A BEVERAGE PREPARATION MACHINE INCLUDING AN OPTICAL SENSOR.

Abstract

This invention consists of a body (2), a container on the body (2) suitable for filling with water. water reservoir (3) on the body (2) in such a way that the water reservoir (3) is in liquid contact with the body (2). with a beverage preparation machine (1) containing a brewing chamber (4) located It is related.

Description

1 TARIFF A BEVERAGE PREPARATION MACHINE INCLUDING AN OPTICAL SENSOR. This invention is an optical device used to determine the amount of limescale in a water tank. It relates to a beverage preparation machine that includes a sensor. Over time, limescale in the water used in beverage preparation machines accumulates in the water tank. It accumulates in the water. Limescale buildup occurs when dissolved minerals in the water, especially calcium and magnesium ions, in heating surfaces and pipes 10 It forms as a result of accumulation. When water heats up or evaporates, dissolved substances... Minerals precipitate in the form of limestone (calcium carbonate, CaCO₃). This process continues over time. This causes lime deposits to form a thick layer. This situation leads to various This leads to problems. These problems mainly concern heat transfer and energy consumption, maintenance costs, reduced water flow rate, and 15 in hot beverage preparation machines These can be classified as problems arising from taste and flavor. Lime layer, heat... by accumulating on transfer surfaces, enabling efficient heat transfer. This hinders heat transfer, which reduces the efficiency of heating systems. The decrease in efficiency means more energy is needed to obtain the same amount of heat. This leads to depletion and increases energy costs. In addition, limescale buildup 20 As a result, equipment in beverage preparation machines is malfunctioning more frequently. This also leads to increased maintenance costs. Periodic maintenance and preventive measures are necessary. If not taken care of, limescale buildup can occur in the internal pipes of the beverage preparation machine. The inner diameter of the pipe is narrowing and the water flow rate is decreasing. This situation affects the water system. This reduces its effectiveness. Reduced water flow, especially in coffee machines, reduces the amount of water that reaches the coffee. It negatively affects the passage and extraction. Heat generated by lime accumulation. Transfer and water system problems prevent the coffee aroma and flavor from fully developing. This prevents it from escaping. The formation of limescale and the chemical composition of the water... It varies. Apart from all these negative effects, limescale buildup in beverage preparation The machine forms stains on its inner and outer surfaces. This is why users complain about it. a visual indicating that the beverage preparation machine was not clean and hygienic 2 This gives rise to perception. In the known state of the technology, water accumulates inside the tank. Beverage preparation machines where the amount of lime is detected indirectly. However, the amount of limescale buildup in these beverage preparation machines is... It cannot be effectively and directly determined. Therefore, inside the water tank... Beverage preparation where the amount of accumulated limescale is detected directly and quickly 5 A machine is needed. European patent number EP4033161A1, which is included in the prior art. a beverage preparation machine in which the amount of lime is determined in the application It is explained. 10 The aim of this invention is to effectively reduce the amount of limescale that accumulates in the water tank. It is the implementation of a beverage preparation machine as specified. The first request made to achieve the purpose of this invention and the 15 related to that request The beverage preparation machine described in the requirements consists of a body, a water tank, and a It includes a brewing chamber. The beverage preparation machine is preferably a coffee maker. It is a brewing machine. The water in the water tank is heated by a heater for brewing. The coffee is conveyed to the reservoir. In the brewing reservoir, a cup of coffee is preferably brewed. The beverage preparation machine includes a control unit that monitors its operation. 20 The beverage preparation machine sends a beam of light into the water tank, and the emitted light... It includes an optical sensor configured to detect its reflection. The sensor works differently when there is no limescale in the water tank; it works differently when limescale has formed in the water tank. It gives different outputs after it starts. The optical sensor is a time-of-flight sensor (time It can be a flight sensor or a laser sensor. 25 accumulated on the inner wall of the water tank. limestones measure the reflection time or angle of light rays sent from an optical sensor. It changes the data received from the optical sensor by the control unit. The water tank is being evaluated based on data received from the optical sensor by the control unit. It directly determines the amount of limescale inside. Thanks to this, the optical sensor... With the help of the data obtained, the amount of limescale in the water tank can be easily determined and 30 It can be determined directly. 3 In one application of the invention, the limescale in the water tank is removed by the control unit. When it is determined that the amount exceeds a predetermined first threshold value, a first The washing program is being run. In the preferred version of the invention, the control unit The amount of limescale in the water tank is determined by a predetermined first threshold of 5. When the value is exceeded, the control unit first issues a warning to the user. The user is given a warning about running the first washing program. It is recommended that the first threshold value is when limescale begins to accumulate in the water reservoir and This is the first level that needs cleaning. This prevents limescale buildup, both for the user and for others. The level is determined, and a suitable 10 is provided for the relevant limescale accumulation level. Since the washing program will be run, the cleaning process will be efficient. This is ensured. In another application of the invention, the control unit controls the water inside the tank. When it is determined that the amount of lime exceeds a predetermined second threshold value, a 15 The second washing program is being run. In the preferred version of the invention, the control The unit determines the amount of limescale in the water tank using a predetermined second setting. When it is determined that the threshold value has been exceeded, the control unit first issues a warning to the user. The user is given a warning about running the second washing program. It is recommended that the second threshold value be 20 times higher than the amount of lime accumulation at the first threshold value. This corresponds to a high amount of lime accumulation. Thus, both The user is enabled to learn the level of limescale buildup, as well as the relevant limescale problem. Since a washing program suitable for the accumulation level will be run, efficiently The cleaning process is ensured to be carried out. Another application of the invention is the amount of water used in the second washing program. More water than was used in the first wash cycle. Second wash This program removes a larger amount of limescale than the first washing program. It is programmed to clean. The dissolution of limescale is directly proportional to the amount of water. Therefore, a larger amount of water is used in the second wash cycle. 30 Therefore, washing programs are determined according to the specified amount of limescale. 4 cleaning the limescale inside the water tank in a way that will ensure energy efficiency is provided. In another application of the invention, the water used in the second washing program The water temperature is higher than the water temperature used in the first wash cycle. 5 The second wash cycle contains a higher amount of limescale compared to the first wash cycle. It is programmed to remove the deposit. The dissolution of limescale occurs during the washing process. because it is directly proportional to the temperature of the water used, in the second washing program Water at a higher temperature is used. This ensures that the specified amount of lime is met. Since the washing programs were determined in such a way as to ensure energy efficiency, the water will be 10 The limescale inside the reservoir is cleaned. In another application of the invention, the control unit removes limescale from the water tank. the amount exceeds a predetermined first threshold value or a second threshold value It alerts the user when this is detected. This allows the user to check the water level in the tank (15). They are provided with information regarding the amount of lime it contains. In another application of the invention, at least part of the water reservoir is translucent. It is manufactured from a material. The optical sensor is made of a light-transmitting material in the water tank. 20 outside the water tank, designed to direct light onto the manufactured wall. It is positioned in such a way that the water in the water reservoir of the optical sensor... This prevents damage from moisture. In another application of the invention, the optical sensor is an infrared sensor. This allows for the detection of water... The amount of lime in the reservoir is determined efficiently and cost-effectively. 25 In another application of the invention, the water reservoir contains a housing for a cleaning element. The cleaning element is placed inside the housing, for the first wash program and / or the second wash. A cleaning staff member is assigned to the program. Cleaning This element is a chemical substance that improves limescale removal performance. Thanks to this, 30 The limescale removal performance of the washing program is being improved. In another application of the invention, a cleaning element is located in the cleaning element housing. whether or not it is determined by the data received from the optical sensor by the control unit. It is determined that the optical sensor sends a light beam to the cleaning element housing and cleans it. The element is configured to detect light reflected from its housing. This allows 5 Whether or not a cleaning employee is inside the cleaning employee's quarters can be determined directly. Costs are determined in an effective manner. In another application of the invention, the control unit removes limescale from the water tank. when it is determined that the quantity exceeds the first threshold value and the cleaning staff slot is 10 When it is determined that there is no cleaning element inside, the specified amount of lime in the water A third party, pre-programmed by the manufacturer, is required to clean it from the container. It alerts the user to start the washing program. Third wash The program removes limescale buildup inside the water tank without any cleaning element. the amount of water that will allow cleaning without the need for water and water 15 It is a washing program with a specific temperature. This ensures that the water tank is used efficiently. Cleaning is ensured. In another application of the invention, the control unit is located inside the cleaning element housing. When it determines that there is no cleaning staff member, a written and / or audible warning is given to the user. 20 It sends [cleaning personnel]. In this way, the user can quickly and efficiently receive the cleaning staff. They are provided with information regarding the quantity. Thanks to this invention, the amount of limescale in the water tank can be determined directly and Thanks to washing programs prepared according to the specified amount of limescale, the water is 25 obtain a beverage preparation machine whose reservoir is cleaned efficiently. It has been done. The beverage preparation machine attached is designed to achieve the purpose of this invention. as shown in the figures, and of these figures; 30 6 Figure 1 – Perspective of a beverage preparation machine representing an application of the invention. It is the appearance. Figure 2 – Water of a beverage preparation machine representing another application of the invention. This is a schematic view of its reservoir. 1. Beverage preparation machine 2. Body 3. Water tank 4. Brewing chamber 5. Optical sensor 10 6. Control unit 7. Cleaning staff quarters The beverage preparation machine (1) consists of a body (2), a container (2) on which water is placed. a water reservoir (3) suitable for filling, with liquid in contact with the water reservoir (3) 15 It contains a brewing chamber (4) located on the body (2). Water chamber (3) The water inside is preferably heated by means of a heater before being poured into the brewing chamber. (4) is sent. After the beverage is prepared in the brewing chamber (4), an outlet is sent. It is discharged from the brewing chamber (4) through its opening. The subject of the invention is a beverage preparation machine (1) to send a beam into the water tank (3) and a configured to detect the reflection of the light sent to the water tank (3) optical sensor (5) and according to the data received from the optical sensor (5), the water tank (3) inside It includes a control unit (6) configured to determine the amount of lime. The optical sensor (5) is configured to send a beam to an optical transmitter and the 25 sent It has an optical receiver configured to detect the reflection of the light ray. (Optical) When a beam is sent into the water tank (3) by the sensor (5) At least some of the rays are reflected from the water tank (3) back to the optical sensor (5) It is stated that there is no lime residue in the water tank (3). In this case, in other words, when the water tank (3) is clean, the data received from the optical sensor (5) is 30 It is recorded as a reference value. Over time, limescale accumulates in the water tank (3). 7 The data received from the optical sensor (5) changes as the accumulation of sediment begins. Data received from the optical sensor (5) is sent to a control unit (6) that regulates the operation. The data received from the optical sensor (5) is evaluated by the control unit (6). after being compared with the reference value stored in its memory, in the water tank (3) The amount of accumulated lime is determined. The control unit (6) is preferably set to low, medium and 5. It determines the amount of lime in 3 stages, starting with the highest level. From the optical sensor (5) the received data is higher than a first threshold value predetermined by the producer. when low lime content, when higher than a predetermined second threshold value Medium lime content is high when it exceeds a predetermined third threshold value. It is determined as lime. The second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value. The third 10 The threshold value is higher than the second threshold value. Check at the beginning of each work cycle. Unit (6) collects data by operating the optical sensor (5). In this way, fast and efficient The amount of lime inside the water tank (3) is checked by the control unit (6). It is determined. In one application of the invention, the beverage preparation machine (1) contains the water tank (3) When it is determined that the amount of lime exceeds a predetermined first threshold value, The manufacturer has determined the amount of lime required to clean the water tank (3). to enable the execution of a pre-programmed first wash program It includes a configured control unit (6). The first threshold value is 20 for the water tank (3). The minimum level at which the accumulated limescale deposits must be cleaned. This is determined by the manufacturer. The amount of lime exceeding the first threshold value... a first wash program predetermined by the manufacturer for cleaning It is operated. The first washing program is operated by the control unit (6). is being operated. Thus, the accumulation of lime to a very advanced level 25 This ensures effective cleaning without delay. In another application of the invention, the beverage preparation machine (1), water tank (3) the amount of lime inside is higher than the first threshold value, predetermined When it is determined that a second threshold value has been exceeded, the determined amount of lime is removed from the water reservoir by 30 (3) a second wash pre-programmed by the manufacturer for cleaning 8 Control unit configured to enable the program to run (6) It includes. The second threshold value is the amount of lime accumulated in the water reservoir (3). It is a threshold value that is higher than the threshold value. Lime exceeding the second threshold value. a second wash, predetermined by the manufacturer, to clean the quantity. The program is being run. The second washing program is controlled by the control unit (6) 5 It is operated. Thus, the lime deposits that accumulate in the water tank (3) are effectively removed. It is cleaned in some way. In another application of the invention, the beverage preparation machine (1), first washing The second wash program uses more water than the amount of water used in the first program. 10 It includes. The amount of lime in the water tank (3) of the first washing program. It is activated when the threshold value is exceeded. The second washing program is activated when the water tank (3) when the amount of lime inside exceeds the second threshold value, which is higher than the first threshold value It is being run. Therefore, when the second washing program is run, it is cleaned. The required amount of limescale is higher. In the second washing program, the first wash is 15. Thanks to the increased water usage according to the program, limescale is removed more effectively. Cleaning is ensured. In another application of the invention, the beverage preparation machine (1), first washing with water that has a higher temperature than the water temperature used in the program 20 This includes the second washing program performed. The first washing program involves water. It is activated when the amount of lime in the reservoir (3) exceeds the first threshold value. The second washing program is based on the amount of limescale in the water tank (3) at the first threshold. It is triggered when the second threshold value, which is higher than the first value, is exceeded. Therefore, the second When the washing program is run, the amount of limescale that needs to be removed is 25%. As the temperature of the water used in the washing process increases, the dissolution of limescale increases. The amount of water used in the second washing program is also increasing. Therefore, the amount of water used in the second washing program is also increasing. its temperature is higher than the water temperature used in the first wash program. Thanks to this, the limescale removal process is more efficient. is being carried out. 30 9 In another application of the invention, the beverage preparation machine (1), water tank (3) the amount of lime in it has a predetermined first threshold value or a second Configured to alert the user when the threshold value is exceeded. It includes a control unit (6). A written warning is given to the user by the control unit (6). and / or is given audibly. 5 In another application of the invention, the beverage preparation machine (1) is, at least in part water tank (3) made of light-transmitting material and outside of the water tank (3) It includes an optical sensor (5) located in the water tank (3) light. The part made of permeable material will direct the light rays onto the water tank, 10 (3) is located outside. In this way, the optical sensor (5) water reservoir (3) This prevents it from being affected by the water inside. In another application of the invention, the beverage preparation machine (1) uses infrared radiation. It includes an optical sensor (5) configured to transmit. In this way, optical 15 It is ensured that the operation of the sensor (5) is not affected by ambient light. In another application of the invention, the beverage preparation machine (1), water tank (3) in a washing program which cleans the water tank (3) inside A cleaning element suitable for placement inside a cleaning device for use. 20 The cleaning element contains a housing (7). The cleaning element contains a descaling tablet or limescale remover. It is a descaling solution. Thanks to this, the limescale removal performance of the washing program is improved. is being increased. In another application of the invention, the beverage preparation machine (1), cleaning element 25 sending a beam to the housing (7) and the beam sent to the cleaning element housing (7) optical sensor (5) configured to detect its reflection and from the optical sensor (5) According to the data received, the presence of a cleaning staff member inside the cleaning staff housing (7) It includes a control unit (6) configured to determine the cleaning element. The housing (7) is located on the part of the water reservoir (3) made of light-transmitting material. The optical sensor (5) is located inside the cleaning element housing (7) for cleaning. It gives different data when the element is present and when it is not. Control unit (6) by, according to the data received from the optical sensor (5) cleaning element housing (7) It is easy to determine whether or not there is a cleaning staff member inside. In another application of the invention, the beverage preparation machine (1), water tank (3) 5 when it is determined that the amount of lime inside exceeds the first threshold value and cleaning When it is determined that there is no cleaning element in the element housing (7), the determined The amount of lime must be removed from the water tank (3) beforehand by the manufacturer. to enable the execution of a programmed third washing program It includes a configured control unit (6). The first threshold value for lime content is 10 When it is determined that the limit has been exceeded, the first wash program is started. However, the first wash The program preferably employs a cleaning staff member. The cleaning staff member is in their assigned area. (7) When it is determined that there is no cleaning staff, the control unit (6) a third washing step that uses more water than the first washing step This is done. In this way, the amount of lime inside the water tank (3) is cleaned. the amount of water and water that will allow cleaning without the use of any element A washing program is run using the given temperature. Thus, the water tank (3) This ensures that the amount of limescale inside is efficiently removed. In another application of the invention, the beverage preparation machine (1), water tank (3) 20 when it is determined that the amount of lime inside exceeds the first threshold value and cleaning When it is determined that the cleaning element is not in the element housing (7), the user is notified. It includes a control unit (6) configured to give a warning. In this way, The user is provided with information regarding the cleaning staff. Thanks to this invention, it is possible to send a beam into the water tank (3) and into the water tank (3). an optical sensor configured to detect the reflection of the transmitted light (5) By means of a rapid and effective way to reduce the amount of lime residue on the wall of the water reservoir (3). A beverage preparation machine (1) has been implemented as determined in this way.

Claims

11 REQUESTS 1. A body (2), with a container on the body (2) suitable for filling with water. water reservoir (3), body (2) 5 in such a way that the water reservoir (3) is in liquid contact with the water reservoir (3). water reservoir (3) containing a brewing chamber (4) located on top to send a ray into it and the reflection of the ray sent into the water tank (3) an optical sensor (5) configured to detect and from the optical sensor (5) According to the data received, in order to determine the amount of lime in the water tank (3) a beverage characterized by a configured control unit (6) 10 preparation machine (1).

2. The amount of lime in the water tank (3) must be above a predetermined first threshold. When it is determined that the value exceeds the specified amount of lime, the amount of lime is removed from the water reservoir (3) a first wash pre-programmed by the manufacturer for cleaning 15 control unit configured to enable the program to run A beverage preparation machine as in Claim 1, characterized by (6) (1).

3. The amount of lime in the water tank (3) is higher than the first threshold value. When it is determined that a predetermined second threshold value is exceeded, the specified lime level is 20. The manufacturer has ordered the amount of water to be cleaned from the reservoir (3) beforehand. to enable the execution of a programmed second washing program a configured control unit (6) as in Claim 2 beverage preparation machine (1).

4. More water is used than in the first washing program. a beverage like the one in Claim 3, characterized by the second washing program preparation machine (1).

5. A water temperature higher than that used in the first wash program (30°C) It is characterized by a second washing program performed with water at a certain temperature. a beverage preparation machine as in Claim 3 or Claim 4 (1). 12 6. The amount of lime in the water tank (3) must be above a predetermined first threshold. The user is warned when it is determined that the value or a second threshold value has been exceeded. characterized by a control unit (6) configured to give A beverage preparation machine like any of the above requirements 5 (1).

7. Water tank (3) made of at least partially translucent material and water characterized by the optical sensor (5) located outside of its housing (3) A beverage preparation machine like any of the above requirements 10 (1).

8. With an optical sensor (5) configured to emit infrared light. a beverage as described in any of the above claims preparation machine (1). 15 9. Located inside the water tank (3), which enables the cleaning of the water tank (3). inside a cleaning element for use in a washing program characterized by a suitable cleaning element housing (7) for its placement A beverage preparation machine like any of the above requirements 20 (1).

10. To send a beam to the cleaning staff housing (7) and to the cleaning staff housing (7) an optical sensor configured to detect the reflection of the transmitted light beam (5) and according to the data received from the optical sensor (5), the cleaning element housing (7) 25 configured to detect the presence of a cleaning staff member inside A beverage preparation as in Claim 9 characterized by a control unit (6). machine (1).

11. The amount of lime in the water tank (3) exceeds the first threshold value 30 when determined and the cleaning element is inside the cleaning element housing (7) When it is determined that there is no lime, the determined amount of lime is removed from the water reservoir (3) a third wash pre-programmed by the manufacturer for cleaning 13 control unit configured to enable the program to run Preparation of a beverage as in Claim 2 and Claim 10, characterized by (6). machine (1).

12. When the amount of lime in the water tank (3) exceeds the first threshold value 5 when determined and the cleaning element is inside the cleaning element housing (7) configured to alert the user when it is determined that it is not present. A beverage such as in Claim 2 and Claim 10 characterized by a control unit (6). preparation machine (1).

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