HK1119815B - Operator's device for automatic hot beverage dispensers - Google Patents

Description

Operating device for a hot beverage machine

The invention relates to an operating device for a hot beverage machine, wherein the hot beverage machine is designed to prepare and dispense a plurality of different beverages which can be selected by means of an operating device which is designed to touch a display screen on which a symbol corresponding to a beverage is visually represented.

An operator can select a beverage by means of the operating device of the known hot beverage machine and then prepare and dispense this beverage by means of the hot beverage machine. The preparation is often carried out according to a predefined or selected preset setting. The operating device can be coupled to a display device which displays the selection simultaneously as a text or a symbol or illustration, so that the operator can check his input for selecting a beverage or for individually setting the preparation of a beverage. It is therefore particularly advantageous to use an operating device integrated with a display device, by means of which an appliance can be operated by simply operating a button and the input results can be displayed on a display screen.

In the case of operating devices of this type which are in use, symbols, so-called illustrations, are often used for this purpose, which symbols, when a certain beverage is selected, such as, for example, a cup of coffee, which is to be prepared by a hot-drink machine, are displayed for this beverage, such as a cup of coffee, until after the beverage has been dispensed from the machine, in order to prepare another cup or also for another beverage.

Even in the case of individual preparation settings by an operator, a symbol for a certain drink can be displayed, which can be selected by the operator from a defined setting scheme. For example, a predetermined setting scheme may be provided as a symbol key at the edge of the mask, the operator may perform adjustment setting by touching the key, and a symbol corresponding to the touched symbol key may be displayed in the center of the screen.

The patent document US 6,759,072 shows, for example, a networked beverage machine with a touch-sensitive display screen on which data called from the network by the operator can be displayed and which also serves as an operating device for the beverage machine. In this case, the symbols stored in a memory device are read out and visually represented on the touch screen in accordance with a corresponding activation. These symbols relate to the selected recipe, the preparation process and/or the mixing of the beverage and/or the beverage automat and/or the properties of the touch screen.

The object of the invention is to improve a known actuating device for a hot beverage machine in such a way that the manoeuvrability of the hot beverage machine is further simplified and made more comfortable.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an actuating device as claimed in claim 1. Dependent claims 2 to 26 show specific embodiments of the actuating device according to claim 1. Claim 27 shows a hot beverage machine having an actuating device according to one of claims 1 to 26.

According to the invention, in particular, an operating device is provided for a hot beverage machine, wherein the hot beverage machine is designed to prepare and dispense a plurality of different beverages and/or mixed beverages, which can be selected by means of the operating device and can be prepared and dispensed in accordance with their respective selection, wherein the operating device is designed as a touch screen, which as a basic setting display visually shows symbols stored in a memory device as a first selection device for selecting a desired beverage or mixed beverage, by means of which first selection device, in its activation action, a predefined preparation process is initiated by means of touching the symbols visibly displayed on the touch screen, and subsequently the preparation process is carried out and the preparation process is visibly displayed on the touch screen in the chronological order in which it was carried out, or as a second selection device for selecting a preparation adjustment desired by the operator and for preparing a beverage or mixed beverage by means of operating the first selection device The selection of beverages and mixed beverages, wherein the touching of the display screen at the selection of the preparation adjustment indicates the symbol for the beverage selected by means of the first selection means and the accompanying adjustment setting symbol, by touching these symbols the operator can make and store the desired adjustment.

The symbols stored in the memory device and visually shown on the touch-sensitive display screen preferably include the properties of the beverage and/or mixed beverage and/or hot beverage automat and/or touch-sensitive display screen in addition to the selection of the beverage and/or mixed beverage and/or their preparation process in the chronological order of progress.

The manipulation can be simplified because the symbols can be represented in a wide variety of ways. The preparation and output of a selected drink or drink mix can thus be brought about by actuating the actuating buttons, represented as symbols on the touch-sensitive display screen, one at a time. Since the additional symbols are provided as control buttons, they can be quickly used in the function shown on the display. The handling is simplified by the following method: the pre-set function may be invoked by simply touching a symbol on the display screen.

In particular, these symbols visually represent a plurality of different beverages on a touch screen during a selection process represented by the symbol, and first selection means are provided by means of which the desired beverage or mixed beverage is selected by touching the respective symbol by the operator, and is then prepared and output.

Preferably, second selection means are provided, by means of which the operator can select between a predetermined preparation and a preparation adjustment desired by the operator when operating the first selection means. The second selection device has in particular a time control device or a clock control device. The operator can thus select a beverage and select between a predetermined functional process or a predetermined preparation and a setting or preparation adjustment of a functional process, for example by contacting a symbol several times, either longer or shorter.

The touch screen preferably displays symbols for the beverage selected by means of the first selection means and additionally setting button symbols when the preparation setting is selected by means of the second selection means, the setting being carried out by an operator touching these symbols. The setting button symbols are in particular symbols for containers of different sizes, for different beverage properties, for setting the quantity of beverage to be filled and/or for ending the setting adjustment, after contacting the symbols a beverage corresponding to the setting is automatically prepared. The symbol setting the amount of beverage to be poured can be a "+/-" key symbol, and this is indicated by touching this key symbol, in particular by another symbol. The symbol for setting the quantity of drink to be filled may also be a "stop/store" key symbol, wherein the "stop" key symbol is touched after the desired quantity of drink to be filled has been reached, and the desired quantity of drink to be filled, which can be indicated by a further symbol, is stored by touching the "store" key symbol. This symbol for the beverage selected by means of the first selection means is preferably set in a middle position of the touch display, while the setting key symbol is preferably beside this. By means of the symbols and the key operator for the preparation adjustment, a beverage that can be dispensed by the hot beverage dispensing machine can be set in a simple manner and at the same time can be checked well visually for him.

A resetting device is additionally preferably provided for resetting the preparation adjustment to a predetermined preparation.

The display is automatically converted into a single symbol visually displaying the selected beverage upon manipulation of the first selection means by an operator. This preparation process, symbolically indicated, also includes filling the container with the beverage, including restrictions on filling and filling termination. The filling of the containers with a beverage is visually represented as a symbol or numerical representation by a change in the filling quantity of the illustrated container in time in accordance with the filling. When preparing the mixed beverage, after the end of filling the container with one beverage, the container is automatically filled with a second beverage and simultaneously the display of the operating device is automatically switched to visually display the filling of the container with one beverage, including the filling limit and the end of filling. The operator can thus follow the course of the hot beverage preparation machine by simply looking at the display screen, without he having to look at the container itself and its filling level.

In addition to the symbols for a drink, which are visually indicated on the touch-sensitive display, operating key symbols for additional functions are preferably displayed, which can be called up by touching them by an operator. The additional function comprises, in particular, a stopping of the kinetic energy during the preparation process for early termination of the flow of the beverage into a container and/or an additional function with which a beverage can be additionally flowed into the container. The operator can thus intervene in the functioning of the hot beverage machine.

Furthermore, an exit device is provided, by means of which the operator can activate a main or basic setting display.

It is also preferred that a setting device is provided for setting the basic settings of the hot beverage preparation machine, by means of which setting device different beverages can be set, the hot beverage preparation machine itself, the contact display and the symbols and the associated sound can be set. Preferably, a switching device is provided for switching between a visual display of a symbol and a text display.

The resetting means, the exit means, the setting means and the converting means are preferably designed as keys in a menu bar on the edge of the touch screen. By this separate design of the add-on device, the operator can quickly switch between different settings.

It is also preferred that an on/off switch is provided on the touch screen, by actuating which the touch screen can be switched to a standby mode.

The beverage indicated by the symbol is preferably hot water, hot milk, long coffee, espresso, milk foam espresso, cappuccino, Latte Macchiato in a hot beverage machine.

The beverage on the touch screen is represented in different colors, in particular depending on its properties. For example, in the visual representation, during the coffee preparation process, weak and strong coffee are distinguished by different brown coloration of the container level, so that the operator can immediately see by looking at the display screen: which coffee is being prepared.

Furthermore, the properties specific to the drink can be represented by an additional symbol which is displayed on the touch screen simultaneously with the visual display of a drink symbol. This property may be a grinder (Mahlwerk), whereby the grinder gets coffee for preparing the beverage.

The hot beverage machine for preparing and dispensing a plurality of different beverages with the inventive actuating device can be operated easily and is particularly reliable for the operator, since possible actuating and setting errors can be displayed visually in full by the actuating device designed to touch the display screen and can therefore be seen immediately. These visually displayed symbols may also enable an operator to manipulate the machine without having to read detailed instructions as was done previously to manipulate one such machine or as was done previously. The preparation and output of the mixed beverage can be achieved by only a few contacts with the symbols visually displayed on the touch display screen.

These and other features and details of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates within the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings which illustrate features of the invention according to one embodiment, wherein:

fig. 1 schematically shows a hot beverage machine with an operating device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows an operating device of a hot beverage machine, which has a displayed main setting as a touch screen;

fig. 3A shows an operating device of a hot beverage machine, which has the program selection possibilities shown symbolically as a touch screen;

fig. 3B shows an operating device of a hot beverage machine, which has program selection possibilities as a touch screen display, which are shown in text;

FIG. 4A shows an operator of a hot beverage automat having the selected program displayed as a touch screen directly after a program selection and before preparing a beverage and filling the container with the beverage;

FIG. 4B shows an operator of the hot beverage dispensing machine as a touch screen with selected sequences displayed during preparation of a beverage and filling of the container with a beverage;

FIG. 4C illustrates an operator of the hot beverage thermal engine as a touch screen display showing selected routines after a beverage has been prepared and fully loaded into the container;

FIG. 5A shows an operator of a hot beverage automat having the selected program shown as a touch screen directly after preparing a beverage and completely filling a container with the beverage and before preparing a second beverage and filling the container with the second beverage;

FIG. 5B shows an operating device of a hot beverage automat as a touch screen with selected programs displayed when preparing a second beverage and loading the second beverage into a container containing the first beverage;

FIG. 5C shows an operator of the hot beverage automat as a touch screen having selected sequences shown after preparing the second beverage and completely filling the second beverage into the container containing the first beverage;

FIG. 5D shows an operator of the hot beverage automat as a touch screen having a displayed selected program after preparing the second beverage and completely filling the first beverage with the second beverage, with the option of adding additional amounts of the second beverage into the container;

fig. 6A, B and C show an operating device of a hot beverage machine as a touch screen with a displayed preparation setting.

The invention is explained in detail below with reference to the drawing according to a preferred embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a hot beverage machine with an inventive handling device 10. The hot beverage machine is represented as a coffee machine with two containers 15 to be filled.

Fig. 2 shows an operating device of a hot beverage machine, which has the basic or main adjustment shown as a touch screen. On this touch screen different symbols are shown, below which text is shown. It is also possible to show only symbols or only text, wherein the switching between the symbol display and the text display can be effected by means of a switching device 14. The conversion means 14, indicated by the "text", together with a setting means 13, indicated by the "main" for setting different beverages, setting the hot beverage machine itself, setting the touch screen and setting symbols and associated sounds, are shown in a menu bar at the lower edge of the touch screen, as they are shown in fig. 2.

The operator can make certain presets on the hot beverage machine by touching a symbol shown in fig. 2. By touching the symbol "coffee set" he can arrive at a setting procedure with which he can set the water temperature, the water quality, the primary grinding of the coffee beans and the primary brewing of the coffee. By touching the symbol "milk setting" he can reach a setting procedure by which he can make a setting in relation to milk which is more difficult to handle than water because of its susceptibility to spoilage, such as for example washing, washing time and washing cycles, automatic stopping of milk input and alarms relating to milk. By touching the symbol "machine setting" he can arrive at a setting program with which he can set, for example, the temperature of the plate, the washing time and the washing cycle, the water softening, the time sensor, the counter, the keyboard for text input, the alarm output, etc. By touching the symbol "display settings" he can arrive at a setting program with which he can set, for example, the contrast, color, language, clock time and date of the touching of the display screen. By touching the symbols icon and sound he can reach a setting program with which he can set, for example, key sounds, alarm sounds, program symbols or program icons, animations and interactive responses. Finally, he can reach a setting program by touching the symbol "program", with which he can set or select certain types of beverages or coffee.

After the operator has performed or skipped this main setting procedure shown in fig. 2, he can reach a menu map by operating the setting means 13, which is explained in detail with reference to fig. 3A and 3B. If the main setting program is to be skipped, the hot beverage automat assumes the preset value.

Fig. 3A and 3B show a possible variant of an operating device 10 of a hot beverage machine as a touch screen with program options displayed in symbolic or textual form. The transition between the icon or symbol display of fig. 3A and the text display of fig. 3B may be made by the transition means 14 described above with reference to fig. 2 and labeled herein with "text" or "illustrations".

Both fig. 3A and 3B show a number of alternative beverages that can be prepared by a hot beverage automat. Eight beverages are particularly indicated here: hot water, hot milk, long coffee, Espresso, milk foam Espresso (Espresso), cappuccino, and latte MACCHIATO. The black or white color indicated by letters in a cup or in a grid diagram shows as additional symbols the performance characteristics of the selected grinding machine (Mahlwerk) on the hot beverage machine for the coffee to be prepared. The mill can also be selected by simply touching the additional symbol.

The operator can also select a beverage by touching a symbol of fig. 3A or the corresponding text of fig. 3B on the touch screen, which should be prepared by the hot beverage machine. After a beverage is selected by the operator, the hot beverage machine proceeds to prepare and dispense the selected beverage according to a predetermined preparation program. And the hot beverage automat automatically switches the touch screen to a new visual display. This new visual display is described in detail below with reference to fig. 4A, 4B and 4C.

Fig. 4A, 4B and 4C each show a sequence of an operating device 10 of a hot beverage dispensing machine as a touch screen with a displayed selection. Fig. 4A, 4B and 4C correspond respectively to the moment directly after the selection procedure and before the preparation of the beverage and the filling of a container 15 with this beverage, to the process of preparing the beverage and filling it into a container 15 and to the moment after the preparation of the beverage and the filling of the beverage completely into a container 15. That is, fig. 4A, 4B and 4C show different displays when a beverage is filled into a container 15. The filling of the beverage should be carried out until a predefined limit is reached, which is marked in fig. 4A to 4C with G. As can be seen in fig. 4C, the beverage has reached the root limit G for entering the container 15 and is therefore no longer filled. What the operator can see is therefore the process of filling a container 15 with a beverage, here a cappuccino cup, so that the operator does not have to observe the actual process of entering a container with a beverage.

Also visible in fig. 4A, 4B and 4C are: the symbol of the selected beverage (here, cappuccino) is shown in enlarged form on the touch screen corresponding to the symbol in fig. 3A or 3B previously touched by the operator for selection, which enlarged symbol has been modified to indicate the process carried out by the hot beverage machine, i.e. to fill a cappuccino cup.

Another symbol "stop coffee" is arranged on the screen next to the symbol for cappuccino cups arranged in the center in an enlarged manner (here the left side) as the key symbol 3. By touching this symbol, the operator can stop the process of filling the container 15, i.e. the cup, with the beverage, coffee, at will, before reaching the limit G shown for the beverage into the container 15.

If the beverage is not a mixed beverage, the hot beverage machine performs its function as soon as the container 15 has been filled up to the limit G, and this container 15 can be removed from the machine with the beverage located therein.

However, if the beverage selected is a mixed beverage, such as cappuccino as described by way of example, another beverage, such as milk for cappuccino, must be prepared and filled into the container 15, i.e. the cup. According to the selection of one beverage described with reference to fig. 3A and 3B, the process for this other beverage, which is carried out by the hot beverage automat, is automatically switched over. At the same time, the screen display for the process for another beverage is also automatically switched according to the invention, which is explained in more detail with reference to fig. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.

Fig. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show an operating device 10 of a hot beverage machine as a touch screen with the selected program shown directly after the first beverage has been prepared and completely filled into the container 15. Fig. 5A shows in particular a representation before the preparation of a second beverage and the filling of the second beverage into a container 15 containing a first beverage; FIG. 5B shows a display when a second beverage is prepared and filled into a container 15 containing a first beverage; FIG. 5C shows the display after the second beverage has been prepared and completely filled into the container with the first beverage; figure 5D shows the display after preparation of the second beverage and complete filling of the second beverage into the container containing the first beverage, with the option of adding an additional amount of the second beverage to the container 15.

It can be seen that: the procedure for the second beverage carried out by the hot beverage automat shown in fig. 5A to 5C corresponds to the procedure shown in fig. 4A to 4C, wherein, however, the symbol "stop coffee" arranged on the side of the symbol for cappuccino cups enlarged in the center of the screen (left) is arranged as the symbol "stop milk" on the side of the symbol for cappuccino cups enlarged in the center of the screen (right) as the operating key symbol 3. The limit for filling the second beverage is not specified here and the second beverage is added to the container 15 up to a predetermined amount. In fig. 5D, the symbol arranged in the center thereof corresponds to fig. 5C, which corresponds to the display after the preparation of the second drink and the complete filling of the second drink into the container 15 containing the first drink, wherein the symbol "stop milk" of fig. 5C is replaced by the symbol "add milk" as the operating key symbol 4. Stopping the feeding of milk into the container 15 can be achieved by touching the symbol "stop milk", which could cause: the hot beverage dispenser also allows additional milk to enter the container.

The hot beverage machine fulfills its function desired by an operator after the container 15 has been filled with a (mixed) beverage, and the container 15 can be removed from the machine with the (mixed) beverage located therein.

After the description of the actuation process and the accompanying display process on the touch screen of the actuation device according to the invention, the following description is given with reference to fig. 6A to 6C: how the operator can simply himself make individual settings for certain beverages.

The setting display shown in fig. 6A to 6C can be reached on the touch display screen by the operator by means of the second selection means 21 while selecting a certain beverage by touching the symbol of fig. 3A or the corresponding text of fig. 3B. The second selection means 21 differs from the first selection means 2 in particular by a time control, which means that the operator must touch the symbol for a longer time, which can also be provided by a clock control, which means that: the operator must make multiple (secondary) short contacts with the symbol. In order to avoid errors in the operation of the hot beverage machine, time control is preferred here. The actuating device is also activated, preferably at the moment when a symbol contacted for actuation is released.

Fig. 6A, 6B and 6C show an operating device of a hot beverage dispensing machine as a touch screen with a displayed preparation adjustment. The touch-sensitive display screen shows, when the preparation adjustment is selected by means of the second selection means 21, a symbol 2g for the beverage selected by means of the first selection means 2, i.e. cappuccino, and additionally shows setting key symbols 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, which are set by touching them by an operator. The setting key symbols are the container 15, here the symbols 5a of the cup of different sizes, the symbols 5b of different beverage properties, here espresso to light coffee, the symbol 5c that sets the amount of beverage to be filled, here the number of coffee and milk, and/or the symbol 5d that ends the setting, after which the beverage preparation corresponding to the setting is automatically carried out. The symbol 5c setting the amount of beverage to be filled is a "+/-" key symbol according to fig. 6A to 6c and this amount of beverage to be filled, set by touching this key, is indicated by a further symbol 5e, 20ml in fig. 6B. These symbols 5c are used to set the quantity of beverage to be filled, but they may also be a "stop/store" key symbol, which is touched when the desired quantity of beverage to be filled is reached and which, by touching the "store" key symbol, enables this to be displayed by means of a further symbol 5e, the desired quantity of beverage to be filled being stored. The symbol 2g for the beverage selected by means of the first selection means 2 is set on the touch screen in a central position and the setting key symbols 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are provided on its sides.

Furthermore, a reset device 11 for resetting the preparation adjustment to a predetermined preparation and an exit device 12 for leaving the preparation adjustment are provided as symbols on the menu bar. The outlet device 12 is also provided on the menu bar of fig. 4A to 4C and of fig. 5A to 5D and is also used there for removing the respective process carried out by the hot beverage machine and for returning the visual display of the touch screen to the basic setting display.

If the operator carries out a separate setting, the process carried out by the hot beverage machine proceeds as shown in fig. 4A to 4C and/or 5A to 5D.

According to the invention, the beverage is represented on the touch screen in different colors according to the properties of the beverage. The symbols or icons are stored in a memory device and, upon corresponding activation, are read from the memory device by touching an element of the operating device 10 designed as a touch screen or by the preparation process or the chronological progression of the preparation adjustment and are visually represented on the touch screen.

The EIN/AUS (on/off) key may also be displayed on the touch screen as a symbol that may cause a disconnection when touched by an operator. The touch display screen can be switched to a standby mode due to the time control.

The beverage dispenser according to the invention can be operated simply according to the specified settings using the described operating device and can also be easily reset. Display operators of similar animated films through these processes are always well aware of: the automaton is performing those functions. If he wants this or this becomes necessary, he can also intervene in the process performed by the automaton and/or modify this process.

The operator of the inventive operating device and the inventive hot beverage machine can thus easily call up the preset functions and can also perform new settings themselves.

This is designed such that the operating device contacting the display screen has symbols and input possibilities as required, in particular at different positions contacting the display screen, so that the hot beverage machine can be operated very easily.

Claims (25)

1. Operating device (10) for a hot beverage machine, wherein the hot beverage machine is designed for preparing and dispensing a plurality of different beverages and/or mixed beverages, which can be selected in each case by means of the operating device (10) and prepared and dispensed in accordance with their respective selection, wherein the operating device (10) is designed as a touch screen which visually displays symbols (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h) stored in a memory device as a basic setting display

As first selection means (2) for selecting a desired beverage or drink mix, by means of which a predetermined preparation process is initiated by touching the symbols (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h) visually displayed on the touch screen during its action, which preparation process is subsequently carried out and can be visually displayed on the touch screen in the chronological order in which it was carried out, and

as second selection means (21) for selecting a preparation adjustment desired by the operator together with the selection of a drink or a mixed drink by actuating the first selection means (2), wherein the touch screen shows the symbols (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h) for the drink selected by means of the first selection means (2) and additional setting key symbols (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) when the preparation adjustment is selected, by touching which the operator can make and store the desired setting,

the second selection device (21) has a time control or a clock control relative to the first selection device (2).

2. Operating device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the symbols (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f2g, 2 h; 3; 4; 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) stored in the memory device and visually displayed on the touch screen include the properties of the beverage and/or mixed beverage and/or hot beverage automaton and/or touch screen in addition to the possibility of selecting beverages and/or mixed beverages and/or their preparation.

3. The operating device (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that its activation comprises, in addition to the contacting of the symbols (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h 3; 4; 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) visually displayed on the touch screen, a basic setting display or a chronological preparation process or preparation adjustment sequence when the hot beverage machine is switched on.

4. The operating device (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a predetermined preparation or a preparation adjustment desired by the operator can be selected when the second selection device (2) is operated.

5. Operating device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the setting key symbols have symbols (5a) for different container (15) sizes, symbols (5b) for different beverage properties, symbols (5c) for setting the quantity of beverage to be filled and/or symbols (5d) for terminating the setting, according to which symbols the preparation of the beverage is automatically carried out in correspondence with the setting.

6. Operating device (10) according to claim 5, characterised in that the symbol (5c) for setting the quantity of beverage to be filled has the symbol of the "+/-" key and that the quantity of beverage to be filled, which is set by touching this key, is indicated by a further symbol (5 e).

7. Operating device (10) according to claim 5, characterised in that the symbol (5c) for setting the quantity of beverage to be filled has a "stop/store" key symbol, wherein the "stop" key symbol is contacted when the desired quantity of beverage to be filled is reached and the desired quantity of beverage to be filled, which can be displayed by a further symbol (5e), is stored by contacting the "store" key symbol.

8. An operating device (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the symbols (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h) for the drink or drink mix selected by means of the first selection means (2) are arranged in a central position on the touch screen, while the setting key symbols (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) are arranged on the sides thereof.

9. The actuating device (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a resetting device (11) is provided for resetting the preparation adjustment back to the predetermined preparation.

10. The operating device (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the display is automatically switched to the individual visual display of the symbol (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h) of the selected drink or drink mix upon operation of the first selection means (2) by contacting one of the symbols (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2 h).

11. The operating device (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the preparation process indicated by the symbols (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2G, 2h) comprises filling of a beverage into the container (15), including the definition (G) and the end of the filling of the beverage.

12. Operating device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the change in the time of the filling of the container (15) with beverage through the indicated filling quantity of the container (15) is visually indicated as a symbol or as a numerical indication in response to the filling of the beverage.

13. The operating device (10) as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, in the preparation of the mixed beverage, after the end of the filling of the container (15) with one beverage, the container (15) is automatically filled with a second beverage, and in that the display of the operating device (10) is simultaneously automatically switched to a visual representation of the filling of the container (15) with the second beverage, including the definition of the filling of the beverage and the end of the filling of the beverage.

14. An operating device (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, in addition to the symbols (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h) for the beverage which are visually displayed on the touch-sensitive display screen, operating key symbols (3, 4) for additional functions which can be called up by the operator by touching them are displayed.

15. Operating device (10) according to claim 14, characterised in that the additional function comprises a stop function during the preparation process for early ending of the filling of the container (15) with the drink and/or an additional function with which the container (15) can additionally be filled with the drink.

16. The operating device (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that an outlet device (12) is provided, with which the operator can activate the basic setting display.

17. Operating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that setting means (13) are provided for setting the basic settings of a hot beverage machine.

18. Operating device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the setting device (13) can be used to set different beverages, to the hot beverage machine itself, to the contact screen and to the symbols and associated sounds.

19. The operating device (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a switching device (14) is provided for switching between the visual display of the symbols and the display of the text.

20. Operating device (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that the resetting means (11), the outlet means (12), the setting means (13) and the switching means (14) are provided as keys in a menu bar on the edge of the touch screen.

21. The operating device (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the touch screen has an on/off key by means of which an operator can switch the hot beverage machine into a standby mode.

22. Operating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the beverages indicated by the symbols (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h) are hot water, hot milk, long coffee, espresso, milk froth espresso, cappuccino and latte macchiato.

23. Operating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drink as a symbol can be displayed on the touch screen in different colors depending on its properties.

24. Operating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the properties specific to the drink can be represented as symbols on the touch screen by means of additional symbols when the drink is represented visually.

25. Hot beverage machine for preparing and dispensing a plurality of different beverages, with an operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.