Beverage dispenser and product line of a beverage dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage dispenser (1) with several instances (3a-3f), which are located one above the other in a layer model of the beverage dispenser (1) and the various instances (3a-3f) can be replaced or extended with the aid of functional lines (4), which are accessible from outside a housing (5) via a receptacle (18). The invention also relates to the fact that the instances (3a-3f) are designed in such a way that a modular structure of the beverage dispenser (1) or a product line of a beverage dispenser with different variants is possible.

Description

[0001] Beverage dispenser and series of a beverage dispenser

[0002] The invention relates to a beverage dispenser with several superimposed instances in a layered model of the beverage dispenser, with at least one functional line connecting the at least two instances. Such layered models are frequently used to represent the design and understanding of the function of such a fully automatic beverage machine in a function-oriented manner.

[0003] The invention further relates to the connection of the various instances by means of functional lines.

[0004] Beverage vending machines, particularly fully automatic coffee machines, are known from the prior art, which integrate the various processing stages in a single housing. The first stage is the interface to the operator, the lower stage is a processor stage in which the recipes are processed in response to the operating commands from the upper stage, and a lower stage is a driver stage which controls the underlying actuators.

[0005] However, an exchange or extension of one or more individual levels is not possible.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of creating an alternative to the previously customary structures.

[0007] To achieve the stated object, the invention provides the features of claim 1. In particular, to achieve the stated object, a beverage dispenser of the type described above is proposed in which the functional line is accessible from outside a housing of the beverage dispenser. This allows for the expansion and / or replacement of instances of the beverage dispenser without having to completely replace the dispenser and / or open the housing.

[0008] Functional lines of a known type are suitable and / or designed, for example, for the transmission of energy and / or signals such as control commands and / or status and analysis data and / or material flows such as water, coffee, milk, cleaning agents or additives.

[0009] The instances can be connected, for example, via a bus system. The bus system can be configured as a serial and / or parallel bus system.

[0010] An access can be characterized, for example, by the fact that an interface from outside the housing enables energy and signal transmission and / or a material flow to the inside or vice versa

[0011] Access can be designed, for example, as a commercially available interface such as mechanical adapters, electromechanical adapters, adapters with additional electronic circuits or as a USB port.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one functional line can be disconnected and / or bridged from the outside. This makes it possible to actively interrupt or redirect the internal energy, signal, and / or material flow. This makes it possible to disconnect an instance from a circuit for replacement and to bridge the function via an external instance.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one functional line can have an outward branch. This allows for serial or parallel supply and / or removal of energy, signals, and / or materials.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a first instance of the at least two instances is selected from the group of an operating level, a logic level, a power level, an actuator level, a supply, for example a receptacle for unused material such as coffee beans, water, milk and / or flavoring and / or sweeteners, and / or a receptacle for waste products such as grounds and / or residual water, and a beverage dispenser. Thus, any exchange of the hierarchy levels is possible.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a second instance of the at least two instances is selected from the group consisting of an operating level, the logic level, the power level, the actuator level, the storage level, and the beverage dispensing level. This results in a modular structure that makes it possible to replace and / or expand the various levels, especially even very deep layers in a beverage dispenser, in particular a coffee machine or fully automatic coffee machine.

[0016] The logic level corresponds to the middle layer and contains all processing mechanisms. It combines the application logic and serves as an interface for operating and executing the underlying instances.

[0017] The logic level can be characterized, for example, by executing the processing of recipes in response to user input.

[0018] For example, this is where the pump for supplying fluid is controlled, the heating actuator is switched on and off, and the system is started up and / or put into sleep mode. The logic level also specifies the sequence of processes.

[0019] The power stage, as a low layer instance, contains all processing mechanisms and is responsible for controlling the actuator stage below.

[0020] The power stage and logic stage can also differ, for example, in their respective operating voltages. While the logic stage, for example, is operated primarily or exclusively with low voltage (5V, 24V, etc.), a voltage of over 100V can be provided for the power stage.

[0021] It can be provided that the power stage contains the memory (EEPROM) as well as drivers for controlling and forwarding signals as well as the phase control or other controls at the hardware level.

[0022] For example, the actuator can be the brewing device, a heating actuator, a pumping device or a motor drive for the grinder.

[0023] The sensors measure quantities such as pressure, temperature, flow, level, force, weight, current, voltage, magnetism, light, movement, position changes, wear and / or tear or combinations thereof.

[0024] For example, the reservoir can be used to store one of the components for processing the recipes, in particular for storing unused material such as water, coffee, milk, or a similar component for the production of cold and / or hot beverages. Furthermore, the reservoir can also serve as a container for storing used material such as grounds, rinsing water, or similar. The beverage dispenser is preferably equipped with at least one outlet device.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the beverage dispenser can comprise at least three instances, and the third instance of the at least three instances is selected from the group consisting of the operating level, the logic level, the power level, the actuator level, the storage level, and the beverage dispensing level. This results in a modular structure that makes it possible to replace and / or expand the various levels, particularly even very deep layers in a beverage dispenser, in particular a coffee machine or fully automatic coffee machine.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the at least three instances can be connected and / or linked in series and / or in parallel by respective functional lines. This allows for variable replacement and / or expansion in the further expansion stage. This ensures a high degree of flexibility, since the direct addressing or direct access to the functional lines means that only the adjacent layer needs to be adapted, not the entire system.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one functional line is accessible in the region of a receptacle of the housing. This allows for easy handling and the expansion or replacement of instances without having to open the housing.

[0028] For example, the receptacle can be configured to serve as a holding device on the housing. In a further embodiment, an adapter or plug-in plate would also be conceivable as a holding device for the mechanical attachment of additional units. In an advantageous embodiment, the beverage dispenser can have a functional unit comprising at least one functional module, which can be releasably attached to a base body of the beverage dispenser, preferably on the receptacle. This allows for variable replacement or variable addition of the functional unit.

[0029] For example, the functional unit comprising the functional module can be designed as a display unit, a container for storing components or as a module of the various instances, for example the logic level, the power level and / or the actuator level.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the receptacle can be designed such that the functional unit protrudes from the housing when assembled with the beverage dispenser. This allows for easy attachment of the functional unit to the housing.

[0031] For example, the holder can be designed as a mobile or stationary holder.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the functional unit, in particular the at least one functional module, can be connected to at least two, preferably at least three, instances of the beverage dispenser via a respective functional line. Thus, it is possible at any time to subsequently supplement the beverage dispenser with additional instances or to replace instances of the beverage dispenser without having to remove the original instances.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one functional module can be connected to at least one second functional module, in particular to several functional modules, of the functional unit. This makes it possible to expand the beverage dispenser in a modular manner and to supplement the requirements according to the wishes of the end user.

[0034] For example, the extension can be used to update the beverage dispenser with an additional control unit, an additional power level and / or logic level or an extension of the actuator or to adapt it to the individual needs of the end user.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the functional unit can comprise an operating level of the beverage dispenser, in particular, wherein the operating level has a display. This enables simple and intuitive operation and menu navigation of the beverage dispenser.

[0036] Common types of displays include OLED, LED, LCD, TFT, Retina or AMOLED displays and are used to graphically display menu navigation.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, the functional module can comprise at least one of the at least two instances. This allows for a simple, user-friendly expansion of the beverage dispenser with a functional module.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the functional module can be provided with a processor of the logic level and / or a control unit of the power level. This allows the beverage dispenser's operating system to be bypassed in the event of a failure of one of the instances, or allows for an expansion of the beverage dispenser's functional scope.

[0039] For example, new recipes could be added via the function module, which require processing of the control commands. This makes it possible, for example, to skip heating the water before the brewing process and conduct the brewing process with cold water. Another possibility would be to change the ratio of the components by modifying the control system, thus creating a new recipe.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the functional unit can be provided with a battery for the beverage dispenser. Thus, the beverage dispenser can be operated independently of an external power supply.

[0041] For example, the accumulator can be designed as primary cells (battery operation) or secondary cells (rechargeable battery operation).

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one functional line is an electrical line. Thus, the signal and energy flow can take place via the functional line, thereby supplying the individual instances with control commands, data, and energy.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one functional line is a supply. Thus, a material flow can take place between the individual instances and the components for producing a recipe can be transported to, for example, the brewing unit or the beverage dispensing unit.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment, the functional line can be bridged or is bridged by the functional unit. Thus, the units can be replaced without having to remove the existing units from the housing or replace the beverage dispenser.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment, an interface of the functional cable can be routed to an externally accessible location on the housing. This allows for simple, user-friendly expansion without having to open the beverage dispenser's housing.

[0046] This makes it possible to expand the beverage dispenser without having the necessary technical expertise or without having to intervene in the architecture of the beverage dispenser.

[0047] For example, the accessible point can be designed as a plug, socket, adapter, connector or valve.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment, the functional unit can have at least one additional module with a cooling element, and the additional module can be or is attached in the area of ​​the interface. This allows cooling of the components and prevents them from deteriorating rapidly.

[0049] For example, the additional module can be used for cooling storage of milk or another fluid component

[0050] It can be provided that the cooling element is designed, for example, as a Peltier element.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment, the functional unit can be provided with a data storage device. This allows for easy integration of modified or new functional and / or control commands.

[0052] In this case, it can be provided that, for example, the data carrier is designed as an electrostatic storage medium, in particular as a removable data carrier.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the combination of features of the independent claim directed to a series is proposed to achieve the stated object. In particular, the invention proposes that for a series of beverage dispensers with at least two variants, a basic body of the beverage dispenser is of identical design and the functional units are of different design in each of the at least two variants. It is therefore possible in this way to produce a series of beverage dispensers, in particular fully automatic coffee machines, in which the actual physical functional scope can be modified in the factory by fitting a corresponding control unit or another unit. This enables individual adaptation to the requirements desired by the end user.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the differently designed functional units of the at least two variants differ in their functional modules. This makes it possible to create a series in which the physical functional scopes differ, thereby achieving a high degree of variability.

[0055] In an advantageous embodiment, the differently designed functional units can be distinguished by a number of functional modules. This makes it possible to obtain a series with various expansion levels.

[0056] For example, it would be conceivable that by installing a corresponding control unit or other units, the variants within the series would differ in terms of their performance scope and / or processing options.

[0057] In an advantageous embodiment, the differently designed functional units can be provided with different sizes. Thus, the size requirements of the end user can be taken into account in the design.

[0058] In an advantageous embodiment, the differently designed functional units can be provided with different shapes. This allows the design requirements of the end user to be taken into account. This allows for an individual design of the beverage dispenser, tailored to the needs of the end user.

[0059] In an advantageous embodiment, the differently designed functional units can be provided with different operating levels. This allows for a high degree of variability in the expansion and extension levels.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, the differently designed functional units can be detachably attached to a receptacle on the beverage dispenser. These can be used, for example, to bridge and / or bypass a bridging of a functional line, such as the one already mentioned, from outside the beverage dispenser. Thus, modifications to individual components can be easily implemented without requiring additional modifications to all connected components.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the features of the independent fourth claim directed to a beverage dispenser are provided according to the invention to achieve the stated object. In particular, to achieve the stated object in a beverage dispenser of the type described above, it is proposed that the at least two instances are each designed as a module and are mechanically connected directly to one another, in particular without a frame. This results in a multitude of individual combination options for the instances. Additional frame structures are dispensable. This can also increase the design freedom for a designer.

[0062] For example, it is not necessary to integrate the various components into a common support structure. Instead, the assembly can be carried out directly via mechanical connections, and the individual functional units can form or replace the independent framework of the beverage dispenser.

[0063] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that at least two, in particular at least three, instances are selected from the group consisting of an operating level, a logic level, a power level, an actuator level, a supply level, and a beverage dispenser. This enables a simple and modular structure.

[0064] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the at least three instances are each designed as a module and are mechanically connected directly to one another, wherein the three instances can be selected from the group consisting of an operating level, a logic level, a power level, an actuator level, a storage level, and a beverage dispenser. This allows for simple modification of the individual components, since the changes only have a local effect on the respective component and do not affect the other components.

[0065] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least two modules can be detachably connected to one another. This allows for easy replacement of one or more modules.

[0066] The connections can be implemented, for example, as a screw connection or a plug connection. Force-fitting, form-fitting, and / or magnetic connections can also be used.

[0067] In an advantageous embodiment, at least two, preferably all, modules can have a functional line. This allows a signal / energy flow and / or material flow to take place via the respective modules.

[0068] In an advantageous embodiment, the functional lines for signal and / or power flow can be designed to be contactless. Thus, cabling of the individual modules is not necessary. For example, the material / energy flow can be inductive or via REID.

[0069] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one, preferably all, modules are designed as a removable functional unit. This allows for a seamless replacement or expansion of the modules without having to replace or modify the other modules.

[0070] In an advantageous design, all possible functions are already stored in the logic level. When a module is inserted, the logic level recognizes it and knows how to use it.

[0071] In an advantageous embodiment, the module information can be stored on the logic level, and the logic level can recognize and control the modules upon insertion. This allows the beverage dispensers to be easily and effortlessly expanded and operated with additional functional modules.

[0072] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from combining the features of one or more claims with one another and / or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiments.

[0073] It shows :

[0074] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a beverage dispenser known from the prior art,

[0075] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a beverage dispenser according to the invention,

[0076] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a beverage dispenser according to the invention in a further stage of development,

[0077] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a beverage dispenser according to the invention, designed as a module,

[0078] Fig . 5 schematic representation of a product platform and an extension of this and

[0079] Fig. 6 schematic representation of a modular design.

[0080] Figure 1 shows a beverage dispenser known from the prior art, designated as a whole by 1. In the example, the beverage dispenser 1 is designed as a fully automatic coffee machine 2 with a housing 5.

[0081] The beverage dispenser 1 is designed in a manner known per se according to a layered model and comprises various

[0082] Instances 3a - 3 f .

[0083] The highest instance 3a, the operating level 6 , is designed for the representation of data, user inputs and as a user interface with a graphical user interface .

[0084] The processes and menu structures for processing the various commands are stored in the subordinate instance 3b, logic level 7.

[0085] The underlying instance 3c, performance level 8, contains the application logic with the memory and drivers. It contains all processing mechanisms for controlling the actuators and sensors located in the lowest instance.

[0086] The individual instances are connected to each other via functional lines 4 so that a signal / energy flow 12 can take place between the instances.

[0087] As further instances 3e and 3f, a supply 10 for storing one of the components such as water, milk or coffee and a beverage dispensing unit 11 are formed.

[0088] Via the instance 3d, the actuator stage 9, the material flow 13 of the components located in the supply 10 to the instance of the beverage dispensing unit 11 is initiated.

[0089] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the beverage dispenser 1 according to the invention.

[0090] In addition to the platform 14 of the beverage dispenser 1, the illustration shows a functional unit 15, which can serve, for example, as an extension 19 of the platform 14. The platform 14 consists of an instance 3a-3f or a combination of instances 3a-3f from the group of operating level 6, logic level 7, power level 8, actuator level 9, the supply 10, and the beverage dispenser 11.

[0091] The structure is shown only as an example to explain the invention. In further embodiments, instances may be combined or omitted, and / or additional instances may be formed.

[0092] In Figure 2, the platform 14 is formed with the instances 3a-3f of the logic level 7, the actuator level 9, the supply 10 and the beverage dispenser 11.

[0093] The functional unit 15 has at least one functional module 16. The functional module 16 can, for example, consist of an instance 3a-3f or a combination of instances 3a-3f from the group of the operating level 6, the logic level 7, the power level 8, the actuator level 9, the supply 10 and the beverage dispenser 11.

[0094] Figure 2 of the exemplary embodiment is a functional unit 15 with an additional extended functional module

[0095] 16 of logic level 7 , as well as extensions 19 of power level 8 and actuator level 9 .

[0096] The functional line 4 is accessible from outside the housing 5 of the beverage dispenser 1. In the example, the functional line 4 can be an electrical line or a supply line.

[0097] The functional line 4 has an external branch

[0098] 17 and is accessible from the outside via this.

[0099] It can be provided, for example in the case of the functional line 4 which is led from the supply 10 via the logic stage 7 of the extension 19 to the beverage dispensing unit 11, that the functional line 4 for connecting the instances 3a-3f can be separated or bridged from the outside.

[0100] The functional unit 15, in particular one of the functional modules 16, is connected to at least two instances 3a-3f of the platform 14 by one or more functional lines 4. The functional lines 4 are accessible in the area of ​​the housing 5 through a receptacle 18, so that the instances 3a-3f of the platform 14 can be coupled to the functional modules 16 of the functional unit 15 of the extension 19.

[0101] An energy / signal flow 12 and / or a material flow 13 takes place between the platform 14 and the functional unit 15 via the functional line 4.

[0102] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, the material flow 13 is first guided from the reservoir 10 via the functional module 16, the functional unit 15, and then to the beverage dispensing device 11. In this example, the functional module 16 is designed as an extension 19 of the actuator stage 9, so that, for example, a different or additional processing of the components for beverage production can be carried out.

[0103] The logic level 7 was integrated only as a functional module 16 into the functional unit 15 and is coupled via the functional line 4 both to the instances 3a-3f of the platform 14 and to the other functional modules 16 of the functional unit 15.

[0104] The functional lines 4 have interfaces 20 which can be separated or bridged from the outside, so that the internal energy / signal flow 12 and / or material flow 13 can be interrupted and / or redirected via the functional unit 15.

[0105] The interface 20 is mounted at a location on the housing 5 that is accessible from the outside.

[0106] In the embodiment of Figure 2, the signal and energy flow 12 of the power stage 8 is redirected to the extension 19 of the power stage 8, so that the control of the actuator stage 9 takes place via the extension 19 of the power stage 8 of the extension 19.

[0107] A branch 17 leads the functional line 4 to the outside, so that a serial or parallel control of the various instances 3a-3f is possible.

[0108] Figure 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Components and functional units that are functionally and / or structurally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described separately again.

[0109] The embodiment of Figure 3 is constructed from a platform 14 and a functional unit 15 with several functional modules 16 of the instances 3a-3f.

[0110] In the example of Figure 3, the functional unit 15 as a functional module 16 has an operating level 6, an extension 19 of the operating level 6, the logic level 7, the power level 8 and the actuator level 9.

[0111] The functional module 16 of the extension 19 of the logic level 7 can, for example, be designed with a processor.

[0112] In this example, the extension 19 of the power stage 8 is designed with a control unit 24.

[0113] In an embodiment not shown, the functional unit 15 comprises an accumulator of the beverage dispenser 1. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the coupling of the various instances takes place via the functional unit 15. The functional lines 4 of the signal and energy flow 12 are blocked within the instances 3a-3f of the platform 14 and are connected to the functional modules 16 of the functional unit 15. As a result, there is no energy / signal flow 12 between the individual instances 3a-3f within the platform 14, but rather it is carried out exclusively via the functional modules 16 of the functional unit 15. The functional unit 15 thus takes over or supplements the signal / energy flow 12 of the platform

[0114] 14 .

[0115] The signal / energy flow 12 can be carried out between the instances of the platform 14 and the functional unit 15 both serially and in parallel.

[0116] The functional unit 15 can be accessible via a receptacle 18 of the housing 5. In an embodiment not shown, the functional unit 15 is detachably attached to the receptacle 18 by means of a functional module 16.

[0117] The receptacle 18 is designed so that the functional unit

[0118] 15 protrudes from the housing 5 when assembled with the beverage dispenser 1.

[0119] The functional unit 15, in particular the functional module 16, can be connected to at least two of the instances 3a-3f of the beverage dispenser 1 via the functional line 4.

[0120] In an example not shown, the functional unit 15 can comprise, for example, a display, a battery, or a data storage device. Furthermore, it is possible for the functional unit 15 to comprise a cooling element as an additional functional module 16.

[0121] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the material flow 13 is bridged via the functional unit 15. The supply 10, in the form of a component for preparing beverages, is guided via a functional line 4 to the extension 19 of the actuator stage 9 and from there, after appropriate preparation and / or processing, is guided via the actuator stage 9 of the platform 14 to the beverage dispensing unit 11.

[0122] Figure 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Components and functional units that are functionally and / or structurally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described separately again. The statements regarding the preceding exemplary embodiments apply accordingly.

[0123] The embodiment according to Figure 4 differs from the preceding embodiments at least in that the coupling between the platform 14 and functional unit 15 is designed such that the material flow 13 can take place in parallel both via the platform 14 and via the extension 19.

[0124] For example, for new formulations, the components can be modified or additional components can be added. This could include, for example, the addition of new substances or the thermal or other treatment of the fluid or its components using additional modules.

[0125] Figure 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention. Components and functional units that are functionally and / or structurally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described separately again. The statements regarding the preceding exemplary embodiments apply accordingly.

[0126] The exemplary embodiment in Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a series 21 of a beverage dispenser 1. The series 21 is characterized, for example, by the fact that at least two different variants of the expansion stage exist.

[0127] The variants of the 21 series are each constructed from a base body 22 and a functional unit 15. The base body 22 of the 21 series is always constructed identically, but the functional units 15 differ, for example, in their appearance, particularly in size and shape, in their functional modules 16, and / or in their number of functional modules 16, as well as in their operating levels.

[0128] The differently developed functional units 15 can be detachably attached to the holder 18 of the base body 22.

[0129] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a modular structure of a beverage dispenser 1 .

[0130] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 6, the instances 3a-c are designed as detachable modules 23 one above the other and / or next to one another and are mechanically connected to one another on a frameless support structure (not shown). The modules 23 can, for example, be designed as instances 3a-3f from the group of operating level 6, logic level 7, power level 8, actuator level 9, storage 10, or beverage dispenser 11. Various combination options of two, three, or more modules 23 exist.

[0131] An additional support structure, frame or the like is not required.

[0132] The modules 23 are connected to one another via at least one functional line 4. The modules 23 can also be designed as a functional unit 15.

[0133] In an example not shown, the information of the modules 23 can already be on the logic level 7, so that when the module 23 is added, it can be recognized and controlled directly by the logic level 7.

[0134] The functional line 4 for the signal and / or energy flow can be designed to be contactless.

[0135] The invention relates to a beverage dispenser 1 with several instances 3a-3f, which are arranged one above the other in a layered model of the beverage dispenser 1, and the various instances 3a-3f can be replaced or expanded with the aid of functional lines 4, which are accessible from outside a housing 5 via a receptacle 18. The invention further relates to the fact that the instances 3a-3f are designed in such a way that a modular construction of the beverage dispenser 1 or a series of a beverage dispenser with different variants is possible.

[0136] / List of reference symbols

[0137] List of reference symbols

[0138] 1 drinks dispenser

[0139] 2 fully automatic coffee machines

[0140] 3a Instance

[0141] 3b Instance

[0142] 3c instance

[0143] 3D instance

[0144] 3rd instance

[0145] 3 f instance

[0146] 4 Functional management

[0147] 5 housings

[0148] 6 operating levels

[0149] 7 logic level

[0150] 8 power levels

[0151] 9 Actuator stage

[0152] 10 stock

[0153] 11 Beverage dispensing unit

[0154] 12 Signal / energy flow flow

[0155] 13 Material flow

[0156] 14 Platform

[0157] 15 functional unit

[0158] 16 Function module

[0159] 17 Junction

[0160] 18 recording

[0161] 19 Expansion

[0162] 20 Interface

[0163] 21 series

[0164] 22 basic bodies

[0165] 23 Module

[0166] / Claims

Claims

Claims 1. Beverage dispenser (1), in particular a fully automatic coffee machine (2), comprising at least two instances (3a, 3b) which are arranged one above the other in a layered model of the beverage dispenser (1), wherein at least one functional line (4) connects the at least two instances (3a, 3b), characterized in that at least one functional line (4) is accessible, in particular bridgeable, from outside a housing (5) of the beverage dispenser (1).

2. Beverage dispenser (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one functional line (4) has an outwardly directed branch (17).

3. Beverage dispenser (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one functional line (4) can be separated and / or bridged from the outside.

4. Beverage dispenser (1) according to claim 1, wherein a first instance (3a) of the at least two instances (3a-3f) is selected from the group of an operating level (6), logic level (7), power level (8), actuator level (9), supply (10) and beverage dispensing (11) and / or that a second instance (3b) of the at least two instances (3a-3f) is selected from the group of operating level (6), logic level (7), power level (8), actuator level (9), supply (10) and beverage dispensing (11).

5. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage dispenser (1) comprises at least three instances (3a-3f), wherein the third instance (3c) of the at least three instances (3a-3f) is selected from the group of the logic stage (7), the power stage (8), the actuator stage (9), the supply (10) and the beverage dispenser (11) and / or wherein the at least three instances are connectable and / or connected in series and / or in parallel by respective functional lines (4).

6. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one functional line (4) is accessible in the region of a receptacle (18) of the housing (5), and / or wherein the beverage dispenser (1) has a functional unit (15) comprising at least one functional module (16), which can be received in particular detachably, preferably on the receptacle (18), with a platform (14) of the beverage dispenser (1).

7. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (18) is designed such that the functional unit (15) protrudes from the housing (5) when assembled with the beverage dispenser (1).

8. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional unit (15), in particular the at least one functional module (16), is connectable to at least two instances (3a-3fc) of the beverage dispenser (1) by means of a respective functional line (4), and / or wherein the at least one functional module (16) is connectable to at least one second functional module (16) of the functional unit (15).

9. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional unit (15) comprises an operating stage (6) of the beverage dispenser (1), in particular wherein the operating stage (6) has a display.

10. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional module (16) comprises at least the or one of the at least two instances (3a-3f), and / or where- the functional module (16) comprises a processor of the logic level (7) and / or a control unit of the power stage (8) has.

11. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional unit (15) comprises an accumulator of the beverage dispenser (1).

12. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one functional line (4) is an electrical line and / or a supply (10).

13. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one functional line (4) can be bridged or is bridged by the functional unit (15), and / or wherein an interface (20) of the functional line (4) is led to a location of the housing (5) that is accessible from the outside.

14. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional unit (15) has at least one additional module, preferably a cooling element, in particular wherein the additional module can be or is attached in the region of the interface (20).

15. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional unit (15) has a data carrier.

16. Series (21) of beverage dispensers (1) with at least two variants, each variant comprising a beverage dispenser (1), in particular according to claim 1, characterized in that a base body (22) of the beverage dispenser (1) is designed identically in at least two variants and the functional units (15) are designed differently.

17. Series (21) according to the preceding claim, wherein the differently designed functional units (15) of the at least two variants in their functional modules (16) and / or in a number of functional modules (16).

18. Series (21) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the differently designed functional units (15) differ in their external appearance, in particular in their size and / or shape.

19. Series (21) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the differently designed functional units (15) differ in their operating levels (6).

20. Series (21) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the differently designed functional units (15) can be detachably attached to the base body (22) of the beverage dispenser (1), in particular to a receptacle (18).

21. Beverage dispenser (1), in particular a fully automatic coffee machine (2), comprising at least two instances (3a-3f) which are arranged one above the other and / or next to the other in a layered model of the beverage dispenser (1), characterized in that the at least two instances (3a-3f) are each designed as a module 23 and are mechanically connected directly to one another, in particular without a frame.

22. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims directed to a beverage dispenser (1), beverage dispenser (1) has at least three instances (3a-3f), wherein the at least three instances (3a, 3b, 3c) are each designed as a module (23) and are directly mechanically connected to one another, in particular wherein the at least three instances (3a, 3b, 3c) are selected from the group of an operating stage (6), a logic stage (6), a power stage (7), an actuator stage (9), a supply (10) and a beverage dispenser (25) are selected.

23. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims and directed to a beverage dispenser (1), wherein the at least two modules (23) are connected to one another detachably and / or framelessly.

24. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims and directed to a beverage dispenser (1), wherein at least two, preferably all, modules (23) have a functional line (4).

25. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims and directed to a beverage dispenser (1), wherein the functional lines (4) for signal and / or energy flow (12) are designed to be contactless.

26. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims and directed to a beverage dispenser (1), wherein at least one, preferably all, modules (23) is / are designed as a removable functional unit (11).

27. Beverage dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims and directed to a beverage dispenser (1), wherein the information of the modules (23) is stored on the logic level (7) and wherein these can be identified and controlled by the logic level (7) when added. / Summary

Images