DE102018132580A1 - Electronic module for a device for preparing a warm beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronics module (1) for a device (2) for preparing a hot beverage, the electronics module (1) comprising at least the following: - a module housing (3), - control electronics (4) which are located in the module housing (3) is arranged, - power electronics (5), which is arranged in the module housing (3), - at least one manual control element (6), which is connected to the control electronics (4), - at least one electronic connection element (7), which the power electronics (5) is connected.

Description

The invention relates to an electronic module for a device for preparing a warm drink and a device for preparing a warm drink. The invention is particularly suitable for use in fully automatic coffee machines.

In connection with fully automatic coffee machines, it is known that these regularly include both control electronics and power electronics. These are usually formed on separate boards that are spaced apart from one another at different positions inside the housing of the fully automatic coffee machine. This also means that the control electronics and the power electronics must be installed separately in known fully automatic coffee machines. Both the control electronics and the power electronics are usually individually connected to electronic components of the fully automatic coffee machine, which is also referred to as so-called individual cabling.

Since the control electronics and the power electronics are installed separately and at different locations in known fully automatic coffee machines, these generally also have to be replaced separately. Although a separate interchangeability may appear to be resource-saving, it has been observed that most end users cannot determine which of the two electronic components (electronic assemblies) needs to be replaced and therefore, as a precaution, replace both, which is time-consuming and cumbersome. In addition, the control electronics and the power electronics in known fully automatic coffee machines are generally positioned at locations that are difficult to access from the outside, so that they are difficult to replace. In the case of the control electronics, it can also be added that the control buttons have to be removed from the control panel when replacing them, since these are often firmly connected to the control electronics.

In addition, the control electronics and the power electronics in known fully automatic coffee machines are regularly exposed to the moist environment in the fully automatic coffee machine. This generally increases the susceptibility of these components and can significantly reduce the lifespan of the two electronic components (electronic assemblies).

Proceeding from this, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, an electronic module for a device for preparing a hot beverage and a device for preparing a hot beverage are to be specified, each of which at least help to reduce the assembly effort and / or space requirement in the device overall, simpler maintenance and / or interchangeability of control electronics and To enable power electronics and / or to better protect the control electronics and the power electronics from a damp environment in the device.

These objects are solved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the solution proposed here are specified in the dependent claims. It should be pointed out that the features listed individually in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful manner and define further refinements of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the patent claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, further preferred configurations of the invention being illustrated.

• - ein Modulgehäuse,
• - eine Steuerelektronik, die in dem Modulgehäuse angeordnet ist,
• - eine Leistungselektronik, die in dem Modulgehäuse angeordnet ist,
• - mindestens ein manuelles Bedienungselement, das mit der Steuerelektronik verbunden ist,
• - mindestens ein elektronisches Anschlusselement, das mit der Leistungselektronik verbunden ist.

An electronic module for a device for preparing a warm beverage is proposed here, the electronic module comprising at least the following:

• - a module housing,
• control electronics which are arranged in the module housing,
• power electronics, which is arranged in the module housing,
• at least one manual control element which is connected to the control electronics,
• - At least one electronic connection element that is connected to the power electronics.

The electronics module is, in particular, a structural unit in which control electronics for the device, power electronics for the device, at least one manual operating element and at least one electronic connection element are combined and / or permanently connected. The electronics module is preferably designed in the manner of a plug.

The specified modular design advantageously contributes to reducing the assembly effort and / or space requirement in the device as a whole, to simplifying maintenance and / or interchangeability of control electronics and power electronics and / or the control electronics and the power electronics from a damp environment in the To protect the device better. The specified modular design advantageously also permits simpler and better quality control (e.g. by simply plugging the module onto a test facility), so that faulty boards and / or (other) component faults do not only become apparent in the assembled state. In particular, faults can be discovered at an early stage that would otherwise only be recognizable after connecting separate boards, which is usually the case in known systems only after these boards have been installed in the coffee machine.

The device is in particular a coffee machine, in particular a fully automatic coffee machine. The warm drink can be, for example, coffee, espresso, tea, broth, soup or a capsule refreshment drink. The liquid is usually water.

The electronics module comprises a module housing. The module housing preferably surrounds a chamber in which the control electronics and the power electronics are arranged. The chamber is also preferably sealed off from the outside. The module housing can be formed, for example, with metal or with plastic. The module housing is preferably formed with plastic.

The electronics module further comprises control electronics which are arranged in the module housing. The control electronics can be formed, for example, with a circuit board on which the elements, such as electronic components and connections of the control electronics, are applied. The control electronics preferably comprise a circuit board with operating elements.

Furthermore, the electronics module comprises power electronics which are arranged in the module housing. The power electronics can be formed, for example, with a circuit board on which the elements, such as electronic components and connections of the power electronics, are applied. In other words, this means in particular that power electronics can also be understood to mean a circuit board with power electronics. Furthermore, at least one electronic connecting means, such as a wiring, is preferably arranged in the module housing, which connects the control electronics and the power electronics to one another (in terms of signal technology). Alternatively or cumulatively, the electronic connection means can be formed with at least one connector.

The electronics module further comprises at least one manual control element, which is connected to the control electronics. The manual control element can be, for example, a button or a push button. In addition, it can be provided that the operating element is designed in the manner of an operating unit, such as a touch display. In this case it can also be provided that the operating unit is combined with the display device.

The at least one manual operating element is preferably permanently connected to the control electronics. Furthermore, the at least one manual control element is preferably mounted directly on a circuit board of the control electronics. Furthermore, the at least one manual operating element is preferably arranged on a front side and / or upper side of the electronic module and / or is oriented towards the front side and / or upper side of the electronic module, in particular such that the operating element is manually accessible from the front side or upper side of the electronic module is. This can advantageously contribute to the components for operating a coffee machine being arranged on the front or top thereof.

In addition, the electronics module comprises at least one electronic connection element that is connected to the power electronics. The electronic connection element preferably comprises one or more plug ports or plug connectors. Furthermore, the electronics module and / or the connection element is preferably configured such that the electronics module can be fixed relative to the device by inserting the connection element (into a corresponding connection element of the device). Advantageously, the components (control electronics, power electronics and / or display) can be supplied and / or operated electrically by inserting and fixing the electronic module.

The at least one electronic connection element is preferably set up and / or connected to the power electronics in such a way that at least one conveying device and one heating device can be connected to the power electronics via the at least one connection element. The at least one electronic connection element is particularly preferably set up in such a way that the power electronics can use it to establish a (common) electronic plug connection to the conveying device and the heating device.

The at least one electronic connection element preferably forms an interface between the (electronic) components (control electronics, power electronics and / or display) of the electronic module and the device or the (electronic) components (at least the conveying device and the heating device) of the device. The at least one electronic connection element particularly preferably forms the only ( electronic or signaling interface between the (electronic) components (control electronics, power electronics and / or display) of the electronic module and the device or the (electronic) components (at least the conveyor and the heating device) of the device. In a particularly advantageous manner, this contributes to the fact that complex individual cabling can be reduced or even eliminated.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the electronics module further comprises a display device. The display device can be, for example, a display or a screen. The display is preferably a color display. The display device is set up in particular for the optical representation of information in the form of numbers, letters, characters or the like.

The display device is preferably connected (in terms of signal technology) to the control electronics. For this purpose, the display device can be plugged onto the control electronics, for example. In this context, it is further preferred if the display device penetrates a housing wall of the module housing. This penetration is particularly preferably made watertight and / or gas-tight. Alternatively or cumulatively, the display device can be connected to the power electronics (for signaling purposes), for example. The display device is preferably larger than the control electronics and / or the power electronics. In other words, this means in particular that the display device laterally projects over a corresponding circuit board (or circuit board surface).

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the display device be arranged on the module housing. The display device is preferably arranged on the outside of the module housing. Furthermore, the display device is preferably arranged on an upper side of the module housing. In this case, the display device extends in particular parallel to a circuit board arranged in the module housing, e.g. the control electronics and / or the power electronics. This advantageously allows the electronics module to be as small as possible. Alternatively or cumulatively, the display device is arranged on a front side of the module housing. In this case, the display device extends in particular perpendicular to a board arranged in the module housing (in particular the longitudinal direction of the board), e.g. the control electronics and / or the power electronics. This advantageously allows the width (or depth) of the electronic module to be as small as possible. In addition, the display device is preferably permanently connected to the control electronics and / or the module housing. The display device is preferably larger than a module housing area. In other words, this means in particular that the display device protrudes laterally beyond the module housing surface.

Alternatively or cumulatively, the display device can be at least partially arranged in the module housing. If the display device is (completely) arranged in the module housing, it is preferred if at least part of the module housing is formed with a transparent material, such as transparent plastic or glass. In this connection, the display device should be arranged and aligned relative to the transparent part of the module housing such that the display can be read from the outside.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the module housing be at least watertight or gas-tight. This advantageously allows electronic components, such as electronic components, which are arranged in the module housing. B. the control electronics and the power electronics are protected from the prevailing conditions within the device, such as high humidity, flying coffee powder, flying liquid drops or the like.

The module housing preferably forms a watertight and / or gas-tight capsule in which the control electronics and the power electronics are accommodated. In other words, this means in particular that the module housing surrounds the control electronics and the power electronics in a watertight and / or gas-tight manner, in particular encapsulates them.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the manual control element penetrate a housing wall of the module housing. This penetration is preferably watertight and / or gas-tight. For example, a seal is arranged between the control element and the housing wall.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the electronic connection element penetrate a housing wall of the module housing. This penetration is preferably watertight and / or gas-tight. For example, a seal is arranged between the connection element and the housing wall.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the electronics module be set up to form an area of a visible surface of the device. In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the region of the electronic module that is visible in the installed state is matched to the contour and / or surface design of the device. This allows one particularly simple replacement of the electronics module, since in this connection no covering of the device has to be removed.

According to a further aspect, a device for preparing a warm drink is proposed, comprising an electronic module proposed here. As a rule, the device further comprises a liquid tank, a conveying device, a heating device and a brewing device. In addition, the device also regularly includes an outlet and a storage plate. Furthermore, the device for preparing the hot beverage can include valves and / or sensors. For example, the valves can be arranged in one or more valve blocks and / or the sensors can be arranged in one or more sensor blocks.

The liquid tank is usually a water tank that can be detachably connected to a liquid line. The conveying device generally comprises a pump for conveying the liquid from the liquid tank to the brewing device. The heating device is generally arranged between the conveying device and the brewing device and can comprise, for example, an electrical heating loop which extends at least in sections along a liquid line in such a way that the liquid therein can be heated by means of heat radiated by the heating loop. The brewing device is usually set up to bring a beverage ingredient, such as coffee powder, into contact with the liquid. The outlet is usually arranged downstream of the brewing device and forms the point at which the prepared warm beverage leaves the device.

The heating device particularly preferably has a so-called thick-film heating.
A thick-film heater (thick-film heating element) generally consists of an electrical conductor, which forms a heating resistor and which is applied to a carrier material. The conductor preferably extends in a meandering shape on a surface of the carrier material. The carrier material usually forms the so-called thick layer. This regularly forms a (initially flexible) flat layer (carrier layer for the electrical conductor), which can be applied to a component surface, in particular in the flexible state, and can subsequently be solidified. The thick layer can be applied to a variety of different media, such as glass, foil, metal, etc. For solidification, the thick layer can be fired and / or sintered, for example. Alternatively or cumulatively, the carrier material can be, for example, a (flexible) plastic film. The heating resistor is applied to the carrier material. The heating resistor can be applied, for example, as a powder material and then subjected to a sintering process in order to form an electrical conductor. Alternatively or cumulatively, a film network printing technology, such as a screen printing process or a pad printing process, can be used to produce the heating resistor. With the help of thick-film heating, a homogeneous and targeted heat distribution can be set. In addition, a comparatively quick heating process can be implemented using thick-film heating.

The thick-film heater can completely encompass and / or at least partially encompass or surround a liquid channel in the circumferential direction. The thick-film heater is preferably in contact with an outside of the liquid channel. This is possible in particular if the liquid channel is a hose or a tube which runs within the thick-film heater. The thick-film heater can be applied over a large area. In addition, the thick-film heater can also be formed at least partially in the at least one liquid channel. This describes, for example, that if the thick-film heater extends into the liquid channel like a lobe, particularly effective heating of liquid in the liquid channel can be achieved with the aid of the thick-film heater. The thick-film heater is preferably designed as an electrical resistance heater.

The shelf is usually arranged so that at least one cup or jug can be placed on it. The shelf is regularly arranged so that a cup or jug placed on it is located directly below the outlet. The storage plate is preferably heatable. For this purpose, the storage plate can be equipped with an electric heating element in particular. The electrical heating element is preferably integrated in the storage plate. In particular for the purpose of using waste heat from the electronic module, a heat-conducting connection between the storage plate and the electronic module can be provided. For example, a heatable element (for example a metal plate or a metal wire) can be integrated in or on the storage plate, which is connected in a heat-conducting manner to the electronics module, in particular a circuit board of the electronics module. Alternatively or cumulatively, it can be provided that an upper side or surface of the electronic module forms a hot plate for placing a cup or jug. This is particularly advantageous if the electronics module is to form part of a visible surface of the device.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the electronics module can be plugged into a module receptacle of the device or is plugged in. This advantageously enables the quickest and easiest possible assembly and disassembly in the event of a fault. At least one area of the outer contour of the electronic module and at least one area of the inner contour of the module receptacle are preferably formed according to the so-called key-lock principle.

An (electronic) plug connection is preferably formed between the electronics module and the device. Here, the electronics module preferably has a first (electronic) connector element and the device has a second (electronic) connector element. In this context, the second (electronic) connector element is formed such that it corresponds to the first (electronic) connector element or can cooperate to form an electronic and / or signaling connection between the electronic module and the device. The first (electronic) connector element is preferably formed on an underside of the electronic module. The second (electronic) connector element is preferably formed in the module holder, in particular in a bottom of the module holder.

The device preferably has a cable harness that is in particular assembled and / or (pre) tested. The cable harness preferably connects at least one conveying device and one heating device of the device to an electronic connection element or an interface component of the device. This electronic connection element or this interface component of the device is further preferably detachably connectable and / or pluggable with the electronic connection element of the electronic module (which can form an interface component corresponding to the interface component of the device).

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the module receptacle have an opening that lies in a visible surface of the device. This opening preferably has a cross section that corresponds to a cross section of the electronics module. Furthermore, the electronics module preferably closes the opening in the installed state.

The details, features and advantageous configurations discussed in connection with the electronic module can accordingly also occur in the device presented here and vice versa. In this respect, full reference is made to the explanations given there for the more detailed characterization of the features.

• 1: ein hier vorgeschlagenes Elektronikmodul in einer Schnittdarstellung,
• 2: eine hier vorgeschlagenen Vorrichtung in einer Schnittdarstellung, und
• 3: die Vorrichtung nach 2 in einer Draufsicht.

The solution presented here and its technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be pointed out that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and to combine them with other components and / or knowledge from other figures and / or the present description. They show schematically:

• 1 : an electronic module proposed here in a sectional view,
• 2nd : a device proposed here in a sectional view, and
• 3rd : the device after 2nd in a top view.

1 schematically shows an electronic module proposed here 1 in a sectional view. The electronics module 1 is for a device 2nd set up for the preparation of a warm drink.

The electronics module 1 includes a module housing 3rd . The electronic module also includes 1 control electronics 4th that are in the module housing 3rd is arranged. The electronic module also includes 1 a power electronics 5 that are in the module housing 3rd is arranged. Furthermore, the electronic module 1 comprises at least one manual control element 6 that with the control electronics 4th connected is. Here are an example of two manual controls 6 provided with the control electronics 4th are connected. In addition, the electronics module includes 1 at least one electronic connection element 7 that with the power electronics 5 connected is. Here are three examples of electronic connection elements 7 provided with the power electronics 5 are connected.

According to the illustration 1 includes the electronics module 1 further comprising a display device 8th . The display device is an example 8th on the outside of the module housing 3rd arranged. Furthermore, the display device 8th formed here as an example in the manner of a display.

This in 1 shown electronic module 1 also has a module housing as an example 3rd that is at least watertight or gas-tight. Furthermore, in 1 shown that the manual controls 6 a housing wall 9 of the module housing 3rd penetrate. It also shows 1 that the electronic connection elements 7 also a housing wall 9 of the module housing 3rd penetrate.

2nd shows schematically a proposed device 2nd in a sectional view. The reference symbols are used uniformly, so that reference is made to the above explanations 1 full reference can be made.

The device 2nd is set up for the preparation of a warm drink. For this purpose, the device comprises 2nd for example a liquid tank 13 , a conveyor 14 , a heater 15 , a shelf 16 and an outlet 17th . Between the heater 15 and the outlet 17th a brewing unit (not shown here) is usually arranged, in which the heated liquid can be brought into contact with a beverage ingredient, such as coffee powder for preparation, for example for brewing the warm beverage. The shelf 16 is arranged so that a cup placed on it (not shown here) is located directly below the outlet 17th , from which the prepared hot drink from the device 2nd can emerge.

Furthermore, the device 2nd an electronic module proposed here 1 on. For a more detailed explanation of the components of the electronic module 1 will refer to the comments on 1 referred. With dashed lines is in 2nd an exemplary signal connection, such as electronic wiring of the conveyor 14 and the heater 15 with the power electronics 5 (see. 1 ) illustrates.

In 2nd is further illustrated that the electronics module 1 is set up an area of a viewing surface 10th the device 2nd to build. With the visible surface 10th the device 2nd it is an example of a top view of the device 2nd .

In addition, in 2nd shown by way of example that the electronics module 1 in a module recording 11 the device 1 is plugged in. In addition, the module holder points 11 here is an opening 12 on that in the viewing surface 10th the device 2nd lies.

3rd shows schematically the device 2nd to 2nd in a top view. The reference symbols are used uniformly, so that reference is made to the above explanations relating to the 1 and 2nd full reference can be made.

According to the illustration 3rd is the top view of the in 2nd device shown in section 2nd directed. So are the electronics module 1 and its display device 8th and (here four) manual controls 6 recognizable in the top view. Furthermore, in 3rd also recognize how the electronics module 1 in the visible surface 10th the device 1 inserts or that the electronics module 1 is set up an area of the viewing surface 10th the device 2nd to build.

An electronic module for a device for preparing a warm drink and a device for preparing a warm drink are proposed here, which at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, an electronic module for a device for preparing a hot beverage and a device for preparing a hot beverage are specified, each of which at least help to reduce the assembly effort and / or space requirement in the device overall, simpler maintenance and / or interchangeability of control electronics and power electronics to enable and / or to better protect the control electronics and the power electronics from a damp environment in the device.

Reference symbol list

1

Electronics module

2nd

contraption

3rd

Module housing

4th

Control electronics

5

Power electronics

6

Control element

7

Connecting element

8th

Display device

9

Housing wall

10th

Visible surface

11

Module admission

12

opening

13

Liquid tank

14

Conveyor

15

Heater

16

Storage shelf

17th

Outlet

Claims (10)

Electronics module (1) for a device (2) for preparing a warm drink, the electronics module (1) comprising at least the following: - a module housing (3), - control electronics (4) which are arranged in the module housing (3), - A power electronics (5) which is arranged in the module housing (3), - at least one manual control element (6) which is connected to the control electronics (4), - At least one electronic connection element (7) which is connected to the power electronics (5). Electronics module after Claim 1 , further comprising a display device (8). Electronics module after Claim 2 , wherein the display device (8) is arranged on the module housing (3). Electronic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module housing (3) is at least watertight or gas-tight. Electronic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the manual control element (6) penetrates a housing wall (9) of the module housing (3). Electronic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic connection element (7) penetrates a housing wall (9) of the module housing (3). Electronic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic module (1) is set up to form a region of a visible surface (10) of the device (2). Device (2) for preparing a warm drink, comprising an electronic module (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Device after Claim 8 The electronics module (1) is inserted into a module receptacle (11) of the device (1). Device after Claim 9 The module receptacle (11) has an opening (12) which lies in a visible surface (10) of the device (2).

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