Beverage maker and method for operating a beverage maker

Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage maker and a method, in which a diagnostic program is used that is programmed to identify at least one faulty component of the beverage maker. The diagnostic program is used to read out measured values from at least one sensor from at least two different paths of the beverage maker, compare them with a predefined value range for the respective measured values and generate a result of the determination process in each case. These at least two results of the determination process are combined to form a combined result and the combined result is compared with an assignment in which predetermined combined results are each assigned to a diagnostic result in a logical link. A clear diagnostic result can be obtained by comparison with the assignment. This makes identification of a faulty component of the beverage maker easier, quicker and more accurate.

Description

[0001] Beverage maker and method for operating a beverage maker

[0002] A beverage maker and a method are provided which use a diagnostic program programmed to identify at least one faulty component of the beverage maker. The diagnostic program reads measured values ​​from at least one sensor from at least two different paths of the beverage maker, compares them with a predetermined value range for the respective measured values, and creates a determination result for each. These at least two determination results are combined to form a combined result, and the combined result is compared with an assignment in which predetermined combined results are each assigned to a diagnostic result in a logical operation. By comparing them with the assignment, a unique diagnostic result can be obtained.This makes it possible to identify a faulty component of the beverage maker more easily, quickly, and accurately. It is known in the art that, when errors occur during operation of a beverage maker (e.g., a coffee machine), a corresponding error code (e.g., error code: "1234") and / or a corresponding error message (e.g., "DFM error") is displayed and logged by the beverage maker, optionally sent via telemetry from the beverage maker.

[0003] These error codes or error messages are often very general and only provide information about the symptoms of the error, for example, that too little or no liquid flows when the beverage maker dispenses a beverage. However, the common beverage makers do not provide any information about the cause of the error, i.e., they do not provide information about which component of the beverage maker is causing the symptoms, i.e., which component is faulty.

[0004] US 2005 / 230417 A1 discloses a system and method for testing a beverage maker prior to shipping. The system records measured values ​​of a component of the beverage maker and compares them with a target range. If the recorded measured values ​​fall outside the target range, an error condition is indicated; otherwise, a pass condition is indicated. The disadvantage of the system and method is that it is not designed to detect error conditions during normal operation by a user of the beverage maker. Furthermore, this system and method only displays an error condition that has been detected by at least one sensor, i.e., no diagnosis is performed as to which component of the beverage maker could be the cause of the error condition, i.e., no faulty component is identified by the system and method. This makes it difficult for a user of the beverage maker (e.g.,It is difficult, complex and time-consuming for a user or service technician to assign the error status to a faulty component of the beverage maker.

[0005] EP 3 590 396 B1 discloses a beverage maker and a method for diagnosing a beverage maker, wherein a program records measured values ​​of at least one component of the beverage maker over a specific period of time via at least one sensor and provides these to the electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker and / or stores them on the data memory. The disadvantage here is that the provided and / or stored measured values ​​contain no reference to a potentially faulty component. Due to this lack of information, it is not possible to specify with high accuracy which component(s) of the beverage maker have / have a fault. In other words, it is difficult, complex, and time-consuming for a user of the beverage maker (e.g., an operator or service technician) to identify a faulty component of the beverage maker.

[0006] In known systems and methods, the success of correcting an identified error also depends on the level of knowledge and experience of the beverage maker's user (e.g., the operator or service technician). This can lead to incorrect error correction. For example, an incorrect component of the beverage maker may be replaced, or at least one non-faulty component of the beverage maker may be replaced in addition to an actually faulty component. This results in increased time expenditure, higher resource expenditure, higher costs, and longer downtimes of the beverage maker, which can negatively impact the satisfaction of the beverage maker's user.

[0007] Based on this, the object of the present invention was to provide a beverage maker and a method for operating a beverage maker, in which at least one disadvantage of the prior art is overcome. In particular, the beverage maker and the method should make it possible to identify a faulty component of the beverage maker in a simpler, faster, and more accurate manner. It should be possible to save both resources and time in rectifying a fault in the beverage maker when a fault occurs.

[0008] The object is achieved by the beverage maker having the features of claim 1 and the method having the features of claim 8. The dependent claims show advantageous developments.

[0009] According to the invention, a beverage maker is provided, comprising a) a plurality of components, wherein the plurality of components comprises at least one sensor; b) a data memory; c) a diagnostic program stored on the data memory and programmed to identify at least one faulty component of the beverage maker, wherein the diagnostic program is programmed to carry out at least the following steps: i) activating at least one first path of the beverage maker and detecting at least one measured value from at least one sensor in the at least one first path of the beverage maker;ii) activating at least one second path of the beverage maker which is different from the first path and detecting at least one measured value from at least one sensor in the at least one second path of the beverage maker, wherein the at least one sensor in the at least one second path is identical or different from the at least one sensor in the at least one first path;iii) comparing the at least one measured value recorded in the at least one first path of the beverage maker with a predetermined value range for the at least one measured value and determining whether the at least one recorded measured value lies within or outside the predetermined value range, a first result resulting from this determination, and comparing the at least one measured value recorded in the at least one second path of the beverage maker with a predetermined value range for the at least one measured value and determining whether the at least one recorded measured value lies within or outside the predetermined value range, a second result resulting from this determination;iv) combining the first result of the determination and the second result of the determination into a combined result and comparing the combined result with an association accessible to the beverage maker, in which predetermined combined results are each associated with a diagnostic result in a logical connection; and v) outputting a diagnostic result obtained by comparing with the association; d) a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to execute the diagnostic program based on a command and to provide the diagnostic result output by the diagnostic program to a user of the beverage maker.

[0010] The beverage maker according to the invention makes it possible to identify a faulty component of the beverage maker more easily, quickly, and accurately. Furthermore, the beverage maker according to the invention makes it possible to save both resources and time in rectifying a fault in the beverage maker when it occurs.

[0011] The simplicity and increased speed of identifying a faulty component is made possible by the fact that the diagnostic program can independently identify whether at least one component of the beverage maker is faulty and, if so, which component is faulty, and optionally also which specific defect in the component. The result of the diagnostic program's determination (i.e., the diagnostic result) is then provided by the control unit to a user of the beverage maker (e.g., an operator or a service technician), allowing the user to quickly and easily determine which component(s) is / are faulty.

[0012] A more accurate identification of a faulty component is made possible by step iv) of the diagnostic program. Here, the results of the determination relating to the two paths are combined, and the combined result is compared with the assignment. The assignment assigns at least one component of the beverage maker to each possible combined result and contains a diagnostic result for each possible combined result, i.e. information as to whether at least one component of the beverage maker is faulty or not. The said use of the combined result increases the accuracy of the indication as to whether a component of the beverage maker is faulty and, if so, which component(s) are involved. In addition to the component, the diagnostic result can also contain a specific defect in the respective component.

[0013] Thus, the beverage maker according to the invention makes it possible to save both time and resources when troubleshooting a fault that has occurred in the beverage maker. According to the invention, a path of the beverage maker contains at least one sensor of the beverage maker and at least one component of the beverage maker, wherein the path has a starting point in the beverage maker and an end point in the beverage maker and is suitable for transporting a medium from the starting point to the end point. The path can extend from the starting point to the end point without branching (serial path) or can have at least one branch from the starting point to the end point (parallel path). The medium of the path can be selected from the group consisting of (optional combinations of)

[0014] - Liquid (e.g. water, coffee, milk and / or cleaning products),

[0015] - Gas or aerosol (e.g. air and / or water vapor),

[0016] - Solids (e.g. coffee beans, coffee grounds and / or beverage powder), and

[0017] - electrons (e.g. through a current flow).

[0018] An example of a beverage maker path in which the medium is a liquid would be a brewing path of the beverage maker, where the liquid would be water and coffee, and the starting point could be a water inlet of the beverage maker and the end point could be a beverage outlet of the beverage maker. An example of a beverage maker path in which the medium is an aerosol would be a vapor path of the beverage maker, where the aerosol would be water vapor, the starting point could be a water inlet of the beverage maker and the end point could be a beverage outlet of the beverage maker. An example of a beverage maker path in which the medium is a solid would be a grinding path of the beverage maker, where the solid would be coffee beans and coffee grounds, and the starting point could be a coffee bean hopper of the beverage maker and the end point could be a brewing unit of the beverage maker.An example of a beverage maker path in which the medium is electrons would be an electrical path of the beverage maker, where the starting point can be a negative pole of a power source of the beverage maker and the ending point can be a positive pole of the power source of the beverage maker.

[0019] The assignment accessible to the beverage maker can be configured, for example, as a table, a matrix, a schema (e.g., a flow chart), or a decision tree. The assignment accessible to the beverage maker can be stored in the beverage maker's data memory. It is also possible for the assignment to be accessible to the beverage maker via an external server connected to the beverage maker (e.g., via an electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker).

[0020] A user of the beverage maker can be understood, for example, as a user of the beverage maker and alternatively also as a service technician.

[0021] Making the diagnostic result output by the diagnostic program available to a user of the beverage maker may mean that the diagnostic result is displayed on a user interface of the beverage maker (e.g., a touchscreen of the beverage maker). It may also mean that the diagnostic result is stored in the data storage of the beverage maker and is accessible to the user there, or that it is transmitted to an external server of the beverage maker and is accessible to the user there.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the diagnostic program is programmed, in step ii), to further activate at least one third path of the beverage maker, which is a different path of the beverage maker from at least one first path and at least one second path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, preferably to further activate at least one fourth path of the beverage maker, which is a different path of the beverage maker from at least one first path, at least one second path and at least one third path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, particularly preferably to further activate at least one fifth path of the beverage maker, which is a different path of the beverage maker from at least one first path, at least one second path,at least one third path and at least one fourth path are different paths of the beverage maker, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, in particular also to activate at least one sixth path of the beverage maker, which is a different path of the beverage maker from the at least one first path, at least one second path, at least one third path, at least one fourth path, and at least one fifth path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker. The at least one sensor of the respective paths can be identical or different. The advantage of activating more than two paths is that with each additional activated path, the information content about a potentially faulty component increases.This means that the faulty component can be narrowed down more and more and thus identified with increasing accuracy. It is conceivable that a total of 50 to 100 paths are activated, their results combined, and the combined result used to identify the faulty component. Optionally, each additional path can be activated only after at least one previously activated path or all previously activated paths have been deactivated.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment mentioned above, the diagnostic program can be programmed to compare, in step iii), the measured values ​​recorded in the respective paths with a predetermined value range for the respective measured values ​​and to determine whether the respective recorded measured values ​​lie within or outside the predetermined value range, wherein a result in each case results from this determination.

[0024] Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment mentioned above, the diagnostic program can be programmed to combine the respective results of the respective determinations into a combined result in step iv) and to compare the combined result with the assignment accessible to the beverage maker.

[0025] The diagnostic program can be programmed to activate the at least one second path only when the at least one first path has been deactivated. This embodiment is advantageous if the at least one sensor whose measured values ​​are recorded in the at least one first path of the beverage maker is identical to the at least one sensor whose measured values ​​are recorded in the at least one second path of the beverage maker, since this enables an exact assignment of the sensor signal to the respective paths. Consequently, the accuracy with regard to identifying a faulty component increases. Optionally, the diagnostic program is programmed to activate further paths of the beverage maker if at least one path of the beverage maker has been deactivated or all other paths of the beverage maker have been deactivated.This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the at least one sensor whose measured values ​​are recorded is identical in at least two of the paths or in all paths, since this improves the accuracy of identifying at least one faulty component.

[0026] Alternatively, the diagnostic program can be programmed to activate the at least one second path while the at least one first path is activated. This embodiment is advantageous if the at least one sensor whose measured values ​​are recorded in the at least one first path of the beverage maker is different from the at least one sensor whose measured values ​​are recorded in the at least one second path of the beverage maker, since this enables precise assignment of the sensor signal to the respective paths and also allows the identification of a faulty component of the beverage maker to be carried out more quickly. Optionally, the diagnostic program is programmed to activate additional paths of the beverage maker if at least one previously activated path of the beverage maker is still active or all previously activated paths of the beverage maker are still active.This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the at least one sensor whose measured values ​​are recorded is different in all activated paths, since this improves the accuracy of the identification of at least one faulty component and enables a faster identification of a faulty component.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the diagnostic program is configured, in step i) and / or step ii), to record at least one measured value from at least one second sensor, preferably also at least one measured value from at least one third sensor, particularly preferably also at least one measured value from at least one fourth sensor, in the at least one first path and / or in the at least one second path, preferably also in at least one third path, particularly preferably also in at least one fourth path, in particular also in at least one fifth path, optionally also in at least one sixth path, of the beverage maker. The more sensors are used to record measured values, the more information about measured values ​​(ieThe more accurate the results (whether they are within or outside a specified range) are, the more accurately the identification of at least one faulty component of the beverage maker can be. For example, the diagnostic program may be programmed to acquire measured values ​​from a number of sensors in the range of 1 to 4 per path. Furthermore, the diagnostic program may be programmed to activate a total of enough paths (optionally one after the other) to acquire measured values ​​from a total number of sensors in the range of 20 to 30.

[0028] In the above-mentioned further preferred embodiment, the diagnostic program can be programmed to compare, in step iii), the at least one measured value from the at least one second sensor, preferably also the at least one measured value from at least one third sensor, particularly preferably also the at least one measured value from the at least one fourth sensor, with a value range specified for the respective measured values ​​and to determine whether the respectively recorded measured values ​​lie within or outside the respectively specified value ranges, wherein in each case a result emerges from this determination.

[0029] Furthermore, in the further preferred embodiment mentioned above, the diagnostic program can be programmed to combine, in step iv), the respective results of the respective determinations (for the respective sensors) into a combined result and to compare the combined result with the assignment accessible to the beverage maker.

[0030] The at least one sensor, preferably two sensors, more preferably at least three sensors, particularly preferably at least four sensors, in the at least one first path and / or in the at least one second path of the beverage maker, preferably also in at least one third path of the beverage maker, particularly preferably also in at least one fourth path of the beverage maker, in particular also in at least one fifth path of the beverage maker, optionally also in at least one sixth path of the beverage maker, can be selected from the group consisting of pressure sensor, flow sensor, electrical current sensor, electrical voltage sensor, temperature sensor, displacement sensor, position sensor, presence sensor, sensor for detecting electrical conductivity, fill level sensor, rotation angle sensor, acoustic sensor, image capture sensor and combinations thereof.

[0031] The beverage maker may include a user interface and / or an electronic data transmission interface (optionally both).

[0032] The user interface is preferably configured to input commands to the beverage maker and to display information, wherein the user interface particularly preferably includes or consists of a touchscreen.

[0033] The electronic data transmission interface preferably has a wired or wireless connection to the data memory of the beverage maker and / or to an external server.

[0034] In particular, the beverage maker's control unit is configured to display the diagnostic result on the beverage maker's user interface and / or transmit it to the beverage maker's electronic data transmission interface. Displaying the result of the determination (visualization) has the advantage of visually informing a beverage maker user (e.g., a service technician or a maintenance technician) whether a component of the beverage maker is faulty and, if so, which component(s) are faulty. This allows immediate action to be taken.

[0035] The control unit of the beverage maker can also be configured to have an instruction (i.e. a solution hint) displayed by the user interface of the beverage maker and / or to transmit it to the electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker. This instruction can include or consist of a procedure for rectifying an error caused by at least one component identified as faulty. The instruction can, for example, include care instructions (e.g. cleaning instructions) for a user of the beverage maker or, for example, replacement instructions for a service technician to replace at least one faulty component of the beverage maker with a new component. The instruction can, for example, also include information on materials required to carry out the care instructions.Furthermore, the instruction can also include information on tools and / or spare parts required to replace at least one faulty component with a new one. If the instruction is transmitted to the electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker, the following advantage arises for a service technician: The service technician receives a diagnostic report in advance that specifically identifies the defective component(s) and contains instructions for correcting the defect. This enables targeted and efficient on-site servicing.

[0036] The control unit can be configured to execute the diagnostic program based on a command received via a user interface of the beverage maker (local start of the diagnostic program). This command can be given, for example, by a user touching a specific location on the user interface (e.g., a touchscreen).

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to execute the diagnostic program based on a command received via an electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker (remote start of the diagnostic program). This command can be given, for example, by sending the command via an external server to the electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker.

[0038] In addition, the control unit can be configured to execute the diagnostic program based on a command generated after a specified period of time has elapsed, preferably generated by the control unit (time-based start of the diagnostic program, routine check). This command can be generated by the control unit, for example, after a certain period of time (e.g., 1 week) has elapsed.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to execute the diagnostic program based on a command that is generated after the occurrence of a specific operating state of the beverage maker, preferably generated by the control unit (operating state start of the diagnostic program). The operating state can be a state of the beverage maker before, during, or after cleaning of the beverage maker. Cleaning of the beverage maker can be carried out, for example, by a cleaning program of the beverage maker. The operating state can be activated, for example, by the control unit of the beverage maker and / or by a user of the beverage maker, optionally via an operating interface of the beverage maker (local start of the operating state) or via an electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker (remote start of the operating state).

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to execute the diagnostic program based on a command generated after detection of an operating error of the beverage maker, preferably generated by the control unit (operating error start of the diagnostic program).The operating error is particularly preferably detected by at least one sensor of the beverage maker, wherein in order to detect the operating error, in particular a program of the beverage maker is programmed to carry out at least the following steps: i) detecting at least one measured value from each of the sensors of the beverage maker which monitor a specific operating process of the beverage maker, ii) comparing the respectively detected measured values ​​with a predetermined value range for the respectively detected measured values, iii) determining, based on the comparison, whether an operating error exists, wherein no determination is made as to whether at least one component of the beverage maker is faulty, and iv) if it has been determined that an operating error exists, causing the control unit to carry out the diagnostic program.

[0041] The beverage maker can be configured to prevent beverage preparation during the diagnostic program's execution. This has the advantage that beverage preparation cannot distort the identification of a faulty component of the beverage maker, thus increasing the accuracy of the identification, i.e., making the identification more accurate.

[0042] In addition, the beverage maker can be configured, and optionally the control unit of the beverage maker can be configured, to use at least one result from the first determination and one result from the second determination to decide which further path of the beverage maker is activated by the diagnostic program to record measured values ​​from at least one sensor. The advantage of this is that a minimum of paths need to be activated to enable accurate or precise identification of a faulty component, which allows the diagnosis to be performed in a shorter time.

[0043] Furthermore, the beverage maker can be configured, optionally the control unit of the beverage maker can be configured, to configure the diagnostic program based on an (optionally modified) equipment of the beverage maker, preferably with regard to the sensors and components contained in the beverage maker (automatic configuration of the diagnostic program according to the equipment of the beverage maker). Such a configuration can include having the diagnostic program record measured values ​​from fewer or more sensors. Furthermore, such a configuration can include adapting the assignment accessible to the beverage maker to fewer or more components of the beverage maker. Apart from that, such a configuration can include adapting the predetermined value ranges for the respective sensors of the beverage maker (e.g., changing at least one limit value thereof).The advantage here is that the diagnostic program is flexibly and automatically adapted to changes in the equipment of the beverage maker, thus increasing the accuracy and reliability in identifying at least one faulty component of the beverage maker.

[0044] In addition, the beverage maker may have a beverage preparation operating mode configured to execute a beverage preparation program stored on the data memory and programmed to prepare at least one beverage by the beverage maker.

[0045] In addition, the beverage maker may have a diagnostic operating mode configured to execute the diagnostic program, wherein the diagnostic operating mode is optionally different from the beverage preparation operating mode (ie, the diagnostic operating mode is not configured to execute a beverage preparation program stored on the data memory and programmed to prepare at least one beverage by the beverage maker.

[0046] According to the invention, a method for operating a beverage maker is further provided, comprising the steps of a) executing a diagnostic program when a control unit of the beverage maker receives and / or generates a corresponding command, wherein the diagnostic program is stored on the data memory of a beverage maker and is programmed to identify at least one faulty component of the beverage maker; b) performing at least the following steps by the diagnostic program: i) activating at least one first path of the beverage maker and detecting at least one measured value from at least one sensor in the at least one first path of the beverage maker;ii) activating at least one second path of the beverage maker which is different from the first path and detecting at least one measured value from at least one sensor in the at least one second path of the beverage maker, wherein the at least one sensor in the at least one second path is identical or different from the at least one sensor in the at least one first path;iii) comparing the at least one measured value recorded in the at least one first path of the beverage maker with a predetermined value range for the at least one measured value and determining whether the at least one recorded measured value lies within or outside the predetermined value range, a first result resulting from this determination, and comparing the at least one measured value recorded in the at least one second path of the beverage maker with a predetermined value range for the at least one measured value and determining whether the at least one recorded measured value lies within or outside the predetermined value range, a second result resulting from this determination;iv) combining the first result of the determination and the second result of the determination to form a combined result and comparing the combined result with an association accessible to the beverage maker, in which predetermined combined results are each associated with a diagnostic result in a logical connection; and v) outputting a diagnostic result obtained by comparing with the association; and c) providing the diagnostic result output by the diagnostic program to a user via the control unit of the beverage maker;

[0047] The method according to the invention makes it possible to identify a faulty component of the beverage maker more easily, quickly, and accurately. Furthermore, the method according to the invention makes it possible to save both resources and time in rectifying a fault in the beverage maker when the fault occurs.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the diagnostic program is programmed, in step ii), to further activate at least one third path of the beverage maker, which is a different path of the beverage maker from at least one first path and at least one second path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, preferably to further activate at least one fourth path of the beverage maker, which is a different path of the beverage maker from at least one first path, at least one second path and at least one third path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, particularly preferably to further activate at least one fifth path of the beverage maker, which is a different path of the beverage maker from at least one first path, at least one second path,at least one third path and at least one fourth path are different paths of the beverage maker, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, in particular also to activate at least one sixth path of the beverage maker, which is a different path of the beverage maker from at least one first path, at least one second path, at least one third path, at least one fourth path, and at least one fifth path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker. The at least one sensor of the respective paths can be identical or different. Optionally, activation of each additional path only occurs after deactivation of at least one previously activated path or all previously activated paths.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment mentioned above, the diagnostic program can be programmed to compare, in step iii), the measured values ​​recorded in the respective paths with a predetermined value range for the respective measured values ​​and to determine whether the respective recorded measured values ​​lie within or outside the predetermined value range, wherein a result in each case results from this determination.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned preferred embodiment, the diagnostic program can be programmed to combine the respective results of the determination into a combined result in step iv) and to compare the combined result with the assignment accessible to the beverage maker.

[0051] The diagnostic program can be programmed to activate the at least one second path only when the at least one first path has been deactivated. Optionally, the diagnostic program is programmed to activate additional paths of the beverage maker if at least one path of the beverage maker has been deactivated or all other paths of the beverage maker have been deactivated. Alternatively, the diagnostic program can be programmed to activate the at least one second path while the at least one first path is activated. Optionally, the diagnostic program is programmed to activate additional paths of the beverage maker if at least one previously activated path of the beverage maker is still active or all previously activated paths of the beverage maker are still active.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, the diagnostic program is programmed in step i) and / or step ii) to record at least one measured value from at least one second sensor, preferably also at least one measured value from at least one third sensor, particularly preferably also at least one measured value from at least one fourth sensor, in the at least one first path and / or in the at least one second path, preferably also in at least one third path, particularly preferably also in at least one fourth path, in particular also in at least one fifth path, optionally also in at least one sixth path, of the beverage maker.

[0053] In the above-mentioned further preferred embodiment, the diagnostic program can be programmed to compare, in step iii), the at least one measured value from the at least one second sensor, preferably also the at least one measured value from at least one third sensor, particularly preferably also the at least one measured value from the at least one fourth sensor, with a value range predetermined for the respective measured values ​​and to determine whether the respectively recorded measured values ​​lie within or outside the respectively predetermined value ranges, wherein in each case a result emerges from this determination.

[0054] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned further preferred embodiment, the diagnostic program can be programmed to combine the respective results of the respective determinations into a combined result in step iv) and to compare the combined result with the assignment accessible to the beverage maker.The at least one sensor, preferably two sensors, more preferably at least three sensors, particularly preferably at least four sensors, in the at least one first path and / or in the at least one second path of the beverage maker, preferably also in at least one third path of the beverage maker, particularly preferably also in at least one fourth path of the beverage maker, in particular also in at least one fifth path of the beverage maker, optionally also in at least one sixth path of the beverage maker, can be selected from the group consisting of pressure sensor, flow sensor, electrical current sensor, electrical voltage sensor, temperature sensor, displacement sensor, position sensor, presence sensor, sensor for detecting electrical conductivity, fill level sensor, rotation angle sensor, acoustic sensor, image capture sensor and combinations thereof.

[0055] The beverage maker may include a user interface and / or an electronic data transmission interface (optionally both).

[0056] The user interface is preferably configured to input commands to the beverage maker and to display information, wherein the user interface particularly preferably includes or consists of a touchscreen.

[0057] The electronic data transmission interface preferably has a wired or wireless connection to the data memory of the beverage maker and / or to an external server.

[0058] The control unit of the beverage maker is configured in particular to have the diagnostic result displayed by the operating interface of the beverage maker and / or to transmit it to the electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker.

[0059] The diagnostic program can be executed based on a command received from the control unit via a user interface of the beverage maker. For example, a service technician can execute the diagnostic program on-site by issuing a corresponding command. This can be done, for example, to identify at least one component of the beverage maker as faulty after an error message has been generated by the beverage maker. This can also be done after at least one faulty component has been replaced by a service technician with a new component to check whether the beverage maker functions correctly after the replacement, which can avoid subsequent service technician calls.

[0060] Furthermore, the diagnostic program can be executed based on a command received from the control unit via an electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker.

[0061] Apart from that, the diagnostic program can be executed based on a command generated after a predetermined period of time, preferably generated by the control unit.

[0062] Furthermore, the diagnostic program can be carried out on the basis of a command which is generated after the occurrence of a specific operating state of the beverage maker, preferably generated by the control unit. The operating state can be a state of the beverage maker before, during or after cleaning of the beverage maker. The cleaning of the beverage maker can be carried out, for example, by a cleaning program of the beverage maker. The operating state can, for example, be activated by the control unit of the beverage maker and / or by a user of the beverage maker, optionally via an operating interface of the beverage maker (local start of the operating state) or via an electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker (remote start of the operating state).

[0063] In addition, the diagnostic program can be executed based on a command generated by the control unit after detecting an operating error of the beverage maker, preferably generated by the control unit.The operating error is particularly preferably detected by at least one sensor of the beverage maker, wherein in order to detect the operating error, in particular a program of the beverage maker is programmed to carry out at least the following steps: i) detecting at least one measured value from each of the sensors of the beverage maker which monitor a specific operating process of the beverage maker, ii) comparing the respectively detected measured values ​​with a predetermined value range for the respectively detected measured values, iii) determining, based on the comparison, whether an operating error exists, wherein no determination is made as to whether at least one component of the beverage maker is faulty, and iv) if it has been determined that an operating error exists, causing the control unit to carry out the diagnostic program.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the method, no preparation of a beverage is permitted during the execution of the diagnostic program.

[0065] In the method, it can be provided that the beverage maker, preferably the control unit of the beverage maker, uses at least one result from the first determination and one result from the second determination to decide which further path of the beverage maker is activated by the diagnostic program in order to record measured values ​​from at least one sensor therein.

[0066] In a further preferred embodiment, the diagnostic program is configured based on an (optionally modified) configuration of the beverage maker, preferably with respect to the sensors and components contained in the beverage maker (automatic configuration of the diagnostic program according to the configuration of the beverage maker). Such a configuration may include the diagnostic program recording measured values ​​from fewer or more sensors. Furthermore, such a configuration may include adapting the assignment accessible to the beverage maker to fewer or more components of the beverage maker. Apart from that, such a configuration may include adapting the predetermined value ranges for the respective sensors of the beverage maker (e.g., changing at least one limit value thereof).

[0067] In a further preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention is carried out using the beverage maker according to the invention. The following figures and examples will explain the subject matter of the invention in more detail, without intending to limit it to the specific embodiments presented here.

[0068] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of hydraulic paths of a beverage maker in which the medium is water or coffee. Figure 1A shows a serial hydraulic path in general form. The medium (here: water or coffee) flows from the starting point 3 of the hydraulic path (here: a water inlet) to the end point 4 of the hydraulic path (here: a beverage dispenser or a water outlet). Two sensors 2, 2' (here: a flow sensor 2 and a pressure sensor 2') and a component 1 of the beverage maker (here: a brewing valve) are arranged in the hydraulic path. Figure 1B shows a parallel hydraulic path in general form. This differs from the path in Figure 1A in that it has a branch that has another component 1' of the beverage maker (here: a jet valve) on its way to the end point 4 of the hydraulic path.

[0069] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a specific serial hydraulic path of a beverage maker. From the starting point 3 of the path, which in this case is a water inlet, the medium flows towards the end point 4 of the path, which in this case is a beverage dispenser or water outlet. The medium passes through four components 1, 1', 1", 1"' of the beverage maker. The first component 1 is an inlet valve, the second component 1' is a water reservoir or water heater, the third component 1" is a brewing valve, and the fourth component 1"' is a brewing unit.

[0070] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of electrical paths of a beverage maker in which the medium is electrons. Figure 3A shows a serial electrical path in general form. The medium (here: electrons) flows from the starting point 3 of the electrical path (here: a current source) to the end point 4 of the electrical path, which here corresponds to the starting point, i.e. is the current source. A sensor 2 (here: a current sensor 2) and a component 1 of the beverage maker (here: an actuator) are arranged in the electrical path. Figure 3B shows a parallel electrical path in general form. This differs from the path in Figure 3A in that it has a branch which, on its way to the end point 4 of the electrical path, which here corresponds to the starting point 3 of the electrical path, i.e. is the current source, has another component 1' of the beverage maker (here: another actuator).

[0071] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a specific serial electrical path of a beverage maker. From the starting point 3 of the path, which in this case is a power source, the medium (i.e., the electrons) flows toward the end point 4 of the path, which in this case corresponds to the starting point 3 of the path, i.e., the power source. The medium passes through two components 1, 1' of the beverage maker, where the first component 1 is an actuator, and the second component 1' is another actuator.

[0072] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the activation of a first path of a beverage maker (test path 1), which here is a hydraulic brewing path, and a resulting medium flow (water and coffee) in this path. The flow of the medium is illustrated with arrows. The medium flows from the starting point of path 3 (here: a water inlet) via a first component 1 of the beverage maker (here: an inlet valve) to a second component 1' of the beverage maker (here: a water reservoir or water heater), with two sensors 2, 2' arranged between the first component 1 and the second component 1'. The first sensor 2 is a flow sensor and the second sensor 2' is a pressure sensor. From the second component 1', the medium flows via a third component 1" of the beverage maker (here: a brewing valve) and via a fourth component 1"' of the beverage maker (here: a brewing unit) to the end point 4 of the first path (here: a beverage dispenser ora water drain). In this first path (test path 1), the medium does not flow via a component 5 of the beverage maker (here: a jet valve) from the starting point 3 to the end point 4, since this component 5 is not located in the activated first path of the beverage maker.

[0073] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the activation of a second path of a beverage maker (test path 2), which here is a hydraulic jet path, and the resulting medium flow (water) in this path. The flow of the medium is illustrated with arrows. The medium flows from the starting point of path 3 (here: a water inlet) via a first component 1 of the beverage maker (here: an inlet valve) to a second component 1' of the beverage maker (here: a water reservoir or water heater). Two sensors 2, 2' are arranged between the first component 1 and the second component 1'. The first sensor 2 is a flow sensor, and the second sensor 2' is a pressure sensor. From the second component 1', the medium flows via a third component 1" of the beverage maker (here: a jet valve) to the end point 4 of the first path (here: a beverage outlet or water drain).In this second path (test path 2), the medium does not flow via a component 5 of the beverage maker (here: a brewing valve) and not via another component 5' of the beverage maker (here: a brewing unit) from the starting point 3 to the end point 4, since these components 5, 5' are not located in the activated second path of the beverage maker.

[0074] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the activation of a third path of a beverage maker (test path 3), which here is an electrical path, and of a resulting medium flow (electrons) in this path. The flow of the medium is illustrated with arrows. The medium flows from the starting point of path 3 (here: a power source) via a component 1 of the beverage maker (here: a brewing valve) to the end point 4 of the path, which here is identical to the starting point, i.e. is the power source. A sensor 2 is arranged between the starting point 3 and component 1. The sensor 2 is a current sensor. In this third path (test path 3), the medium does not flow via a component 5 of the beverage maker (here: an inlet valve), nor via another component 5' of the beverage maker (here: a water reservoir orwater heater), not via another component 5" of the beverage maker (here: a jet valve) and not via another component 5"' of the beverage maker (here: a brewing unit) from the starting point 3 to the end point 4, since these components 5, 5', 5", 5"' are not located in the activated third path of the beverage maker.

[0075] Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of the activation of a fourth path of a beverage maker (test path 4), which here is a further electrical path, and of a resulting medium flow (electrons) in this path. The flow of the medium is illustrated with arrows. The medium flows from the starting point of path 3 (here: a current source) via a component 1 of the beverage maker (here: a jet valve) to the end point 4 of the path, which here is identical to the starting point, i.e. is the current source. A sensor 2 is arranged between the starting point 3 and component 1. The sensor 2 is a current sensor. In this fourth path (test path 4), the medium does not flow via a component 5 of the beverage maker (here: an inlet valve), nor via another component 5' of the beverage maker (here: a water reservoir orwater heater), not via another component 5" of the beverage maker (here: a brewing valve) and not via another component 5"' of the beverage maker (here: a brewing unit) from the starting point 3 to the end point 4, since these components 5, 5', 5", 5"' are not located in the activated fourth path of the beverage maker.

[0076] Example - Identification of at least one faulty component by the diagnostic program

[0077] For three possible situations or states of a beverage maker, the following three tables show the result of a comparison carried out by the diagnostic program of the measured values ​​recorded in the respective paths with a specified value range for the respective measured values.

[0078] If the measured values ​​recorded by the respective sensor were within the specified value range, the result is represented by a check mark (symbol: ). If the measured values ​​recorded by the respective sensor were outside the specified value range, the result is represented by a cross (symbol: X).

[0079] Table 1

[0080] Table 2

[0081] Table 3

[0082] The respective result of the situations shown above is combined by the diagnostic program to form a combined result.

[0083] An assignment is available to the diagnostic program (e.g., the assignment is stored in the data memory of the beverage maker). In the assignment, all possible combined results of the diagnostic program are assigned to at least one component of the beverage maker in a logical connection, whereby the assignment contains information as to whether the at least one component of the beverage maker is faulty or not. An example of such an assignment is shown in Table 4. The assignment can be designed as a table—as shown in Table 4—or differently, for example, as a matrix, schema, or decision tree.

[0084] Table 4

[0085] It is clear from Table 4 (i.e., the mapping) that the combined results of the first situation are logically linked to a clogged brewer. The diagnostic program's diagnosis result in this case is therefore: Brewer clogged. The combined result of the second situation is logically linked to a hydraulically faulty inlet valve. In this case, the diagnostic program's diagnosis result is: Inlet valve hydraulically faulty. The combined result of the third situation is logically linked to an electrically faulty brewing valve in the mapping. Therefore, the diagnostic program's diagnosis result in this case is: Brewing valve electrically faulty.

[0086] Table 4 also lists combined results for three other possible situations, although the combined results for these three other situations have not been specifically listed here. The assignment from Table 4 also contains a logical link to a specific diagnosis for these other three possible situations or combined results. For example, if the combined result of the diagnostic program corresponded to the combined result of situation 5, the result of the diagnostic program's diagnosis would be: Jet valve hydraulically faulty. The assignment presented in Table 4 is very simplified. The actual scope of the assignment depends on the number of sensors and other components of the beverage maker.The more sensors and other components a beverage maker has, the more extensive the assignment is, because in the assignment as many combined results as possible (ideally all conceivable combined results) should be assigned to a specific diagnosis, i.e. logically linked to a specific diagnosis.

[0087] 1, 1', 1", 1"': Beverage maker component in an activated beverage maker path;

[0088] 2, 2': Beverage maker sensor in an activated path of the beverage maker;

[0089] 3: Starting point of an activated path of the beverage maker;

[0090] 4: End point of an activated path of the beverage maker;

[0091] 5, 5', 5", 5"': Component of the beverage maker in a non-activated

[0092] Beverage maker path;

[0093] 6, 6': Beverage maker sensor in a non-activated path of the beverage maker;

[0094] 7: Starting point of a non-activated path of the beverage maker;

[0095] 8: End point of a non-activated path of the beverage maker.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A beverage maker, comprising a) a plurality of components, wherein the plurality of components comprises at least one sensor; b) a data memory; c) a diagnostic program stored on the data memory and programmed to identify at least one faulty component of the beverage maker, wherein the diagnostic program is programmed to carry out at least the following steps: i) activating at least one first path of the beverage maker and detecting at least one measured value from at least one sensor in the at least one first path of the beverage maker;ii) activating at least one second path of the beverage maker which is different from the first path, and recording at least one measured value from at least one sensor in the at least one second path of the beverage maker, wherein the at least one sensor in the at least one second path is identical or different to the at least one sensor in the at least one first path; iii) comparing the at least one measured value recorded in the at least one first path of the beverage maker with a predetermined value range for the at least one measured value and determining whether the at least one recorded measured value lies within or outside the predetermined value range, a first result resulting from this determination, and comparing the at least one-; a second path of the beverage maker, at least one measured value with a predetermined value range for the at least one measured value and determine whether the at least one measured value detected lies within or outside the predetermined value range, wherein a second result results from this determination; iv) combining the first result of the determination and the second result of the determination to form a combined result and comparing the combined result with an assignment accessible to the beverage maker, in which predetermined combined results are each assigned to a diagnostic result in a logical operation; and v) outputting a diagnostic result obtained by comparing with the assignment;d) a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to execute the diagnostic program based on a command and to provide a user of the beverage maker with the diagnostic result output by the diagnostic program; 2. Beverage maker according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the diagnostic program is programmed a) in step ii) to further activate at least one third path of the beverage maker, which is a path of the beverage maker different from the at least one first path and at least one second path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, preferably also to activate at least one fourth path of the beverage maker, which is a path of the beverage maker different from the at least one first path, at least one second path and at least one third path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, particularly preferably also to activate at least one fifth path of the beverage maker, which is a path of the beverage maker that is different from at least one first path, at least one second path, at least one third path, and at least one fourth path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, in particular also to activate at least one sixth path of the beverage maker, which is a path of the beverage maker that is different from at least one first path, at least one second path, at least one third path, at least one fourth path, and at least one fifth path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, wherein the at least one sensor of the respective paths is identical or different, wherein activation of each further path optionally only occurs after deactivation of at least one previously activated path or all previously activated paths;b) in step iii), comparing the measured values ​​recorded in the respective paths with a predefined range of values ​​for the respective measured values ​​and determining whether the respective recorded measured values ​​lie within or outside the predefined range of values, with a result being produced from this determination in each case; c) in step iv), combining the respective results of the respective determinations into a combined result and comparing the combined result with the assignment available to the beverage maker; 3. Beverage maker according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the diagnostic program is programmed a) to activate the at least one second path only when the at least one first path has been deactivated, wherein the diagnostic program is optionally programmed to activate further paths of the beverage beverage maker if at least one path of the beverage maker has been deactivated or all other paths of the beverage maker have been deactivated; or b) to activate the at least one second path while the at least one first path is activated, wherein the diagnostic program is optionally programmed to activate further paths of the beverage maker if at least one previously activated path of the beverage maker is still active or all previously activated paths of the beverage maker are still active.

4. Beverage maker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diagnostic program is programmed a) in step i) and / or step ii) to record at least one measured value from at least one second sensor, preferably also at least one measured value from at least one third sensor, particularly preferably also at least one measured value from at least one fourth sensor, in the at least one first path and / or in the at least one second path, preferably also in at least one third path, particularly preferably also in at least one fourth path, in particular also in at least one fifth path, optionally also in at least one sixth path, of the beverage maker;and b) in step iii) to compare the at least one measured value from the at least one second sensor, preferably also the at least one measured value from at least one third sensor, particularly preferably also the at least one measured value from the at least one fourth sensor, with a value range specified for the respective measured values ​​and to determine whether the respectively recorded measured values ​​lie within or outside the respectively specified value ranges, wherein in each case a result emerges from this determination; (c) in step iv), combine the respective results of the respective investigations into a combined result and compare the combined result with the allocation available to the beverage maker.

5. Beverage maker according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one sensor, preferably two sensors, more preferably at least three sensors, particularly preferably at least four sensors, in the at least one first path and / or in the at least one second path of the beverage maker, preferably also in at least one third path of the beverage maker, particularly preferably also in at least one fourth path of the beverage maker, in particular also in at least one fifth path of the beverage maker, optionally also in at least one sixth path of the beverage maker, is / are selected from the group consisting of pressure sensor, flow sensor, electrical current sensor, electrical voltage sensor, temperature sensor, displacement sensor, position sensor, presence sensor, sensor for detecting electrical conductivity, fill level sensor, rotation angle sensor, acoustic sensor, image capture sensor and combinations thereof.

6. Beverage maker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beverage maker contains an operating interface and / or an electronic data transmission interface, wherein preferably a) the operating interface is configured for inputting commands to the beverage maker and for displaying information, wherein the operating interface particularly preferably contains or consists of a touchscreen; and / or b) the electronic data transmission interface has a wired or wireless connection to the data memory of the beverage maker and / or to an external server; c) the control unit is particularly configured to display the diagnostic result from the operating interface of the beverage maker and / or transmit it to the electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker.

7. Beverage maker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is configured to execute the diagnostic program based on a command that a) is received via an operating interface of the beverage maker; and / or b) is received via an electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker; and / or c) is generated after the lapse of a predetermined period of time, preferably generated by the control unit; and / or d) is generated after the occurrence of a specific operating state of the beverage maker, preferably generated by the control unit;and / or e) is generated after detection of an operating error of the beverage maker, preferably is generated by the control unit, wherein the operating error is particularly preferably detected by at least one sensor of the beverage maker, wherein in order to detect the operating error, in particular a program of the beverage maker is programmed to carry out at least the following steps: i) detecting at least one measured value from all sensors of the beverage maker which monitor a specific operating process of the beverage maker, ii) comparing the respectively detected measured values ​​with a predetermined value range for the respectively detected measured values ​​iii) determining, based on the comparison, whether an operating error exists, wherein no determination is made as to whether at least one component of the beverage maker is faulty, and; iv) If it is determined that an operating fault exists, instruct the control unit to run the diagnostic program.

8. A method for operating a beverage maker, comprising the steps of a) executing a diagnostic program when a control unit of the beverage maker receives and / or generates a corresponding command, wherein the diagnostic program is stored on the data memory of a beverage maker and is programmed to identify at least one faulty component of the beverage maker; b) performing at least the following steps by the diagnostic program: i) activating at least one first path of the beverage maker and detecting at least one measured value from at least one sensor in the at least one first path of the beverage maker;ii) activating at least one second path of the beverage maker which is different from the first path, and recording at least one measured value from at least one sensor in the at least one second path of the beverage maker, wherein the at least one sensor in the at least one second path is identical or different to the at least one sensor in the at least one first path; iii) comparing the at least one measured value recorded in the at least one first path of the beverage maker with a predetermined value range for the at least one measured value and determining whether the at least one recorded measured value lies within or outside the predetermined value range, a first result resulting from this determination, and comparing the at least one-; a second path of the beverage maker, at least one measured value with a predetermined value range for the at least one measured value and determine whether the at least one recorded measured value lies within or outside the predetermined value range, wherein a second result results from this determination; iv) combining the first result of the determination and the second result of the determination to form a combined result and comparing the combined result with an assignment accessible to the beverage maker, in which predetermined combined results are each assigned to a diagnostic result in a logical operation; and v) outputting a diagnostic result obtained by comparing with the assignment; and c) providing the diagnostic result output by the diagnostic program to a user via the control unit of the beverage maker.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the diagnostic program is programmed a) in step ii) to further activate at least one third path of the beverage maker, which is a path of the beverage maker that is different from at least one first path and at least one second path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, preferably also to activate at least one fourth path of the beverage maker, which is a path of the beverage maker that is different from at least one first path, at least one second path and at least one third path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, particularly preferably also to activate at least one fifth path of the beverage maker- four, which is a path of the beverage maker that is different from at least one first path, at least one second path, at least one third path, and at least one fourth path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, in particular also to activate at least one sixth path of the beverage maker, which is a path of the beverage maker that is different from at least one first path, at least one second path, at least one third path, at least one fourth path, and at least one fifth path, and to record at least one measured value from at least one sensor in this path of the beverage maker, wherein the at least one sensor of the respective paths is identical or different, wherein an activation of each further path optionally only occurs after a deactivation of at least one previously activated path or all previously activated paths;b) in step iii), comparing the measured values ​​recorded in the respective paths with a predefined range of values ​​for the respective measured values ​​and determining whether the respective recorded measured values ​​lie within or outside the predefined range of values, with a result being produced from this determination in each case; c) in step iv), combining the respective results of the determination into a combined result and comparing the combined result with the assignment available to the beverage maker; 10. Method according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the diagnostic program is programmed a) to activate the at least one second path only when the at least one first path has been deactivated, wherein the diagnostic program is optionally programmed to activate further paths of the beverage beverage maker if at least one path of the beverage maker has been deactivated or all other paths of the beverage maker have been deactivated; or b) to activate the at least one second path while the at least one first path is activated, wherein the diagnostic program is optionally programmed to activate further paths of the beverage maker if at least one previously activated path of the beverage maker is still active or all previously activated paths of the beverage maker are still active.

11. The method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the diagnostic program is programmed a) in step i) and / or step ii) to record at least one measured value from at least one second sensor, preferably also at least one measured value from at least one third sensor, particularly preferably also at least one measured value from at least one fourth sensor, in the at least one first path and / or in the at least one second path, preferably also in at least one third path, particularly preferably also in at least one fourth path, in particular also in at least one fifth path, optionally also in at least one sixth path, of the beverage maker;b) in step iii) to compare the at least one measured value from the at least one second sensor, preferably also the at least one measured value from at least one third sensor, particularly preferably also the at least one measured value from the at least one fourth sensor, with a value range specified for the respective measured values ​​and to determine whether the respectively recorded measured values ​​lie within or outside the respectively specified value ranges, wherein in each case a result emerges from this determination; (c) in step iv), combine the respective results of the respective investigations into a combined result and compare the combined result with the allocation available to the beverage maker.

12. The method according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the at least one sensor, preferably two sensors, more preferably at least three sensors, particularly preferably at least four sensors, in the at least one first path and / or in the at least one second path of the beverage maker, preferably also in at least one third path of the beverage maker, particularly preferably also in at least one fourth path of the beverage maker, in particular also in at least one fifth path of the beverage maker, optionally also in at least one sixth path of the beverage maker, is / are selected from the group consisting of pressure sensor, flow sensor, electrical current sensor, electrical voltage sensor, temperature sensor, displacement sensor, position sensor, presence sensor, sensor for detecting electrical conductivity, fill level sensor, rotation angle sensor, acoustic sensor, image capture sensor and combinations thereof.

13. Method according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the beverage maker contains an operating interface and / or an electronic data transmission interface, wherein preferably a) the operating interface is configured to input commands to the beverage maker and to display information, wherein the operating interface particularly preferably contains or consists of a touchscreen; and / or b) the electronic data transmission interface has a wired or wireless connection to the data memory of the beverage maker and / or to an external server; c) the control unit is in particular configured to display the diagnostic result from the operating interface of the beverage maker and / or transmit it to the electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker.

14. Method according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the diagnostic program is carried out on the basis of a command which is received by the control unit a) via an operating interface of the beverage maker; and / or b) via an electronic data transmission interface of the beverage maker; and / or c) is generated after the expiration of a predetermined period of time, preferably generated by the control unit; and / or d) is generated after the occurrence of a specific operating state of the beverage maker, preferably generated by the control unit;and / or e) is generated after detection of an operating error of the beverage maker, preferably is generated by the control unit, wherein the operating error is particularly preferably detected by at least one sensor of the beverage maker, wherein in order to detect the operating error, in particular a program of the beverage maker is programmed to carry out at least the following steps: i) detecting at least one measured value from all sensors of the beverage maker which monitor a specific operating process of the beverage maker, ii) comparing the respectively detected measured values ​​with a predetermined value range for the respectively detected measured values ​​iii) determining, based on the comparison, whether an operating error exists, wherein no determination is made as to whether at least one component of the beverage maker is faulty, and; iv) If it is determined that an operating fault exists, instruct the control unit to run the diagnostic program.

15. Method according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that it is carried out by a beverage maker according to one of claims 1 to 7 is carried out.

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