HK1222775B - Drinks preparation machine and a method for operating a drinks preparation machine - Google Patents

Description

Beverage preparation machine and method of operating a beverage preparation machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage and a method of operating a beverage preparation machine.

Background Art

Beverage preparation machines are known that can prepare and serve beverages using liquids. In this case, depending on the type of beverage, to prepare the beverage, a portion of the liquid (e.g., water) and a predetermined amount of a flavoring substance (e.g., coffee, tea, etc.) are allowed to interact for a specific time, so that the corresponding flavoring substance or a portion of the substance (e.g., a flavoring contained in the substance) mixes with the liquid or dissolves in the liquid, thereby forming a beverage for consumption. This type of preparation is often used when the flavoring substance can be stored for a long time, but the beverage prepared from the liquid and the flavoring substance can change rapidly in an undesirable or unacceptable manner immediately after preparation (e.g., with respect to its taste, consistency, or temperature).

Therefore, such beverage preparation machines are usually designed so that they can prepare fresh beverages in different situations according to current requirements, usually immediately after the user provides a command. To this end, such beverage preparation machines usually include a beverage preparation device for preparing a beverage from a liquid; a liquid container for holding the liquid; and a fluid system that allows the liquid to be supplied from the liquid container to the beverage preparation device, so that the beverage preparation device can use the liquid (e.g., water) provided by the liquid container to prepare a beverage. Therefore, the fluid system of the beverage preparation machine can include at least one flow path connected to the liquid container and the beverage preparation device, so that the liquid can be supplied from the liquid container to the beverage preparation device through the at least one flow path.

Beverage preparation machines of the aforementioned type (e.g. coffee machines, in particular automatic coffee machines) are generally designed so that they can meet many different requirements: for example, they are intended to be able to be operated by a user in a simple manner; they are also intended to be able to meet the requirements of many different users who have different requirements with regard to the operation of the beverage preparation machine and/or the preparation of the beverage and/or the taste of the prepared beverage.

In order to allow simple operation, a control device is provided for a beverage preparation machine of the aforementioned type, which is used to ensure that the operation of the respective beverage preparation machine is essentially automatic and only requires a small amount of manual operation by the user. In addition, in order to be able to meet the many different requirements and wishes of different users, such beverage preparation machines are usually designed so that they can operate in a variety of different operating modes, which are usually activated independently of each other, for example spontaneously by the user or automatically by the control device of the beverage preparation machine (for example, if a specific situation occurs during the operation of the beverage preparation machine, and the control device is used to react to this in a predetermined manner, for example by activating a specific operating mode). Naturally, the operating modes in this case usually include at least one operating mode for preparing beverages. It is even common for all operating modes of a beverage preparation machine to include a plurality of operating modes for preparing a variety of different beverages.

The beverage preparation machine of the aforementioned type can be designed as a coffee machine, for example, which can use a liquid in a beverage preparation device of the beverage preparation machine to brew coffee in a variety of different ways, thereby making different coffee beverages in this way. In this case, the beverage preparation device can be designed as a brewing unit, in which coffee can be brewed with hot water, and the preparation of different coffee beverages is organized in different operating modes. In order to prepare the coffee beverage, water can be provided in a liquid container of the beverage preparation machine and supplied to the beverage preparation device (brewing unit) via a fluid system. In order to be able to provide hot water of the right temperature for brewing coffee, the fluid system can be provided with, for example, a heating device, which, when the water is supplied from the liquid container to the beverage preparation device, can heat the water to a sufficiently high temperature to allow brewing coffee in the beverage preparation device.

In order to allow for a user-friendly and as trouble-free operation as possible over a long period of time, and to allow the preparation of most beverages to be as uniform a quality as possible, beverage preparation machines of the aforementioned type are usually designed so as to provide specific operating modes that can be activated under the control of a control device and that provide the user with the possibility of making changes to the beverage preparation machine or of performing maintenance operations during the operation of the beverage preparation machine. For example, the functionality of the fluid system may be impaired during the operation of the beverage preparation machine because the deposition of contaminants and/or scale in the flow paths of the fluid system increases over time (depending on the degree of contaminants and/or the calcium carbonate content of the individual liquid flows passing through the individual flow paths during the operation of the beverage preparation machine). Excessive deposition of contaminants and/or scale can reduce or prevent the smooth flow of liquid through the flow paths and can potentially impair the operation of specific components of the fluid system, such as valves or heating devices (e.g. instant water heaters) that heat the liquid as it flows through the flow paths. Furthermore, the deposition of contaminants and/or scale in the flow paths of the fluid system can have a negative impact on the taste of the prepared beverage.

In order to reduce the accumulation of contaminants and/or scale in the flow paths of the fluid system, beverage preparation machines of the aforementioned type generally allow activation of a specific operating mode for cleaning the fluid system and/or descaling the fluid system. For example, it is feasible that an operating mode for cleaning the fluid system can be activated, in which mode, under the control of a control device of the beverage preparation machine, a cleaning liquid can be introduced from a liquid container into the fluid system, thereby removing contaminants from the various flow paths of the fluid system or from at least specific portions of these flow paths. Thus, for example, an operating mode for descaling the fluid system can be activated, in which mode, under the control of a control device of the beverage preparation machine, a descaling liquid can be introduced from a liquid container into the fluid system, thereby removing scale deposits from the various flow paths of the fluid system or from at least specific portions of these flow paths.

In beverage preparation machines of the aforementioned type, in order to reduce the amount of contaminants and/or scale in the liquid flowing through the various flow paths, the liquid provided in the liquid container may typically be filtered through a liquid filter before the liquid enters the various flow paths of the fluid system. Therefore, the beverage preparation machine typically includes a receiving device for receiving a liquid filter, which can be placed in a predetermined filter position and removed from this position. The receiving device is configured such that liquid can be supplied from the liquid container to the beverage preparation device through at least one flow path regardless of whether the liquid filter is placed in the predetermined filter position. Thus, if the liquid filter is placed in the predetermined filter position, at least a portion of the liquid must pass through the liquid filter when the liquid is supplied from the liquid container to the at least one flow path. In this case, the use of a liquid filter is optional and depends on the individual user's decision. If, for example, pure water with a low calcium carbonate content is provided as the liquid for beverage preparation in the liquid container, it may not be necessary to provide the receiving device with a liquid filter, particularly since the use of a liquid filter in this case has no or only a minimal effect on the quality of the water used.

However, if only water with a high calcium carbonate content or contaminants can be used as the liquid for preparing beverages, it may be useful to provide the container with a liquid filter. In this case, the use of a liquid filter has the advantage that descaling and/or cleaning of the individual flow paths only needs to be performed occasionally. However, this also has the disadvantage that after a certain period of time, the used liquid filter must preferably be replaced with an unused filter. Specifically, this is because the function of the liquid filter deteriorates during use and its filtering effect is impaired over time, which may eventually lead to a complete loss of filtering effect. If the used liquid filter is not replaced with another (unused) liquid filter at an appropriate time, this can have the disadvantage that even if a liquid filter is used, it will ultimately not be possible to prevent contamination and/or calcification of the individual flow paths. Therefore, in this case, after a certain period of time, it may be necessary to descaling and/or cleaning the individual flow paths. In other words, the aforementioned operating mode for descaling the fluid system and/or the aforementioned operating mode for cleaning the fluid system must be activated, and a descaling and/or cleaning liquid must be provided in the liquid container.

In beverage preparation machines of the aforementioned type, during operation of the machine—typically through corresponding manual operations performed by the user—the user typically ensures that the required liquid is provided in the liquid container, that the liquid filter is positioned in the predetermined filter position, and that a used liquid filter is replaced with an unused liquid filter. To ensure generally trouble-free operation of such a beverage preparation machine, the user typically must have a detailed understanding of the beverage preparation machine, and more specifically, the details of its various operating modes. In this case, user-initiated erroneous operation of the beverage preparation machine is not precluded. For example, it is conceivable that the fluid system of the beverage preparation machine is calcified or contaminated. The user may, on the one hand, wish to clean and/or descale the various flow paths of the fluid system, while, on the other hand, wishing to operate the beverage preparation machine to filter the liquid provided in the liquid container using the liquid filter. In this case, the user may provide a descaling or cleaning liquid in the liquid container and activate an operating mode for descaling or cleaning the various flow paths. This may result in the control device activating the supply of descaling and/or cleaning liquid from the liquid container to the various flow paths of the fluid system. In this case, if the liquid filter is placed at the predetermined filter position, at least a portion of the descaling liquid and/or cleaning liquid introduced from the liquid container to the respective flow paths will be forced to flow through the liquid filter. This can cause serious problems.

For example, a descaling and/or cleaning liquid may be incompatible with the liquid filter, potentially and often unnoticed by the user, triggering adverse reactions in the liquid filter that are often detrimental to the further operation of the beverage preparation machine. On the one hand, the descaling and/or cleaning liquid may alter or, alternatively, destroy certain substances contained in the liquid filter. This may have the effect that, after the end of the operating mode for descaling the individual flow paths and/or the operating mode for cleaning the individual flow paths, the liquid filter may no longer provide the intended filtering effect during further operation of the beverage preparation machine, leading to further calcification and/or contamination of the individual flow paths without the user's awareness. A further problem may arise if the liquid filter, placed in the predetermined filter position, is used for a long period of time before the activation of the operating mode for descaling the individual flow paths and/or the operating mode for cleaning the individual flow paths, resulting in a large amount of scale and/or contaminants accumulating in the liquid filter. In this case, when the descaling and/or cleaning liquid passes through the liquid filter, there may be the effect that a large amount of calcified material or contaminants escape from the liquid filter and are transported into the respective flow paths. As a result, the calcified material and/or contaminants settle in the flow paths and may optionally block them. In this case, in particular, certain flow paths and/or flow path sections in valves, water pumps or heating devices (e.g., instant water heaters) that are provided for heating the liquid as it flows through the flow paths are at risk.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a beverage preparation machine which provides for the use of a liquid filter and helps to avoid user errors in operating the beverage preparation machine when using the liquid filter.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a beverage preparation machine and a method of operating a beverage preparation machine as described below.

A beverage preparation machine for preparing beverages can be operated in multiple operating modes and includes: a liquid container for holding a liquid; a beverage preparation device for preparing a beverage using the liquid; at least one flow path connected to the liquid container and the beverage preparation device to allow liquid to be supplied from the liquid container to the beverage preparation device via the at least one flow path; a receiving device for receiving a liquid filter, the liquid filter being capable of being placed in a predetermined filter position and removed from this position; a sensor for detecting the liquid filter; and a control device for controlling the supply of liquid from the liquid container to the at least one flow path. In this case, the receiving device is configured such that the liquid can be supplied from the liquid container to the beverage preparation device via the at least one flow path regardless of whether the liquid filter is placed in the predetermined filter position, and such that if the liquid filter is placed in the predetermined filter position, at least a portion of the liquid must pass through the liquid filter when the liquid is supplied from the liquid container to the at least one flow path. Furthermore, the sensor is configured to generate a signal containing information regarding whether the liquid filter is placed in the predetermined filter position.

According to the present invention, a control device (e.g., a microprocessor) is designed to activate the supply of liquid from a liquid container to at least one flow path based on a signal from a sensor, wherein the control device is configured to, in at least one operating mode, activate the liquid supply regardless of whether the liquid filter is placed in a predetermined filter position, and in at least another operating mode, the control device exclusively activates the liquid supply when no liquid filter is placed in the predetermined filter position.

The beverage preparation machine according to the present invention has the following advantages: with the help of the control device, certain erroneous operations of the beverage preparation machine by the user can be very reliably avoided. In this case, it is very important that the control device can automatically determine whether there is a liquid filter using a signal from a sensor.

In this case, regardless of whether the liquid filter is positioned in the predetermined filter position, those operating modes in which liquid is supplied from the liquid container to the respective flow path can be activated for operation of the beverage preparation machine, in which it is guaranteed or highly reliable that the liquid provided by the user in the liquid container is compatible with the use of the liquid filter. Therefore, regardless of whether the liquid filter is positioned in the predetermined filter position, activation of one of these operating modes theoretically presents no problem with respect to the use of the liquid filter. This is typically the case with those operating modes for preparing beverages, in which case it can be assumed that the user will typically provide water as the liquid (i.e., a liquid that is definitely compatible with the use of the liquid filter).

However, when the liquid filter is in the predetermined filter position, operating modes in which liquid is supplied from the liquid container to the various flow paths cannot be activated. These operating modes are typically used in beverage preparation machines, where it is assumed that the user may, or is likely to, provide a liquid incompatible with the use of the liquid filter in the liquid container. This particularly applies to operating modes related to descaling or cleaning the various flow paths. Activating such operating modes would theoretically be problematic if the liquid filter is in the predetermined filter position. Therefore, the control device of the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention prevents liquid from being supplied from the liquid container to the various flow paths as a precautionary measure if the liquid filter is in the predetermined filter position. In this way, during operation of the beverage preparation machine, contact between the liquid filter and liquids incompatible with the liquid filter can be largely eliminated. This is even if the user accidentally or by mistake provides descaling and/or cleaning liquid in the liquid container and intends to activate an operating mode for descaling or cleaning the various flow paths. In this case, the control device will never allow liquid to be supplied from the liquid container to the various flow paths. Specifically, this occurs automatically, thanks to a sensor that monitors the presence of the liquid filter and the control unit that is able to evaluate the signal from the sensor.

Therefore, the objects of the present invention are also achieved by a method of operating a beverage preparation machine, in order to prepare a beverage of the aforementioned type, the method comprising the following steps:

- activating one of the operating modes of the beverage preparation machine, wherein the operating modes comprise at least one operating mode for preparing a beverage and at least one operating mode for cleaning or descaling at least one flow path,

- evaluating the signal of the sensor by a control device, wherein the control device determines whether the liquid filter is placed in a predetermined filter position and controls the supply of liquid from the liquid container to the at least one flow path.

According to the present invention, the method further comprises the following steps, wherein the control device is configured to:

- in case of activation of the operating mode for preparing a beverage, causing liquid to be supplied from the liquid container to the at least one flow path, regardless of whether the liquid filter is placed in the predetermined filter position, and

- in case the operation mode for cleaning or descaling at least one flow path is activated, when no liquid filter is placed in the predetermined filter position, causing liquid to be supplied to the at least one flow path from the liquid container alone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details of the invention and in particular exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention, the beverage preparation machine comprising a receiving device for receiving a liquid filter, wherein the liquid filter is placed in a predetermined filter position;

FIG2 shows the beverage preparation machine according to FIG1 , wherein no liquid filter is placed in the predetermined filter position,

FIG3 shows a schematic flow chart of the method according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1 and 2 show a beverage preparation machine 1 for preparing beverages according to the present invention. The beverage preparation machine 1 can be configured as a coffee machine (automatic coffee machine) for preparing coffee, as shown in FIG1 and FIG2 as a possible example. Naturally, in addition to or instead of coffee beverages, the beverage preparation machine 1 can also be designed to prepare one or more other beverages.

The beverage preparation machine 1 comprises a liquid container 3 configured to receive and/or provide a liquid; a beverage preparation device 10 for preparing a beverage from the liquid; and a fluid system 11 allowing the beverage preparation device 10 to be supplied with the liquid provided in the liquid container 3. Therefore, the fluid system 11 comprises at least one flow path 12, and the at least one flow path 12 is connected to the liquid container 3 and the beverage preparation device 10 to allow the liquid to be supplied from the liquid container 3 to the beverage preparation device 10 via the at least one flow path 12.

In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the beverage preparation device 10 is configured as a brewing device having a brewing chamber (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) in which, for example, coffee can be brewed using a hot liquid.

The liquid container 3 includes an outlet 3-1 for providing the liquid in the liquid container 3 respectively. In this case, one end of the flow path 12 is connected to the outlet 3-1, and the other end of the flow path 12 is connected to the beverage preparation device 10 via a multi-way valve 17. The multi-way valve 17 has three connectors 17-1, 17-2 and 17-3, through which liquid can be supplied and/or discharged, and the multi-way valve 17 can be switched to multiple positions to be able to produce different fluid connections between the connectors 17-1, 17-2 and 17-3 (depending on the respective positions). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector 17-1 is connected to the flow path 12, while the connector 17-2 is connected to the beverage preparation device 10 and specifically to the aforementioned brewing chamber for brewing coffee, and the connector 17-3 is connected to a discharge line 21, which has an open end and is placed above the residual liquid tray 20. If necessary, the discharge line 21 provides the possibility to allow residual liquid that may have accumulated in the flow path 12 and/or in the beverage preparation device 10 during operation of the beverage preparation machine 1 to flow out and into the residual liquid tray 20 .

In the view according to FIG1 , the multi-way valve 17 is switched to a first position, which is configured to create a fluid connection between the connectors 17 - 1 and 17 - 2 . In this case, the beverage preparation device 10 is connected to the liquid container 3 , so that liquid can flow from the liquid container 3 via the outlet 3 - 1 , the flow path 12 and the multi-way valve 17 and/or the connector 17 - 2 of the multi-way valve 17 to the beverage preparation device 10 and be introduced into the aforementioned brewing chamber for brewing coffee.

As shown in FIG2 , the multi-way valve 17 can be switched to a second position configured to establish a fluid connection between the connectors 17 - 1 and 17 - 3. In this case, the flow path 12 is connected to the connector 17 - 3 of the multi-way valve 17, so that liquid can flow out of the flow path 12 via the connector 17 - 3 of the multi-way valve 17 and the drain line 21 and into the residual liquid tray 20.

Furthermore, the multi-way valve 17 can be constructed such that it can be switched to at least one further position (not shown in the figures) in which a fluid connection is created between the connectors 17-2 and 17-3, such that residual liquid can optionally flow out of the beverage preparation device 10 via the multi-way valve 17 and the discharge line 21 and into the residual liquid tray 20.

As further illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 , the fluid system 11 may include a plurality of devices that allow the liquid provided in the liquid container 3 to be supplied to the flow path 12 via the outlet 3-1, and to be transported in the flow path 12 and to regulate the temperature of the liquid. For this purpose, the flow path 12 is generally composed of a water pump 14 for transporting the liquid along the flow path 12; a flow meter 13 for measuring the flow rate of the liquid through the flow path 12; and a heating device 15 (preferably an instant water heater) for heating the liquid in the flow path 12. Furthermore, the fluid system 11 may include a one-way valve 16 that, on the one hand, allows the liquid to be transported from the liquid container 3 through the flow path 12 to the multi-way valve 17 and/or the beverage preparation device 10, but prevents the liquid from being transported in the opposite direction from the beverage preparation device 10 and/or the multi-way valve 17 to the liquid container 3.

As further illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 , the beverage preparation machine 1 includes, as desired, a receiving device 4 for receiving a liquid filter 5 to allow the liquid supplied to the flow path 12 to be filtered, thereby removing contaminants from the liquid and/or reducing the calcium carbonate content in the liquid. In this example, the liquid filter 5 received by the receiving device 4 has a generally cylindrical housing. The receiving device 4 includes a base 4-1 for receiving the liquid filter 5, wherein the liquid filter 5 can be placed on the base 4-1, and in this example, the base 4-1 is configured to, for example, positively retain at least one end of the liquid filter 5. As also illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 , the receiving device 4 may further include a retaining device 4-2 adapted to retain the liquid filter 5 placed on the base 4-1 at a position remote from the base 4-1 (e.g., at an end remote from the base 4-1). In this manner, the receiving device 4 can position the liquid filter 5 in a predetermined filter position, retain the liquid filter 5 in the predetermined filter position, and, if desired, remove the liquid filter 5 from the filter position.

In this example, the receiving device 4 is arranged in the liquid container 3, so that the respective liquid filter 5 can also be placed in the liquid container 3, preferably near the outlet 3-1. Alternatively, the receiving device 4 can naturally also be arranged elsewhere, for example, so that the liquid filter 5 can be placed in the outlet 3-1 or between the outlet 3-1 and a section of the flow path 12, and in each case the liquid filter 5 can be removed from that position again.

Typically, the receiving device 4 is configured such that, if the liquid filter 5 is placed in the predetermined filter position, liquid is supplied from the liquid container 3 to the at least one flow path 12, and at least a portion of the liquid must pass through the liquid filter 5 (and thus be filtered). In this case, the liquid filter 5 is configured such that it includes a region filled with a filter material, through which the liquid passing through the liquid filter 5 must flow. The filter material may include, for example, an adsorbent suitable for absorbing aromas and fragrances contained in the liquid, and/or an ion exchanger for removing scale or metals from the liquid.

As can be seen, Figure 1 shows a beverage preparation machine in a situation in which the receiving device 4 receives a liquid filter 5. In contrast, Figure 2 shows a beverage preparation machine in a situation in which the receiving device 4 does not receive a liquid filter 5, so that in this case the liquid provided in the liquid container 3 can be supplied directly to the flow path 12 without passing through the liquid filter 5, i.e. unfiltered.

As further illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 , the beverage preparation machine 1 includes a sensor 6 for detecting the liquid filter 5. The sensor 6 is configured to generate a signal containing information regarding whether the liquid filter 5 is positioned in a predetermined filter position. It should be noted that the sensor 6 can be manufactured using conventional means in a completely different manner. For example, the sensor 6 can include a touch-sensitive sensor element with which the liquid filter 5 is forced to contact if the liquid filter 5 is to be positioned in the predetermined filter position (such a sensor element can be, for example, a mechanically actuatable electrical switch, a capacitive measuring element, or a force sensor). Alternatively, the sensor 6 can include a measuring device suitable for contactlessly detecting the liquid filter 5, for example, optically, magnetically, or electromagnetically. It is also conceivable that the liquid filter 5 used in the beverage preparation machine 1 is provided with an information carrier containing information identifying the liquid filter 5, and that the sensor 6 includes a device suitable for detecting and evaluating this information identifying the liquid filter 5. The information identifying the individual liquid filters 5 can be, for example, data or markings which can be read electronically, optically, magnetically or electromagnetically; therefore, any structure that can contain such data or markings in a readable form is suitable as an information carrier (e.g. an electronic, magnetic or optical storage element).

In order to allow automatic control of the operation of the beverage preparation machine 1, the beverage preparation machine 1 is provided with a control device 25. The control device 25 has the task of controlling the supply of liquid from the liquid container 3 to the flow path 12 and controlling beverage preparation by the beverage preparation machine 10, among other things.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the beverage preparation device 10 includes an outlet valve 10-1, which is configured to control the supply of a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation device 10, which is a coffee beverage in this example. When the outlet valve 10-1 is closed, coffee may be brewed with hot water at a predetermined pressure in the brewing chamber of the beverage preparation device 10, thereby preparing a coffee beverage (e.g., espresso) in this way. The outlet valve 10-1 is connected to a beverage outlet 19 of the coffee beverage via an output line 18, so that if the outlet valve 10-1 is open, the coffee beverage brewed in the brewing chamber of the beverage preparation device 10 can be supplied to a beverage container (e.g., as shown in Figures 1 and 2) placed at the beverage outlet 19 via the beverage outlet 19.

As further illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the control device 25 is connected to a series of components of the beverage preparation machine 1, in particular to the sensor 6, the flow meter 13, the water pump 14, the heating device 15, the multi-way valve 17, and the beverage preparation device 10, via a control line 26, so as to transmit data and/or signals suitable for controlling the operation of the beverage preparation machine 1 via the control line 26. The control device 25 is also connected to an operating element 30, which allows a user to send instructions for operating the beverage preparation machine 1 to the control device 25. In addition, a display device 31 is connected to the control device, the display device 31 being used to display information about the current operating state of the beverage preparation machine 1 and optionally displaying instructions for specific operations performed by the user.

To facilitate user operation, the beverage preparation machine 1 can be operated in multiple operating modes. In this case, the control device 25 according to the present invention is configured to cause liquid to be supplied from the liquid container 3 to the at least one flow path 12 based on the signal of the sensor 6, wherein in at least one operating mode, the liquid supply can be activated regardless of whether the liquid filter 5 is placed in the predetermined filter position, and in at least one other operating mode, the liquid supply cannot be activated if the liquid filter 5 is placed in the predetermined filter position.

In order to explain these facts more clearly - with reference to Figure 3 - a method of operating the beverage preparation machine 1 is described below. This example is based on the assumption that the operating modes of the beverage preparation machine 1 include the following operating modes:

- a (first) operating mode M1 for starting the beverage preparation machine,

- a (second) operating mode M2 for preparing beverages,

a (third) operating mode M3 for cleaning or descaling the flow path 12 ,

- (Fourth) operating mode M4 for replacing a liquid filter placed at a predetermined filter position.

It should be noted that according to the present invention, it is not necessarily required that the operating modes include exactly the aforementioned operating modes M1-M4. For example, fewer operating modes may be provided. If only two of the aforementioned operating modes are provided, for example operating modes M2 and M3, the beverage preparation machine 1 may also be consistent with the present invention.

As far as operating mode M3 is concerned, it is assumed hereinafter that in operating mode M3 - for cleaning or descaling the flow path 12 - a cleaning liquid or a descaling liquid can be introduced into the flow path 12 from the liquid container 3, which can indicate that in operating mode M3, cleaning the flow path 12 with a cleaning liquid and descaling the flow path 12 with a descaling liquid have roughly the same sequence (except that in each case, different liquids are provided for cleaning or descaling). With the present invention, it may also be acceptable if, instead of the operating mode M3 for performing cleaning of the flow path 12 and descaling of the flow path 12, different operating modes could be provided, for example operating modes designated M3′ and M3″ (these operations run in different ways in each case and can optionally be controlled in different ways by the control device 25). For the sake of completeness, it should therefore be mentioned that for each of the aforementioned operating modes M3′ and/or M3″, it makes sense to follow the same rules as far as controlling the supply of liquid (i.e. cleaning liquid and/or descaling liquid) from the liquid container 3 to the flow path 12 is concerned, which rules are cited below for the operating mode M3 (at least as regards controlling the supply of the respective liquid according to the signal of the sensor 6).

The operating element 30 includes a user interface (accessible to the user) that allows the user to select and activate an operating mode from the available operating modes M1-M4, so that the operation of the beverage preparation machine 1 is carried out according to the corresponding activated operating mode. When the beverage preparation machine 1 is first started, the operating mode M1 can be automatically activated by the control device 25 (for example, immediately after the beverage preparation machine 1 is turned on). At a later time, if necessary, the operating mode M1 can be reactivated by the user via the operating element 30.

The control device 25 is configured so that, in operating mode M1, if the liquid filter 5 is placed in a predetermined filter position, the control device 25 can automatically activate the supply of liquid (from the liquid container 3 to the flow path 12). As a result, once the sensor 6 detects the liquid filter 5 (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the liquid filter 5 (and/or the filter material contained in the liquid filter 5) received by the receiving device 4 can be automatically flushed with liquid (water) (i.e., without requiring further action by the user). As a result, priming the beverage preparation machine 1 together with the liquid filter becomes simple for the user.

Furthermore, the control device 25 is configured such that, in the operating mode M2, the control device 25 is able to activate the supply of liquid (from the liquid container 3 to the flow path 12), regardless of whether the liquid filter 5 is placed in the predetermined filter position. Thus, in the operating mode M2—for preparing a beverage—liquid (e.g., water) is always transferred from the liquid container 3 to the beverage preparation device 10, regardless of whether the liquid filter 5 is accommodated in the receiving device 4. Thus, in the operating mode M2, beverages can be prepared, optionally, using filtered liquid or using unfiltered liquid (depending on the personal taste of the individual user).

Furthermore, the control device 25 is configured such that, in operating mode M3, if the liquid filter 5 is placed in the predetermined filter position, the control device 25 is unable to activate the supply of liquid. Therefore, in operating mode M3, if no liquid filter 5 is contained in the receiving device 4, it is only possible to direct cleaning or descaling liquid from the liquid container 3 to the flow path 12, thereby cleaning or descaling the flow path 12. If the liquid filter 5 is placed in the predetermined filter position, this liquid filter 5 is detected by the sensor 6, and the presence of this liquid filter 5 is recorded by the control device 25. In this case, if a user accidentally provides cleaning or descaling liquid in the liquid container 3 and activates the specific operating mode M3 for cleaning or descaling the flow path 12, the control device 25 will not activate the supply of cleaning or descaling liquid to the flow path 12, thereby preventing the cleaning and/or descaling liquid from passing through the liquid filter 5 and thus preventing the cleaning and/or descaling liquid from coming into contact with the filter material contained in the liquid filter 5.

Furthermore, the control device 25 is configured such that, in operating mode M4, the control device 25 continuously determines, by evaluating the signal from the sensor 6, whether the liquid filter 5 is placed in the predetermined filter position during a first time period and a second time period following the first time period. If no liquid filter 5 is placed in the predetermined filter position during the first time period and a liquid filter 5 is placed in the predetermined filter position during the second time period, the control device 25 automatically activates the liquid supply during the second time period. In this manner, the control device 25 can identify, by evaluating the signal from the sensor 6 during the first and second time periods, whether an initially present (e.g., used) liquid filter 5 has been removed from the predetermined filter position during the first time interval and replaced with a different (e.g., unused) liquid filter 5 during the second time interval. The sensor 6 detects the liquid filter 5 placed in the predetermined filter position during the second time interval, and the presence of the liquid filter 5 is recorded by the control device 25. Consequently, the control device 25 can then activate the supply of liquid (e.g., water) from the liquid container 3 to the flow path 12, causing the (unused) liquid filter 5 placed in the predetermined filter position during the second time interval to be automatically flushed with liquid (water), without requiring any action from the user. Consequently, replacing a used liquid filter 5 is simplified for the user.

3 , a schematic flow chart of a method V for operating a beverage preparation machine 1 is shown. Method V begins after switching on the beverage preparation machine 1 with a step S0 in which all components of the beverage preparation machine 1, in particular the control device 25 and the operating element 30, are set to a ready operating mode, so that the control device 25 is ready to control the subsequent operation of the beverage preparation machine 1 and, optionally, via the operating element 30, a user of the beverage preparation machine 1 can transmit instructions to the control device 25, for example for selecting one of the operating modes M1-M4.

In step S1, following step S0, the control device 25 monitors whether one of the operating modes has been selected. If not, step S1 is repeated. If the user has selected one of the operating modes M1-M4 via the operating element 30, step S2 follows, in which the corresponding selected operating mode is activated, so that the specific steps of method V assigned to the respective activated operating mode can then be carried out. If, in step S0, the beverage preparation machine 1 is in the state of being started for the first time by the user ("initial start"), the control device 25 automatically starts step S2 and simultaneously activates operating mode M1.

If the operating mode M1 is activated in step S2, then at least the following steps S3-1, S4-1, S5-1 and S6-1 are performed (FIG. 3):

In step S3-1, the user has the option of defining certain operating parameters of the beverage preparation machine 1 (e.g., the temperature of the prepared beverage, the amount of prepared beverage, etc.). The operating parameters to be defined are displayed via the display device 31; the user can then set the values of the other operating parameters applicable to each operating parameter via the operating element 30.

In step S4-1, control device 25 detects the signal from sensor 6 and determines whether liquid filter 5 is present in the predetermined filter position. If no liquid filter is present, step S1 is repeated followed by step S4-1. If control device 25 determines that liquid filter 5 is present in the predetermined filter position, step S5-1 follows.

In step S5-1, the control device 25 monitors whether liquid is present in the liquid container 3 (using a measuring device suitable for this purpose, which may be of conventional type). If liquid is present in the liquid container 3, the control device 25 (specifically, by corresponding activation of the water pump 14) activates the supply of liquid from the liquid container 3 to the flow path 12, so that the liquid passes through the liquid filter 5 (and/or the filter material present in the liquid filter 5), thereby achieving the purpose of automatically flushing the liquid filter 5 with the liquid. The control device 25 further controls the multi-way valve 17 so that a fluid connection is established between the connectors 17-1 and 17-3, so that liquid can flow from the flow path 12 to the residual liquid tray 20 via the discharge line 21. Next, the multi-way valve 17 is activated so that a fluid connection is established between the connectors 17-1 and 17-2.

In step S6-1, information on whether the liquid filter is ready for operation is displayed by the display device 31. Next, the method V continues from the aforementioned step S1.

If the operating mode M2 is activated in step S2, at least the following steps S3-2 and S4-2 (FIG. 3) are then performed:

In step S3-2, the multi-way valve 17 is activated, creating a fluid connection between the connectors 17-1 and 17-2. The control device 25 (specifically, through corresponding activation of the water pump 14 and the beverage preparation device 10) activates the supply of liquid from the liquid container 3 to the flow path 12, so that the liquid can flow to the beverage preparation device 10 and a beverage can be prepared by the beverage preparation device 10. This liquid supply is provided by the control device 25 independently of the signal from the sensor 6, that is, regardless of whether the liquid filter 5 is in the predetermined filter position.

- In step S4-2, the beverage prepared in step S4-1 is supplied through the outlet valve 10-1 (this end being open) and the beverage outlet 19. Next, the method V continues from the aforementioned step S1.

If the operating mode M3 is activated in step S2, the following steps S3-3, S4-3, S4-3.1, S5-3 and S6-3 (Figure 3) may be performed next:

At step S3-3, the control device 25 offers the user the option of preparing the flow path 12 for descaling or cleaning. For example, the user may be offered the opportunity to provide the necessary descaling and/or cleaning liquid in the liquid container 3, or to remove the liquid filter 5, which may have been placed in the intended filter position. The method may then continue with step S4-3. In this case, the method V may be configured such that the user may transmit a message to the control device 25 via the operating element 30 indicating that the aforementioned descaling and/or cleaning preparations have been terminated from the user's perspective. Step S4-3 may then be implemented.

In step S4-3, the control device 25 detects the signal from the sensor 6 and determines whether the liquid filter 5 is positioned in the predetermined filter position. If the result of this determination is that the liquid filter 5 is not positioned in the predetermined filter position, the method V continues with step S5-3. If the result of this determination is that the liquid filter 5 is positioned in the predetermined filter position, the method V continues with step S5-3.1.

- At step S4-3.1, control device 25 disables and/or activates the supply of liquid from liquid container 3 to flow path 12, thereby preventing any liquid from passing through liquid filter 5 placed in the predetermined filter position. Subsequently (e.g., after a predetermined period of time), method V may continue from step S4-3 (as shown in FIG3 ). Alternatively, the user may be provided with the ability to terminate operation in operating mode M3 (by correspondingly operating operating element 30) and continue method V from step S1. Furthermore, method V may be performed such that, at step S4-3.1, a request to remove liquid filter 5 from the predetermined filter position is communicated to the user via display device 31.

In step S5-3, the control device 25 activates the supply of a predetermined amount of descaling or cleaning liquid provided in the liquid container 3 to the flow circuit 12 (e.g., by corresponding activation of the water pump 14). In this case, the multi-way valve 17 can be activated so that a fluid connection exists between the connectors 17-1 and 17-3, so that the liquid supplied to the flow circuit 12 can flow into the residual liquid tray 20 via the discharge line 21. Alternatively, the multi-way valve 17 can be activated so that a fluid connection exists between the connectors 17-1 and 17-2, so that the liquid supplied to the flow circuit 12 can flow out via the beverage preparation device 10 and the beverage outlet 19. The latter allows descaling and cleaning of the beverage preparation device 10, the output line 18, and the beverage outlet 19 (in addition to descaling and/or cleaning of the flow circuit 12).

In step S6-3, after the descaling and/or cleaning according to step S5-3 has been completed, the user is given the opportunity to remove any residual descaling or cleaning liquid that may be present after the descaling and/or cleaning according to step S5-3 from the flow path 12, and optionally from the beverage preparation device 10, the output line 18, and the beverage outlet 19, by rinsing with water or a different rinsing liquid suitable for this purpose. For this purpose, the user can provide a suitable rinsing liquid in the liquid container 3. After providing this rinsing liquid, the control device 25 (for example, by corresponding activation of the water pump 14) activates the supply of a predetermined amount of rinsing liquid present in the liquid container 3 to the flow path 12. The rinsing liquid supplied in this manner can optionally flow out via the discharge line 21 or the beverage outlet 19 (depending on the position of the multi-way valve 17). Method V can then continue with step S1.

If the operating mode M4 is activated in step S2, the following steps S3-4, S4-4, S5-4 and S6-4 (Figure 3) may be performed next:

- In step S3-4, the requirement to replace the liquid filter 5 placed in the predetermined filter position (ie, in use) may be communicated to the user via the display device 31.

In step S4-4, control device 25 detects the signal from sensor 6 and determines whether liquid filter 5 is positioned in the predetermined filter position within a predetermined first time period after the start of step S4-4. If, as a result of this determination during the first time period, liquid filter 5 is not positioned in the predetermined filter position, method V continues with step S5-4. Specifically, this is because the signal from sensor 6 clearly indicates that, after step S3-4, liquid filter 5, which was detected by sensor 6 as being in the predetermined filter position in step S3-4, is no longer positioned in the predetermined filter position and has therefore been removed. If, as a result of this determination, liquid filter 5 is positioned in the predetermined filter position within the first time period, step S4-4 is repeated (until, as a result of this determination, liquid filter 5 is not positioned in the predetermined filter position, in which case method V, as mentioned above, can continue with step S5-4).

In step S5-4, control device 25 detects the signal from sensor 6 and determines whether liquid filter 5 is positioned in the predetermined filter position within a predetermined second time period after the start of step S5-4. If the result of this determination during the second time period is that liquid filter 5 is positioned in the predetermined filter position, method V continues with step S6-4. If the result of this determination during the second time period is that liquid filter 5 is not positioned in the predetermined filter position, step S5-4 is repeated again (until the result of this determination is that liquid filter 5 is positioned in the predetermined filter position, in which case method V—as mentioned above—can continue with step S6-4).

In step S6-4, control device 25 monitors whether liquid is present in liquid container 3. If liquid is present in liquid container 3, control device 25 activates the supply of liquid from liquid container 3 to flow path 12 (e.g., by corresponding activation of water pump 14), so that the liquid passes through liquid filter 5 and thus enables automatic cleaning of liquid filter 5 by the liquid. Control device 25 further controls multi-way valve 17 to establish a fluid connection between connectors 17-1 and 17-3, allowing liquid to flow out of flow path 12 via drain line 21 and into residual liquid tray 20. Next, multi-way valve 17 is activated to establish a fluid connection between connectors 17-1 and 17-2. Method V can then continue from step S1.

Claims (12)

1. A beverage preparation machine (1) for preparing beverages, said beverage preparation machine being capable of operating in multiple operating modes (M1, M2, M3, M4), and comprising: Liquid containers for liquids (3); Beverage preparation equipment (10) for preparing the beverage using the liquid. At least one flow path (12) is connected to the liquid container (3) and the beverage preparation device (10) to allow the liquid to be supplied from the liquid container (3) to the beverage preparation device (10) through the at least one flow path (12); A receiving device (4) for receiving a liquid filter (5), the liquid filter (5) being able to be placed in a predetermined filter position and being able to be removed from the predetermined filter position again; Sensor (6) for detecting the liquid filter (5); and A control device (25) is used to control the supply of the liquid from the liquid container (3) to the at least one flow path (12). The containing device (4) is configured such that, regardless of whether the liquid filter (5) is placed at the predetermined filter position, the liquid can be supplied from the liquid container (3) to the beverage preparation device (10) through the at least one flow path (12), and the containing device (4) is configured such that, if the liquid filter (5) is placed at the predetermined filter position, the liquid is supplied from the liquid container (3) to the at least one flow path (12), and at least a portion of the liquid must pass through the liquid filter (5). The sensor (6) is configured to generate a signal containing information about whether the liquid filter (5) is placed at the predetermined filter position. Its features are, The control device (25) is designed to activate the supply of liquid from the liquid container (3) to the at least one flow path (12) based on the signal from the sensor (6). The control device (25) is further configured such that in at least one operating mode (M2), regardless of whether the liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position, the control device (25) activates the liquid supply, and The control device (25) is further configured such that, in at least another operating mode (M3), the control device (25) activates the liquid supply only when no liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position. 2. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating mode includes at least two of the following operating modes a)-d): a) First operating mode (M1) for starting the beverage preparation machine, and/or b) Second operating mode (M2), used for beverage preparation. c) A third operating mode (M3) for cleaning or descaling the at least one flow path (12). d) Fourth operating mode (M4) for replacing the liquid filter (5) placed at the predetermined filter position. 3. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control device (25) is configured such that in the second operating mode (M2), the control device (25) can activate the liquid supply regardless of whether the liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position. 4. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein The control device (25) is configured such that in the third operating mode (M3), if the liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position, the control device (25) cannot activate the liquid supply. 5. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein The control device (25) is configured such that in the first operating mode (M1), if the liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position, the control device (25) can automatically activate the liquid supply to automatically flush the liquid filter (5). 6. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein The control device (25) is configured such that, in the fourth operating mode (M4), the control device (25) continuously determines, in each case, whether the liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position during a first time period and a second time period after the first time period by evaluating the signal of the sensor (6), and if the liquid filter (5) is not placed in the predetermined filter position during the first time period and is placed in the predetermined filter position during the second time period, the control device (25) automatically activates the liquid supply during the second time period. 7. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any one of claims 1-6, the beverage preparation machine (1) having an operating element (30) for selecting an operating mode from the plurality of operating modes (M1, M2, M3, M4). 8. A method (V) for operating a beverage preparation machine (1) for preparing beverages, The beverage preparation machine (1) is capable of operating in multiple operating modes (M1, M2, M3, M4) and includes: Liquid containers for liquids (3), Beverage preparation equipment (10) for preparing the beverage using the liquid. At least one flow path (12) is connected to the liquid container (3) and the beverage preparation device (10) to allow the liquid to be supplied from the liquid container (3) to the beverage preparation device (10) through the at least one flow path (12). A receiving device (4) for receiving a liquid filter (5), the liquid filter (5) being able to be placed in a predetermined filter position and being able to be removed from the predetermined filter position. Sensor (6) for detecting the liquid filter (5) and A control device (25) is used to control the supply of the liquid from the liquid container (3) to the at least one flow path (12). The containing device (4) is configured such that liquid can be supplied from the liquid container (3) to the beverage preparation device (10) through the at least one flow path (12) regardless of whether the liquid filter (5) is placed at the predetermined filter position, and the containing device (4) is configured such that if the liquid filter (5) is placed at the predetermined filter position, liquid is supplied from the liquid container (3) to the at least one flow path (12) and at least a portion of the liquid must pass through the liquid filter (5), and The sensor (6) is configured to generate a signal containing information about whether the liquid filter (5) is placed at the predetermined filter position. The method (V) includes the following steps: Activate (S2) one of the operation modes (M1, M2, M3, M4) of the beverage preparation machine (1), wherein the operation mode includes at least one operation mode (M2) for preparing beverages; and one operation mode (M3) for cleaning or descaling the at least one flow path (12). The control device (25) evaluates (S4-1, S4-3, S4-4, S5-4) the signal of the sensor (6), wherein the control device (25) determines whether the liquid filter (5) is placed at the predetermined filter position and controls the supply of liquid from the liquid container (3) to the at least one flow path (12). Its features are, The control device (25) is used for: When the operating mode (M2) for preparing the beverage is activated, regardless of whether the liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position, the liquid is supplied from the liquid container (3) to the at least one flow path (12), and When the operating mode (M3) for cleaning or descaling the at least one flow path (12) is activated, the liquid is supplied from the liquid container (3) to the at least one flow path (12) only when no liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position. 9. The method (V) according to claim 8, wherein, The operating modes (M1, M2, M3, M4) include operating mode (M1) for starting the beverage preparation machine (1) and After the operation mode (M1) for starting the beverage preparation machine (1) is activated, the control device (25) determines whether the liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position by evaluating the signal of the sensor (6), and if the evaluation result of the signal of the sensor (6) is that the liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position, the control device (25) activates the supply of liquid from the liquid container (3) to the at least one flow path (12). 10. The method (V) according to claim 8 or 9, The operating modes (M1, M2, M3, M4) include operating mode (M4) for replacing the liquid filter (5) placed at the predetermined filter position. After the operation mode (M4) for replacing one of the liquid filters (5) placed in the predetermined filter position is activated, the control device (25) determines, by evaluating the signal of the sensor (6), whether the liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position in a first time period and a second time period after the first time period in various cases, and if the liquid filter (5) is not placed in the predetermined filter position in the first time period and is placed in the predetermined filter position in the second time period, the control device (25) automatically activates the liquid supply in the second time period. 11. The method (V) according to claim 8, wherein When an operation mode (M3) for cleaning or descaling the at least one flow path (12) is activated, and the control device (25) determines, by evaluating the signal from the sensor (6), that the liquid filter (5) is placed at the predetermined filter position, the control device (25) sends information to the display device (31) regarding the liquid filter (5) being placed at the predetermined filter position and/or the non-activation of liquid supply from the liquid container (3) to the at least one flow path (12), such information being displayable by the display device (31). 12. The method (V) according to claim 11, wherein The control device (25) determines whether the liquid filter (5) is still at the predetermined filter position by evaluating the signal of the sensor (6) over a period of time, and once the evaluation result of the signal is that the liquid filter (5) is removed from the predetermined filter position, the control device (25) activates the supply of liquid from the liquid container (3) to the at least one flow path (12).