example, the limited information provided by a symbolic representation can lead to confusion and incorrect operation. This delays the dispensing of a beverage and thus the speed at which one or more beverages can be dispensed, as the dispenser may be "blocked" by the wrong (i.e., unsuitable or inappropriate) container, or an incorrect dispensing may be forced. This problem is even more pronounced with inexperienced users than with experienced ones.

[0004] DE 20 2018 101 556 U1 discloses a machine for preparing brewed beverages, comprising at least one brewing unit for producing a brewed beverage and at least one outlet for dispensing the brewed beverage into a drinking vessel. A rotary table is provided for transporting at least one drinking vessel relative to the outlet, enabling the machine to automatically transport the drinking vessel and reducing the number of user interventions required. The machine allows for sequential dispensing of brewed beverages. Dispensing occurs either automatically after a specific drinking vessel has been detected by the machine via a sensor, or manually after a user has entered a dispensing command via a control unit of the machine (e.g., a combined rotary knob with push-button function). The disadvantage of automatic dispensing is that if the wrong drinking vessel is placed on the rotary table, an incorrect (i.e., non-standard) beverage may be dispensed.An undesired brewed beverage is dispensed. This delays the dispensing of the correct (i.e., desired) beverage and thus the speed at which correct beverages can be dispensed from the machine, as the incorrect brewed beverage is dispensed instead. With manually triggered beverage dispensing, the well-known problem arises that the user must know which drinking vessel is suitable (i.e., appropriate) for the selected beverage before entering a command to dispense it. This requires a certain amount of time, which delays the dispensing of a beverage and thus the speed at which beverages can be dispensed from the beverage dispenser. The problem described is even more pronounced for inexperienced users than for experienced users.

[0005] Based on this, the object of the present invention was to provide a beverage maker that does not exhibit the problems known in the prior art. In particular, the beverage maker should enable (especially for inexperienced users) a less error-prone and faster preparation of beverages into the correct (i.e., suitable or appropriate) beverage container. Furthermore, a method for preparing at least one beverage should be presented that enables a less error-prone and faster preparation of beverages into the correct beverage container.

[0006] The problem is solved by the beverage maker with the features of claim 1 and the method with the features of claim 14. The dependent claims describe advantageous further developments.

[0007] A beverage dispenser will be provided, containing a) a unit for preparing at least one beverage; b) a beverage outlet fluidically connected to the unit; c) a turntable with multiple sectors for holding at least one beverage container, the turntable having a reference sector arranged below the beverage outlet and at least one outer sector; d) a display unit; e) a control unit; characterized by the fact that The display unit is configured to show the turntable and the current position of the turntable's sectors, and the control unit is configured, after a user selects at least one beverage at the beverage maker, to cause the display unit to show a beverage container suitable for the at least one selected beverage in an outer sector of the turntable, and, after a command to prepare the at least one selected beverage, to cause the turntable to rotate so that the outer sector assumes the position of the reference sector, to cause the display unit to show the change in the position of the turntable and the beverage container, and to cause the beverage maker to prepare the at least one selected beverage through the unit and dispense it via the beverage outlet into the beverage container located in the reference sector.

[0008] The beverage maker according to the invention enables a less error-prone and faster preparation of beverages into the correct beverage container. This is because the user no longer needs to consider which container is the correct one for a given beverage. The beverage maker itself automatically assigns the selected beverage to the required container, displaying the appropriate container for each selected beverage on its display unit. The user can thus see directly on the display unit which container(s) need to be placed on the beverage maker's turntable. This eliminates unnecessary time for the user to think about the selection.Therefore, the operation of the beverage maker becomes simpler and faster for the user, and the susceptibility to operating errors is reduced. Consequently, beverages (e.g., those designated for preparation in a job list) can be prepared more easily, quickly, and reliably using the beverage maker according to the invention than with known beverage makers.

[0009] The beverage maker according to the invention can be characterized in that the control unit is configured, after a selection of at least two, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least four, most preferably at least five, in particular at least six, beverages by a user, optionally after a selection up to a maximum quantity of beverages that can be displayed in the outer sectors of the turntable, to cause the display unit to display a beverage container suitable for the respective selected beverage in each outer sector of the turntable.The more beverages are selected, the greater the advantage of the beverage maker according to the invention becomes for the user, because the more beverage containers that need to be placed on the turntable, the more time is required with prior art beverage makers to find the correct beverage container, and the higher the susceptibility to making a selection error. This is prevented by the beverage maker according to the invention.

[0010] The control unit can be configured, upon receiving a command to prepare at least two, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least four, most preferably at least five, and in particular at least six, selected beverages, and optionally upon selecting a maximum quantity of beverages that can be displayed in the outer sectors of the turntable, to cause the turntable to rotate so that the respective outer sectors successively assume the position of the reference sector, to cause the display unit to show the changes in the positions of the beverage containers, and to cause the beverage maker to prepare the selected beverages successively via the unit and to dispense them via the beverage outlet into the respective beverage containers located in the reference sector. In this embodiment, a list of beverages (a so-called "job list") is processed sequentially, i.e.,The beverages are prepared sequentially by the beverage maker, with the user able to monitor the sequential preparation in real time on the beverage maker's display unit. If necessary, the user can also replace a beverage container in an outer sector of the turntable during sequential preparation if they identify it as incorrect, i.e., if they recognize that the beverage container placed in the outer sector of the turntable does not correspond to the required beverage container shown on the beverage maker's display unit. However, identifying an incorrect beverage container during preparation is more difficult with known beverage makers, as these do not display the required beverage containers on their display unit.

[0011] The display unit of the beverage maker, and / or a control unit connected to the beverage maker wirelessly or via a wired connection, can be configured to transmit a selection of at least one beverage by a user to the control unit. Preferably, the selection is enabled by displaying the at least one beverage selected from the group consisting of text, symbol, pictogram, and combinations thereof.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferred that the selection is made by touching and / or dragging the at least one beverage into a selection area of ​​the display unit and / or control unit. Preferably, the control unit is configured to display the beverages side by side in the selection area on the display unit and / or control unit when multiple beverages are selected, the selection area being a particularly preferably representation of the turntable. The control unit is most preferably configured to display the beverages on consecutive, adjacent outer sectors of the turntable, particularly starting with the outer sector immediately adjacent to the reference sector.Transmitting the selection via a separate control unit from the display unit has the advantage that the desired beverage can be entered even from a location far removed from the beverage dispenser (e.g., a cash register in a restaurant or café). Selecting the beverage by dragging it into a selection area has the advantage of allowing for the quick creation of various job lists and the rapid editing of existing job lists (e.g., quickly changing the preparation sequence of the beverages). These advantages are particularly evident when the selection area includes or consists of the display unit's representation of the turntable.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferred that the selection is made by touching and dragging the at least one beverage within a selection area of ​​the display unit and / or control unit to change the position of the at least one beverage within the selection area. The selection area is particularly preferably a representation of the turntable, and the control unit is most preferably configured to, after touching and dragging a beverage from a first outer sector of the turntable to a second outer sector, to no longer display the beverage in the first outer sector and to display it in the second outer sector. This has the advantage that an existing job list can be changed quickly, i.e., the preparation sequence of the beverages can be changed rapidly.Changing the preparation order directly on the displayed turntable has the advantage that, instead of changing the order of drinks in a drinks list, the user directly changes the order of the displayed drinks containers on the turntable. This keeps the user's attention focused on the drinks containers needed for preparation and their placement on the turntable. The actual placement of the required drinks containers is therefore even faster for the user.

[0014] The display unit of the beverage maker, and / or a control unit connected wirelessly or via a wired connection to the beverage maker, may be configured to receive an order number for at least one beverage from a user and transmit it to the control unit.

[0015] Furthermore, the display unit of the beverage maker, and / or a control unit connected to the beverage maker wirelessly or via a wired connection, can be configured to display a user's selection of at least one beverage, preferably together with an order number associated with that beverage. Preferably, this display occurs on a sector of the turntable in which the beverage container for the at least one beverage is located on the beverage maker's turntable and / or in which the beverage container for the at least one beverage is displayed on the turntable shown on the display unit. The control unit is preferably configured to display the order number on the beverage maker's turntable and / or on the turntable shown on the display unit.The advantage of displaying the order number next to the corresponding beverage container is that it makes it very easy for the user to identify the beverage containers associated with a specific order number and quickly remove them from the turntable. If the user is not consuming the beverages themselves, they can thus quickly deliver them to a customer who has ordered them under that order number. This also reveals a crucial advantage of the beverage dispenser according to the invention: Since the order number is directly assigned to a beverage container, the user does not have to first consider which beverage container on the turntable corresponds to a beverage with that order number. For example, if a cappuccino is displayed under a specific order number at a cash register, the user can easily select the corresponding beverage container.With a receipt, the user (in this case, a server in a restaurant or café) doesn't have to wonder which of the cups on the turntable is a cappuccino cup or perhaps another type. They can simply take the cup displaying the order number, as this is the correct cappuccino cup. Orders processed using order numbers can therefore be handled much more easily, quickly, and accurately.

[0016] Furthermore, the display unit of the beverage maker, and / or a control unit connected to the beverage maker wirelessly or via a wired connection, can be configured to display the selected beverages in a list when a user selects multiple beverages, preferably along with an order number assigned to each beverage. This list preferably defines the order in which the selected beverages are prepared, and this order can be changed, particularly by user input. This configuration has the advantage that a user can quickly intervene in the preparation sequence of a job list. This is particularly beneficial if, after an order has been placed, a customer of a restaurant or café requests faster preparation of individual beverages from the job list. This request can then be fulfilled easily and quickly.

[0017] The display unit of the beverage maker, and / or a control unit wirelessly or via a wired connection to the beverage maker, can be configured to display the status of the reference sector and / or at least one outer sector of the turntable, the status preferably being displayed via a representation selected from the group consisting of text, symbol, pictogram, color, and combinations thereof. Particularly preferably, the status of the reference sector and / or at least one outer sector is selected from the group consisting of... i) required but missing beverage container, ii) incorrect beverage container, iii) correct and empty beverage container where preparation has not yet started, iv) correct beverage container where preparation has started, v) correct beverage container filled with beverage, and beverage preparation still incomplete, and vi) correct beverage container filled with beverage and beverage preparation complete.

[0018] The advantage of the status display is that, in addition to showing the turntable with its individual sectors and the beverage containers to be placed on it, the display unit provides the user with an additional visual signal informing them about the status of a beverage during the preparation process. This allows the user to see even more quickly whether they still need to take action to prepare the finished beverage (statuses i), ii), and v)) or whether they no longer need to take any action (statuses iii) and vi)). This visual information enables the user to operate the beverage maker more quickly, easily, and accurately. For example, the visual information for statuses iii) and iv) tells the user that they don't need to do anything initially, i.e., the beverage maker is ready.This allows the operator to use their time for other tasks, as the beverage dispenser will need a certain amount of time to fill the correct beverage container with the selected drink. This makes the operation more economical.

[0019] For example, status i) (required but missing beverage container in reference sector and / or external sector) can be indicated by a color display, preferably a flashing blue display. The color display can be selected from the group consisting of text, symbol, pictogram, illuminated field, and combinations thereof, and is in particular a flashing blue circle below the beverage container indicated as suitable.

[0020] For example, status ii) (incorrect beverage container in reference sector and / or outer sector) can be indicated by a color display, preferably a flashing red display. The color display can be selected from the group consisting of text, symbol, pictogram, illuminated field and combinations thereof, and is in particular a flashing red circle below the beverage container shown as suitable.

[0021] For example, status iii) (correct and empty beverage container in the reference sector and / or external sector, where preparation has not yet started) can be indicated by a color display, preferably a blue display. The color display can be selected from the group consisting of text, symbol, pictogram, illuminated field and combinations thereof, and is in particular a blue circle below the beverage container shown as suitable.

[0022] For example, status iv) (correct beverage container in the reference sector and / or external sector where preparation was started) can be indicated by a color display, preferably a red display. The color display can be selected from the group consisting of text, symbol, pictogram, illuminated field, and combinations thereof, and is in particular a red circle below the beverage container shown as suitable.

[0023] For example, status v) (correct, beverage-filled beverage container in the reference sector and / or external sector, and beverage preparation still incomplete) can be indicated by a color representation, preferably a yellow one. The color representation can be selected from the group consisting of text, symbol, pictogram, illuminated field, and combinations thereof, and is in particular a yellow circle below the beverage container shown as suitable.

[0024] For example, the status vi) (correct, beverage-filled beverage container in the reference sector and / or external sector and completed beverage preparation) can be indicated by a color representation, preferably a green representation. The color representation can be selected from the group consisting of text, symbol, pictogram, illuminated field and combinations thereof, and is in particular a green circle below the beverage container shown as suitable.

[0025] The display unit of the beverage maker, and / or a control unit connected to the beverage maker wirelessly or via a wired connection, can be configured to receive a command from a user to prepare at least one selected beverage, preferably by touching a display, particularly preferably a display selected from the group consisting of text, symbol, pictogram, and combinations thereof, and to transmit the command to prepare the at least one selected beverage to the control unit. In this configuration, the preparation command is given manually by the user, which gives the user more control over the start time of the preparation.

[0026] Furthermore, the display unit of the beverage maker, and / or a control unit connected to the beverage maker wirelessly or via a wired connection, can be configured to allow user input, to no longer display a beverage container shown in the outer sector or reference sector via the display unit and / or control unit, and to transmit the input to the control unit, wherein the input is preferably enabled via a display, in particular a display selected from the group consisting of text, symbol, pictogram, and combinations thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to receive signals from at least one sensor on the turntable (e.g., a weight sensor) and, based on the signal, to decide whether a beverage container shown in the outer sector or reference sector continues to be displayed via the display unit and / or control unit or not.This design describes variations in how beverage containers are hidden after they have been filled by the beverage maker (i.e., left the reference sector and are now in an outer sector of the turntable) and then removed from the turntable by the user. The user can manually acknowledge (e.g., by tapping the corresponding beverage container on the display unit) or automatically by the beverage maker (e.g., via a sensor that detects when the filled beverage container is removed from the turntable).

[0027] The sectors of the beverage maker's turntable can have at least one sensor for detecting a placed beverage container, wherein the at least one sensor has a communicative link to the control unit. Preferably, the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of weight sensors, optical sensors, magnetic sensors, electromagnetic sensors, imaging sensors, and combinations thereof; particularly preferably, it is selected from the group consisting of weight sensors, optical sensors, and combinations thereof. In particular, the at least one sensor is a weight sensor. For example, a weight sensor (e.g., a load cell) can be used to detect a beverage container (e.g., a cup) by its weight.In principle, such a weight sensor can also differentiate between empty and full beverage containers, allowing it to send feedback to the beverage maker's control unit regarding successful beverage dispensing. Furthermore, the removal of a filled beverage container from the turntable can be reported to the control unit. Additionally, an incorrect beverage container placed on the turntable can be detected, and this information communicated to the control unit. If an incorrect beverage container (e.g., the wrong cup) is present in a section of the turntable, the beverage maker can issue a warning to the user, enabling them to quickly correct the situation by replacing the incorrect container with the correct one.

[0028] The control unit can be configured, upon detecting at least two swapped beverage containers on at least two outer sectors of the turntable (e.g., via at least one sensor in the outer sectors), to control the turntable in such a way as to maintain a predefined beverage preparation sequence. For example, an outer sector farther from the reference sector (which mistakenly contains the beverage container for the first beverage to be prepared) can first be moved (i.e., rotated) to the reference sector, and then an outer sector that was originally closer (which mistakenly contains the beverage container for the second beverage to be prepared) can be moved (i.e., rotated) to the reference sector. This control unit configuration can be applied accordingly to multiple swapped beverage containers on the outer sectors of the turntable.The advantage of this variant is that a user error is corrected if, although the correct beverage makers (e.g., for processing a job list) have been placed on the turntable, their order has been reversed, resulting in an incorrect preparation sequence (e.g., as defined in a job list). This correction can then be made more quickly by directly controlling the turntable than by manually correcting the order. This makes beverage dispensing faster and more convenient for the user, freeing up more time for other tasks.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured (e.g., in an alternative setting) to adjust the job list according to the order of the two swapped beverage containers after detecting at least two swapped beverage containers on at least two outer sectors of the turntable (e.g., via at least one sensor in the outer sectors). The advantage here would be that the beverage maker can process the beverage containers on the turntable more quickly, as the turntable only needs to move a minimal distance. This option can be advantageous when a large quantity of beverages with different order numbers needs to be prepared as quickly as possible, and the order in which individual order numbers are prepared is less important than the speed of preparing all beverages with the different order numbers.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured so that, if the at least one sensor detects no beverage container or an unsuitable one in the outer sector, the turntable is not rotated to the position of the reference sector after receiving a command to prepare the at least one selected beverage. This embodiment can protect the beverage maker from dispensing a specific beverage into the wrong container, thus saving time and resources.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured, when the at least one sensor detects a suitable beverage container in the outer sector, to cause the turntable to rotate so that the outer sector assumes the position of the reference sector, upon receiving a command to prepare the at least one selected beverage. Optionally, this control can also occur in the absence of a user-initiated command to prepare the at least one selected beverage; that is, the command to prepare the at least one selected beverage is generated automatically by the control unit itself as soon as a suitable beverage container has been placed in an outer sector designated for the beverage container. The advantage here is that no manual command to start preparation is required from the user.As soon as at least one sensor (or multiple sensors) register that the correct beverage container(s) have been placed on the turntable, the preparation begins. This gives the user more time, as they are relieved of the task of initiating the start command.

[0032] The sectors of the beverage dispenser's turntable can each have a grid suitable for placing beverage containers, with a drip tray preferably arranged beneath the grid. The advantage of this is that any liquid leaving the beverage container, or accidentally spilling at least partially from the beverage dispenser, passes through the grid and is collected. This prevents contamination of the beverage dispenser's surroundings with the liquid, as it remains within the beverage dispenser (i.e., is collected by the turntable).

[0033] Furthermore, each sector of the beverage maker's turntable can have a sector display unit configured to show information about the respective sector. Preferably, the display is a representation selected from the group consisting of text, symbol, pictogram, color, and combinations thereof. In particular, the displayed information corresponds to at least one piece of information (i.e., a status) for the respective sector, which is shown via the beverage maker's display unit and / or a control unit connected to the beverage maker wirelessly or via a wired connection. The advantage of this design is that the user receives information about the status of each sector directly on the turntable; that is, a glance at the turntable is sufficient to determine whether or not further action is required. This makes operating the beverage maker simpler, faster, and less prone to errors.

[0034] The unit for preparing at least one beverage can be a unit for preparing at least one beverage selected from the group consisting of coffee, tea, milk, milk foam, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the unit for preparing at least one beverage selected from the group consisting of a brewing unit, milk frother, and combinations thereof is preferred. In particular, the beverage maker is a coffee maker (fully automatic coffee machine).

[0035] The beverage dispenser's spout can be moved towards the turntable. The advantage of this is that the spout can be positioned just above the rim of the beverage container before dispensing. This reduces the risk of beverage splashes escaping the container during dispensing.

[0036] The display unit, and / or a control unit connected to the beverage maker wirelessly or via a wired connection, may contain or consist of a touchscreen. The touchscreen has the advantage of being not only a display unit but also a control unit; that is, it can not only display information but also receive commands from a user and forward them to the control unit.

[0037] Furthermore, a method for preparing at least one beverage is presented, comprising the steps a) After a user selects at least one beverage at a beverage dispenser: cause a display unit of the beverage dispenser to show a beverage container suitable for the at least one selected beverage in an outer sector of a rotating tray of the beverage dispenser, as displayed by the display unit; b) After a command to prepare the at least one selected beverage: cause the rotating tray to rotate so that the outer sector of the rotating tray assumes a position of a reference sector of the rotating tray, the reference sector of the rotating tray being located under a beverage outlet of the beverage dispenser; cause the display unit to show the change in the position of the rotating tray and the beverage container;Causing the beverage maker to prepare at least one selected beverage by means of a unit of the beverage maker and to dispense it into the beverage container located in the reference sector via a beverage outlet fluidically connected to the unit; where the steps in a) and b) are initiated by a control unit of the beverage maker.

[0038] The method according to the invention can be characterized in that a beverage maker according to the invention is used in the method.

[0039] The following figures and examples are intended to explain the subject matter of the invention in more detail, without limiting it to the specific embodiments shown here.

[0040] The figure shows a schematic representation of a beverage maker 1 according to the invention. The beverage maker 1 comprises a unit for preparing at least one beverage (the unit is not shown, here, for example, a brewing unit for preparing coffee), a beverage outlet 2 which is fluidically connected to the unit, and a turntable 3 with several sectors for holding at least one beverage container 8 (the subdivision of the sectors is not shown here). The turntable 3 has eight positions, each for one beverage container 8, and thus eight sectors, each for one beverage container 8. Each of the eight sectors extends radially outwards from the geometric center of the turntable 3 and provides a storage area for a single beverage container 8.The turntable 3 has a reference sector located below the beverage outlet 2 and, in this case, seven outer sectors (sectors to the left and right of the reference sector). Furthermore, the beverage maker 1 has a display unit 4 and a control unit (not shown). The beverage maker 1 shown here also includes a control unit 5, on which, among other things, at least one beverage 7' can be selected and displayed under a corresponding order number 6 (e.g., by touching the control unit 5). A beverage 7' selected on the control unit 5 can also be displayed as the selected beverage 7 on the display unit 4. In addition, a selected beverage 7, 7' can be deselected or changed to a different beverage 7, 7' on the control unit 5 and / or display unit 4 (e.g., by touching the display unit 4).The control unit 5 is in communicative contact with the beverage maker 1 and is therefore part of the beverage maker 1. The control unit 5 can also display the position number 9 and the status 10 of each sector of the turntable 3. Example 1 - Use of a beverage maker according to the invention

[0041] A user of the beverage maker can create a job list of beverages to be sequentially prepared by the machine via the display unit, which is designed as a touchscreen and also serves as the control unit. This job list can be displayed in a screen area of ​​the touchscreen. Furthermore, the beverage maker's display unit shows the beverage containers required for preparation, in the order they are placed, on the outer sections of the turntable visualized by the display unit.

[0042] The user (e.g., a waiter) then sees the beverage containers required to complete the job list visualized directly on the beverage dispenser's display unit, eliminating the need to worry about the appearance of the required containers. A quick visual comparison of the containers placed on the turntable with those displayed on the unit allows the user to quickly and reliably determine if an error has been made or if the correct containers are in place. The user can then issue a command to prepare the beverages via the display unit, i.e., the touchscreen.

[0043] The user didn't have to waste time figuring out which beverage container was suitable for which drink, nor did they risk incorrectly matching a drink to a container. In short, the beverage maker enabled the user to prepare drinks more quickly and accurately from a job list.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the turntable has a signal transmitter, e.g. an optical signal transmitter, which signals to the user whether a drink from the list is ready (e.g. display of green visualized information such as a green light field) or still needs an addition (e.g. sugar) (e.g. display of yellow visualized information such as a yellow light field). Example 2 - Use of another beverage maker according to the invention

[0045] This beverage maker according to the invention is identical to the beverage maker from Example 1 except for one exception: In addition to the display unit (e.g., in the form of a touchscreen), it has a separate control unit. The separate control unit can also be designed as a touchscreen (i.e., also be a display unit) and allows the user to select at least one beverage or a variety of beverages to be prepared from a job list at a location far removed from the beverage maker (e.g., a cash register in a restaurant). The control unit can be connected to the beverage maker, in particular to the control unit of the beverage maker, via a wired or wireless connection.

[0046] The job list created on the separate control unit can be edited on the display unit, i.e., the user can select drinks from the job list transmitted by the control unit, change their order, and insert and delete drinks.

[0047] The job list transmitted by the control unit may have been automatically transferred to the turntable displayed on the screen. In other words, before processing the job list, the beverage containers required for its execution may be automatically displayed on the respective sectors of the turntable in the order of their preparation (i.e., from the outermost sector adjacent to the reference sector to the outermost sector furthest from that outer sector). Alternatively, the job list may not yet have been transferred to the turntable displayed on the screen. In this case, a user can manually transfer the job list transmitted by the separate control unit and also make changes to the job list. This can be done, for example, by dragging and dropping beverage icons onto individual outer sectors of the displayed turntable.

[0048] The control unit can be configured not to start any preparation during this change by a user, i.e., not to accept any preparation command.

[0049] During beverage preparation, the rotating platform in the beverage container section can display a visual indicator of the preparation process. For example, a red indicator (e.g., a red light) can be displayed. Once the beverage is ready, the red indicator can change to green (e.g., the light can now glow green). If the beverage is ready but still requires manual adjustment by the user (e.g., adding sugar), a yellow indicator (e.g., a yellow light) can be displayed instead of a green indicator.

[0050] It may be provided that the removal of a prepared beverage from the turntable of the beverage maker is confirmed by a user input (e.g. via the display unit or a control unit) so that the display on the display unit is updated, i.e. the beverage container still shown for the removed beverage disappears, i.e. no longer shown via the display unit.

[0051] Alternatively, the turntable can have at least one sensor per sector (e.g., a weight sensor) that automatically transmits information to the beverage maker about the removal of a prepared beverage. Manual user input is then no longer required to update the turntable display on the screen.

[0052] An unoccupied outer sector, which according to a job list is to be occupied with a specific beverage container, may display a flashing color indicator (e.g., a flashing blue light). Once a correct (i.e., suitable or appropriate) beverage container has been placed on the outer sector of the beverage dispenser's turntable, this outer sector may display a non-flashing (i.e., continuously lit) color indicator (e.g., a continuously lit blue light).

[0053] The advantage of visualizing this information on the turntable is that, after a brief absence from the beverage dispenser, a user can quickly see which drinks are ready, which are not, and which still need an addition (e.g., sugar). This makes operating and dispensing the finished drinks significantly faster, easier, and more error-free. Reference symbol list

[0054] 1: Beverage dispenser; 2: Beverage dispenser; 3: Turntable; 4: Display unit; 5: Control unit; 6: Selection and display of order number on control unit; 7: Selection and display of at least one beverage on the display unit; 7': Selection and display of at least one beverage on the control unit; 8: Beverage container; 9: Display of the position number on the turntable, i.e., the position number of each sector of the turntable; 10: Display of the status of each sector of the turntable.

Claims

1. A beverage maker (1) comprising a) a unit for preparing at least one beverage; b) a beverage spout (2) that is fluidically connected to the unit c) a turntable (3) having a plurality of sectors for placing down at least one beverage container (8), wherein the turntable (3) has a dispensing sector arranged below the beverage spout (2) and at least one outer sector; d) a display unit (4); and e) a control unit, characterized in that the display unit (4) is configured to show (9) the turntable (3) and a current position of the sectors of the turntable (3), and the control unit is configured to, after a selection (7, 7') of at least one beverage at the beverage maker (1) by a user, prompt the display unit (4) to show a beverage container (8) that is suitable for the at least one selected beverage in an outer sector of the turntable (3); and after a command to prepare the at least one selected beverage, prompt the turntable (3) to rotate such that the outer sector adopts the position of the dispensing sector, prompt the display unit (4) to show (9) the change of the position of the turntable (3) and of the beverage container (8), and prompt the beverage maker (1) to prepare the at least one selected beverage by the unit and to dispense it via the beverage spout (2) into the beverage container (8) located in the dispensing sector.

2. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with the preceding claim, characterized in that the control unit is configured to, after a selection (7) of at least two beverages by a user, prompt the display unit (4) to show a beverage container (8) that is suitable for a respectively selected beverage in a respective one outer sector of the turntable (3).

3. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with the preceding claim, characterized in that the control unit is configured to, after a command to prepare the at least two selected beverages, prompt the turntable (3) to rotate such that the respective outer sectors consecutively adopt the position of the dispensing sector, prompt the display unit (4) to show the changes to the positions of the beverage containers (8), and to prompt the beverage maker (1) to prepare the selected beverages consecutively by the unit and to dispense them via the beverage spout (2) into the respective beverage container (8) located in the dispensing sector.

4. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display unit (4) and / or an operating unit (5) connected to the beverage maker (1) in a wireless or wired manner is / are configured to transmit a selection (7, 7') of at least one beverage by a user to the control unit.

5. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display unit (4) and / or an operating unit (5) connected to the beverage maker (1) in a wireless or wired manner is / are configured i) to accept an order number of at least one beverage by a user and to transmit it to the control unit; and / or ii) to show a selection (7, 7') of at least one beverage by a user; and / or iii) to show the selected beverages in a list in the event of a selection (7, 7') of a plurality of beverages by a user.

6. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display unit (4) and / or an operating unit (5) connected to the beverage maker (1) in a wireless or wired manner is / are configured to display (10) a status of the dispensing sector and / or of at least one outer sector.

7. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display unit (4) and / or an operating unit (5) connected to the beverage maker (1) in a wireless or wired manner is / are configured to accept a command to prepare the at least one selected beverage by a user, and to transmit the command to prepare the at least one selected beverage to the control unit.

8. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display unit (4) and / or an operating unit (5) connected to the beverage maker (1) in a wireless or wired manner is / are configured to enable an entry by a user, to no longer show a beverage container (8) shown in the outer sector or dispensing sector via the display unit (4) and / or operating unit (5), and to transmit a made entry to the control unit.

9. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sectors of the turntable (3) comprise at least one sensor for detecting a placed down beverage container (8) and the at least one sensor has a communicative connection to the control unit.

10. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sectors of the turntable (3) i) have a grate that is suitable for placing down the beverage containers (8); and / or ii) have a sector display unit (4) that is configured to display information on the respective sector.

11. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unit for preparing at least one beverage is a unit for preparing at least one beverage selected from the group comprising coffee, tea, milk, milk froth, and combinations hereof.

12. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beverage spout (2) is movable in the direction of the turntable (3).

13. A beverage maker (1) in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display unit (4) and / or an operating unit (5) connected to the beverage maker (1) in a wireless or wired manner comprise(s) or consist(s) of a touch-sensitive screen.

14. A method of preparing at least one beverage comprising the steps a) After selecting (7, 7') at least one beverage at a beverage maker (1) by a user: prompting a display unit (4) of the beverage maker (1) to show a beverage container (8) that is suitable for the at least one selected beverage in an outer sector of a turntable (3) of the beverage maker (1) that is displayed by the display unit (4). b) After a command to prepare the at least one selected beverage: prompting the turntable (3) to rotate such that the outer sector of the turntable (3) adopts a position of a dispensing sector of the turntable (3), with the dispensing sector of the turntable (3) being arranged beneath a beverage spout (2) of the beverage maker (1); prompting the display unit (4) to show (9) the change of the position of the turntable (3) and of the beverage maker (1); prompting the beverage maker (1) to prepare the at least one selected beverage by a unit of the beverage maker (1) and to dispense it into the beverage container (8) present in the dispensing sector via a beverage spout (2) fluidically connected to the unit, wherein the steps in a) and b) are prompted by a control unit of the beverage maker (1).

15. A method in accordance with claim 14, characterized in that a beverage maker (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 13 is used in the method.